Osun Sacred Forest Grove is a unique landscape that combines important environmental, biological and cultural features. We conducted a multifaceted rapid assessment to evaluate the conservation status of the grove ele...Osun Sacred Forest Grove is a unique landscape that combines important environmental, biological and cultural features. We conducted a multifaceted rapid assessment to evaluate the conservation status of the grove eleven years after it was designated a World Heritage Site. We recorded a rich diversity, consisting of 2 rock types, 3 minerals, 88 plant species, 108 insect families and 4 mammal species. Our survey also enabled us document up to 40 cultural artifacts. However, the plants, small mammals and insects collected, in their role as indicator taxa, demonstrate that biodiversity decreases extending outward from the core area of the grove into the buffer and outside zones. In addition, the detection of heterotrophic bacteria and fungi from microbiological analyses in water samples of the Osun River which runs through the grove raises health concerns. Our findings lead us to recommend that efforts be stepped up to deter encroachment of the buffer and outside zones into the core area of the grove. Furthermore, careful repair of deteriorating cultural artifacts should be undertaken regularly, with the actions of visitors monitored adequately to prevent depletion of biodiversity and pollution of the environment.展开更多
Idanre, which represents a unique topographical landscape within southwestern Nigeria, is being proposed to the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) for designation as a world herit...Idanre, which represents a unique topographical landscape within southwestern Nigeria, is being proposed to the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) for designation as a world heritage site. In line with this, we conducted a survey to document the rich geological, biological and cultural resources contained within the Ufe-Oke section of Idanre Hills. Our geological inventory revealed two major rock types, older porphyritic granite and fine grained granite, in addition to other minerals. We identified insects belonging to 174 species while fishes from 4 species were collected. Mammals belonging to 13 species were identified through trapping, sightings and signs, although an even greater variety was inferred from interviews with hunters and visits to local fetish markets. Patterns concerning how these biological taxa are distributed altitudinally along Ufe-Oke Hill are discussed. In addition, in the quarters within Ufe-Oke representing the ancient city of Idanre, we characterized about 200 pieces of anthropological material, which included pottery shards, beads, chinaware, brass bangles and ancient metal coins. We also identified various other major features of archeological interest. Finally we offer recommendations, in the light of our findings, concerning how the variety of resources catalogued in this study can be effectively harnessed while sus-taining at the same time the environmental integrity of this site, which offers the greatest opportunities and potential for tourism.展开更多
文摘Osun Sacred Forest Grove is a unique landscape that combines important environmental, biological and cultural features. We conducted a multifaceted rapid assessment to evaluate the conservation status of the grove eleven years after it was designated a World Heritage Site. We recorded a rich diversity, consisting of 2 rock types, 3 minerals, 88 plant species, 108 insect families and 4 mammal species. Our survey also enabled us document up to 40 cultural artifacts. However, the plants, small mammals and insects collected, in their role as indicator taxa, demonstrate that biodiversity decreases extending outward from the core area of the grove into the buffer and outside zones. In addition, the detection of heterotrophic bacteria and fungi from microbiological analyses in water samples of the Osun River which runs through the grove raises health concerns. Our findings lead us to recommend that efforts be stepped up to deter encroachment of the buffer and outside zones into the core area of the grove. Furthermore, careful repair of deteriorating cultural artifacts should be undertaken regularly, with the actions of visitors monitored adequately to prevent depletion of biodiversity and pollution of the environment.
文摘Idanre, which represents a unique topographical landscape within southwestern Nigeria, is being proposed to the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) for designation as a world heritage site. In line with this, we conducted a survey to document the rich geological, biological and cultural resources contained within the Ufe-Oke section of Idanre Hills. Our geological inventory revealed two major rock types, older porphyritic granite and fine grained granite, in addition to other minerals. We identified insects belonging to 174 species while fishes from 4 species were collected. Mammals belonging to 13 species were identified through trapping, sightings and signs, although an even greater variety was inferred from interviews with hunters and visits to local fetish markets. Patterns concerning how these biological taxa are distributed altitudinally along Ufe-Oke Hill are discussed. In addition, in the quarters within Ufe-Oke representing the ancient city of Idanre, we characterized about 200 pieces of anthropological material, which included pottery shards, beads, chinaware, brass bangles and ancient metal coins. We also identified various other major features of archeological interest. Finally we offer recommendations, in the light of our findings, concerning how the variety of resources catalogued in this study can be effectively harnessed while sus-taining at the same time the environmental integrity of this site, which offers the greatest opportunities and potential for tourism.
