Ethnobotany and Conservation of Plant Resources of Kainji Lake National Park, Nigeria

Abstract

The study was conducted to generate baseline data for the conservation and sustainable use of woody resources in Kainji Lake National Park. The study objectives were to document local knowledge on uses, status and sustainable management of selected woody species. Using both ethnobotanical and quantitative ecological methods, the study was carried out in the Borgu sector of the park. A total of 37 plants species belonging to 18 families were selected using a ranking and prioritization scale. Family-Fabaceae was the dominant family in terms of number of species represented. The species are multipurpose and are exploited to satisfy different subsistence needs. Among the plant-use categories, medicinal uses ranked highest (38%) followed by edible plants (25%), miscellaneous purposes (24%), and construction (13%). In terms of species status, Detarium microcarpum Guill. & Perr. has the highest mean frequency of 68.9% and a population density of 3.036 + 1.7 individuals/ha. This is followed by Vitellaria paradoxa C.F. Gaertn. with 55.6% mean frequency and a population density of 2.143 + 1.7 individuals/ha. There was no significant relationship between the useful value of a species and its density rank (R= 0.047; R2 = 0.002; F= 0.783) in the study area. Thus, the study recommends a holistic approach that includes the involvement of the local people in the management of woody species.