Title: Ecological Interactions and Habitat Influences on Biodiversity Patterns in A Forest-Savanna Ecotone of Northern Taraba State, Nigeria.
Authors: Pemilo Edison Bariya
Volume: 10
Issue: 3
Pages: 77-84
Publication Date: 2026/03/28
Abstract:
This study examined ecological interactions and habitat influences on biodiversity patterns within the forest-savanna ecotone of Northern Taraba State, Nigeria, with particular focus on Karim-Lamido and Lau Local Government Areas. The research aimed to assess how habitat characteristics and anthropogenic disturbances shape the distribution and diversity of flora and fauna across contrasting land-use types. A stratified ecological sampling technique was employed to collect vegetation and wildlife data across three habitat categories: forest edge, lowland, and farmland ecosystems. A total of 60 quadrats were systematically laid across six sampling sites representing different ecological zones. Vegetation data were collected through field-based assessments, while wildlife presence was documented using direct observation and indigenous ecological knowledge. Species richness, abundance, and evenness were analyzed using the Shannon-Wiener Diversity Index to evaluate biodiversity distribution patterns. Results indicated that forest edge habitats recorded the highest species richness (14 species) and total individuals (59), followed by lowland (10 species, 49 individuals) and farmland (8 species, 50 individuals). Species evenness values ranged from 0.98 to 0.99 across all habitats, indicating relatively balanced species composition. Wildlife observations revealed spatial variation in species distribution, with Jen Kaigama exhibiting the highest species richness (9 species), while Bwe Baba recorded the highest number of individuals (34). The findings suggest that transitional habitats support higher biodiversity due to increased ecological heterogeneity, whereas farmland ecosystems exhibit reduced species diversity resulting from land-use intensification. Anthropogenic factors such as deforestation, agricultural encroachment, and bush burning were identified as major drivers of biodiversity loss in the study area. The study highlights the critical role of habitat structure and ecological interactions in maintaining biodiversity and recommends the integration of sustainable land-use practices and community-based conservation strategies to mitigate biodiversity decline in tropical savanna ecosystems.