Akure Forest Reserve

Akure Forest Reserve is a protected area in southwest Nigeria, covering 66 km² (25 sq mi).^[1] The Akure Forest Reserve, established in 1948 and spanning approximately 32 hectares. It was created with the primary aim of safeguarding the genetic diversity of the forest ecosystem.^[2] About 11.73% (8.2 km²) is estimated to be cleared for cocoa farming and other food crops.^[3] Aponmu and Owena Yoruba speaking communities owned the forest, though, there are also minor settlements surrounding the forest. They include Ipogun, Kajola/ Aponmu, Kajola, Ago Petesi, Akika Camp, Owena Town, Ibutitan/Ilaro Camp, Elemo Igbara Oke Camp and Owena Water new Dam.^[4]

Within the forest reserve, an area of about 600 hectares of forest was set aside as the Strict Nature Reserve (SNR), often referred to as the "Queen’s plot". This site is among Nigeria's Strict Nature Forest Reserves. SNRs, along with wilderness zones, are designated areas primarily intended for research and safeguarding extensive, untouched wilderness regions. Their main goal is to conserve biodiversity and serve as essential reference for scientific research and environmental monitoring.^{[citation needed]}

In recent decades, there has been a large deforestation in this area, which has a huge impact on the environment.^[5] Akure Forest reserve is a forested area set aside for preservation or controlled use and located at Ile Oluji/Okeigbo, Ondo State, Nigeria, with a Latitude of 7° 17′ 39″ N and Longitude of 5° 2′ 3″ E.^[6]