ABSTRACT

 A single factor experiment in a randomized complete block design with two replication was used to determine the nutrient content. The following were recorded according to their ranges: moisture content (11.73% -10.40%), Dry matter (89.60% - a 88.26%), Ash (11.60% - 1.49%), crude fibre (6.22% - 1.05%), fats and oil (29.72% - 0.79%), crude protein (32.74% -6.44%), Carbohydrate (89.92% - 27.85%) and mineral (macroelement) composition sodium (0.36mg — 0.12mg), phosphorus (0.38mg — 0.09mg), potassium (0.38mg — 0.17mg), ealcium (0.20mg — 0.08mg) and magnesium (0.25mg — 0.13mg). The different 1ant species studied were Pycnanthus angolensis (leaves), Dioscorea praehensiiis (tuber), Gnetum A/ricaiia (leaves), Hexalobus crispiflorus (seed), Coula edulis (seed), Alianblanckia floribunda (seed), and Afraeg/e paniculata (seed). This plant species are eaten by wild animals in the Cross River national Park. The result showed that Pycnanthus angolensis had the highest content of Dry matter and Ash. D. mannfi has the highest crude fiber content. P. macrophylla had significantly the highest fats and oil, and crude protein content. P. macrophylla and A. floribundavere statistically similar and had the highest sodium content. D. praehensilis had significantly the highest content of phosphorus, calcium, magnesium and carbohydrate. I-I. crispiflorus had the highest potassium content. The plant species with the highest nutrients and mineral (macroelements) composition should be established in fodder banks to enhance the survival and physiological functioning of wild animals in the Cross River National Park.