INTRODUCTION TO FORESTRY AND WILDLIFE

MEANING OF FOREST AND FORESTRY

FOREST is a renewable natural resource which provides timber

and other products for home use and industries: food and cover
for wild and domestic animals, protection of soil and water
values and facilities for recreation. We have four different types
of forests: tropical, temperate, boreal and plantation forest
FORESTRY is the science and craft of creating, management
and conservation of forested land, together with associated
resources (water areas, wildlife and wasteland) primarily for
human or tangible benefit (harvesting timber, food and
medicine) and environmental or intangible benefits (purifying
the air we breathe, filter the water we drink, prevent erosion, and
act as an important buffer against climate change).
What are Renewable Natural Resources
Renewable natural resources are the living biological resources
which can reproduce or regenerate itself after harvesting. Good
examples are the forest wildlife and fishes. All renewable
natural resources can continue to reproduce and regenerate their
population as long as environmental conditions remain
favourable and an adequate seed source or breeding stock is
maintained. They can all be harvested without diminishing their
supply provided that harvesting does not exceed their
reproduction or growth rate. It does, the resources will be
depleted and if it continuously exceeds the rate of replacement
or growth, the resource ceases to be renewable and the species
involved are reduced to the point of extinction. Over
exploitation of our natural resources such as timber from the
forest, wildlife from our resources and fishes from our lakes has
now led to shortages of these resources in our natural forest. We
shall now discuss briefly, the importance of forest and its impact
on our environment.
The Importance of Forest to the Environment
1. It is the habitat where wild animals live and feed.
2. It serves to'conserve our water supply.
3. It is used for recreation, such as camping, fishing and hunting.
4. It helps to prevent our environment from desertification and
erosion by wind and water.
5. It is a home for herbs used as food and medicine.
6. Its helps to replenish lost nutrients from the soil.
7. It is a home for trees which provides:
- timber for construction
- pulp for paper making
- wood for energy
- sticks for staking agricultural crops
- poles for electrical wires
8. It provides vegetable for consumption e.g Pterocarpus spp.
9. It provides fruits for food and condiments e.g Irvirgia
gabonensis
and Prosopis africana
10. Provides extractives for use as drugs, tannin for curing,
leather and exudates for gum production.
Impact of Forest on the Environment
The constituents of a good environment are soil, water, air and
climate
Soil
Plants grow on the soil from where they derive nutrient and
support and in-turn stabilize the soil. Surface run-off under
forest covers is prevented so that the forest is not degraded. If
vegetation cover is removed, the soil is exposed to direct impact
of wind and rain drops. This can break up the fragile soil and the
fertile top soil gets washed away in the fast surface run-off,
resulting in erosion. The litter of dried and decaying leaves also
forms the carpet to protect the soil from being washed off.
Water
Under forest cover, watershed is protected, under ground water
flow is regulated and sedimentation of reservoir and siltation of
streams and lakes are prevented. When the leaves of the tree
drop rainwater falls on the leaf litters, giving it time to seep
under ground.
Air
Photosynthetic activities of the plants in the forest purify the air
through the release of oxygen. Through transpiration, water
vapour is constantly released to the surrounding air of the tree
crown. As the wind blows pass the foliage of the tree, it carries
the moisture, which provides pleasant cooling effect to the
environment.
2Climate
One issue on which forest destruction focuses is the changes that
might occur to local, regional, or global climate. Although the
increasing loss of forest covers is a global problem: African
countries significantly contribute to this problem. For instance.
the % land area of Nigeria under forest had dropped by 5% by
1996 from 37% of 1976; a period of 20 years. Deforestation is
taking place at 3.5% per annum. Ironically, desert land now
covers about 35% of the country land mass and it is advancing
at the rate 0.7km per annum on the average. Specifically, the
desert belt has moved from latitude 12 030'N (ie Kebbi, Kano,
and Maiduguri) to 10 030'N (New Bussa, Jos and Shelleng)
(UNSN, Nigeria 2001). UNSN=United Nation System in
Nigeria. The Savanna interface which is between the desert and
forest belt is now along Oyo, Osun. Kogi, Enugu, Ebonyi and
Benue State; an area which use to be in the thick of rain forest.
Government estimates suggests that about N11.25 billion are
needed to halt the desertification process; which is fuelled by:
- overgrazing
- excessive logging
- bush clearing and burning
- non-stop fuel wood harvesting
- wetland drainage
FOREST AS A RENEWABLE NATURAL RESOURCES
A forest consists of trees, shrubs, herbs, climbers, creepers and
grasses,in association with soil, water and air. Renewable ones
are trees, shrubs. herbs, climbers, creepers and grasses. This is
because they can regenerate/reproduce after harvesting.
A tree is a woody plant having one erect perennial stem (trunk)
at least three inches in diameter at a point above the ground, a
definitely formed crown of foliage, and a mature height of at
least 13 feet.
A shrub is a woody plant with several perennial stems that may
be erect or may lie close to the ground, It usually have a height
less than 13 feet and stems no more than about three inches in
diameter.
A herb is small seed bearing plant without a woody stem in
which all parts above the ground die at the end of each growing
season.
3
Availability of Forest Resources in Nigeria
Nigeria land area is 99 million hectares. Out of this, only 10% is
under forest reserve. It is sad to note that the land under forest
reserve has been decreasing steadily since 1979. In Ondo state,
107.36km2 of forest in Ore has been converted to causal land. In
Kano State, 70km2 of forest land has been cleared for a Dam
project (Tiga Dam) while in Kogi State 183.89km2 of forest
land in Ajaokuta has been used for the establishment of the steel
complex. Tree species and herbs have been depleted or wiped
out completely as a result of indiscriminate state government
policies as well as reaction to economic, social and political
tensions from the ever increasing urban population.
Deforestation in Nigeria has been estimated at 14000km2
between 1979 and 1995 (FORMECU, 1990) i.e. 823.5km2 per
annum for the said period. It is probable that the current rate of
deforestation will be much higher. Deforestation is caused by
illegal felling, farming and other physical developments such as
industrial and other infrastructural development. Natives, who
have lost their land to government, set fire to forest estate, as a
result, wildlife species are being wiped out completely due to
modified or lost habitat. Certain tree species are becoming
endangered e.g. Iroko and Mahogany which have been exported
for many years and were obtained from the natural forest. These
groups of trees are difficult to grow in plantations due to pest
problems causing canker. The insects attack the growing part of
these trees in the early period of growth.
Distribution of Forest Resources in Nigeria
There are distinctive ecological zones in Nigeria, corresponding
to a rapid decline in total annual rainfall and duration of wet
season from the south to the north. This result in the moist
tropical rainfall, including asizeable component of freshwater
and mangrove swamps in the south. The rainforest is
characterized by a great variety of trees which occur in several
layers and abundance of creepers, climbers and herbs. The trees
are predominantly evergreen with deciduous trees on the
margin. Grasses are virtually absent in the rainforest. The
mangrove vegetation is commonly found in the Creeks near the
sea, while the rainforest is found mainly at Akwa Ibom, Cross
River, Edo and part of Ondo, Ogun, Ekiti, Oyo and Osun States,
Table 1: Climatic condition of each vegetation zone.
Vegetation Zone Mean Annual Rainfall
Sahel 250-500mm
Sudan 500-1140mm
Northern Guinea savanna 1070-1270mm
Southern Guinea savanna
Derived savanna
Forest Zone
1140-1520mm
1140-1770mm
2780-4000mm
Duration of Dry season
7-8 months
5-7 months
5-6 months
4-5 months
3-4 months
3 months
Further more, the forest declines into Savanna of steady drier
nature as they reach into the arid zone beyond latitude 12 ON.
The Sahel Northern Guinea Savanna, Southern Guinea Savanna
and Derived Savanna are all grouped under Savanna region;
typified by woodland vegetation, in which herb layer is
dominated by grass; and with scattered trees. The trees are
usually small with twisted boles owing to frequent burning.
They have thick bark to enable them withstand fire. The trees
are rarely close enough for their erown to touch and usually one
layer is formed and consisting of shrubs only. The Savanna zone
covers about 80% of Nigeria land area and is found around
Taraba, Adamawa, Kaduna, Kwara, Kogi, Nasarawa and Benue,
while the arid north is found around Sokoto, Kebbi, Kano,
Katsina, Yobe and Borno States. Sometimes, patches of high
forest are found growing near streams and other wet places in
the Savanna and are called fringing forest or riparian. In
between these two major zones is the transitional forest zone or
the derived Savanna likely to have been degraded from the
rainforest. This type of vegetation is commonly found in parts of
Anambra, Enugu, parts of Kogi and Benue states.
Potentials of Forest Resources in Nigeria
The southern forest has the largest potential for timber
production. Forest potentials in the northern areas ranges from
extensive dry land plantation development to community based
forestry, to prevent erosion and stabilize the fragile soil against
desert encroachment. In the Savanna and semi-arid areas.
livelihood in most places depends on forest for food, vegetable
oil, resin, fodder and fuel-wood for domestic energy. Farm
residues left on the farm (e.g. maize and rice stocks) after
harvest are for the purpose of providing shelter and fodder for
livestock as well as protect the soil from wind and water
erosion. The shelterbelt programmes of various forest services
of the country are intended primarily to stabilize the loose soil
by reducing wind erosion and desert encroachment.
The following are the specific potentials derived from the forest.
i. Fuel Wood
Trees provide the wood resources of the forest. About 80% of
the wood produced from the forest in Nigeria is utilized as
combustion fuel. Generally wood is the main domestic fuel in
developing countries. It is used in cooking meals, heat and lights
the house, cure tobacco, smoke fish, bake bread, used in
industrial boilers, for pottery and other craft work. Planting and
protecting fuel wood species around the village may go a long
way in satisfying the demand for fuel in rural area.
ii. Timber Resources
About 80% of the wood extracted from the forest in developed
countries are used industrially. Wood is the basis of raw
materials for all the 10 (ten) wood based industries identified by
the Raw Materials. Research and Development Council in 1988.
The industries include sawmills. plywood and particle board.
poles, match, tooth-pick, furniture, veneer, pencil and ruler,
flush door and the pulp and paper industry. This has an installed
capacity of 8,831, 750cm 3. Nigeria at the same time had 14.9
million hectares of land carrying about 305 million cubic metres
of wood. Only 42 million m 3 were obtained from plantations
while the rest came from the natural forest.
The Savanna zone produces a little amount of utilizable wood
from the short bole and small dimensional wood species. The
net stock of utilizable wood in Nigeria is estimated at 214
million cubic metres (Mm3), made up of 172Mm3 from the
forest and 42Mm3 from plantations. One immediately gets
impression of self sufficiency if this figure is composed with the
installed capacity. However, this is not true because the uses to
which some of these species can be put are not yet known.
Moreover, comparing with a population figure of over a hundred
million, at an average consumption rate of 0.15Mm3 per head
per annum.
Annual total requirement = 0.15Mm3 x 100 million = 15 million
m3.
With 172 million m3 of the net stock from the natural forest, of
which Savanna contributes a little; then dividing 214 Mm3 by
the annual requirement of 15Mm3 gives 14. This in essence
means that the utilizable natural forest will last for 14 years.
This state of affair should be viewed seriously because timber
species from the natural forest takes about 35-40 years to
mature. To stem this renewable shortage, the country should
accelerate the establishment of forest plantations which are more
productive than depending on natural forest.
iii. Pulp Wood Production
This is one of the potentials derived from the forest. Nigeria has
three functional pulpwood based industries. These are:
i. Nigeria Paper Mill Jebba
ii. Newsprint Manufacturing Company Akwa Ibom
iii. Iwopin Paper Mill in Ogun State.
The Savanna hard wood species are currently used for the
production of short fibre pulp in Nigeria paper Mill in Jebba.
One particular species Sterculia setigera was observed to have
varied good pulping properties and grows very well on
plantations and it is a fast grower. Bamboo Bumbusa vulgaris,
the wooden plant commonly found growing in the dry forest and
dry Savanna zones of the country is also used for production of
long fibre pulp. Bamboo is generally used in India for pulping;
the quantity of Bamboo available in the country has not been
ascertained. Its silviculture is being studied at the Forest
Research Institute of Nigeria, Ibadan, for large scale production.
Pines (long fibre) and Gmelina (short fibre) are the recognised
species for pulpwood production in Nigeria. Gmelina is easy to
grow and the World Bank has financed several afforestation
projects in Nigeria leading to seemingly Gmelina glut. Pines
however are difficult to grow, coupled with the problem of seed
production which has called for intensive investigation.
Other Non-Wood Products
The following are non-wood products obtained from the forest.
i. Fruits
Species used includes pear Dacripids edulis. African bread fruit
Treculia africana and African star apple Gysophyllum albidium.
ii. Tarnin Tannin
tannin
Tamin extracted from Acacia species e.g. Acacia nilotica is used
in leather tannery, while tarin extracted from the bark of
mangrove trees are used as a substitute in phenol type adhesive.
iii. Gum
Gum is produced by a shruby plant Acacia senegal, Acacia seyel
and Acacia albida which occur in the Sahel and Sudan
vegetation region of the country. Gum is an important export
item in Nigeria, as Nigeria supply 10% of the World demand.
iv. Condiments
The Nigerian housewife continues to obtain her condiments
from the forest. Such condiments are Irvingia gabonensis
(ogbone), Parkia biglobosa, Prosopis africana and Tetarplura
tetrapetera. Many others of such condiments exist from one
locality to another all over the country.
v. Dye
Extracts from the whole shrub of Lachocarpus cyanancis is used
for dying clothes e.g Adire and chado.
vi. Fats
Sheabuter, being the most popular is obtained from
Butyrospermum paradoxa. This is an export produce. Nigeria
produces about 10% of the World demand.
vii. Medicine
Herbal medicine stock are abound everywhere in the country.
8
CLASSIFICATION OF WILD ANIMALS
2 Dorcas gazelle (Gazella dorcas)
3 Dana gazelle (Nanger dana)
4. Red deer (Cervus elaphus) Kingelim - Animalia Phylum -
Chordata
ARTIODACTYLES Giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis)
Kingdom - Animalia
Phylum - Chordata Class - Mammalia
Order - Artiodactyla
Family - Giraffidae
Genus - Giraffa
Species - G- camelopardalis
Kingdom - Animalia
Phylum - Chordata
Class - Mammalia
Order - Artiodactyla
Family - Bovidae
Genus - Gazella
Species - G. dorcas
Kingelim - Animalia
Phylum - Chordata
Class - Mammalia Order - Artiodactyla
Forty - Bovidue
Genus - Nanger
Species - N. dama
Class - Mammalia
Order - Artiodactyla
Family - Cervidae
Genus - Cervus Special - C. elaphus
5.
Hippopotamus (Hippopotamus amphibious)
Kingdom - Animalia
Phytum - Chardata Class - Mammalia
Order - Artiodactyla
Family - Hippopotamidae Genus - Hippopotamus
Species - H. amphibious
6- Llama (Lama glama)
Kingdom - Animalia
Phylum - Chordata
Class - Mammalia
Order - Artiodactyla
Family - Camelide Genus - Lama Species - L. glama Camel
(Camelus bactrianus and Camelus dromedarius)
7.
Kingdom - Animalia
Phytum - chordata Class - Mammalia
Order - Artiodactyla Family - Camelidar Gerais - Camelus
Species - 10 Camelus bactrianus (2) Camelus dromedarius Red
river hoy (Potamochoerus porcus) Kingdom - Animalia Phylum
- Chordata
8
Class - Mammalia
Order - Artiodactyla
Family - Suidae Genus - Potamochoerus
Species - P. porcus
Write on both side of the paper
2.
Leopard
(Panthera) 1.
2. Lion (Panthera (co)
Maxwell's duiker (Philaatomba maxwellis)
Kingdom - Animalia
Phylum - chordata
Class - Mammalia
Ordy - Artiodactyla
Family - Bovidae
Gency - Philantomba
Species - P. maxwellii
CARNIVORES
Kingdom - Animalia
Phylum - Chordata Class - Mammalia
Order - Carnivora
Family - Felidae
Genus - Panthera
Species - P. pardus
Kingdom - Animalia
Phylum - chordata
Class - Mammalia
Order - Carnivora
Family - Felidae
Graus - Panthers
Special - P. leo
3 Wild cat (Felis silvestris)
Kingdom - Animales Phylum - chordata
Class - Mammalia
Order - Carnivora
Family - Felidae
Genus - Felis
Species - F- silvestris
4.
Will dog (Lycaon pictus)
Kingdom - Animalia
Phylum - Chordata
Class - Mammalia
Order - Carnivora
Family - Canidae
Genus - Lycaon
Species - L. pictus
5.
Cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) Kingdom - Animalia
Phylum - Chordata Class -Mammalia
Order - Carnivora
Family - Felidae Gene - Acinonyx
Species - A. jubatus Spottel hyena (Crocuta crocyta
6.
Kingdom - Animalia
1
Phylum - Chordata
Class - Mammalia
Order - Carnivora
Family - Hyaenidae)
Genní - Crocuta
Species - C. crocuta
7. Stripel hyena (Hycena bycena)
Kingdom - Animalia
Phylon - Chordate
Class - Manualia
Order - Carnivora
Family - Hyavenidas
Genu - Hygena
Species - H. hygena
Do not write
Margin
8 Side-striped jackal (Canis adustus)
UNIVERSITY OF BENIN
Question Write on both side of the paper
Margin
Kingdom - Animalia Phylum - Chordata Class - Mammalia
Order - Carnivora
Family - Canidas
Genus - Canis
Species - C.adustus
MONKEYS
Chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes)
Kingdom - Animalia Phylum - Chordata
Class - Mammalia
Order - Primates
Family - Hominidae
Genus - Pan
Species - P. troglodytes
2. Gorilla (Gorilla gorilla) Kingdom - Animalia Phylum -
Chordata
Class - Mammalia
Order - Primates
Family - Hominidas
Genus - Gorilla
Species - G. gorilla
3 Olive baloin (Papio anubis) Kinglon - Animalia
Phylon - Chordata
Class - Mammalia
Order - Primates
Family - Cercopithecidas
Gerus - Papie
Species - P. anubis
4. Mona Monkey (Cercopithecus mana)
Kingdom - Animalia
Phylum - Chordata
Class - Mammalia
Order - Primates
Family - Cercopithecidae
Genw - Cercopithecus
Species - C. mona
5. Patas monkey (Erythrocebus patas) Kingdom - Animalia
Phylum - Chordata
Claro - Mammalia
Order - Primates
Family - Cercopithecidae
Genui - Erythrocebus
Species - E- patas
6. Drill monkey (Mandrillus leucophaeus)
Kingdom - Animalia Phylum - Chorlata Class - Mammalia
Order - Primates Family - Cercopithecidas Genus - Mandrillus
Species - M. leucophaeus 7. White-throated monkey
(Cercopithecus erythrogaster) Kingdom - Animalia. Phylum -
Chordata
Class - Mammalia
Order - Primates
Family - Cercopithecidae
Genus - Cercopithecus
Species - C. erythrogaster
SNAKES
1.
Indian python (Python nolurus)
Kingdom - A
Phylum - Chordata
Class - Reptilia Order - Squamata
Family - Pythonidal Genus - Python Species - P. molares
2. Royal python/ ball python (Python regius)
Kingdom - Animalia
Phylum - chordata
Class - Reptilia
Order - Squamata
Family - Pythonidae Genes - Python
Species - P. regius
3. African python (Python sebae) Kingdom - Animalia Phylum -
Chordata Class - Reptilia
Order - Squamata
Family - Pythonidae
Genus - Python
Species - P. sebae Spitting cobra (Naja astei) Red spitting colora
(Naja pallida) Kingston - Animalia Phylum - chordata
4
Class - Reptilia
Order - Squamata
Family - Elapidar
Genes - Naja
Species - N. pallida
5. Rainbow boa (Epicrates cenchria)
Kingdom - Animalia
Phylum - chordata Class - Reptilia
Order - Squamata
Family - Boidar Genus - Epicrates
Species - E. cenchria
6. Boa constrictor (Boa constrictor)
Kingdom - Animalia
Phylum - Chordata
Clara - Reptilia
Order - Squamata
Family - Boidae Geras - Boa
Species - B. constrictor
7. Gabon viper (Bitis gabonica)
Kingdom - Animalia
Phylum - chordata
class - Reptilia
Order - Squamata
Family - Viperidae
Genus - Bitis Species - B. gabonica
8. Puff adder (Bitis arietans) Kingdom - Animalia
Phylum -
Class - Reptilia
Order - Squamata
Family - Viperidae
Genus - Bitis
Species - grie B. arietans
RATS 1. Crested porcupine (Hystrix cristata)
Kingdom - Animalia
Phylum - Chordata Class - Mammalia
Order - Rodentia Family - Hystricidae Grances - Hystrix
Spécies - H. cristata
2. Brush failed porcupine (Atherurus africanus) Kingdom -
Animalia
Phylum - Chocolate Class - Mammalia
Order - Rodentia
Family - Hystricidae Genus - Atherurus
Species - A. africanus
3. Cane rat / Grasscutter (Thryonomys swinderianus )
Kingdom - Animalia
Phylum - Chordata Class - Mammalia
Order - Rodentia
Family - Theyonomydias
Genus - Theyonomys
Species - T. swinderianus
4
Giant rat (Cricetomys gambianus) Kingdom - Animalia
Phylum - Chordata
Class - Mammalia
Order - Rodentia
Family - Nesomyidae Genus - Criretomys Species - C-
gambianus
BIROS
1.
Palm-nut vulture (Gypohierax angolensis) Kingdom - Animalia
Phylum - Chordata Class - Aves
Order - Falconiformes
Family - Accipitridae
Genus - Gypohierar
Species - G. angolensis
2. Grasshopper buzzard (Butastur rufipennis) Kingdom -
Animalia
Phytum - Chordata
Class - Aves
Order - Falconiformes
Family - Accipitridae
Genus - Butastur
Species - B. rufipennis
3. Black-shoulderel kite (Elanus axillaris)
Kingdom - Animalia
Phytum ~ Chordata
Class - Aves
Order - Falconiformes
Family - Accipitridae
Genus - Elanus Species - E. axillaris
4: Secretary bird (Sagittarius serpentarius) Kinglon - Animalia
Phylum - Chordata
Clas - Aves Order - Falconiformes
Family - Sagittaridne
Genes - Sagittarius
Species - serpentarius
Write on both side of the paper
5. Marabou stork (Leptoptilos crumenifer)
Kingdom - Animalia
Phylum - Cherdata
Class - Aves Order - Ciconiiformes Family - Ciconiidae Genus -
Leptoptilos
Species - L. crumenifer 6. African fish eagle (Italiagetus vocifer)
Kingdom - Animalia Phytum - Chordata Class - Aves
Order - Falconiformes
Family - Accipitridae Genus - Italiaectus
Species - It. vocifer
7. Common Kestrel, Rock Kestrel, Eurasian Kestrel (Falco
tinnunculus) Kingdom - Animali Phylum - chordata
Class - Aves
Order - Falconiformes
Family - Falconidas
Geras - Falco
Species - F. finnunculus
8. Cattle Egret (Bubulcas This) Kingelen - Animalia Phylum -
Chordata Clays - Aves
Order - Ciconiformes
Family - Ardeidal
Genes - Bubulcus
Species - B-ibis
9.
Whinchat (Saxicola rubetra)
Kingdom - Avissalia
.
Phylum - Chorlate
Class - Acces Order - Passeriformes
Family - Muscicapital
Genus - Saciada
Species - S. rubetra
10
Pied crow (Corvus albus)
Kinglim - Animalia
Phylum - Chordata
Class - Aves Ollar - Passeriformes
Family - Corvidae
Geny - Corvus
Species - C. albus
Some other animals and their scientific names are
- Roan antelope - Hippotragus equinus
- Ostrish - Struthio camelus
- Oribi - Ourebia ourebi
- Giant eland - Taurotragus derbianus
- Kob - Kobus kob
- Western hartebeest - Alcelaphus buselaphus
- Giant forest hog - Hylochoerus meinerzhageni
- Yellow-backed duiker - Cephalophus silvicultor
- Waterbuck - Kobus ellipsiprymous
Klipspringer - Oreotragus oreotragus
- Warthog - Phacochoerus africanus
- Bushbuck - Tragelaphus sylvatirus and Tragelaphus scriptus
- African golden cat - Profelis aurata
- Mountain reefbusks - Redunce fulveryfula

Strict Nature Reserves

Strict Nature Reserves are strictly protected areas set aside to
protect biodiversity and also possibly geological features, where
human visitation, use and impacts are strictly controlled and
limited to ensure preservation of the conservation values. They
are established by law for the purpose of research. They are also
used for teaching purposes, if these do not compromise nature
conservation in the area. Strict Nature Reserves are conserved in
their natural state so that researchers would be able to compare
these with other areas and determine how many of nature's
changes are natural instead of having been caused directly by
man. For most part, they are closed to the public.
Forest Reserves
A forest is a natural resource that is commonly known as
biological community predominantly of tree species. Forest
reserves are large tree vegetation areas set aside by government
for forestry purposes. Forest reserve is a specific term for
designating forests and other natural areas which enjoy judicial
and/or constitutional protection under the legal systems of many
countries. In Nigeria, forest reserves are owned by the state
government and managed by the state department of Forestry.
NATIONAL PARKS IN NIGERIA
A National park is an area of relatively large size ( 1,000
hectares) containing natural ecosystems of special interest which
are not materially altered by human exploitation or occupation,
but protected and managed by the highest competent authority
of the country. They are opened to visitors under special
conditions of inspirational, educative, cultural and recreational
purposes.
A National park is a relatively large area where
a. One or several ecosystems are not materially altered by
human exploitation and occupation, where plant and animal
species, geomorphologie sites and habitats are of special
scientific, educational and recreative interest, which contains a
natural landscape of great beauty.
b. The highest competent legal authority of the country (national
or federal government) has taken steps to eliminate, as soon as
possible, exploitation or occupation in the whole area and
enforces effectively the respect for ecological, geomorphologie,
or scientific features which have led to its establishment.
c. Visitors are allowed to enter under special conditions, for
inspirational, educational, cultural and recreational purposes.
FUNCTIONS OF NATIONAL PARK
1. Preserve, enhance, protect and manage vegetation and wild
animals in the National parks.
2. Advise the Federal Government on the development and
preservation policy of the National parks, including the financial
requirements for the implementation of such policy
3. Advise the Federal Government on areas which, for the
purpose of protecting wildlife species, biotic communities, sites
of special interest or of aesthetic value, the service considers
may be declared as National parks under the relevant Acts.
4. Keep under review all activities relating to the National parks.
5. Ensure the implementation of National parks policy of the
Federal Government.
6. Prepare surveys and maintain up-to-date records of all the
existing facilities for the growth and protection of the fauna and
flora in the National parks. for zoological or botanical species of
both wild or domesticated animals, and advice the Federal and
State Governments on their adequacy and efficient utilization in
the interest of the national economy.
There are seven (7) National parks in Nigeria and they include
Kainji Lake National Park
It covers an area of 5,830 sq.km separated into two distinct non-
contiguous sectors, namely, Borgu sector and Zugurma sector
(Borgu sector is in Niger and Kwara state while Zugurma sector
is in Niger state). Kainji Lake National Park was the first
National park established in Nigeria in 1979 by decree 46. It is
located in Niger and Kwara states. The park is endowed with a
rich and diverse population of wildlife. Star species in the park
are Kob, Roan antelope, Hippopotamus, Duiker, Hartebeest,
Lion, Buffalo, Pangolin, Baboon, Warthog ete, It is also rich in
cultural/historical sites which include the Kali shrines and hills,
Kuble Hilling range. Lion caves of zugurma, Giyaye pool, ruins
of old Bussa, Shagunu Beach and Kainji lake/dam.
Old Oyo National Park
It is located in the northern part of Oyo state, south-western
Nigeria. It has a total land area of 2,512 sq.km and derives its
name from the ruins of Oyo-lle (Old Oyo), the ancient political
capital of the Yoruba Empire. The southern and northern part of
the park are drained by rivers. (south - Owu, Owe and Ogun
rivers. North - Tessi river). The central part of the park has
scattered hills, ridges and rock outcrops that are suitable for
mountaineering. The Ikere Gorge Dam on the Ogun river
provides water recreation facilities for tourists. The park
ecosystem is characterized by a high forest and dense savannah
mosaic woodland. It is equally endowed with different species
of plants and animals. Significant species of which are the Kob,
buffaloes, bushbuck, Baboon, grimm's duiker (Sylvicapra
grimmia), roan antelope (Hippotragus equinus). lions, etc. The
park has more than 30 species of birds. One species of bird
which is only found in Nigeria, the Ibadan malimbe (Malimbus
ibadanensis) is today only found in the premises of the
IITA. Ibadan. With the adequate protection of the ecosystem in
Old Oyo National Park, there is every chance that this rare
species may extend its territory to this park.
Okomu National Park
Okomu National Park is located in Ovia south west local
government area of Edo state. It is the last surviving protected
rainforest ecosystem in Southwest, Nigeria. It has a total land
area of 202 sq. km, it is the smallest of Nigeria National Parks.
Originally presented as a wildlife sanctuary in 1986, it became a
National park in 1999 under decree 46 of 1999. It harbours the
white throated monkey (Cercopithecus erythrogaster). Other
wildlife population include the Dwarf crocodile, Forest
Elephant, Forest Buffalo etc. It is also very rich in Birdlife with
above 200 species recorded in the park.
Cross River National Park
Cross River National Park is located in the rainforest ecological
zone in the extreme south eastern corner of Nigeria on the
border with the Republic of Cameroun. It exists as two non-
contiguous divisions, Oban and Okwangwo division. It has a
total land area of 4,000 sq.km. Gorillas are commonly found in
this park. The park is located in Cross River state. The park is
also home to about 78% of the primates species recorded in
Nigeria.
Chad Basin National Park
Chad Basin National Park is located in the Sudano-Sahelian
Ecological zone of the extreme North-eastern part of Nigeria. It
is located in Bornu and Yobe state. It protects and conserves
rare, arid-adapted fauna and flora species. significant among
which are the Giraffe. Ostrish (Struthio camelus), the near
extinct dama gazelle (Nanger dama), the savanna Elephant
(Loxodonta africana), and many others. It has three (3) sectors:
Chingurmi-Duguma sector, Bada-Nguru Wetlands sector and
Sambisa sector. The total land area is 2,258 sq.km.
Kamuku National Park
Kamuku National Park is located in Birnin Gwari local
government area of Kaduna state and covers a land area of 1,121
sq.km. The park vegetation is typically of Sudan savanna. The
park is reach in biodiversity comprising about 19 species of
mammals and the Western Hartebeest (Alcelaphus buselaphus)
being the most commonly sighted. Others include Roan antelope
(Hippotragus equinus), Bushbuck, Oribi (Ourebia ourebi), Patas
monkey. Green monkey, Elephant etc. About 177 species of
birds (both resident and migratory) as well as insects, reptiles,
rodents ete occur in the park.
Gashaka Gumti National Park
Gashaka Gumti National Park is located in the North eastern
part of Nigeria with an area of 6.731 sq.km. The park is the
largest, most scenic and diverse conservation enclave in Nigeria.
The park is located in Taraba and Adamawa State. It is adjacent
to the international border with Cameroun, and immediately to
the North of the Mambilla plateau. The park's name is derived
from two of the region's oldest and most historic settlements:
Gashaka village in Taraba state, and Gumti village in Adamawa
state. Gashaka Gumti National Park was created by Federal
Decree in 1991 by the merging of Gashaka Game Reserve with
Gumti Game Reserve. The park has five distinct ecological
zones ranging from Guinea savanna, Sudan savanna, Lowland
Rainforest to Montane rainforest and Montane grassland
habitats. The graduation of these ecosystems is influenced by
altitude and the north-south geographic spread. These different
vegetation types harbor exceptionally high level of biodiversity.
Much of the northern, Gumti sector of the park is savanna
grassland, while the southern, Gashaka sector of the park has a
rugged terrain characterized by very mountainous, steep slopes
as well as deep valleys and gorges, and is home to montane
forests. Altitude ranges from 457 metres above sea level in the
northern flatter corner of the park. up to 2,419 metres at
CHAPPAL WADDI, Nigeria's highest mountain in the park's
southern sections. It is an important water catchment area for the
Benue River. The area is dominated by mountains, valleys,
streams and rivers. The park also harbor highly endangered
species. Rainforests provide home for animals such as the Giant
forest hog, leopard, yellow-backed duiker - the largest of all
duiker (Cephalophus silvicultor), African golden cat (Profelis
aurata), and many different primate species including
chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes). The largest population of
Chimpanzee in Nigeria is found in this park. Woodland
savannahs are home to buffalo, lion, elephant, and wild dog, as
well as various antelopes such as waterbuck, Roan antelope
(Hippotragus equinus). kob (Kobus kob). Western hartebeest
(Alcelaphus buselaphus) and the world's largest antelope, the
Giant eland (Taurotragus derbianus). The mountains of the park
harbor populations of the rare Adamawa Mountain reedbuck
(Redunca fulvorufula), in addition to black-and-white colobus
monkey, baboon, warthog, oribi (Ourebia ourebi), and
klipspringer (Oreotragus oreotragus). While its largest unspoilt
rivers contain hippos, crocodiles, otters (common name for a
carnivorous mammal, they are aquatic) and a wide variety of
fishes. The park is officially labelled as one of Africa's
"Important Bird Areas" and with more than 500 species found
here. In addition, the park has abundance of creatures such as
butterflies, flowers and trees.
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QUICK FACTS ABOUT ANIMALS
CHEETAH
Young -Cub
Group of males -Coalition
Group of mother and young -Family
Conservation concern - Endangered due to hunting and habitat
destruction
Range - Africa; south of the sahara desert and Iran
Habitat - Open plains and grasslands in semi-desert regions
Size - Length: 173cm to 218em including the tail, weight: 39kg
to 65kg
Feeding habits - Cheetahs are carnivores, their diets include
antelopes, wildebeest, hares and zebras. They hunt during the
day relying on acute eyesight and burst of speed to catch prey.
Offspring - After a gestation period of about 90 to 95 days, the
female gives birth to 4 to 5 cubs. and sometimes as many as 8.
The young leave the mother when they are 14 to 18 months old.
Life span - Up to 12 years in the wild.
NOTE
The cheetah's long skull, large nasal passages, and large lungs
help it breathe when running.
A cheetah's footpads have grooves for better traction at high
speeds.
The cheetah is one of the fastest land animals. It can reach a top
speed of more than 97km/h in 2 to 3 seconds, and maintain it for
300m.
The cheetah's long tail acts as a balance and aids in high speed
turns.
Cheetahs always kill their prey with a bite to the neck.
CHIMPANZEE
Genus - Pan
Species -troglodytes (common chimpanzee), paniscus (bonobo)
Conservation concerns -Endangered due to habitat destruction
and illegal hunting
Range -Central Africa
Habitat - Tropical rain forests
Size - Height (Im to 1.7m), Weight (26kg to 70kg). Bonobos are
slightly smaller than common chimpanzee.
Feeding Habits - Chimpanzees are omnivores, they eat fruits,
nuts, leaves, honey, eggs, barks, insect, birds and small
mammals.
Offspring - Females usually give birth to one baby after a
gestation of 7 months. The young are weaned after about 5
years.
Life span - About 50 years.
NOTE
Chimpanzees are the animals most genetically similar to
humans.
Chimpanzees do not swim.
Chimpanzees sleep in nests they build in trees.
Chimpanzees strip sticks and poke them into termites mounds to
catch insects for food.
Chimpanzees usually travel on all fours on the ground, but they
also swing from tree to tree.
GIRAFFE
Male - Bull
Female - Cow
Young - Calf
Group-Herd
Range - Mainly south of the sahara, and in large numbers only
in East Africa.
Habitat - Dry savannas and open woodland.
Size - Height: Males are about 5.3m (17ft) tall, females are
about 4.3m (14ft) tall. Weight: Males weigh about 1900kg.
females rarely weigh more than 950kg.
Feeding Habits - Giraffes are herbivores, they feed mainly on
leaves from acacia, mimosa, and wild apricot trees.
Offspring - Females start to breed around age 4. Gestation lasts
for about 15 months. Mothers nurse about 12 months, and calves
may stay with mothers for several more months.
Life span - Up to 25 years in the wild.
NOTE
Giraffes use their strong legs to kick predators when under
attack.
Giraffes can run up to 56km/h.
Giraffes can go without water for weeks or months at a time.
A giraffe's neck can be over 1.5m (5 ft) in length but it contains
only 7 vertebrae.
ELEPHANT
Asian Elephants weigh up to 5,000kg and stand about 3m tall
while African elephants weigh up 16 7.000kg and stand about
4m tall. Females are typically smaller than males.
Elephants are herbivores, they need great quantities of food to
sustain their massive size. They also need a lot of drinking water
and so are restricted to areas with ample vegetation and
adequate water.
In search for food, an elephant can travel 5,000 to 10,000km in
one year, the longest mammal migration on record.
Female elephants usually give birth to one calf after a gestation
period of 20 to 22 months, the longest gestation period for any
animal.
Elephants cannot gallop or jump over ditches, but readily take to
rivers and lakes, where the water supports them and enables
them to swim long distances without tiring.
Elephants lack sweat glands and their large ears act like
radiators for releasing body heat. An elephant's tail is hairless
but has a skimpy brush at its tip.
Elephant tusks are a pair of elongated teeth. They are the largest
and heaviest teeth of any living animal. An elephant tusks weigh
between 20kg to 45kg and is 1.8m to 2.4m in length.
Elephant frequently cover themselves with dust, bathe in water,
and take mud bath to protect their skin.
Elephant eyesight is poor, and the eyes are small in relation to
the enormous head. The most sensitive organ of the elephant is
the trunk. Elephants can smell water at great distances and can
hear certain sounds from more than a mile away.
HIPPOPOTAMUS
Male -Bull
Female - Cow
Young -Calf
Group - Herd
Conservation Concern - At risk due to hunting and habitat
destruction
Range - Africa
Habitat - Hippopotamus live near lakes and rivers
Size -Hippopotamus grow to 2.9 to 5m long and weigh 1,000 to
3,600kg
Feeding Habits - Hippopotamus are herbivores: they eat grass,
leaves and fruits.
Offspring - Female hippopotamus usually give birth to just one
calf. The gestation period for hippopotamus is about 8 months.
Life span - Up to 40 years in the wild.
NOTE
Hippopotamus walk underwater along the bottoms of lakes and
rivers.
Hippopotamuses do not have sweat glands, but they do have
spores that secretes an oily, red fluid that protects their skin and
makes them appear to sweat blood. The fluid acts as a natural
conditioner, preventing the animal's skin from cracking in the
tropical heat.
Hippopotamus can close their nostrils and ears while under
water.
Before they can walk hippopotamus can swim.