| dc.creator |
Mligo, Cosmas |
|
| dc.date |
2016-05-11T14:08:01Z |
|
| dc.date |
2016-05-11T14:08:01Z |
|
| dc.date |
2016 |
|
| dc.date.accessioned |
2018-03-27T08:55:27Z |
|
| dc.date.available |
2018-03-27T08:55:27Z |
|
| dc.identifier |
Mligo, C., 2016. Diversity and distribution pattern of riparian plant species in the Wami River system, Tanzania. Journal of Plant Ecology, p.rtw021. |
|
| dc.identifier |
http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11810/1957 |
|
| dc.identifier |
10.1093/jpe/rtw021 |
|
| dc.identifier.uri |
http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11810/1957 |
|
| dc.description |
Aims
The Wami River system is among the most important rivers for riparian plant biodiversity
conservation but it is potentially threatened by anthropogenic activities. This study was aimed to
determine riparian plant species diversity and distribution patterns in relation to the
anthropogenic disturbances.
Methods
The transect method was used to collect vegetation data. Transects were established
perpendicular to the river at intervals of 50 m downstream and five plots were systematically
established, separated by 5-m distance along each transect.
Results
A total of 261 plant species in 68 families were recorded in the Wami River system with a
Shannon diversity index in the range of 1.63 to 2.94 and a significantly decreasing trend
downstream. Using the Two Way Indicator Species Analysis (TWINSPAN), three plant
communities (A, B and C) emerged based on variations in riparian plant species composition
among sites. Canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) indicated that the spatial pattern of
riparian plant species was significantly influenced by environmental variables. This implies that
the plant species composition gradients and spatial assemblages of vegetation communities are a
result of human disturbances. Because of the fragile nature of the riparian system, some species
are more vulnerable than others and hence there is an urgent need for better land use planning to
conserve riparian plant biodiversity in the sub-Basin of Wami River. |
|
| dc.language |
en |
|
| dc.subject |
Communities |
|
| dc.subject |
CCA |
|
| dc.subject |
Disturbances |
|
| dc.subject |
Diversity |
|
| dc.subject |
Riparian vegetation |
|
| dc.subject |
Wami River |
|
| dc.title |
Diversity and Distribution Pattern of Riparian Plant Species in the Wami River System, Tanzania |
|
| dc.type |
Journal Article, Peer Reviewed |
|