The Fauna Biodiversity of Ikot Ondo Community Forest in Essien Udim L. G. A. of Akwa Ibom State, South Eastern Nigeria

Abstract

Prolonged deforestation, poaching and wildlife habitat loss has been a serious threat to wildlife conservation in Nigeria, thereby endangering fauna diversity resources in the country. This study was carried out to determine the population estimate of wild fauna in the communal land of Ikot Ondo Community forest in Essien Udim L. G. A. of Akwa Ibom State. The forest is situated in a rainforest ecosystem surrounded by villages whose source of livelihood is mainly through exploitation of the forest resources. The study showed the avifauna species to be more abundant with species indices of -1.2985 and 11.6246 respectively when compared with those of mammals (-1.1914 and 12.5174), amphibian and reptiles (-1.0441 and 8.4831) and the insect species (-1.1357 and 6.5977). The mammals, amphibian and the reptile species were largely depleted as a result of over exploitation. Participatory resources management between the various stakeholders is therefore recommended to ensure the sustainable conservation of wildlife resources in the area.

Keywords: Biodiversity, Conservation, Community Forest, Participatory management