UNILAG Journal of Medicine, Science and Technology

PRESENCE AND DISTRIBUTION OF RELICT LOXODONTA CYCLOTIS (AFRICAN FOREST ELEPHANT) POPULATIONS IN SOUTHERN NIGERIA

Q.O Omoregie , Oboh B.O & Egonmwan R.I — Wed, 05 Aug 2020 00:00:00 +0000

Loxodonta cyclotis (African forest elephant) populations in Nigeria are small, confronted with increasing habitat fragmentation and face a high risk of extirpation. This study was aimed at establishing the presence and determining the distribution of L. cyclotis populations in Omo Forest Reserve (OFR), Ogun State, Okomu National Park (ONP), Edo State and the Oban (CRNP_Ob) and Okwango (CRNP_Ok) Divisions of Cross River National Park (CRNP), Cross River State in Southern Nigeria. Interviews, direct field observations and recce surveys incorporating the ‘travel recce’ method were used for data collection. Direct sighting, camera trap footages, presence of poached carcass and signs of L. cyclotis activities verified the presence of L. cyclotis populations while field collated spatial information was used to create distribution maps in the study areas. This study established the presence of elephants in the study sites and the results provide valuable information which is useful as a tool to guide in the development of future management plans to assist in assessing the demographic changes over time, sensitise and to raise awareness of the plight of relict L. cyclotis populations in Southern Nigeria.

EFFECTS OF RAINFALL PATTERN ON DISTRIBUTION OF Callinectes amnicola AND Macrobrachium vollenhovenii FROM INTERCONNECTING LAGOONS LAGOS, NIGERIA

M.F AKINWUNMI , AYENI A.O & LAWAL-ARE A.O — Sat, 08 Aug 2020 00:00:00 +0000

Crustaceans form a very popular food items in the diet of coastal communities in West Africa. In Nigeria, there is paucity of information on the effect of rainfall pattern on shellfishes found in these aquatic environments. C. amnicola and M. vollenhovenii were collected monthly from four interconnecting lagoons between 19992000 and 2013-2015. The rainfall data for the periods were collected from Nigerian Meteorological Agency, Oshodi Lagos. The sizes of crabs/prawns ranged from 3.5-8.4 cm/4.5-10.4 cm (small-sized), 8.5-13.4 cm/10.5-16.4 cm (medium-sized) and 13.5-18.4 cm/16.5-22.4 cm (large-sized) respectively. The relationship between the sizes of the species and the rainfall pattern were assessed based on onset and offset of rainfalls. The results showed that during high rainfall, the small-sized crabs dominated Badagry and Lagos Lagoons, medium-sizes were more in Badagry and Lekki Lagoons while the large ones were more in Lekki Lagoon. Small sized prawns were noted to be in abundance during the rainy seasons from Badagry, Lagos and Epe Lagoons while the large-sized prawns were dominant in Epe Lagoon. The changes in rainfall pattern could be said to have significant effect on the size variations and distribution of these shellfishes. Hence, effective conservation should be adequately enhanced by prohibiting the fishing of these organisms especially during the rainy season. This information would assist Biologist on the population dynamics of these aquatic species and its implication for the management of the fisheries and culturability of their uses as a commercially important species.

PERCEPTION ON CLIMATE CHANGE AND COMMUNITY RESILIENCE IN SELECTED RURAL COASTAL COMMUNITIES OF BADAGRY, NIGERIA

A.S. Soneye, A.O. Daramola & A. Uyeh1, O. Adegun & B. Ikusagba , A. Lawal-Are — Sat, 08 Aug 2020 00:00:00 +0000

Climate change is a multi-faceted phenomenon and its impacts vary with specific socio-economic realities. Rural residents especially in the coastal regions of developing nations remain the most vulnerable because their livelihood is tied to climate-sensitive sectors such as farming and fishing. Mitigation and adaptation strategies employed are, however, a function of residents’ perception of the phenomenon. The study, therefore, investigated the perception of coastal rural residents in Badagry West Local Government Area of Lagos on the impact of climate change on their livelihood. A total of 200 questionnaires were administered to respondents using a multistage stratified sampling technique. Results indicated that the primary occupation of 44% of the residents was farming or fishing, and 70% indicated they earned less than N50,000 monthly. About 58 % of the residents perceived climate change as an act of God, while 51% and 58% indicated that it resulted in more rainfall/flooding and less farm productivity. Over 60% relied on extension workers for guidance while another 59% planted different varieties of crops and increased cropping land area as adaptation strategies. This implied a more intensive use of natural resources and land conversions as they encroached into virgin lands in search for more cropping area. Aggressive investment in agricultural extension services and development of local non-farm economy is recommended to ensure sustainability.

ESCAPEE ORNAMENTAL PLANTS: EFFECT ON SPECIES DIVERSITY IN THE ADJOINING VEGETATION OF THE PARKS AND GARDENS, UNIVERSITY OF LAGOS, NIGERIA

V. T Sanyaolu, Awodoyin, R. O Ogunyemi, S, A. E Ayodele — Sat, 08 Aug 2020 00:00:00 +0000

This study identified invasive species amongst the escapee OPs and determined their effects in the adjoining vegetation (AV) of the Parks and Gardens, University of Lagos, Nigeria. Species enumeration was done across the AV and an uninvaded vegetation located within the garden using systematic sampling technique in two consecutive years during dry (D1, D2) and wet (W1, W2) seasons. Escapee OPs were identified and Relative Importance Value (RIV) of plants were determined. Community structure was established using Shannon-Wiener (H') and Equitability (J) indices. Comparison of species was carried out using Jaccard’s similarity coefficient (SC_J). Results obtained revealed more individuals in the dry seasons and more in wet seasons for invaded and uninvaded vegetation respectively. A total of 59 species in 36 families occurred in invaded vegetation and 67 species in 39 families in the uninvaded vegetation. Diffenbachia seguine (Jacq.) Schott was the most important species in the invaded AV in all four seasons with mean RIV of 19.5%. In the uninvaded vegetation, mean RIV were low, ranging between 0.21% - 3.41%. Species diversity indices, H' and J were 2.39 - 3.03 and 0.69-0.71 respectively for invaded vegetation and 3.94-4.04 and 0.97 in all seasons respectively for uninvaded vegetation. SC_J ranged between 40.0-60.0% in the invaded vegetation and 84.4-90.1% in the uninvaded vegetation. Twelve OPs escaped into the AV. Among these, only four; Diffenbachia seguine, Synogonium podophyllum Schott, Heliconia psittacorum L.f. and Epipremnum pinnatum (L.) Engl. were invasive. Their invasion resulted in low species diversity in the adjoining vegetation.

SURVEY OF POLLINATORS ON SOME VEGETATION COVER AT AHMADU BELLO UNIVERSITY, SAMARU, ZARIA

E. E Uyovbisere , B.Y Abubakar — Sat, 08 Aug 2020 00:00:00 +0000

Decline in biodiversity and population of pollinators have similar declining effect on the corresponding pollinated plant species, therefore efforts at conservation, perpetuation and establishment of the pollinators are necessary. Hence the survey of pollinators of some selected vegetation cover within Global Positioning System coordinates of 11̊ 09̍̍ 30̎ N, 007 ̊ 38̍ 0̎ E & 11̊ 10̍ 00̎ N, 007̊ 38̍ 30̎ E, at Area F, Ahmadu Bello University, Staff Quarters, Zaria. The vegetation was luxuriant, diverse and comprised more than nine species of flowering plants. In a six months' survey, aimed at conservation of the pollinators and conducted at four days interval between 6:00am and 8:00am or 16:00 and 18:00pm GMT, from January to June, 2016. The flowering plants and their pollinator visitors were identified, the dangers and threats, and the advantages and opportunities for the pollinators were determined. More than twenty-seven species within seven insect orders and two bird species of the Order Passeriformes were the observed pollinator visitors. Birds and insects made up 6.37% and 85.39% respectively of the pollinators while bees alone constituted 31% of the bulk of 91.76% of observed pollinators. The flowering plants provided rewards as nutrients, habitats and breeding sites for the animal pollinators. Loss of habitat and fragmentation due to agricultural activities and construction were among the dangers and threats to the pollinators.

CONSERVATION STATUS OF TRADED WILD FAUNA FOR TRADITIONAL MEDICINE IN OSUN STATE, NIGERIA

S.S Nnamuka, Soewu, D.A & Akinsorotan, O.A — Sat, 08 Aug 2020 00:00:00 +0000

Health care delivery remains a basic need for human survival, and the use of wild fauna species as ingredients for traditional medicine cannot be overlooked. This paper examines the diversity and conservation status of wild fauna species traded for use in traditional medicine in Osun State, Nigeria. A multi-stage stratified random sampling technique was employed to select respondents. An open-ended questionnaire was administered to vendors (hunters and traditional medicine sellers) in twelve out of thirty local government areas of the state. Four Local Government Areas (LGAs) were randomly selected from each of the three senatorial districts giving a total of 12 LGAs. A total of 120 respondents made up of six trado -medicinal ingredient vendors (lekuleja) and four hunters were randomly selected from each of the 12 LGAs. Data on wild fauna traded were collected and analyzed using descriptive statistics. A total of 37 species belonging to four classes, 21 orders and 28 families of vertebrates were documented to be traded for utilization. Aves (45.9%) were the most utilized class. This was followed by mammals (31.6%) and reptiles (21.6%) with majority of species classified as least concern under IUCN but with varying population trend. Alternative replacement of ingredients in local remedies should be done with caution as successful integration of traditional medicine into public health framework and modern science will influence wellbeing and reduce illegal exploitation of the wild fauna species.

GENETIC EFFECT OF ELECTRONIC-WASTE LEACHETE FROM ALABA INTERNATIONAL MARKET ON DROSOPHILA

Sat, 08 Aug 2020 10:41:05 +0000

Electronic industry is one of the most prominent and advanced in the world, producing significant complex waste known as electronic-waste (e-waste). One of the challenges of e-wastes is the concern raised about the toxic effect of their components. This study investigates the effect of e-waste from Alaba International market in Lagos, Nigeria on Drosophila melanogaster (fruit fly). Wild type drosophila were collected and fed with a prepared fruit fly medium. Different concentrations (0.1, 1, 2, 10, 25, 50% (v/v), positive control and negative control of the e-waste medium were prepared. The toxicity of e- waste was studied by varying the e-waste concentration in the media on which the fruit flies were bred for two successive generations. Physico-chemical analysis of the e-waste was carried out. Data were analyzed using Microsoft excel and SPSS statistical analyses. The results showed that as the concentration of e-waste increases from 0.1-100 v/v%, the time interval for development of the drosophila was prolonging. In the F₁ and F₂ generations, there was a significant change in the number of offspring observed. The morphology of the wings was found to be affected by 10-100 % (v/v) in F₂ generation with curved wings and wings hanging away from abdomen. The physicochemical analysis showed the presence of heavy metals, with lead and copper having the highest values 6.55 ppm and 4.38ppm respectively. This study ascertains that increased concentration of e-waste affect the reproductive cycle, growth and development, fecundity and morphology of the fruit fly.

ETHNO-ORNITHOLOGY OF THE MUSHERE PEOPLE OF PLATEAU STATE, NIGERIA: A COMPARISON OF THE TRADITIONAL BIRD KNOWLEDGE AND PERCEPTIONS OF ADULT URBAN/RURAL DWELLERS

Grace Pam, David Zeitlyn & Andrew Gosler — Sat, 08 Aug 2020 11:02:06 +0000

Ethno-ornithology is the scientific study of the cultural relationships of people with birds, while Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) refers to the knowledge that local/indigenous people have of their environment, usually borne out of a relationship that often spans protracted periods. The study sought to find out the TEK of urban/village dwelling Mushere adults, compare the various aspects of their TEK, to determine the effect of urbanization/rural life on respondents’ TEK. Variables tested included age, occupation, education, childhood environment and years spent in the city, sources of TEK acquisition, and method of TEK transmission. Methods used included mixed methods approach, including the use of semi-structured questionnaires and free-listing exercises. Generalized Linear Mixed Model (GLMM) was used in data analysis. The results revealed that bird knowledge of urban respondents was significantly more than that of village respondents (p< 0.05), men held more knowledge in both village and urban groups (p< 0.05), and other occupational categories held more knowledge than farmers (p < 0.05). Mode of transmission was mainly through oral means, while knowledge acquisition was mainly oblique. Method of transmission was mainly vertical. Finally, culturally salient bird species were similar for both villagers/urban respondents. Urbanization did not seem to affect Mushere urban-dweller’s TEK; the modes of acquisition and transmission were similar to theoretical predictions and changes in socio-cultural and economic settings might be key factors affecting TEK and perception of birds by the Mushere

IMPACT OF COUNSELLING INTERVENTION ON THE PSYCHOSOCIAL WELL-BEING OF SCHOOL CHILDREN IN THEIR PECULIAR INDIGENOUS ENVIRONMENT, MAKOKO, LAGOS

Adebiyi Deborah Toyin, Makinde, Bola O. ; Olusakin Mopelola &, Fatai Badru — Sat, 08 Aug 2020 11:08:28 +0000

The challenges posed by the adverse environmental pollution cannot be overestimated especially as regards its impact on the resilience and psychosocial well-being of the residents. There is no disputing the fact that as murky and waterlogged as the Makoko environment is, it is the children’s indigenous environment. This paper investigated the impact of group counselling on the resilience and psychosocial well-being of Makoko school children in their peculiar indigenous environment. It examined the children’s perception of their environment as well as their attitude towards the inclement pollution with reference to their level of resilience and interpersonal relationship. The study adopted the quasi-experimental pre-test and post-test research design. Intact classes were used for the study. A researcher-made questionnaire was used by the researchers to gather data to test the two null hypotheses. A total of 106 randomly selected school children participated in the study. Paired sample t-test statistical tool was used to determine the level of resilience and interpersonal relationship of the participants. Results showed that group counselling impacted significantly on their level of resilience and interpersonal relationship. The study recommends regular counselling interventions to enhance the rapid growth, development and psychosocial well-being of Makoko school children in their indigenous environment.

AN ASSESSMENT OF HUMAN-MONKEY CONFLICT IN URBAN COMMUNITIES IN LAGOS STATE, NIGERIA

F Olaleru, Ogunfuwa, A.A. Omoregie, Q.O. — Sat, 08 Aug 2020 11:21:24 +0000

Human population increase in urban areas leads to loss of urban wildlife habitats. Habitat loss not only affects wildlife populations but causes conflicts with resilient urban wildlife species like the mona monkey (Cercopithecus mona). This study was carried out between March and July 2018 and aimed at assessing the population of mona monkeys, occurrence, and causes of Human-Wildlife Conflict (HWC) involving this species in four urban communities, Soluyi, Magodo, Agiliti, and University of Lagos. Data collection was through total count of monkeys encountered and administration of 200 structured questionnaires. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used for data analyses. University of Lagos had the highest troop size of 19, Magodo and Agiliti had 6 individuals each and Soluyi had 2 individuals. All the 175 respondents indicated the occurrence of HWC in their communities. Presence of fruit trees in peoples’ compounds and lack of food in monkeys’ habitats were the main causes of HWC as indicated by 99.7 % and 90.8 % of respondents respectively. Only age of respondents had significant difference on their opinions and HWC. Age of respondents had significant effect (F = 3.00, P < 0.05) on their opinion on causes of monkey raids. The presence of monkeys in these locations implied that the area was their natural habitats. The highest number of monkeys in University of Lagos is attributed to vegetation cover. The depleting habitat and low population of mona monkeys in urban areas requires the designation of protected urban forests for the species’ population recovery and conservation

HUNTERS’ AWARENESS AND ATTITUDES TOWARDS WILDLIFE CONSERVATION IN IJEBU-EAST LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, OGUN STATE, NIGERIA

A. A KAREEM, MAKINDE, B. O. & OLUSAKIN, A. M. — Sat, 08 Aug 2020 11:29:37 +0000

The decline in wildlife has been a great concern in Nigeria and even globally. One of the factors responsible for wildlife loss is the indiscriminate hunting operations of animals in the forest. One may attribute this indiscriminate act to unawareness and negative attitude of hunters towards wildlife conservation and its benefits. This study investigated the awareness and attitudes of hunters from Ijebu-East Local Government Area to wildlife conservation. Survey research design was employed in carrying out this study. Twenty hunters with 20 -40 years of hunting experience were interviewed once at their monthly meeting. Qualitative approach (Narrative Analysis) was used to analyse the information obtained from the respondents. The interview showed that 90% of the hunters had average level of awareness and 75% had favourable disposition towards wildlife conservation. It is, therefore, recommended that more enlightenment programmes on current wildlife conservation management information should be made available to the hunters periodically, by both the federal and state government.

ETHNOBOTANICAL SURVEY OF MEDICINAL PLANTS USED IN ERHUWAREN COMMUNITY IN UGHELLI SOUTH LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF DELTA STATE

P.C.I Chijindu, Okpoma, M. O. and Atubi, O. — Sat, 08 Aug 2020 11:33:10 +0000

An ethnobotanical survey was carried out to explore and document various plants and plant parts used for medicinal purposes in Erhuwaren Community, Ughelli-South Local Government Area of Delta State, Nigeria. Ethnobotanical data was collected from 40 respondents (16 males and 24 females) by means of Semi-structured questionnaires to obtain information on the Local names of the medicinal plants, their medical uses, the plant parts used, methods of preparation and method of administering treatments to people. The study exposed 65 medicinal plant species belonging to 36 families, used to prepare 120 recipes for different ailments. The major methods of herbal preparation were juice (28%) and decoction (26%). Family Asteraceae was the most commonly represented plant family having about 9.7% of all the medical plant species recorded in this study. The plant parts most frequently used were the leaves (53.8%). The disease categories with the highest ICF values were Gastrointestinal (0.80) and Antipyretic disorders (0.77). Solenosternon monostachyrus, Musa paradisiaca, Phyllantus amarus and Ocimum gratissimum were the most utilized medicinal plant species with the highest RFC value. Results revealed that residents in the study area find the use of traditional medicines cheaper and effective as compared to orthodox medicine.

SOCIOECONOMICS OF ORGANIC MANURE FARMING: IMPLICATION FOR SOIL FERTILITY CONSERVATION EDUCATION

W.L OLUWATOSIN, A. OGUNKANMI — Sat, 08 Aug 2020 11:49:03 +0000

Organic manure is any organic matter used in Agriculture to conserve soil fertility. Sustainability of agriculture has become a matter of concern for food security due to the problems of declining soil fertility in crop-based farming system of sub-saharan Africa. This study appraised the use of organic manure by farmers in Katsina-Ala Local Government, Benue State, using structured questionnaire of 120 respondents selected randomly. Data were collected from primary and secondary sources and analysed using simple descriptive statistics. The results revealed that majority of the respondents (78.33%) were between 18 and 40 years old and they were mostly males (75.83%). Findings further revealed that most of the respondents (70.0%) used farm yard manure which they prepared themselves and applied by majority (72.5%) at a rate less than 50 kg/ha by placing it directly in the holes, after planting the crops. Most respondents (78.33%) reported that manure applied at this rate did not increase their yield. The problems faced by the farmers in the practice of organic farming include: lack of funds (66.67%), non-availability of the manure (62.5%), transportation problems (51.67%), low yield of crops (35%) and health problems (12.5%). It was also found out that most respondents (81.67%) did not get any assistance from extension agents who were supposed to educate them on the proper methods of preparation and appropriate rates of application for an effective soil conservation to promote an increased yield of crops. The study, therefore, recommends that more extension staff should be deployed to rural areas to give the farmers adequate education on how to prepare organic manure, teach them methods of application and the appropriate rate of application for proper soil nutrients conservation required for sustainable food production.

INFLUENCE OF CLIMATE VARIABILITY ON BIOMASS DENSITY OF SOUTH WEST NIGERIA: A CASE STUDY OF OYO AND OGUN STATES

S.K Udofia, M.J Fasona — Sat, 08 Aug 2020 11:49:31 +0000

The study aims at examining the influence of climate variability on the biomass density of Oyo and Ogun States. Past records of rainfall and temperature data for the 1981 to 2010 covering the study area were acquired and used for climate variability analysis. The Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) data from Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer (AVHRR) (1981 -1999) and Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) (2000 - 2010) satellites were employed for the Biomass analysis. These set of data were converted to grid points and extracted to statistical software for correlation and PCA (Principle Component Analysis). The decadal analysis for each location revealed that Alabata recorded highest rainfall (103.21 mm) in 2000 and 98.285 mm in 1990, in 1980 and 1990 the same location recorded a temperature of 32.31 ⁰c with a slight decrease to 32.27 ⁰c in 2000. Biomass showed a steady decline from 0.68 (1980) to 0.67 (1990) and 0.46 (2000). Eggua recorded highest rainfall of 99.26 mm in 2000 followed by 1990 (91.63 mm) and the lowest in 1980 (76.013 mm). However, temperature was consistent for 1980 and 1990 (32.36 ⁰c). Biomass had a steady decline from 0.66 in 1980 to 0.64 in 1990 to 0.43 in 2000. Idode recorded 102.26 mm rainfall in 1980 and it increased to 104.115 mm in 2000 and in 1990 it decreased to 102.03 mm. Temperature ranges from 34.05 ⁰c in 1980 and 1990 to 31.77 ⁰c in 2000. NDVI decline in biomass across the decade from 0.64 in 1980 to 0.61 in 1990 to 0.33 in 2000. Irawo relatively had a low rainfall throughout the 3 epochs 1990 (94.36 mm) 2000 recorded 96.57 mm and 93.62 mm in 1980. Temperature was however consistent for 1980 and 1990 (31.91 ⁰c) with a slight decrease in 2000 to 31.79 ⁰c. Biomass was reduced for the 3 decades from 0.60 in 1980 to 0.57 in 1990 to 0.33 in 2000. Despite the general and consistent increases recorded in rainfall between 1980s and 2000s epochs, rainfall anomaly was consistently below normal for Eggua and Irawo in the decades 2000s. The study concludes that the continual increase in temperature has led to reduction in biomass of the study area.

THE POTENTIAL ROLES OF SACRED NATURAL SITE(S) AND CULTURAL VALUES OF BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION IN ZURU COMMUNITY OF KEBBI STATE, NIGERIA

Obadiah Caleb D, Bunza, M. D. A & Shehu, K. , J. H Bawa — Sat, 08 Aug 2020 12:00:59 +0000

Sacred Natural Sites (SNSs) are specific natural areas of the earth, which are believed to have spiritual, religious, cultural or historical significance to people or communities. These sites in recent times are recognized by conservationists as one of the primary networks of biodiversity conservation, because they connect people with nature. Many SNSs exist in Nigeria, but are understudied. Germache is a SNS that is located in Zuru Local Government Area of Kebbi State, Nigeria. This study determined the potential roles of Germache SNS and the cultural values of the community members on biodiversity conservation. An ethnographical research method consisting of a semi-structured questionnaire and Focus Group Discussion was used to assess and document the Indigenous Knowledge on Cultural Values of biodiversity conservation in the community. Responses from key informants who were between ages 25 and 75 years and have spent at least 20 years in the community identified crocodile (Crocodylus porosus) as a totem. Adansonia digitata and Vitellaria paradoxa were regarded as sacred monumental plants. About 87% of the respondents indicated an observed increased in crocodile population and vegetation cover over the years. Therefore, the site has a potential for biodiversity conservation due to restricted human access and taboos associated with any resource extraction. More so, the site is valued as a holy ground for conducting prayers and cultural festivities such as Uhola and Golmo.

PREPONDERANCE OF TREES IN URBAN RESIDENTIAL NEIGHBORHOODS: A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF SURULERE AND SOMOLU NEIGHBOURHOODS, LAGOS, NIGERIA

A. S. O Soneye, Ayeni, A. O, 1Fashoto, B., F. A. Badru — Sat, 08 Aug 2020 12:09:04 +0000

Large urban trees are excellent filters for urban pollutants and fine particulates. Nevertheless, urban trees face a severe limitation of space and exceptionally stressful environment. In Lagos, uncontrolled land-use for development has relegated trees to a lower priority and intensified urban impacts on them. This study evaluated the impact of urbanization within a selected area in Somolu local government areas. High-resolution Aerial photographs and WorldView03 imageries were downloaded and analyzed using ArcMap 10.6 and ENVI 5.2 software to examine the changes within two time periods (1988 and 2019). Ten classes of features were extracted. Areal change and overlay analysis were used to investigate the impact of urbanization on tree space while structure questionnaires were used to assess residence perception on arboriculture practice. The result showed that there was an increase in built area with 17.15 ha of which 1.3 ha were tree space in 1988 for Somolu and 7.26ha increase in Surulere with 1.11ha were tree space in 1988. Road network also benefited from tree space with 0.19 ha and 1.2 ha in Somolu and Surulere respectively. This has widely damaged roadside trees and frequent roadside trenching associated with social utilities result in massive root damages which was also a major concern in the neighbourhood. This paper also noted that the neighbourhood was aware on tree planting but perceived that it is not of a concern to them, therefore they do not practice arboriculture. Hence, suggests that the public should be enlightened on the importance of trees within the community.

GEOSPATIAL ASSESSMENT OF WETLAND LOSSES IN COASTAL URBAN UNIVERSITY CAMPUSES: THE CASE OF THE UNIVERSITY OF LAGOS, AKOKA CAMPUS, NIGERI

Sat, 08 Aug 2020 12:11:00 +0000

Wetlands are essential components of the ecosystem and play significant roles as habitats and are reservoirs of biodiversity. This paper was an attempt to inferentially study the degradation and devaluation of marshland in a rapidly developing coastal area like the University of Lagos, Akoka Campus. Object based classification of high-resolution imagery and aerial photography of the Akoka area was used to determine the degradation and of the marshland and wetland in the study between 1983 and 2015. The result showed a significant change in the natural marshland from the 1980’s till date in response to the extensive alterations of the campus landscape to meet with the rapid population increase. The result is the degradation of marshland which serves as habitat to numerous organisms that are vital to the ecosystem of the area. The study recommends the preservation of the marshland habitat by the promulgation and implementation of legislation and policies that allows for protection of selected wetland area against urbanisation.

TABLE OF CONTENT

EDITORIAL BOARD UJMST — Sat, 08 Aug 2020 12:19:53 +0000

Unilag Journal of Medicine, Science and Technology

(UJMST) (CEBCEM Special Edition)

Vol 8. no. 1, 2020

University of Lagos

ISSN: 2630-693X