Impact of Invasive Species and Tree Diversity on the Dom palm: Community Perception and Human-Induced Changes, Dryland, Sudan

We conducted this research in Aldammar locality, River Nile State, Sudan. Research aimed to 1) assess tree diversity and composition, 2) examine community perceptions toward the Dom palm. A stratified conventional inventory was used. Regarding climate change, a total of 36, 12, and 11 sample plots (each 0.10 ha, radius 17.8 m) were established in Geli, Elhelgi, and Umbasheem forests, respectively. In each sample plot, we identified all trees to the species level, recorded their frequencies, and computed species diversity and importance value indices (IVI). Socio-economic data were collected using a structured household survey administered to 146 respondents distributed across seven randomly selected villages, complemented by 20 key informant interviews. Data was analyzed using Microsoft Excel and SPSS. The results revealed that 8, 7, and 6 tree species belonging to six families were recorded in three sites. The mean tree density was 254.33 trees/ha, 1611.33 trees/ha, and 337 trees/ha for the respective sites. The dominant species were H. thebaica in Umbasheem, which exhibited richness (R=11), Dominance (D' = 0.55), Simpson’s Diversity (D = 0.45), Shannon Index (H' = 1.12), and Evenness (E 0.47). Additionally, Prosopis spp. is dominant in Elhelgi and Geli sites as well. The study noted present (59) individuals of the Dom regeneration in Umbashem and absent in the others. H. thebiaca. Regarding community perceptions, respondents indicated that the status of the Doum palm stands is degraded, and that the invasive Prosopis spp. exerts major negative impacts on Doum forests. The study concludes that the massive expansion of invasive Prosopis spp. is most likely to lead to the degradation and potential destruction of Dom palm (H. thebaica) resources, especially under the current management practices, and observed a significant absence of Dom regeneration. the study recommended adopting new approaches and prospective to Dom palm management.