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It has been established that there is a crucial relationship between biological diversity and quality of
ecosystem services. Environmental pressures are directly responsible for survival and perpetuation
of plant species in ecosystems. In forests and woodlands, wildfire is among the pronounced abiotic
factors that influence reproductive success. The present study was confined to two miombo forests,
namely, Ilunde which was frequently burnt and Kitwe a fire - suppressed one. The study aimed to
compare the diversity of all plant forms (tree, shrubs, saplings, herbs and grasses) in the two forests.
Thirty (30) circular concentric plots were established in each forest and used to record total number
of individuals of all species. The diversity of plant species was determined using Shannon-Wiener
diversity index and compared using ANOVA. MODIS (moderate resolution imaging spectroradiometry)
data at high temporal resolutions were used to determine the fire frequency of Ilunde
forest. The diversity of plant species of all forms was significantly high in the frequently burnt forest
of Ilunde (P < 0.005). Frequent fires increase the diversity of plant species in miombo woodlands. It
is likely that disturbances from wildfires eliminate disturbance-sensitive species, ultimately,
increasing species diversity by creating niches and resources for use by invading species. There is a
need to carry out further studies on the threshold, optimal and critical fire frequencies for high plant
species diversity due to environmental concerns.
Keywords: Diversity; Miombo; MODIS; Wildfire; Woodlands