Floristic Diversity of Graveyards in Mani and Dutsi Local Government Areas of Katsina State, Nigeria

Student: Abdulmutallib Ibrahim (Project, 2025)
Department of Biological Science(s)
Umaru Musa Yaradua University, Katsina, Katsina State

Abstract

Graveyards play an important ecological role as reservoirs of floral diversity. This study investigated the floristic composition of graveyards in Mani and Dutsi Local Government Areas (LGAs), Katsina State, Nigeria. Using stratified random sampling, 32 quadrats were surveyed across two graveyards. A total of 39 species belonging to 33 genera and 20 families were recorded. Fabaceae (10 species) and Poaceae (6 species) were the most represented families, while 13 families were monotypic. Eragrostis tremula was the most abundant species, with 165 individuals in Mani and 145 in Dutsi, whereas species such as Ziziphus mauritiana and Sclerocarya birrea were rare. Diversity indices showed higher richness and evenness in Mani (Shannon H' = 3.09; Evenness = 0.88) compared to Dutsi (H' = 2.52; Evenness = 0.72). The findings highlight the role of graveyards as biodiversity refuges, supporting native and medicinal species that are increasingly threatened in surrounding disturbed landscapes. This study provides baseline data for biodiversity management in Katsina State and emphasizes the need to integrate graveyard conservation into regional planning.

Keywords
floristic diversity graveyards dutsi local government areas katsina state nigeria
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