Okeluse Forest Reserve

The Okeluse Forest Reserve is situated in Okeluse, an agrarian community in Ose Local Government Area of Ondo State, South West, Nigeria, West Africa. It covers 144 km2. It is a major forest reserve in Nigeria

The estimate terrain elevation above sea level is 68 m. Okeluse Forest Reserve performs such functions as  primary habitats of the forest,  sustainable wood production, and also provision of vital economic, social and environmental benefits.

Climate
Okeluse Forest Reserve exhibits a tropical climate with evident wet and dry seasons, classified as Aw by the Köppen-Geiger system. The mean annual temperature is 26.2 °C (79.1 °F), reflecting the region's warm conditions. Okeluse Forest Reserve receives approximately 1783 mm (70.2 inches) of precipitation annually, with significant variability between the driest and wettest months.

The climate graph reveals a pronounced seasonal pattern in precipitation. December is the driest month, recording only 20 mm (0.8 inches) of rainfall, while September experiences the highest precipitation with an average of 252 mm (9.9 inches). This signifies a distinct wet season, likely associated with the tropical climate.

Temperatures are highest in February, with an average temperature of 28.2 °C (82.7 °F). In contrast, August registers the lowest average temperature of the year at 24.4 °C (75.9 °F). The temperature range between the minimum and maximum values is substantial, providing a variety of conditions throughout the year.

A more detailed analysis of monthly temperatures reveals nuances in each period. For instance, January features an average temperature of 27.8 °C (82 °F), while December sees a maximum temperature of 33.5 °C (92.3 °F). These figures highlight the relatively consistent warmth experienced in the forest reserve, with minimal fluctuations throughout the year.

The precipitation distribution corresponds with humidity levels and the number of rainy days. June stands out with the highest relative humidity at 88.54%, while January experiences the lowest at 57.38%. July sees the most rainy days (27.80), while January has the fewest (6.00). These factors contribute to the distinct wet and dry seasons characteristic of tropical climates.

Sunshine hours provide additional insights into the forest reserve's climate. January boasts the most daily hours of sunshine, averaging 7.75 hours, while the same month records the fewest hours at 3.85. On an annual scale, Okeluse Forest Reserve receives around 2019.8 hours of sunshine, with an average of 66.48 hours per month. This information emphasizes the variation in daylight hours throughout the year, impacting the overall climate experience.

Impact of Anthropogenic Activities on Forests
Increasing anthropogenic activities arising from population increases place a high demand  on the forest and its resources for survival, and these lead to degradation, fragmentation and conversion of forest to other land uses

Among such human activities that lead to forest loss in Nigeria are commodity-led deforestation, extension of agriculture, and urbanization and this threatens the survival of species of fauna such as chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes)

Land-use and cover changes also impact negatively on the diversity of species of fauna and flora.

Biodiversity of Okeluse Forest Reserve
The Okeluse Forest Reserve is home to a wide variety of plants and animals, including:


 * Plants: The reserve is home to over 500 species of plants, including trees, shrubs, herbs, and climbers. Some of the notable tree species include mahogany, iroko, and obeche.
 * Animals: The reserve is home to a wide variety of animals, including mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and insects. Some of the notable animal species include elephants, chimpanzees, monkeys, antelopes, snakes, frogs, and butterflies.

Threats
The Okeluse Forest Reserve is facing a number of threats, including:


 * Deforestation: Deforestation is a major threat to the Okeluse Forest Reserve. Trees are being cleared for a variety of reasons, including logging, agriculture, and development. Deforestation reduces the amount of habitat available for wildlife and contributes to climate change.
 * Agricultural expansion: Agricultural expansion is another major threat to the Okeluse Forest Reserve. Farmers are clearing forest land to create new agricultural fields. This is leading to the loss of forest habitat and fragmentation of the reserve.
 * Poaching: Poaching is a serious problem in the Okeluse Forest Reserve. Animals are being killed for their meat, fur, and other products. Poaching is particularly threatening to endangered and threatened species.
 * Climate change: Climate change is also a threat to the Okeluse Forest Reserve. Climate change is causing changes in temperature, precipitation patterns, and other environmental conditions. These changes are affecting the distribution and abundance of plant and animal species in the reserve.

Importance
The Okeluse Forest Reserve is an important ecosystem that provides a number of benefits to the people of Ondo State and Nigeria as a whole. These benefits include:


 * Biodiversity conservation: The reserve is home to a wide variety of plants and animals, including some that are endangered or threatened. The reserve plays an important role in conserving this biodiversity.
 * Climate regulation: The reserve helps to regulate the local climate by absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and releasing oxygen. The reserve also helps to reduce soil erosion and regulate water flow.
 * Water provision: The reserve is an important source of water for the people of Ondo State. The reserve's forests help to filter and store water, making it available for drinking, irrigation, and other uses.
 * Economic benefits: The reserve provides a number of economic benefits to the people of Ondo State. The reserve generates revenue from tourism and the sale of forest products. The reserve also provides jobs for people who work in the tourism industry, the forest products industry, and the environmental protection sector.
 * Cultural and spiritual significance: The Okeluse Forest Reserve is a cultural and spiritual heritage site for the people of Ondo State. The reserve is home to a number of sacred groves and other sites that are important to the local community.

Conservation efforts
A number of efforts are being made to conserve the Okeluse Forest Reserve. These efforts include:


 * Enforcing environmental laws and regulations: The Ondo State government is working to enforce environmental laws and regulations that protect the Okeluse Forest Reserve. The government is also working to crack down on poaching and other illegal activities within the reserve.
 * Educating the public: The Ondo State government and other organizations are working to educate the public about the importance of forest conservation. This is being done through a variety of initiatives, such as school programs, public awareness campaigns, and community engagement activities.
 * Investing in sustainable forest management practices: The Ondo State government and other organizations are investing in sustainable forest management practices in the Okeluse Forest Reserve. These practices include selective logging, reforestation, and community-based forest management.
 * Providing alternative livelihoods: The Ondo State government and other organizations are working to provide alternative livelihoods for people who rely on the forest for their income. This is being done through a variety of initiatives, such as vocational training programs and microfinance programs.

How to get to Okeluse Forest Reserve
Okeluse Forest Reserve's nearest airport is Benin Airport (BNI). Because it is not an international airport, international visitors typically fly to Lagos International Airport first.

The shortest route from Benin City Airport to Okeluse Forest Reserve takes approximately 1 hour and 42 minutes, covering a distance of 65.3 kilometers. To follow this route, start by taking Airport Road, Akenzua Street, and W Circular Road to Benin-Sagamu Expressway/Urubi Street/A121 (13 minutes, 5.8 kilometers). Continue on Benin-Sagamu Expressway/A121, drive through Uhen-Ora Road, and finally reach the forest reserve.

A longer route from the airport to the forest reserve takes approximately 2 hours and 4 minutes, covering a distance of 102 kilometers. To follow this route, start by taking Airport Road, Akenzua Street, and W Circular Road to Benin-Sagamu Expressway/Urubi Street/A121 (13 minutes, 5.8 kilometers). Continue on A122 to Sobe. Finally, take a 32-minute drive to the Okeluse Forest Reserve.

A moderately long route from the airport to the forest reserve takes approximately 2 hours and 9 minutes, covering a distance of 96.1 kilometers. To follow this route, start by taking Airport Road, Akenzua Street, and W Circular Road to Benin-Sagamu Expressway/Urubi Street/A121 (13 minutes, 5.8 kilometers). At the roundabout, take the 2nd exit onto Benin-Sagamu Expressway/A121 and continue through the route passing by Hebn Publishers Plc. Drive through Old Boys Hostel Road to reach the Okeluse Forest Reserve (1 hour and 1 minute, 42.2 kilometers).