Nigerian lowland forests
The Nigerian lowland forests, also known as the Nigerian rainforest, are tropical moist forest ecoregion in southwestern Nigeria and southeastern Benin. The ecoregion is densely populated and home to several large cities, including Lagos, Ibadan, and Benin City.  They are considered one of the most biodiverse habitats in the country and are home to a wide range of plant and animal species. There is still significant tree cover, but the remaining enclaves of forest are increasingly fragmented. Though many areas are now used for timber, which provides business for timber traders. The ecoregion is wetter along the coast and drier inland, resulting in bands of vegetation zones that run parallel to the coast for the 400 km length of the region.

Geography
The Nigerian lowland forests are bounded on the south by coastal mangroves and the Gulf of Guinea, on the east by the Niger River and its delta, on the north by the Guinean forest-savanna mosaic. On the west it is bounded by the Dahomey Gap, a drier coastal region where the forest-savanna mosaic extends all the way to the ocean, separating the Lower Guinean forests, of which the Nigerian lowland forests are part, from the Upper Guinean forests of West Africa. It contains over 560 indigenous species and supports the timber, which is used for building. It is noted that about 65 of them are now in extinction due to the destruction of natural habitants in the area.Some of those plants are also used to treat malaria. The health benefit contribute to their being removed from the forest.

Climate
The climate of the ecoregion is Tropical savanna climate - dry winter (Köppen climate classification (Aw)).  This climate is characterized by relatively even temperatures throughout the year, and a pronounced dry season.  The driest month has less than 60mm of precipitation, and is drier than the average month. Climate change affect the survival of some trees. Under a harsh sun and extreme dry weather, some plants will start dying off. The authors maintained that Nigeria is experiencing different change in climate that affects her vegetation. There has been changes on how rain falls, sometimes harsh sun and cold, which reduces the growth of plants in the country. High rainfall also affect the survival of our forest. Flooding, which have occurred in many parts of Nigeria.

Flora and fauna

Nigerian lowland forests are recognized as one of the biodiversity hotspots in Africa. They support a remarkable diversity of flora and fauna. The region is home to numerous endemic plant species, including rare and endangered ones. The forests provide habitat for a rich variety of animals, such as primates (including the Nigeria-Cameroon chimpanzee), elephants, leopards, antelopes, reptiles, amphibians, and a vast array of bird species.

About 48% of the territory is closed forest, mostly broadleaf evergreen trees.  Another 36% is open forest, 5% is urban and built up, and the remainder is wetland and herbaceous cover.  Because rainfall declines with distance from the sea, the ecoregion exhibits climate bands with vegetation zones that parallel the coast.  Closest to the sea is the rain forest zone, followed by the mixed deciduous forest zone and farthest inland tis he parkland zone.  In the rainforest zone ,the common trees are of the Leguminosae family (Brachystegia), Cylicodiscus gabunensis, Gossweilerodendron balsamiferum, Piptadeniastrum africanum, and the Meliaceae family (Entandrophragma, Guarea, Khaya ivorensis, and Lovoa trichilioides.

While in general ,the levels of animal endemism are low in the ecoregion, there are some notable endemic species.  The endangered white-throated guenon (Cercopithecus erythrogaster) is only found in this ecoregion. The endangered Ibadan malimbe (Malimbus ibadanensis) is found in the northern parkland zone.  A recent survey of the Niger Delta recorded the endangered crested genet (Genetta cristata).  The Nigeria crag gecko (Cnemaspis petrodroma) and the Perrots' toad (Bufo perreti) have also been recorded in the region.

Threats and conservation challenges 
Nigerian lowland forests face several threats and conservation challenges. Deforestation, mainly driven by agricultural expansion, logging, and urbanization, poses a significant risk to the integrity of these forests. The conversion of forested areas to farmland and the extraction of timber have resulted in habitat fragmentation, loss of biodiversity, and increased vulnerability to invasive species. Additionally, illegal logging and unsustainable hunting practices further exacerbate the conservation challenges.

Nigerian lowland forests, no doubt, face several threats and conservation challenges that jeopardize their integrity and biodiversity. A more elaborate discussion of these threats and challenges follows:

Deforestation and habitat loss: Deforestation is a major threat to Nigerian lowland forests. The expansion of agriculture, particularly for the cultivation of cash crops like oil palm, cocoa, and rubber, has led to extensive clearing of forested areas. Logging for timber extraction, both legal and illegal, also contributes to habitat loss and degradation. As a result, the forests are fragmented, reducing the availability of continuous habitats for wildlife and disrupting ecological processes.

Unsustainable logging and illegal activities: Unsustainable logging practices pose a significant threat to the Nigerian lowland forests. Illegal logging, in particular, is rampant and exacerbates the problem. The unregulated extraction of timber leads to the loss of valuable tree species, alters forest structure, and disrupts ecosystem dynamics. Additionally, illegal activities such as poaching, wildlife trafficking, and collection of rare plant species further endanger the biodiversity of the forests.

Agricultural expansion and land conversion: The conversion of forested areas to agricultural land is a significant driver of deforestation in Nigerian lowland forests. The growing demand for food and cash crops, coupled with population growth, has resulted in the clearing of forests for large-scale farming operations. This land conversion not only reduces forest cover but also leads to soil erosion, loss of soil fertility, and increased vulnerability to invasive species.

Infrastructure development and urbanization: Infrastructure development, including road construction, dams, and urban expansion, poses a threat to the Nigerian lowland forests. These activities often require land clearance and result in habitat fragmentation. Infrastructure development also facilitates access to previously remote areas, leading to increased deforestation and exploitation of forest resources.

Climate change and fragmentation: Climate change impacts, such as increased temperatures and altered rainfall patterns, can have adverse effects on the Nigerian lowland forests. Changes in climatic conditions may disrupt the ecological balance and affect the distribution and abundance of plant and animal species. Fragmentation of the forests exacerbates these impacts by limiting species' ability to migrate and adapt to changing environmental conditions.

Poverty: Nigeria is experiencing a high level of poverty, and this has led many to deforestation. People are going into the bush with the intention of fetching firewood, cutting down trees for timber, and for so many other reasons. The level of poverty ravaging the majority of the masses is tripling on a daily basis. It is also noted that Nigeria is the most deforested country in the world, which is also attributed to population growth. People are increasingly clearing forests to inhabit and farms to survive. This is increasing climate change and affecting the weather too.

Conservation efforts 
Several initiatives and organizations are working to protect and conserve the Nigerian lowland forests. The Nigerian government, along with international conservation organizations, has established protected areas and national parks to safeguard the biodiversity within these forests. Efforts are being made to promote sustainable land-use practices, reforestation, and community-based conservation programs. Local communities and indigenous groups are actively involved in conservation efforts, as their livelihoods and cultural heritage are intricately linked to the forests.

Conservation efforts in Nigerian lowland forests are crucial to protecting their biodiversity, ecosystem services, and the livelihoods of local communities. In Nigeria, some of the conservation initiatives in place include:

Protected Areas and National Parks: The Nigerian government has established protected areas and national parks to safeguard the Nigerian lowland forests. These areas, such as Cross River National Park, Okomu National Park, and Omo Forest Reserve, serve as important refuges for biodiversity. They provide legal protection to key forest habitats, restrict unsustainable activities, and support research and monitoring programs.

Community-based conservation: Engaging local communities in conservation efforts is vital for the long-term success of protecting Nigerian lowland forests. Community-based conservation initiatives involve collaboration with local residents, traditional leaders, and indigenous groups. These efforts focus on empowering communities, supporting sustainable livelihood alternatives, promoting traditional knowledge, and involving locals in forest management and decision-making processes.

Reforestation and restoration: Reforestation and restoration programs play a crucial role in conserving Nigerian lowland forests. These initiatives aim to restore degraded areas, establish buffer zones, and promote the recovery of native vegetation. Afforestation programs, such as planting of indigenous tree species, are undertaken to increase forest cover and connectivity, enhancing habitat availability for wildlife.

Sustainable land-use practices: Promoting sustainable land-use practices is essential to mitigate the threats posed by agriculture and land conversion. Agroforestry, which combines agriculture with tree planting, is encouraged as a way to maintain forest cover and provide sustainable livelihoods. Promoting organic farming, responsible logging practices, and reducing reliance on harmful agrochemicals are also part of sustainable land-use approaches.

Research and monitoring: Research studies and monitoring programs provide valuable insights into the status of Nigerian lowland forests, species richness, and ecosystem dynamics. These efforts help in identifying priority conservation areas, understanding the impacts of human activities, and informing evidence-based conservation strategies. Collaboration between scientists, research institutions, and conservation organizations is crucial for generating data and knowledge.

International collaborations: International collaborations and partnerships are important for conserving Nigerian lowland forests. Organizations like the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), and Rainforest Foundation work with local stakeholders and the Nigerian government to provide technical expertise, funding, and capacity-building support. These collaborations help strengthen conservation efforts and enable the sharing of best practices.

Policy and law enforcement: Effective policies and law enforcement mechanisms are essential for conserving Nigerian lowland forests. Strengthening legislation related to forest protection, implementing sustainable forest management practices, and enforcing regulations against illegal logging and wildlife trafficking are critical components. It requires cooperation among government agencies, law enforcement bodies, and local communities to ensure compliance and deter illegal activities.

Research and education 
Research studies are conducted in the Nigerian lowland forests to better understand the ecological processes, identify species richness, and assess the impacts of human activities. Educational programs and awareness campaigns are essential for promoting conservation values among local communities and raising awareness about the importance of preserving these forests for future generations.

Protected areas
Nominally, about 17% of the ecoregion is under some form of official protection, including:
 Akure Ofosu Forest Reserve
 Gilli-Gilli Game Reserve
 Ifon Game Reserve
 Kwale Game Reserve
 Okomu National Park
 Omo Forest Reserve
 Orle River Game Reserve
 Owo Forest Reserve

References

 
Afrotropical ecoregions
Ecoregions of Nigeria
Tropical and subtropical moist broadleaf forests