ABSTRACT

Anthropogenic activities ofhouseholds living aroundforest reserves has become a major threat to the composition, regeneration and structure of vegetation offorests in Nigeria. This study investigated the effect of human activities on composition and regeneration ofselected timber species in Ukpom Bende Forest Reserve, Abia State, Nigeria. It involved a two stage survey which includes socioeconomic survey of 60 -respondents to ascertain their livelihood activities and dependence on forest resources and its impact on timber species (Gmelina arborea and Tectona grandis) in the reserve and a vegetative survey using stratified sampling method to determine selected timber species densities. Two plots of25m X25m were randomly laid in each compartment ofthe plantation (Gmelina and Teak Compartment) and located 50m apart. A total of8 sample plots of25m x 25m totaling 5000m2 was laid. In each plot, trees>20cm in girth at breast height was identified, counted and recorded. The girth were grouped into six classes and the frequencies of each were indicated. The study identified eleven (11) human activities affecting the composition and regeneration ofselected timber species in the reserve. It was revealed thatfirewood gathering, logging, encroachment, and cultivation ranked among thefirst four (4) anthropogenic activities affecting the selected timber species and management of the reserve. It was observed that class 41 - 50cm recorded the highest number ofGmelina arborea and Tectona grandis, while class 20 - 30cm recorded no trees in Gmelina compartment and class 71 - 80cm recorded no trees in Teak compartment. The relative density for tree species, revealed that Gmelina had 49.1 and Teak had 50.9. For saplings, it was revealed that Gmelina had 57.7 and Teak had 42.4, andfor wildlings relative density, Gmelina had 55.6 and Teak 44.4. The study therefore concluded that there was a decline inforest composition and regeneration of Gmelina and Teak species. It also indicated degradation of the reserve as a result of human activities in the reserve and therefore recommended an enlightenment of households living around the forest reserve on sustainable forest resources collection and utilization methods that willpromote regeneration, conversation and 'management oftheforestreserve in general.