Need for biodiversity conservation in Nasarawa State, Nigeria

Year 2009, Volume: 2 Issue: 1, 14 - 20, 15.04.2009

J.s. Alao

Abstract

This paper highlighted the need for biodiversity conservation in Nasarawa State. The data for this study were collected from the State’s Ministry of Agriculture Headquarters. The data collected included the number of natural forest reserves in the State, number of available forest guards and number of fish ponds in the State. The State has a total of 41 natural forest reserves, 20 forest guards and 25 fish ponds. A bird eye review of conservation status of biodiversity in Nasarawa State was also done. The study revealed a dismal conservation performance. All the natural forest reserves were not protected. The State has only 20 forest guards to police a forest cover of 145, 228.12 hectares which amounts to a ratio of 1 forest guards to 7,261 hectares. The only proposed game reserve is yet to be legally constituted, as a result the fauna and flora within this enclave are exposed to poaching and massive exploitation. All the 25 fish ponds are not functional. Threats to conservation efforts and strategies for their mitigation were highlighted. Appropriate recommendations were also made that can help Nasarawa State to come out of its lackluster biodiversity conservation efforts. After all said and done, it is very pertinent that every country including Nigeria and Nasarawa State in particular should take measures to ensure biodiversity conservation in order to forestall the extinction of the very many valuables species that play major roles in the ecosystems

Keywords

Need , Biodiversity , Conservation , Nasarawa State , Nigeria

References

• Agbelusi E.A. 1994. Wildlife Conservation in Ondo State. The Nigeria Field 59. 73-83.
• Ajayi, S.S. 1996. Wildlife Crisis, Conservation an Antidote. An Inaugural Lecture, Delivered on February 27th , 1986, University of Ibadan.
• Anon. 1984. Nigeria is Starving of Fish. New Nigerian Newspaper August 3. Pp 10
• Anon. 2000. Federal Government of Nigeria National Report on Integration Management of Land and Water in shared Catchments in the Trans Boundary Area of Nigeria and Niger. Submitted at the Regional Workshop on Trans Boundary Land and Water Resources between Nigeria and Niger Held at Kano, Nigeria July, 23rd – 25th 2000. 35p.
• Ayeni, J.S.A. 1995. Conservation of Natural Resources. The Dynamic of Vanishing Species and their Habitats. In the Nigerian Environment: Ecological Limits of Abuse, Proceeding of the Annual Conference of the Ecological Society of Nigeria held in Port Harcourt, Nigeria. Eds. Nokoe. 17-38.
• Ayodele, I.A. and Lameed, G.A. 1999. Essential of Biodiversity Management. Powerhouse Press and Publishers, Ibadan.
• FORMECU. 1995. Nigeria Forestry Tropical Action Plan: Working Group on Biodiversity Protection and Wildlife Management.
• Gbile, L.O., Ola Adams, B.A., Soladoye, M.O. 1998. Endangered Species of Nigeria Flora.The Nigerian Journal of Forestry.l.8/1&. 14-20.
• Happold, D.C. 1987. The Mammals of Nigeria. Oxford University Press, Walen Street, Oxford.
• IUCN. 1991. International Union for Conservation of Nature – Both Flora and Fauna, Red Data Book, Ladder Presentation.
• Kemp R.H. and Palmberg, LC. 1993. Conserving Genetic Resources in Forest Ecosystem. System for the Implementation of Sustainable Forest Management. F.A.O. Publication. 101-117
• Kokwaro, J.O. 1994. An Overview of Current Status of Biodiversity in Africa. Whydah Newsletter. African academy of Science. 3/9. 1-8.
• McNelly, I.N. 1990. World Guide to Environmental Issues and Organization. Edited by Brakley Peter, Longman Group UK Ltd. Essex, UK
• Morakinyo, A.B. 1994. Community Forestry in the Support Zone of Cross River National Park. The Nigeria Field 59:95-104.
• NIEST, 1991. Nigeria’s Threatened Environment: A National Profile. Publisher-Nigerian Environmental Study/Action Team, Ibadan.
• Nnabuife, E. 2003. Policy on Wood. Nigerian Tribune. 11th February, 2003.
• NPC 2006. National Population Commission Announces Census Result. Sunday Sun 12th December, 2006.
• Osemebo, J.G. 1991. Wildlife Conservation in Private Law: Any Hope For Nigeria Small Game? The Nigerian Journal of Forestry. 21/ 1&2. 47-52.
• United Nation Environmental Programme 1992. The State of the Environment (1972-1992) Saving our Planet – Challenges and Hopes. Nairobi, Kenya.