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Climate change

Forest Ecosystems in Northern Nigeria Face Threats from Deforestation, Climate Change, and Land-Use Change

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Forest ecosystems in Taraba State, Nigeria, are experiencing increasing threats from deforestation, climate change, and land-use change, highlighting the need for robust monitoring tools to guide conservation strategies. A recent study employed remote sensing indices (NDVI, NDRE) and species distribution modeling (MaxEnt) to evaluate vegetation health and distribution across six forests in the region. The findings revealed significant differences in the sensitivity of canopy and non-canopy species to environmental drivers, with precipitation and temperature variability emerging as the dominant factors influencing distribution.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study analyzed NDVI and NDRE data from 2013 to 2025 across six forests in Taraba State, including Gashaka-Gumti National Park.
  • Results showed clear differences in the sensitivity of canopy and non-canopy species to environmental drivers, with precipitation and temperature variability emerging as the dominant factors influencing distribution.
  • MaxEnt modeling highlighted the significance of rainfall and temperature seasonality in shaping habitat suitability, with non-canopy species particularly vulnerable to moisture stress during the dry season.
  • Several forests exhibited declining vegetation health, including Ngel Yaki (mean NDVI = 0.24), Gashaka-Gumti (0.23), and Gembu (0.21), emphasizing the urgent need for protection and restoration.
  • The MaxEnt model demonstrated strong predictive performance (AUC = 0.985), providing valuable insights for forest conservation, biodiversity management, and climate adaptation in northern Nigeria.
  • The study highlighted the importance of robust monitoring tools to guide conservation strategies in the face of increasing threats from deforestation, climate change, and land-use change.
  • The research involved a team of scientists from Central South University, including Ibrahim Inuwa Yahaya, Changcheng Wang, Chukwuka Prince Ogbue, and Mohammed Sani Yahaya.

Statistics:

  • Data analyzed: NDVI and NDRE data from 2013 to 2025.
  • Forests studied: 6 forests in Taraba State, including Gashaka-Gumti National Park.
  • Canopy species: showed varying sensitivity to environmental drivers.
  • Non-canopy species: particularly vulnerable to moisture stress during the dry season.
  • Mean NDVI values: Ngel Yaki (0.24), Gashaka-Gumti (0.23), and Gembu (0.21).
  • MaxEnt model performance: demonstrated strong predictive performance (AUC = 0.985).

Sources:

  • "Remote sensing and MaxEnt modeling of canopy and non-canopy forest tree species in Taraba State for biodiversity conservation and ecosystem management." Frontiers in Forests and Global Change, 2025,8.
  • Central South University
  • Frontiers Media S.A.
  • https://doi-org.sdpl.idm.oclc.org/10.3389/ffgc.2025.1631859
  • Ibrahim Inuwa Yahaya, School of Geosciences and Info-Physics, Central South University, Changsha, People's Republic of China.

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