THE POTENTIALS OF MYTHS AND TABOOS IN FOREST CONSERVATION: COULD THEY SERVE AS BEING STRATEGIES IN..

A mix of field observation and interviews through a semi-structured questionnaire matrix was used to investigate the potential of myths and taboos in forest conservation efforts in Bayelsa State, Nigeria. Three zones were established throughout the state. Five rural settlements that are still relatively far from urban influence were chosen in each local government area of the zones, and ten persons who have lived in the research region for at least 10 years were selected and interviewed in each community. Each respondent was asked to recollect the community's forest myths and taboos, as well as the consequences of breaking them. It was determined the number of tree species referenced in the mythology. In the forest taboos of Bayelsa West zone, 11 species were found, whereas 5 and 6 species were found in Bayelsa Central and Eastern zones, respectively. The low variety of the trees involved in the numerous myths identified in the study area was shown by the low values of the index of similarity recorded in the three zones. In Bayelsa myths and taboos, a total of 15 tree species belonging to 13 groups were discovered through field observation. These species were not cultivated in the research region and were native to the area. As a result, the myths and taboos surrounding these species, as well as the respondents' opinions and worries about them, confirmed that they are viable forest conservation techniques.

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