Retrospective survey on the influence of deforestation and biodiversity loss in Owerri West, South-Eastern Nigeria

Abstract

The purposeful clearing of forested land and its associated loss of biodiversity is rapidly on the increase. This study examined retrospective survey on influence of deforestation and biodiversity loss in Owerri west south-eastern Nigeria. Survey research design was adopted for this study. A total of 119 copies of questionnaire were administered and analyzed using descriptive analysis. Results revealed flora and fauna were seen more in the past 2001- 2010 than in the present 2011-2021 as partitioned in the study. Result showed a significant rate of deforestation and biodiversity loss in the study area. Logging, poverty/unemployment and bush burning are factors with very serious effect on deforestation and biodiversity loss at 46.5, 65.8 and 53.6% respectively. Results further indicated that destruction of wildlife habitat, loss of flora and fauna and climate change were revealed as effect of deforestation and biodiversity loss in the study area, and thus are very serious effect at 57.0, 52.6 and 48.0% respectively. In conclusion, the survey indicated that, deforestation and biodiversity loss is significant in the study area. It is recommended that adequate laws, regulations and implementation of existing laws and policies be upscaled to mitigate deforestation rate and by extension biodiversity loss.