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The northern part of Adamawa State has the sub-sudan vegetation zone marked by short grasses interspersed with short trees, while in its southern part, the northern Guinea Savannah vegetation exists. The Guinea Savannah vegetation type is a by-product of centuries of tree devastation by man and fire, and continuous attempts by the plants to adapt themselves to the climatic environment. The true vegetation of the area has for years been modified by human activities, and hence, traces of the climatic climax are difficult to come by.

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The evolution of agriculture from mobile bush fallowing to fixed farming near settlements is paralleled by massive changes in the structure and composition of the vegetation. At each successive clearing, unwanted trees are cut to near ground level, but those valued for their oil, edible green leaf, fibre, fruit or browse, or merely for shade, are carefully preserved.

Among the preserved species are Butyrospermum paradoxum (shea butter or oil); Parkia clappertonia, Tamarindus indica and Vitax doniana (all valued for their edible fruit); Adanonia digitata (a multipurpose producer of edible green leaf, fibre and edible fruit): Afzelia africana, ptercar- pus erinanous, Acacia albida, Khaha senega/as/s, Ficus sycormorus, Danicilia oliveri and Vitax doniana (valued, more or less in that order, for browse).

Wild Life

The state is inhabited by several wild life, the most important of which are toads and rats; that are found along water courses;

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others include hares and rabbits. Among the reptiles are pythons, monitor lizards, snakes like cobra et cetera. The birds include egrets, king fishers, kites and guinea fowls. Most of these animals are herbivorous, while some are carnivorous. Apart from feeding on tall grass during the rainy season, the cane and giant rats also use the grass for protection against pred- ators.

They are mostly out at night and burrow or use burrows made by other animals. The reptiles live under the rocks and boulders and feed on the numerous insects which abound in the area. Wild life has contributed to ecological balance in the state. Their mode of life and feeding habits blend with and preserve the grassland ecosystem. Their droppings add nutrients to the soil thus making the trees thrive more.