ASSESSMENT AND MAPPING OF MELICIA EXCELSA (WELW) C.C. BERG AS STRATEGY FOR SUSTAINABLE MANAGEMENT AND CONSERVATION IN AKUNGBA-AKOKO ENVIRONMENT

Accurate and timely information about the location and status of tree species is crucial for developing sustainable management strategies and conserving natural forests. Milicia excelsa (Welw) C.C. Berg, commonly known as the Iroko tree in the African timber market, is a prominent member of the tropical rainforest ecosystem. This study was conducted in the Akoko Southwest Local Government Area of Ondo State to enumerate and map the Iroko trees around Akungba and neighbouring communities. The objective was to determine their geographic locations and promote conservation efforts. Data collection involved enumerating the trees and measuring attributes such as diameter at breast height (Dbh), base, middle, and top diameters, as well as tree height. A Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver was used to record the coordinates of each identified Iroko tree. The measured Dbh ranged from 20.50 to 133.30 cm, tree heights varied between 17.20 and 27.40 m, and tree volumes ranged from 0.25 to 7.41 m³. The collected coordinates were used to map the geographic locations of the trees within the study area using a shapefile. The trees were found scattered across towns and villages in the Akoko Southwest Local Government Area, including Akungba, Oka, Iwaro, and Okuesi. The study revealed that Milicia excelsa is sparsely distributed and its habitat is largely confined to privately owned lands, such as farms. To prevent further decline of this vital natural resource, the study proposes management interventions to focus on in-situ conservation such as agroforestry practices and enrichment planting of the tree