Browsing by Author "Bamidele, O.A"

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    Plants in the Diet of African Forest Elephants in Okomu National Park, Nigeria
    (Library and Publication Committe University of Ilorin Nigeria, 2019) Bamidele, O.A; Akinsoji, A; Adeniran, S.A.
    The study was carried out to assess the phytosociological and proximate properties of vegetation foraged by elephant in Okomu National Park, Edo State Nigeria. Five (5) of the compartments with foraged plants were randomly sampled with two quadrats each measuring 20m x 20m in dimension at breast height of the trees. A total number of forty-seven (47) species belonging to thirty (30) families were identified of which seventeen (17) plant species were fed upon by the elephants in the area studied. The most dominant species on the basis of Importance Value ranking were Ceiba pentandra, Terminalia superba and Strombosia pustulata. The life form pattern of the foraged plants consists of 71% tree, 18% herb, 6% shrub and 6% vine. The part fed upon by elephants consists of tree barks, leaves, roots, tubers, fresh young fronds and fruits. The proximate composition of selected plant species eaten by the elephants showed highest percentage of moisture in the root of Thaumatococcus daniellii and highest percentage of carbohydrate in the tuber of Dioscorea praehensilis. The high moisture content in these species suggests a daring need for the survival of the elephants in the forest. However, few plant species did not meet the elephants’ nutrient requirements, hence their dependence on many species. The pattern of results obtained indicates reduction of tree densities which may lead to increase in herbaceous species because elephants feed on wide variety of plants which may alter the vertical structure of plants community. This kind of information will enhance management decision for sustainable management of the Okomu National Park.