FACULTY OF AGRICULTURE
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Item Diversity and Distribution of Anomalures and Squirrels in Oban Hills of Nigeria(2022) James, K.O.; Emmanuel,T.I.; Abideen, A.A.; Saka,O.J.; Christian ,J.A.K.; Gautam, D.; Xiaofeng, L.The Congolian tropical forest represents the epicenter of biodiversity conservation and squirrel diversity in the Western and Central African region of sub-Saharan Africa. The scientific knowledge gap of squirr el species diversity,distribution and ecology of the region is limited. We investigated anomalure and squirrel richness and diversity in different land-use types in the Oban region, Nigeria between January 2010 and April 2013 to update species baseline information on squirrels. In total we recorded 495 individuals of seven species and six genera representing, Anomaluridae and Sciuridae families, were detected in the Oban Hills Region. The Anomaluridae family accounted for one genus and one species (Anomalurus beecrofti),while the Sciuridae family is represented by the Xerini and Protoxerini tribes in five genera (Funisciurus, Heliosciurus, Xerus, Paraxerus, and Protexerus). Encounter rates with five different species revealed that the Protoxerini tribe (FunisciurusanerythrusandHeliosciurusrufobrachium)werethemostfrequentlydetectedacrossallthe land-use types in the region. The high diversity of squirrels detected in the region could be a reflection of its recognition as a biodiversity hotspot. Also,closed-canopy cover had the highest diversity index and evenness recorded than farm fallow. Studies on population monitor in ecology and conservation help species- and site-specific conservation strategies in the region. We conclude that closed-canopy forest has high conservation value, and that management should be initiated where possible to alleviate threats to its continued functioning and effort must be directed towards ascertaining the ecology and biology of squirrel species for effective conservation strategies.Item Population abundance, density and diversity of antelope species in pandam wiildlife park, plateau state, Nigeria(2022) Gabriel, Y. O.; Abideen, A. A.Habitat loss and fragmentation are heating deep into conservation areas like Wildlife Parks and this has posed a serious threat to wildlife population abundance and diversity. The fluctuations in population of fauna species are dependent on the quality of the habitat. Therefore, the population abundance, density and diversity of antelope species were investigated. Line transects (2 km each) were laid 1km apart in: savannah woodland-SW (n=4), riparian forest -RF (n=3) and swamp land-SL (n=3). The line transect method was used to identify antelopes during wet (July-October) and dry (December-March) seasons (2017-2019). Simpson’s (D) and Shannon-Weiner (H’) indices were estimated for herbivores. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and ANOVA at α0.05. Four Antelopes were identified and Kobus kob was most dominant. Antelope abundance and mean population density increased from SL (18, 2.3) to SW (80, 10) and were higher in dry (70, 8.8) than wet (56, 7.0) season. Antelopes, highest D (0.7) and H’ (1.6) were in SW, while least were in SL (D= 0.6, H’= 1.2). The savannah woodland favoured the antelopes and had influence on their abundance and diversity. Antelope species were almost not found in other habitats due to human activities within the park. The anthropogenic activities are fast entering into the core area of the park. Hence, the park management should take strategic measures to curb this fast-rising challenges.Item People’s Perception about Plant-based Formulated Diets as a Non-chemical Method of Rodent Population Control in Nigeria(2022) Badmus, H.A.; Alarape, A.A.A total number of two hundred and thirty five (235) respondents responded to the self-structured (online Google form) questionnaires administered to them without being bias to sample their opinions on the performance of common rodent population control methods and their readiness to embrace plant-based formulated diets as a method of rodent population control in Nigeria. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) was used to analyze the questionnaires. The results showed that rodent population should be controlled to reduce their damage to agricultural crops (97.4%), to reduce zoonotic diseases (94.9%), and for conservation reasons (82.6%) in Nigeria. It was also revealed that some of the common rodent population control methods were found to be humane, cost effective, acceptable, and effective but at different levels. The plant-based formulated diet as a method of population reduction would be humane (69.8%), acceptable (65.1%), and effective (68.5%) method. The plant-based formulated diet was viewed as a promising method and this indicated readiness to adopt the method as an alternative to the common methods of rodent population control.Item Butterfly count on different habitats in international institute of tropical agriculture (IITA), Ibadan-Nigeria(2022) Abideen A.A.; Oluwadara E.O.; Gabriel O.Y.; Adewale, A.Butterflies are considered as good ecological indicators for other invertebrate and as surrogate representatives of environmental quality changes. Their occurrence and diversity in populations contribute to thriving ecosystems and can indicate the state of an ecosystem’s health. Though, there is high increase in habitat fragmentation of most protected area. However, information on butterfly species abundance, richness on different habitat is limited in the study area. The study assessed the diversity and abundance butterfly species in relation to its environmental factors. Sampling was done quantitatively using three complementary methods, line transect (walk-and-counts), hand nets, and fruit bait traps in June and July 2018. Data was analysed using descriptive statistics, diversity indices and Pearson’s correlation. A total of 646 individual representing 40 butterfly species belonging to 5 families in the order Lepidoptera were recorded across the three different habitats. Members of Nymphalidae family occurred most and accounted for 57.5% species and 63.3% total number of individual species with Acrsea serena been the most dominant across the habitats. Forest habitat had the highest species composition (n = 316). Generally, species abundance (31.0%), richness (33.7%) and family composition (33.7%) respectively, were recorded more through visual count method, while mean species abundance (26.1%) encountered higher with hand-net method. There was no significant relationship between the environmental factors and the total number of individuals or species richness. But rainfall was found to be positively correlated with the species diversity and abundance. Hence, understanding the factors affecting butterfly species diversity and abundance in IITA is very important for conservation purposes.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.