ROLE OF SACRED GROVE IN IN-SITU BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION IN RAINFOREST ZONE OF SOUTH-WESTERN NIGERIA

Abstract

ONYEKWELU JC & OLUSOLA JA. 2014. Role of sacred grove in in-situ biodiversity conservation in rainforest zone of south-western Nigeria. Though sacred groves were established for spiritual purposes, they are contributing to in-situ biodiversity conservation. The role of groves in biodiversity conservation in south-western Nigeria was investigated in Osun-Osogbo and Igbo Olodumare sacred groves and compared with degraded and primary forests. All trees (diameter at breast height (dbh) ≥ 10 cm) were identified and their dbh values measured in each of the 48 temporary sample plots of 20 m × 40 m. Tree seedlings were assessed within 5 m × 10 m quadrat. Osun-Osogbo grove had the highest species abundance (61), diversity index (3.54), number of seedlings (66 species), species evenness (0.66) and percentage of endangered tree species (32.6%) which indicated its importance in in-situ biodiversity conservation. The lower diversity indices of Igbo-Olodumare grove is attributed to its rockiness and low sacredness, which has led to encroachment.
Sacred groves were preserved by fear of deity, cultural importance and place of worship. Benefits derived from groves by the community included healing, protection, tourism and employment. Tree felling within groves was regarded as abomination and sacrifices must be offered before any tree was felled. The rules and taboos used to preserve/protect the groves are crumbling, which