biodiversity

Food production and nutrition of human society are highly dependent on natural ecosystems and production systems in agriculture. More than three thousand plant species are responsible for providing food for the world's population, of which only 300 species are cultivated for food supply, and 12 species provide about 90% of the world's food consumption. The most important role of the bee is pollinating flowering plants, which unfortunately is not paid attention to because of little information and lack of culture. In addition to honey bees, other bees also play an essential role in plant pollination, which directly preserves the diversity of flowering plants and indirectly preserves the survival of a large part of animals. These insects play an essential role in preventing soil erosion and providing oxygen. In addition to honey bees, other bees also play an essential role in plant pollination, which directly preserves the diversity of flowering plants and indirectly preserves the survival of a large part of animals. Applying correct management to prevent losses and extinction of insects, guarantees food for living beings and preserves the ecosystem.

The study assessed the effects of agricultural practices on biodiversity in Olamaboro Local Government Are of Kogi State, Nigeria. One hundred and fifty (150) farmers (respondents) were sampled using simple random sampling technique from five council wards (30 farmers per council ward). Data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Logit regression model. Results showed that 63% of the respondents were male, 56% were between 21-40 years, 61% were married, 46% were farmers, 58% acquired their land by inheritance with 24% having farming experience of 11-15 years and 37% owned a farm size of between 1.01-2.0 hectares. Biodiversity was mostly lost through application of herbicides 36%, losses were more significant on species 48%, and use of agrochemical affected biodiversity most 43%. The results of Logit regression revealed that sex and land acquisition were some of the socio-economic characteristics that significantly affected biodiversity losses (p<0.10). It is recommended that agricultural practices with minimum disturbance to biodiversity should be practiced.

Special sites or areas that have one or more attributes which distinguish them as somehow extraordinary, usually in a religious or spiritual sense, are called sacred places. They tend to evoke a feeling of some awesome, mysterious, and transcendent power that merits special reverence and treatment. Sacred groves are stands of trees or patches of forest that local communities conserve primarily because of their religious importance. These groves can also serve economic, medicinal, social, and cultural functions. Many sacred places in nature are associated with indigenous cultures. ‘Oran’, a sacred grove is a piece of land that is held by the Bishnoi community in honour and respect of a local deity. Here indigenous societies commonly use a wide variety of natural resources for their survival, economy, medicines, rituals, and other purposes. Historical, cultural, and spiritual aspects of the ecology of indigenous societies are grounded in the biodiversity, ecosystems, and landforms in their habitat. Thus, indigenes are most important to consider in exploring the relationships between sacred places, biodiversity, and conservation. Sacred groves that have a conservation role, whether actual or potential and intentional or coincidental, may need to be strengthened or augmented by economic incentives for local communities; legal, government, and/or international environmental protection schemes; and the establishment and maintenance of buffer zones. Recognition and protection of sacred places by scientific, environmental, governmental, and non-governmental organizations can simultaneously promote their conservation as well as that of the associated biodiversity and cultures. [M. S. Rathore and N. S. Shekhawat. Ethnobotanical Importance of Orans - As a Means of Conserving Biodiversity. International Journal of Agricultural Science, Research and Technology, 2011; 1(4):195-200].