Journal of Research in Forestry, Wildlife and Environment

Environmental impacts of long-term use of pesticides in cocoa ecosystem

P.E. Aikpokpodion — 2024-05-16

The study was conducted to evaluate the impacts of long use of pesticides on soil nutrients, water quality and microbial population within cocoa plantations ecosystem. Soil and water samples were obtained from selected cocoa plantations and uncultivated farmlands in major cocoa producing areas of Cross Rivers State, Nigeria. Samples were analyzed according to standard procedures. Soil pH across the various cocoa plantations ranged between 4.5 and 5.5 while uncultivated farmlands adjacent to the cocoa farms had a pH range of 5.12 to 5.8. On average, the level of residual copper in soils obtained from the cocoa farms was 40 folds of the level of copper in the various uncultivated farmlands. The obtained values for pH, TDS, TSS, EC, DO, hardness, turbidity, nitrates, sulphates and phosphates of the surface and underground waters were within the permissible limit set by World Health Organization (WHO) for potable water. The values obtained for BOD in the surface water samples (2.25 and 2.70) were higher than the permissible level (2.0) set by WHO for portable water. Soil bacterial population was reduced by 38.49, 50.53, 50, 40.98, 41.61 and 45.04% under the selected cocoa plantations in Ajassor, Efraya, Yahunde, Okundi, Ochon and Orimekpang respectively compared to the soil bacterial population in uncultivated farmlands adjacent to the various cocoa farms. Long term use of pesticides increased soil acidity, copper residue accumulation while it reduced soil microbial population.

Survey of wildlife diversity and abundance along River Mu, Makurdi Local Government Area, Benue State, Nigeria

I. M. Iwar — 2024-05-16

This study presents a comprehensive survey of wildlife diversity along the banks of River Mu, situated in the Makurdi Local Government Area of Benue State, Nigeria. The primary objectives of this survey were to document the presence of various wildlife species, assess their distribution patterns, and evaluate potential conservation challenges. Field surveys were conducted over a period of 4 months utilizing a combination of techniques, including direct observations, and interviews with local communities. A total of 36 wildlife species were recorded, representing diverse taxonomic groups, including mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians. Notable species included Bats, Catfish, Frogs, Village Weaver birds and others. The distribution patterns of wildlife species varied along the river's gradient, with distinct communities inhabiting different habitat zones, such as riparian forests, wetlands, and grasslands. Factors influencing these distribution patterns included habitat availability, human activities, and seasonal variations. The study also identified several conservation challenges, including habitat degradation, poaching, and human-wildlife conflicts. Local communities expressed varying degrees of awareness and attitudes towards wildlife conservation, suggesting a need for targeted awareness and education programs.

Determinants of utilization of mobile phones for agricultural information support services among food crop farmers in Albasu LGA, Kano State, Nigeria

E.O. Owoade — 2024-05-16

The study analyzed the determinants of utilization of mobile phones for agricultural information services among food crop farmers in the Albasu Local Government Area of Kano State. A multi-stage sampling procedure was adopted to select one hundred and twenty (120) food crop farmers. Primary data was collected on the socio-economic characteristics of the respondents, information needs, utilization of mobile phones, and constraints. The results revealed that the mean age was 39.83 years. Most (91.7%) of the respondents were males and the mean year of experience was 15.27. Most (68.3%) of the respondents had formal education. The respondents needed different types of information. The respondents utilized mainly mobile phone voice calls (1.63) and short message services (1.06). Lack of skills (1.48), poor mobile network (1.44), low income (1.53), and lack of education (1.47) were the main constraints to the use of mobile phones. Information needs (β = 0.413, t = 5.707, p < 0.001), education (β = 0.281, t = 4.110, p< 0.001), and membership of association (β = 0.149, t = 2.193, p< 0.05) were significant positive predictors of utilization of mobile phones. The constraints to the use of mobile phone was a significant negative predictor of utilization of mobile phones (β = - 0.193, t = -2.599, p < 0.05). The study recommended the need for farmers’ organizations or extension agencies to train food crop farmers on the use of other mobile phone functions to maximize their potential for obtaining and sharing agricultural information.

Population estimate and structure of Putty-nosed guenon in Afi Mountain Wildlife Sanctuary, Nigeria

J.O. Bukie — 2024-05-16

An estimate of Putty-nosed guenon’s population density and structure was carried out in Afi Mountain Wildlife Sanctuary, Cross River State, Nigeria. The census was conducted to determine the population density and structure of Putty-nosed monkeys. Line transect method of data collection was used. Census was conducted in the two sectors of the sanctuary using Ten transects (1.0km length, 0.02km width) and spaced at an interval of 0.5km systematically. Direct method of animal sighting was employed. Population density of putty-nosed monkeys in the two sectors of Afi Mountain Wildlife Sanctuary was 5/km² and 2/km². However, the mean population density of putty-nosed monkeys in AMWS was ~ 4/km². This means that the population density is higher than previously reported for the monkey species in the study area implying that the population has increased over time. The variation of putty-nosed monkeys in the study area showed that the population structure is composed more of Juveniles than adult (27:26 and 13:1). The statistical test of significance between the Northern and Southern populations showed no significant difference. (T-tab = 0.482 < t-cal = 0.840 @ p = 0.05). It was therefore recommended that efforts through regular patrols by the rangers should be encouraged to protect the increasing population of guenons in the study area.

Nonlinear height-diameter models for Gmelina arborea (Roxb.) in Achusa, Makurdi Local Government Area of Benue State, Nigeria

V.D. Popoola — 2024-05-16

Gmelina arborea belongs to the family Lamiaceae and is a rapid growing species that is often grown to produce timber, paper and pulp as well as fodder. The height of a tree is a very vital information to monitor biomass and carbon stocks. Due to the increasing demand and high consumption for wood and wood-based forest products has incessantly been on a spike, and it could multiply because of an increase in the growing population. There is therefore the need to develop height-diameter models for the study area. This study was carried out at Achusa, in Makurdi Local Government Area of Benue State. The simple random sampling technique was used for the establishment of ten (10) sample plot size of 20m x 20m in the woodland. Six (6) non-linear height-diameter relationship model forms were used and evaluated statistically. The results of the fitted height-diameter models showed that Chapman-Richards and Weibull model were the best function for estimating tree height of Gmelina arborea for the training dataset. They had the smallest RMSE 3.223, a Bias of -0.005, R² value of 0.734, AIC of 510.314 and 510.321 respectively. For the validation dataset the Logistics model was the best with the smallest RMSE 2.906 and Bias of 0.013. Chapman-Richards and Weibull model were the best models in predicting tree height based on diameter at breast height values within the study area. The research recommends that variables such as soil fertility, density, spacing, crown area, age and silvicultural practices can be incorporated in height-diameter models so as to improve the accuracy and reliability of the models.

Distribution of domestic rat infestation in homes of selected local government areas in Ogun State, Nigeria and its public health implications: A respondent-based approach

O.D. Umoren — 2024-05-16

This study aims to investigate the distribution of domestic rat (black and brown rat) infestation in selected local government areas (Abeokuta South, Abeokuta North and Odeda LGAs) in Ogun State, Nigeria based on respondent’s information. One hundred and eighty (180) well-structured questionnaires were strategically administered to one hundred and eighty homes (odd number) which were represented by a respondent. The survey revealed that a large percentage of the respondents fall under the middle class (65.0%) and upper class (29.4%) socio-economic status while the majority of the respondents live in a bungalow (58.9%). Generally, 74% of the respondents have domestic rats in their homes, while based on the LGAs, Abeokuta North (77%) has the highest form of rat infestation seconded by Odeda (75%) while the lowest was recorded in Abeokuta South (73%), three time higher than the CDC baseline. The control measures for rat elimination appear in the order of poison only (36%) > poison and trap (33%) > trap only (23%). Chi-square test revealed a significant relationship between demographics, home hygiene practices with the rat infestation (P<0.05), while Pearson correlation revealed a moderate relationship between control measures and rat infestation (r=0.55; p<0.01). Conclusively, our investigation has revealed a high level of rat infestation across the study areas with Abeokuta North as a hotspot, significantly correlated with the studied parameters. Therefore, a combinatory use of control measures, control of population density and proper home hygiene practices need to be implemented to avoid potential economic loss and disease outbreaks.

Diversity and volume assessment of tree species in Ahmadu Bello University, Botanical Garden in Samaru – Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria

A.I. Sodimu — 2024-05-16

The study focused on the volume assessment of tree species diversity and abundance at Ahmadu Bello University Botanical Garden in Samaru, Zaria. The research was carried out from June 2023 to July 2023. The use of a quadrat line transect sample technique was employed, where by three (3) 30m x 30m plots was laid, all tree species with DBH > 0.1m that fell on the transect line was enumerated, height was measured using Haga altimeter, DBH was also measured using diameter tape for volume estimation. Baulunia monandra kurz had the highest number of stems (15), so it was a dominant species. The result shows that mean tree volume ranges from a minimum of 0.86m³ for Bignoniaceae family, to a maximum of 92.45m³ for Malvaceae family Bombax pentandrim. L. Malvaceae family had the highest mean volume (92.45m³) while the lowest was recorded in Tacoma stans (L) juss.ex kunt with a volume of 0.86m³. The family of Fabaceae was regarded as the dominant family in the botanical garden with 23 tree species. Shannon Weiner Diversity index and species equitability index according to Pielou’s of 1.16 and 0.53 were respectively obtained for the study area. This study revealed the efficacy of a partial disturbed Botanical Garden in in-situ conservation. Active regeneration and enrichment planting can be carried out for proper stocking of the Botanical Garden so as to make it potential biodiversity hotspot especially in Northern Guinea Savannah Eco- region.

Use of wood residues from timber shed by residents of Abakaliki communities and its environs in Ebonyi State, Nigeria

O.H. Ayeni — 2024-05-16

Wood rеѕіduеѕ have always been a major соnсеrn to residents living іn areas where ѕаwmіlls are located. Wаѕtеs generated іn thеse Timber Shed іnсludе: ѕаwduѕt, slabs, trее barks, wood dust, wood ѕhаvіngѕ and wооd оffсutѕ. This paper focused on assessing the utіlіzаtіоn of wood wastes bу residents living around Timber sheds and sawmills in Abakaliki. A multi-stage random sampling technique was used to select residents in the study area. Information was collected through the use of well-structured questionnaire, in depth interviews and personal observations. The dаtа generated were analyzed uѕіng dеѕсrірtіvе ѕtаtіѕtісѕ. The outcome of the results indicated that majority of rеѕроndеntѕ (59.2%) were married, with most оf thеm having 4 - 6 family mеmbеrѕ. Also, majority оf thе rеѕроndеntѕ by 57.1% оbtаіnеd their wood rеѕіduеѕ from timber shed freely. Majority of the respondents by 49% аgrееd to the use of wооd rеѕіduеѕ fоr heating аnd cooking. Other wood residues use found among the communities’ dwellers іnсludе bedding fоr роultrу/оthеr аnіmаlѕ (18.4%), flooring, mulсhіng (9.2%) and рlаntіng of оrnаmеntаl рlаntѕ (7.1%). Wood residues if effectively maximized would hеlр in rеduсіng the оvеrеxрlоіtаtіоn оf thе nаturаl forest and thuѕ hеlр іn conservation.

Effect of habitat variation and micro-seasons on bird abundance, and species richness in the Hadejia-Nguru Wetlands Nigeria

D.I. Suleiman — 2024-05-16

The species abundance, diversity and richness of avifauna are influence by time and habitat suitability. Bird species abundance, diversity and richness were investigated in two habitat type, between July 2020 and June 2021 in Hadejia-Nguru wetlands in North-east Nigeria. Three sites were identified on which; two kilometer line transects separated by two kilometers apart were established. Ten points were marked at interval of 200 metres on each line transect for data collection on birds. A total of 97 bird species from 17 orders and 40 families were recorded during the period of study. The highest number of avifauna individuals was recorded in Down-stream site followed by Mid-stream while the Up-stream recorded the least. Similarly, the Down-stream recorded the highest diversity index (3.67) and species richness (72) and it was followed by Mid-stream (3.18) and species richness of (71). While the least diversity index (2.76) and species richness (50) were recorded in the Upstream.

Socio-economic importance of canoe production in Buruku and Katsina-Ala Local Government Areas of Benue State, Nigeria

D.O. Ekhuemelo — 2024-05-16

This study assessed the socio-economic importance of canoe production, emphasizing its diverse impact on livelihoods, employment, and community development in Buruku and Katsina-Ala LGAs of Benue State, Nigeria. A total of eight villages were purposively selected for this study. Five villages (Tyowanye, Tyogbande Majov, Mbalagh and Abuku) from Katisina-Ala and three (Tomaataan, Ashitanaku and Mbaakwadam) from Buruku. Multistage sampling technique was employed to select canoe production villages for data collection. Respondents were interviewed with semi-structured questionnaire. Data collected were analysed using descriptive statistics. Results showed that in both LGAs, male was 100% involved in canoe production. Among respondents, 61.1% were married, with highest daily income of between N1,000 - N10,000. The primary occupation of respondents was canoe production with 53.1% employees in Tyogbande Majov, Katsina-Ala and 38.9% in Mbaakwadam, Buruku. Six wood species in six families were identified as being used in canoe production in Katsina-Ala while in Buruku, 5 wood species in 5 families were utilized. Canoe producers from Tyogbande Majov and Abuku villages had the highest percentage of trees felled per production process, accounting for 24.5%. In Buruku LGA, the majority of respondents claimed that improved transport business (42.37%) was their primary benefit, followed by youth empowerment (20.34%), community development (11.86%), and fishing business (8.47%). Conversely, in Katsina-Ala LGA, respondents primarily highlighted youth empowerment (44.44%) as the most significant benefit, followed by improved transport business (27.78%), community development (16.67%), and fishing business (11.11%). In conclusion, canoe production has shown to improve the socio-economic benefits of respondents in the bothe Atsi-Ala and Buruku LGAs.

Infestation and prevalence of the mistletoe, Tapinanthus bangwensis on host plants in Moor Plantation, Ibadan, Nigeria

D.E. Edagbo — 2024-05-16

An assessment of the host-parasite relationship of the Mistletoe, Tapinanthus bangwensis was undertaken in a field with wide array of susceptible host plants cover. The focus of the investigation was to identify the incidence of the parasite on host plants, the susceptible hosts and distribution of the parasite among hosts population. The field assessment revealed a sizable sum of 55 species belonging to 24 families out of which 19 species in the domain of 14 families were susceptible to infestation. It was evident that the parasite was less discriminatory and able to infest a range of different host species which made it a generalist in its mode of infestation. The incidence of the Mistletoe on susceptible hosts rose with increased population of the hosts when other factors of influence were minimal.

Growth and yield models for teak in Shangev-Tiev Plantation, Konshisha Local Government Area Benue State, Nigeria

V.D. Popoola — 2024-05-16

Growth and yield models can estimate future yields and explore silvicultural options. Models enable an effective process to prepare resource forecasts, the most significant aspect is its potentials to explore management options and silvicultural alternatives. Growth and yield models give a mathematical and statistical way to quantifying the quantity of wood in a tree without felling the tree in order to manage wood resources, take economic choices and promote sustainable forest management. The increasing wave of errant and unmanaged exploitation of forests causes high rate of deforestation therefore the reservation of forest estates has to be created. The aim of this study was to assess the growth and yield models of Shangev-tiev teak plantation in Konshisha Local Government Area of Benue State. Twenty-five sample plot size of 20m x 20m were randomly selected. Growth variable measured were total height, diameter at breast height and diameter at the base. A total of twelve volume models was selected to estimate tree volume. Tree volume had a mean of 1.27m³ with 2.68m³ as the maximum volume. All the models generated have positive intercepts. Models 3, 7, 11 and 12 had a R² value of 0.99 and standard error estimate of 0.01. lnV= 0.30 + 0.01 ln (D) had the highest F-Ratio value of 4385 with a R² value of 0.90 and standard error estimate of 0.25. Model 5 is recommended for use in the study area because it is simpler and practical because it needs only one explanatory variable (diameter at breast height) to be measured and by pass the height measurements that is time-consuming and costlier. It also by passes the errors inherent in height measurements of standing trees. It is recommended that beating up should be carried out because of the shortage of trees as a result of deforestation, expansion and associated erection of buildings to avoid extinction of trees in the study area.

Evaluation of pulp making properties and kraft lignin precipitation from Ficus exasperate (Vahl.)

G.T. Anguruwa — 2024-05-16

This research aimed to evaluate pulp making properties and kraft lignin precipitation from F. exasperata. Fibre morphology, Kraft pulp yield, kappa number, isolation and precipitation of Kraft lignin were carried out to check the suitability of the raw material. The chips were obtained from the base, mid-stem and stem-top of the tree while cooking liquor was prepared by dissolving 40g NaOH: 13g NaS₂ in 1000mL of distilled water to obtain 17 and 20% effective alkaline. The ratio of NaOH to NaS₂ was 3:1, Liquor to chip ratio was 5:1 and at a varied temperature of 140, 160 and 180^°C. The highest pulp yield and kappa number were obtained at 140^°C and the lowest was recorded at 180^°C. Pulp yield decreases from base to the stem-top along the sampling height from 53.38 – 47.87% at the base, 51.31 – 47.64% at the mid-stem and 50.31 – 45.67% at the stem-top. While the pulp at the base (34.67 -24.00) gave the highest kappa number, followed by (32.44 -30.67) at the mid-stem while the lowest kappa number of 31.89 -29.22 was recorded at the stem-top. Isolated and precipitated Kraft lignin recorded highest yield of 21.3% at 160^°C cooking liquor. This study concluded that F. exasperata could be easily pulped using Kraft pulping to acceptable yield with moderate Kappa number. Also, kraft lignin was successfully recovered from spent liquor of F. exasperate.

Encyclical-Laudato si’ what do the laity know about biodiversity conservation and the care of the natural environment in Jos, Nigeria?

G. Pam — 2024-05-16

An assessment of the level of awareness of Catholic laity on the Catholic Social Teaching (CST) based on the Laudato si (Francis 2015), and their perceptions on the care for nature and the environment, was conducted to test their understanding of the biblical instruction in Genesis 1:28 (KJV) to ‘have dominion’ over nature. The aim was to determine whether or not the laity knew about the pope’s declaration and how practical it was among them. Stratified Random and Purposive Sampling methods were employed in data collection, analyzed using descriptive statistics. Overall, 82(68.33%) had heard a sermon on nature/environment, while 33 (27.5%) had not. Additionally, perception of ‘dominion’ was predominantly authoritarian. Furthermore, 37(30.8%) knew the existence of the Laudato si, while 60 (50%) were unaware. In conclusion, there is need for more exposure to the Laudato si and more frequent teachings on nature and conservation in homilies.

A calibrated, watershed-specific SCS-CN method as applied to Kainji Dam watershed in Niger State, Nigeria

I.Y. Yerima — 2024-05-16

This paper explores the application of a calibrated, watershed-specific soil conservation service curve number (SCS-CN) method to the Kainji dam watershed in Niger State, Nigeria, addressing the challenges and opportunities associated with its implementation. The SCS-CN method is versatile and popular for quick runoff estimation is relatively easy to use with minimum data and it gives adequate results. This study presents a new CN_0.056 of 59 against the conventional CN_0.2of 65. The E index increased by 5.2%, the BIAS of the predictive model was reduced by 58.3% and the model's RSS was lowered by 12.1%. In the event of rapid urbanization and climate change, SCS practitioners can conduct regional-specific calibration for the SCS model as proposed to derive region and time-period-specific CN values for the Nigerian watershed.

Assessment of Leucaena leucocephala (Lam) de Wit agroforestry technology adoption among smallholder farmers in Benue State Nigeria

T. T. Torhemen — 2024-05-16

This study was conducted to assess Leucaena leucocephala agroforestry technology adoption among smallholder farmers in Benue state. The stratified systematic random sampling technique was adopted for data collection. The state was stratified into three zones based on the senatorial districts. Respondents were stratified into three categories these were Extension agents, benefitting smallholder farmers (BSF) neighboring farmers (NF). structured questionnaire was used for data collection. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistic and a five-point Likert scale rating format. The study revealed that 53.3% benefitting smallholder farmers were females, 52.3% of neighboring farmers were males. Most (66.6%) of BSF were below 60 years, 74.7% of NF were below 50years. Furthermore, 51.7% of BSF had primary education while 59.3% of NF had secondary education. Hundred percent of smallholder farmers were females, 52.3% of neighboring farmers were males. All BSFs were aware of Leucaena leucocephala agroforestry technology, while 66.0% of neighboring farmers were not aware of the technology. Leucaena AF technology adoption was rated very high WMS=4.9. Farmers perceived that agroforestry significantly increase their farm output MWS=4.5, AF technology serve as fertilizer to crops on the farmland MWS=4.4 AF as staking materials MWS=4.6, windbreaks MWS=3.9, used as fuel wood MWS=4.3, treatment of disease MWS=3.8. it was shown that 60% of the farmers cultivate yam crop alongside Leucaena species, while 44.3% of farmers Combined animal and crops alongside Leucaena sp. There is the need for the Government of Benue state to renew Leucaena leucocephala agroforestry technology project in the study area; since neighboring farmers are willing to practice AF technology due to its numerous benefits. Also, there is the need for awareness creation and involvement of private or non-governmental organizations to intervene in funding and monitoring the success of this project in the study area.