ASSESSMENT OF URBAN TREE DIVERSITY AND ECOSYSTEM SERVICES IN NIGERIAN CITIES

Abstract

Rapid urbanization in Nigerian cities has led to significant loss of urban green infrastructure, resulting in declining ecosystem services such as temperature regulation, air purification, and carbon sequestration. Despite the recognized importance of urban trees, there remains limited empirical understanding of how tree species diversity, structural characteristics, and land use type influence ecosystem service provision. This study therefore assessed urban tree diversity and ecosystem services in selected Nigerian cities, focusing on these key variables. A cross sectional field based design was adopted, with data collected through systematic tree inventory and land use classification. Tree species diversity was measured using the Shannon index, while structural characteristics were assessed using diameter at breast height and tree height. Ecosystem services were evaluated using indicators such as carbon storage and temperature reduction. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and multiple regression analysis. The results revealed that tree species diversity has the strongest positive and significant effect on ecosystem services, followed by structural characteristics and land use type. The regression model explained a substantial proportion of variation in ecosystem services, indicating strong predictive capacity. The findings highlight the importance of biodiversity, tree maturity, and spatial planning in enhancing environmental performance in urban areas. The study concludes that sustainable urban forestry practices are essential for improving ecosystem services and urban resilience in Nigeria. It recommends the promotion of diverse tree planting, conservation of mature trees, and integration of green infrastructure into urban planning policies.