COS 197-2 - Exploring the Relationship between Human Development and Plant Communities in an ecotourism site: A Case Study of Old Oyo National Park, Nigeria

Abstract: Increased human intervention in improving tourist experience and satisfaction by building and maintaining man-made attractions and support facilities can present major risks to the phytosociological features and variety of woody plants in an ecotourism site. This study determined the impact of infrastructural construction and maintenance on the diversity and structure of woody vegetation in Old Oyo National Park in Nigeria. It used the plot technique and control-impact method in the woody vegetation assessment to calculate tree growth and biodiversity indices. The results show that in the ecotourism built-up areas, seven hundred and sixteen individual woody trees of thirty-five different species were observed, while six hundred and sixty-one individual woody trees from thirty-three species were found in the ecotourism control areas. The mean height diameter at breast height, and canopy cover of woody vegetation in ecotourism built-up and control areas did not differ significantly. However, the Marguba tourism center and the first defense wall had a detrimental influence on species composition according to the floristic dissimilarity index. Therefore, the design and maintenance of man-made attractions and support facilities should be environmentally responsible, considering the potential impact on the ecosystem. This study contributed to the understanding of the impacts of human activities on the natural environment and highlights the importance of sustainable tourism practices to protect the ecosystem in ecotourism sites.