Oluwa Forest Reserve
Map showing the location of Oluwa Forest Reserve
Map showing the location of Oluwa Forest Reserve
Map of Nigeria
LocationOndo State, Nigeria
Nearest cityOre
Coordinates6°49′23″N 4°40′26″E / 6.823°N 4.674°E / 6.823; 4.674[1]
Area829 km2 (320 sq mi)
Bebearia omo in Omo Forest

Oluwa Forest Reserve is located in Ondo State, Nigeria and covers over 829 km2 (320 sq mi).[2] It is part of the Omo, Shasha and Oluwa forest reserves, although it has become separated from the Omo and Shasha reserves (which are still connected as of 2011). The three reserves contain some of the last remaining forest in the area. Although they are biologically unique, they are threatened by logging, hunting and agriculture.[3][4] The natural vegetation of the area is tropical rainforest.[5][6] However, the natural vegetation of the area except for the areas devoted to forest reserve has now been reduced to secondary regrowth forest and fallow regrowth at varying stages of development or replaced by perennial and annual crops.[7]

Climate

Oluwa Forest Reserve experiences a tropical climate characterized by significant rainfall throughout most of the year, with a relatively short dry season that has minimal impact. According to the Köppen-Geiger climate classification, Oluwa Forest Reserve falls under the Am category. The reserve's proximity to the equator makes it challenging to distinctly define seasons, with the summers presenting unique variations. The optimal time for travel to the forest reserve is identified as the months of January, April, May, July, August, September, October, November, and December.[8]

The average annual temperature in Oluwa Forest Reserve is 25.9 °C (78.5 °F), with a notable amount of precipitation totalling approximately 2339 mm (92.1 inches) annually. The city experiences a distinctive pattern in rainfall, with the least amount occurring in January, measuring at 44 mm (1.7 inches), and the highest in June, reaching an average of 302 mm (11.9 inches). This variation contributes to an overall precipitation difference of 258 mm (10 inches) between the driest and wettest months. The temperatures in Oluwa Forest Reserve exhibit seasonal fluctuations, with February being the warmest month, averaging around 27.4 °C (81.2 °F), while August stands out as the coldest month with temperatures averaging 24.2 °C (75.6 °F).

In terms of humidity, Oluwa Forest Reserve experiences its highest relative humidity in June, reaching 89.93%, while January sees the lowest humidity levels at 70.50%. The wettest month in the forest reserve is July, with an average of 28.40 rainy days, whereas January is the driest, with 11.50 rainy days. This city's climate also reflects variations in the duration of sunshine, with January receiving the most sunlight at an average of 7.49 hours per day and an annual total of 232.26 hours. In contrast, January also witnesses the least daily sunshine hours, averaging 3.76, accumulating to a total of 116.58 hours during the month.

Climate data for Oluwa Forest Reserve (Oniparaga)
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Mean daily maximum °F 90.7 90.3 88.7 87 85.5 82.8 81.2 81 82.3 84.4 86.4 89 85.8
Daily mean °F 80.3 81.2 81.2 80.3 79 76.9 75.8 75.6 76.2 77.3 78.9 79.8 78.5
Mean daily minimum °F 72.5 75 76.3 75.9 74.8 73.3 72.3 72.1 72.4 73 73.8 72.9 73.7
Average precipitation inches 1 2 5 8 10 11 11 9 11 10 4 1 83
Mean daily maximum °C 32.6 32.4 31.5 31 29.7 28.2 27.3 27 27.9 29.1 30.2 32 29.9
Daily mean °C 26.8 27.3 27.3 26.8 26 24.9 24.3 24.2 24.6 25.2 26.1 26.6 25.8
Mean daily minimum °C 22.5 24 24.6 24.4 23.8 22.9 22.4 22.3 22.4 23 23.2 22.7 23.2
Average precipitation cm 2.5 5.1 13 20 25 28 28 23 28 25 10 2.5 210.1
Average rainy days 9 12 19 20 21 21 21 21 21 21 17 10 213
Average relative humidity (%) 71 77 83 86 89 90 89 88 89 89 87 78 85
Mean daily sunshine hours 7.5 6.8 6.4 6.1 5.5 4.3 4.2 3.8 3.9 4.6 5.4 7.2 5.5
Source: climate-data.org[9]

Oluwa Forest Degradation

Many of Nigeria's forest reserves, including Oluwa Forest Reserve, endure ongoing unsustainable activities such as timber logging, fuelwood collection, the harvesting of economically valuable plants, hunting for bushmeat, and the exploitation of other resources.[10]

Economic Importance

The forest holds significant economic importance for the region and the country as a whole. This importance can be attributed to various factors, which are outlined below:

  1. Biodiversity and Ecotourism: Oluwa Forest Reserve is home to a rich diversity of flora and fauna, including rare and endangered species. This biodiversity attracts tourists and researchers, contributing to the local economy. Revenue generated from ecotourism activities, such as wildlife safaris and bird watching, provides jobs and income for local communities.[11]
  2. Timber and Non-Timber Forest Products: The reserve contains valuable timber species, including mahogany, iroko, and teak. These trees are harvested sustainably, providing a source of income for the forestry industry.[12] Additionally, various non-timber forest products such as fruits, nuts, and medicinal plants are gathered from the forest and sold in local markets.[13]
  3. Carbon Sequestration and Climate Change Mitigation: Forests like Oluwa play a crucial role in mitigating climate change by absorbing and storing carbon dioxide. As the global community places more emphasis on carbon offsets and emissions reduction, the economic value of these forests in carbon sequestration becomes increasingly evident.[14] This may lead to international funding for conservation efforts.
  4. Watershed Protection: The Oluwa Forest Reserve serves as a vital water catchment area, protecting local watersheds. Healthy forests help maintain water quality and regulate water flow, which is crucial for agricultural activities and the provision of clean drinking water.[15] Maintaining the reserve's integrity contributes to the economic well-being of the communities that rely on these water resources.
  5. Agriculture and Livelihoods: The communities surrounding the Oluwa Forest Reserve depend on the forest for various aspects of their livelihoods. They engage in farming, hunting, and fishing, with the forest providing critical resources and acting as a safety net during periods of economic hardship.[16]
  6. Research and Education: The reserve offers unique opportunities for scientific research and environmental education.[17] Educational institutions and researchers often visit the area, leading to collaborations and grants that support local economies and contribute to the national knowledge base.
  7. Conservation and Sustainable Development: The conservation of Oluwa Forest Reserve aligns with broader international and national conservation goals. This preservation ensures the long-term availability of forest resources, contributing to the sustainable development of the region and the country.
  8. Job Creation: The various economic activities related to the Oluwa Forest Reserve, such as ecotourism, sustainable logging, and forest management, create employment opportunities for local communities. These jobs provide individuals with income, enhancing their economic stability.[13]
  9. Cultural and Spiritual Value: The forest reserve holds cultural and spiritual significance for local communities. Preserving the forest's natural and cultural heritage supports traditional practices and rituals, promoting a sense of identity and community.[18]

Conservation Efforts

Preserving the rich biodiversity of this forest is become a priority and it includes supporting local communities, and ensuring the sustainable use of its resources. These efforts involve a combination of strategies and specific actions, which are outlined below:

  1. Protected Area Management: The Oluwa Forest Reserve is designated as a protected area, which means it is legally safeguarded from activities that could harm the environment. This includes the enforcement of regulations against illegal logging, poaching, and encroachment. Rangers and enforcement teams are responsible for monitoring and maintaining the protected status of the area.[19]
  2. Biodiversity Monitoring: Regular surveys and research are conducted by researchers, ecologists, and conservationists to monitor the biodiversity within the reserve. This involves tracking the populations of various plant and animal species, especially endangered and endemic ones.[20] Data from these studies are used to inform conservation strategies.
  3. Habitat Restoration: Restoration efforts include reforestation and afforestation projects to rehabilitate degraded areas that have been affected by human activities, such as deforestation or agriculture and create new habitats for wildlife. Native tree species are often replanted to restore the reserve's ecological balance.[21]
  4. Anti-Poaching Initiatives: Anti-poaching teams and ranger patrols are established to combat illegal hunting and trapping of wildlife within the reserve. This helps protect species like the Nigeria-Cameroon chimpanzee and forest elephants.[22]
  5. Community Engagement: Local communities living near the Oluwa Forest Reserve are engaged in conservation efforts. They are educated about the importance of the forest, provided with alternative livelihood options, and encouraged to become stewards of the reserve.[23]
  6. Sustainable Logging Practices: Sustainable forestry management practices are implemented to regulate and reduce the impact of timber harvesting.[24] This includes selective logging, reforestation after timber extraction, and the promotion of certified sustainable wood products.
  7. Ecotourism Development: To generate income for the reserve and local communities, ecotourism initiatives are developed. This involves creating nature trails, observation points, and eco-lodges to attract tourists and researchers interested in the reserve's unique biodiversity.
  8. Research and Education: The reserve is a hub for scientific research and environmental education.[17] Research institutions and NGOs collaborate to study the forest's ecosystems and provide educational programs for local schools and communities.
  9. Climate Change Mitigation: Oluwa Forest Reserve plays a vital role in carbon sequestration and climate change mitigation. Efforts to preserve and manage the forest help in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and attract funding through carbon offset projects.[14]
  10. International Collaboration: Conservation organizations often collaborate with international partners to secure funding and expertise.[25] These partnerships facilitate the exchange of knowledge and resources to enhance the reserve's protection.
  11. Fire Management: Controlled fire management is employed to prevent uncontrolled wildfires. This involves controlled burns and firebreaks to protect the forest and its biodiversity.
  12. Legislation and Policy Advocacy: Conservationists advocate for policies that support the preservation of the Oluwa Forest Reserve and its ecosystem. They work to strengthen legal protections and promote sustainable land-use planning.[26]
  13. Cultural Preservation: Efforts are made to respect and preserve the cultural significance of the forest for local communities. Traditional practices and rituals are integrated into conservation strategies to maintain cultural identity.

Activities and Attractions

The Oluwa Forest Reserve is a popular tourist destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. Here are some of the activities and attractions that visitors can enjoy:

  • Hiking: There are a variety of hiking trails to choose from, ranging from easy to challenging.[27] Some of the most popular trails include the Omo River Trail, the Erin Camp Trail, and the Olokemeji Forest Trail. Hikers can enjoy the lush rainforest scenery, spot wildlife, and learn about the local flora and fauna from experienced guides.
  • Camping: There are several designated camping areas within the forest reserve, where visitors can pitch their tents and spend the night under the stars.[28] Camping is a great way to experience the forest's natural beauty and serenity.
  • Birdwatching: The Oluwa Forest Reserve is home to over 300 species of birds, making it a paradise for birdwatchers. Some of the most notable bird species include the African grey parrot, the hornbill, and the kingfisher.[29][30] Visitors can join guided birdwatching tours or explore the forest on their own to try to spot as many different species as possible.
  • Wildlife viewing: The Oluwa Forest Reserve is also home to a variety of other wildlife, including chimpanzees, monkeys, snakes, and lizards.[29] Visitors can join guided wildlife viewing tours or explore the forest on their own to try to spot as many different animals as possible.[31]

See also

References

  1. ↑ "Oluwa Forest Reserve". protectedplanet.net.
  2. ↑ World Database on Protected Areas
  3. ↑ Laurance, William F.; Useche, Diana C. (2009-11-24). "Environmental Synergisms and Extinctions of Tropical Species". Conservation Biology. 23 (6): 1427–1437. doi:10.1111/j.1523-1739.2009.01336.x. ISSN 0888-8892. PMID 20078643. S2CID 7175589.
  4. ↑ Bennett, Elizabeth L.; Gumal, Melvin T. (2001-12-31), "16. The Interrelationships of Commercial Logging, Hunting, and Wildlife in Sarawak: Recommendations for Forest Management", The Cutting Edge, Columbia University Press, pp. 359–374, doi:10.7312/fimb11454-021, ISBN 9780231114554, retrieved 2023-10-21
  5. ↑ Orimoogunje, Oluwagbenga O. I. (2014-11-20). "Forest Cover Changes and Land Use Dynamics in Oluwa Forest Reserve, Southwestern Nigeria". Journal of Landscape Ecology. 7 (2): 25–44. doi:10.2478/jlecol-2014-0014. ISSN 1805-4196. S2CID 56056071.
  6. ↑ Adekunle, V. A. J.; Olagoke, A. O. (2007-11-17). "Diversity and biovolume of tree species in natural forest ecosystem in the bitumen-producing area of ondo state, Nigeria: a baseline study". Biodiversity and Conservation. 17 (11): 2735–2755. doi:10.1007/s10531-007-9279-y. ISSN 0960-3115. S2CID 29171799.
  7. ↑ Omo-Oluwa-Shasha Forest Reserve Conservation Retrieved 2011-10-04. Archived 24 January 2012 at the Wayback Machine
  8. ↑ "Oniparaga climate: Weather Oniparaga & temperature by month". en.climate-data.org. Retrieved 22 October 2023.
  9. ↑ "Oniparaga climate: Weather Oniparaga & temperature by month". en.climate-data.org. Retrieved 2023-10-21.
  10. ↑ Oluwayinka, Oke; Peter, Adesoye (2020). "Forest Management Information System For Oluwa Forest Reserve, Nigeria". Journal of Forestry, Environment and Sustainable Development. 6 (1): 15–25 – via ResearchGate.
  11. ↑ Oluwatobi, O (2012). "Population Status of Chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes) in Oluwa Forest Reserve, Ondo State, Nigeria". ResearchGate.
  12. ↑ Olawuyi, E. B.; Odeyale, O. C.; Ugege, B. H.; Adenuga, D. A. (2021-06-30). "Socio-economic analysis of non-timber forest products: A case of wrapping leaves in Oluwa Forest Reserve, Ondo State, Nigeria". Agro-Science. 20 (2): 9–13. doi:10.4314/as.v20i2.2. ISSN 1119-7455. S2CID 237407424.
  13. 1 2 Aluko, O. J.; Adejumo, A. A.; Bobadoye, A. O. (2020-04-22). "Adaptive strategies to deforestation among Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPS) collectors across gender line in Oluwa Forest Reserve Area of Ondo State, Nigeria". Agro-Science. 19 (2): 48–52. doi:10.4314/as.v19i2.8. ISSN 1119-7455. S2CID 219087026.
  14. 1 2 Makinde, E. O.; Womiloju, A. A.; Ogundeko, M. O (2017). "The geospatial modelling of carbon sequestration in Oluwa Forest, Ondo State, Nigeria". European Journal of Remote Sensing. 50 (1): 397–413. Bibcode:2017EuJRS..50..397M. doi:10.1080/22797254.2017.1341819. ISSN 2279-7254. S2CID 133960772.
  15. ↑ Adekunle, Victor A. J.; Bakare, Yekini (2004-03-01). "Rural livelihood benefits from participation in the taungya agroforestry system in Ondo State of Nigeria". Small-scale Forest Economics, Management and Policy. 3 (1): 131–138. doi:10.1007/s11842-004-0009-y. ISSN 1873-7854. S2CID 22539457.
  16. ↑ Elujulo, O.; Adetula, O. I.; Akinbowale, S. A.; Adelola, T. R. (2023-01-31). "Dependence on Forest Resources, and Community Perception of Existing Management Strategies of Akure-Ofosu, Oluwa, and Akure Forest Reserves in Southwest Nigeria". Journal of Applied Sciences and Environmental Management. 27 (1): 17–23. doi:10.4314/jasem.v27i1.4. ISSN 2659-1502. S2CID 256761048.
  17. 1 2 OKE, O. S.; Akindele, S. O. (2019). "Development of Geospatial Database for Oluwa Forest Reserve". Forests and Forest Product Journal.
  18. ↑ Onyekwelu, Jc; Olusola, Ja (2014). "Role of Sacred Grove in in-Situ Biodiversity Conservation in Rainforest Zone of South-Western Nigeria". Journal of Tropical Forest Science. 26 (1): 5–15. ISSN 0128-1283. JSTOR 23617008.
  19. ↑ Fasona, M; Bello, A; Agbor, R (2022). "Protected Areas and Management Practices: Evidence in Southwest Nigeria". Unilag.edu.ng.
  20. ↑ Agbor, C. F.; Pelemo, O. J.; Essien, N. E.; Adamu, I. S.; Orunkoyi, A. R. (2021-11-11). "Satellite-based prediction of forest loss in Oluwa Forest Reserve, Ondo State, Nigeria". Journal of Research in Forestry, Wildlife and Environment. 13 (3): 60–67. ISSN 2141-1778.
  21. ↑ Essien, NE; Aigbokhan, OJ; Olabode, O (2023). "Enhancing Forest Landscape Spatial Data Modeling through Cloud-Based Approaches: A Case of Oluwa Forest Reserve, Ondo State, Nigeria". KIU Journal of Social.
  22. ↑ IUCN (2016-10-24). Cercopithecus erythrogaster: Matsuda Goodwin, R., Oates, J.F., Nobimè, G., Segniagbeto, G.H., Ikemeh, R. & Mittermeier, R.A.: The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2020: e.T4217A17946182 (Report). International Union for Conservation of Nature. doi:10.2305/iucn.uk.2020-2.rlts.t4217a17946182.en.
  23. ↑ Oguntimehin, JB; Onyekwelu, JC. "Assessment of the Prospects of Community-Based Forest Management in Ondo State, Nigeria". IFRM.Org.
  24. ↑ Olajiire-Ajayi, B. L.; Adenuga, D. A.; Olatunji, B. T.; Abegunrin, O. O.; Adebayo, A. S.; Adedipe, J. O. (2021-11-26). "Assessment of Timber Resource Exploitation in Shasha Forest Reserve, Osun State, Nigeria: Implication for Sustainable Forestry". Journal of Applied Sciences and Environmental Management. 25 (8): 1355–1359. doi:10.4314/jasem.v25i8.3. ISSN 2659-1502. S2CID 244851656.
  25. ↑ Emmanuel, Olabode; Onyewen, Titus; Egbe, Stella; Omonu, Clifford; Bowkett, Andrew E.; Francis, Louise; Morakinyo, Tunde; Hall, Philip; Adepoju, Adeshola; Onoja, Joseph; Karunwi, Adeniyi (July 2017). "First photographs of chimpanzees in the Omo Forest Reserve, Nigeria". Oryx. 51 (3): 395–396. doi:10.1017/S0030605317000709. ISSN 0030-6053. S2CID 146023271.
  26. ↑ Adetoye, Ayoade Matthew; Adewuyi, Samuel Ayodele; Akerele, Dare (2018-06-01). "Determinants of forest land use decisions among rural farm households in south-western Nigeria". Agricultura Tropica et Subtropica. 51 (2): 83–91. doi:10.2478/ats-2018-0009. S2CID 55747671.
  27. ↑ Olawuyi, E.B.; Odeyale, O.C.; Ugege, B.H.; Adenuga, D.A. (2021-06-30). "Socio-economic analysis of non-timber forest products: A case of wrapping leaves in Oluwa Forest Reserve, Ondo State, Nigeria". Agro-Science. 20 (2): 9–13. doi:10.4314/as.v20i2.2. ISSN 1119-7455. S2CID 237407424.
  28. ↑ Crossen, Jonathan (2016-01-01). "Safe Haven for an Indigenous Fugitive: Indigenous Internationalism and Illegal Protests". American Indian Culture and Research Journal. 40 (2): 51–71. doi:10.17953/aicrj.40.2.crossen. ISSN 0161-6463.
  29. 1 2 Orimaye, Jacob Olufemi; Odunayo Ogunyemi, Olumide; Okosodo, Ehi Francis; Ojo, Victor Abiodun; Agbelusi, Tejumola Olayinka (2016-10-09). "Butterfly Species Diversity in Protected and Unprotected Habitat of Ise Forest Reserve, Ise Ekiti, Ekiti State". Advances in Ecology. 2016: 1–5. doi:10.1155/2016/7801930. ISSN 2356-6647.
  30. ↑ Olmos, Fabio; Turshak, Longtong G (September 2009). "A survey of birds in Omo Forest Reserve, south-western Nigeria". Bulletin of the African Bird Club. 16 (2): 184–196. doi:10.5962/p.309880. ISSN 1352-481X.
  31. ↑ Osemeobo, G.J. (1988). "Impacts of multiple forest land use on wildlife conservation in Bendel State, Nigeria". Biological Conservation. 45 (3): 209–220. doi:10.1016/0006-3207(88)90140-1. ISSN 0006-3207.
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