DIVERSITY, DISTRIBUTION AND CONSERVATION STATUS OF FOREST TREES SPECIES IN RIPARIAN FOREST AREAS IN OKUNI, IKOM LGA, CROSS RIVER STATE, NIGERIA

This study assesses the diversity, distribution and conservation status of forest tree species in riparian forest areas in Okuni, Ikom LGA, Cross River State, Nigeria. The need to study the diversity of Okuni’s riparian areas is driven by both ecological and socio-economic imperatives delivering palpable and impalpable advantage. To provide baseline data for conservation and sustainable management. Using a Modified Whittaker sampling approach, 90 tree species from 35 families were identified, with 118 individuals sampled. The Shannon Diversity Index (H' = 3.52) and Menhinick Index (5.98) indicate high species diversity and richness, while a low dominance index (D = 0.0620) suggests even species distribution. Fabaceae (20 individuals) and Malvaceae (15 individuals) were the most abundant families, with Bombax brevicupse (5 individuals) and Parkia bicolor (4 individuals) as dominant species. Structural analysis revealed 55.56% of trees with a diameter ≥100 cm and 54.44% with heights ≥30 m, indicating a mature forest, but low representation of smaller diameter classes (e.g., 0% in 20–30 cm) suggests regeneration challenges. Conservation status showed 38 species with (42.22%) as Least Concern, (4.44%) Near Threatened, (7.78%) Vulnerable, and (45.56%) Not Assessed, with no Endangered or Critically Endangered species. Anthropogenic pressures, including logging, agriculture, and the Cross River superhighway project, threaten the ecosystem. The study recommends targeted conservation programs, community involvement, policy enforcement, further research, and ecosystem service quantification to ensure the sustainability of Okuni’s riparian forest, a critical biodiversity area.