Timber supply pattern in Ekiti state, Nigeria and its conservation implications
Timber supply pattern in Ekiti state, Nigeria and its conservation implications
J. Kayode
ABSTRACT
The implications of timber supply pattern in Ekiti State of Nigeria, on the conservation of timber species was examined. A total of 53 timber species belonging to 20 different families were found to be supplied in the sampled area during the study. 33 of these species were found to be supplied regularly while 22 of them were found to be in high demand by respondents in the study area. 95% of these species were sourced from the free areas while those sourced from the reserves were mere 5%. Most of the timber species were indigenous species, only Gmelina arborea and Tectonia grandis, were exotics which were sourced from the reserves. 10 forest reserves abound in the state; most of them were highly exploited with a myriad of other problems that make them unproductive. Thus the study revealed that the demand for timber far exceeded the supply. Preference for timber species is now skewed towards species availability rather than choice as desired species and sizes could no longer be met. Most of the timber species are now endangered hence conservation strategies that could ensure their continuous supply was proposed.
Keywords: Timber, Supply pattern, Conservation, Ekiti State, Nigeria
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June 2006
Vol. 56, Iss. 2
