Phytosociological analysis in disturbed zone of the Gatumba mining area, Ngororero district, Rwanda
Paper Details
Phytosociological analysis in disturbed zone of the Gatumba mining area, Ngororero district, Rwanda
Abstract
The Gatumba mining area is one among the zones disturbed by the mining activities in Ngororero district, west of Rwanda. The aim of the study was to investigate the plant community, to indentify plant species and describe the vegetation of the Gatumba mining area and to suggest species that can be used for rehabilitation of the disturbed area. The floristic data were analysed in accordance with the Braun-Blanquet procedures, Jaccard similarity index and Shannon index for the plant diversity analysis. A total of 35 families were recorded with 83 genera, and 103 species (31 monocotyledones, 68 dicotyledones, 1 gymnosperm and 3 pteridophytes). The most represented family was Poaceae with 19,6% species, followed by Asteraceae with 15% species. These two families are known to colonize disturbed areas and usually demonstrate adaptation to unfavorable conditions. The results showed that the vegetation was diversified and heterogeneous and four plant communities collectively made by a mixture of shrubby and grassy vegetation. The dominant species are annual, related to human activity. Indigenous species have disappeared in the area which demonstrates the negative impact of the mining and agricultural activity on the plant community of the area. The species Tithonia diversifolia, Sesbania sesban and Crotalaria dewildemaniana were found to be the most indicated for rehabilitation of the disturbed area.
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François Gakwerere1, Ildephonse Habarugira1*, Pontien Ndabaneze2, 2013. Phytosociological analysis in disturbed zone of the Gatumba mining area, Ngororero district, Rwanda. Int. J. Biosci., 3(9), 142-155.
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