Plant species diversity in a changing agricultural landscape: the case of Kaweri Coffee Plantation, Central Uganda

Abstract

Plant diversity in Kaweri Coffee Plantation was inventoried in January 2002. The aim was to document the species in the area before establishment of a coffee plantation and to create a database for monitoring changes in the ecosystem. International Forestry Resources and Institutions' (IFRI) method of three concentric circles was used to collect data from 64 sample plots established along transects laid in four major habitats: closed forest, swamp, grassland and farmland. All tbe plants were Identified to species level except two, which were identified to genus level. Nine hundred and ninety nine individuals were identified 215 tree species, four shrub species and 403 spedes of non-woody plants from 255 genera and 85 families. Most of the plants (98.3%) were Spermatophytes, a few (1.7%) were Pteridophyes and" only two were orchids. Some of the species identified were adapted to one or more habitats; the majority was adapted to roadsides and farmlands. A comprehensive survey of plants and establishment of a database for monitoring future changes in the landscape is recommended as part of a planned investment in plantation agriculture.