Assessment of woody vegetation in Zalingei locality, central Darfur State, Sudan

Abstract EN

This study was conducted at Zalingei area, in the period from May 2013 to April 2015.

the objectives of this study are to assess woody species of forest trees in the study area.

a reconnaissance survey was conducted on the basis of which the study area was stratified into seven ecological zones namely, contemporary flood plains, lower terraces, upper terraces, clay plains, sedentary plains, lower hill slopes and stony hill slopes.

the total surveyed area was 278 ha of natural forests of Zalingei area.

field surveys were conducted.

at the various ecological zones, all trees per plot with dbh equal to or greater than seven centimeters were enumerated, the number of trees per ha were calculated, tree height, diameter, crown diameter and volume measurements were calculated four times recurrently, twice in each season.

the statistical analysis system (SAS) was also used for data analysis.

results showed that: twenty nine trees species occur at the surveyed area.

the average number of trees per hectare is was 70 trees.

the average wood volume at the study area is 14.87m3/ha and annual deforestation is 1.9 m3/h whereas, the vegetation covers is about 17.96% .government efforts for the conservation of natural forests would only be materialized if local people have been involved; hence community participation in management of these natural forests is very important.

government may consider the developing of forest regulations, policies and laws that are enforced in local communities.