Mature stand of red ironwood experiencing threats from human activities. ©Emmanuel Chukwuma.

It is concerning that red ironwood's climatically favourable habitats, both now and in the future, are mostly found outside of officially defined protected areas in anthropic zones—areas impacted by human activity. This indicates that the species faces greater existential threats in its native environment than previously acknowledged and points to important conservation gaps. Addressing this issue requires extending the conservation focus and efforts to communities in the vicinity of Okomu National Park (current study area), another protected area within the estimated distribution range of the target species. Although there has been no previous research on red ironwood in this region, preliminary assessments revealed that habitat alteration and deforestation could endanger the species' habitat. This highlights the critical need for ongoing conservation planning and population monitoring, especially because the optimal habitats of the species are primarily outside protected areas, heightening its susceptibility to human-induced disturbances.

The conservation project will integrate comprehensive ecological assessments, species reintroduction, and large-scale public education, building on the successful applications in the first phase of the RSG-funded project (RSG No. 38001-1) in CRNP. It will actively engage local communities and government entities to ensure successful implementation. This synthesised approach will promote environmental literacy and provide critical insights for sustainable conservation efforts of ecologically significant species and their natural habitat in Nigeria.