Effects of Anthropogenic Activities on Mt Elgons' Floral Diversity

Keywords: Diversity Index, Anthropogenic activities, Floral diversity; Species abundance.
Abstract Type: Paper Abstract

Abstract

Mt. Elgon Forest is termed a biodiversity hotspot and a home to globally threatened species making it a priority for species conservation. The forest encompasses human communities who engage in anthropogenic activities that have diverse effects on the forest’s floral diversity. The study investigated the effects of anthropogenic activities on floral diversity in Mt. Elgon Forest. Effects of anthropogenic activities on floral diversity were evaluated using 50 x 50m duplicate quadrants that were placed in areas influenced by different anthropogenic activities. The Shannon Weiner diversity index was used to determine changes in floral diversity while Kruskal Wallis test and chi square test was used to assess the differences in species abundance. The Shannon-Weiner diversity index revealed that modern religious activities had the highest diversity index (H= 2.4182: E=0.8074), followed by the control site (natural forest) (H=2.07331, evenness=0.884), indigenous plantations (H=1.93962; evenness 0.69957), urban settlements (H=1.85081; evenness=0.66754), traditional religious activities (H=1.6111, E=0.7651), tea farming (H=1.5324, evenness=0.56), mixed farming (H=1.43694, evenness=0.43694) and exotic plantation (H=1.28231, evenness=0.61612). The results revealed a significant difference between specific plant communities (trees, shrubs, herbs, ferns, and climbers) in the study area (H=38.116; P=0.000). Chi square test revealed a strong relationship between the type of anthropogenic activity and floral diversity (P=0.000, X2=23.652). Species diversity in areas under modern religious activities exceed those of the control side while indigenous planted forests closely approach that of the natural forests. Modern religious activities and Indigenous planted forests could be used to restore floral diversity in Mt Elgon Forest Ecosystem