Growth forms and Plants’ Conservation Status in Impacted Lotic Wetlands Associated with the Lower Niger River Basin, Delta State, Nigeria
Résumé
Aim: We aimed to assess the diversity of plant growth forms and IUCN conservation status across three impacted roadside lotic wetlands of Asaba Metropolis associated with the lower Niger River Basin, Delta State, Nigeria Study Design: The study adopted systematic sampling method. To ensure detailed identification and coverage of heterogeneous vegetation units within and between sampled wetlands. Also, species conservation status was verified using online IUCN database. Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in three locations within Asaba viz: Anwai (DOU), Asaba-Ogwasi Exressway (ADP) and Ibuzor village (Ibuzor). Field surveys were conducted during the months of April–June 2025. Methodology: Using belt transects and quadrats established along the water course, plants where identified to species level using standard taxonomic guides. Also, current species conservation status was verified using online IUCN database. Results: A total of 67 species were identified, belonging to 32 families. The most dominant family was Fabaceae, with 12 species (17.9%), followed by Poaceae (9 species; 13.4%) and Cyperaceae (5 species; 7.5%). Life form analysis showed a significant dominance of herbaceous species, constituting over 50% of all recorded flora, suggesting ecological disturbance and a prevalence of pioneer colonizers. Other life forms included shrubs (16%), trees (15%), climbers, aquatic macrophytes, sedges, and ferns. A preliminary assessment of species conservation status using the IUCN Red List revealed that they were classified either as Least Concern (LC) or Not Evaluated (NE), highlighting a gap in conservation documentation for tropical species encountered. Conclusion: Despite considerable species diversity, the dominance of generalist and disturbance-tolerant species, coupled with the underrepresentation of rare or conservation-sensitive taxa; underscoring the urgent need for proactive wetland conservation and urban ecological planning. Monitoring biodiversity trends and integrating conservation assessments into land-use decisions are vital for sustaining the ecological integrity of wetland habitats.