Tree population dynamics in Kibale National Park, Uganda 1975-1998

Changes in species composition, stem abundance, and basal area of trees taller than or equal to 10 m in a medium altitude tropical rain forest at the Ngogo study area, Kibale National Park, Uganda are described for the period between 1975 and 1998 (n = 23 years). Two enumeration episodes were conducted in 263 plots of 5 m by 50 m during 1975-80 and 1997-98. During this period, species richness decreased by 3% (from 92 to 89). Species diversity (H') also declined slightly from 2.97 to 2.86. The number of trees recorded in the sample plots decreased by 8% (from 2545 to 2329), while basal area decreased from 49.48 m2 ha-1 to 48.68 m2 ha-1. However, stem abundance and basal area increased for some species.

Duke Scholars

Author Thomas T Struhsaker Evolutionary Anthropology