The crown of tree is the centre of physiological activity which gives an indication of the potential photosynthetic capacity on a tree. Though, its measurement remains a challenge in forest inventory task. The ability to predict crown diameter from stump diameter provides an effective technique of obtaining its estimate. This helps in detecting the excessive tree felling than actual requirements and wildlife suitability.The main objective of this study was to develop and test crown diameter prediction models for silvicultural management of naturally grown Parkia biglobosa within the University of Agriculture, Makurdi. Nine 100 m x 100 m temporary sample plots were established using simple random sampling method. Crown diameter and stump diameter were measured in all living P. biglobosa trees with stump diameter ≥10.0 cm. Least square method was used to convert the counted stumps into harvested crown dimension. Three linear and three non-linear models using stump diameter as the exploratory variable were developed and evaluated using the adjusted coefficient of determination (Adj.R 2 ), standard error of estimate (SEE), prediction error sum of squares (PRESS) and Akaike information criterion (AIC). The crown-stump diameter relationship was best described by the double logarithmic function with . 2 = 65.1%, = 0.1729, = 262.9998 = 717.56.The result showed that Crown diameter estimation was feasible even when the only information available is stump diameter.The resulting equation was tested for validation with independent data obtained from additional plots and was found to be desirable for estimating the crown diameter for Parkia biglobosa in Makurdi,

This study was carried out among communities surrounding the Kwabaktina forest reserve in Adamawa state, Nigeria with the aim of assessing the utilisation of Non Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) in the study area. Data were collected through Stratified and purposive sampling designs using a structured questionnaire. Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics to identify NTFPs utilised in the study area. The result showed age, educational status and household size had a significance effect on the extent of NTFPs utilisation in the study area. Income had no significant in determining the level of the utilisation of NTFPs; while gender had a significant implication on the utilisation of NTFPs. This may be attributed to the relative scarcity of most of the NTFPs as a result of deforestation and the present awareness of their (NTFPs) importance to the communities. NTFPs play an important role in the livelihood of people in the communities. These products occupy a significant place in the livelihood of the people. To ensure speedy growth and yielding (development) of NTFPs in the study area; it is recommended that NGOs (commonwealth forest association and Forest association of Nigeria) who are concerned with trees planting and sustainable forest management; and an individual should participate in funding of trees planting campaign in marginal land. Also, the people of the communities should be encouraged to embark on economic trees planting for the provision of raw materials for carving/crafting; these can help to reduce rural-urban population drift and the prevailing unemployment especially among youths.

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Data and information are required to manage a renewable natural resource (such as forest) sustainably. This information is largely obtained through forest inventories. Forest inventory is very important in forest management since it provides the data for planning, monitoring, evaluation, research, growth and yield, biodiversity, and timber sale. Inadequate and/or irregular forest inventory has resulted to paucity of data on which forest management decisions can be based. This study aimed at enlightening conservationists, ecologists, environmentalists, and forest managers on the need to carryout diversity assessment and inventory of flora and fauna resources within their forest ecosystems. This will help to ensure sustainable yield and prevent the extinction of economic trees and endangered animal species in the tropical dry forests. The study therefore recommended that inventory should be carryout among the tropical dry forests at regular intervals.