Akure Forest Reserve

The Akure Forest Reserve is situated in the Ondo State, Nigeria, a region in Akure South Local Government Area.  It falls within longitudes 5o9′ and 5o11′ east of the Greenwich Meridian and latitudes 7o16′ and 7o18′ north of the equator.[5] It was established as a reserve in 1936. It covers a land area of about 69.93km2. Politically, it is located in Ondo State in southwest Nigeria and shares a border with Osun State in the northeast. The Akure forest reserve share border with the five LGAs, in Ondo State namely : Ile Oluji, Oke-Igbo, Ifedore, Akure South, Idanre and Ondo East.[5]

Akure has a tropical humid climate with a minimum and maximum daily temperature range of 27 °C - 38 °C respectively, in the wet season and 23 °C - 39 °C respectively in the dry season.[6] However, according to Adejoba et al.,[7] the average daily temperature ranges between 21 °C and 29 °C for nearly the entire year. The wet season in this area lasts about 9.6 months with a monthly rainfall of about 0.5inches, with 9.0 inches in September as the wettest month[8] The average annual rainfall varies from 2000mm in the south to 1500mm in the north. The yearly relative humidity in the south-west range from 80-85% (NiMET, 2016). The wet season begins in April and ends in October, with the heaviest rainfall records occurring in July and August, while the dry season lasts from November to March (Akinseye).[9]

The southern portion of the terrain is low lying, gently undulating, and has an elevation range of 216 to 504 meters, while the northern portion has hilly rock outcrops that are spaced closely together. Gneiss and crystalline rocks make up the ground beneath. It has a pH range of 6.7 to 7.3 and is sandy-loam in composition.[10]

Picture of white throated Monkey

Akure forest reserve is home to diverse species of plants and animals. It has a high diversity, richness, and abundance of plant species, with Nine hundred and fifty-six (956) unique trees counted in total; It contains 42 different tree species, which were dispersed among 20 different families. The most prevalent families were Sterculiaceae, Apocynaceae, and Baraginaceae, demonstrating the abundance of plant species in the area (Amonum et al., 2019).[11] The vast forest is also home to some primates, including the mona monkey, white-throated monkey, putty-nosed monkey and red-capped mangabey.[12] Akure forest reserve is also home to diverse number of insect species with about 13,578 insects distributed among 30 families belonging to 15 orders.[13] In the forest ecosystem, insect diversification is categorized into three distinct land use types. Within the fallow land, a total of 5,182 insects were observed, representing 46 different families and spanning 8 orders. In the cocoa agroforest, 5,884 insects were documented, encompassing 50 families and 10 orders. The unlogged forest, on the other hand, contained 2,490 insects, spanning 10 orders and 56 families. Notably, the most abundant families and orders were Lepidoptera, with 4,000 individuals, and Orthoptera, with 1,260 individuals. These insects primarily act as defoliators within the ecosystem.[13]

Several researches have shown a tremendous human activities going on around the Akure forest reserve. These activities range from agriculture to lumbering, urbanization, etc. which are negatively affecting the reserve. Lumbering has significantly affected insect population in the forest as it leaves the soil bare and dry displacing them from their natural ecosystem. The worst, is that there is little or no awareness to the rural communities about preservation of the forest. For instance, these scholars[14] observed that rural communities living around the forest reserve depend heavily on the forest for their livelihood. As a result of this, it has resulted in high level of deforestation. More so, very few members of the rural communities are aware of the program on Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and forest Degradation.[14] Other scholars who have studied on various aspects and extents of deforestation in this forest reserve include; Adetula[15] who estimated that 11.73% (8.2 km2) of the area had been cleared for cocoa farming and other food crops; Fuwape et al.[16] documented the Gmelina arborea covered (721.40 m3) and Nauclea diderrichii spp. (265.18 m3), respectively; Oke[17] worked on the family Sterculiaceae including the species counted for 53% of the total tree canopies in Akure forest reserve. Owusu's (2018)[18] research, submits that the disappearance of vegetation in the city is raising livability issues with regard to ecosystem function, temperature rise, and air quality. As a result, he advised policymakers to address the three crucial issues of resilience, sustainability, and livability. In the southern section of the relief pattern.   The forest was owned by the Aponmu and Owena Yoruba speaking groups, although it was also surrounded by small towns. These include Elemo Igbara Oke Camp, Ipogun, Kajola/Aponmu, Kajola, Ago Petesi, Akika Camp, Owena Town, Ibutitan/Ilaro Camp, and Kajola/Aponmu.

Economic and social importance of the Akure Forest Reserve in relation to non-timber forest products, tourism and recreation, and its cultural and religious significance:

1. Non-wooden Forest merchandise (NTFPs):

• Range of merchandise: The A woodland reserve is rich in non-wood woodland merchandise, In addition to timber, the encompassing area includes a wide range of valuable resources. Those are medicinal plants, nuts, herbs, mushrooms, honey, and diverse other vegetation and fauna that can be harvested for food, medicinal drugs, and other purposes.
• Supply of livelihood: NTFPs play a essential prole i the livelihoods of local groups. People living in and around the woodland often rely upon these sources for sustenance, income generation, and traditional medicine.
• Commercial possibilities: some non-wooded area products have a business fee and are traded in neighborhood, national, and even global markets. This has a to the local financial system.[19]

2. Tourism and exercise:

• Biodiversity and Ecotourism: The Akure Forest Reserve's rich biodiversity and the presence of unique and diverse animal species make it an exceptional platform for ecotourism, which includes nature enthusiasts and researchers who, are interested in the reserve to have a look at, have a look at, and admire the numerous surroundings.[20][21][22]
• Recreational sports: The forest gives possibilities for recreational sports like hiking, birdwatching, picnicking, and camping. These sports now not handiest provide leisure site visitors but also make a contribution to local economies via the guide and lodge services.

3. Cultural and non-secular significance:

• Cultural Practices and Traditions: The Akure Forest Reserve holds cultural significance for neighborhood groups. it could be associated with conventional beliefs, ceremonies, or practices that are deeply embedded in the cultural heritage of human beings.[23][24]
• Non secular significance: some areas within the wooded area may additionally hold unique religious or religious significance for positive groups. Sacred groves, for instance, are not unusual capabilities in lots of forests and are respected as sacred places of worship or as a spiritual tribute to the magnificence of nature.[25]
• Historical Relevance: The forest may also have historical ties to the community, serving as a place of ancient events, settlements, or ancient practices. these connections can be of splendid significance to the cultural identification of the neighborhood populace.[26][27]

The Akure Forest Reserve, like many natural areas worldwide, faces various demanding situations and threats that jeopardize its ecological integrity and the advantages it gives to communities.[28] The reserve is home to a wide variety of plant and animal life, including many endangered species.[29] However, the reserve faces a number of challenges and threats, including encroachment and deforestation, poaching and illegal logging, and the impacts of climate change.[29][30]

1. Encroachment and deforestation:
   • Population Pressure: Rapid population growth and urbanization in and around the Akure Forest Reserve can lead to increased demand for land and resources.[31][32] This can result in encroachment, where people settle, cultivate land, or engage in other activities within the forest's boundaries.
   • Agricultural Expansion: Agricultural activities, particularly subsistence farming and commercial agriculture, may encroach upon the forest.[33][34] Clearing land for crops, livestock grazing, and infrastructure development can lead to deforestation, which reduces the forest's overall size and ecological health.
   • Illegal Land Conversions: In some cases, illegal land conversions may occur where land-use changes are made without the proper authorization or adherence to land-use regulations.[33][35][26] This can further exacerbate deforestation and habitat loss.
2. Poaching and Illegal Logging:
   • Wildlife Poaching: Poaching is a significant threat to the biodiversity of the Akure Forest Reserve. It involves the illegal hunting or capturing of wildlife for various purposes, such as bushmeat, traditional medicine, or the exotic pet trade. This can lead to declines in population numbers and disrupt the ecological balance.[36]
   • Illegal Logging: Illegal logging involves the unauthorized harvesting of timber and non-timber forest products. This activity often occurs without proper permits or adherence to sustainable logging practices. It can lead to habitat destruction, soil erosion, and the loss of valuable timber resources.[33][35]
3. Climate Change:
   • Temperature and Precipitation Changes: Climate change is altering the temperature and precipitation patterns in the Akure Forest Reserve. This can impact the growth and distribution of plant species, potentially leading to shifts in vegetation zones and changes in the composition of the forest ecosystem.[37]
   • Extreme Weather Events: The increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, such as storms, droughts, and floods, can damage forest ecosystems and disrupt the natural regeneration processes.[38] This can make it more challenging for the forest to recover from disturbances.
   • Shifts in Wildlife Behavior and Distribution: Climate change can influence the behavior, migration patterns, and distribution of wildlife species.[39][40] Some species may struggle to adapt to changing conditions, potentially leading to population declines or local extinctions.

Addressing these challenges and threats requires a multi-faceted approach that includes effective conservation policies, sustainable land-use planning, community engagement, law enforcement, and climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies. It's crucial to prioritize the long-term health and resilience of the Akure Forest Reserve to ensure it continues to provide valuable ecosystem services and benefits to both nature and society.

Future of Akure Forest Reserve for Sustainable Management:

1. Integrated Conservation Planning:
   • Biodiversity Assessment: Conduct comprehensive biodiversity assessments to understand the flora and fauna present in the reserve. This information can guide conservation efforts and help identify key species and habitats that require protection.
   • Ecosystem-Based Management: Adopt an ecosystem-based approach that considers the interdependencies of different species and habitats within the forest. This approach ensures that management decisions are holistic and take into account the broader ecological context.
2. Community Engagement and Empowerment:
   • Stakeholder Involvement: Involve local communities, indigenous groups, and other stakeholders in decision-making processes. Their traditional knowledge and expertise can be invaluable in crafting sustainable management strategies.
   • Capacity Building: Provide training and capacity-building opportunities to local communities for sustainable resource use, alternative livelihoods, and conservation practices. This empowers them to become active participants in conservation efforts.
3. Enforcement and Regulation:
   • Law Enforcement: Strengthen law enforcement mechanisms to combat illegal activities such as poaching, illegal logging, and encroachment. This may involve deploying trained personnel, implementing surveillance technology, and establishing effective reporting mechanisms.
   • Policy and Regulation: Develop and enforce clear policies and regulations for land use, resource extraction, and conservation activities within the reserve. These policies should be based on sound scientific evidence and stakeholder input.
4. Research and Monitoring:
   • Long-Term Monitoring Programs: Establish rigorous monitoring programs to track changes in biodiversity, habitat health, and other ecological indicators. This data is crucial for assessing the effectiveness of conservation measures and adapting management strategies as needed.
   • Research Initiatives: Encourage research within the reserve to advance scientific understanding of its ecosystems, species, and ecological processes. This can inform evidence-based management decisions.
5. Sustainable Resource use:
   • Non-Timber Forest Product Management: Implement sustainable harvesting practices for non-timber forest products. This involves setting quotas, regulating harvesting techniques, and promoting value-addition activities that enhance economic benefits without compromising the ecosystem.
   • Timber Harvesting Guidelines: If timber harvesting is permitted, establish guidelines for sustainable logging practices. This includes selective logging, reforestation efforts, and the use of best management practices to minimize negative impacts.

Importance of Protecting the Reserve:

1. Biodiversity Conservation:
   • The Akure Forest Reserve is likely home to a rich diversity of plant and animal species, some of which may be rare or endemic. Protecting the reserve ensures the survival of these species and maintains ecological balance.[41]
2. Ecosystem Services:
   • The forest provides vital ecosystem services like carbon sequestration, water regulation, and soil conservation.[42] These services have far-reaching benefits for both local communities and the broader environment.
3. Cultural and spiritual Significance:
   • Many forests, including Akure, have cultural and spiritual importance for local communities. They serve as sites for traditional practices, ceremonies, and provide a sense of identity and connection to nature.[43]
4. Recreation and Tourism:
   • Well-managed reserves can attract tourists and nature enthusiasts, generating economic revenue for local communities. Additionally, recreational activities in the forest can improve the well-being and quality of life for nearby residents.
5. Climate Change Mitigation:
   • Forests play a critical role in mitigating climate change by absorbing and storing carbon dioxide.[44][45] Protecting the Akure Forest Reserve contributes to global efforts to combat climate change.

In the end, the destiny of the Akure Forest Reserve lies in a sustainable management approach that balances conservation with the needs of neighborhood communities. Protecting the reserve is crucial for retaining biodiversity, providing crucial atmospheric services, respecting cultural heritage, supporting local economies, and mitigating climate trade impacts.[46] This ensures that the woodland continues to thrive and benefit present and future generations.