Restoration of diversity and regeneration of woody species through area exclosure: the case of Maun International Airport in northern Botswana

Background and objectives: Deforested degraded areas can be cheaply conveniently restored through establishment of exclosures. An area exclosure excludes animals humans from accessing an to promote natural regeneration plants rehabilitate ecological condition the area. The study was aimed at: (1) determining diversity (species richness, evenness); (2) assessing stand structure (densities); (3) status woody species inside outside exclosed Maun International Airport, northern Botswana. Methods: Vegetation sampling conducted April May 2018. A total 48 37 quadrats 20 × m were laid down at 50 intervals along transect lines respectively. Identity, number all live individuals height recorded in quadrats. analysed by using Shannon Diversity Index (H’) each assessed frequency distribution class. Results: diversity, evenness richness significantly higher than Airport. Colophospermum mopane most abundant both (75% species) (96% More showed more Airport alien invasive compared with outside, owing its original use as a residential local communities might have introduced these ornamental trees. Conclusion: This study, while limited scale, contributes understanding role exclosures enhancing well facilitating species. Degraded woodlands other similar ecosystems could exclosures, but research monitoring are required fully understand processes impacts.