Main Article Content
Environmental impact assessment of bitumen exploitation on animal resources of Ode-Irele forest area
Abstract
This study was carried out to assess the environmental impact of Bitumen exploitation on wildlife resources in Ode-Irele forest area of Ondo-State, Nigeria. The result of the study showed that there are 9 orders and 40 species of mammals in the study area. Primates recorded the highest specie number (13,) and rodentia as the highest percentage distribution (74%). Predictably, every 10% reduction in tree cover will make the expected number of animals alive to decline from 1524.12 to 240.70 until the value will become negative (-217.59). Also, the rate of mortality will increase from 0.17 to 1.00, and the percentage interval of tree destruction will increase from 173.77 to 252.03.
By the time the exploitation of the bitumen is in full scale, the balance in the forest ecosystem will be adversely affected with possible decline in the relative abundance of the wildlife resources. The ill-effects of the exploitation, will, however be grave when the vegetation is destroyed beyond 75% cover.
Key words: Bitumen, environment, exploitation, wildlife, forest.
(Af J Livestock Extension: 2002 1: 15-21)
By the time the exploitation of the bitumen is in full scale, the balance in the forest ecosystem will be adversely affected with possible decline in the relative abundance of the wildlife resources. The ill-effects of the exploitation, will, however be grave when the vegetation is destroyed beyond 75% cover.
Key words: Bitumen, environment, exploitation, wildlife, forest.
(Af J Livestock Extension: 2002 1: 15-21)
