Phenology of Woody Plant Species in Olive Baboon (papio Anubis) Habitat at the Southern Sector of Gashaka Gumti National Park, Nigeria

A study was carried out to determine the phenology of woody plant species in olive baboon (Papio anubis) habitat at the Southern Sector of Gashaka Gumti National Park (GGNP). Plant phenology has been mostly studied in the temperate zone. In contrast, tropical phenology has been relatively little studied. Line transect method was adopted for phenological study to determine seasonality of leaves, flowers and fruit production. Three (3) transects (designated ‘A’, ‘B’ and ‘C’) were cut through the home range of baboons. The transects measured 3.5 km, 3.5 km and 1.5 km in length respectively. A total of 899 woody plants and their associated lianas along the transects were permanently tagged with improvised metal markers. Results obtained indicated a total of 59 woody plant species. The families containing more species are: Moraceae (9), Combretaceae (5) and Caesalpinoidea (4). Flowering was highest during the wet season for both trees and vines. Fruiting was consistent throughout the year, though maximum fruiting was observed during the wet season. Leaf shedding occurred mostly during dry season. In terms of fruit colour, green fruits persisted year round with the ranges 35.85 – 85.58% in trees and 20.0 – 100% in vines. Unripe fruits were available throughout the year with a range of 39.62 – 93.02%. Most of the plant species recorded produce fruits that were eaten by baboons. It is recommended that efforts should be made to conserve the woody plant species, particularly, those that produce fruits as they may constitute some of the keystone resources in the park.