International Journal of Biology and Biological Sciences Vol. 5(3), pp. 017-022, October, 2019 ISSN 2327-3062 ©2019 Academe Research Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Lichens abundance and diversity in Jalingo and Ngel-Nyaki, Taraba state, Nigeria

Thomas, T.L., *Barau, B.W., Gabuin, T.G., Angyu, A.E., Hammanjoda, S.A. Samuel, K.B. and Kennedy, B.

Department of Biological Sciences, Taraba State University, Jalingo

*Corresponding author. E-mail: bilyaminubarau@yahoo.co.uk +2348036580773

Accepted 28 October, 2019

Abstract

The lichen abundance and diversity of some selected areas of Jalingo town (Kona, Magami, Mile six, Nukkai and Sabon-gari) was studied and compared to the abundance and diversity in Ngel-Nyaki Montane Forest Project (NMFP) to ascertain the effect of pollution due to overcrowding in both locations. The Line Transect Method was adopted for the studies, from where lichen species encountered were identified, counted and recorded. The results showed that 856 lichens individuals were encountered during the study period, with Ngel-Nyaki (544) having more individuals while Jalingo (312) followed. In general, all the three (3) types of lichens were recorded ((Crustose: 593; 69.28%); (Foliose: 209; 24.42%) and (Fruticose: 54; 6.3%)) during this study with all three (3) occurring in Ngel-Nyaki and only two (2) (Crustose and Foliose) were recorded in Jalingo. A total of fourteen (14) taxa were recorded, out of which the taxa Lecanora (9) had the highest species, followed by Melanelia, Ramalina and Usnea regording three (3) species each; Bryoria, Lecidella and Xanthoria recorded two (2) species each while Amandinea, Chrysothrix, Evernia, Lepraria, Lobaria, Permalia and Peltajera had one (1) species each. In Jalingo, Lecidella euphoria (Crustose Lichen) had the highest occurrence of twenty nine (29) while Lecanora pulsaris (Crustose Lichen) had the least occurrence of nine (9). In Ngel-Nyaki, Lecanora symmicta (Crustose Lichen) had the highest occurrence of fifty eight (58) while Usnea subfloridana (Fruticose Lichen) recorded the least with a frequency of two (2). Shannon-Weiner Diversity Index (Hˈ) showed that Ngel-Nyaki is more diverse 3.20 compared to Jalingo with Diversity Index of 2.95. Hence, it could be deduced from the results that Ngel-Nyaki, a reserved land has less anthropogenic influence and more environmental quality than Jalingo, an unreserved land with more anthropogenic influence and less environmental quality.

Keywords: Ngel-Nyaki, Jalingo, Diversity, Abundance, Lichens