Assessment of Tree and Shrub Species Diversity in The Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Nigeria: Implications for Conservation and Land Use

ABSTRACT 
Tree and shrub diversity plays a crucial role in maintaining ecosystem stability, enhancing biodiversity, and providing 
essential ecological services. This study assesses the diversity, abundance, and distribution of tree and shrub species 
in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nigeria, with a focus on understanding the implications for biodiversity 
conservation and land use management. Data were collected through systematic field surveys and analyzed to 
determine species richness, dominance, and ecological patterns across various land-use types. The results reveal 
significant variations in species composition and abundance, influenced by anthropogenic activities such as urban 
expansion, agriculture, and deforestation. Native species, including Azadirachta indica, Parkia biglobosa, and 
Vitellaria paradoxa, were observed in decline due to habitat fragmentation. In contrast, exotic species such as Gmelina 
arborea and Tectona grandis showed higher dominance in plantations and urban areas. The study emphasizes the 
urgent need for sustainable land-use policies and afforestation initiatives to conserve native biodiversity and mitigate 
the ecological impacts of urbanization. Findings from this research provide valuable insights for policymakers, 
conservationists, and urban planners to enhance biodiversity conservation efforts in rapidly developing regions like 
the FCT. 

Keywords: Tree diversity, Shrub species, Biodiversity conservation, Land use changes.