Ngel Nyaki Forest Reserve and surrounding areas (6736)
Nigeria, Africa
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Global KBA criteria: A1e
Year of last assessment: 2023
National site name: Ngel Nyaki Forest Reserve and surrounding areas
Central coordinates: Latitude: 7.1028, Longitude: 11.0310
System: terrestrial, freshwater
Area of KBA (km2): 41.26811
KBA classification: Global
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: This small, mid-altitude Forest Reserve is located an hour’s walk from Yelwa in Taraba State between Serti and Gembu, about 60 km west of Gashaka-Gumti National Park (NG002). It is surrounded by montane grasslands with other forest blocks nearby. The forest is diverse in species composition and has many tall emergents (e.g. Aningeria altissima, locally exclusive to this forest). The canopy is unusually dense because of the profusion of lianas and other climbers. The wet season lasts from March to November and average annual rainfall exceeds 2,000 mm. Although most of the forest is in good condition because access is difficult, there has been some clear-cutting and burning by farmers. These disturbed patches attract pastoralists who graze their cattle there. It is likely that hunting is widespread. Although legally protected as a state Forest Reserve, there are no active conservation initiatives. There is a proposal that the reserve be incorporated into nearby Gashaka-Gumti National Park.
Rationale for qualifying as KBA: This site contains the entire known population of Phrynobatrachus danko.
Manageability of the site: At present it is under the management of the Taraba State Government and the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF), with the Nigerian Montane Forest Project (NMFP) as a project partner.
Delineation rationale: The revised KBA boundary represents the location of the Ngel Nyaki Forest Reserve, which includes the Kurmin Danko Forest Reserve.
Habitats
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Shrubland | 85 | |
| Forest | 7 | |
| Artificial - Terrestrial | 7 |
Threats
| Threat level 1 | Threat level 2 | Threat level 3 | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Agriculture & aquaculture | Livestock farming & ranching | Small-holder grazing, ranching or farming | Ongoing |
| Agriculture & aquaculture | Annual & perennial non-timber crops | Small-holder farming | Ongoing |
| Biological resource use | Hunting & collecting terrestrial animals | Intentional use (species being assessed is the target) | Ongoing |
| Natural system modifications | Fire & fire suppression | Increase in fire frequency/intensity | Ongoing |
| Invasive & other problematic species, genes & diseases | Problematic native species/diseases | Named species | Ongoing |
| Human intrusions & disturbance | Work & other activities | Ongoing |