ASSESSMENT OF RISK POTENTIALS OF SOME INDIGENOUS TREES TO DEFORESTATION IN KANO STATE NIGERIA

Abstract

The rate of deforestation nationally and locally in Northern Nigeria is alarming. Native tree species are vulnerable to overexploitation as firewood due to expensive and unavailable alternative fuel supplies. This study was carried out to assess the diversity and local origin of native tree wood samples sold at Badume firewood depot, Bichi Local Government Area, Kano State, Nigeria. Data were collected using structured questionnaires to count and identify the species sold in the market. A total of 55 structured questionnaires were administered to firewood sellers. Data were analyzed as percent relative frequencies. A total of 15 native tree species were identified. Parkia biglobosa (Jacq.) Benth. had the highest frequency of 276 (16.03%) while Cassia siebriana (DC.) recorded the least frequency of 17 (0.99%). In terms of source, Bichi recorded the highest number of species of 474 (27.53%) while Dambatta recorded the least (48; 2.79%). P. biglobosa in addition to being used as firewood is also reported to be utilized as food, shade and in stool making.Anogeissus leiocarpus(DC.) Guill. and Perr. has medicinal value according to most of the respondents; all other species were identified as sources of medicine by varying number of sellers. Only Phoenix dactylifera, C. siebriana, Ceiba pentandra and Faidherbia albida were not recognized as food. Species used as stool, mortar and pestle include P. biglobosa, Diospyros mespiliformis, Tamarindus indica, Butyrospermum parkii, Piliostigma reticulatum andF. albida. It is recommended that field studies are conducted to assess the conservation status of native tree species utilized as firewood.