Forest degradation has become a major concern in many countries around the world as it has become one of the most debilitating land use crisis in tropical ecosystems. Hence, this study assessed the forest degradation indices in Mokwa forest reserve. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and field reconnaissance survey. Five settlements were selected in and around the forest reserve namely Mokwa, Jangi, Epa, Kpataki and Tswanle. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results showed that farming (41.7%) was the main occupation of the people, artisan works (18.8%) and studentship had the least (4.2%). Briquetting of charcoal (20.8%) was the highest causes of forest degradation; commercial farming (18.8%), overgrazing (16.7%) and population increase was the least (4.2%).Global warming (22.9%) was the major effect ofdegradation in the study area, soil erosion (20.8%) and the least was low rainfall (9.4%). Agroforestry practices (27.1%) were recorded as the main mitigation measure for reducing degradation in the area. This was followed by Afforestation and enrichment planting (22.9%), tree planting campaign (18.8%) and the least was forest conservation and management (6.3%). The stepwise multiple regression analysis of the causes with other variables showed that briquetting of charcoal had the highest R2 (0.88), followed by commercial farming R2 (0.84), while population increase had the least R2 (0.57). Nevertheless, sustainable empowerment programs are recommended to boost the livelihood of the rural populace and to reduce the overdependence of the people on the forest reserve. Keywords: forest degradation, enrichment planting, livelihood, briquetting.
With the increase in the rate of tree removal and construction of buildings within the Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria premises, there has been concomitant rise in habitat modification. These changes in habitat composition affect the insect population. This study therefore investigated the insect species diversity and abundance within some selected locations within FRIN with the view to determining different insect species available in FRIN premises. Sweep nets were used to trap the insects along a predetermined line transect. Data were analyzed using Microsoft Excel 2007 and Paleontological Statistics were used for the data analysis. Descriptive statistics, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and species diversity and composition were all assessed. A total number of 1073 individual insects belonging to 6 orders, 27 families and 34 species were recorded across the three locations. Out of this, Order Lepidoptera had the highest relative abundance (53%), followed by Coleoptera (22%), then by Hymenoptera, Hemiptera, Heteroptera and Diptera with 10%, 9%, 4% and 2% relative abundance respectively. The result of ANOVA showed that there was no significant difference in species composition/richness across the locations at probability level of 5%. The insect species diversity, evenness and richness also varied across the locations. This study therefore, brings to the fore the diversity and abundance of insects within FRIN premises and highlighted the need for a more intensive study by the entomology section and for sustainable actions to be taken in conserving beneficial rare species while, managing the abundant pestiferous ones.
The present study is focused on the assessment on environmental awareness among secondary school teacher in some selected schools in Ibadan. Simple random sampling technique was used for the selection of sample. The investigators developed a questionnaire on assessment of environmental awareness. Statistical techniques like percentage analysis and chi square analysis were used to analyze the data. The major finding of study reveals that teachers possessed positive attitudes towards both environmental issues and environmental education. We found that contrary to a number of findings from studies in other parts of the world, male respondents were the most concerned about the environment and more knowledgeable than female individuals about environmental issues.Keywords: Environmental Education, Teacher’s Awareness, Ibadan
The study determined the abundance and distribution of phytoplankton flora of an impoundment in the Agricultural Teaching and Research Farm of ObafemiAwolowo University (O.A.U), Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria. The study was carried out over an annual cycle from September 2006- August 2007, Phytoplankton and water samples were collected monthly from three sampling stations by filtering 50 litres of water through a phytoplankton net of 45μm mesh size to a concentrate volume of about 30ml preserved in 5% formalin solution. The phytoplankton were viewed under a compound light microscope at both scanning power (x40) and low power (x100), measured with an ocular micrometer drawn to scale, counted and later identified using various phytoplankton identification keys on Nigerian freshwaters.The results showed that one hundred and fifteen species of phytoplankton belonging to five divisions, seven classes, nineteen orders, forty seven families and eighty three genera were recorded. The predominant genera in terms of occurrence and abundance were members of the green algae (Division Chlorophyta) and included Tetradesmus, Ulotrix, Tetraspora, Protosiphon, Chlorella, Closteriopsis and Pediastrum. Phytoplankton occurrence and abundance were slightly higher in the rainy season (600±350) than in the dry season (533±186) (f= 0.918, p= 0.05). The highest values were recorded at the surface stations of the lake.It was concluded that the water body was comparatively rich in phytoplankton flora. Also the occurrence of some species in the water body such as scenedesmus, stauraastum, Tetradesmus, Ulotrix, Tetraspora and Pediastrum species suggested a high level of primary productivity and a non-polluted lake that was oligotrophic to moderately eutrophic.Keywords: Phytoplankton, composition, distribution, abundance
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