Abstract

O. M. Agbogidi

This study assessed the economically valued forest trees and shrubs at the proposed site for an airport in Asaba, Delta State with a view to noting them before the commencement of work in the area. 2520 × 20 m quadrants were laid randomly along the five 1 km line transect and assessed accordingly. Thirty tree species producing various economically valued products were assessed and 10 out of the 33 were observed to be rare while 23 were abundant. Fifteen species of shrubs were assessed out of which, 8 were identified as abundant and rare (3). Products collected from these plants have varying use categories as leafy vegetables, edible and medicinal fruits, leaves, seeds, barks, fodder, poles, timber, stakes and chewing sticks. The study established that over exploitation, exploration and conversion of forest ecosystems in the area has brought about decimation of biodiversity as well as extinction of many valuable plant and animal species. It is strongly recommended that domestication of indigenous tree and shrub species should be encouraged and supported. Conservation efforts, through the establishment of nature reserves, botanical gardens, sacred grooves, sanctuaries, rare breed centers, game banks and on-site gene banks should be supported to enhance sustainability.