22 Ara 2024 Pazar
Biodiversity of flora and fauna associated with Sawmills of Abeokuta, South-Western Nigeria
Abstract :The
biodiversity of flora and fauna was evaluated in five major sawmills of Abeokuta
metropolis (7003’N03019’E) namely: Lafenwa, Sapon,
Isale-Ake, Eleweran and Kotopo sawmills. Fauna species present around the
sawmills were assessed while structured interview schedule was also organised
for 193 respondents comprising workers and owners of the sawmills to assess
their knowledge of and animal species commonly encountered at the sites. Flora
survey was conducted using line transect method as well as direct observation.
Most of the respondents (95%-100%) were within age 26 and above. Forty-three
different plant species were observed. Five of these plant species (Synedrella nodiflora, Sida acuta, Euphorbia
hirta, Commelina benghalensis and Amaranthus
spinosus) occurred in all the study sawmills. Pilot fauna survey of the
sawmills revealed a total of twenty-three animal species including insects and
other invertebrates, reptiles, amphibians, birds and mammals. Twenty-six animal
species were identified by the respondents from the study sawmills. Lizard and
earthworms were cited more by the users of each of the study sawmills. Over 50%
of the total animal species identified within the study sawmills are preys to
lizards and other secondary consumers. Hence, the sawmill environments could be
regarded as a complete and interacting biotic community
Biodiversity,
flora, fauna, sawmill, ecosystem, environment, wood