Impact of Typha Grass on Biodiversity Loss of Hadejia-Nguru Wetland Located between Jigawa and Yobe States of Nigeria: A Review

I.U Zungum,T Abubakar,M.G Daya,B Benjamin,A.G Ahmad,T.S Imam

doi:10.4314/jasem.v23i10.13

Abstract

Wetland - an interface between terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems are the most precious life-sustaining water resources which play crucial roles as an ecosystem service provider. This paper reviewed the impact of Typha grass on biodiversity loss of Hadejia-Nguru wetland which is located between Jigawa and Yobe State of Nigeria. Impacts exerted by Typha grass on Hadejia-Nguru wetland includes that on biodiversity; impact on birdlife; creation of microhabitats that reduces habitat for wintering of migratory and resident birds likewise provision of harbour for large flocks of Quelea birds, another invasive bird species. Typha proliferation Impacts generally, by endangering some native species towards the brink of extinction in addition, acting as trigger to decline in human socio economic activities with a resultant amplification in unemployment, poverty and crime rate. It is important that the actual biodiversity resource content of the entire Hadejia-Nguru wetland be ascertain whilst government and other stakeholders’ investment of sincere commitment towards management of the menace of Typha grass be assured.Keywords: Wetland, Typha grass, Biodiversity, Hadejia-Nguru and Ramsar site

Highlights

Wetland - an interface between terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems are the most precious life-sustaining water resources and play crucial roles as ecosystem service providers and they supply food and offer a unique habitat for many different species (Debnath et al, 2018)
Typha grass proliferation is in defiance to the much publicized efforts devoted by government and other related stakeholders such as the HadejiaNguru wetlands Conservation Project (HNWCP), Nigeria Conservation Foundation (NCF) and KomodouguYobe Basin Wetlands Development Initiative (KYB-WDI)
It is crucial that investigation of the extent to which other biodiversity units such as reptiles, amphibians, and insects within the HadaijaNguru wetland are impacted. (ii) Government in Nigeria and other stakeholders should collaborate to establish a processing,conversion and fodder production plants for translation of the weed to positive utility such as; fuel pellet, building materials, fodder for animals, furniture, roof thatching etc

Summary

Introduction

Wetland - an interface between terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems are the most precious life-sustaining water resources and play crucial roles as ecosystem service providers and they supply food and offer a unique habitat for many different species (Debnath et al, 2018). Typha grass (Typha spp.) is an invasive species known as cattail, is a plant locally referred to as Kachalla by the people living around Hadejia-Nguru wetland area of North-Eastern Nigeria, Jigawa and Yobe States (Akinsola, 2000).

Results

Conclusion