Ngel Nyaki Forest Reserve

The Ngel Nyaki Forest Reserve, whose site is historically known as Majang, is situated on the Mambilla Plateau in North East Nigeria, covering 46 km2. It can be reached on foot from Yelwa village past the Mayo Jigawal, from where it is less than half an hour’s walk to the upper edge of the forest. The altitude ranges from 1,400 metres (4,593 ft) to 1,600 metres (5,249 ft).[1] Ngel Nyaki was formally gazetted a local authority Forest Reserve under Gashaka - Mambilla Native Authority Forest order of April 1969, but presently it is under the management of the Taraba State Government and the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF), with the Nigerian Montane Forest Project (NMFP) as a project partner.

Ngel Nyaki Forest Reserve
Majang Montane Forest Reserve (Nagombe, Joseph Titus (2018), "Ndola People and Region in African History", Legacy Perfect Digital Prints, Jalingo, Taraba State, Nigeria.
Map showing the location of Ngel Nyaki Forest Reserve
Map showing the location of Ngel Nyaki Forest Reserve
Location Nigeria
Nearest cityYelwa village
Coordinates7°05′N 11°04′E
Area46 km2
Established1969

In November 2014 a long term monitoring vegetation plot was established in the reserve, funded by Nigerian philanthropist Theophilus Danjuma and, administered by the Nigerian Montane Forest Project. The research plot is part of the Center for Tropical Forest Science (CTFS) global network operated through the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute.[2]

Vegetation
Panorama of the eastern edge of Ngel Nyaki Forest Reserve on the Mambilla Plateau, Taraba State, Nigeria

The reserve contains a stand of rare dry type montane to sub-montane forest, and is the only forest of its type left on the heavily populated Mambilla plateau.[3] The forest is an isolated fragment of approximately 7.5 km2.[4] The forest is diverse in species composition, amongst the most floristically diverse montane–submontane forest stands in Nigeria,[5] and has many tall emergents (e.g. Aningeria altissima, locally exclusive to this forest).[1] Four tree species are Red Data listed (Entandrophragma angolense, Lovoa trichilioides, Millettia conraui, Aningeria altissima), and several, such as Anthonotha noldeae are new to West Africa and others new to Nigeria.[6] An illustrated checklist of the flora of Ngel Nyaki Forest Reserve has been created.[7]

Climate

The Ngel Nyaki Forest Reserve, , has a tropical climate, classified as Am according to the Köppen-Geiger climate classification. This means that it has a consistently warm temperature, with no distinct winter season.[8]

The average annual temperature in the forest reserve is 20.2 °C | 68.3 °F. The hottest month is March, with an average temperature of 22.5 °C | 72.6 °F. The coldest month is August, with an average temperature of 18.3 °C | 65.0 °F.

The forest reserve receives significant precipitation throughout the year, with an average annual rainfall of 3969 mm | 156.3 inches. The wet season runs from May to November, with the highest rainfall occurring in May and October. The driest month is January, with an average rainfall of only 4 mm | 0.2 inches.

Due to its proximity to the equator, the forest reserve does not experience a distinct winter season. Temperature variations are not extreme throughout the year, with the temperature fluctuation between the coldest and warmest months being approximately 4.2 °C | 7.6 °F.

Relative humidity levels in Ngel Nyaki Forest Reserve vary throughout the year, with the highest humidity occurring in August (88%) and the lowest humidity occurring in January (29%).

August has the highest number of rainy days (22 days), while December has the fewest rainy days (0.77 days).

Ngel Nyaki Forest Reserve receives an average of 3069.31 hours of sunlight per year, with a monthly average of approximately 101.06 hours. The sunniest month is January, with an average of 10.51 hours of sunlight per day, while the cloudiest month is August, with an average of 5.31 hours of sunlight per day.

The climate of the forest reserve, is characterized by consistently warm temperatures, significant precipitation throughout the year, and high humidity levels. The wet season runs from May to November, with the highest rainfall occurring in May and October.

Climate data for Ngel Nyaki Forest Reserve (Ngel Nyaki)
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Average high °F 82.3 84 83.2 80 77.4 74.9 72.5 72 73.5 74.8 77 80.3 77.7
Daily mean °F 69.9 71.9 72.6 70.9 69 67.1 65.4 65 65.7 66.4 67.5 68.5 68.3
Average low °F 56.7 59.6 62.5 63.8 63.2 61.8 60.6 60.5 60.6 60.5 58.8 56.2 60.4
Average precipitation inches 0 0 4 16 25 23 18 17 22 20 4 0 149
Average high °C 27.9 29 28.4 27 25.2 23.8 22.5 22 23.1 23.8 25 26.8 25.4
Daily mean °C 21.1 22.2 22.6 21.6 21 19.5 18.6 18 18.7 19.1 19.7 20.3 20.2
Average low °C 13.7 15.3 16.9 17.7 17.3 16.6 15.9 15.8 15.9 15.8 14.9 13.4 15.8
Average precipitation cm 0 0 10 41 64 58 46 43 56 51 10 0 379
Average rainy days 1 1 7 17 21 21 22 22 21 20 7 1 161
Average relative humidity (%) 29 29 41 65 78 83 86 88 87 83 60 37 64
Mean daily sunshine hours 10.5 10.5 10.4 9.5 8.4 6.7 5.8 5.3 5.8 7.7 9.9 10.5 8.4
Source: climate-data.org[9]

Fauna

Ngel Nyaki is home to a population of the rare and endangered Nigeria-Cameroon chimpanzee, Pan troglodytes subsp. ellioti. It is estimated that the chimpanzee population in the forest comprises a single interbreeding community of 11–13 adults.[4]

Other primates including putty-nosed monkey (Cercopithecus nictitans), mona monkey (Cercopithecus mona) and tantalus monkey (Chlorocebus tantalus) also inhabit the forest. Birds such as turacos, the Cameroon olive-pigeon (Columba sjostedti), double-toothed barbet (Lybius bidentatus) and green bulbul are common.[3]

Freshwater crayfish belonging to the genus Astacopsis are found abundantly in the forested streams.[10]

Ngel Nyaki has been classified as an Important Bird Area by Birdlife International.[11] Species of interest include the IUCN vulnerable Bannerman's weaver (Ploceus bannermani), and the near threatened Crossley's ground-thrush (Zoothera crossleyi). 158 bird species were recorded on the Mambilla Plateau between 13 November – 22 December 2003 by Tony Disley, many of them were within Ngel Nyaki Forest Reserve.[12]

Conservation Status of Ngel Nyaki Forest Reserve

Biodiversity and Ecological Significance

Ngel Nyaki Forest Reserve is a critical habitat for a wide range of flora and fauna.[13][14][15][16] It is home to a diverse array of plant species, including many endemic and rare ones.[17][14] Likewise, it supports a variety of wildlife, including mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians. Some of the species found in the reserve may be threatened or endangered, making the conservation of this area particularly important.[18][17][15][19]

Threats

a. Deforestation and Habitat Degradation: One of the primary threats to the Ngel Nyaki Forest Reserve is deforestation, which occurs due to activities like logging, agricultural expansion, and infrastructure development.[20] This not only leads to the loss of biodiversity but also disrupts the delicate ecological balance of the area.

b. Illegal Logging and Poaching: The reserve may face challenges from illegal logging, which further exacerbates deforestation.[21][22] Additionally, poaching of wildlife for various purposes, including bushmeat and illegal trade, poses a threat to the resident fauna.

c. Climate Change: Climate change can impact the reserve's ecosystems by altering temperature and rainfall patterns, potentially affecting the distribution and behavior of various species.[17][23][24]

Conservation Efforts

a. Protected Area Status: Ngel Nyaki Forest Reserve is designated as a protected area, which means it has legal status and certain regulations in place to safeguard its biodiversity.[17][22]

b. Community Engagement: Involving local communities in conservation efforts is crucial. This can be through education, awareness campaigns, and providing alternative livelihoods that reduce dependency on activities that harm the reserve.

c. Law Enforcement: Strengthening law enforcement measures to combat illegal activities such as logging and poaching is essential for protecting the reserve.[25][17][20]

d. Research and Monitoring: Conducting scientific research and monitoring programs helps in understanding the dynamics of the ecosystem, which is crucial for informed conservation decisions.[17]

e. Reforestation and Habitat Restoration: Efforts should be made to restore degraded areas through reforestation and habitat restoration projects.[17][26]

f. Climate Resilience Planning: Developing strategies to help the ecosystem adapt to changing climate conditions is increasingly important.[13][27][28]

Collaborative Initiatives

Collaboration between governmental bodies, non-governmental organizations, local communities, and international partners is often crucial for the successful conservation of areas like Ngel Nyaki.[29][17]

Challenges

a. Funding and Resources: Conservation efforts often require significant financial and logistical resources.[14][30][31]

b. Political and Socioeconomic Factors: Political instability or conflicting socioeconomic interests can sometimes hinder conservation efforts.[24][32]

c. Lack of Awareness: Creating awareness about the importance of conservation among the public, especially local communities, is an ongoing challenge.[33]

How to get to Ngel Nyaki Forest Reserve

Ngel Nyaki Forest Reserve is closest to Jalingo Airport, but it is not an international airport. So, international visitors typically fly to Lagos International Airport first.[34]

To go from Jalingo Airport to Ngel Nyaki Forest Reserve, head east towards Jalingo Arpt for 120 meters. Merge onto Jalingo-Mutum Biyu Rd/A4 and continue for 3.1 kilometers. Turn right at the intersection and continue on Kurnah-Sanberu-Dongari Tiv Rd for 137 kilometers. At the next roundabout, take the second exit onto Bali-Gayam Rd/Mambila Plateau Rd. Follow Mambila Plateau Rd for approximately 165 kilometers. The route takes you through the scenic landscape of the Mambila Plateau. Eventually, you'll arrive at Ngel Nyaki Forest Reserve.

In other words, you can fly to Jalingo Airport and then drive to Ngel Nyaki Forest Reserve. The drive takes about 4 hours and 41 minutes.

Future Outlook

The long-term conservation of Ngel Nyaki Forest Reserve depends on sustained efforts, effective management, and a holistic approach that takes into account the needs of both the environment and the people who depend on it.[17]

References
  1. Birdlife International fact sheet
  2. "Biodiversity Monitoring Plot - Afromontane Research - University of Canterbury - New Zealand". Archived from the original on 2015-01-13. Retrieved 2014-11-23.
  3. Nigerian Montane Forest Project website
  4. Josephine Beck and Hazel Chapman (2008). "A population estimate of the Endangered chimpanzee Pan troglodytes vellerosus in a Nigerian montane forest: implications for conservation". Oryx. 42 (5): 448–451. doi:10.1017/S0030605308001397.
  5. Dowsett-Lemaire, F (1989). "Physiography and vegetation of highland forests of eastern Nigeria". Tauraco Research Report. 1: 6–12.
  6. Chapman, J. D.; Chapman, H. M. (2001). The forest flora of Taraba and Adamawa States, Nigeria : an ecological account and plant species checklist. Christchurch: Univ. of Canterbury. ISBN 0-473-07419-2.
  7. An illustrated checklist of the flora of Ngel Nyaki Forest Reserve
  8. "Ngel Nyaki climate: Weather Ngel Nyaki & temperature by month". en.climate-data.org. Retrieved 22 October 2023.
  9. "Ngel Nyaki climate: Weather Ngel Nyaki & temperature by month". en.climate-data.org. Retrieved 2023-10-21.
  10. Umar, Harding and Winterbourn, Danladi (November 2013). Freshwater Invertebrates of the Mambilla Plateau, Nigeria (PDF). Christchurch, New Zealand: School of Biological Sciences, University of Canterbury. p. 74. ISBN 978-0-473-25490-2.
  11. BirdLife International. "Important Bird and Biodiversity Area factsheet: Ngel-Nyaki Forest Reserve". Birdlife International. Retrieved 14 March 2016.
  12. Nigerian Montane Forest Project. "Checklist of Birds". Nigerian Montane Forest Project - Checklist of Birds. Retrieved 14 March 2016.
  13. Institute for Poverty Alleviation and International Development. Institute for Poverty Alleviation and International Development. doi:10.18350/ipaid.
  14. Abhulimen, RONALD Winifred Isemobhita; Fate, WALSON (2021). "Species Richness and Diversity of Land Snails in Ngel-Nyaki Forest Reserve, Mambilla Plateau, Taraba State Nigeria". International Journal of Scientific and Management Research. 04 (7): 88–102. doi:10.37502/ijsmr.2021.4709. ISSN 2581-6888. S2CID 244859295.
  15. "Forest Reservation and Conservation". Development of Environmental Laws in India: 88–120. 2021-09-30. doi:10.1017/9781108781053.005. ISBN 9781108781053.
  16. Buba, Toma; Jaafar, Ridwan Muhammad (July 2021). "Impacts of trees species and functional traits on birds visitation in a Nigerian montane forest: Implications for conservation". Scientific African. 12: e00783. doi:10.1016/j.sciaf.2021.e00783. ISSN 2468-2276. S2CID 236233646.
  17. Borokini, T.I.; Babalola, F.D.; Amusa, T.O.; Ivande, S.T.; Wala, Z.J.; Jegede, O.O.; Tanko, D.; Ihuma, J.O. (2012-05-28). "Community-based Forest Resources Management in Nigeria: Case study of Ngel Nyaki Forest Reserve, Mambilla Plateau, Taraba State, Nigeria". Journal of Tropical Forestry and Environment. 2 (1). doi:10.31357/jtfe.v2i1.571. ISSN 2235-9362.
  18. OSAWARU, M. E.; OGWU, M. C.; AHANA, C. M. (2022-03-15). "Current Status of Plant Diversity and Conservation in Nigeria". Nigerian Journal of Life Sciences (ISSN: 2276-7029). 3 (1): 168–178. doi:10.52417/njls.v3i1.120. ISSN 2814-2586. S2CID 257322093.
  19. Ogunjemite, BG; Dansu, EL (2014-08-05). "Relationship between anthropogenic activities and occurrence of the chimpanzees(<i>Pan troglodytes</i>) in Oluwa forest reserve, Nigeria". Ethiopian Journal of Environmental Studies and Management. 7 (4): 402. doi:10.4314/ejesm.v7i4.7. ISSN 1998-0507.
  20. Adanu, Jeremiah; Sommer, Volker; Fowler, Andrew (2010-10-12), "Hunters, Fire, Cattle: Conservation Challenges in Eastern Nigeria, with Special Reference to Chimpanzees", Primates of Gashaka, New York, NY: Springer New York, pp. 55–99, doi:10.1007/978-1-4419-7403-7_3, ISBN 978-1-4419-7402-0, retrieved 2023-10-16
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  22. Abwe, Ekwoge Enang (2018). Linking behavioral diversity with genetic and ecological variation in the Nigeria-Cameroon (Pan troglodytes ellioti) (Thesis). Drexel University Libraries. doi:10.17918/d8m65z.
  23. "Cercopithecus nictitans". CABI Compendium. 2022-01-07. doi:10.1079/cabicompendium.89900. S2CID 253943763. Retrieved 2023-10-16.
  24. Barnes, Andrew D.; Emberson, Rowan M.; Chapman, Hazel M.; Krell, Frank-T.; Didham, Raphael K. (February 2014). "Matrix habitat restoration alters dung beetle species responses across tropical forest edges". Biological Conservation. 170: 28–37. doi:10.1016/j.biocon.2013.12.006. ISSN 0006-3207.
  25. Iguda Ladan, Suleiman (2015). "Assessing Security Threats Posed by Ruma/kukar Jangarai Forest Reserve to Batsari Lga Katsina State, Nigeria". International Journal of Sciences. 1 (6): 62–71. doi:10.18483/ijsci.740. ISSN 2305-3925.
  26. "Review for "Pre‐dispersal seed predation could help explain premature fruit drop in a tropical forest"". 2021-09-29. doi:10.1111/1365-2745.13867/v1/review2. {{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires |journal= (help)
  27. Duque, Alvaro; Muller-Landau, Helene C.; Valencia, Renato; Cardenas, Dairon; Davies, Stuart; de Oliveira, Alexandre; Pérez, Álvaro J.; Romero-Saltos, Hugo; Vicentini, Alberto (2016-11-29). "Insights into regional patterns of Amazonian forest structure, diversity, and dominance from three large terra-firme forest dynamics plots". Biodiversity and Conservation. 26 (3): 669–686. doi:10.1007/s10531-016-1265-9. hdl:10088/30321. ISSN 0960-3115. S2CID 254285489.
  28. Abiem, Iveren; Dickie, Ian; Kenfack, David; Chapman, Hazel M. (2022-11-23). "Factors limiting plant recruitment in a tropical Afromontane Forest". Biotropica. 55 (1): 221–231. doi:10.1111/btp.13179. ISSN 0006-3606. S2CID 253857601.
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  30. "Laniarius atroflavus Shelley. Yellow-breasted Boubou. Gonolek à ventre jaune.", The Birds of Africa, Academic Press, 2000, doi:10.5040/9781472926975.0234, ISBN 978-0-1213-7306-1, retrieved 2023-10-16
  31. Cheek, Martin; Chapman, J. D.; Chapman, H. M. (2002). "The Forests of Taraba and Adamawa States, Nigeria. An Ecological Account and Plant Species Checklist". Kew Bulletin. 57 (1): 239. doi:10.2307/4110842. ISSN 0075-5974. JSTOR 4110842.
  32. Regional action plan for the conservation of western chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes verus) 2020–2030. IUCN, International Union for Conservation of Nature. 2020-06-24. doi:10.2305/iucn.ch.2020.ssc-rap.2.en. ISBN 978-2-8317-2045-6. S2CID 241980491.
  33. Regional action plan for the conservation of western chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes verus) 2020–2030. IUCN, International Union for Conservation of Nature. 2020-06-24. doi:10.2305/iucn.ch.2020.ssc-rap.2.en. ISBN 978-2-8317-2045-6. S2CID 241980491.
  34. "Ngel Nyaki Forest Reserve to Jalingo Airport". Ngel Nyaki Forest Reserve to Jalingo Airport. Retrieved 22 October 2023.
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