SSESSMENT OF CARBON SEQUESTRATION CAPACITY OF INDIGENOUS TREE SPECIES IN FALGORE GAME RESERVE, KANO STATE, NIGERIA.

ABSTRACT Carbon sequestration mitigates global warming and climate change, the amount of carbon stored in vegetation is directly related to their biomass density. Falgore Game Reserve which is the main focus of this study is facing numerous natural and human-induced causes of degradation attributed to illegal exploitation. There are inadequate researches tailored towards carbon sequestration in Falgore National Park, most of which were limited to vegetation cover change and floristic composition. This study focused on identifying dominant indigenous tree species in the reserve, estimated the aboveground biomass (AGB), and quantified the aboveground carbon stored in the reserve and Indigenous tree species that sequestered highest amount of carbon. Fifteen temporary sample plots of 20 x 20 m(400m2) each with 3.7km interval were established using systematic sampling technique. Tree species in each temporary sample plots were identified. The height and diameter at breast height (dbh) were measured using Haga altimeter and Vernier caliper respectively, the data collected have been analysed using mathematical computations in Excel software. The Important Value Index was used to determined dominant indigenous tree species in the reserve, while AGB was estimated using improved allometric equation developed by Chave et al.,2014 and carbon stock estimation was made using a typical carbon fraction of 50% of AGB. The results of the research revealed that Anogeissus leocarpus (Marke) was the dominant indigenous tree species in the reserve with IVI of (57.42%). The total AGB recorded was (28,732.38 kg) in the entire sample plots, which translated to (14,366.19 kg) of stored carbon, which is equivalent to 23,943.65 kg/ha (23.94 t/ha). Among all species, Anogiessus leocarpus (Marke) contributed the highest carbon stock, storing about (61,66.59 kg). Despite these findings, the relatively low carbon values observed are due to ongoing illegal exploitation of forest resources and small number of sample framework coverage. Nonetheless, the reserve plays a vital role in climate change mitigation through carbon sequestration, highlighting the need for enhanced conservation efforts. Key Words: Carbon, Falgore, Abovground biomass(AGB), Sequestration, Important Value Index (IVI)