Edumanom Forest Reserve

The roots of Edumanom Forest Reserve trace back to 1970 when it was singled out as one of the proposed Forest Reserves by the Rivers State Government, a compilation encompassing 11 distinct regions. At that time, the Governor of Rivers State, acting under the authority vested by Section 28 of the Land Use Act, rescinded all prevailing Rights of Occupancy associated with the land enveloping Edumanom Forest Reserve. Subsequently, the Commissioner of Agriculture and Natural Resources, sanctioned by Section 8 of the Forestry Law Cap 55 of the Laws of Eastern Nigeria, 1963, officially labeled the region as a forest reserve. The forest reserve derives its name from the Edumanom family in Otuabagi (Ogbia LGA), the entity possessing the largest segment of the reserve.

Edumanom Forest Reserve holds significance as one of the last habitats for chimpanzees in Nigeria. It spans a portion of the former Nembe Kingdom, now partitioned into the Nembe and Brass local government areas within Bayelsa State. This forest reserve is accessible to both tourists and historians alike.

Covering an expanse of 9,324 hectares, Edumanom Forest Reserve is characterized by a freshwater swamp forest. Notably, it is the habitat for various species, including the endemic Sclater’s guenon, olive colobus, and Niger Delta red colobus. For nature enthusiasts, a visit to this forest reserve promises an enchanting experience. Access to the forest is facilitated through creeks and along oil pipelines. The forest is renowned for its diverse wildlife and the presence of exotic plant species.

The Edumanom Forest Reserve is an area in the Niger Delta region of South East Nigeria that is home to some of the last chimpanzees in Nigeria. It covers part of the old Nembe Kingdom, which is now divided into the Nembe and Brass local government areas, in Bayelsa State.

The Edumanom forest reserve is a freshwater swamp forest with an area of 9,324 hectares.

The habitat has been degraded by the oil industry and logging operations. Although there are relatively few roads in the region, hunters can gain access to the forest through the creeks and along oil pipelines. The forest is also under threat from the expansion of oil palm plantations. A proposed federal road from Ogbia to Nembe would run between two of the patches inhabited by chimpanzees in the Edumanom forest.

In 1995, hunter's reports suggested that there were 5-10 small chimpanzee groups in the general area, probably with no more than 50 individuals. Older hunters tended to avoid chimpanzee, but younger hunters boasted of killing them. Young chimps captured as a result of hunting typically are sold as pets or to zoos. A June 2008 report noted that the reserve was the last known site for chimpanzees in the Niger Delta.

The reserve also shelters the endemic Sclater's guenon and other IUCN Red List species olive colobus and Niger Delta red colobus. The Sclater's monkey was considered vulnerable but not endangered in 2008. It is hunted throughout the area, except in very few places where it is held sacred and is managing to survive. A 2005 report recommended that it be protected within the Edumanom and other reserves in Nigeria. There used to be red-capped mangabeys in the forest, but these are now thought to be extirpated. The Edumanom was since proposed as a forest reserve but essentially is used and managed as community forest land. The site is about 87km2.The area overlaps both Ogbia and Nembe Local Government Area in Bayelsa State and includes patches of forests utilized by the Emago-Kugbo community in Rivers State.

Climate
According to the Köppen-Geiger classification, the Edumanom Forest Reserve falls under the Af category, indicating a tropical rainforest climate.

The Edumanom Forest Reserve receives a significant amount of rainfall, with an annual average of approximately 2562 mm (100.9 inches). The wettest month is June, with an average rainfall of 363 mm (14.3 inches), while the driest month is January, with an average rainfall of 73 mm (2.9 inches).

The forest reserve experiences warm temperatures throughout the year, with an annual average temperature of 26.4°C (79.4°F). The warmest month is March, with an average maximum temperature of 27.5°C (81.5°F), while the coolest month is August, with an average minimum temperature of 24.9°C (76.9°F).

The relative humidity in the forest reserve shows a slight variation over the year, with September having the highest humidity at approximately 87.22%, while January experiences the lowest relative humidity at around 80.95%.

October is the month with the maximum rainy days, averaging 28.80 days, whereas January has the fewest rainy days, with 19.03 days.

Edumanom Forest Reserve enjoys an average of approximately 78.06 hours of sunshine per month, totaling around 2372.49 hours of sunshine throughout the year. January experiences the highest daily hours of bright sunshine, with an average of 7.93 hours per day, while January also has the least amount of sunshine, with a total of 154.96 hours for the month.

Fauna
The Edumanon Forest Reserve is a vital area for biodiversity conservation, supporting a diverse and unique fauna of mammals, reptiles, and amphibians.

The forest reserve is home to a variety of mammal species, including notable species such as the giant African pouched rat (Thryonomys swinderianus), African brush-tailed porcupine (Atherurus africanus), sitatunga (Tragelaphus spekei), and bushbuck (Tragelaphus scriptus). Other notable mammals include the red duiker (Philantomba walteri), Bates's pygmy antelope (Neotragusbatesi), African civet (Viverracivetta), and two-spotted palm civet (Nandinia binotata). Of particular significance is the presence of chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes), a species considered to be of high conservation concern. While their population in the Edumanon Forest Reserve may be relatively small, the presence of these great apes underscores the ecological importance of the reserve.

Edumanon Forest Reserve also boasts a diverse reptilian fauna. Among the reptiles found in the reserve are three species of crocodiles, including the African slender-snouted crocodile (Mecistops cataphractus), a species that was rarely recorded in southern Nigeria before. Additionally, the forest reserve provides a habitat for several forest specialist reptiles, such as the forest hinge-back tortoise (Kinixys erosa), dwarf crocodile (Osteolaemus tetraspis), and rhinoceros viper (Bitis nasicornis). These reptiles are indicative of the reserve's ecological richness.

Importance
The Edumanom Forest Reserve is a critical natural resource area that holds immense significance in terms of economic, cultural, and social aspects, making it a vital component of the local and regional landscape. Here's an in-depth exploration of its importance:

Economic Importance

 * 1) Timber and Non-Timber Forest Products: Edumanom Forest Reserve provides a sustainable source of timber and non-timber forest products. Timber, such as mahogany and teak, is valuable in the construction and furniture industries, generating substantial revenue. Non-timber forest products like medicinal plants, honey, and fruits also contribute to the local economy.
 * 2) Tourism and Ecotourism: The pristine beauty of the forest reserve attracts tourists and nature enthusiasts. This tourism generates income through visitor fees, accommodation, and various tourism-related services. Additionally, ecotourism initiatives can offer guided tours and educational programs, creating jobs for the local community.
 * 3) Carbon Sequestration and Climate Mitigation: Edumanom Forest plays a pivotal role in climate change mitigation by sequestering carbon dioxide. The international community recognizes the importance of conserving such areas for global carbon offset programs, providing potential revenue through carbon credits.

Cultural Importance

 * 1) Cultural Heritage: The forest reserve is often deeply entwined with the local culture and traditions. Indigenous and local communities may have spiritual or historical connections to the forest, using it for rituals, ceremonies, and cultural practices.
 * 2) Traditional Knowledge: The forest holds valuable traditional knowledge about medicinal plants, sustainable resource management, and biodiversity conservation. This knowledge is passed down through generations and contributes to the preservation of unique cultural practices.
 * 3) Biodiversity and Wildlife: Many indigenous cultures have strong ties to the wildlife and biodiversity of the forest. These species are not only essential for the ecological balance but also play a crucial role in local mythology and storytelling.

Social Importance

 * 1) Livelihoods: The forest reserve is a source of livelihood for local communities. It provides opportunities for employment in timber harvesting, non-timber forest product collection, and ecotourism. The revenue generated sustains the livelihoods of many families.
 * 2) Food Security: Edumanom Forest Reserve also contributes to food security. It provides a diverse range of fruits, nuts, and edible plants that are essential for the local diet, especially in times of food scarcity.
 * 3) Water Resource Management: The forest serves as a natural watershed, regulating water flow in rivers and streams. This ensures a consistent and clean water supply for local communities, making it essential for agriculture and domestic use.
 * 4) Education and Awareness: The forest reserve offers an invaluable outdoor classroom for environmental education. It provides an opportunity for local and regional schools to teach students about ecology, conservation, and the importance of preserving natural habitats.

How to get to Edumanom Forest Reserve
While Bayelsa International Airport is designated as an international airport, it does not currently accept international flights. As such, international visitors typically fly into Port Harcourt International Airport first.

To reach Edumanom Forest Reserve from Bayelsa International Airport, head southwest on Tombia - Amassoma Rd for approximately 2.3 km. Continue on this road until you reach Opolo, covering a distance of about 32.3 km. From Opolo, navigate onto Oloibiri-Ibelebiri-Mbiama Rd, subsequently transitioning onto Ogbia Nembe Rd and later Nembe-Ogidiama Rd. This leg of the journey spans roughly 52.8 km, leading you to your destination in Oruama, Nembe Rivers.

Upon reaching Nembe, it is crucial to note that all routes to the land are obstructed by water, rendering the use of a boat mandatory. Consequently, charter a canoe to traverse the waterways, specifically aiming for Edumanom Forest Reserve.

In other words, you can fly to Bayelsa International Airport and then drive to Nembe. Once you arrive in Nembe, you can hire a canoe to the forest reserve. The journey takes approximately three hours.