ASSESSMENT OF THE CONSERVATION VALUES OF OSUN OSOGBO SACRED GROVE, OSUN STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

High Conservation Values (HCV) are unique biological, critical ecosystem functions, cultural significant features of an ecosystem. Paucity of knowledge on HCV of Osun Osogbo Sacred grove, South western Nigeria is a serious consideration for this study. Data was generated through field survey, interview and direct field observation. Interview was conducted for the priests, grove staff and traditionalists while systematic line transect was employed in the laying of plots to establish abundance and diversity of the flora species. Feeding point count was carried out for the observation of fauna species at a particular period of the study. Cercopithecus mona recorded the highest frequency compared to Guenon cercopithecus erythrogaster. A total of forty (40) tree species were found with Margalef and Shannon-Weiner index of 19.20 and 2.30 respectively. Celtis zenkeri had the highest relative density (13.04) followed by Colla hispida (9.42). Thematic analysis of the cultural significance revealed that use and non-use values were attached to the resources in the grove. Combined efforts of government officials, community guards and traditionalist were employed as conservation mechanism. It is recommended that assessment of high conservation value of the forest should be based on information on diversity of species, critical ecosystem functions and services.