A BIOGEOGRAPHICAL ANALYSIS OF SACRED GROVES IN UDUNG UKO LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, AKWA IBOM STATE, NIGERIA

This work is a Biogeographical analysis of sacred groves in Udung Uko Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom state, Nigeria. The study adopted a descriptive survey design whereby questionnaires, field observation, and interviews enabled data collection and analysis in line with the study objectives. From the data gathered and analyzed, the study discovered that sacred groves maintain significant identity of location and composition. There were about 17 different plants which were numbered comprising of trees, shrubs, and herbs and were 888 species in their head count, the most dominant of all the species were vovaca pouse (8.5%), switeria mahogoni (6.7%), ipomota obscura (6.7%), urina lobofa (6.3%). Trees were more in the sacred groves. Using chi-square statistic, the hypothesis which stated that the ecological implication of sacred groves is not significant was confirmed, since p˂0.005, and the second which stated that the community-based management and conservation strategies of sacred groves is not significant was confirmed significant since p˂0.005. Although they are natural grounds for conservation of biodiversity, the threat of urbanization and development, human encroachment, population increase, western education, faiths and religious conflict is disadvantageous. The study found that indigenous and local based management with natural characteristics especially the wild nature of the forest and evil outcomes restrict access by many. The need for integrated resources management of sacred groves and proactive strategies with updated technology towards preservation of the quality of sacred groves and sustainable conservation.