Forest Resources of Cross River State: Their Potentials, Threats and Mitigation Measures

The distinctive species richness of the Tropical Rain Forest (TRFs) gives it a very high ecological importance. The TRFs also have economic and functional importance, which are of international and local dimensions. Cross River State (CRS) presently has about 40 percent of the remaining threatened TRFs of Nigeria. These forests harbor the largest remnant of comparably unlogged TRFs in the country. The areas covered by the forests are also homes to several rural and indigenous people. At least 75 percent of the total populations of the state live in rural areas. Cross River state is also renowned, worldwide for its ecotourism potentials. The ecotourism industry depends largely on the TRFs, in which species endemic to CRS can be found. Given the present threats posed by several old and emerging factors, this document is fashioned to present a description and compendium of the various forest resources of Cross River state of Nigeria. The major areas of focus include highlights of the forest types. Also considered were economic plants, including timber and non- timber forest products (NTFPs) as well as animal species found in the forests of Cross River state. The article also identifies the various threats to the Forests of Cross River State. In order to solve identified problems , recommendations proffered include need for provision of adequate funds by government, individuals and non- governmental organizations aimed at better forest management ; employment of more and better trained forestry personnel ; and more efforts on planting of indigenous species to boost biodiversity was advocated.