Journal of Research in Forestry, Wildlife and Environment

Occurrence and distribution of invasive plants in a Guinea Savanna University Campus

2024-02-15T12:36:44+00:00

This study was carried out to assess the occurrence and distribution of non-native invasive plants in the Federal University of Lafia campus. Ten quadrants of size 1m2 was laid out systematically and positioned in alternate format along a 100 m line transect at 5 m interval resulting into 30 quadrants distributed across three areas in the campus (protected area (PA), developed area (DA) and wetland area (WA). The abundance of the non-native invasive plants and other plants found in the quadrants was determined. The diversity indices were also quantified. The PA was observed to have the highest Shannon–Wiener index (H = 2.413) and evenness (0.620). The DA has the lowest plant diversity indices. It was observed that the distribution of non-native invasive species in the study area was influenced by the rate of disturbance occurring in each site. It was also estimated from result that the infestation of these plant species will continue to increase along with continued disturbances from ongoing development of the permanent site of the University.

Effects of growing media on growth performance of Irvingia wombulu seedlings

2024-02-15T12:42:35+00:00

The study evaluated the effect of different growing media on the seedling growth performance of Irvingia wombulu to examine the potential growing media of amended soil with rice husk. The treatment combinations were topsoil + rice husk (1:1), topsoil +rice husk (2:1), topsoil + rice husk (3:1), rice husk (1), and topsoil (control). The experiment was laid out in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with 4 replicates. Data were subjected to analysis of variance, least significant difference (LSD) test was used to compare means at 0.05 level of significance. The results showed that topsoil + Husk (1:1) = 1.83 cm2 while Husk = 1.69 cm2 in terms of leave area at week 9 implying that topsoil + Husk (1:1) treatment had the highest total area of leaves while the Husk treatment had the least. Also, in week 6, the results indicated that topsoil + Husk (1:1), topsoil + Husk (3:1), and topsoil all had 100% survival rates, whereas topsoil + Husk (2:1) and Husk had survival rates of 97% and 81%, respectively. The media effect was significantly different on two parameters (height = 0.001, survival rate = 0.0001, p≤0.05) while there was no significant difference in the media effect on the other two parameters (leaf area = 0.09, leaf number = 0.09, p≤0.05). The study concluded that seedling growth of Irvingia wombolu is significantly influenced by soil media and that topsoil + husk (1:1) recorded better growth performance, which is therefore recommended for raising Irwingia wombulu species in the nursery establishment.

Social, economic and ecological contributions of charcoal production and sales to peoples’ livelihood of Karongi district

2024-02-15T12:50:37+00:00

Biomass uses accounts for 98.5% of the country's primary energy needs. Of this, firewood accounts for 57.0%, charcoal for 23%, along with smaller amounts of crop residues, peat, and other materials totaling 60.0% and 14.0%, respectively (Hakizimana E et al., 2020). The study aimed at assessing the socio-economic, contributions of charcoal production and sales to peoples livelihood was conducted in three sectors Mutuntu, Twumba and Rwankuba of Karongi district. The study also was conducted under three specific objectives; i) Identify Tree species size and Charcoal production methods adopted in the study area ii) Examine Socio-economic, and Ecological impact of Charcoal Production and Selling Cooperatives, iii) Perform Benefit - Cost Analysis (BCA) between Charcoal Selling Price and Production Cost. A sample of 200 households was selected from the study area using Yemane formula, With SATATA, the Regression Analysis was made to determine the correlation among independent and dependent variables. The findings indicated that 64.5% of trees were harvested at diameter class ranging from 10 to 20 cm of DBH and Traditional Charcoal Production Method is applied at 95%. Casamance’s BCR is greater than the one of Tradition Method with 2.7 and 1.5 respectively. It was also found that P – values obtained on both Social, Economic and Ecological aspects are less than 0.05. Charcoal Production and Selling makes positive significant improvement in Social and Economic impact on peoples’ livelihood and ecologically to the sustainability of forests of Karongi District especially in the study areas.

Characterisation of rainfall pattern in northern Nigeria

2024-02-15T12:55:23+00:00

In this work, attempt was made to characterise rainfall pattern in Northern Nigeria. Investigations were carried out by using rainfall data from selected gauging stations across the hydrological areas; Three statistical tests: (i) statistical moment (ii) Analytic studies of annual rainfall cycles and (iii) detection of drought signature via standardised anomaly were explored for this analysis. The results obtained indicated that most observed stations showed significant pattern in the series. For instance, rainfall statistical moment portrayed that HA 1 has a mean annual rainfall of 194cm with standard deviation of 16.79cm and HA 3 and HA 8 jostled for the less for example HA 3 had annual mean rainfall of 76.207cm and substantial standard deviation that stood at 21.598cm which is quit debilitating whereas HA 8 scored the least mean, that is 36.175cm and outrageous standard deviation of 24.700cm. In this context, incidence of rainfall seems to decreases with a sequential increment of latitudinal signatory. In addition, notable years of extreme dryness are 1976, 1978,1983,1984, 1986, 1987, 1972, 1973,1974 and 1976 and this probably informed the classification of the whole Northern Nigeria as a slightly dry region when considered in the period understudy. In addition, general pattern for the entire HAs shown that for the period under consideration the rainfall increasing at an average rate of 6.10% per annum for whole Northern Nigeria, a factors sufficient to sustain rain fed agriculture. Considering the results obtained, there is need to examine other hydrometeorology variables in addition to rainfall in order to have a thorough understanding of the time-space dependent behaviour of the hydro-meteorological processes and their correlating aggregate effects. It is pertinent therefore that several statistical approaches should be used to capture trend and mutations; as one approach may not truly give a snapshot of` hydrological variability in a particular basin; i.e., for purposes of drawing effective conclusions.

Microclimate effect of agroforestry plantations on atmospheric temperature in Abia and Ebonyi States, Southeast Nigeria

2024-02-15T13:08:34+00:00

A two-year field study was conducted to determine the microclimate effect of agroforestry plantations on atmospheric temperature at Okwuta, Umuahia, Abia State and Ishiagu, Ebonyi State; Southeast Nigeria. Temperature variations in the different agroforestry ecosystems and control stations were collected using thermometers. Paired sample statistics were employed in comparing temperature variations between ecosystems using a statistical tool, GenStat version 7.22 DE. Temperature variations within and between the experimental sites indicated that the maximum and minimum temperature (⁰C) from the control were higher than the agroforestry plantations within the year (2020/2021) under study with an annual mean temperature variation of 4.670C for maximum and 4.090C for minimum (2020); and 4.04 ⁰C for maximum and 3.80⁰C for minimum (2021) between the control and agroforestry plantation plots at FRIN Agroforestry site. Equally, the annual mean temperature variation of 4.06 0C for maximum and 4.67⁰C for minimum (2020); and 4.00⁰C for maximum and 4.22⁰C for minimum (2021) temperatures between the control and agroforestry plantation plots at FCA, Ishiagu. These figures showed that agroforestry plantations ameliorated temperatures significantly within the range specified in the study. This finding highlighted the potentiality of agroforestry plantations to ameliorate the high atmospheric temperatures of the surrounding environment. From the findings of this study, the following are recommended: agroforestry plantation establishment be encouraged to ensure the modification of environmental temperature. Agroforestry plantation establishments will equally serve as a carbon sink, thus mitigating the effect of global warming and the attendant climate change.

Estimation of emissions from tropical deforestation scenarios in Anambra state using the global Forest Watch remote sensing tool

2024-02-16T06:24:35+00:00

The overall objective of this paper is to assess the impacts of deforestation scenarios in Anambra state, Southeastern Nigeria with open- source remote sensing datasets of the Global Forest Watch Tool. Methodologically, tree cover gain-and-loss status of tree cover including rates of deforestation related carbon emissions were quantified in Anambra State using the open-source remote sensing platform of Global Forest Watcher (GFW). From the results of the analysis, ten (10%) of Anambra State gained 6.76kha of trees spanning a total of 47.0 kha of land during 2000 - 2010. This value equals 1.5% of Anambra’ total landmass. In contrast, Anambra state lost a total of 1.52 kha of tree cover to deforestation activities. The results also show that, Awka South LGA (19,740 tons of CO₂eq) emits the highest amount of carbon emissions resulting from tropical deforestation in Anambra State. Next to Awka South LGA, is Nnewi South records a total of 13,400 tons of CO₂eq, Onitsha North (12,100 tons of CO₂eq), Nnewi North (6,440 tons of CO₂eq); Awka North (1,890 tons of CO₂eq) and Onitsha South (1480 tons of CO₂eq) emits the least amount of carbon emission from deforestation in Anambra state. Conclusion, the Global Forest Watcher is a viable open-source remote sensing tool for tropical deforestation’s emission mapping in Anambra state. It is therefore recommended in this paper that, there is need for government at both the state and local government levels to intensify tree planting interventions towards mitigating the impacts from carbon emissions resulting from deforestation activities.

Survey and management of avenue trees in the premises of University of Benin campuses, Benin, Nigeria

2024-02-16T06:41:39+00:00

Urban trees possess a range of social and cultural values, relating to aesthetics, safety, business and history. Trees planted in institutions present great potential for urban tree management; but management strategies for trees may differ due to their structure. These trees are often neglected, without adequate management plans thus limiting the potential of the trees, making these trees to become environmental threats. This study assessed the survey and management of avenue trees in the university of Benin (UNIBEN) campuses. Trees in the study areas were enumerated using walking survey. Data on availability of administrative provisions for management of the avenue trees within the university campuses were collected by administering questionnaires to the officials of tree units on both campuses and the data obtained were analyzed using descriptive statistics. A total number of 1,591 avenue trees were identified along the 20 major roads in UNIBEN Ugbowo campus with 61 different species. Tectona grandis was most abundant in terms of frequency (223) and relative frequency (14.02%). For Ekehuan campus a total of 52 avenue trees were identified along the 8 major roads with 15 different species, with Mangifera indica the most +abundant in terms frequency (10) and relative frequency (19.23%). The study revealed that management activities on both campuses especially that of Ekehuan campus was poor and recommended that there be an update and development of management plan and unit (for Ekehuan campus) if species existence is to be sustained.

Assessment of land uses and land cover change of Ngel Nyaki Forest Reserve, Nigeria

2024-02-16T06:48:44+00:00

Land use and land cover changes have become an issue of global interest, mainly as the results of unprecedented changes impacted on the environment by Man to satisfy his economic needs. Landsat imageries of Ngel Nyaki forest reserve for 2002, 2012 and 2022 were obtained, based on availability. The images were classified into five land use and land cover change (Dense forest land, Spares Forest Land, Grass Land and Bare Land). The results of the findings from the classification shows Dense forest land (680.13ha, 706.23ha and 542.52ha), Spares Forest Land (95.94ha, 137.07ha, and 188.73ha), Grass Land (224.64ha, 214.02, 223.83ha) and Bare Land (56.61ha, 0.00ha, 102.24ha) for 2002, 2012 and 2022 respectively. The dense forest was observed to have greater proportion of the land cover compare to other classes, which is an indication of the potential of the forest reserve in carbon sequestration as well as species richness. Finally, remote sensing techniques was sufficiently deployed to estimate the land use and land cover classification of Ngel Nyaki Forest Reserve which is now available for the forest manager to make an informed decision in sustainable management of the forest reserve.

Species diversity and distribution of some arboreal mammals in Gumti sector of Gashaka Gumti National Park, Nigeria

2024-02-16T06:58:25+00:00

This study aimed at producing the arboreal mammalian species check list, estimate their absolute population densities and determine their diversity and distribution pattern in GGNP.The arboreal mammalian species checklist was obtained through direct sighting, the use of indices, literature and inspection of bush meat processing and selling centres. The line Burkea-Crosopteryx association, Riparian vegetation and the Uapaca-Propis association transect method was used for census of arboreal mammalian species in five wildlife habitats in the study area (riparian vegetation, shrub savanna, grassland savannah, Burkea-Crosopteryx association and the Uapaca- Propis association). Results obtained indicated that six (6) arboreal mammalian species belonging to three (3) families existed in the study area. Absolute population densities of mammalian species ranged from 5.04 to 6.81/km² . Diversity of the arboreal mammalian species for the entire study area was 1.1364. Cluster analysis revealed that two clusters of communities of arboreal mammalian species existed in the study area. In view of the extreme decline in population densities of arboreal mammalian species in the study area, it is recommended that all illegal anthropogenic activities in the study area should be brought to a halt by legal means, regular monitoring of the abundance and distribution species of wildlife population should be carried out, habitat assessment should be carried out at regular intervals to ascertain the conditions of the habitats and patrol should be intensified to checkmate anthropogenic activities in the study area.

Evaluation of selected water quality parameters and possible tourism activities in Ayikunugba waterfall, Oke-Ila, Nigeria

2024-02-16T07:09:47+00:00

This study evaluated some water quality parameters of Ayikunugba waterfall and assessed the awareness of members of the host community of tourism activities that can be done in and around the waterfall. Water samples were collected fortnightly for 4 months from 3 sampling locations to determine temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen (DO), and biological oxygen demand (BOD). Probe meters and standard laboratory methods were used to evaluate these parameters. Structured questionnaires were administered to the village and household heads from Oke-Ila community to assess the community’s awareness of tourism activities that can be done using the waterfall. Results show that the water temperature (23.58±1.51ºC), pH (7.20±0.17), DO (10.34±0.57mg/L) and BOD (1.66±0.73mg/L) were within the standard limits for recreational waters. The respondents’ majority were male (86.25%), 41 – 60 years of age (61.25%), with a minimum of secondary school education (65.00%). The respondents’ majority (98.75%) have previously participated in a tourism activity; 90.00% of them have visited Ayikunugba waterfall during OkeIla Day annual celebration (27.50%) and for the discovery of the waterfall myth (25.00%). Tourism activities with high levels of respondents’ awareness include swimming (98.75%), sales of arts and crafts (98.75%), cycling (97.50%), trekking (92.50) and boating (81.25%). Therefore, Ayikunugba waterfall is recommended for development to harness its tourism potential while community involvement should be employed to facilitate sustainable use.

Perception on the roles of avenue trees in the provision of environmental service functions in the premises of University of Benin campuses, Benin, Nigeria

2024-02-16T07:24:14+00:00

This study assessed the perception on the roles of avenue trees in the provision of environmental service functions in the premises of the university of Benin (UNIBEN) Ugbowo and Ekehuan campuses. Data for the assessment of perception and willingness of the members of the University community to participate in urban tree projects were obtained using well-structured questionnaires administered to 484 respondents and the data obtained were analyzed with descriptive statistics. Tobit model was also used to evaluate public willingness to finance avenue tree planting at both Campuses of the UNIBEN of all the benefits derivable from avenue trees for both Ugbowo and Ekehuan campuses cooling the environment ranked highest with 51.8% and 51.2%. For both ugbowo and Ekehuan campuses 50.7% and 57.1% of the populace showed willingness to support green development. The study revealed that the benefits derivable from the trees in order of preference are important for cooling of the environment, beautification and provision of shade e.t.c. This implies that with increased tree planting in these premises, the environment becomes cleaner and pollution free. This must be taken serious as well as we should bear these aforementioned services in mind and should therefore look for species that can optimally provide these services without comprising the safety of the people and the totality of the work environment.

Evaluation of heavy metals in the kidney, liver, and muscle tissues of Tragelaphus scriptus, Hystrix cristata, and Thryonomys swinderianus in Taraba State, Nigeria

2024-02-16T07:34:23+00:00

Heavy metals are dangerous elements of the earth crust and they tend to bioaccumulate, increasing concentration level in biological organism over the time. This study evaluates heavy metal concentrations (Fe, Cu, Mn, Cd and Pb) in the kidney, liver, and muscles tissues of Antelope (Tragelaphus scriptus), Grasscutter (Thryonomys swinderianus) and Porcupine (Hystrix cristata) in Taraba State, Nigeria. A total of 18 smoked samples from the kidney, liver, and muscles tissues of Antelope (Tragelaphus scriptus), Grasscutter (Thryonomys swinderianus) and Porcupine (Hystrix cristata) were used for the study. The samples were digested and analyzed using Atomic Absorption Spectrometer (AAS). Results obtained from the heavy metal analysis revealed that the concentration of Pb in Antelope’s liver and kidney (0.780±0.107ppm, 0.775±0.19ppm), Grass cutter’s muscle and liver (0.584±0.085ppm, 0.434±0.010ppm), and Porcupine’s liver (0.430±0.01ppm) were higher than the safe limits recommended by WHO (0.01-0.38ppm) for human consumption. While the heavy metal concentrations (Fe, Cu, Mn, and Cd) were within the safe limits. The high level of Pb in the samples is a matter of concern for bush meat consumption from that area. Therefore, the study recommends the need for continuous education of hunters and farmers on the detrimental effects of using guns for hunting and the use of chemicals for agricultural activities mostly around the reserves where game animals are found.

Survey of preferred household energy utilization in Otukpo town Benue State, Nigeria

2024-02-16T07:58:46+00:00

The study conducted in Otukpo town, Benue State, Nigeria was aimed to assess the preferred household energy utilization and the factors influencing these preferences. Multi-stage sampling technique was adopted to randomly select 10 households from 10 communities in Oturkpo town. One hundred adults purposely selected and interviewed with Google Forms semi-structured questionnaire for data collection. Results showed a majority of respondents were females (91.2%). Monthly, most of the respondents (43.1% and 35.3%) earned between N 21,000 to N 50,000 and spent N5,000 to N10,000 on household energy. Majority (38.2%) preferred firewood as single- use energy and firewood and charcoal (68.6%) as double-use while charcoal was the most (65.7%) easy and convenient accessible energy. Income (42.2%) was the major factor influencing energy preference while convenience (35.3%) and ease of accessibility (35.3%) were the major reasons for preference. Preference for gas increased progressively from 2% for no-salary earners to 78.4% for those earning above N 200,000. Preference for charcoal and firewood decreased from 34.7% and 72.3% to 10.8% and 8.8% respectively for respondents with no-salary and income above N 200,000, respectively. The choice for firewood decreased from 60.8% for the unemployed to 6.9% for the Civil Servants. Also, respondents with no formal education utilized charcoal and firewood (53.9 % and 50.0%) compared to those with tertiary education (11.8% and 8.8%), respectively. Preference for cooking gas was lowest with respondents with no formal education in contrast to those with tertiary education (86.3%). In conclusion, low income and education encouraged the use of firewood and charcoal.

Effects of anthropogenic activities on vegetation of Kwande Local Government Area, Benue State, Nigeria

2024-02-16T08:10:35+00:00

Effects of anthropogenic activities on vegetation cover of Kwande Local Government Area was carried out to determine the land used and land cover changes of the study area over the period of 33 years. The study made use of mostly secondary data from pre-existing satellite imageries. The Landsat TM for 1988, Landsat ETM+ for 2009 and 2021 as well as OLI for 2019 images were sourced from the Earth explorer platform from United States Geological Surveys (USGS), Global Land Cover Facility (GLCF) and GloVis. Images were subjected to various image processing techniques and supervised classification was carried out on the various images using Idirisi ArcGIS10.1. Six classes—forest area, agricultural area, built up area, Bare land, grassland/herbaceous cover and water body—were produced by the classification. The trend of LULC in Kwande LG A revealed that built up areas increased considerably from 6.20% in 1988 to 21.31% in 2021. Grass land noticeably increased from 28.46% in 1988 to 31.57% in 2021. Water body increased from 0.74% in 1988 to 1.15% in 2021. Forested area decreased from 19.26% in1988 to 9.18%in 2021. Agricultural areas on the other hand decreased from 37.98% in 1988 to 29.55% in 202. The magnitude of land use and land cover change throughout the course of the 33-year period revealed that built up increased by 645.08 Sq. km, grass land increased by 93.77 Sq. km and water bodies increased by 12.39 Sq. km within 33 years’ period. Forested area decreased by -305.27 Sq. km, agricultural area also decreased by -277.89 Sq. km, bare land area lost during that time was -3.31 Sq. km to other land uses. The loss of naturally forested areas in Kwande Local Government Area was linked to anthropogenic activities resulted from increased in population of the area.Sustainable agriculture, reafforestation were recommended for the area to restore the lost vegetation.

Effect of artificial waterholes on distribution of wildlife fauna in arboretum of Gashaka Gumti National Park, Taraba State, Nigeria

2024-02-16T08:17:56+00:00

This research focused on the influence of using artificial waterhole on wildlife fauna distribution in Gashaka Gumbti National Park. The methodology used was simply to identify/build artificial waterholes for these wildlife animals to aggregate and use during the dry season when most natural streams and springs were dried up. Data were collected from January to end of August, 2018 through Focus group interview of the Park Management Staff (field Rangers and anti-poachers) and field observations from mornings between 6. 00 am to 10.00 am and evenings from 3.00 pm to 6.00 p.m. Night observations were hindered due to insecurity and banditry activities. However, foot prints and fecal droppings were identified. Two artificial waterholes were identified that supplied water to the wildlife animal species during the dry season. Hundred percent of the staff identify the need for waterhole, about 88.57% agreed that animals visited the waterhole mostly in the evening (60%) and 85.71% advocated for more waterholes in the study area. The following animals were observed to have visited the waterhole like Papio anubis (20%), Tragelaphus Scriptus (30%), Cephalophus rufilatus (10%), Chlorocebus tantalus (20%) and Hippotragus eguines (20%). Some wild aves (birds) also benefitted from this water scheme, mostly, Apus affinis and Ceyx picta. It is recommended that, authority should consider conducting regular specific site assessment of the waterholes for their maintenance and modification where and when necessary.

Public perception towards urban forest restoration: A case study of Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria

2024-02-16T08:49:54+00:00

This study assessed the perception and attitudes of the urban dwellers of Benin City, Nigeria towards forest restoration. A fifty percent sampling intensity was used to select 16 wards out of the 32 wards in the Local Government Area of Benin City using picking without replacement method. A total of 304 questionnaires were distributed and 287 retrieved (87 from Ikpoba-Okha, 95 Egor and 105 Oredo Local Government Areas) respectively. Results showed that the respondents were people of all age groups who are married and educated (61.1%). Some of the respondents (Egor (46%); Ikpoba-Okha (44%); Oredo (49%) LGAs) were not aware of its purpose of forest restoration program. The highest responses were recorded in Egor LGA, were the respondents agreed that the forest provides benefits such as sources of fish varieties, wildlife and plants (97%); timber and tourism opportunities (83.1%); soil and water health (80%); scenery, sounds and smell in the forest (79%); platform for scientific observation and experimentation (64.2%) while 55.8% were of the opinion that forests held ancient traditional beliefs. The study revealed constraints faced were lack of funds, lack of access to road, forest organization staff, fragmentation and connectivity and land use change. It was evident that certain individuals (in Ikpoba-Okha and Oredo) had a limited understanding of the benefits of forest restoration, leading to resistance towards these programs. Also, there was a perception that forest restoration activities were time-consuming, costly and would not yield immediate results which discourage participation. Community-based forestry, urban forestry initiative campaigns should be included in forest restoration programs.

Diversity and natural regeneration status of Pleurotus (fr) host trees in montane forests of Etinde (Cameroon) and Ngel-nyaki (Nigeria) for proper management

2024-02-16T09:05:41+00:00

This study was conducted to assess the possible survival rate of Pleurotus host tree species in the nearest future within montane forests. An ecological survey was first carried out to identify possible Pleurotus species and their possible host trees. Points of spotted Pleurotus and host trees were recorded using Global Positioning System (GPS). Plots measuring 20m by 20m square were established on those points which were replicated thrice and used to collect data on the regeneration status of the host trees determined based on seedlings, saplings and adults’ trees. Diameter at Breast Height (DBH) of host tree species with a height of 1.3m and above were measured using vernier caliper and a DBH tape while those below weren’t measured but considered as a seedling. Saplings were considered to have a DBH of less than 10cm while those above as adults. Shannon-Wiener diversity index (H’) was calculated for host trees. H’ values for Etinde was 1.299 and 0.74 for Ngel-Nyaki. Host trees at Etinde exhibited fair natural regeneration status while that of Ngel-Nyaki was good. Natural regeneration indices both in terms of DBH and height classes were higher in Ngel-Nyaki than Etinde. There’s the need to embark on artificial regeneration of the host trees at Etinde which had a lower number of young trees than adults.

Assessment of the natural regeneration status of Irvingia gabonensis (Bush Mango) in Gashaka Gumti National Park, Taraba State, Nigeria

2024-02-16T09:19:12+00:00

The objectives of the study assessed the natural regeneration status of Irvingia gabonensis (Bush Mango) by the use of number of regenerants such as seedlings, saplings,juveniles, and matured. The research was carried out in Gashaka Gumti National Park Taraba State, Nigeria. A biophysical survey of trees, based on diameter classess was used. Opportunistic sampling design was employed to establish plots of 30m x 30m square where data on various different class-sizes of Irvingia gabonensis were collected. Chain was used to establish plots.The locations of Irvingia gabonensis were spotted and marked out using the Global Positioning System (GPS). Different class-sizes were determined by measuring the diameter at breast height (dbh) of the matured tree of Irvingia gabonensis species encountered in each plot, while vernier calliper was used to measure the collar diameter of the seedlings. Results showed that there was an increasing trend of Irvingia gabonensis seedlings with good regeneration status while, saplings and matured were fair in regeneration. Juveniles had poor regeneration. In other words, there was an apparent diminishing of the natural regeneration trend of Irvingia gabonensis trees among juvenile classes in the Forest as a result of constant invasion and disturbances of bush pigs feedings on the ripe fruits thereby creating a setback on regeneration trend. By considering the various stages of natural regeneration, researchers and conservationists can assess the current and future population dynamics of Irvingia gabonensis. This assessment enables the identification of factors that may hinder or enhance natural regeneration, such as habitat fragmentation, climate change, or animal activities. Ultimately, such assessments aid in the development of effective conservation strategies to ensure the long-term survival of Irvingia gabonensis and its associated ecosystem.

Wildlife and biodiversity: Natural resource concepts versus livestock-based experiences

2024-02-16T09:24:37+00:00

An investigation was conducted to understand the meaning of wildlife and biodiversity in livestockbased agriculture and their relationship to those in natural resource sector. Review was conducted on literatures related to wildlife, biodiversity and food animals. Others include origin of livestock, livestock breeds and meat production statistics. Results show that 5 wild food animals; aurochs, bezoar, wild boar, mouflon and red jungle fowl were the earliest to be domesticated and their domestic forms account for 93.4% of global meat production. Populations of only one species from among several species of a particular food animal was tamed and transformed into a domestic form. Domestic chicken and pig were the top contributors to global meat supply with 34.7% and 34.5% respectively. Goat has the highest proportion of extant breeds (97.1%) while pig has the least (82.2%). The precise meaning of wildlife and biodiversity in the natural resource sector were changed in livestock-based agriculture due to the changes associated with animal domestication. Findings would be beneficial in curriculum development and educational projects aimed at greater consciousness on the environment.

Bio-efficacy of mint leaf extract (Mentha pepirita) for the protection of field insect pest of soya bean (Glycine max (L.) merr) in Federal College of Forestry Jos

2024-03-13T13:23:45+00:00

Mint leaf extract has been shown to have insecticidal and antifungal properties that make it a promising natural alternative to synthetic pesticides for soyabean crops, there is limited research on its effects on the growth and yield of soyabean plants. This research work was conducted at the Federal College of Forestry, Jos student demonstration farm to determine the Bio-efficacy of mint leaf extract for the protection of insect pest of soyabean. A Randomised Complete Block Design (RCBD) comprising of four (4) treatment combinations (control, mint extract plus water, mint extract plus acetate, synthetic Cypermethrine) replicated four (4) times was used. Data were collected on plant height, leaf count, 100 seeds weight, and yield. The data was analyzed using ANOVA with Mini-Tab statistical package where significance was declared Turkey's method was used to separate the means. The result from the data collected shows that no significant difference of mint leaf extract was recorded on the plant height, and leaf count. However, significant difference was declared on the yield characters with T3 having the highest number of 100 seeds weight (26.17g), and yield recording (623.62 kg/ha). It can be concluded that mint leaf extract + acetate application produced the highest yield in soyabean and therefore be recommended to farmers for the protection of insect pest and optimum yield of the crop.

Height-diameter models for Tectona grandis (Linn F.) in Tse-Dei, Benue State, Nigeria

2024-03-13T13:33:49+00:00

Height-diameter models are important in forest assessment. Height-diameter models are used to estimate tree volume, survival analysis, to predict missing tree height and biomass and to describe stand growth dynamics and succession. Tree height measurement are expensive and time consuming. The objective of the research was to develop equation for estimating tree height as a function of diameter at breast height for Tectona grandis (Teak). The study was conducted at Tse-Dei, simple random sampling technique was employed and four linear models were selected. Coefficient of determination (R²), Root Mean Square Error (RMSE), Significance of Regression (F-val) and Confidence Interval (CI) were the criteria applied to evaluate the predictive performance of the models. The model of Curtis LogH = b₀ + (b₁D^-1) was the best of the four models because it attained a rank of one and has the highest R² (0.610) and the lowest RMSE (0 0.063). The selected model can accurately predict tree height when fitted to stands with diameter at breast height. The selected model can be used in similar condition of teak species in the north-central region of Nigeria for effective decision making and for future prediction of teak height.

Vegetation and weather as drivers of butterfly species richness and abundance in a conservatory, Central Nigeria

2024-03-13T13:38:50+00:00

This study investigated butterfly species richness and abundance in Amurum Forest Reserve. The effects of weather and vegetation as drivers on butterfly diversity was also determined. Pollard walk method for butterfly survey was used in three habitats namely the savanna scrub, gallery forest and the rocky outcrop. The pollard method was used to sample butterflies. Vegetation variables namely the number of shrubs, number of plants in fruits, average grass height, number of plants in flower, percentage litter cover and number of plants were measured within a 10 x 10 m plot placed randomly. There were 57 butterfly species recorded belonging to 5 families. Of the 5 families, Pieridae had the highest abundance while the lowest is that of Papilionidae. Weather parameters (wind speed and temperature) significantly affected butterfly abundance negatively. This means that as wind and temperature increases, the number of butterflies correspondently decreased. As vegetation parameters increased (Number of shrubs, number of plants in fruits, average grass height, number of plants in flower and percentage litter cover), abundance of butterflies significantly increased. However, as number of plants in fruits increased, the abundance of butterflies decreased. Similarly, butterfly’s species significantly increased with increase in the number of trees and percentage litter cover. We concluded that some vegetation and weather parameters are predictors of butterfly species abundance and richness.

Population density and feeding behaviour of western hartebeest (Alcelaphus buselaphus, Major) in Borgu Sector of Kainji Lake National Park, Nigeria

2024-03-13T13:43:00+00:00

This study focused on the Absolute Population Density, Population Structure, and Food preference of Western hartebeest in the Borgu Sector of Kainji Lake National Park. The study was undertaken to obtain information on the abundance and Population Structure as well as examine the food preferred by the species in the study area using the direct method of census and line transects established using a stratified sampling procedure. The data collected was analyzed using DISTANCE PROGRAMME 5.0. The result revealed that these species abound in each of the habitats. The density of the studied species is 1.12 individuals/km² with an abundance of 6.000 and an effective strip width (ESW) of 60.00 m. This further revealed that the number of Adults outnumbered the sub-adult and juvenile and males more than females while the animal is more of a grazer with high preference on Andropogon gayanus. It was observed that poaching, loss of habitat and disturbance by cattle were the major environmental challenges threatening the survival of the species. Intensive anti-poaching patrols and public enlightenment should be adopted and recommended in other to address the environmental factors militating against the survival of western Hartebeest.

Assessment of termites attacks on building in Ondo State, Nigeria

2024-03-13T14:02:23+00:00

This study was to determine the severity and prevalence termite attack and to provide adequate preventive and remedial measures against its attack on buildings. Preliminary data on indigenous knowledge of termite infestation and mitigation on buildings in Ondo state were collected and analyzed. Data was collected using structured questionnaire, interview schedule; focus group discussion (FGD) and personal observations. Across Ondo state, a total of 400 houses were randomly inspected with 79.5 % building were attacked of which 36.2% severely attacked. Result shows further that education and monthly family income of house owners affects their management strategy of termite infestation before and after building. Furthermore, 21% and 67% of the respondents used bio-preservatives and synthetic chemicals respectively against termite attack.