Diversity and Distribution Patterns of Tree Species along Enkare Narok River, Kenya

Abstract

The Enkare Narok River system features in the list of the majority of significant streams for conservation of riparian plant biodiversity but anthropogenic activities potentially threaten the formative ecosystem processes. This research paper ascertains the diversity and distribution patterns of riparian tree species in relation to the human disturbances. The procedure for collecting vegetation data involved the use of the line transects method. Transects were laid running orthogonal to the river at 20 m intervals downstream and ten plots in every transect were systematically determined, with a separation distance of 10 meters. A floristic exploration of dominant riparian tree species was done at 51 sites along a 2,250-meter stretch along Enkare Narok River from upper Narok Prisons area to lower Polung’a, in February 2018 towards the end of the dry season. A total of 198 tree species in 12 families were recorded in the Enkare Narok River system with an observed 1.4463-2.4849 Shannon diversity index and which followed a significantly diminutive trend downstream.