Papers by Jerome O B O Ihuma
Asian Journal of Biology
Aims: The aim of this study is to determine the antimicrobial activities of Ficus sycomorus leave... more Aims: The aim of this study is to determine the antimicrobial activities of Ficus sycomorus leave extract on selected bacteria. Phytochemical screening showed the presence of tannins, saponins, alkaloids and flavonoids, it also revealed the absence of glycoside. Place and Duration of Study: Microbiology laboratory, Biological Sciences Department, Bingham University Karu, Nasarawa State, Nigeria. Methodology: Plant extracts were prepared by boiling, soaking and methanol extraction. 96-well plates dilution method for determination of Minimum Inhibition Concentraction (MIC) and Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) were carried out. Results: The MBC for Helicobacter pylori and Citrobacter freundii showed antimicrobial activities at 400 µl each. The plant has exhibited strong antimicrobial activity on Helicobacter pylori and Citrobacter freundii. Conclusion: The antimicrobial compounds produced by plant extracts are active against bacteria. It is expected that plant extracts showing ...
Biodiversity, 2012
This article may be used for research, teaching, and private study purposes. Any substantial or s... more This article may be used for research, teaching, and private study purposes. Any substantial or systematic reproduction, redistribution, reselling, loan, sub-licensing, systematic supply, or distribution in any form to anyone is expressly forbidden. The publisher does not give any warranty express or implied or make any representation that the contents will be complete or accurate or up to date. The accuracy of any instructions, formulae, and drug doses should be independently verified with primary sources. The publisher shall not be liable for any loss, actions, claims, proceedings, demand, or costs or damages whatsoever or howsoever caused arising directly or indirectly in connection with or arising out of the use of this material.
In the recent years, attention has been drawn to montane vegetations due to their biodiversity, h... more In the recent years, attention has been drawn to montane vegetations due to their biodiversity, high level of endemics and very low range of climatic conditions in which they can survive. Ngel Nyaki Forest Reserve is a tropical montane forest located on the Mambilla Plateau, Northeastern Nigeria. It was noted for its biodiversity and the significant number of highly endangered and endemic species. The authors explored the biodiversity of Ngel Nyaki Forest Reserve and other fringing forests in Mambilla Plateau and this paper reported the biodiversity, climate, soil, anthropology, history of botanical collections and conservation status of Mambilla Plateau, with more focus on Ngel Nyaki Forest Reserve. The economic and ecological significance of this forest reserve was also discussed. The success of community forestry through the establishment of Eucalyptus plantations in this area was also noted. The present threats to biodiversity conservation of Ngel Nyaki Forest Reserve were discu...
Bacteriological Analysis of Surface Water Obtained from Uke River in Karu, Nasarawa State, Nigeria., 2016
Aim: To determine the bacteriological properties of the surface water obtained from Uke River. Pl... more Aim: To determine the bacteriological properties of the surface water obtained from Uke River. Place and Duration of Study: This study was carried out in Uke Community, Karu LGA, Nasarawa state and the Department of Biological sciences, Bingham University, Karu, between March and April 2016. Materials and Methods: Water samples were collected randomly from five points at the Uke River for five weeks. The total heterotrophic bacteria count, fecal coliform count and total coliform count were used to determine bacterial contamination. Biochemical tests and gram reaction was used to identify the bacterial isolates. Results: Six bacterial genera which include Salmonella spp, Staphylococcus spp, Escherichia spp, Pseudomonas spp, Enterococcus spp and Klebsiella spp were isolated from the water samples. Escherichia coli had the highest frequency of 23(43%). The mean total heterotrophic count, total Original Research Article Ihuma et al.; AJOB, 1(1): 1-6, 2016; Article no.AJOB.30518 2 coliform count and fecal coliform count were 2.3× 10 2 , 2.4×10 2 , and 2.6×10 2 respectively. Conclusion: The bacteriological analysis of the surface water indicates the presence of bacteria which suggests the water is not fit for consumption without proper processing.
Ngel Nyaki Forest Reserve is 46 km 2 in area, comprising 8 km 2 of sub-montane forest, the rest b... more Ngel Nyaki Forest Reserve is 46 km 2 in area, comprising 8 km 2 of sub-montane forest, the rest being overgrazed savanna and grassland. It is located on Mambilla Plateau, Nigeria, and is geographically part of the Cameroonian highlands. Outside the reserve, but within the official 'buffer zone', are streamside forest fragments in varying stages of degradation. These fragments can be visualized as 'islands' within a sea of overgrazed grassland. The aim of this research was to investigate what frugivores (fruit eating animals) where present in the primary forest and in fragments of varying size and stages of degradation, and to determine whether there was sufficient movement of frugivores between the forest and the fragments to effect seed dispersal. Frugivores were identified throughout the year. Three forest fragments were separated from the primary forest by increasing distance and degradation, and decreasing fragment size. The vegetation of the main forest and each fragment was described through a plotless sampling technique. Our results showed that birds were the most frugivores at all four sites. Primates were important in the primary forest, especially in the dispersal of large seed. Few of the frugivores identified are potential seed dispersers among all four sites.
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Natural forest conversion and unsustainable use of forest resources are on the increase without a... more Natural forest conversion and unsustainable use of forest resources are on the increase without adequate consideration of their implications for sustainable livelihoods. This study examined the impact of natural forest conversion on key livelihood tree species in Omo Biosphere Reserve, by examining their populations in the Strict Nature Reserve (SNR), Nauclea diderrichii Plantation (NDP), Tectona grandis Plantation (TGP), Pinus caribaea Plantation, Gmelina arborea Plantation, Theobroma cacao Plantation (CP), and three age-sequences of arable farmland – AF 1 , AF 2 , and AF 3. The SNR was the most species rich (n = 17) and diverse (H = 2.6210; Simpson 1-D = 0.9127) of all the land use types. Key livelihood tree species diversity was higher in the arable farmlands (H = 0.7608 to 1.3810; Simpson 1-D = 0.3765 to 0.7111) than in the monoculture plantations (H = 0.0313 to 1.311; Simpson 1-D = 0.0099 to 0.6701) with GAP being the least diverse. The NDP was more similar to the SNR (SI = 21.74) than any other land use type. The NDP showed a closer association with AF 1 and AF 2 in its key livelihood tree species than with other monoculture plantations. The CP was ecologically the farthest from the other land use types with respect to key livelihood tree species composition. The study showed that natural forest conversion to monoculture plantations and arable farm reduce key livelihood tree species richness and diversity, and that higher degree of disturbance as a result of high impact logging and longer period of cultivation, beyond thirty years, exacerbates the problem.
Six diurnal frugivore species were observed in all four sites on every sampling day: the red-eyed... more Six diurnal frugivore species were observed in all four sites on every sampling day: the red-eyed dove (Streptopelia semitorquata), double-toothed barbet (Lybius bidentatus), willow warbler (Phylloscopus trochilus), garden warbler (Sylvia borin), common bulbul (Pycnonotus barbatus) and the tree squirrel (Funisciurus anerythrus). These frugivores can potentially disperse seed among the sites.
In Nigeria, human communities are found within or beside forest ecosystems, depending on these ec... more In Nigeria, human communities are found within or beside forest ecosystems, depending on these ecosystems for survival. Their forest exploitation is considered a threat to conservation efforts, leading to constant conflicts between Government, law enforcement agencies and the communities. The best solution is a win-win system of participatory community-based forest resources management, in which the communities are regarded as stakeholders rather than as threats. This paper explains the adoption of this approach in Ngel Nyaki Forest Reserve, Mambilla Plateau, where the communities were trained in establishment and management of forest plantations with readily available market for their timber; employment for some of the community youths as well as community development projects. This paper calls for the adoption of this system in other protected areas in Nigeria, while the Government should provide basic amenities for the communities as alternatives to those forest products.
The efficacy of methanolic extracts from Hibiscus sabdariffa, an indigenous herbaceous plant spec... more The efficacy of methanolic extracts from Hibiscus sabdariffa, an indigenous herbaceous plant species for use as staining agent on three fungal species is reported in this paper. Apergillus niger, Rhizopus stolonifer and Penicillium notatum were stained using methanolic extracts from H. sabdariffa with the pH value of 2.7 which was mordanted with potassium alum and acidified with 65% acetic acid. These were compared microscopically with preparations using Lactophenol-in-cotton blue with a pH value of 3.6. H. sabdariffa preparations gave a more contrasted appearance as against preparations involving Lactophenol-in-cotton blue stain. The absorbance was determined at different wavelengths ranging from 400-640nm in which the absorbance of the extracts showed higher values than that of Lactophenol-in-cotton blue stain. Although, absorbance values were strongly correlated (r=0.776) the correlation was not significant at (df=5, p=0.01, r=0.875). The analysis of H. sabdariffa tissues used for the extracts indicated that moisture content was rather low (30.76%). The results of this study suggest that methanolic extracts from H. sabdariffa could be used as a mycological stain.
Assessment of the major energy use for domestic purpose by some households in Jos North Local Gov... more Assessment of the major energy use for domestic purpose by some households in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State, North Central Nigeria was conducted in order to know the best energy option. Two thousand (2000) questionnaires were administered in four study sites which includes Bauchi Road, Nasarawa Gwom, Congo Russia and Rikkos with each site having 100 questionnaires per year for a period of five years (2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009). Percentages and ranges were used in analyzing the data. The result shows that, (531:26.6%) of respondents from the four (4) study sites used fuel-wood majorly, followed by charcoal (453:22.7%), kerosene (285:14.3%) and the least was gas (127:6.4%). However, the result from the possible combinations of the four energy sources indicated that majority of the respondents use fuel-wood and charcoal (209: 10.5%), followed by kerosene and charcoal (171:8.6%). However, fuel-wood and gas is the least (59:3%) followed by gas and charcoal (96: 19.2%). On the use of each of this fuel, respondents from Rikkos were highest (198:40%) in fuel-wood use, followed by Congo Russia (139:28%). However, Bauchi Road has the smallest number of respondents (83:17%) followed by Nasarawa Gwom with (111:22.2%). This indicates that the closer people are to their natural environment, the more dependable they are on the environment. In order to know the most desired tree species for fuel-wood and for conversion into charcoal; samples of charcoal were collected from market for identification. The result shows that common tree species for commercial and home fuel-wood were obtained from plant species including
Assessment of the major energy use for domestic purpose by some households in Jos North Local Gov... more Assessment of the major energy use for domestic purpose by some households in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State, North Central Nigeria was conducted in order to know the best energy option. Two thousand (2000) questionnaires were administered in four study sites which includes Bauchi Road, Nasarawa Gwom, Congo Russia and Rikkos with each site having 100 questionnaires per year for a period of five years (2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009). Percentages and ranges were used in analyzing the data. The result shows that, (531:26.6%) of respondents from the four (4) study sites used fuel-wood majorly, followed by charcoal (453:22.7%), kerosene (285:14.3%) and the least was gas (127:6.4%). However, the result from the possible combinations of the four energy sources indicated that majority of the respondents use fuel-wood and charcoal (209: 10.5%), followed by kerosene and charcoal (171:8.6%). However, fuel-wood and gas is the least (59:3%) followed by gas and charcoal (96: 19.2%). On the use of each of this fuel, respondents from Rikkos were highest (198:40%) in fuel-wood use, followed by Congo Russia (139:28%). However, Bauchi Road has the smallest number of respondents (83:17%) followed by Nasarawa Gwom with (111:22.2%). This indicates that the closer people are to their natural environment, the more dependable they are on the environment. In order to know the most desired tree species for fuel-wood and for conversion into charcoal; samples of charcoal were collected from market for identification. The result shows that common tree species for commercial and home fuel-wood were obtained from plant species including
Trichomoniasis is of medical concern among the pregnant women, which if detected can be treated. ... more Trichomoniasis is of medical concern among the pregnant women, which if detected can be treated. We investigated the occurrence of Trichomonas vaginalis among pregnant women attending New Nyanya General Hospital, Nasarawa State. Urine and vaginal swab samples of 960 pregnant women were collected and examined by wet mount and Giemsa stained smears. The overall prevalent rate of trichomoniasis was 7.5% among the studied subjects. The infection occurred more frequently among age group 46-45 years with prevalent rate of 25.0%. Observation of motile form of the parasite in both urine deposit and vaginal swab wet mounts is a more reliable mode of diagnosis than the use of Giemsa stained smears when the parasite is dead. The implication of trichomoniasis in pregnant women was discussed.
In the recent years, attention has been drawn to montane vegetations due to their biodiversity, h... more In the recent years, attention has been drawn to montane vegetations due to their biodiversity, high level of endemics and very low range of climatic conditions in which they can survive. Ngel Nyaki Forest Reserve is a tropical montane forest located on the Mambilla Plateau, Northeastern Nigeria. It was noted for its biodiversity and the significant number of highly endangered and endemic species. The authors explored the biodiversity of Ngel Nyaki Forest Reserve and other fringing forests in Mambilla Plateau and this paper reported the biodiversity, climate, soil, anthropology, history of botanical collections and conservation status of Mambilla Plateau, with more focus on Ngel Nyaki Forest Reserve. The economic and ecological significance of this forest reserve was also discussed. The success of community forestry through the establishment of Eucalyptus plantations in this area was also noted. The present threats to biodiversity conservation of Ngel Nyaki Forest Reserve were discussed and immediate attention to these threats was advocated.
This project investigates the effects of selected medicated soap (Delta, Tetmosol and Tura) commo... more This project investigates the effects of selected medicated soap (Delta, Tetmosol and Tura) commonly used at the study area on some normal micro flora (Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis and Streptococcus pyogenes) of the human skin. A total of seventy two samples were collected from three body regions (armpit, cubital and finger web) and subjected to both microbial and biochemical tests. Out of the total samples, Thirty six samples each were collected from Bingham University, Karu and Auta-Balefi communities also in Karu. All the samples were cultured in standard Blood and MacConkey agar at 37 0 C for 24 hours. The result showed that there were differences in the prevalence of both Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis at the two locations. Null hypothesis was therefore rejected following t-test (t-cal= 0.75, df=1, 0.05 and t-tab=12.7). Staphylocccus pyogenes was isolated from only one sample after treatment. The result also indicated that application of treatment reduced the prevalence of the skin micro flora. On the basis of treatment, the Null hypothesis was also rejected again, for this sample batch (t-cal= 1.0, df=2, 0.05 and t-tab=4.03). These results seem to suggest that, the use of these medicated soaps should be in moderate levels because, over-use may reduce the resident micro flora thereby giving way to transient micro flora, which may grow opportunistically above the normal threshold level, creating a disease situation especially in immune-compromised individuals.
A survey of avian species abundance and diversity was carried out in Assop Forest Reserve and sur... more A survey of avian species abundance and diversity was carried out in Assop Forest Reserve and surrounding farmlands in Plateau State, Central Nigeria. A total of 57.6 kilometers transect used to survey birds and vegetation in the forest reserve and farmlands between the wet season of May to August 2007. A total of 175 bird species belonging to 49 families were recorded during the study. Avian species number and total count were higher in the farmlands (290.52 ± 14.122) than Assop Forest Reserve (135.52 ± 10.557). This is only an indication that many bird species especially grainvores and ominivores exploit landscapes transformed by human activities to expand their home ranges and therefore become dominant in numbers. The Shannon diversity indices showed a high avian diversity in Assop Forest Reserve (3.8) and low avian diversity in surrounding farmlands (2.4). This resulted from intensive farming activities and agricultural encroachment as most tree species have been cut down during farming. Similarly, tree density (F 1,22 =4.528, P=0.041) , percentage canopy cover (F 1,22 =4.632, P=0.043) and density of tree sapling (F 1,22 =4.903, P=0.037) positively affected avian species richness and composition recorded in Assop Forest Reserve, our findings suggest that any activity that leads to the reduction or clearing of vegetation will ultimately affect bird community structure of any given habitat.
Opinions of Abuja residents and potential recreational parks and gardens users were sought using ... more Opinions of Abuja residents and potential recreational parks and gardens users were sought using structured questionnaires in order to document their socio-ecological knowledge. Three hundred (300) respondents were randomly selected from each of the Area Councils and questioned on the following socio-ecological issues: satisfaction with parks in the FCT, satisfaction with recreational facilities in the FCT, major activities in city parks and the recreational facilities, activities respondents want to see in parks, assessment on the amount of greening, security in parks, reasons for not using parks, willingness to pay for re-vegetation, participation in parks community services and awareness of publications by department of parks. The results showed that majority of the respondents (79%) and (70%) were not satisfied with the number of Parks in the FCT and Recreational Facilities in the FCT respectively. Also, on the major kinds of activity people would like to in City Parks and Recreational Facilities, selling of drinks (bar operation) was the highest (26%). On the facilities which respondents want to see in Parks highest number of respondents 31% would like Community centers. The amount of Greening was also assessed, majority of the respondents (83%) were not satisfied with the amount of greening in the FCT. On the Provision of Security in the Parks, majority of the respondents (84.3%) were not satisfied. Furthermore, reasons why some people may not like to use the parks were investigated, and three major reasons advanced were rowdy atmosphere, religious consideration and family background. Highest number of respondents 40.7% observed that rowdy atmosphere hindered them from patronizing the parks. On the willingness of people to pay for re-vegetation, 52% of the respondents were willing to pay for re-vegetation in the Council Areas. Again, participation in Parks Community Services was high, and concerning the Awareness of Publications by Department of Parks, 81% respondents were aware of the publications by department of parks in the Council Areas. These parks and green areas are the ecological units with indicators that need urgent policies for their maintenance and sustenance for both ecological and socio-ecological benefits.
The study examined the recruitment of woody plant species juveniles in both the protected portion... more The study examined the recruitment of woody plant species juveniles in both the protected portion and unprotected forest fragments of Ngel Nyaki Forest Reserve in Taraba State, Nigeria. A 1m x 1 m (1m 2) wooden quadrat was thrown randomly for thirty times in each of the four study sites – the protected Main Forest (MF) and unprotected adjacent forest fragments A, B and C. This was done far away from parent species in order to avoid counting juveniles that regenerated under the parent plants. Woody plants at three different stages of growth (seedlings, saplings and poles) were identified to species level for each site, and the number of individuals in each juvenile class encountered for each species recorded. The abundance of juveniles in the four sites followed the order: MF < A < B < C; a trend similar to the degree of disturbance in the sites. Although the least number of juveniles was found in MF, it was fairly distributed among the three juvenile classes examined. Juveniles in the fragments were dominated by seedlings of pioneer plant species with the saplings and poles being either scarce or missing completely. There appears to be high mortality in the fragments as juveniles progress from the seedling stage to the pole stage. A very high degree of species compositional variation was observed among juveniles found in the MF on one hand, and the fragments on the other hand; with the highest dissimilarity seen at the pole stage. Clausena anisata was the only plant species with its juveniles found in all the sites. The proportions of seedlings, saplings and poles found among juveniles in the fragments are not likely to sustain effective regeneration of the plant communities. Protection and control of unsustainable practices in the fragments were suggested as a corrective measure.
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Papers by Jerome O B O Ihuma