Regeneration Status of Indigenous Tree Species in Logged-Over Forests of Delta State

Selective logging in the lowland rainforests of Delta State has left a complex legacy of altered stand structure and impaired natural regeneration, with implications for long-term forest productivity and biodiversity. This study examines the natural regeneration status of indigenous tree species in logged-over forests at three sites with different logging intensity histories in Delta State. Systematic rectangular plots measuring 50 by 20 metres were nested within circular subplots for seedling and sapling enumeration. All woody individuals were measured and identified, with regeneration classified into three height classes. Species importance values, regeneration adequacy indices, and soil physical properties were computed for each intensity category. Results show that highly disturbed plots had the lowest regeneration density and were dominated by light-demanding pioneer species such as Musanga cecropioides and Macaranga barteri, while less disturbed plots retained more shade-tolerant species in the regeneration layer. Critically, high-value commercial species including Khaya grandifoliola and Entandrophragma species showed extremely poor seedling recruitment across all logging intensity categories, attributed to both seed source depletion and browsing pressure. Soil compaction from skidding tracks was significantly higher in heavily logged sections, suppressing seedling establishment. The study recommends enrichment planting with indigenous commercial species in logged gaps and controlled grazing exclusion in regenerating patches as complementary restoration interventions. Keywords: natural regeneration, logged forest, indigenous species, Delta State, forest restoration