Species composition and distribution patterns of the Mangrove forests of the Western Niger Delta, Nigeria

ABSTRACT This study examined species composition and occurrence pattern among mangroves across the Western Niger Delta. Vegetation measurements were carried out in one hundred quadrats of 20m by 20m. Rhizophora spp was dominant in Burutu, Opuama, Kurutie, Control (Importance Value Index =300, 177.28, 237.65, 300). A.germinans was dominant in Agge (IVI =183.03). Adult Rhizophora spp were dispersed in Agge, Burutu, Control (Morisita Index =0.25, 1.02, 0.025). Adult A. germinans were dispersed in Kurutie, Opuama, Agge (MI =0.07, 0.08, 0.26). Rhizophora spp juveniles were clustered in Agge, Burutu, Opuama, Kurutie, Control (MI =1.17, 1.86, 1.47, 1.9, 1.14). A. germinans juveniles were dispersed in Kurutie, Agge (MI =0.06, 0.69). Restoration and conservation programs should be established.