Abstract

Gbadebo Jonathan Osemeobo PhD

Massive deforestation has eroded sustainable sites for in situ conservation in Nigeria. Sacred groves promised as alternative sources of high quality germplasm for conservation. This study examined the role of taboos as dependable instruments for conserving biodiversity in sacred groves in the country. Data in this study was collected through a cross sectional survey involving a face to face questionnaire interview of key stakeholders of sacred groves in southern Nigeria. Results of data analyses indicated that: (i) the establishment and management of sacred groves thrived under the traditional belief systems which were off shoots of the traditional religion; (ii) traditional belief systems created fears on the people not to violate regulations on groves because of negative repercussions; (iii) the groves were significant sources of income to the land holding communities; (iv) efficient management systems were put in place in terms of infrastructures, patrols, monitoring and sanctions) ; (v) taboos failed as instrument of conservation in community forests where the traditional belief system was not recognised by heterogeneous members of the community. It is recommended that the Ministries of Environment at State and Federal levels should carry out inventories and ecological surveys of sacred groves and support the groves to conserve rare keystone species.