Conservation Potentials, Tree Species Diversity, Distribution and Structure of Sacred Groves in South-Western Nigeria

Sacred groves in south-western Nigeria, including the UNESCO World Heritage Site Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove, exhibit significant biodiversity conservation potential comparable to tropical rainforests. The study identified 19 sacred groves across the region, with four (Osun-Osogbo, Igbo-Olodumare, Idanre Hills, and Ogun-Onire) analyzed for tree species diversity, distribution, and structure. A total of 141 tree species were recorded, with Ogun-Onire showing the highest species richness (85 species). Tree density ranged from 1,427 to 4,825 individuals per hectare, while Shannon-Wiener diversity indices varied significantly, highlighting Igbo-Olodumare and Ogun-Onire as extremes. These findings underscore sacred groves' role as critical biodiversity reservoirs, despite their non-conservation origins.

Onyekwelu, J., Agbelade, A., Tolorunju, M., Lawal, A., Stimm, B., & Mosandl, R. (2022). CONSERVATION POTENTIALS, TREE SPECIES DIVERSITY, DISTRIBUTION AND STRUCTURE OF SACRED GROVES IN SOUTH-WESTERN NIGERIA. Journal of Tropical Forest Science, 34(3), 334–346. https://doi.org/10.26525/jtfs2022.34.3.334