Nigeria 7 Major Vegetation Zones
This Post is to educate you on the Major Vegetation Zones in Nigeria.
Nigeria’s numerous vegetation zones are as a result of the country’s varied climatic circumstances. Different temperatures, weather patterns, and other geographical factors produce variety in vegetation from the north to the south of the nation.
The many vegetation zones in the nation and their identifying traits are described in this blog post. So, let’s first define what vegetation means before moving forward.
What Exactly Is Vegetation?
Simply said, the word “vegetation” refers to any plants that cover or grow in a particular region. Typically, a country’s climate zones determine what kinds of plants can grow there.
The plants and animals that inhabit that environment vary depending on the region of the country, just as the climate and temperature do.
So called vegetation zones are the areas of the country where there is a relationship between the vegetation and the climate. Therefore, vegetation is the kind of plants that cover a specific area.
Nigeria’s Vegetation Zones and Their Features
In spite of the fact that Nigeria has a wide variety of vegetation zones, we’ll focus on the most prevalent ones. The notable vegetation zones in Nigeria are listed below:
1. Rainforest
One of the main vegetation zones in Nigeria is the rainforest.
There are numerous rainforests to be found throughout most of the nation. It comprises multi-tiered tropical rainforests that are protected and tropical forests in high mountains.
It rarely rains more than 1600 mm per year in the northern part of the rainforest zone, which makes it difficult for trees to grow. As a result, the expansion of the forest in that vegetative zone is reduced.
The soil is drier and there is less humidity as well. Even still, as you travel north, the forests get sparser and the savannah flora starts to emerge.
2. Freshwater Swamp Forest
The country’s Niger Delta region is home to the freshwater swamp forest.
The freshwater swamp forest is one of Nigeria’s major vegetation zones. The coastal vegetation, riparian forest, mangrove forest, and lowland rainforest are further elements of the tropical rainforest in southern Nigeria.
One of the most productive ecosystems on the planet is this area of plants. The Niger Delta region of the nation is a good example of a typical freshwater swamp forest.
This area of vegetation can be compared to a biological variety storehouse that provides a good habitat for both plants and some rare, endangered species.
3. Sahel Savannah
One of Nigeria’s seven main vegetation zones is the sahel savannah.
Since it is mostly desert, the Sahel savannah has the harshest vegetation in the nation. This vegetation is characterized by extremely brief rainfall followed by a severe, protracted dry season.
Because of this, the yearly rainfall barely lasts for 3 to 4 months. And this is the reason why there is little vegetation in these places. The grasses are often fairly short in the areas where there is any vegetation.
4. Sudan Savannah
A significant vegetation zone and productive area for cultivation is Nigeria’s Sudan Savannah.
North of the Guinea savanna is where the Sudan savanna is a kind of flora. Here, annual rainfall declines by 5001000 mm. The dry season follows, lasting for a further six to seven months.
The low, dense grass covers some areas of this vegetative zone as well. And in this area, there are various acacia species, which give the surroundings a distinctive look. It’s tough to picture the Sudan grassland without the ubiquitous baobabs.
5. Guinea Savannah
The country’s major vegetation zone is the Guinea savannah. This vegetation covers nearly 50% of the land in Nigeria.
This region receives 10001400 mm of precipitation annually on average. A person could be covered by the tall grass that grows here, and large animals can easily hide in them. Much of the vegetation in guinea savannah is elephant grass.
6. Montane Vegetation
In Nigeria’s high mountainous regions, one can find the montane vegetation zone.
High mountainous areas support the montane vegetation zone of flora. Places like the Jos Plateau and Obudu in the state of Cross River have this type of plateau vegetation.
Given that the Jos Plateau is one of Nigeria’s highest points, it makes sense that the region has montane vegetation. Grassland and slopes, which are primarily made up of woods, make up a typical montane vegetation zone.
7. Mangrove Swamp Forest
Southern Nigeria’s coastal regions have mangrove swamp forests.
A type of forest vegetation known as mangroves is typically found before the Atlantic Ocean. The zone’s coastal setting affects the type of vegetation there. Also, this area’s natural features are influenced by the nearby sea and its saline water.
Conclusion
The main vegetation zone of Nigeria was covered in this blog post. Several parts of the nation have these seven vegetation zones.
Climate, the physical characteristics of the region, and temperature all have an impact on this vegetation. It explains why you will notice that the vegetation is different around the nation as you travel.
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