Floristic Composition of an Artificial Pond Adjoining Ogba Zoo and Nature Park, Benin-City, Edo State, Nigeria
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.65150/EP-jnsrr/V2E6/2026-04Keywords:
Wetland, Floristic composition, artificial pond, diversity, conservation.Abstract
Ponds are aquatic ecosystems that support macrophytic vegetation that play vital ecological roles, but are often ignored and interrupted by developmental activities which put the macrophytic communities at risk of being faced out. This study therefore describes the floristic composition and diversity in an artificial pond adjoining Ogba Zoo, Benin-City, in a bid to harness its conservation potentials. Floristic composition and structure at different sides of the pond were obtained from visual inspection and five replicates of sampling quadrats measuring 50cm x 50cm (2500 cm2). A total of 30 plant species belonging to 19 families were enumerated. The families Cyperaceae (21.05%), Fabaceae (21.05%), and Poaceae (15.79%) were the most abundant. The growth form distribution had herbs (36.6%), trees (16.67%), sedges (13.33%), vines (13.33%), grasses (10%) and shrubs (10%). Phytogeographically, the highest prevalence was observed among native plants (53.33%), exotic plants (36.67%) and Cosmopolitan (10%). The West was the most species rich and diverse section, while the North facing section recorded the least number of species and diversity. Both the spatial and scatter plots revealed the distinctness of the various sections of the pond with the West section being most uniquely different from the other sections reflecting anthropogenic influence while the least accessible North and East sections were most similar in their composition. This study demonstrates that ponds in urban centres can serve as refugia for native, rare or vulnerable species, thus, a regular survey of these ecosystems and making efforts for their conservation is crucial.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Dunyin Donald Mien-Ebi, Onyeukwu Ifeanyichukwu Immanuel, Ilabor Samuel Chukwujindu, Oburo Onyinye, Micheal Ozioma, Edokpiawe Stanley, Amodu Emmanuel, Ogunro James Idowu, Ikenga Esther Ekpemikoghene, Evien Clinton, Uchegbu Festus Udoka (Author)
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