Ecology and Determinants of a Tropical Rainforest Landscape

Tropical ecosystems are bio-diverse that differ according to varied environmental features. This work assessed the tree diversity and variables define a rainforest ecosystem in southeast Nigeria. 30 forest plots were used identify trees ≥ 10 cm (DBH measured at 130 cm). Soil samples collected up deep four edges middle of each plot, bulked for analysis. The survey recorded total 2414 belonged 102 species 32 families. Shannon-Wiener’s index (H’) 3.67, Inverse Simpson’s (C) 1.06, evenness 0.79 Margalef’s richness (M) 12.97 recorded. Fabaceae family highest number (1037) individual (being 43% total) observations, while Burseraceae had least (1). Species abundance status showed 2.9% as “Abundant”, 73.5% “Endangered”, “Frequent” 20.6% “Rare”. namely phosphorus, magnesium, potassium, particle sizes (sand, silt clay), CEC, calcium, pH, aluminium, influenced distribution vegetation decreasing order. Edaphic factors (soil) determined stems, growth within region. Efforts on conserving along gradients indices advocated.