Abstract
This study has filled a gap in knowledge as it was channeled to investigate the implication of land cover change on the terrestrial tree species composition and diversity in Yenagoa, Nigeria. This study adopted a survey research design and was designed in a way that data were collected using GIS and field survey. Data were sourced from primary and secondary sources and were both quantitative and qualitative data. This paper concluded that there was high tree species diversity in the study area. Climate change, population, urbanization, farming, and use of resources are the key drivers of land cover change in the study area while the major drivers of biodiversity loss are land use/modification, climate change, forest depletion, oil and gas production, and urbanization. The following recommendations were made in line with the findings of this study: there is need for the State and Local Governments to review their land use plan to inculcate green concept to fight against the drivers of land cover change such as climate change, urbanization, farming and other resource use. This can be in the form of policy formulation and practical changes in culture that promote such causal factors, properly regulation of forest resources, climate change mitigation actions such as Smart Agriculture, Green building, afforestation and other environmentally friendly activities should be promoted by all stakeholders to protect the biological diversity of the area.
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