Distribution of Acacia senegal (L.) Willd. (Fabaceae) in Uganda and its relationship to climatic factors

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Date
2011
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Blackwell Publishing Ltd
Abstract
The aim of the study was to map the distribution of Acacia senegal and its infraspecific taxa in Uganda and predict its suitable range of occurrence based on climatic factors. The distribution of the infraspecific taxa was analysed for richness, diversity, turnover and reserve selection. Regression analysis was performed to understand the relationship between distribution of the species and climatic variables. Georeferenced species occurrence points were superimposed over temperature and vapour maps. Areas with highest taxa richness, diversity and turnover were mapped and found in the Lake Kyoga basin. The species shows preference for the northern region of the study area with dissimilar climatic pattern from the southern region and the superimposition supported findings. Variety kerensis exhibited narrower climatic, altitudinal and distribution range preference. Temperature seasonality, maximum temperature of warmest month, temperature annual range, mean temperatures of warmest and driest quarters had the highest coefficients of determination (r2 > 0.7) hence most important in influencing species distribution. The most appropriate locations for in situ conservation and for germplasm collection to ensure maximum diversity is secured are found in Wabisi-Wajala, Kiula, Kyalubanga, Bajo, Kasagala, Kabwika-mujwalanganda, Maruzi, Moroto and Napak Central Forest Reserves. The study recommends ecological studies to understand status of A. senegal.
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Keywords
Acacia, Diversity,, In situ, oOccurrence, Richness, Uganda
Citation
Mulumba, J. W., Atieno, F., & Lwasa, J. (2011). Distribution of Acacia senegal (L.) Willd. (Fabaceae) in Uganda and its relationship to climatic factors. Blackwell Publishing Ltd; African ajaournal of Ecology, 49, 261–266