ASSESSMENT OF ENDANGERED ECONOMIC TREE SPECIES AND CONSERVATION TECHNIQUES IN JIGAWA STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

This study focused on assessment of endangered tree species and conservation strategies in Jigawa State, Nigeria. Multistage sample design was used, while four agricultural zones (Brinin-kudu , Gumel, Hadejia , Kazaure) were considered for the study. One hundred and sixty (160) questionnaires were administered and forty (40) structured questionnaires were distributed to each agricultural zone. Red list indicator was use as a guide to determine the conservation status. Tree species identified include: Tamarindus indica, Adansonia digitata, Parkia biglobosa, Vitellaria paradoxa, Hyphaene thebaica, Faidherbia albida, Khaya senegalensis and Borassus aethiopica were the most commonly exploited and endangered economic tree species which were used either as fuel wood, timber, mortar and pestle, medicinal purpose, local house furniture, and thus, are considered to be a threat to sustainable environmental and ecosystem management in the study area. However, results show that deforestation had high rate, followed by overgrazing. low level of education, poverty, unemployment, bush clearing and bush burning are identified as the major factors that are responsible for the involvement of old and young people in the destruction of these endangered economic species tree in Dutse, Jigawa State, Nigeria. Environmental education was chosen the best conservation strategy followed by habitat protection. Law enforcement had least value on the protection of these endangered species. Therefore, it is recommended that forest science and environmental education should be taught at different levels of formal learning; also reliable and cheap sources of alternative energy must be provided, government should recruit forest guard officers, enforce the forest law and fine against the indiscriminate felling of trees and encourage tree planting campaign in the State.