Trends in Preventing Medicinal Plants from Extinction in Ado Local Government Area of Ekiti State, Nigeria
Keywords:
Forest, imminent extinction, medicinal plantsAbstract
This study examines how the medicinal plant species in Ado Local Government Area of Ekiti State, Nigeria could be rescued from further ecological genocide due to human socio and agro-economic development. Combination of social survey and direct field observations are carried out. Semi-structured questionnaire matrix and conversational interviews (two-way communication) based on human exploration of the environment in the last 10 years are employed. The results show that a total of 48 medicinal plant species belonging to 25 different families are discovered to be at risk extinction in the study area. Thirteen (13) medicinal plant species are considered to be endangered, 17 medicinal plant species are threatened, while 18 are considered scarce. The scientific and local names and families of the plants are identified with clues on their medicinal significance. The overall population of medicinal plants species in the study area is on the decline. This work reveals that the extinction agents are mostly humans, consequent upon economic and social development such as agricultural development, urbanization, lumbering and logging, assaultive herb grazing, bush burning and habitat distortions and deforestation. Ex situ conservation (protecting endangered plant species outside its natural habitat) should be introduced in form of botanical gardens, arboretums and parks in the local government area by the Ministry of Environment.
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