Deforestation Trends and Biodiversity Loss in the Okomu Forest Reserve, Edo State

The Okomu Forest Reserve in Edo State represents one of the last remaining fragments of lowland rainforest in southern Nigeria's South South geopolitical zone, yet persistent deforestation driven by agricultural encroachment, logging, and rubber plantation expansion continues to reduce its extent and ecological integrity. This study analyses deforestation trends in and around the Okomu Forest Reserve between 2014 and 2024 using multi-temporal Landsat 8 imagery processed through supervised classification in Google Earth Engine. Annual deforestation rates were computed, and areas of canopy loss were mapped to identify primary incursion vectors. Secondary data on species occurrence from the Okomu National Park Wildlife Service records and published biodiversity surveys were integrated to assess associations between forest cover loss and the contraction of habitat for flagship species including the endangered white-throated monkey (Cercocebus torquatus) and forest elephant (Loxodonta africana cyclotis). Results indicate that the reserve's forest cover declined by approximately 18 percent over the study period, with the highest rates of encroachment recorded along the eastern and southern boundaries adjoining community farmlands. The study finds that forest patch size reduction and increased edge-to-interior ratios are positively associated with reduced sightings of sensitive species in recent wildlife surveys. Recommendations include strengthening of buffer zone management, community co-management agreements, and legal enforcement against illegal logging operations. Keywords: deforestation, biodiversity, Okomu Forest Reserve, Edo State, South South Nigeria.