JAFE Vol. 5(4) 11-19

Relative Frequency of Camel’s Foot (Piliostigma reticulatum Hochst.) among Woody Species in Kebbi State, Nigeria

Muftau, M.A., Malami, B.S., Maigandi, S.A. and Gwandu, H.A.

ABSTRACT
The study was carried out to determine the relative abundance of Piliostigma reticulatum commonly known as Camel’s foot among the woody species within two locations (grazing reserves and fallow areas) in the three senatorial districts of Kebbi State. Three sample plots (100m x 100m) were laid out on transect of about 3 km in nine randomly selected areas and their locations across the senatorial districts. A total of 904 and 856 stands of woody species were encountered in the grazing reserves and the fallow areas respectively belonging to fifteen different species and fifteen genera. The results of the relative frequency of Camel’s foot indicated that the study areas contained diverse woody species with shrubs; Guiera senegalensis and Piliostigma reticulatum dominating the sampled areas. The highest abundance of P. reticulatum was in the Ribah grazing reserve (71.27%) and Giron Masa fallow area (92.75%) of Kebbi south senatorial district. The highest woody species occurred both in the grazing reserve and fallow area of Kangiwa in the Kebbi north senatorial district. The most abundant tree species Combretum micranatum (31.33%) was encountered in the fallow area of Kangiwa. The specific uses expected from Piliostigma reticulatum and other multipurpose woody species should be taken into accounts when applying conservative measures.  

Keywords:

Relative frequency, Camel’s foot, woody species, Kebbi State

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