Ishaya Yahaya Kuku, Edicha Jibril Abdullahi, Bitrus Eniyekenimi Daukere, Jedidiah Precious Oru-bo

The Spatial Pattern and Distribution of Adansonia Species in the Sahel Savanna Ecosystem of Yobe State, Nigeria

Introduction

The spatial pattern and distribution of adansonia species in the sahel savanna ecosystem of yobe state, nigeria. Study Adansonia species distribution in Yobe State, Nigeria's Sahel Savanna. Reveals spatial patterns, prevalence of Adansonia digitata & kilima, and dispersed tree distribution.

Abstract

The study scrutinizes the distribution, of Adansonia species in Southern part of Yobe State Nigeria. A quadrat sampling method was employed for the study and the study area was divided into twenty quadrats using the purposive sampling technique. The quadrat sizes ranges from 100 by 100 meters, 200 by 200 meters, 300 by 300 meters, 400 by 400 meters and 500 by 500 meters. Adansonia species in all 20 quadrats were counted, their species identified. A total of 791 trees were identified in the 20 quadrats out of which 775 are of the species Adansonia digitata while 16 were Adansonia kilima.  Furthermore, the nearest neighbor analysis was carried-out to establish the distribution of the said plant in the study area, the result revealed that 19 out of 20 quadrats are dispersed in terms of pattern of distribution with only quadrat 17 exhibiting a random distribution. The result further reveals that out of all the species of Adansonia in the world, only Adansonia digitata and Adansonia kilima are found in the study area, the other species namely Adansonia grandidiera, Adansonia gregorii, Adansonia madagascariensis, Adansonia perrieri, Adansonia rubrostipa, Adansonia suarezensis and Adansonia za were absent in the study area.

Review

This study provides a valuable baseline assessment of the spatial pattern and distribution of *Adansonia* species within the Sahel Savanna ecosystem of Yobe State, Nigeria. The identification of only *Adansonia digitata* and *Adansonia kilima* in the region, with a significant dominance of the former (775 vs. 16 individuals), offers critical information on the species' local presence relative to the broader global diversity. Furthermore, the application of nearest neighbor analysis to reveal a predominantly dispersed distribution pattern across most quadrats, with one exhibiting randomness, contributes to our understanding of how these iconic trees are spatially organized in this specific environment. This data is essential for regional conservation efforts and ecological management strategies. While the study presents important findings, certain methodological aspects could benefit from further clarification. The use of purposive sampling for selecting the twenty quadrats, coupled with a wide range of quadrat sizes (from 100x100m to 500x500m), raises questions about potential biases and how data from such disparate areas were standardized or compared. While nearest neighbor analysis inherently accounts for density, the varied quadrat sizes might complicate direct interpretations of population density or comparisons of distribution patterns if not meticulously addressed in the full manuscript. A deeper discussion on the rationale for this varied sizing and the specific criteria for purposive selection would enhance the study's methodological rigor and transparency. Overall, the study makes a significant contribution to the ecological understanding of *Adansonia* species in a less-studied region. To further strengthen the work, the full paper should elaborate on the ecological drivers behind the observed distribution patterns – such as soil characteristics, topographical features, anthropogenic pressures, or inter-species competition. Additionally, a discussion on the conservation implications of the scarcity of *Adansonia kilima* and the predominantly dispersed pattern for *Adansonia digitata* would be highly beneficial. This research serves as a strong foundation for future, more in-depth ecological investigations into the dynamics and conservation status of baobab species in West Africa.

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