RUHUNA JOURNAL OF SCIENCE Vol 12 (1): 26-39, June 2021 eISSN: 2536-8400 © Faculty of Science http://doi.org/10.4038/rjs.v12i1.98 University of Ruhuna SRI LANKA © Faculty of Science, University of Ruhuna Sri Lanka 26 Forest resources as ecotourism attraction: Cross River National Park, Nigeria Bukola O. Adetola*1, Abideen A. Alarape2 and Ibukun A. Ayodele2 1Department of Ecotourism and Wildlife Management, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria 2Department of Wildlife and Ecotourism Management, University of Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria *Correspondence: boadetola@futa.edu.ng; ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1675-3344 Received: 5th June 2020, Revised: 29th April 2021, Accepted: 10th June 2021 Abstract Cross River National Park (CRNP) in Nigeria with its natural resources of tourist significance can help to foster a culture of conservation and recreation among the public. This study identified ecotourism attractions in CRNP aiming to promote its sustainable use and to enhance its planning as a haven for ecotourism in Nigeria. A field survey of ecotourism resources was conducted in the park during 2010-2014. Fauna resources were identified along the 5 km transects that covered existing trails and jeep tracks in both dry and wet seasons. Quadrat method (15 sample plots of 50 m x 20 m) was used for the vegetation assessment and Shannon-Weiner Diversity Index (H) and descriptive statistics were calculated. Findings revealed that the rainforest, game viewing, birdwatching, mountain climbing, camping, rock formation, village tour, botanical garden tour and water recreation as core ecotourism attractions in CRNP. Fifteen wild animal species belonging to nine families were observed (endangered 01, least concerned 12, near threatened 01, vulnerable 01). Wild animals included drill monkey Mandrillus leucophaecus (endangered), elephant Loxodonta africana cyclotis (vulnerable), bat Eidolon helvum (near threatened), and bare-headed rock fowl Picarthates oreas (endemic) which are “ecostars” and “a must see” that warrant a visit to the park. Other animals were least concerned. A total of 81 tree species belonging to 26 families were identified. Shannon-Wiener Diversity index (H’) of 3.88 and 3.84 were recorded for Oban and Okwango divisions respectively. The most dominant family in Oban was Leguminosae (12 species) and in Okwango, it was Apocynaceae (10 species). Managing and promoting the sustainable use of the park’s numerous resources to actualize the potential value non-consumptively through ecotourism is hereby recommended. Keywords: attraction, conservation ecotourism, national park, rainforest 1 Introduction Tourism is both leisure and a self-indulgent pursuit. It is a global phenomenon that has experienced rapid growth in the developing countries of the world. Smith (2004) https://rjs.ruh.ac.lk/index.php/rjs/index https://rjs.ruh.ac.lk/index.php/rjs/index http://doi.org/10.4038/rjs.v12i1.98 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ mailto:boadetola@futa.edu.ng https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1675-3344 B.O. Adetola et al. Cross River National Park ecotourism resources Ruhuna Journal of Science Vol 12 (1): 26-39, June 2021 27 noted that tourism and travel have been part of the human experience for millennia, describing it as a form of movement that characterizes Homo sapiens. Ecotourism is a type of specialty travel incorporating a diverse array of activities and tourism type, from bird watching, game viewing, scientific study, photography, diving, trekking, to regeneration of damaged ecosystems. The International Ecotourism Society defined ecotourism as “responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment, sustains the well-being of the local people, and involves interpretation and education” (TIES 2015). It has been able to capitalize on the increased motivation to experience and preserve natural environments (Diamantis 2004). Tourism industry has wholly embraced ecotourism, and its global importance has been recognized by the UN through the declaration of the year 2002 as the “International Year of Ecotourism” The concern of tourists for environmental issues has increased, and ecotourism has become a known sector of tourism that should be developed (Holden 2003), because of its strategy of understanding nature and imparting conservation measure on biodiversity. Biodiversity is the backbone of the ecotourism industry. The role of biodiversity in tourism ranges from biodiversity as an attraction (i.e., many wildlife are focal species), resources for consumptive goods (i.e., culinary), natural components to support ecological services (i.e., pollination), to aesthetics (i.e., ornamental plants) (Higginbottom 2004, Newsome et al. 2012). Biodiversity, however, is not a tourist attraction unless its tourism potential value is converted and actualized as objects which are able to attract tourists (Drumm and Moore 2002). The success of tourism attraction, therefore, depends on the ability of tourism planners and managers to actualize the potential value of biodiversity as a tourist attraction (Luchman 2017). Ecotourism is seen as an interfacing of conservation concerns and tourism interest. Essentially, ecotourism derives its attraction from a combination of groups to be made from marketing a product that exists in its natural state in a specific geographic location and the potential to make such ecologically, economically, and socially sustainable (Ijeoma 2007). The National Park divisions at Oban and Okwango in Cross River State, Nigeria is a wildlife park suitable for ecotourism. The Cross River National Park (CRNP) is an important ecological gene pool containing one of the oldest rainforests in Africa. Because of its critical conservation status, it has been designated as one of the 25 UN biodiversity hot spots in the world (CRNP 2010). The forest resources represent a tourism haven capable of instilling conservation consciousness in the mind of the tourists that patronize the park. Therefore, adequate knowledge of the occurrence of the tourism products in an ecosystem is vital to enhance its effective marketing, increased patronage and sustainable use through ecotourism. Despite the enviable potential Nigeria is endowed with, the country has remained an unpopular tourist destination. Therefore, this study was conducted to identify the park’s core tourist attractions, to determine the potential recreation activities of ecotourism, to assess the fauna and flora resources of CRNP forest as a draw for ecotourism and to promote argument for its successful conservation and sustainable use. This will enhance B.O. Adetola et al. Cross River National Park ecotourism resources Ruhuna Journal of Science Vol 12 (1): 26-39, June 2021 28 effective decision-making in the competing economic, social and environmental demands of sustainable development in Nigeria. 2 Material and Methods 2.1 Study area Cross River National Park (CRNP) is located in Cross River State between longitudes 5o.05'-6o.29' N and latitudes 8o.15'- 90.30' E in Nigeria (Figure 1). It covers an area of approximately 4000 km2, divided into two non-contiguous divisions – the Oban hills in the Southern part covering 3000km2, and the Okwangwo division in the Northern part covering 1000 km2 of primary moist rainforest ecosystem in the Northern and Central parts, and montane mosaic on the Obudu plateau (CRNP 2010). Fig. 1: Oban and Okwangwo divisions of Cross River National Park with Support Zone Communities B.O. Adetola et al. Cross River National Park ecotourism resources Ruhuna Journal of Science Vol 12 (1): 26-39, June 2021 29 The terrain is rough, and elevation rises from the river valleys to over 1000 m in mountainous areas. The Park has a tropical climate characterized by a rainy season between April and November. The annual rainfall ranges between 2000 mm to 3000 mm; relative humidity in and around the park range from 80-90%. The temperature rarely falls below 19°C with an annual mean of 27°C (Udoidung et al. 2007). Many ecosystems including the tropical rainforest and mangrove forest occur in Cross River State. The geographical location of the state favours ecotourism as the state is accessible by air through the Calabar Airport, by sea through the Calabar Sea Port and by road through the trunk roads from Akwa Ibom, Ebonyi and Abia States (Udoidung et al. 2007). The ecology of the state has made it a renowned wildlife sanctuary and the government has made substantial investment to develop its tourism potentials across the state in order to realize its aspiration of making the state the flagship of tourism in the country. The rich cultural heritage and strategic coastal location are great impetus for the rapidly developing culture and business tourism in the state. 2.2 Data collection and analysis Ecotourism resources available in the park were carefully observed and assessed. The Global Positioning System (GPS) surveying method was used in the mapping of ecotourism resources in the study area (Shrestha 2006). Relevant pictures that depict specific and exciting characteristic features of interest were taken using digital Camera-Samsung zoom lens 5x (14.2 Megapixels) and GPS (GPS- 550 Magellan) for the geographic coordinates reading. Fauna resources were identified along the existing 5 Km transects, trails and Jeep tracks within the park. Observations were recorded between 6.30 am to 11.00 am in the morning and 4.00 to 6.30 pm in the evening three days a week to identify the fauna species. Twenty-four days of observation were carried out in February (Dry season) and August (Rainy season), 2012 , making up 12 days in each season. Spoors such as faecal droppings, footprints spines, calls, and trails were recorded and used to determine the presence of the animals in the park in addition to the direct observations. There are no recent studies so these data will provide some baseline information. Quadrat method was used for the vegetation assessment of Oban and Okwango divisions of the park. The method adopted by FAO (2009) was modified and a total of 15 plots with 50m x 20m quadrant size each were established on three lines transversed evenly along the existing Jeep track within the study area. Five plots were marked on each line at 10 km interval. Identification of tree species within each plot was carried out. All identified trees were allocated to families and the number of species was obtained for the diversity classification of tree species in each family using Keay (1989). The total density was calculated as well as the diversity and species evenness. Species relative density (RD) and relative frequency (RF) of each site were computed using equations 1 and 2. Species diversity index was calculated B.O. Adetola et al. Cross River National Park ecotourism resources Ruhuna Journal of Science Vol 12 (1): 26-39, June 2021 30 using Shannon–Wiener diversity index (eq. 3), while Shannon’s equitability index (EH) (eq. 4) was adopted for estimating species evenness. Species Relative Density (RD): This refers to the number of individuals of a given species divided by the total number of individuals of all species. RD = [ ni N ] X 100 (1) where, RD = relative density, ni = number of individual species I, and N = total number of individual in the entire population. Relative Frequency (RF): RF was obtained using the formula given by Oduwaiye et al. (2002). RF = ∑ Fi X 100 Fn (2) where, RF = relative frequency, Fi = number of plot where species was found, and Fn = total frequency of all species. Shannon-Wiener Diversity Index (HI): The equation given by Price (1997) was adopted. H1 = ∑ Pi𝑙𝑛Pisi=1 (3) where, S= total number of species in the community, Pi= proportion of a species to the total number of plant in the community, ln = natural logarithm. Species Evenness Index (EH): In each forest community, species evenness was determined using Shannon’s Equitability (EH). EH = H Hmax = ∑ piln(pi)si=1 ln(S) (4) B.O. Adetola et al. Cross River National Park ecotourism resources Ruhuna Journal of Science Vol 12 (1): 26-39, June 2021 31 3 Results 3.1 Ecotourism resources in Cross River National Park Prominent recreational activities that can be conducted in the Cross River National Park (CRNP) are hiking in the rainforest vegetation, mountaineering, water recreation in the natural water body (e.g. Kwa river), game viewing, bird watching, botanical garden tour and visit the natural history museum as presented in Table 1. The topography presents very interesting sceneries for ecotourism activities and harbors rare species of animals such as the critically endangered Cross River Gorilla (Gorilla gorilla diehli), and the endangered Chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes). Village tours can provide visitors the opportunity to explore the way of life of the local communities. Table 1: Ecotourism attractions in Cross River National Park, Nigeria. Attractions Location Wilderness hiking The entire park Game viewing/ bird watching The entire park Mountain viewing/ climbing Park rugged terrain rising from 100 m in the river valleys to over 1000m in the mountains Mbe Mountain Forest camping The entire park Rock formation Bat caves in Oban division Village tours 105 Support Zone communities of CRNP Tour of botanical garden Okwangwo Division Water recreation Natural water pool – kwa- river, Bemi river, Oyi river and Okon river Natural History Museum Oban Division CRNP is endowed with biodiversity resources, which serve as a major source to attract ecotourists to this area. Fifteen wild animal species belonging to 9 families were observed (Table 2) and a total of 81 tree species belonging to 26 families were identified in Oban and Okwango divisions of CRNP (Tables 3 and 4). The diversity index (H') and equitability (evenness) (EH) for Oban Division is 3.88 and 0.62 and for Okwango division H is 3.84 and (EH) 0.53, respectively (Table 5). According to the Redlist Conservation Status in 2015, the animals encountered included endangered Drill monkey (Mandrillus leucophaecus) vulnerable Elephant (Loxodonta africana cyclotis) near threatened Bat (Eidolon helvum), and others were at the least concerned status. The endemic Bare-headed rock fowl Picarthates oreas B.O. Adetola et al. Cross River National Park ecotourism resources Ruhuna Journal of Science Vol 12 (1): 26-39, June 2021 32 and the Cameroonian vine, Ancistrocladus korupensis are “ecostars” and “a must see” that warrant a visit to the park. Table 2: Fauna species encountered in Cross River National Park, Nigeria. Family Common Name Scientific Name Evidence Remark IUCN Status * Population Trend Bovidae Red flanked duiker Cephalophus rufilatus Faecal dropping Fresh LC Decreasing Bovidae Blue duiker Cephalophus monticola Footprint/ trail Fresh LC Stable Bovidae Bush buck Tragelaphus scriptus Footprint Fresh LC Stable Hystricidae Porcupine Altherurus africanus Footprint/ trail Fresh LC Unknown Suidae Red River hog Potamochoerus porcus Footprint Fresh LC Decreasing Sciuridae Giant tree squirrel Protoxerus stangeri Sighting On a tree LC Unknown Sciuridae Ground squirrel Xerus erythropus Sighting Crossing transect line LC Stable Elephantidae Forest elephant Loxodonta africana cyclotis Footprint/ feeding trail/ dung Dung about 2 weeks old V Increasing Viverridae Palm Civet Viverra civetta Sighting individual on tree LC Decreasing Viverridae Mongoose Ichneumia albicauda Footprint More than 10 sighting LC Stable Cercopithecidae Drill Monkey Mandrillus leucophaeus Sighting/ Vocalisation About 15 individuals on a tree feeding on fruit EN Unknown Cercopithecidae Mona monkey Cercopithecus mona Sighting/ Vocalisation 5 individuals LC Unknown Cercopithecidae Tantalus monkey Cercopithecus aethiops Sighting 1 individual LC Stable Capitonidae Yellow- spotted barbet Buccanodon duchaillui Sighting 1 individual LC Stable Pteropodidae Fruit Bats Eidolon helvum Sighting More than 20 sighted at Erokut rock NT Decreasing *LC-Least Concern, V-Vulnerable, NT- Near Threatened, EN- Endangered B.O. Adetola et al. Cross River National Park ecotourism resources Ruhuna Journal of Science Vol 12 (1): 26-39, June 2021 33 Table 3: Tree species observed in Oban Division of Cross River National Park. Species Family IUCN Status # Density (Ha-1) Relative Density pi*ln(pi) Allanblackia floribunda Guttiferae VU 5 0.581395 -0.02993 Alstonia congensis Apocynaceae LC 44 1.98915 -0.08204 Antrocaryon micraster Anacardiaceae VU 8 0.180832 -0.0121 Anonidium mannii Annonaceae LC 12 0.542495 -0.02993 Antiaris toxicaria Moraceae LC 5 0.361664 -0.02152 Anthocleista vogelii Apocynaceae LC 5 0.180832 -0.0121 Baphia nitida Fabaceae LC 24 0.542495 -0.02993 Bridelia micrantha Euphorbiaceae LC 40 2.712477 -0.10285 Brenania brelie Leguminosae LC 2 0.180832 -0.0121 Carapa procera Meliaceae LC 22 2.531646 -0.09787 Chrysophyllum albidum Sapotaceae NT 5 0.361664 -0.02152 Christiana africana Tiliaceae LC 16 0.180832 -0.0121 Cleistopholis patens Annonaceae LC 8 0.361664 -0.02152 Cola acuminate Sterculiaceae LC 64 0.723327 -0.03767 Corynanthe pachyceras Rubiaceae LC 64 0.723327 -0.03767 Coula edulis Olacaceae LC 154 5.244123 -0.16179 Cylicodiscus gabunensis Leguminosae LC 32 0.361664 -0.02152 Distemonanthus benthamianus Olacaceae LC 34 3.435805 -0.12157 Dialium guineens Leguminosae LC 192 2.169982 -0.08747 Desplatsia dewevrei Tiliaceae LC 96 2.169982 -0.08747 Pycnanthus angolensis Myristicaceae LC 16 0.180832 -0.0121 Dacryodes edulis Burseraceae NL 32 0.361664 -0.02152 Diospyros mespiliformis Ebenaceae LC 13 0.723327 -0.03767 Desplatsia dewevrei Tiliaceae LC 6 0.361664 -0.02152 Diospyros suaveolens Ebenaceae NL 5 0.361664 -0.02152 Diospyros zenkeri Ebenaceae LC 84 3.797468 -0.1303 Enantia chlorantha Annonaceae LC 21 0.723327 -0.03767 Entandrophragma cylindricum Meliaceae VU 11 0.361664 -0.02152 Ficus capensis Moraceae NL 32 0.723327 -0.03767 Funtumia elastica Apocynaceae LC 48 0.542495 -0.02993 Garcinia mannii Guttiferae VU 88 1.98915 -0.08204 Garcinia staudtii Guttiferae VU 32 0.361664 -0.02152 Guibourtia ehie Leguminosae LC 16 0.180832 -0.0121 Guarea glomerulata Meliaceae NL 21 0.723327 -0.03767 Guarea thompsonii Meliaceae VU 16 0.361664 -0.02152 Hannoa klaineana Simaroubaceae NL 112 1.265823 -0.05834 Hunteria umbellata Apocynaceae LC 112 1.265823 -0.05834 Distemonanthus benthamianus Leguminosae LC 48 0.542495 -0.02993 Irvingia gabonensis Irvingaceae NT 32 0.361664 -0.02152 Khaya ivorensis Meliaceae VU 2 0.180832 -0.0121 Lophira alata Ochnaceae VU 8 0.361664 -0.02152 Maesobotrya barteri Moraceae LC 88 1.98915 -0.08204 Microdesmis puberula Euphorbiaceae NL 12 0.542495 -0.02993 Milicia excelsa Moraceae NT 2 0.180832 -0.0121 Millettia griffoniana Leguminosae LC 64 2.169982 -0.08747 Musanga cecropioides Moraceae LC 52 2.350814 -0.09274 Neoboutonia glabrescens Euphorbiaceae NT 5 0.361664 -0.02152 Nesogordonia papaverifera Sterculiaceae VU 8 0.180832 -0.0121 Newbouldia laevis Bignoniaceae NL 8 0.180832 -0.0121 B.O. Adetola et al. Cross River National Park ecotourism resources Ruhuna Journal of Science Vol 12 (1): 26-39, June 2021 34 Table 3. Continued Species Family IUCN Status # Density (Ha-1) Relative Density pi*ln(pi) Octoknema affinis Octoknemaceae NL 11 0.723327 -0.03767 Omphalocarpum procerum Sapotaceae LC 2 0.180832 -0.0121 Ongokea gore Olacaceae LC 3.2 0.361664 -0.02152 Ouratea calophylla Ochnaceae NL 5 0.361664 -0.02152 Acacia albida Leguminosae LC 60 0.180832 -0.10285 Parkia bicolor Leguminosae LC 112 2.712477 -0.05834 Pentaclethra macrophylla Leguminosae LC 48 1.265823 -0.02993 Piptadeniastrum africanum Leguminosae LC 5 0.542495 -0.0121 Poga oleosa Anisophylleaceae LC 16 0.180832 -0.0121 Prosopis africana Leguminosae LC 18 0.180832 -0.07642 Pycnanthus angolensis Myristicaceae NL 32 1.808318 -0.02152 Rauvolfia mannii Apocynaceae LC 32 0.723327 -0.03767 Rauvolfia vomitoria Apocynaceae LC 128 1.446655 -0.0646 Rothmannia hispida Rubiaceae LC 96 1.084991 -0.05179 Amphimas pterocarpoids Leguminosae LC 3 0.180832 -0.0121 Spathodea campanulate Bignoniaceae LC 3 0.180832 -0.0121 Staudtia stipitate Myristicaceae LC 24 1.627486 -0.07062 Dacryodes edulis Burseraceae NL 4 0.180832 -0.0121 Sterculia oblonga Sterculiaceae LC 16 0.542495 -0.02993 Sterculia rhinopetala Sterculiaceae LC 11 0.361664 -0.02152 Sterculia tragacantha Sterculiaceae LC 32 0.723327 -0.03767 Strombosia grandifolia Olacaceae NL 448 5.063291 -0.15812 Strombosia pustulata Olacaceae LC 368 8.318264 -0.21551 Tabernaemontana pachysiphon Apocynaceae LC 80 0.904159 -0.04493 Trichilia lanata Meliaceae LC 112 1.265823 -0.05834 Trilepisium madagascariense Moraceae CR 48 1.627486 -0.07062 Uapaca staudtii Euphorbiaceae LC 48 1.084991 -0.05179 Uapaca togoensis Euphorbiaceae LC 64 0.723327 -0.03767 Vitex doniana Verbenaceae LC 32 0.361664 -0.02152 Xylopia aethiopica Annonaceae LC 144 1.627486 -0.07062 Zanthoxylum zanthoxyloides Rutaceae EN 64 0.723327 -0.03767 3.88336 *LS (Least Concerned), V (Vulnerable), NT (Near Threatened), NL (Not Listed), E (endangered), CR (Critically Endangered) A total of 80 tree species belonging to 25 families was identified in Oban division while 78 species belonging to 22 families were recorded in Okwango division. Leguminosae (12) and Apocynaceae (10) were the most dominant families in Oban and Okwango divisions respectively. Other dominant families in both divisions were Moraceae, Olacaceae, and Guttiferae. The slight variation in the diversity index signified that Oban division is more diverse in woody tree species than Okwango division. Notable amongst the flora species are the critically endangered (Trilepisium madagascariense), endangered (Zanthoxylum zanthoxyloides), Near threatened (Irvingia gabonensis, Neoboutonia glabrescens, Milicia excels, Chrysophyllum albidum) and Vulnerable (Nesogordonia papaverifera, Lophira alata, Khaya B.O. Adetola et al. Cross River National Park ecotourism resources Ruhuna Journal of Science Vol 12 (1): 26-39, June 2021 35 ivorensis, Guarea thompsonii, Garcinia mannii, Garcinia staudtii, Entandrophragma cylindricum, Antrocaryon micraster, Allanblackia floribunda). Table 4: Tree species observed in Okwango Division of Cross River National Park. Species Family IUCN Status # Density (Ha-1) Relative Density pi*ln(pi) Acacia albida Apocynaceae LC 2 0.246914 -0.01218 Allanblackia floribunda Guttiferae VU 7 0.740741 -0.03012 Alstonia congensis Apocynaceae LC 59 2.716049 -0.08251 Amphimas pterocarpoides Apocynaceae LC 6 0.493827 -0.02166 Anonidium mannii Annonaceae LC 8 0.740741 -0.03012 Anthocleista vogelii Apocynaceae LC 5 0.246914 -0.01218 Antiaris toxicaria Moraceae LC 6 0.493827 -0.02166 Antrocaryon micraster Apocynaceae VU 176 8.148148 -0.17672 Baphia nitida Fabaceae LC 24 0.740741 -0.03012 Brenania brelie Fabaceae NL 16 0.246914 -0.01218 Bridelia micrantha Fabaceae LC 80 3.703704 -0.10343 Carapa procera Meliaceae LC 45 3.45679 -0.09842 Christiana africana Olacaceae LC 3 0.246914 -0.01218 Chrysophyllum albidum Sapotaceae NT 3 66.66667 -0.02166 Cleistopholis patens Annonaceae LC 11 0.493827 -0.02166 Sterculia oblonga Sterculiaceae LC 4 0.987654 -0.03791 Staudtia stipitate Olacaceae LC 4 0.987654 -0.03791 Coula edulis Olacaceae LC 240 7.407407 -0.16624 Cylicodiscus gabunensis Olacaceae LC 16 0.493827 -0.02166 Dacryodes edulis Burseraceae NL 16 0.493827 -0.02166 Desplatsia dewevrei Tiliaceae LC 5 0.493827 -0.02166 Dialium guineense Leguminosae LC 96 2.962963 -0.08797 Diospyros mespiliformis Ebenaceae LC 21 0.987654 -0.03791 Diospyros suaveolens Ebenaceae NL 16 0.493827 -0.02166 Diospyros zenkeri Ebenaceae LC 168 5.185185 -0.131 Distemonanthus benthamianus Leguminosae LC 304 4.691358 -0.12223 Drypetes chevalieri Euphorbiaceae NL 64 2.962963 -0.08797 Enantia chlorantha Annonaceae LC 32 0.987654 -0.03791 Entandrophragma cylindricum Meliaceae VU 32 0.493827 -0.02166 Ficus capensis Moraceae NL 64 0.987654 -0.03791 Funtumia elastica Apocynaceae LC 10 0.740741 -0.03012 Garcinia staudtii Guttiferae VU 16 0.493827 -0.02166 Garcinia mannii Guttiferae VU 88 2.716049 -0.08251 Guarea glomerulata Guttiferae NL 96 1.481481 -0.05211 Guarea thompsonii Meliaceae VU 32 0.493827 -0.02166 Guibourtia ehie Guttiferae LC 8 0.246914 -0.01218 Hannoa klaineana Simaroubaceae NL 112 1.728395 -0.05869 Hunteria umbellate Guttiferae LC 112 1.728395 -0.05869 Irvingia gabonensis Irvingiaceae NT 32 0.493827 -0.02166 Khaya ivorensis Meliaceae VU 16 0.246914 -0.01218 Lophira alata Ochnaceae VU 16 0.493827 -0.02166 Maesobotrya barteri Euphorbiaceae LC 176 2.716049 -0.08251 Microdesmis puberula Euphorbiaceae NL 16 0.740741 -0.03012 Milicia excelsa Moraceae NT 8 0.246914 -0.01218 B.O. Adetola et al. Cross River National Park ecotourism resources Ruhuna Journal of Science Vol 12 (1): 26-39, June 2021 36 Table 4. Continued Species Family IUCN Status # Density (Ha-1) Relative Density pi*ln(pi) Millettia griffoniana Leguminosae LC 96 2.962963 -0.08797 Musanga cecropioides Moraceae LC 208 3.209877 -0.09327 Neoboutonia glabrescens Moraceae NT 11 0.493827 -0.02166 Nesogordonia papaverifera Moraceae VU 8 0.246914 -0.01218 Newbouldia laevis Moraceae NL 16 0.246914 -0.01218 Octoknema affinis Olacaceae NL 64 0.987654 -0.03791 Omphalocarpum procerum Moraceae LC 3 0.246914 -0.01218 Ongokea gore Moraceae LC 16 0.493827 -0.02166 Ouratea calophylla Ochnaceae NL 16 0.493827 -0.02166 Parinari macrophylla Rosaceae NL 112 1.728395 -0.05869 Parkia bicolor Leguminosae LC 240 3.703704 -0.10343 Pentaclethra macrophylla Leguminosae LC 8 0.246914 -0.01218 Piptadeniastrum africanum Leguminosae LC 64 0.987654 -0.03791 Amphima spterocarpoides Apocynaceae NL 16 0.246914 -0.01218 Prosopis africana Leguminosae LC 16 0.246914 -0.01218 Pycnanthus angolensis Myristicaceae NL 176 2.716049 -0.08251 Rauvolfia mannii Apocynaceae LC 32 0.987654 -0.03791 Rauvolfia vomitoria Apocynaceae LC 128 1.975309 -0.06498 Rothmannia hispida Rubiaceae LC 32 1.481481 -0.05211 Irvingia gabonensis Irvingaceae NT 8 0.246914 -0.01218 Staudtia stipitate Myristicaceae LC 72 2.222222 -0.07103 Sterculia oblonga Sterculiaceae LC 48 0.740741 -0.03012 Sterculia rhinopetala Sterculiaceae LC 11 0.493827 -0.02166 Sterculia tragacantha Sterculiaceae LC 32 0.987654 -0.03791 Strombosia grandifolia Olacaceae NL 448 6.91358 -0.15893 Strombosia pustulata Olacaceae LC 736 11.35802 -0.21649 Tabernaemontana pachysiphon Apocynaceae LC 16 1.234568 -0.0452 Trichilia lanata Meliaceae LC 56 1.728395 -0.05869 Trilepisium madagascariense Moraceae CR 72 2.222222 -0.07103 Uapaca staudtii Euphorbiaceae LC 96 1.481481 -0.05211 Uapaca togoensis Euphorbiaceae LC 64 0.987654 -0.03791 Vitex doniana Verbenaceae LC 16 0.493827 -0.02166 Xylopia aethiopica Annonaceae LC 144 2.222222 -0.07103 Zanthoxylum zanthoxyloides Rutaceae EN 64 0.987654 -0.03791 3.83659 # LS (Least Concerned), V (Vulnerable), NT (Near Threatened), NL (Not Listed), E (endangered), CR (Critically Endangered), RD (Relative Density) Table 5: Summary of tree species diversity indices and distribution in Oban and Okwangwo Divisions of Cross River National Park (CRNP). CRNP Division No. of tree species No. of families Shannon-Weiner diversity index (H') Species evenness (EH) Oban 80 25 3.88 0.62 Okwango 78 22 3.84 0.53 B.O. Adetola et al. Cross River National Park ecotourism resources Ruhuna Journal of Science Vol 12 (1): 26-39, June 2021 37 4 Discussion Cross River National Park is a unique ecotourism site with its rich natural resources, geomorphological structure, rivers, climate and rich biological diversity. The core attractions of the park include wilderness hiking, game viewing, mountaineering, forest camping, rock formation, visits to the botanical garden, water recreation and village tours. Hiking in the rainforest vegetation was the prominent activity as the park provides wonderful wilderness experience with its dense canopy forests, consisting of tall trees with huge buttresses, the coolness of the environment, the freshness of the air and the sweet songs of the forest- dwelling birds. Its rich flora provides suitable habitats to many wild animals such as the Cross river gorilla, (Gorilla gorilla diehli) and the Chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes) and the bare-headed rock fowl (Picarthates oreas). Birds and monkey call audible in the forest would be of interest to ecotourists. This agrees with Drumm and More (2002) assertion about ecotourism attraction whether they are wildlife viewing possibilities or dramatic natural landscapes, tend to be found in protected natural areas. Moreover, Rajib and Jaba (2012) stated that natural environment was the major purpose of tourists’ visit to Bangladesh. The Erokut rock formation is a major attraction to tourist where bat watching is prominent. Bemi River (referred to as natural swimming pool) in Butatong, Okwango division and Kwa river (shallow water) in Erokut, Oban division are good ecotourism attractions where tourist can dive and swim. Plans are also on the ground by the park management to utilize the Kwa river for sport fishing and canoe riding for ecotourists. Other attractions include nature trail in Kayang at the foot of Mbe mountain, Natural History Museum in Oban division, Botanical Garden in Okwango division where Anceistrocladus kurupensis that was discovered to have high medicinal properties effective against HIV/AIDS can be found (Obot et al. 1996, CRNP 2008). Rock of Picathartes oreas (rock fowl) endemic bird species is found in Bashu (Okwango division) a distance of 2 km gentle slope from the community known as Bashu Bird Sanctuary. Traditional lifestyle and culture are important and attractive elements for ecotourists. Traditional architecture is an important element of the cultural landscape, with buildings of wood, bamboo and mud walls and grass- thatched, high, pyramid-like roofs. The attribute of these resources in Cross River National Park makes the resources to be location specific for ecotourists and will have wide utility in the management of ecotourism in the park (Shrestha 2006, Srivastava and Anitha 2010). Although fifteen wild animal species belonging to nine families were identified, the conservation status of the animals encountered show that six of the species are stable (Blue duiker Cephalophus rufilatus, Ground squirrel Xerus erythropus, Mongoose Ichneumia albicauda, Bush buck Tragelaphus scriptus, Tantalus monkey Cercopithecus aethiops and Yellow-spotted barbet Buccanodon duchaillui), four of the species’ population is decreasing (Red flanked duiker Cephalophus rufilatus, Red B.O. Adetola et al. Cross River National Park ecotourism resources Ruhuna Journal of Science Vol 12 (1): 26-39, June 2021 38 river hog Potamochoerus porcus, Palm civet Viverra civetta, fruit bats Eidolon helvum) and the population change of four are unknown (Porcupine Altherurus africana, Giant tree squirrel Protoxerus stangeri, Drill monkey Mandrillus leucophaecus, and Mona monkey Cercopithecus mona). Elephant Loxodonta africana cyclotis is the only species whose population is increasing. The family Leguminosae and Apocynacea were dominant in Oban and Okwangwo divisions respectively. Other dominant families in both divisions were Meliaceae, Euphorbiaceae, Moraceae, Olacaceae, Guttiferae and Sterculiaceae which are mostly found in Nigerian rainforests as reported by Adekunle and Olagoke (2008) and Onyekwelu et al. (2008). Moreover, the diversity index and equitability (evenness) for the two divisions slightly differ. This slight variation signified that Oban division is more diverse in woody tree species than Okwango division. These diversities were above 3.5 and fall within the general limit recommended by Kent and Coker (1992). The species diversities for the two divisions further elucidate Zakaria et al. (2016) assertion that tropical rainforests are the most diverse among the world ecosystem in vegetation structure and composition. 5 Conclusions Cross River National Park with its natural resources of touristic significance is a powerful ecotourism destination. In spite of the tremendous resources available in CRNP, ecotourism development in the park is still at its infancy stage, its potentials to support activities like wilderness hiking, game viewing, bird watching, mountaineering, village tour, forest camping, water recreation where tourist can dive and swim, participate in sport fishing and canoe ride cannot be overemphasized. There was a presence of diverse biological resources that are endemic to this area including those declared threatened or endangered. The diversity assessment shows that the two divisions were able to conserve both fauna and flora diversity however Oban division was more diverse in woody tree species than Okwango division. Hence, the species richness of the park can be sustainably managed if the park is further prevented from anthropogenic effects occasioned by logging, hunting, and collection of forest products to improve the vegetation status and invariably enhance wildlife population in the park. Acknowledgements The Conservator General of Nigeria National Park Service is appreciated for granting approval to carry out this study in the park, Cross River National Park management is acknowledged for providing research unit staff during the field work and Dr. O.O. Sobola’s contribution and insightful remarks is highly commended. 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