Biodiversity and ethnobotanical potentials of plant species of University of Agriculture Makurdi Wildlife Park and Ikwe Games Reserve, Benue State, Nigeria

ABSTRACT

Plant biodiversity and ethnobotanical potentials of University of Agriculture Makurdi (UAM) Wildlife

Park and Ikwe Games Reserve, Benue State, Nigeria, were investigated in this study. Floristic survey was

conducted in the two reserves using stratified sampling technique based on the three identified microhabitats in

each of the reserves. Nine plots measuring 25 m x 25 m were laid in each of the reserves to survey trees and

shrubs with diameters at breast height (dbh) 5 cm and above. Within each plot, 5 sub-plots of 1 m × 1 m were

established to assess plants below 5 cm dbh. Participatory ethnobotany and interview were used for the

ethnobotanical survey. Seventy-one valuable species belonging to 39 families were identified. Ninety-three

percent of these have more than one use; categories with medicinal uses topping the list (48%). Other uses

include: wood (35%) and food (17%). Harvesting techniques in many of the species were intensive and

destructive. It is suggested that harvesting of plant products in these reserves be controlled through monitoring

and enlightenment.