Composition and Distribution of Flora Species in East Nimba Nature Reserve (ENNR), Yarmein Administrative District, Nimba County, Liberia

Abstract

The East Nimba Nature Reserve (ENNR) is one of Liberia's most important biodiversity hotspots; however, increasing anthropogenic activities continue to threaten its floristic diversity and ecological integrity. This study evaluated the species composition and distribution of flora species in the East Nimba Nature Reserve, Yarmein Administrative District, Nimba County, Liberia, to provide baseline information for biodiversity conservation and sustainable forest management. A floristic survey was conducted in five communities surrounding the reserve: Zortapa, Geipa, Yolowee, Camp 4-Yekepa, and Sehtontuo, using standard botanical survey techniques for plant identification and enumeration, while species composition and distribution were analysed descriptively. The survey recorded 55 plant species belonging to 24 families within the reserve, with woody tree species constituting the dominant growth form. A detailed assessment across the five study communities documented 970 individual plants representing 37 species from 21 families. The dominant families were Fabaceae, Meliaceae, and Rubiaceae. Sehtontuo recorded the highest plant abundance, with 227 individuals (23.4%), followed by Zortapa with 209 (21.55%), Geipa with 202 (20.82%), and Yolowee with 175 (18.04%); Camp 4-Yekepa had the lowest abundance, with 157 individuals (16.19%). Among the recorded species, Bussea occidentalis was the most abundant, with 54 individuals (5.57%), followed by Canarium schweinfurthii with 50 (5.15%), Erythrophleum ivorense with 45 (4.64%), and Lophira alata with 44 (4.54%). Conversely, Entandrophragma utile was the least abundant species, represented by only seven individuals (0.72%). In conclusion, the findings demonstrate that the East Nimba Nature Reserve supports a rich and diverse assemblage of woody plant species, underscoring its ecological significance and the need for strengthened conservation measures to safeguard its biodiversity and ensure sustainable forest management.