Tanzania Journal Of Forestry And Nature Conservation

 Journal

 Comparison Of Carbon Stock Estimation Methods And Carbon Storage In A Nigerian Strict Nature Reserve And Enrichment Planting Forest.

 Lawal A., Adekunle V.A.J. And Akinkunmi T.F.

 2021

Forest ecosystem is a major biological scrubber of atmospheric carbon dioxide. Deforestation and forest degradation could lead to the depletion of the ozone layer by greenhouse gasses. Unfortunately, research efforts to estimate carbon stock potential in natural forest and forest regenerated through enrichment planting in Nigeria have not been intensified. More so, researches on the evaluation of non-destructive carbon stock estimation methods are scarce. In this study, systematic line transect was employed in the laying of the plots. A total of 8 sample plots under each of the selected forest types were used. For above-ground biomass estimation, two non-destructive methods were used. The amount of carbon stock obtained using model and densisty method was significantly higher in strict nature reserve (21,112.50 ton/ha, 161.93 ton/ha) than the forest established through enrichment planting (3,018.07 ton/ha, 88.96 ton/ha). Findings from this study revealed that the total above-ground life carbon stock obtained using model was significantly higher in the strict nature reserve and enrichment planted Forest than the total above-ground life carbon stock obtained using density method. Since the estimated carbon stock using density method is closer to the average aboveground biomass carbon estimated around 248 tC ha-1 for tropical rainforest, it was considered more appropriate for non-destructive carbon stock estimation and therefore recommended 

 International Journal Of Genetics And Genomics.

 Journal

 Impact Of Anthropogenic Activities On Genetic Diversity Of Celtis Zenkeri Engl In South-West Nigeria

 Fasalejo O., Lawal A., Adekunle V.A.J.

 2021

Celtis zenkeri is a valuable tropical tree species for industrial and domestic purposes. For several years, exploitation of this species has not been sustainable and no reforestation or cultivation effort has been put in place both by governmental and non-governmental agencies. Anthropogenic activities have resulted in deforestation and subsequent reduction in the population size of important timber species. The research aim was to determine the impact of anthropogenic activities on genetic diversity of Celtis zenkeri in South-West Nigeria. Extensive sampling of Celtis zenkeri was carried out in four natural forest ecosystems. Two pristine forests (SNR, Akure forest and Osun Osogbo sacred grove) and two degraded forests (OA3 and Eda forest reserve). Young leaves were collected from each tree found in each site and preserved with silica gel for molecular analysis. In all, 130 accessions were sampled and were analyzed with five chloroplast microsatellite markers. In the result, allelic richness, which is a measure of genetic diversity and an indicator of a population's long-term potential for adaptability and persistence, was significantly higher in the two pristine forests than the two degraded forests. Statistically, a significant difference was not recorded for the observed heterozygosities (Ho) in the population of Celtis zenkeri in the pristine forests (Queen’s plot and Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove) and a degraded forest (OA3). The formal indicates the possibility of conserving genetic diversity using traditional conservation approaches such as taboos and restrictions. Though OA3 is a degraded forest, the impact of the anthropogenic activities may not have been severe when compared with Eda forest reserve. At present, the scale of human activities in Eda forest reserve and OA3 could pose a serious threat to the future viability of the species if unchecked. Therefore, ex-situ conservation and sustainable harvesting of Celtis zenkeri are recommended. 

 Journal Of Research In Forestry, Wildlife And Environment.

 Journal

 Genetic Diversity Of Adansonia Digitata (L.) And Vitelleria Paradoxa (C.F. Gaertn) In Nigeria.

 Boboye O.M., Lawal A., And Oyerinde O.V

 2021

This study evaluated the genetic diversity of Adansonia digitata and Vitelleria paradoxa in three savanna ecological zones of Nigeria using ten microsatellite markers. Leaf samples were collected from three savanna ecological zones of Nigeria. Genomic deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) was extracted from 0.020g powder of silica gel dried leaves using the modified Doyle and Doyle (1990) protocol. Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) was performed in a volume of 25µl in a DNA thermal cycler. PCR products were separated by electrophoresis using 2% agarose gel inTBE buffer. Fragment sizes were estimated using ladder DNA sizing marker and analysed using CERVUS. Averagely high genetic diversity (He) was recorded for A. digitata and V. paradoxa genotypes for Sudan Savanna (0.6572, 0.5792) and Guinea Savanna (0.6050, 0.5302) but significantly higher in Derived Savanna ecological zone (0.8093, 0.7372). A good strategy to protect these endangered tree species is to protect more of their habitat and also to develop their plantation outside their natural habitat. 

 Tanzania Journal Of Forestry And Nature Conservation

 Journal

 Assessment Of The Conservation Values Of Osun Osogbo Sacred Grove, Osun State, Nigeria

 20. Oladeji S.O., Osanyinleye G.D. And Lawal A.

 2021

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. 

 Forests And Forest Products Journal

 Journal

 Resolving Taxonomic Uncertainties In Khaya Genus Using Foliar Anatomic Traits

 Lawal, A.

 2021

Identification of species in the genus khaya based on morphology has always been done with some level of uncertainties. Leaf is perhaps anatomically most varied organ of angiosperms and its anatomical variations often agree with generic and specific lines. Anatomic characters of vegetative parts of flowering plants have been successfully employed to solve taxonomic problems and for the elucidation of phylogenetic relationships. This research, therefore, was designed to reveal folia anatomic structure in the three species of Khaya in Ondo State, Nigeria and compare their folia anatomic characteristics towards resolving their taxonomic uncertainties. Leaflets of three khaya species (K. grandifoliola, K. seneglensis and K. ivorensis) were collected from different locations in Ondo State. Sizeable (7cm x 3cm) portions of the leaflets from each of the species were taken from the standard median portion and to evaluate their folia anatomic structure. Findings from the study revealed that the three species were dorsiventral and were similar for all the anatomical traits investigated except for upper cuticle thickness in Khaya ivorensis which was significantly lower (15.33µmm) than other two species, Khaya grandifoliola (18.00µmm) and Khaya senegalensis (17.33µmm). This is an indication that folia anatomic characteristics alone could not be sufficiently used to resolve these taxonomic uncertainties in Khaya genus in Ondo State. Therefore, combination of anatomic characteristics with morphological traits could resolve this uncertainty and as such, recommended. 

 Journal Of Research In Forestry, Wildlife & Environment

 Journal

 Extraction Of High-Quality Genomic DNA From Mansonia Altissima For Microsatellite Analysis.

 Lawal, A. And Agbator, V.E.

 2021

This study was carried out to compare the deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) extracted from fresh and dry leaves of Mansonia altissima with DNA extracted from fresh and dry cambium of the same species. Genomic DNA was extracted using Cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) and DNA quantification was done using a UV Spectrometer. From the results obtained, fresh leaf and dried cambium samples had the highest DNA purity of 1.18 and 1.19 (at an absorbance ratio of A260/280) and 1.15 and 1.11 (at an absorbance ratio of A260/230), respectively. DNA obtained from dried leaf samples had the lowest purity. The samples from fresh leaf and dried cambium had the highest concentrations of 56.77µg/ml and 55.27µg/ml respectively, while samples from fresh cambium had the lowest concentration of 13.47µg/ml. Subsequently, samples from fresh leaf and dried cambium exhibited the highest yields of 2.84µg and 2.77µg respectively, with samples from fresh cambium having the lowest yield of 0.67µg. This research therefore showed that samples from dried cambium exhibited considerably high DNA concentration and yield, and hence recommended for use for further molecular studies of the high-canopy trees of Mansonia altissima. 

 Journal Of Research In Forestry, Wildlife & Environment

 Journal

 Tree Species Diversity, Abundance, And Soil Physico-chemical Status Of PSP 29, Akure Forest Reserve, Ondo State, Nigeria.

 Akindele T. F., Adekunle, V. A. J And Lawal, A.

 2021

Protected area is one of the in-situ methods of conservation that are needed to be protected from human anthropogenic activities. The Vulnerability and failure of protected areas to achieve their primary function due to evidence of increasing challenges in and outside these areas have been a major challenge to Sustainable Forest Management in Nigeria. This study was conducted to assess tree species diversity and abundance in the Permanent Sampling Plot 29 (PSP29) of the Akure Forest Reserve and relate them with the soil physicochemical status. Tree diversity and soil assessment provide direction for the management of forest areas and protect forests from degradation and deforestation. Sample plots were laid using the systematic line transect method. Four sampling plots of 50 m × 50 m were laid using systematic line transect. The sample plots laid were also used for soil collection. Soils were collected at three depths (0-15 cm, 15-30 cm and 30-45 cm) along the diagonal in each of the sample plot with the aid of soil auger. A total of 12 soil samples were collected from the study area. A total 210 stems distributed among 54 species and 25 families were enumerated in this study. The study area had a Shannon weinner index of 3.44. Celtis zenkeri was the dominant trees species. The soil was found to be moderately acidic. Correlation analysis indicated that Potassium and Cation Exchangeable Capacity (CEC) significantly (P>0.05) influenced tree species diversity in the forest. When subjected to Principal Component Analysis, Na, P, Clay content and pH were found to be the fundamental soil properties that represented what determined the quality of trees in the study sites. The study therefore recommended that the remaining protected areas should be safeguarded from anthropogenic activities and more protected areas be established. 

 Tropical Ecology

 Journal

 Understory Species Diversity, Regeneration And Recruitment Potential Of Sacred Groves In South West Nigeria.

 Onyekwelu J.C., Lawal A., Mosandl R., Stimm B. And Agbelade A.D.

 2021

Global species extinction rates due to forest conversions are increasing. Ecologists, conservationists and governments have adopted various conservation methods. Sacred grove is one conservation option that has gained attention in recent time. We assessed understory species diversity, regeneration and recruitment potentials of four sacred groves in southwestern Nigeria. Overstory tree species were inventoried in eight 800 m2 temporary sample plots, systematically laid along two transects of 1000 m each. Understory tree species were assessed in 100 m2 plots for saplings and 25 m2 plots for seedlings in all sample plots. Shannon–Wiener diversity index (1.8–3.46 (overstory); 2.65–3.55 (understory)), number of species (32–58 (overstory); 39–78 (understory)) and tree density (309–417 individuals/ha (overstory); 775–1445 individuals/ha (understory)) were comparable and/or higher at the understories than the overstories. Dbh distribution curves showed highest stand density at the lowest class (10–20 cm) and decreased with increasing dbh, indicating good regeneration status and healthy ecosystem. Regeneration was considered good and fair, because in most cases, number of seedlings>saplings>overstory trees or number of ..... 

 Forestry Research Institute Of Nigeria

 Journal

 Early Growth Rate Disparity In Indigenous And Exotic Tree Species In Nigeria.

 Lawal, A. And Bakare, S.

 2020

The hypothesis that exotic trees have a fast growth rate and a very short gestation period could be responsible for their preference as plantation species in Nigeria. However, research to ascertain this hypothesis has been limited to a very few indigenous tree species. In this study, early growth rate disparity (GRD) between nine indigenous and two exotic tree species were compared. The seedlings used for this study were obtained from the Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria (FRIN) Ibadan and Ondo State Forestry Department, Akure. The seedlings were randomly planted on a well-prepared site at Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA) using a 3m × 3m espacement with 10 replicates per species. Their initial height, collar diameter and the number of leaves were recorded. The growth characteristics of the seedlings (total height, collar diameter and the number of leaves) were monitored and enumerated fortnightly for six months. The data collected were subjected to the analysis of variance (ANOVA) and means were separated with Duncan New Multiple Range Test. In this study, the total height was found to be significantly higher in Gmelina arborea (64.14cm), followed by Ceiba pentandra (45.84cm), Tectona grandis (42.53cm) and Adansonia digitata (38.02cm). T. grandis had the highest diameter growth (3.88cm), followed by G. arborea (3.65cm), C. pentandra (3.23cm) and Cordia millenii (3.22cm). However, the number of leaves recorded for A. digitata (52.96) was significantly higher than the number of leaves recorded for the exotic tree species. G. arborea was found to be 28.53% faster in height growth than C. pentandra. It was 33.69%, 40.72%, 43.69%, 55.85%, 57.61%, 74.51%, 75.41%, 75.58% and 86.61% faster in height growth than T. grandis, A. digitata, Nauclea didderichii, Triplochiton scleroxylon, C. millenii, Khaya senegalensis, Mansonia altisima, Terminalia superba and T. africana, respectively. C. pentandra, the second best after G. arborea, was found to be 7.22% and 17.06% faster in height growth than T. grandis and A. digitata. The growth disparities among the tree species could be attributed to their genetic makeup. Therefore, efforts should be geared towards enhancing the growth rate of indigenous tree species. 

 Tanzania Journal Of Forestry And Nature Conservation

 Journal

 Foliar Morphological And Anatomic Characteristics In Entandrophragma Species In South West Nigeria.

 Lawal A. And Akinnusi D.

 2020

In Nigeria, identification of Entandrophragma species in their natural range has been very difficult as the same species in different environments exhibit different morphological features. This research was designed to assess foliar morphological and anatomic characteristics in already known and clearly tagged Entandrophragma species at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) Ibadan, Oyo State with a view to providing some diagnostic features that could help resolve current taxonomic uncertainties in their wild counterpart. In this study, three tagged trees of E. cylindricum, E utili and E. angolensis were located and their leaves were collected for morphological and anatomic study. All quantitative data obtained were analyzed. E. angolense and E. cylindricum could be grouped by 30° obliqueness, E. utile is delineated from other two taxa by the possession of 75° obliqueness. On the adaxial surfaces of the three species, epidermal cells were straight undulating or wavy. The periclinal walls in E. angolense were glabrous, slightly coarse in E. utile while it was striated in E. cylindricum. This could be used in these species identification. Also, crystal sand on the adaxial surface of E. angolense is was a spot character for the species.