Author: M.O. Adedire
Abstract
Although tropical moist forests cover only some 6 percent (6%) of the global land surface, they contain between 50 – 90% of the species of the earth. If the current rate of destruction continues unchecked, at least one species will be lost forever.
The principal causes of forest depletion and its consequences are discussed with a view to showing the need for its conservation. Efforts being made to conserve Nigeria’s forests are highlighted.The hitherto seemingly inexhaustible rich tropical forest ecosystems have been craned of their valuable flora and fauna resources. In the past decade or so, these fragile tropical forest ecosystems have suffered marked decline, the rapidity and dimensions of which are unprecedented.