The Nigerian lowland forests, also known as the Nigerian rainforest, are tropical moist forest ecoregion in southwestern Nigeria and southeastern Benin. The ecoregion is densely populated and home to several large cities, including Lagos, Ibadan, and Benin City. They are considered one of the most biodiverse habitats in the country and are home to a wide range of plant and animal species. There is still significant tree cover, but the remaining enclaves of forest are increasingly fragmented. Though many areas are now used for timber, which provides business for timber traders. The ecoregion is wetter along the coast and drier inland, resulting in bands of vegetation zones that run parallel to the coast for the 400 km length of the region. With the establishment of a Department of Woods and Forests for the Colony and Protectorate of Lagos in 1897 to control timber extraction that had started as early as the 1880s, Nigeria saw the beginning of the first kind of forest management To better control the use of forest resources, the British colonial authority established forest reserves.
Through the implementation of forestry ordinances,16 local communities were granted the freedom to hunt, fish, gather, tap rubber, and farm within designated areas. The majority of the country's forests were reserved before 1930, though some were added in the Niger Delta and the savanna region as late as the 1960s and 1970s. As a result, Nigeria now has of designated forest reserves, with of those reserves being in the forest ecological zone, and the remaining 82 reserves being in the country's lowland forests, which make up or about 15% of the total area. Large sections of forest continued to fall beyond the forest reserves even during this time. Prior to 1960, working plans were used to manage forest reserves, and colonial officials made sure that these plans were strictly followed. The amount of timber being extracted, however, increased by 1960, and once the 1970s saw the start of oil windfall earnings, domestic demand for timber goods skyrocketed. In an effort to boost foreign cash and support local businesspeople, economic trees like mahoganies and iroko (Milicia excelsa), which were formerly controlled by foreigners and expatriates, were selectively logged in huge quantities under laxer forestry rules. These are great economic trees that aid the people in development and building of houses.
To ensure a steady supply of hardwood, the Nigerian forestry departments, like other African forestry authorities, attempted to take up the challenge of silviculture in moist forests beginning in the 1950s. However, the fact that tropical forests are exhaustible after continuous extractive activities was realized very early in the exploitation history. This may have evolved from the original 1906 timber regulations that required loggers to establish plantations or release patches of spontaneous regeneration. Some of the techniques utilized artificial regeneration, but others depended on natural regeneration. The Malayan experience served as the basis for the 1940s adoption of the Nigerian tropical shelter wood system. It involves climbers cutting and opening up the canopy by killing trees thought to be less valuable, allowing valuable tree species to regenerate naturally.
Geography The Nigerian lowland forests are bounded on the south by coastal mangroves and the Gulf of Guinea, on the east by the Niger River and its delta, on the north by the Guinean forest-savanna mosaic. On the west it is bounded by the Dahomey Gap, a drier coastal region where the forest-savanna mosaic extends all the way to the ocean, separating the Lower Guinean forests, of which the Nigerian lowland forests are part, from the Upper Guinean forests of West Africa."Nigerian lowland forests". WWF ecoregion profile. Accessed 18 April 2020. It contains over 560 indigenous species and supports the timber, which is used for building.
Climate The climate of the ecoregion is Tropical savanna climate - dry winter (Köppen climate classification (Aw)). This climate is characterized by relatively even temperatures throughout the year, and a pronounced dry season. The driest month has less than of precipitation, and is drier than the average month. Climate change affect the survival of some trees. Under a harsh sun and extreme dry weather, some plants will start dying off. The authors maintained that Nigeria is experiencing different change in climate that affects her vegetation. There has been changes on how rain falls, sometimes harsh sun and cold, which reduces the growth of plants in the country. High rainfall also affect the survival of our forest. Flooding, which have occurred in many parts of Nigeria.
Flora and fauna
Nigerian lowland forests are recognized as one of the biodiversity hotspots in Africa. They support a remarkable diversity of flora and fauna. The region is home to numerous endemic plant species, including rare and endangered ones. The forests provide habitat for a rich variety of animals, such as primates (including the Nigeria-Cameroon chimpanzee), elephants, leopards, antelopes, reptiles, amphibians, and a vast array of bird species.
About 48% of the territory is closed forest, mostly broadleaf evergreen trees. Another 36% is open forest, 5% is urban and built up, and the remainder is wetland and herbaceous cover. Because rainfall declines with distance from the sea, the ecoregion exhibits climate bands with vegetation zones that parallel the coast. Closest to the sea is the rain forest zone, followed by the mixed deciduous forest zone and farthest inland tis he parkland zone. In the rainforest zone, the common trees are of the Leguminosae family (Brachystegia), Cylicodiscus gabunensis, Gossweilerodendron balsamiferum, Piptadeniastrum africanum, and the Meliaceae family (Entandrophragma, Guarea, Khaya ivorensis, and Lovoa trichilioides.
While in general, the levels of animal endemism are low in the ecoregion, there are some notable endemic species. The endangered white-throated guenon (Cercopithecus erythrogaster) is only found in this ecoregion. The endangered Ibadan malimbe (Malimbus ibadanensis) is found in the northern parkland zone. A recent survey of the Niger Delta recorded the endangered crested genet (Genetta cristata). The Nigeria crag gecko (Cnemaspis petrodroma) and the Perrots' toad (Bufo perreti) have also been recorded in the region.
Services provided by these forests Nigerian lowland forests are not just lush, verdant landscapes teeming with biodiversity; they are also ecosystems that offer a wide range of services crucial for the environment and human well-being. there are various services provided by these invaluable forests, including economic, regulatory, provisioning, educational, and protective services.
Economic Service
Nigerian lowland forests offer a significant economic service to local communities and the nation as a whole. This service includes: Timber and Non-Timber Forest Products: The forests are a vital source of timber for construction and furniture making. Additionally, they provide a wide array of non-timber forest products such as medicinal plants, spices, and fruit, which are often harvested and sold, contributing to local economies. Some notable timber species found in these forests include:
Mahogany (Khaya spp.): Mahogany is a highly sought-after tropical hardwood known for its beautiful reddish-brown wood. It is used extensively in furniture making, cabinetry, and interior finishing in construction. Iroko (Milicia excelsa): Iroko is another valuable hardwood used for various construction purposes, particularly in outdoor applications due to its resistance to decay and termites. African Teak (Tectona grandis): African Teak, like its Asian counterpart, is prized for its natural resistance to insects and rot. It is predominant in the lowland rainforest zone of southwestern Nigeria It is used in boat building, furniture, and flooring. Obeche (Triplochiton scleroxylon): Obeche is a softwood that is used in construction, and joinery, as a preferred choice for the production of plywood. It is found in abundance in the lowland forest zones of Africa including Nigeria. African Walnut (Lovoa trichilioides): This hardwood is prized for its use in furniture making and cabinetry and is also available in Nigerian lowland forests. The Non-timber forest products from Nigerian lowland forests include:
Medicinal Plants: The forests are rich in medicinal plants with cultural and economic value. Many indigenous communities rely on these plants for traditional medicine, they are found in states such as Cross river and Edo which are all part of the lowland rainforest zone. Spices: The forests are a source of various spices, including pepper, cloves, and nutmeg, which are used for culinary and medicinal purposes. Fruits: The forests yield a variety of fruits like bush mango, bush pear, and wild figs. These fruits are harvested and consumed locally, while surplus production can be sold in markets. Bushmeat: The wild game is an essential source of protein for many local communities, and hunting is common in the lowland forest regions. Eco-Tourism: These lush forests attract nature enthusiasts, scientists, and tourists, thereby creating opportunities for eco-tourism. This industry boosts local economies by providing jobs and income through activities like guided tours and accommodation services. Some of the unique eco-tourism sites in Nigerian lowland forests, offers distinctive features which draw visitors, including foreigners, to partake in the splendors of nature. They include:
Cross River National Park: Located in the Cross River State, this park is one of Nigeria's most renowned eco-tourism destinations. It is home to diverse wildlife, including the critically endangered Cross River gorilla. Tourists are drawn to its lush rainforests, breathtaking waterfalls, and the opportunity to witness the rich biodiversity of the region. Foreign tourists, particularly from Europe and North America, are frequent visitors. Omo Forest Reserve: Situated in the southwestern part of the country, Omo Forest Reserve boasts a mosaic of habitats, including primary rainforests and freshwater swamps. Its tranquil setting and biodiversity attract birdwatchers, botanists, and nature lovers. Tourists from Europe, particularly the United Kingdom and Germany, are common visitors. Okomu National Park: Located in Edo State, Okomu National Park offers visitors a chance to explore pristine rainforests and observe a variety of wildlife, including forest elephants, monkeys, and numerous bird species.- It is an attractive destination for ecotourists and researchers, with foreign tourists arriving from Europe and North America. Edumanom Forest Reserve: This forest reserve in Cross River State is celebrated for its striking landscapes, clear streams, and the opportunity to explore unique flora and fauna. It is a favorite among hikers and nature photographers. Tourists from countries such as the United States and Canada are frequent visitors.