On-going Research and Recent Publications

On-going Research

Title: Influence of Plantation Development on Biodiversity in the Humid Lowland Forest Ecosystem of West Africa.

Research Grant Value: US$70,093

Funding Agency: African Academy of Sciences (AAS)

Duration: Two Years (2006 - 2008)

Research Scientists: Professor S. O. Akindele (Project Leader), Dr. M. B. Oyun, Dr. J. C. Onyekwelu, Dr. V. A. J. Adekunle, Professor B. Sinsin (Université d’Abomey-Calavi du Bénin, Benin Republic) and Dr. Tsatsu Adogla-Bessa (University of Ghana).

Summary: Establishment of forest plantations in the West African sub-region is increasing.  These plantations are established in degraded areas and logged-over secondary forests.  Opinions vary as regards the effect of these plantations on the biodiversity conservation. In this study, existing plantations and adjoining natural forests within the humid lowland rain forest ecosystem will be assessed with a view to determining the influence of plantation development on biodiversity.  Field work will be carried out in dry and rainy seasons to obtain relevant data on biodiversity indicators, which will enable comparison of various plantations with degraded forests and primary forests.  The biodiversity indicators will include plant species, lichens, soil macrofauna, soil collembola, ground beetles, butterflies and birds.  It is hoped that the study will facilitate the formulation of appropriate plantation design and management strategies that will promote biodiversity conservation as a key element in sustainable forest management.

Recent Publications

1. Development of Volume Equations for common tropical timber species in Nigeria.
Using mensurational data for 77 timber species in Nigeria, tree volume equations were developed for individual tree species and groups of species. The study was funded by the International Tropical Timber Organisation through the Freezailah Fellowship Fund. To view the complete report in pdf format, click Volume_Equations_Report