SITE

Forest degradation remains a pressing environmental issue, threatening biodiversity and ecosystem functionality worldwide. This study evaluates tree seedling diversity and growth dynamics in a forest restoration site at the University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria. The research aims to assess species composition, growth performance, and biodiversity indices within a designated 100m x 86m sample plot. Data collection involved identifying tree species, recording their abundance, and measuring key growth parameters, including height, number of leaves, number of branches, and collar girth. The study employed descriptive statistics and diversity indices such as Shannon-Wiener, Simpson’s, and Margalef’s indices, while growth data were analyzed using One-Way ANOVA in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD). A total of 194 trees, representing 28 species from 19 families, were recorded. Among these, 19 species regenerated naturally, while 9 were deliberately planted. The diversity analysis indicated that naturally regenerated species exhibited higher diversity indices (Hˡ = 2.813, D = 0.947, M = 4.195) compared to planted species, highlighting the significance of natural regeneration in enhancing biodiversity. Growth analysis revealed that Terminalia ivorensis demonstrated the highest growth rates across all measured parameters, while Entandrophragma cylindricuvvvvvvvvvvv m recorded the lowest performance. This study underscores the role of human activity in shaping forest regeneration outcomes. The findings suggest that deforestation and land-use change significantly impact species diversity, thereby affecting ecosystem stability. To promote effective forest restoration, it is recommended that reforestation efforts prioritize the selection of resilient native species, enhance conservation strategies, and conduct further research on the ecological factors
influencing seedling establishment and growth. These initiatives are essential for fostering long-term forest sustainability and biodiversity conservatio