Journal of Research in Forestry, Wildlife and Environment

A study on the temporal dynamics of vegetation cover in Enugu State, Nigeria

I.U. Uzonu — 2024-10-30

The study focused on the effects of human activities on vegetation dynamics in Enugu State, Nigeria using five land cover classes: forest, green areas, bare land, water body and built up area. Geographic Information System (GIS) was employed for the study. The vegetation maps of Enugu State for years 2000, 2010 and 2020 was generated using Landsat TM at 1000m resolution. Results generated were subjected to Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and the rate of deforestation was calculated using the FAO formula. From the results for year 2000, the percentage change of forest recorded 80.38% of the total land, green areas constituted 10.87%, bare land constituted 6.87% while water body and built-up area accounted for 1.78 and 0.09% respectively, and was in decreasing order; Forest > green areas > bare land > water bodies > built-up, with forest as dominance. In 2010, the percentage change in forest cover constituted 47.25% and 37.33% in 2020, with 2010 > 2020. Result showed that average of 87.22% of the respondents indicated human activities as the major causes of deforestation, with the rate of deforestation constituting 4.2%. Therefore, environmental education becomes a panacea in maintaining a good relationship between man and nature, hence sustainable forest management for man and his environment.

Avifauna species richness and abundance in relation to habitat features in selected areas of Guinea Savanna Zone, Nigeria

A.B. Ibrahim — 2024-10-30

This study was aimed to assess the avifaunal species richness and abundance in relation to habitat features in Guinea Savanna Zone of Nigeria. Point count method was employed to record bird species in four stratified habitats – forest, woodland, grassland and riverside, while Quadrats were used to record plant species and habitat features. Grassland habitat had the highest plant species abundance while forest had the highest species richness. Among all the habitat features, only tree density showed a positive association with the bird species abundance, richness and diversity because trees serve as the main niches for most bird species. However, water cover was the only feature that showed significant positive correlation with bird abundance because most colonial species converge at such habitat for the abundant food, water, nesting materials and breeding. In conclusion, the assessment of the vegetation composition and structure of the Guinea Savanna Zone of Nigeria has revealed the impacts of habitat disturbance on the avifaunal diversity, and indices of climate change have been recorded.

Effects of environmental variables on the distribution and diversity of avian species in three selected locations in the University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria

H.A. Badmus — 2024-10-30

The effects of environmental variables on the distribution and abundance of avian species in the University of Ibadan was carried out. Three sites were selected within UI [Fallow/Urban Land (FUL), Conserved Forest (CF), and Oil Palm Plantation (OPP)]. Birds were sampled between November 2023 and March 2024 using the Point Count method with a 50m radius. Binoculars were used for visible species and a voice recorder for audible but out-of-sight birds. Avian species composition and abundance were determined using standard methods. Diversity was determined using ShannonWeiner index. Monthly temperature and rainfall data were collected from Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet). Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, Canonical Correspondence analysis, and Bray-Curtis Cluster analysis in Paleontological Statistics (PAST). A total of 1,642 individual avian species were encountered belonging to 17 families. The families Corvidae and Columbidae were the most dominant families in the study area. The highest and lowest diversity indices were: FUL (2.271) and OPP (1.935) respectively. Temperature and rainfall ranges were 28.6°-32°C and 0-96mm respectively. Temperature influenced the abundance of Spilopelia senegalensis, Crinifer piscator, Milvus migrans, and Columba sp. While rainfall influenced the abundance of Bubulcus ibis. Both CF and FUL were similar in terms of avian diversity. Avian species were encountered in the University of Ibadan at low diversity. Hence, conservation efforts should focus on preserving diverse habitats and minimizing human impacts to maintain healthy bird populations.

Assessment of dimensional stability and mechanical properties of particle board from wood particles & corn cob

L.T. Oriire — 2024-10-30

This study presents an experimental work which investigates the potentiality of sawdust - corn cob and top bond as adhesive for the production of particle board which was manufactured under pressure by using manual hydraulic press. The mean values obtained for water absorption and thickness swelling at both 24 hours and 48 hours ranged from 14.20 % to 35.65 % and 0.95 % to 35.05 %, respectively, water absorption and thickness values increases as the period of test increased to 48 hours. After 24 hours, the values obtained for water absorption and thickness swelling ranged from 14.20 % to 28.54 % and 0.95 % to 34.33 % but when the immersion period increased to 48 hours, the values also increase by 15.76 % to 35.65 % and 2.89 % to 35.05%. While values obtained for mechanical properties varies among the particle size and mixing ratio. The boards made from particle size had modulus of elasticity as 52.45 Nmm-² , 42.37 Nmm^-2 and 59.03 Nmm^-2 and modulus of rupture as 0.57 Nmm-2 , 0.57 Nmm^-2 and 1.37 Nmm^-2 for fine, coarse and smooth particle respectively. The outcome of mean comparison shows that board made from smooth particle had better strength and more rigid than others, this study show that board made from 40/60 had the better strength and stronger than board made from 50/50 of adhesive to wood residue ratio. The observations from the physical and mechanical properties results showed that the percentage water absorptions of the immersed particle board increases with increasing time of immersion. Particle sizes of the solid material and adhesive ratio, pressing pressure in particle board manufacturing were important factors to determine its strength. Based on the results obtained from this study, it is evident that particle boards can be produced from the mixture of wood particles and corn cob.

Profitability of Cocos nucifera oil in Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State, Nigeria

A.A. Senchi — 2024-10-30

The study was conducted to survey the processing and marketing of Cocos nucifera oil in Chikun LGA of Kaduna state, Nigeria. A multistage sampling technique was adopted. On the first and second stages, 5 wards namely Narayi, Sabon tasha, Nasarawa, Rido, Chikun and 2 markets from each ward were purposively selected, on the third stage, (24) respondents were randomly selected from each market which gave a total sample size of 120 respondents. Data was obtained with the aid of a well-structured and open-ended questionnaire administered among selected processors and marketers. Descriptive statistics and profit margin analysis was used to analyse the data. Results obtained indicated that 98.3% of the respondents were females, 54.2% falls within the age group of 41-50 years, 82.5% were married, 42.5% falls within the household size of 6-10 individuals, 65.8% had secondary education, 55.0% and 67.5% have Cocos nucifera business as their major occupation. Results indicated that, 53.3% of the respondents had 6 - 10 years of experience. Marketing channels indicated that, 51.7% obtained their products from the assemblers, had monthly sale revenue of ₦130,550.00, total cost ₦76,850 and gross profit margin of ₦53,700 per month. However, the return on investment (ROI) showed that, Cocos nucifera oil marketers incurred 41.13% from their business. Cost of labour and transportation are the major constraint of coconut oil business. From this research, coconut oil business is profitable. There is need for new techniques and equipments to simplify the processing of coconut oil business to reduce labour cost.

Listeria species and occurrence in retailed smoked fish samples in selected Ota markets, Ogun State, Nigeria

C.T. Kester — 2024-10-30

This study investigated the prevalence of Listeria spp. in 72 samples of smoked species of codfish (Gadus morhua), herring (Clupea harengus), catfish (Clarias gariepinus) and mackerel (Scomber scombrus) sampled from Sango (SA), Oju-ore (OO), Oja-Oba, Iyana-Iyesi (II), Iju (IJ) and Atan (AT) markets, all in Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria. Adopting Oxoid Listeria Precis method, Listeria spp. were isolated and characterized morphologically and biochemically. Of the 72 samples, 8 (11.11%) tested positive. Listeria ivanovii (1.38%), L. grayi (2.78%), L. monocytogenes (2.78%) and L. innocua (4.16%) were identified in all the fish samples except Clupea harengus. Antibiotic sensitivity tests revealed all the isolates resisted Imipenem, Cefuroxime, Amoxillin and Cefexine but susceptible to Levofloxacin: 34mm (L. grayi) to 39mm (L. ivanovii), Ciprofloxacin: 25mm (L. monocytogenes) to 36mm (L. grayi) and Ofloxacin: 20mm (L. ivanovii) to 29mm (L. innocua). Occurrence of these bacteria could indict the safety of the smoked fish products for consumption. The low percentage occurrences coupled with the high antibiotic susceptibility may, however, relieve the potential consumers of the menace of the associated health risks the consumption of such fish products could pose. The required control measures to prevent the occurrence of especially Listeria monocytogenes and other species in the processing and distribution chains of these smoked fish products should be prioritized.

Molecular detection of aflatoxigenic mould contaminants isolated from fragmented stockfish (Gadus morhua) retailed in Sango-Ota Markets, Ogun State, Nigeria

C.T. Kester — 2024-10-30

The occurrence of aflatoxigenic moulds in fragmented stockfish (Gadus morhua), popularly known in Nigeria as Okporoko, retailed in some selected markets in Ota, Ogun State, was investigated and the isolated moulds were molecularly identified. A total of 45 (15 each of Head, H; Trunk, Tr and Tail, Tl) samples randomly procured from three selected markets were analyzed for total mould count following standard procedures. The isolates were grown on Yeast Extract Sucrose (YES) agar and exposed to Ammonium hydroxide to evaluate the phenotypic aflatoxigenicity. Molecular detection of Aflatoxins genes was carried out using the universal primer for moulds (ITS) and four main primers, targeting ver1, Omt1, Nor1 and aflR. The total mould counts ranged from 1.73±0.92 (Trunk) to 2.86±0.17 log CFU/g (Head). The stockfish samples were contaminated with six moulds namely, Penicillium spp. (26.3%), Aspergillus niger (21.2%), Cladosporium spp. (17.3%), Aspergillus flavus (15.0%), Aspergillus fumigatus (10.5%) and Aspergillus nidulans (9.8%). Twenty-six of the isolates were positive to Ammonium hydroxide vapour test of which the PCR-based method detected the four targeted Aflatoxin genes. The occurrence of aflatoxin-producing moulds in the stockfish samples of this study raises concern for public health safety. This necessitates strict monitoring and regulation of handling of fragmented stockfish sold in Ota markets.

Sustainable forest management for environmental wholesomeness, biodiversity conservation and sustainable development in Nigeria

B. Nwajiobi — 2024-10-30

Tropical forest has received increasing attention from global community in recent years due to high rate of deforestation and associated environmental challenges. Globally, efforts being made towards tackling environmental challenges are being frustrated leading to high rate of forest and biodiversity loss. This paper aimed at highlighting sustainable forest management for environmental wholesomeness, biodiversity conservation and sustainable development in Nigeria. In Nigeria, the highest rate of deforestation of primary forests recorded 55.7% between 2000 and 2005 with 58 (10.4%) of the tree species as endangered, in spite of the establishment of forest reserves, protected areas and associated conservation and environment laws. It has been reported that if the current trend of unsustainable forest management persists, it could step out of the limits of environmental wholesomeness and thus generating irreversible processes due to the top-bottom management structure (TBMS) of forest management. Hence, governance should be considered the best approach to sustainable forest management and conservation through improved public enlightenment and awareness in Nigeria.

Processing and marketing of Elaeise guineensis (oil palm) in Nkanu West Local Government Area of Enugu State, Nigeria

A.A. Senchi — 2024-10-30

The study was conducted to survey the marketing and processing of Elaeise guineensis (E. guineensis) in Nkanu West LGA of Enugu state, Nigeria. The five selected districts namely, Obuoffia, Umueze, Akegbe ugwu, Amodu and showed abundance of this Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs). Data were obtained with the aid of a structured and open-ended questionnaire administered among selected processors and marketers. This study was aimed at knowing the processing methods, marketing channels and profitability of E. guineensis. Results obtained indicated that 97.0% of the respondents for palm oil were females. 55.0% respondents for the product fall within the age group of 41-50 years. 62.0% of the respondents were married. 62.0% of the respondents fall within the household size of 6-10. About 51.0% of the respondents had no form of formal education. Processors and marketers were majorly farmers 61.0%. Results for years of experience indicated that majority 64.0% of the respondents had above 21 years of experience. Majority of the respondents 97.0% were involved in the processing of oil palm and use traditional method. 77.0% of the respondents produced more in medium quantity. Majority (70.0%) source their products from farm land and 64.0% of the respondents sold to consumers directly. Total revenue of oil palm per week indicated ₦22,750.00, gross profit margin indicated ₦18,500.00 while return on investment revealed 81.32% per week from the business which shows that, it is a profitable venture. This study recommends that, farmers should be educated and encouraged on the need to cut down and replace aging palm trees over (30 years) to increase productivity and output.

An assessment of the impact of rodent infestations on public health in Abuja Municipal Area Council (A.M.A.C) Nigeria

C.E. Okoli — 2024-10-30

This study assessed the level of rat infestation associated with housing and waste disposal seen in Abuja based on respondent’s information and bacteriological analysis from the oral and anal region of rodents within the AMAC area council. Two hundred and ten (210) well-structured questionnaires were strategically administered to the five communities within Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Abuja but 200 respondents returned their questionnaire. Fifty (50) rats were captured alive using adhesive glue boards and 100 samples were collected from oral and anal swabs. The survey revealed that a large percentage of the respondents are males (77.5%) between the age of 35-44 (33%) and civil servants (42%). Residents from Nyanya, Airport Road and Around Asokoro reported 85%, 70% and 45% respectively of rat infestation. waste disposal methods normally used are the Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB) waste disposal (54%) and open dumping method (35.5%). Chi-square test revealed a significant relationship between rodent infestation and disease transmission. All organism isolated were gram negative bacteria and had the following isolation rates Enterobacter cloacae (35%), Escheriacia coli at (19%), Salmonella spp (4%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (10%) and Providencia stuartii (12 %), Enterobacter hormaechi (11%) and Proteus mirabilis (9%) respectively. All isolated organism was 100% resistant to Oxytetracycline while P. aeruginosa shows a 90% resistance to anicilin respectively. Conclusively, our investigation has revealed a relationship between rat infestation and diseases presence.

Analysis of sawn wood market structure in Benue State, Nigeria

S.S. Idoko — 2024-10-30

The paper analysed the structure of sawn wood markets in Benue State. A multi-stage sampling technique was used to select respondents. A total of 100 sawn wood marketers from five Local Government Areas (LGAs) in the State were selected and sampled, Copies of semi-structured questionnaire were used to elicit data for the study. The Market structure was analyzed using concentration ratios such as Lorenz curve and Gini coefficient. The analysis of the distribution of the sales income of sawn wood marketers in Benue State revealed a Gini coefficient of 0.26. The Lorenz curve for the income distribution of sawn wood marketers in the State showed a little departure from the 450 line and this is in line with the GC of 0.26. This implied a low variation in incomes and sales distribution of sawn wood marketers in Benue State. It also showed a low market concentration of timber traders, which implied a fairly equitable distribution of marketing agents in the state. A summary of the sawn wood market structure in Benue State indicated that the market structure studied was oligopolistic i.e. few sellers and many buyers.

The effect of seed treatments on germination of Pterocarpus angolensis DC in the nursery environment in Namibia

K. Iipumbu — 2024-10-30

This study was carried out at the University of Namibia, Ogongo campus to determine the effect of seed treatments on germination percentage of P. angolensis in a nursery environment in order to contribute to the imminent needs for restoration of degraded Miombo woodlands in Southern Africa. The experiment, which involved three seed treatments replicated four times, was designed in a completely randomised design. Three seed treatments used are: (1) soaking the seeds in warm water 40℃ for 10 minutes, (2) nicking and (3) control. The experiment was established in a nursery during the rainy season period (November 2023 to March 2024). The germination percentage in the whole experiment was very low ranging from 15% to 32 %. Untreated seeds (control) had the highest germination percent (32%) followed by the seeds that were soaked in warm water 40℃ for 10 minutes (24%). The seeds that were nicked achieved the lowest germination percent (15%). Statistically the parametric one -way ANOVA shows that there is no significant difference among the treatments (p=0.230). The low germination percent are partly attributed to various factors such as dormancy, seed rotting due to waterlogging in a shaded nursery during the rainy season. This study revealed the importance of environmental factors as key determining factors of P. angolensis germination rate.