FACULTY OF AGRICULTURE
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Item Avian species abundance and habitat association in Makurdi metropolis, Benue State, Nigeria(2022) Gabriel, O.Y.; Abideen, A.A.; Adegoke, K.M.W.; Suurshater G.Appraisal of avian species, especially in urban areas, is paramount to determining the health of the environment. The research focused on the abundance, diversity, and habitat association of avian species within and around the new bridge in Makurdi metropolis, Benue State, Nigeria. The habitats selected were: Abattoir (Ab), Oxbow Lake (Ol), and Farmland (Fl). A line transect length of 100 m was laid (1 at Ab, 2 each at Ol and Fl). The line transect method was used to identify and estimate the abundance and diversity of birds (at 06:00–09:00 hrs and 15:00– 18:00 hrs) aided with binoculars for 2 consecutive days weekly in June–November 2021. The Textbook on Birds of West Africa was used for the identification of the species. The dataset was analyzed using descriptive statistics and diversity indices. The result revealed a total number of 23 species (4061 individuals) belonging to 15 families. Five species (41 individuals), 19 species (2,804 individuals), and 8 species (1,216 individuals) were recorded at Abattoir, Oxbowlake, and Farmland, respectively. Ploceus cucullatus (55.68%) was the most abundant species, while Accipitridae (12.5%) was the dominant family recorded. Variation in density varies across the habitat, with farmland (723.13) being the densest area. The diversity indices indicated that farmland (D: 0.668, H1: 1.571, and richness (2.267)) had a high value when compared to other habitats. Conservation and management of urban avian species should be encouraged to promote avi-tourism.Item Inhibitory Effect of Termite Mound Soil Leachates on Some Human-Wildlife Pathogens(2021) Alarape, A.A.; Adewale, R.O.; Banjo, O.B.; Oguntade, O.A.; Akinsorotan, O.A.; Olorunishola, K.S.; Durojaiye, A.F.Although, there are reports of soil ingestion by wildlife (geophagy), but reasons for action remained elusive. A predominant hypothesis posits geophagy as source of medication for wildlife. This hypothesis albeit tested on different soils, but has sparsely been documented for termite mound soil (TMS). This study compared antibacterial susceptibility of aqueous leachates of four geophagic TMS1-4 from different sources with controls; a composite sample of forest soil (C1) and an aqueous solution of streptomycin sulphate (C2), against predominant human-wildlife pathogens; Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), Escherichia coli(E. coli) and Salmonella typhi (S. typhi). All TMS1-4 and C1-2 exhibited range of 1.33±0.58 to 8.25±2.87 inhibition zones (IZ) against all tested pathogens. While TMS2 (5.00±1.00) and C2 (5.00±1.00) gave similar IZ against S. typhi, C2showed significant highest IZ (8.25±2.87) againstE. coli. The exhibition of IZ in all TMS supports medication hypothesis. Hence, wildlife of the study area may be consuming TMSs for self-medication. Further studies may be needed to investigate properties of TMS responsible for exhibition of IZ.Item Welfare of animals in captivity: expose on diversity, enclosure size and enrichment, food and feeding regime in some zoos in south-west Nigeria(2021) Ajayi, O. O.; Alarape, A. A.This study assessed the diversity of animals with respect to the number and sex, IUCN status, husbandry practices vis a vis enclosure size and enrichment, food and feeding regime in three zoos located in southwest Nigeria, in order to offer an insight into the welfare of animals in captivity in Nigerian Zoos, as well as the practice of captive breeding and/or conservation roles of modern zoos. Two of the five freedoms were focused on namely freedom from hunger and thirst and freedom to express most normal behaviour. It was revealed that a total of thirty-six species of animals (131 individuals) belonging to 25 families, 15 orders, and 3 classes (Aves, Reptiles and Mammals), were presented and displayed in the zoos. These animals largely belong to least concern conservation status of IUCN. Thirty species were without mates and some were housed with members of same sex. Animals’ enclosure sizes are designed to accommodate the needs of each species of animal; and enclosure enrichments were largely provided. The sizes of enclosures were however extremely smaller than the standard minimum enclosure requirements of animals in captivity. Feeding and feeding regime was done and appropriated with considerations to what obtains in their wild habitat and the digestive system of the animals. It was concluded that freedom from hunger and thirst was ensured in all the zoos given adequate food and feeding regime but hampered in terms of freedom to express most normal behaviour.Item The pattern of local utilization and trade in wildlife /trophies in Saki West Local government area, Oyo State, Nigeria(2021) Munir K.A.W; Abideen A.A.; Afusat A.A.; Isilamiyat A.L.Wildlife species and trophies are of valuable use to humanity. These values include aesthetic, education, medicinal purpose, recreation, and as foreign exchange earner. Legitimate hunters and poachers alike are the main source of supply of wildlife species and trophies whilst vendors market them. This study is purposed to indicate the pattern of utilization of wildlife species in the study area. Fifteen sampled communities were surveyed in the study area. A hundred respondents were served with a copy of each of the questionnaires. The questionnaire sought information on the following variables namely, socio-economic characteristics of the respondents, source, and types of the species, and commercial dynamics of the trade. The Data collected were analyzed applying statistical tests including the t-test to determine the frequency distribution on the benefit-cost ratio and profitability index. The result revealed that the economic returns on both the wildlife species and trophies trade are profitable with a BCR (Benefit-cost ratio) of 5.00% (P = ≤ 0.05) and 2.92% respectively. This fact shows that wildlife species and trophies contribute significantly to the economics of the area. Conservation education and awareness should be encouraged against poaching and wild-scale domestication practices should be engaged in to reduce or even eliminate poaching activities on the wildlife species concerned. These measures should adequately supplement the animal protein level of traditional livestock and enhance sustainable food security globally.Item The Impacts of Bushmeat Exploitations on the Conservation of Wildlife in Nigeria(2021) Alarape A. A; Shuaibu, R. B.; Aduma, Z. B.This paper examines the impacts of exploitation of wild animals as bush-meat on the conservation of wildlife in Nigeria. This study was carried out in Six (6) States of Nigeria namely Abia; Bauchi; Edo; Kogi; Ondo; and Zamfara State which represents the six geo-political zones of Nigeria namely South-East; NorthEast; North-Central; South-West; South-South; and North-West in the country. Data were collected from two Local Government Areas (LGAs) which were randomly selected from each of the six states making twelve LGAs within the Study Area using structured questionnaire; oral interview of respondents; and visual observation. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics involving tables and figures. Two-factor without replication Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was used to analyze the differences in the wildlife species mostly hunted. The results revealed that Twenty-Six (26) wild animal species were recorded as bush-meat in the Study Area. Eleven percent (11.0%) of the 26 species of bush-meat were recorded in Abia State; 23.0% in Bauchi State; 11.0% in Edo State; 17.0% in Kogi State; 21.0% in Ondo State; and 17.0% in Zamfara state. The wild animals’ exploitation rate shows that the month of March had the highest exploitation rate (25.0%) while the month of September has the lowest extraction rate (8.0%). Most of the respondents (80.3%) in the Study Area carried out hunting activities for income generation while 19.7% respondents carried out hunting activities for food. The results of ANOVA two-factor without replication of the hunted wild animals in the Study Area indicated that there were significant differences (P-value < 0.05 and F-calculated > F-critical) in the wild animal species mostly hunted. This is a pointer to the fact that there will be negative impact of wild animal exploitation on the conservation of wildlife, if nothing is done to reduce hunting activities for income generation.Item Evaluation of Wild Birds in the main Campus of Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto, Sokoto State Nigeria(2021) Musa Z.; Bunza M.S.; |Alarape A.A.A re-evaluation study was conducted after eight years of the initial survey to find out the distribution and diversity of avifauna concerning land use types in the main campus of Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto. This was carried out to serve as a follow-up to a survey carried out in 2011 in the study area. Reevaluation of species diversity is important in conservation as it gives more information on habitat conditions which is necessary for drawing conservation strategies. The study area was stratified into the major land-use types which are Residential, Farmland, Administrative, and Wetland areas. The line transect method was used to collect data on bird abundance and distribution. The Simpson index of diversity (SID) was used to determine species diversity between habitat types whereas the Shannon-Weiner diversity index (H) was used to determine species diversity across the entire area. On the other hand, the Equitability index of Evenness (EH) was used to determine evenness in the distribution of avifauna across the entire area. A total of 3183 birds belonging to 23 families and 44 species were recorded. Out of these numbers, 1037(32.58%) were recorded in a residential area, a total of 519 birds (16.31%) were recorded in administrative areas, farmland recorded 1556 birds (48.88%), and wetland areas recorded 71 birds (2.23%). The diversity index ranges from 0.45-0.77 with the highest being administrative areas and the lowest being wetland. The Shannon-Weiner diversity index was 2.35 which indicates considerable diversity across the area. Therefore, efforts should be directed towards conserving the habitats and making communities realize the importance of avian species.Item Relevance of community participation and concerned stakeholders in conservation management of Kainji lake national park, Nigeria(2021) Alarape, A.A.; Wahab, M.K.A.This study was to assess the participatory role of communities in the achievement of the National conservation goals at the Kainji Lake National Park (KLNP) by the active involvement of local people in park planning, formation, executing and implementing management strategies of renewable resources and its environment. Data were collected from the park annual reports, park management plan, research and information units and environ-consult reports. The Global Environmental Facility (GEF) through the Local Economic Empowerment Programme (LEEMP) provides a non-refundable grant while the World Bank with the assistance of the Internal Development Association (IDA) provides a refundable credit facility for local communities. These financial supports were aimed at providing alternative means of livelihood for the rural people in the community and to alleviate the poverty. The first stage considered ten (10) communities selected from the Borgu sector and the second stage also has ten (10) communities selected as well for their financial assistance. Constraints observed in the implementation of the programme includes lack of project vehicle, computer system and accessories, frequent changes in programme design and directives, lack of confidence in project administration, remoteness of the communities and lateness in release of the micro-projects fund. Successful implementation of the programme requires sound management and supervision of the project time frame. There is need for more in the future and should be based on revegetation mainly (afforestation) and not deforestation in the conservation environment.Item Assessment of crop-raiding along the buffer zone of oba hills national park, Nigeria(2021) Wahab, M. K. A.; Alarape, A. A.; Ajayi, F.O.; Adafin, O. PThe Conservation and sustainable use of a natural protected area require concerted efforts of conservation managers and the local communities. Crop raiding is a major problem confronting conservationists and communities around the park area. This paper examines crop damage by mammals and birds, the farmers' experiences on crop losses along the park boundary. Data were collected via weekly counts of damaged crops in twenty (20) farmlands in the wet season and thirtythree (33) farmlands in the dry season. The study was conducted in Oba Hills National Park located in Iwo, Iwo Local Government Area of Osun State, Nigeria. A reconnaissance survey (on foot) of the park was carried out to be conversant with the park. One hundred (100) questionnaires were administered to the respondents in six selected communities due to their proximity to the park. Data were analyzed descriptively using the percentage frequency distribution test. Analyses show that the majority (67%) of the respondents at the park boundary are male. Ninety-five percentages (95%) of the damages observed were perpetrated by the wild animals on annual crops. Correlation analysis shows no significant relationship between the farmer's socio-economic characteristics and measures employed to combat and repel marauding wild animals. The study reveals that (82%) of the respondents were on the commercial farming system while (18%) of them were on subsistence farming. The crops of the respondents suffer invasion by wild animals especially the monkeys, throughout the year. On average, farmers record a loss of Three hundred thousand naira (approx. $600) as a result of farm invasion. Management of crop-raiding, in general, requires an integrated approach involving both the park staff and surrounding communities. This synergy will be surely minimized if not eliminate conflicts arising from crop-raiding by wild animals.Item Understanding Hunters-Wildlife-Spirits Relationships around Natural Saltlicks: Analysis of Mythical Narratives of Hunters’ Experience(2021) Alarape, A.A.; Adewale, R.OThe knowledge of the drivers of geophagy in human and animals has received a wide spread debate among scientists but yet to reach a conclusive understanding. The idea of hunters hiding around natural saltlicks (NSs) for hunting is not new and has been in existence for more than a decade, however, little is understood about hunters-wildlife-lick (HWL) relationships, perhaps in a spiritual context. This has consequently limited our understanding of the mystery behind NSs of which eco-tourists depend for game viewing. Recently, knowledge on the existence of spirits in human-animal affairs is considerably gaining attention in the scientific world. Experience of such phenomenon is scarce among the park protection staff of Old Oyo National Park (OONP), except for the well-experienced old-hunters (OHs) who also lack documentation. Understanding this may perhaps elicit the impulse behind wildlife geophagy. This study therefore focuses on the assessment of hunters‟ experience on the spiritual myth of wildlife around NSs of OONP. To investigate this, a combination of semi-structured interview and personal observation methods were used. Nine volunteered key-informants (from among OHs not < 65years of age) were purposively selected across different ranges of the park for interview using snow ball technique. The results indicate that the OHs‟ experience of NSs seem not to vary, but spiritually based. It appears that OHs encounter with spirits-cum-wildlife is real, from whom they acquire favour for bumper harvest, spiritual divination and medicinal knowledge. This is a confirmation that hunter-wildlife-spirits (HWSs) relationships is an integral part of our nature, of which detail understanding may offer us a whole lot of new possibilities into the cause(s) of geophagy.Item “Salt lick potentials in Ecotourism Management of Borgu Sector”: Kainji Lake National Park, Nigeria(2020) Wahab, M.K.A,; Alarape, A. A.; Halidu, S. K.; .|| Idowu, I. A.Ecotourism is a form of tourism undertaken to view and / or encounter wildlife in a range of settings. One of such eco-destinations in which wildlife can be viewed is salt licks. The study was undertaken at Borgu sector of Kainji Lake National Park. Data collection was carried out using systematic random sampling for the selection of salt lick sites, direct and indirect fauna observation using transect lines to determine the level of site utilization. Secondary data from the park management and laboratory analysis of salt lick, soil samples to detect the mineral compositions and richness of the licks as relevant to ecotourism activities in the park was examined. Observation revealed that the iron concentration (a trace element) is high in salt lick 1 (332.33), while the lowest was recorded in salt lick 6 (36.36).It was also revealed that the content of calcium (a major element) is high in salt lick 1 (4.22), with the least recorded in salt lick 6 (0.40). It was perceived that salt lick 3 and 4 were least utilized during the dry seasons. It is important to know that the mineral content of salt lick sites can be a factor affecting its utilization by fauna resources. It was observed that, turn-out of tourists visiting the park fluctuates; as a result of anthropogenic activities and other limiting factors.The overall benefits derived from salt licks for wildlife health,majorly through herbivores are crucial in maintaining a healthy wildlife community for their reproduction and survival.