Sabah. However, it may be due to the very limited sample in just one area. Perhaps of greater interest to most visitors, the park has over 700 species of colourful butterflies. Threats Visitors must follow strict regulations to avoid degrading the environment. However, the park is threatened by large-scale illegal logging, the expansion of large rubber and oil-palm plantations nearby, and incursions by a growing human population involved in farming and hunting. In 2009, the executive director of LifeTag, a non-governmental organisation (NGO) based in Lagos, called for urgent action by the Edo State government to prevent further illegal encroachment and destructive logging activities in the park, which both threaten the rare species and will destroy the long-term revenue to be earned from eco-tourism. The Federal government has said that it is eager to partner with foreign investors to develop eco-tourism in Okomu and other National Parks. In October 2010, representatives of the park's management met with leaders from the seven major communities bordering the park and established a Local Advisory Committee. The conservator of the park, Mohammed Yakubu Kolo, said the committee was to "provide a platform for the park management and the local communities to work together on issues of mutual interest, in order to achieve the park's set-goals." He went on to say "The establishment of LAC for Okomu Park is the most significant move ever made to guarantee the continuous protection of its diverse rich biological resources and splendour". A forestry officer said the move would help the communities work together to stop poaching. The protected area of the Okomu National Forest is too small and too vulnerable. Without further efforts to improve protection, it is unlikely that the forest will remain viable long into the future. References National parks of Nigeria Nigerian lowland forests Edo State 1935 establishments in Nigeria