Abstract:

This study investigated the Ecological Distribution and Abundance of Sausage tree (Kigelia africana) in Murchison Falls National Park. Kigelia africana is one of the important Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs), currently providing a range of ecological and socio-economic benefits. There was a need to have a clear understanding of the distribution and abundance of the species to guide future plans for its conservation in-situ, in order to realize its full potential for sustainable exploitation. A comparison of densities, distribution patterns, structure, stem conditions in the studied area of Murchison falls national park was done. We carried out field data collection between February and April 2017. Line transect was used to sample Kigelia africana in. The diameter at breast height (dbh) of adult and sub-adult trees, height of adults, sub adults and their stem conditions, number of fruits on each fruiting sausage tree were recorded. The results revealed a significant difference in the sausage tree abundance and distribution with (24%) at distance of 500m as highest percentage and lowest abundance (3%) at distance of 700m along the transect and trees with highest fruit abundance at 42.2% (100-199) and lowest at 2% (0-4) The study identified significant differences in the dbh-size ranges with highest dbh of 36.1% (201-300) and lowest dbh of 2% 601-700, 701-800). The bell-shaped distribution curve in dbh size-rangeshad50.3% damaged stems compared to 49.7% intact. Poor seedling survival resulting primarily from herbivory, human activities and climate variability hampers sausage treemobilization. Considering the poor mobilization due to the above factors, the potential for commercialization of sausage trees in the region may not be viable. Therefore, active planting in undisturbed areas, protection of seedlings from livestock coupled with community awareness are vital to ensure better management of sausage trees, so that effective commercialization and subsistence use is realized and sustainable.