JAMB Biology- Local (Nigerian Biomes)
Topics:
a. Tropical rainforest
b. Guinea savanna (southern and northern)
c. Sudan Savanna
d. Desert
e. Highlands of montane forests and grasslands of the Obudu, Jos, Mambilla Plateau.
Table of Contents
Local Nigerian Biomes
Nigeria’s diverse geography supports a wide range of biomes, each with distinct climatic conditions, vegetation types, and wildlife. These biomes are generally categorized based on vegetation types and the prevailing climatic conditions. The five main biomes in Nigeria are:
1. Tropical Rainforest
- Location: Found in the southern part of Nigeria, especially in the coastal regions of the Niger Delta, and extending inland to parts of the South-West and South-East (e.g., Cross River, Bayelsa, and Lagos).
- Features:
- Climate: Hot and humid with rainfall spread throughout the year (no distinct dry season).
- Vegetation: Dense, evergreen forests with tall trees, broadleaf plants, and rich biodiversity. Dominated by trees like mahogany, ebony, and rubber.
- Wildlife: A variety of mammals (monkeys, apes), reptiles, amphibians, birds (hornbills, parrots), and insects (butterflies, beetles).
- Soil: Fertile but prone to leaching due to the high rainfall.
- Importance: Provides timber, fruits, medicinal plants, and is a key habitat for many endangered species. It also plays a significant role in maintaining the global carbon cycle.
2. Guinea Savanna (Southern and Northern)
- Location: Located between the tropical rainforest and Sudan savanna, covering parts of the middle belt, particularly in areas such as Kwara, Kogi, Benue, and parts of Oyo, Ogun, and Ekiti states.
- Features:
- Climate: Distinct wet and dry seasons. The rainy season lasts for several months, followed by a long dry season.
- Vegetation: Characterized by scattered trees, shrubs, and grasslands. Tree species include baobab, shea, and acacia.
- Wildlife: Includes antelopes, zebras, wild pigs, and various bird species such as the guinea fowl.
- Soil: Moderately fertile but subject to erosion during the dry season.
- Importance: The Guinea savanna is an important region for agriculture, supporting crops like maize, millet, and groundnuts.
3. Sudan Savanna
- Location: Found mainly in the northern parts of Nigeria, such as parts of Kano, Jigawa, Sokoto, Katsina, and Yobe states.
- Features:
- Climate: Hot and dry, with a short rainy season (typically 4-5 months). The region experiences high temperatures during the dry season and low rainfall.
- Vegetation: Grasslands interspersed with scattered trees such as acacia and baobab. The area is characterized by drought-resistant plants.
- Wildlife: Includes herds of cattle, camels, antelopes, and birds like ostriches.
- Soil: Sandy and less fertile compared to other regions, prone to desertification.
- Importance: Supports pastoral farming, with cattle ranching being a major economic activity. It is also home to the nomadic Fulani herders.
4. Desert
- Location: Found in the extreme northeastern parts of Nigeria, mainly in states like Borno, Yobe, and parts of Kebbi.
- Features:
- Climate: Extremely hot with little rainfall, and very high temperatures during the day and low temperatures at night.
- Vegetation: Sparse with drought-resistant plants like cacti, acacia, and thorny bushes.
- Wildlife: Limited animal life including rodents, camels, and various species of reptiles and insects. Most wildlife is adapted to survive in the harsh dry conditions.
- Soil: Sandy, low in nutrients, and prone to erosion.
- Importance: Despite the harsh conditions, the desert supports a limited amount of agriculture, such as growing drought-resistant crops, and pastoralism with camels and goats.
5. Highlands of Montane Forests and Grasslands of the Obudu, Jos, and Mambilla Plateau
- Location: Found in the highland regions of Nigeria, including areas like the Obudu Plateau in Cross River State, the Jos Plateau in Plateau State, and the Mambilla Plateau in Taraba State.
- Features:
- Climate: Cooler temperatures due to the high altitude, with moderate rainfall during the rainy season and a cooler dry season.
- Vegetation: The vegetation includes montane forests, grasslands, and alpine-type plants, especially in areas above the 1,500-meter elevation. The vegetation here is diverse, with shrubs, grasses, and occasional patches of forests.
- Wildlife: Rich in biodiversity, including rare species such as the rock python, monkeys, and various bird species like the eagle.
- Soil: Fertile and conducive to agriculture, especially crops like potatoes, tomatoes, and maize.
- Importance: The highlands are known for their cooler climate, which makes them suitable for tourism and agriculture. They are also a key area for growing crops that do not thrive in other parts of Nigeria.
Conclusion
Nigeria’s diverse biomes offer a wealth of natural resources and unique ecosystems that support a wide range of plants and animals. These biomes are vital to the country’s agriculture, economy, and overall ecological balance. Understanding the characteristics of each biome allows for better management of resources, conservation, and sustainable practices that can protect these ecosystems for future generations.
