DEPARTMENT OF FOREST RESOURCES AND WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT

The study investigated the affect of Anthropogenic Disturbances of some selected species in University of Benin. The campus was divided into two habitat types; compartments A and compartment B.The survey was carried out for a period of six months( February 2023 to July 2023) converting both the dry and wet season.Using line transect method, animal census was carried out from 6:30 am to 10:00am in the morning and 4:00-6:00 In the evening. Each compartment was visited twice per day( morning and evening). Animal sighted we're identified. The number of individuals seen along the transect line were noted and count. A total number of 260 individuals belonging to 12 families and 12 species in both the wet and the dry season were identified and recorded within the studey area. The results of the family species and abundance of wildlife was higher (0.284) and relative abundance (28.4%) was observed among xerus erythopis while the was recorded among Hystrix cristata individual species Shannon taxas diversity index and evenness recorded high population in the transect line( C) 115, Shannon diversity index in transect( C); evenness 0.8622 and Margalef I'm transect (C)and(D)in both the dry and wet season. Species habitat preference were significantly different in both study sites. The species occur more ( 15.0@+- 2.76) site B and (25.4@+- 2.24) site B for both seasons. The species surveyed in both the dry and wet season we're highly dictected more during the day season (37.3@+5.33) as compared to wet season. On the animal activity investigated, Trail (54.5@+_6.2) and the calls(38.8b+_5.7) we're significantly different among the various activities surveyed for this studies.The Anthropogenic Activities in the study area were significantly different. Traps(43.0+_4.7a) and farming (26.5+_7.4b) were the major Anthropogenic activities observed in this study. While snares(26.0+_4.76a) and cage trap (9.3+_2.3b) records the most frequent use trap for animal capturing and poaching activities in the study area. Human induced activity is the major Anthropogenic factor influencing the wildlife disturbance in the study area. There is need for urgent conservation effect for the protection of the species population.

Forest degradation remains a pressing environmental issue, threatening biodiversity and ecosystem functionality worldwide. This study evaluates tree seedling diversity and growth dynamics in a forest restoration site at the University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria. The research aims to assess species composition, growth performance, and biodiversity indices within a designated 100m x 86m sample plot. Data collection involved identifying tree species, recording their abundance, and measuring key growth parameters, including height, number of leaves, number of branches, and collar girth. The study employed descriptive statistics and diversity indices such as Shannon-Wiener, Simpson’s, and Margalef’s indices, while growth data were analyzed using One-Way ANOVA in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD). A total of 194 trees, representing 28 species from 19 families, were recorded. Among these, 19 species regenerated naturally, while 9 were deliberately planted. The diversity analysis indicated that naturally regenerated species exhibited higher diversity indices (Hˡ = 2.813, D = 0.947, M = 4.195) compared to planted species, highlighting the significance of natural regeneration in enhancing biodiversity. Growth analysis revealed that Terminalia ivorensis demonstrated the highest growth rates across all measured parameters, while Entandrophragma cylindricuvvvvvvvvvvv m recorded the lowest performance. This study underscores the role of human activity in shaping forest regeneration outcomes. The findings suggest that deforestation and land-use change significantly impact species diversity, thereby affecting ecosystem stability. To promote effective forest restoration, it is recommended that reforestation efforts prioritize the selection of resilient native species, enhance conservation strategies, and conduct further research on the ecological factors
influencing seedling establishment and growth. These initiatives are essential for fostering long-term forest sustainability and biodiversity conservatio

This study assessed the utilization of honey, focusing on the marketing and consumption patterns, in Ughelli North Local Government Area, Delta State, Nigeria. Of the seven (7) communities in Ughelli North Local government area, four (4) were purposively selected and fifty (50) copies of questionnaires were administered to each of the communities. A total of two hundred (200) copies of questionnaires were administered to the respondents in the study area. Data were also collected from 20 honey sellers in the communities. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics of frequency, percentage, mean and presented in
tables and charts. The findings revealed that the majority of honey sellers (50%) had been selling for 1-3 years. Their primary marketing channel was physical market places (66.67%), and they predominantly promoted honey through word of mouth (65.38%). All surveyed sellers (100%) reported that they do not export their honey. A significant finding is that all sellers (100%) do not own a bee farm, primarily citing a lack of skills (50%) as the reason.

This study was carried out to examine the fungi associated with the leaf blight of Ochroma pyramidale trees. The diseased leaves of Ochroma pyramidale were obtained from the Department of Forest Resources and Wildlife Management Arboretum, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Benin, Ugbowo Campus, Benin City. Isolation, sub-culturing, identification of isolates were carried out. The medium used was Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA). Identification of isolates under the light microscope was carried out. The symptoms observed on the leaves were darkish brown to black lesions that spread around the edges of the leaves and progressed into the lamina. Two fungi were found to be associated with the leaf blight of Ochroma pyramidale. These are Sclerotium rolfsii and Penicillium sp. More research work should be embarked upon to ascertain the pathogen of the disease and how to effectively control and prevent its development.