Crow and Vulture Nest Density and Placement Pattern on Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology Campus, Kumasi

The location and density of nests of the hooded vulture (Necrosyrtes monacus) and the pied crow (Corvus albus) were systematically investigated on the campus of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) in Kumasi, Ghana, from December, 2004 to April, 2005. Trees with crow and vulture nests were identified, and the positions of nests above ground (nest height) determined in three sites on the campus categorized as developed, undeveloped (protected) and undeveloped (unprotected). Canopy cover (above and at nest level) were visually estimated. In all, one hundred and two (102) nests were recorded of which 35 were inhabited by crows and 67 by vultures. Crow and vulture nest densities were found to be 2.73 km-2 and 5.23 km-2, respectively. Mean nest height for crow was 18m (S.D. 5.9) and that for vulture was 17m (S.D. 4.9). Eighty-nine per cent (89%) of all nests were found in the developed areas of the KNUST campus, a situation which can be attributable to availability of food source. The birds clearly demonstrated host tree specificity, nesting on only 13 tree species out of an estimated 200 or more plants on campus. Terminalia catapa was the most preferred host tree, accounting for approximately 29% of all nests encountered. To ensure maximum protection, most of the birds nested on trees with sparse to dense foliage. The results of this study suggest threatening conservation implications for these wild birds, in view of the indiscriminate felling of trees especially around human habitations. Journal of the Ghana Science Association Vol. 9 (2) 2007: pp. 138-14

Floristic Composition and Vegetation Structure of The KNUST Botanic Garden, Kumasi, Ghana

The diversity, relative importance, canopy height and cover of plant species in the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) Botanic Garden were evaluated in five 1-ha plots using a stratified random sampling technique in order to build an understanding of its floristic composition and structure in two distinct parts of the garden (cultivated and uncultivated). We recorded 184 species which belonged to 146 genera, 51 families and six growth forms. The most dominant tree species in the garden were Elaeis guineensis Jacq., Hevea brasiliensis (Willd.) Muell.-Arg. and Parkia biglobosa (Jacq.) G. Don. with a combined importance index of 60.09 (20 % relative importance). The differences in importance value indices of species between the cultivated and uncultivated areas of the garden were statistically insignificant (p > 0.05), suggesting the presence of conducive growth environments for plants in both areas. The most dominant families were Fabaceae, Moraceae, Arecaceae and Euphorbiaceae whilst trees were the most predominant growth forms (62.5 %). Average crown height and percentage canopy were 28.8 ± 8.81 m and 66.4 ± 8.26 % respectively. These results show the floristic richness of the KNUST botanic garden and underscore the garden\'s potential as a centre for ex-situ conservation beside its traditional roles in education, research and recreation. Keywords: Floristic composition, structure, botanic garden, KNUST Journal of Science & Technology (Ghana) Vol. 28 (3) 2008: pp. 103-12

Diversity and Distribution of Climbing Plants in a Semi-Deciduous Rain Forest, KNUST Botanic Garden, Ghana

The diversity and distribution of climbing plants were investigated in two 1-ha plots in the KNUST botanic garden. Each plot was divided into sixteen 25 m x 25 m quadrats and all trees and shrubs ≥10 cm dbh were enumerated in each quadrat. All vines on tree species were identified and counted while all lianas ≥1.5 cm were enumerated. The mechanisms of climbing of the climbers were studied. A total of 951 climbing plants belonging to 82 species, 49 genera and 26 families were identified. These consisted of 72 liana and 10 vine species. Seven hundred and sixteen trees belonging to 77 species and 27 families hosted the climbers. Climbing plants made up of about 43% of all the species (except herbs) identified. Lianas alone constituted about 38% of the woody species. The commonest and most dominant species were Strophantus barteri Franch., Smilax species and Griffonia simplicifolia (Vahl ex DC.) Baillon. Most of the climber species showed clumped distribution. Stem twinning was the most predominant climbing mechanism. The number of climbers using the different climbing mechanisms differed significantly (p\u3c0.001). Host species, habitat and their interaction had significant (p\u3c0.001) effects on climber density