Preliminary Checklist of Macrophytes and Conservation Needs in Ganjuwa Bauchi State, Nigeria

Abstract

Macrophytes in Ganjuwa LGA play a critical role in maintaining the healthy and stability of freshwater ecosystems, and maintain ecosystem properties and function. The study was conducted in Ganjuwa LGA of Bauchi State to document and compile voucher specimens of macrophytes. Swamps and lakes are the primary aquatic ecosystems used for study. A richness of 49 macrophytes belonging to 21 families was recorded and collected using the quadrat sampling method. A 1m2 square was used at an interval of 10m2 between each quadrat sampling. These findings contribute to checklists and in-situ photographs of rare plant taxa, including Ranalisma humile: Ammannia senegalensis, Pontederia natans, and other macrophytes. Notably, Aeschynomene fluitans (the giant water-sensitive plant) was reported from one of the study locations, marking the first documentation of Aeschynomene fluitans in West Africa. However, ongoing habitat degradation, deforestation, infrastructure developments, urbanization, and poor agricultural practice continues to threatens freshwater aquatic ecosystems and their plants diversity. Conservation measures are particularly needed on roadways with swamps that are increasingly impacted by human activities