Surveys of Endangered Woody Plant Species in Mining Sites of Kebbi and Niger States; Assessing Biodiversity Challenges and Conservation

Artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) has become a major contributor to environmental degradation in Nigeria, especially in biodiversity-rich regions. This study investigates the impact of mining on endangered woody plant species in mining areas of Libata (Kebbi State), and Madara and Shadadi (Niger State). Employing field surveys, interviews, and laboratory analyses, the study identifies threatened species such as Vitellaria paradoxa, Khaya senegalensis, Adansonia digitata, and Balanites aegyptiaca. The study reveals a high percentage of biodiversity loss attributable to mining (45%), deforestation (30%), climate change (15%), and over-exploitation (10%). Additionally, elevated concentrations of heavy metals such as lead, cadmium, and iron in water and soil samples pose serious environmental risks. The findings underscore the urgent need for policy interventions, reforestation programs, environmental education, and sustainable resource management. Recommendations include community-based conservation, improved enforcement of environmental laws, and monitoring of heavy metal contamination. This research contributes to conservation planning and biodiversity sustainability in mining-impacted zones of northern Nigeria.