ETHNOBOTANICAL SURVEY AND COMPARATIVE ABUNDANCE OF FICUS BENGHALENSIS AND FICUS RELIGIOSA IN AGAIE LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA NIGER STATE, NIGERIA

Ficus benghalensis and Ficus religiosa are culturally, ecologically and medicinal significant tree species in the tropics, yet little is known about their distribution and utilization in Niger State, Nigeria. This study investigated their abundance and ethnobotanical significance in Agaie Local Government Area using stratified random sampling, morphological identification and ethnobotanical survey with 54 informants. A total of 2,293 trees were recorded, comprising 1,691 F. benghalensis and 602 F. religiosa. F. benghalensis was more abundant with the highest density (316 trees) recorded in G.R.A Area 3. Both Species were cited for multiple uses including shade provision, goat fodder and fever treatment, typhoid, headaches, and body pain. Quantitative indices revealed higher relative frequency of citation (RFC = 0.74) and use value (UV = 2.09) for F. benghalensis compared to F. religiosa (RFC = 0.48; UV = 0.56). Fidelity levels revealed high cultural dependence with F. benghalensis exclusively cited for fever (100%) and F. religiosa strongly associated with body pain relief (96%). Both species demonstrated strong informant consensus (ICF ≥ 0.96). These results highlight the ecological dominance and cultural preference for F. benghalensis but reaffirm the sustained medicinal importance for both species. Conservation and phytochemical studies are recommended to ensure their sustainable use.