Impact of population growth on biodiversity loss in boki agro-ecological rainforests, cross river state, nigeria

Abstract

In today's world, the rapid growth of human populations, who rely on forest resources as their primary source of income, is a major source of concern. The impact of population increase on biodiversity loss in the Boki rainforest in Nigeria's Cross River State was investigated in this study. The study looked into the causes of rapid population expansion, the proximate causes of deforestation, the effects of deforestation on biodiversity, and the economic values of rainforests to Boki inhabitants. The study gathered information on the factors that contribute to population growth, the pace of biodiversity loss, the causes of deforestation, and the effects of deforestation on biodiversity in the study area. The findings found that a mix of human influences such as rapid population growth, increasing human activities such as lumbering, fuel wood extraction, settlement expansion, agricultural practices, and construction works had aggravated tropical rainforest degradation in the studied area. These factors have aided in the extinction and depletion of important flora and fauna species in the study area. To maintain the Boki rainforests and it’s biodiversity, the report suggests population education, research-based innovative forestry and biodiversity policies, and forest restoration efforts such as community-based forest management.