Original Article Assessment of present status of plant species in Otuoke macro habi tat of Ogbia in B ayelsa state, Nigeria:A checklist of plant species in the study area B L Nyananyo 1, M M Etukudo 2* , M I E Roberts 3 Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Federal University Otuoke, P.M.B. 126, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State , NIGERIA . Email:
[email protected] Abstract This study was carried out to assess the qualitative parameters of native species in Otuoke terres trial habitat in view of the need for monitoring of plant species and enhance sustainability of the important services provided by plants. Random sampling with line transect was used to collect plant specimen from the study area. Preservation and identification of plant species were carried out using standard taxonomic procedures. Vast number of plant species ranging from herbs, shrubs to trees were identified in the study area. Eighty six (86) plant species that cut across different families were identified and preserved in the herbarium unit of the Department of Biological Sciences, Federal University Otuoke, Bayelsa State, Nigeria. This study provides an excellent overview of the present status of plant species in the study area. This study suggests that Otuoke terrestrial habitat is endowed with great diversity of flora, hence, appropriate conservation strategies should be adopted for sustainable exploitation and management of plant species in the area. Keywords: Assessment, present status, plant species, Otuoke, Bayelsa state, Nigeria. *Address for Correspondence: Dr. M M Etukudo, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Federal University Otuoke, P.M.B. 126, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, NIGERIA.