An Inventory of the Geological, Biological and Cultural Resources on Ufe-Oke Hill, Idanre, Southwestern Nigeria

Olugbenga Ige, Chinyere Adeyemi, Adisa Ogunfolakan, Abel Ayansola, Ayodeji Olayemi, Yetunde Taiwo, Moshood Olayiwola, Joshua Oyelade

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DOI: 10.4236/nr.2011.23024                

Abstract

Idanre, which represents a unique topographical landscape within southwestern Nigeria, is being proposed to the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) for designation as a world heritage site. In line with this, we conducted a survey to document the rich geological, biological and cultural resources contained within the Ufe-Oke section of Idanre Hills. Our geological inventory revealed two major rock types, older porphyritic granite and fine grained granite, in addition to other minerals. We identified insects belonging to 174 species while fishes from 4 species were collected. Mammals belonging to 13 species were identified through trapping, sightings and signs, although an even greater variety was inferred from interviews with hunters and visits to local fetish markets. Patterns concerning how these biological taxa are distributed altitudinally along Ufe-Oke Hill are discussed. In addition, in the quarters within Ufe-Oke representing the ancient city of Idanre, we characterized about 200 pieces of anthropological material, which included pottery shards, beads, chinaware, brass bangles and ancient metal coins. We also identified various other major features of archeological interest. Finally we offer recommendations, in the light of our findings, concerning how the variety of resources catalogued in this study can be effectively harnessed while sus-taining at the same time the environmental integrity of this site, which offers the greatest opportunities and potential for tourism.

Keywords

Ufe-Oke, Idanre, Nigeria, Geological, Biological, Cultural, Resources, Tourism

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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