IMPACT OF RELIGIOUS TOURISM ON THE ECOLOGY OF LOBURO FOREST (REDEMPTION CAMP), OGUN STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

Religious Tourism is considered as a common motivation for travels. This study examines the impact of religious tourism from two perspective of conservation and tourism on Loburo Forest, Ogun State, Nigeria which is currently hosting one of the foremost religious sites of the country: the Redemption Camp. The area occupied about 75 km2 of virgin and graded level of secondary forest before the Redeemed Christian Church of God (Redemption Camp) started in the year 1983. Enumerations of the woody species were carried out in three 25 x 25m2 in each of the vegetation/land-use form identified. Tree density, basal area and frequencies were estimated. Six censuses were conducted on five line transects of 3km each for wildlife assessment. Threats to the wildlife species and their habitats were documented. Land use/land cover assessment was carried out with the use of satellite imageries and geospatial modeling techniques. Five major land-use forms were identified: thus we have raphia dominated, plantations, secondary forests, fallow forests and developmental area. Virtually all the vegetation/land-use floristic forms appeared monodominant. There were significant differences among land-use/vegetation types, though; plantation and secondary forests were closely related. The average DBH sizes of the vegetation types were given as 26.7, 67.5, 85.3, 8.0 and 0.0 (cm) for raphia dominated, plantation area, secondary and fallow forests and developmental areas respectively. While that vegetation height were 5.9, 9.5, 8.0, 1.64 and 0.4 (m) for raphia dominated, plantation, secondary, fallow and developmental area respectively. The Shannon Wenner index of diversity showed secondary forest as most divers (2.50) followed by plantation (2.15). The index of dominance was highest for fallow land. Fifteen species of animals were directly sighted. Two species; palm squirrel and maxwell’s duiker were observed in all the six censuses while two pangolin and potto were seen only once. A total of 34 species of wild animals were reported through the questionnaire survey. Four species including chimpanzees, gorilla, leopard and elephant were confirmed to be locally extinct. Thirteen species were reported to be rare, with the status of five other species (waterbuck, civet cat, porcupine, green monkey and baboon) unconfirmed by the local people. A total of 58 bird species belonging to 27 families were recorded in the study area. Forested areas had been converted to urban settings with modern tourist facilities which include a University Campus, Independent Power Generation Plant, Industries, Hotels, Hospitals, Shopping Mall with virtually all modern commercial city endeavors are now present at Loburo Forest. There is the need to save the remaining biological diversity of Loburo Forest (Redemption Camp) by setting up conservation area of at least 20% of the total land acquired for the development of the Religious Camp. This portion should be marked out between the Water Works area and Asegere village to incorporate the two main habitats of swamp and secondary forests Group of ecologists from the Redeemer’s University and this researcher should be involved in the establishment of Conservation Unit to prepare a management plan that would take into account the findings of this study.