Journal of Research in Forestry, Wildlife and Environment https://www.ajol.info/index.php/jrfwe <p>The<em> Journal of Research in Forestry, Wildlife and Environment</em> lays emphasis on result of empirical research and conceptual issues in different aspects of Forestry, Wildlife and Range Management, Agriculture, Veterinary Sciences, Pure and Applied Environmental Sciences; Engineering, Geography, Geology, Applied Economics and Biological Sciences.</p> en-US All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means: electronic, electrostatic, magnetic tape, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the prior written permission of the publisher. jrfwe2019@gmail.com (Dr. P.O. Egwumah) atatias@yahoo.com (Dr. T.N. Tee) Thu, 15 May 2025 09:14:29 +0000 OJS 3.3.0.11 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss 60 Post-oviposition effect of slow release pelletized edible essential oils on cowpea seed bruchid, <i>Callosobruchus maculatus</i> (F.) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) infesting some legume grains https://www.ajol.info/index.php/jrfwe/article/view/295744 <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The evaluation of insecticidal efficacy of three slow release pelletized edible essential oils (SRPEEOs) extracted from clove, <em>Syzygium aromaticum</em> (L.), West African Black pepper (WABP) (<em>Piper guineense</em> Schumm et Thonn) and Ginger (<em>Zingiber officinale</em> (Roseoe) on the bean bruchid, <em>Callosobruchus maculatus</em> infesting some legumes. The research was carried out on under ambient laboratory conditions (27<sup>o</sup>C±2 and RH70 %) at the Agronomy Laboratory of Faculty of Agriculture (Shabu-Lafia Campus), Nasarawa State University, Keffi. Evaluation of the SRPEEOs on legume varieties on biological determination of treatments applied as after infestation (TAI) tests. All the treatments were replicated three times and the experiments were laid out in Complete Randomized Block Design. Data analyses were carried out using Statistix 10 analytical package in a two-way factorial analysis. All data were transformed before analyses. The use of the three SRPEEPs at the rates of 1.0 g/5 g seed significantly (p≤0.05) inhibited oviposition and prevented emergence of bruchids in all the legume varieties tested at TA1. The three SRPEEOs were very effective to confer protection on the legume varieties against infestation by the bruchid, hence, serve as an alternative to synthetic pesticides when used at the rate of 1 g/5 g (100 g/50 kg bag), especially, to repel colonization of legumes. </span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> I. Jibrin, Folorunso A. Ajayi, Isaac I. Ogara, Anayo C. Etonihu, Olobayo O. Kunle, Shehu A. Rahman, Eunice A. Adgidzi, Kafayat O. Ajelara, S. Okunade, Akindele O. Ogunfunmilayo, James Y. Oyeniy Copyright (c) 2025 https://www.ajol.info/index.php/jrfwe/article/view/295744 Thu, 15 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000 Effects of anthropogenic activities on land cover change in Dagona waterfowl sanctuary Gashua Local Government Area, Yobe State, Nigeria https://www.ajol.info/index.php/jrfwe/article/view/295748 <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">This research was conducted to assess the effects of anthropogenic activities on land cover change in Dagona waterfowl sanctuary. A structured questionnaire was used to elicit for information on anthropogenic activities in the study area. A geographic information system (GIS) was used to determine land cover change. Results of the socio-economic characteristics of the respondents indicated that males were dominant in the study area (82%) and married (54%) and within the age class of 20-30 years (42%). Primary and secondary education has values of 38% and 36% respectively. Farming was the major occupation of the people (44%). Results of anthropogenic activities from 2009-2019 reveals that grazing is the most illegal activity carried out (30.59%), followed by Deforestation (19.96%), illegal possession of firearms (13.08%), Fishing occupied (11.31%) while least results were observed in poaching, illegal possession of wildlife trophy, honey hunting and illegal entry (2.44%, 4.70%, 7.54% and 10.20%) respectively. In the year 2009 Dagona river valley was observed to cover 88.329 Km<sup>2</sup> but shrunk to 84.6563 Km<sup>2</sup> in 2019 which resulted in climate change over the years. On the other hand, vegetation cover was observed to be 362.957 Km<sup>2</sup> in 2009 but reduced to 135. 818 Km<sup>2</sup> in 2019 as a result of grazing activities also Bare land covered 681.193 km<sup>2</sup> in 2009 has increased to 912.009 km<sup>2</sup> in 2019. it is be concluded that the surrounding communities of the sanctuary were mostly not educated and unemployed at their productive age class which made them dependable on the precarious natural resources of the sanctuary. Despite all the conservation measures taken, they do not also accept the conservation virtues of the sanctuary management. It is recommended that more surveillance should be carried out to curb the activities of illegal grazing, deforestation and poaching activities to enable the protection of biodiversity resources in Dagona waterfowl. </span></p> <p> </p> A.M. Amshi, G.S Mamman, M.R. Umar Copyright (c) 2025 https://www.ajol.info/index.php/jrfwe/article/view/295748 Thu, 15 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000 Constraints to conservation of wildlife resources a case study of Gashaka gumti National Park, Nigeria https://www.ajol.info/index.php/jrfwe/article/view/295751 <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The study was conducted to investigate the Constraints to conservation of wildlife resources in Gashaka gumti National Park. Data collection involved random sampling method. Being a purposive study Fifty, 50 members of staff where selected from the two sectors of the Park. Structured questionnaires were used to obtain primary data while journal, proceedings, text, brochure and manuals were used to collect information for secondary data. The Data generated were analyzed using descriptive statistics such as, tables, mean, percentages and charts. The result on constraints to the conservation of wildlife resources in the park as indicated by the respondents were Anthropological activities (17.5 %) followed by Inadequate fund (13.6 %) then Inadequate patrol equipment (11.0 %), Insecurity (9.7 %), Ignorance (8.4 %), population increase (7.8 %), Unemployment (7.1 %), Shortages of skilled manpower (6.5 %), Inadequate law enforcement (5.2 %), Inadequate research information (4.5 %), low welfare (3.9 %), Invasive species (2.6 %) and Climate change (1.9 %). It is recommended that the federal government should adequately fund the park for the procurement of patrol vehicles, ranger equipment’s, recruitment and staff training, habitat restoration, research initiatives etc. It should also intensify efforts to bring to an end the insecurity in the area. The park should enhance on its conservation education effort to enable all residence of the support zone area abreast on the importance of securing the wildlife resources. The local communities being stake holders should be involved in the management of the Wildlife resources. The park authority should collaborate with Nnon-Ggovernmental Oorganizations (NGOs) and external financiers to provide developmental projects and sustainable means of livelihood through loans or credit facilities for agricultural and craft practices, direct grants for improvement of small scale businesses, stimulation of local industry and any other means of living that is compatible to conservation of the ecosystem.</span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> A.S. Bode, Z.M. Buda, J. Joseph Copyright (c) 2025 https://www.ajol.info/index.php/jrfwe/article/view/295751 Thu, 15 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000 Population estimate of the endangered Drill monkeys (<i>Mandrillus leaucophaeus</i> cuvier, 1904) in Afi Mountain Wildlife Sanctuary, Nigeria. https://www.ajol.info/index.php/jrfwe/article/view/295755 <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">There is lack of information on the population status of the endangered Drill monkeys (<em>Mandrillus leucophaeus</em>) in Nigeria. Therefore this study on the population status of the species was conducted in Afi Mountain Wildlife Sanctuary, Cross River State, Nigeria. Data was collected from seventeen (17) randomly located 1 km transects, ten (10) from site 1 i.e. Northern block and seven (7) from site 2 i.e. Southern block of the study area using Distance sampling method. Each transect was walked repeatedly (making a total of 204 km survey efforts. Sighting and perpendicular distances were obtained with the use of laser rangefinder. Mann Whitney test and the student t statistics were used to compare troop densities/sizes and the sighting distances in the two sites. The result showed that there was no significant difference (P &gt; 0.05) in the troop densities, but there was significant difference in the mean sighting distances between the two sites. A total of 894 individual drills were sighted in the study area. 52% of the sightings were recorded in site 1 (North) while 48% of the sightings were recorded in site 2 (South). The mean estimated troop densities were 6 troops/ km<sup>2</sup> and 5 troops/ km<sup>2</sup> ; and species abundance of 466 and 428 individuals for the North and South sites respectively. It was recommended that adequate protection of drills in the study area should be stepped up by the Government of Cross River State through the Cross River State Forestry Commission, because the study area remains the last strong hold for drill monkeys protection and conservation in the State.&nbsp;</span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> James O. Bukie, Emmanuel I. Inah, Wilfred A. Ayanbem, Samuel Ajayi Copyright (c) 2025 https://www.ajol.info/index.php/jrfwe/article/view/295755 Thu, 15 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000 Bacterized amendments on remediation of petroleum contaminated soil and its effect on growth, yield and productivity of <i>Capsicum annuum</i> L. https://www.ajol.info/index.php/jrfwe/article/view/295757 <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Pot experiment was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of bacterized amendments in remediating petroleum-contaminated soil on growth, yield and productivity of <em>Capsicum annuum</em> L. collected from Ikot Ada Udo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. However, soil pH in the study area was slightly acidic (6.1). Electrical conductivity (EC) was low in the area (0.2 dSm<sup>-1</sup> ). Organic carbon was 12.37 gkg<sup>-1</sup> ; Total N was medium (1.68 g kg<sup>-1</sup> ); available P was high (25.00 mg kg<sup>-1</sup> ); exchangeable Ca, Mg, K and Na was 2.64, 1.67, 0.34 and 0.16 cmol kg<sup>-1</sup>, respectively. Exchangeable acidity was 1.40 cmol kg<sup>-1</sup> , ECEC, 6.21 cmolkg<sup>-1</sup> , base saturation was high (77.46%), while the total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPH) was 155.72 mgkg<sup>-1</sup> .The bacterized amendments significantly enhanced the degradation of total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPHs) compared to the petroleum-contaminated soil without amendments. The highest reduction was observed with bacterized manure (48%), followed by bacterized compost (44%) and biochar (40%). <em>Capsicum annuum</em> grown in petroleum-contaminated soil without amendments exhibited stunted growth, low chlorophyll content, and significantly lower fruit yield and biomass compared to the control. Bacterized amendments improved plant growth and yield, with bacterized manure showing the most significant improvement. Soil treated with bacterized amendments showed improvements in pH, organic carbon content, and dehydrogenase activity compared to untreated contaminated soil. Bacterized manure and compost provided the most significant enhancements in soil properties.&nbsp;</span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> E.M. Eshiet, S.R. Osu Copyright (c) 2025 https://www.ajol.info/index.php/jrfwe/article/view/295757 Thu, 15 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000 Effect of seasons (raining and dry) on the abundance and distribution of <i>P. oreas</i> in Mbe Mountain, Boki Local Government Area of Cross River State, Nigeria. https://www.ajol.info/index.php/jrfwe/article/view/295773 <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The study examines the seasonal distribution and abundance of grey-necked rock fowl, (<em>Picatharties oreas</em>). Five study areas were selected for the study including Abo-Emah, Abo- Ebam, Abo-Orgbagante, Abo-Obisu and Abo-Bashu all in Boki Local Government Area of Cross River State. In each of the area selected, five vintage points were selected for counting based on accessibility making a total of twenty five points. The seasons were classed into early rainy season, late rainy season, early dry season and late dry seasons. Highest counts were recorded during the rainy season April-September with 53% and 47% during the dry season October to march. There was no significant difference in specie abundance in abo- Ebam, and Abo-Obisu but there was significant difference between Abo-Emeh and Abo-Ogbagante across the seasons although variations in counts across the seasons shows their abundance in the early dry season. Independent sample test between early rainy and late rainy seasons was not significant at P&gt;0.05 but there was significant difference between counts of <em>Picathartes oreas</em> in the early dry season compare to late dry season at P&gt;0.05 </span></p> <p> </p> G.A Imbua, P.O Egwumah, T.B.T Abuul Copyright (c) 2025 https://www.ajol.info/index.php/jrfwe/article/view/295773 Thu, 15 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000 Assessing the spatiotemporal dynamics of PM<sub>2.5</sub> concentrations during the Harmattan season in Sokoto State, Nigeria, 1980-2024 https://www.ajol.info/index.php/jrfwe/article/view/295778 <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The Harmattan season, characterised by dry and dusty north-easterly trade winds, significantly impacts air quality across West Africa. This paper assessed the spatiotemporal dynamics of PM<sub>2.5</sub> concentrations during the Harmattan season in Sokoto State, Nigeria, from 1980 to 2024, and evaluates the climatic factors influencing these variations. The PM<sub>2.5</sub> of MERRA-2 data was downloaded from NASA Giovanni, a web-based data portal Goddard Space Flight Centre developed. The data were analyzed using image thresholding technique, anomaly analysis and stepwise regression. The results revealed significant internal fluctuations and spatial disparity. The year 2016 recorded the highest PM<sub>2.5</sub> concentration (163.68 ± 7.02 µg/m³), followed by 2007, 1992, and 2020, while 2013 had the lowest concentration (77.39 ± 4.03 µg/m³). Stepwise regression analysis identified wind as the primary climatic driver of PM<sub>2.5</sub> variability (r = 0.596, p &lt; 0.001), with a positive coefficient (27.442), indicating its strong influence on particulate matter transport. Other factors, including precipitation, humidity, temperature, and pressure, had less but notable impacts. The findings underscore the significant role of Harmattan winds in transporting Saharan dust across the region, elevating PM<sub>2.5</sub> levels to hazardous thresholds. These elevated concentrations pose substantial public health risks, particularly respiratory and cardiovascular issues, affecting vulnerable populations. The study highlights the need for enhanced air quality monitoring, public awareness campaigns, and targeted health interventions during the Harmattan season to mitigate exposure risks. Additionally, it calls for future research to integrate longterm observational data and advanced climate modelling to better understand PM<sub>2.5</sub> dynamics under changing climatic conditions.</span></p> <p> </p> Y.F. Musa, J.A. Ogbe Copyright (c) 2025 https://www.ajol.info/index.php/jrfwe/article/view/295778 Thu, 15 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000 Woody plant diversity and carbon storage of a degraded tropical savannah reserved forest, Doma, Nigeria https://www.ajol.info/index.php/jrfwe/article/view/295781 <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">This study was carried out to determine the woody plant diversity, conservation status and carbon storage of a degraded tropical savannah forest. Ten plots of 30 m by 30 m per plot were laid at 500 m interval along transect. Fifteen woody plant species representing 11 families were recorded. Among the plants identified include the families Fabaceae represented by three woody species (18.74%), Anacardiaceae, Mimosaceae and, Lamiaceae represented by two woody species each (12.5%). Important value index (IVI) for species includes <em>Antiaris toxicaria</em> (Lesch.)64.72%, <em>Securinega virosa</em> (Roxb. ex.Willd.) 43.01% the species with the lowest IVI include <em>Pterocarpus erinaceus</em> (Poir.)8.59% and <em>Tectona grandis</em> (Linn.) 6.5%. The diversity indices quantified include Shannon index (0.79 - 1.96), Simpson index (0.46 to 0.84) and Evenness (0.74 - 0.89). The international union for conservation of nature (IUCN) categorised Tectona grandis and <em>Pterocarpus erinaceus</em> as endangered. Carbon content of individual species in Doma Forest Reserve, showed specie with the highest value include <em>Parkia biglobosa</em> (Jacq.) 19648988.3t/ha, <em>Mangifera indica</em> (L.)144223574.5 t/ha and 85577694.4t/ha, <em>Terminalia avicenniodes</em> (Guill. &amp; Perr.) 9520348.3t/ha and 69879356.6t/ha respectively. The study revealed that Doma Forest Reserve is under threat due to illegal and unauthorised land use practices and requires aggressive reforestation and appropriate conservation and management practices involving the local community.</span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> Y.S. Mustafa, G.F. Akomolafe, S. Ilyas Copyright (c) 2025 https://www.ajol.info/index.php/jrfwe/article/view/295781 Thu, 15 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000 Perception and benefits of avenue trees in tertiary education institutions in Ondo State, Nigeria https://www.ajol.info/index.php/jrfwe/article/view/295782 <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">This study assessed perceptions and benefits of avenue trees at the main campuses of Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA) and Adekunle Ajasin University Akungba-Akoko, (AAUA), Ondo State. A Stratified random sampling technique was adopted and 260 structured questionnaires were administered to the two institutions. The strata consist of seven (7) faculties in FUTA and six (6) faculties in AAUA campuses, while 20 respondents were randomly selected within each of the thirteen (13) stratums. The data collected were analyzed with descriptive statistics and Chi-square (χ<sup>2</sup>) at (p = 0.05). More than half of the respondents indicated their preferences for shade producing trees (90% and 86.5%) in FUTA and AAUA campuses respectively and trees serving aesthetic function (88.6% and 80%). About 97.8% of respondents agreed to stay under trees and 84.2% opined that trees around lecture rooms improved assimilation and enhance learning productivity. Majority of the respondents 96.5% agreed that trees on campus help to ameliorate effect of climate change and improve air quality. For the management of trees on campus to be effective, there is a need for more awareness creation on benefits of trees and participation of relevant stakeholders in tree management strategies.</span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> Johnson Adeyinka Olusola, Olubukola Victoria Oyerinde Copyright (c) 2025 https://www.ajol.info/index.php/jrfwe/article/view/295782 Thu, 15 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000 Assessment of wild edible plants in Ngel-Nyaki Montane Forest Reserve for sustainable conservation https://www.ajol.info/index.php/jrfwe/article/view/295812 <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">This study aimed to assess the diversity, distribution, and conservation status of wild edible plants in Ngel-Nyaki Montane Forest Reserve. A comprehensive survey of the reserve was conducted, and data were collected on the types, abundance, and uses of wild edible plants. Two forest fragments were randomly selected namely; fenced and unfenced forests. A purposive systematic sampling method was adopted where five (5) plots measuring 20m x 20m square was sampled at an interval of 30m in each forest fragment on established line transects. Samples of edible plants were collected using blade (garden knife). In both the Fenced and Unfenced Forest Fragments, Landolfia sp. with 29.15% was recorded as the most abundant Wild Edible Plant (WEP), <em>Paulinia pinnata</em> second with 17.5%, followed by <em>Micromeria imbricata</em> with 14.8%, <em>Aframomoa sp.</em> with 7.7%, and <em>Mussaenda</em> with 7.03% respectively. The less species recorded were <em>Ficus sur</em> and <em>Venonia sp.</em> with 0.08% each while <em>Rubus sp.</em> and <em>Lannia bateri</em> had 0.04% each. The most commonly used plant parts were fruit (72%), leaves (36%), and stem (16%). The study also revealed that over-harvesting, habitat destruction, and climate change are major threats to the conservation of wild edible plants in the reserve. The study recommends sustainable harvesting practices, conservation efforts, and community engagement to ensure the long-term conservation of wild edible plants in Ngel-Nyaki Montane Forest Reserve.</span></p> <p> </p> M.S Raubilu, E.B Febnteh, J.P Yani, B.E Elisha, G.T Akeme Copyright (c) 2025 https://www.ajol.info/index.php/jrfwe/article/view/295812 Thu, 15 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000 Gastrointestinal parasitic infection and nutritional composition of <i>Clarias gariepinus</i> (Burchell, 1822) from selected fish farms in Kaduna Metropolis, Nigeria https://www.ajol.info/index.php/jrfwe/article/view/295813 <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">This study was carried out to investigate the impact of gastrointestinal parasites on the nutritional status of <em>C. gariepinus</em> from some selected fish farms in Kaduna metropolis. A total of one hundred and twenty (120) samples of <em>C. gariepinus</em> were purchased live from three different farms across Kaduna Metropolis represented as Farms A, B and C. Out of the 120 samples of <em>C. gariepinus</em> examined for parasites, 30 (25.0%) were positive for parasites. Four species of parasites were identified <em>Bothriocephalus sp.</em> (33.3%), <em>Procamallanus sp.</em> (26.7%), <em>Paracamallanus sp.</em> (23.3%) and <em>Polyonchonthrium sp.</em> (16.7%). There was a significant difference (p &lt; 0.05) between the rate of infection of male and female fish with parasites. Out of the 51 female fish examined, 21 (41.18%) were infected with parasites, while 13 (18.84%) out of the 69 male fish examined were infected. There was a general decrease in the proximate composition of the parasitized fish when compared with the unparasitized fish. It can be concluded that the presence of parasites in the fish had a negative impact on its nutritional status as it decreased the Crude Protein (36.65 to 32.35), Moisture (76.90 to 75.20), Fat (7.13 to 5.91) and Ash (2.11 to 1.90). This study shows that the presence of parasites in <em>C. gariepinus</em> had impact on its nutritional status. It is recommended that there should be effective control measures and good culinary practices to prevent the spread of intermediate hosts of the parasites.</span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> D.Q. Salami, P.A. Vantsawa, A. Dambo, B.C Onusiriuka Copyright (c) 2025 https://www.ajol.info/index.php/jrfwe/article/view/295813 Thu, 15 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000 A comparative analysis of woody species diversity in three ecological zones of Taraba State, Nigeria https://www.ajol.info/index.php/jrfwe/article/view/295814 <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">This study compared the woody species diversity in three ecological zones of Taraba State. Data of woody species were collected through physical survey and study area were stratified into section of the ecological zone (Mountain Forest, Southern and Northern Guinea Savannan) and two protected areas were randomly selected for sampling in each of the ecological zone. Six plots each measuring 100 × 100m were sampled in each of protected area. Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics which includes frequency, ANOVA and LSD. A total of 14894 individual woody species were recorded in the study area belonging to 154 species. A total of 64, 50 and 40 species were found in Mountain Forest, Southern and Northern Guinea Savanna respectively. Ngel Nyaki Forest Reserve has the highest species richness value (196) followed by Wasaji Forest Reserve (104) while Gashaka Gumti National Park had the lowest (52). Results from Shannon diversity index of woody species in the protected areas were 8.81, 11.82, 11.59, 9.85, 9.92 and 10.10 in Gashaka, Ngel Nyaki, Wasaji, Baissa, Jen Giginya and Bakin Dutse respectively while their corresponding Evenness values were 3.34, 3.04, 3.56, 3.06, 3.16 and 3.43 respectively. Higher species richness and Shannon Wiener diversity indices from the results of the study area can be attributed to low abundance, habitat and human factor on the ecosystems while areas that has lower diversity indices can be as a results of human and natural factor affecting the woody species. Sorensen’s indices have values between the ecological zones measured at 0.44, 0.04 and 3.36 for Mountain forest, Southern and Northern Guinea Savanna respectively. Species diversity differs significantly (P&lt;0.05) among and within the three ecological zone and the six protected areas under study. Biodiversity policy formulation, implementation and law enforcement should be given due consideration and legal protection of the areas to promote woody species diversity in the Protected areas thereby reduces environmental hazards, increase protection and increase conservation strategies to stabilize the ecosystem.</span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> M.R Umar, M.A Gupa, A Adamu Copyright (c) 2025 https://www.ajol.info/index.php/jrfwe/article/view/295814 Thu, 15 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000 Evaluation of poaching and anti-poaching activities in cross river national park, Cross River State Nigeria https://www.ajol.info/index.php/jrfwe/article/view/295815 <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Indiscriminate harvesting of wildelife is a common occurrence around the African countries, particularly in Nigeria. Although, protected areas are home to diverse wildlife forms, poaching and encroachment by indigenous people constitute a major problem to sustainable management of Biodiversity. However, adequate information is not readily available on human interference in most of the protected areas. This study was carried out to evaluate the effects of wildlife utilization on the Cross River National Park, (CRNP).Nine (9) communities were used from Orban division (Akor, New Ndebiji, Osomba, Orban-Nege, Owani, Ifumkpa, Mangor and Ekong) while ten (10) communities were sampled from Okwango division (Wula, Okwango I,Butang,Bukatom,Bamba,okwa,okwangoII, Bashu, Abu-Obisu, and Abu-Ogbagante).Using proportionate sampling technique, 200 households were selected with 100 each from Orban and Okwango divisions. A structural questionnaire was used to obtain information on households’ socio-economic characteristics such as education, age, farming, source of household energy and land encroachment. Socio-economic characteristics showed that an average of 68.5% was within mid-age group and 55.1% had only primary education. Significant proportions (79.7%) were traditional farmers (crop farming) and life stock rearing (38.1%). Respondents utilized wild animals for food (64.5%),income (11.9) and traditional medicine(1.6).Insufficient equipment and lack of trained manpower were responsible for decline of good management in CRNP. However, 73.7% linked it to inadequate conservation awareness.The surrounding communities of Cross River National Park depended largely on firewood as source of energy as Logging and poaching on wild animals were on the increase. </span></p> <p> </p> J.U Undelikwo, T.B.T Abuul, I.J Uloko Copyright (c) 2025 https://www.ajol.info/index.php/jrfwe/article/view/295815 Thu, 15 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000 Assessment of carbon sequestration potentials in some forest ecosystems: Aboveground, belowground and soil carbon stocks in the three ecological zones of Taraba State, Nigeria https://www.ajol.info/index.php/jrfwe/article/view/295816 <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">This study assessed the carbon sequestration potentials of forest ecosystems in Taraba State, Nigeria, by quantifying aboveground, belowground, and soil carbon stocks across three ecological zones. A multistage sampling technique was employed for the study in which three Forest Reserves were purposively selected from three Local Government Areas of Taraba state. Nigerian Montane Forest (NM) in Ngel-Nyaki, Sardauna LGA; Dakka Forest Reserve (SG) in Bali LGA and Manang-Lakware (NG) Forest Reserve in Yorro LGA selected. In each of the Forest Reserve two lines transect, 400m long, were laid 100m apart, and four (4) sample plots of 50m x 50m were established 50m apart in an alternate pattern along each transect. All trees within the sample plots were identified and enumerated. Mean trees within each plot were determined and grouped into large, medium and small diameter classes. Soil carbon stock was estimated in the laboratory using Walkley- Black method.The results of the study in Nigerian Montane showed that, the carbon sequestration potentials was 220.9433Kg/ha, above and belowground biomass (AGB-C and BGB-C) was 310.33Kg/ha, while SOC was 0.8298 Kg/ha. The organic carbon sequestration potentials was 75.1325Kg/ha, above and belowground biomass (AGBC and BGB-C) was 72.68Kg/ha, while SOC was 1.0762Kg/ha. In NG, the organic carbon sequestration potentials was 24.7163Kg/ha, above and belowground biomass (AGB-C and BGB-C) was 22.36Kg/ha, while SOC was 1.1821Kg/ha. The Total Carbon Sequestration Potentials in Soil and Trees in the three (3) ecological zones was 320.7921Kg/ha. Results of the two-way Analysis of Variance showed that the forest reserves differed significantly (p&lt; 0.05) in carbon Stocked with NM recording the highest carbon sequestration potentials. It is thus concluded that the forest reserves have the potentials to sequestrate an enormous amount of carbon and can thus contribute significantly to carbon dioxide reduction from the atmosphere. As a result, it is recommended that, there is need for implementing sustainable logging practices in our forest reserves that minimize disruptions and encourage forest regeneration which will ensure long-term carbon storage capabilities.</span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> J.P. Yani, N. Yekini, E.E. Dishan Copyright (c) 2025 https://www.ajol.info/index.php/jrfwe/article/view/295816 Thu, 15 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000 An assessment of the rate of deforestation in Central Cross River State, Nigeria https://www.ajol.info/index.php/jrfwe/article/view/295817 <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">This paper appraises the rate of deforestation in Central Cross River State. The data for this study were collected using three (3) multi-date Landsat satellite imageries, Thematic Mapper (TM) of 2003 and Operational Land Imager (OLI) of 2013 and 2023. The study area was extracted from the scene, and a supervised classification method was carried out based on level 1 classification scheme of Anderson et al. (1976), which was used to classify the identified land use and cover categories of the study areas. Five land use and land cover features were used for the study (i.e., built up area, forest, grassland, cropland, and water body). The Anderson et al. (1976) classification scheme was used to analyse the data. The study showed a fluctuating increment of agricultural land, built up areas, and a natural forest cover declining trend, which implies a rapid land use and land cover change across the study area resulting to loss of natural resource and biodiversity. Cultivated land indicates an increasing trend, which implies conversion of other land cover classes to agricultural land, because of rapid population growth, as seen by the expansion of settlement (built up area). The work also showed that though agriculture and development of towns are major cause of deforestation, most of the deforested areas where never put to use. It is therefore recommended therefore that, it is of utmost necessity that people carry out their forest activities with reference to the laws and regulations guiding forest operations so that the future of the forest and its resources is curtained. A ban on timber exploitation in the study area should be enforced, as well as reviewing and strictly enforcing forest laws and regulations, and also encouraging the locals manage their own forest (participatory forest management) to improve compliance. Enlightenment campaign through media such as billboards, radio, television, seminars, workshops, handbill, etc. on the need to desist from deforestation, be organized by the Government, NGOs, and well-meaning individuals.&nbsp;</span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> M.A Ewona, S.O Ndifon, J.A. Jande Copyright (c) 2025 https://www.ajol.info/index.php/jrfwe/article/view/295817 Thu, 15 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000