Okeluse Forest Reserve
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| Okeluse Forest Reserve | |
|---|---|
  | |
| Location | Nigeria |
| Coordinates | 6°47′15″N 5°35′12″E / 6.7876°N 5.5868°E |
The Okeluse Forest Reserve is in Okeluse, an agrarian community in Ose Local Government Area of Ondo State, South West, Nigeria, West Africa. It covers 144 square kilometres (56 sq mi).[1] It is a major forest reserve in Nigeria[2]
The estimate terrain elevation above sea level is 68 metres (223 ft).[3] 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.[4]
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.[5]
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.
The climatic temperature in February happens to be extremely high, 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.
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mean daily maximum °F | 94.5 | 94.3 | 92.2 | 89.2 | 86.9 | 84.1 | 83 | 82.9 | 83.8 | 85.4 | 88.1 | 92.3 | 88.1 |
| Daily mean °F | 82 | 82.7 | 81.9 | 80.4 | 79 | 77.1 | 76.1 | 75.9 | 76.3 | 77.4 | 79.4 | 81 | 79.1 |
| Mean daily minimum °F | 73 | 75.4 | 76.5 | 75.8 | 74.8 | 73.4 | 72.5 | 72.3 | 72.6 | 73.2 | 74.2 | 73.2 | 73.9 |
| Average precipitation inches | 0 | 1 | 3 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 7 | 2 | 0 | 63 |
| Mean daily maximum °C | 34.7 | 34.6 | 33.4 | 31.8 | 30.5 | 28.9 | 28 | 28.3 | 28.8 | 29.7 | 31.2 | 33.5 | 31.1 |
| Daily mean °C | 28 | 28.2 | 27.7 | 26.9 | 26 | 25.1 | 24.5 | 24.4 | 24.6 | 25.2 | 26.3 | 27 | 26.2 |
| Mean daily minimum °C | 23 | 24.1 | 24.7 | 24.3 | 23.8 | 23.0 | 22.5 | 22.4 | 22.6 | 22.9 | 23.4 | 22.9 | 23.3 |
| Average precipitation cm | 0 | 2.5 | 7.6 | 15 | 20 | 23 | 23 | 23 | 23 | 18 | 5.1 | 0 | 160.2 |
| Average rainy days | 5 | 8 | 16 | 18 | 20 | 20 | 21 | 20 | 20 | 19 | 11 | 5 | 183 |
| Average relative humidity (%) | 57 | 67 | 77 | 83 | 87 | 89 | 87 | 86 | 88 | 88 | 83 | 67 | 80 |
| Mean daily sunshine hours | 7.8 | 7.0 | 6.2 | 5.7 | 5.3 | 4.5 | 4.2 | 3.9 | 4.3 | 4.8 | 5.4 | 7.4 | 5.5 |
| Source: climate-data.org[6] | |||||||||||||
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,[7] and these lead to degradation, fragmentation and conversion of forest to other land uses[4]
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)[8]
Land-use and cover changes also impact negatively on the diversity of species of fauna and flora.[9]