IITA Forest Ibadan, Forest reserve and wildlife sanctuary in Ibadan, Nigeria
IITA Forest in Ibadan is a protected woodland covering about 1000 hectares with more than 450 plant species, 272 bird types, and various mammals living throughout the area. The landscape consists of secondary rainforest with mature tree species that have regrown naturally over time.
The forest area received protection in 1965, after which it was able to regrow naturally into a mature rainforest with characteristic Guinea-Congo lowland vegetation. This protection allowed the land to restore itself into a balanced woodland system over the decades.
The local Yoruba community uses the forest for gathering traditional medicinal plants and vegetables that have been part of their daily life for generations. These practices remain visible in the botanical areas where local knowledge guides what grows and how it is used.
The forest has about four kilometers of marked trails where visitors can walk with a guide, watch birds, or take part in educational programs. Various activities are available depending on your interests, from simple walks to more focused nature study.
The forest is home to the Ibadan malimbe bird and contains an Entada plant species with the longest fruits found anywhere in West Africa. This remarkable plant catches visitors' attention along the trails.
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