Assessment of Vegetation Cover Change in Sheikan Locality, North Kordofan, Sudan, during 2005 - 2015

Abstract

This study was conducted in Sheikan locality, North Kordofan in 2014 - 2015. The main objective was to assess vegetation cover change, to compare density of trees and shrubs in 2014 and 2015 to the density of 2007. The area was classified into North and South based on climatic zones. For trees and shrubs assessment, 10 plots (0.1 ha) were systematically placed in each site. For herbaceous layer assessment, 25 plots were placed in each site. Social survey was also carried out where 80% people in the area were interviewed. Ecological data was analyzed by SAS software while social data was analyzed by Statistical Packages for Social Sciences (SPSS) where Duncan Multiple Range Test was used. Density and relativeness were calculated. Results identified 14 trees, 2 shrubs, and 27 herbaceous plants including grasses. Significant differences (P ≤ 0.05) were found in density of trees between North and South where significant variations were limited to specific species in certain sites e.g. density of Balanites aegyptiaca was 20 trees per hectare in the north while it was 8 trees per hectare in the South. There was significant difference (P ≤ 0.05) in existence and appearance of tree species between 2007 and 2014 where Acacia seyal var. seyal and Capparis decidua disappeared and Bauhinia rufescens appeared in 2015.The results also revealed decrease in density of Cenchrus biflorus and Fimbristyls dichotoma in 2015 compared to 2014. Compared to the last 11 years, unpalatable species appeared such as Commicarpus africanus. The status of the pasture is considered good. Agriculture expansion and overstocking affected plant vegetation cover. The pasture status direction deteriorated under improper management. Further studies were recommended to assess the effect of grazing on pastoral plants to determine direction of pasture status.