Diversity and Dominance of a Woody Vegetation of a Semi-Desert Seasonal Watercourse: A Case of Wadi-Elmugadum, Khartoum State, Sudan

Abstract

Wadi-Elmugadum is a seasonal watercourse located in the semi-desert vegetation zone of Sudan. In the present study the woody vegetation of this watercourse was characterized for its species dominance and diversity. Nine species belonging to four botanical families were recorded in the area. Acacia seyal and Acacia nilotica prevailed along the watercourse whereas Calotropis procera and Boscia senegalensis dominated the degraded lands. Acacia tortilis and Maerua crassifolia, which previously characterized the zone, showed rare existence. Salvadora persica and Leptadenia pyrotechnica disappeared from the area. In addition to other factors, the expansion of cultivated lands deteriorated seriously the natural vegetation. This calls for urgent vegetation conservatory and restoration actions to reduce impacts of threatening factors in the area.