Journal of Biodiversity, Bioprospecting and Development

The locations with an exceptionally high concentration of uncommon plant and animal species are known as biodiversity hotspots. These locations are essential for maintaining ecological harmony and supplying critical ecosystem services, including clean air, water, and climate stability. However, these biodiverse landscapes are frequently located near locations where underprivileged communities are concentrated, creating a complicated web of interdependencies and difficulties. Unfortunately, human activities like deforestation, pollution, etc. endanger the delicate balance of these hotspots. The underprivileged populations are its immediate victims as it results in food insecurity, poor access to clean water, the loss of traditional knowledge, and economic challenges. Thus, recognising and resolving this profound link between biological hotspots and underprivileged people is critical for effective and sustainable conservation and underlining the necessity of protecting biodiversity to strengthen these communities.

Effective management of natural resources require accurate data on the composition, distribution and abundance of the resources involved, the ecological parameters of sustainability and other relevant factors study on the Local Ecological Knowledge (LEK) of Testudine species and the perception on threat factors was conducted in the coastal area of Ondo State (comprising of four Local Government Areas: Irele, Ilaje, Okitipupa and Ese Odo.) from October, 2018 to September, 2019. Three methods: Inspection of fish landing/market survey, questionnaire administration (444 respondents) and oral interview (community leaders and traditional herbalist) were adopted for data collection. Data from the survey were analysed using Chi square. Results showed that the age group 40-49 years had the highest respondents (44.6%) while age group 20-29 years had the least (13.5%). Most (69.4%) of the respondents are males with few females (30.6%). Most of the respondents (55.4%) had secondary education. Fishing was the major occupation of the respondents (49.1%), Most of the respondents (65.3%) have stayed in the study areas more than 20 years. Five (5) species of Testudines were recorded in the study area (two species of sea turtles (Leatherback (Dermochelys coriacea) and Olive ridley (Lepidochelys olivacea)) recorded only in Ilaje LGA, two species of land tortoise found in Okitipupa and Irele LGAs and one species of fresh water turtle (West African Black mud turtle (Pelusios niger) present in all the four LGAs. The season of abundance corresponds to periods of food abundance. Size and carapace (colour, parttern, height and thickness) are used for species identification while genital openings are mostly used for sex differentiation. Harvest for consumption, by-catch, habitat loss and degradation, as well as illegal trade are the major threat factors of Testudines in the study area. It is therefore recommended that there should be education and awareness programmes on law prohibiting the harvest and conservation of Testudines.