Browsing by Author "Alarape, A. A."

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Assessment of bush meat exploitation by hunters in Ifon Area of Ondo state, Nigeria
(2019) Alarape, A. A.; Aduloju, M. M.
This study assessed the bush meat exploitation by hunters in Ifon Area of Ondo State. Questionnaire was administered as interview guide to all 30 members of hunters association in the area as well as personal visits and observations were made, while discussions and interviews were made use of to obtain information on the study area. Data collected was analysed using descriptive statistics (Frequency count and Percentage, Measure of Central Tendency and Measure of Dispersion). Results reveal that the bush meat species commonly found and consumed, reasons for bush meat hunting, the effect of bush meat exploitation on the area and the level of awareness with regard to the negative impact of bush meat exploitation on Wildlife Conservation. Based on these findings, it is essential that, logging companies are encouraged or urged not to facilitate bush meat hunting and transportation in their concessions. Likewise, social marketing activities should be put in place to attempt to direct consumer preferences for animal protein away from bush meat species that are particularly susceptible to over-exploitation.
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. P
The 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.
Assessment of Socio-Economic Activities and Sustainable Rural Development in Kainji -Lake National Park, Nigeria
(2010) Wahab, M. K. A.; Alarape, A. A.
Structured questionnaire was administered in five (5) sample communities around the boundary of Kainji lake National park .The villages were chosen at random due to their proximities to the park. The questionnaire was designed to collect information on the effective ways / pattern of managing a protected area and sustainable rural development .A total of one hundred (100) respondents were randomly selected and interviewed. The assessment observed that the inhabitants of the communities depend heavily on the park for a variety of natural resources 40% while their village livestock compete intensively for grazing (85%). The study revealed that the inhabitants of the villages or surrounding the parkland engaged in serious farming 90% while the inhabitant of some villages utilized the park for hunting.
Biodiversity conservation problems and their implication on rangeland and ecotourism management in Gashaka-Gumti national park, Nigeria
(2018) Yager, G. O.; Alarape, A. A.; Enogela, O. M.; Tyowua, B.T.
The study investigates the prevalence of conservation and management problems affecting biodiversity and their implications on rangeland productivity and ecotourism activities in Gashaka-Gumti National Park, Taraba State, Nigeria. Data were collected from villagers in support zone communities and staff of the park through questionnaires. The study revealed that farming on parkland, logging, Livestock grazing and poaching are the major problems affecting biodiversity in the park. More so, lack of manpower, insufficient funding and insecurity are the major management problems identified. Implication of these on rangeland productivity and ecotourism activities of the park was downward trend in range condition, low level of tourist inflow and revenue generated by the park as well as low benefit accruable to the local economy. To reduce the spate of illegal activities and its effects, it was suggested that, community participation, conservation awareness aimed at changing local people’s attitude and provision of incentives should be embarked upon by the management of the park and government.
Crop raiding by olive baboon (Papio anubis) around Kainji lake national park, Nigeria
(2015) Alarape, A. A.; Odebiyi, B. R.; Halidu, S.K.
Human beings are known to be one of the major predators of baboon; either for consumption or as a form of pest control for their farmlands. Fields adjacent to protected areas are mostly affected by majority of baboon raids. This study investigated the crop raiding activities of Olive baboon (Papio anubis) around Kainji Lake National Park, Nigeria. Data were collected through administration of questionnaires to seventy-seven farmers in ten randomly selected villages. The study focused on farmers that encountered baboon on their farms and that showed a good knowledge of baboon as it was expected of them to be the most informative about crop raiding activities by Olive baboon. The results indicated that maize, yam and cassava were the mostly planted crops by the farmers. They were equally the mostly raided crops by olive baboon. They are favoured foods of primate crop raiders. Most of the raiding activities were carried out in the morning. The findings suggests that the bulk of the raiding would have been conducted very early in the morning with the aid of their cheek pouch used for food storage and to avoid persecution or predation by farmers latter in the day. Logically, majority of the farmers around Kainji Lake National Park adopted scaring as a means of controlling attack by baboons since most of the crop raidings were carried out before their arrival on the farm. This also demonstrates the farmers` level of tolerance. Future surveys should monitor the trend of tolerance and the rate at which the changes occur. Subsequent researches on crop raiding should extend the scope of study to assess any relationship between the distance of the farms to park boundary and extent of damage. Communities’ attitudes towards primate conservation need to be assessed as it has consequences on conservation efforts in protected areas. Park management should be more proactive in addressing human wildlife conflict to avoid animosity in support zone communities.
Journal of Environmental Extention
(2005) Ijeomah, H. M.; Ayodele, L.A.; Alarape, A. A.; Edet, D. I.
The study explored the contributions of Jos Wildlife Park towards conservation edtf at'°n !" Plateau State, Nigeria. Data for the study were collected through observation, review o re , oral interview and structured questionnaires. Data obtained were analysed using escrip i statistics in the form of tables, frequency of counts and percentages. A total of 100 questionnaire were administered. Results showed that 90% and 9% of the respondents were students and teachers respectively. 44% and 31% became aware of the park through students and teachers respec ive y while 21% knew of the park through electronic media. 68% and/or 79% visited the park purpose y to see animals and learn respectively. 72% and 12% of the respondents indicated that° ^ e™'fnhg wildlife species and conservation lectures were the peak of their enjoyment in the park. 81 ^ o e respondents prefer being conducted round the park by tour guides to ensure that learning is incorporated. 94% of the respondents are willing to visit the park again. The study further showed that the number of educational visitors increased progressively from 3,844 in the year 1998 to 14,838 in the year 2001. Also, the study revealed that visitors who crave to observe and learn about endangered, threatened, rare and abundant species of wildlife and their environments flock the Jos Wildlife Park on daily basis. Suggestions on how to sustain continuous conservation education were made.
Local depletion of two larger Duikers in the Oban Hills Region, Nigeria
(Blackwell Publishing Ltd, 2012) Jimoh, S. O.; Ikyaagba, E. T.; Alarape, A. A.; Adeyemi, A. A.; Waltert, M.
Across West and Central Africa, duikers are important for trade and consumption; their populations are expected to become depleted. Reliable data on their status are scanty in Nigeria. We assessed duiker populations in the Oban Sector of Cross River National Park through diurnal and nocturnal surveys along 32 transects of 2 km each. After 508-km survey effort, only Ogilby’s duiker (Cephalophus ogilbyi) and blue duiker (Philantomba monticola) were recorded. Using habitat as a covariate in modeling detection probability in DISTANCE 6.0, we estimated densities for the blue duiker ranging from 15.5 (95% CI: 7.8–30.9) in the core, 5.8 (CI: 2.6–12.9) in the buffer and 0.9 (CI: 0.09–10.1) km² in farm fallow to no duikers in the plantation. For Ogilby’s duiker, densities ranged from 1.6 (95% CI: 0.7–3.7) km² in the core, 2.0 (CI: 0.8–5.1) in buffer to no duikers in farm fallow and plantation. The apparent absence of yellow-backed and Bay duikers may indicate local depletion. We call on all stakeholders to rise up to the challenge of rescuing this biological hotspot in Nigeria from further degradation and species loss through improved funding for well-equipped field staff and institutionalized community wildlife management
Perception of Ecotourism among Tertiary Institution Students in Abeokuta Metropolis, Ogun State, Nigeria
(2018) Alarape, A. A.; Oladele, O. O.
The study determined tertiary students’ perception of ecotourism in Abeokuta, Ogun State. Data was garnered from 405 students who were randomly sampled from six tertiary institutions namely; Federal University of Abeokuta (94), Crescent University (23), Federal College of Education Osiele (80), Moshood Abiola Polytechnic Ojere (145), Sacred Heart School of Nursing Lantoro (31) and School of Nursing FMC Idi-Aba (32). The results of this study was presented using descriptive statistical tools such as frequencies, percentages and means, while inferential statistical tool used was Chi Square. The modal age category was 21-25 years (55.1%). Most of the students were female (60.5%) and single (96.8%). The percentages of students in 100 (36.0%) and 200 (32.1%) level were more compared to other levels of study. Students who were aware of ecotourism got to know about it mostly through school (15.6%) and personal interest (11.9%). Only 17.0% indicated awareness of ecotourism initiatives, club or society in their schools, while only 8.6% of the students had ever participated in ecotourism activities.The few students who participated in ecotourism activities engaged in rock climbing (3.2%), sightseeing (1.7%), visitation (1.2%) and trekking (1.5%) once in a while (4.9%). Some (33.6%) of the students indicated lack of information and time (14.8%) as constraining their participation in ecotourism activities. Almost all (90.9%) respondents reflected that they would like to know more about ecotourism. The main reason that stimulates students’ interest in ecotourism was to understand the natural environment (46.9%) and get close to nature (20.7%). Most of the students were favorably disposed towards ecotourism bringing about infrastructural development ( =4.20), positive changes in value system of the community ( =4.30) and employment opportunity for indigenous population ( =4.41). Significant relationship existed between institution attended (χ2 = 0.274, p<0.01), level of study (χ2 = 0.174, p<0.05) and perception of ecotourism. The study recommends intensification of ecotourism awareness, ecotourism advocacy and promotion of programmes that will encourage students’ participation in ecotourism activities.
Reconnaissance Survey of The Wildlife Sanctuary of Stubb’s Creek Forest Reserve, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria
(Government of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria Ministry of Environment, 2004) Popoola, L.; Jimoh, S.O.; Alarape, A. A.
This study was conducted at the instance of the Honourable Commissioner, Ministry of Environment, Akwa Ibom State in realization of the need to assess the potentials of wildlife in the Stubbs-creek forest reserve of Akwa-Ibom State, Nigeria. The terms of reference included, but not limited to provision of information on status of fauna and flora in the forest reserve, bearing in mind the level of human interference that had occurred in the last one decade. Using a combination of standard methods wildlife, vegetation and questionnaire surveys were conducted in and around the forest reserve to obtain information on the status of the major plant and animal lives and the various sources of threat to their sustainable management. Results obtained from the study indicate large- scale disturbance of the biophysical environment (flora and fauna) arising from such human activities as farming, illegal logging, oil prospecting and exploration. These have affected the hitherto rich fauna and flora of the reserve. The study still identified the existence of over 80 important plant species, which include Alcornea cor difolia; Raphia spp; Anthocleista nobilis;; Rhizophora racemosa; Gmelina arborea; Costus afer; Chromolina odorata; Rauvolvia vomitoria; Calamus spp; Musanga cercopioides; Albizia spp; Selaginalea spp. Species with moderate frequency of occurrence include Carpolobia lutea; Napoleona vogelii; Allablackia floribunda. They were distributed within the natural lowland rainforest, oil palm and raphia bushes and the mangrove. Over 90 animal species including rodents, reptiles, birds and monkeys were encountered. They include Thryonomys swinderianus, Potamochoerus porcus, Trangelaphus scripus; Python sebae, Crocodilus spp, Neophron monachus, Milvus migrans, Streptopelia senegalensis, Apus affinis,, Egretta alba, Ardeola ibis, Scopus umbretta, Neophron monachus The potential of the wildlife sanctuary for ecotourism is still quite high particularly with the existence of oil prospecting and exploration concerns that attract heavy human traffic into the area. Also there exist standard hotels within 30km radius of the forest reserve, which will encourage visitors to combine business with pleasure. There is however the urgent need to: secure the boundaries of the sanctuary, carry out a feasibility study and environmental impact assessment with a view to having comprehensive information that will form the basis for re-investment by the State government and also set the template for the development of proposals for donor assistance from international donor/investment agencies, win the confidence of the settlers in the adjoining communities, seek local and external partnerships for the management of the sanctuary and; Finally, the institutional and legal frameworks of the reserve should be clearly spelt out to enhance sustainability. The Sanctuary has the potential to boost the Poverty Reduction Strategy Programme (PRSP) of the State Government and should therefore be rehabilitated
Reconnaissance survey of the wildlife santuary of stubb's forest reserve, Akwa Ibom, Nigeria
(2004) Popoola, L.; Jimoh, S.O.; Alarape, A. A.
Religion as an effective tool in forestry practices, wildlife management and environmental sustainability in Kogi state, Nigeria
(2018) Shuaibu, R. B.; Alarape, A. A.; Bichi, H. M.
This paper examined religion as an effective tool in forestry practices, wildlife management and environmental sustainability in Nigeria. The roles of forestry and wildlife management in environmental sustainability are very imperative. This study was carried out in Kogi State, Nigeria. Data were obtained from Seven (7) randomly selected Local Government Areas (LGAs) within Kogi State. Structured questionnaire, direct field observation, and personal interview were used to collect information from indigenous people within the Study Area. Structured questionnaire was administered on Thirty (30) randomly selected respondents from each of the LGAs making a total number of Two hundred and Ten (210) respondents. The data was subjected to descriptive and inferential statistical analysis such as table and graph; and parametric statistics, respectively. The results showed that there were Thirty-Nine (39) sacred forests, Twenty-Five (25) burial ground forests, and Seven (7) plantation forests in the Study Area. The results also showed that One-Hundred and Sixty-three (163) out of Two-Hundred and Ten (210) respondents are of the view that religion can be used to prevent deforestation, wildlife destruction, and environmental degradation. The inferential analysis using student’s t-test and ANOVA shows significant differences which implies that most of the respondents accept religion as an effective tool to reduce forest and wildlife destruction, and also that the sacred forests are the most preserved forests in the Study Area. Therefore, involvement of all stakeholders, religious leaders and their followers in sustainable forest/wildlife management and environment sustainability will go a long way to reduce deforestation, desertification, and extinction of some trees/shrubs/wild plants, wild animals, and environmental degradation.
The Role of Traditional Laws and Taboos in Wildlife Conservation in the Oban Hill Sector of Cross River National Park (CRNP), Nigeria
(2012) Jimoh, S. O.; Ikyaagba, E. T.; Alarape, A. A.; Obioha, E. E.; Adeyemi, A. A.
Efforts to integrate rural people into biodiversity conservation through community-based conservation programs is an old tradition. These efforts were largely based on economic incentives, with little or no attention given to the role of culture and traditions in building support for conservation. Although these strategies are useful in promoting conservation and local empowerment, they are still fragile. Scholars suggest that incorporation of traditional values which reflect locally important cultural practices of the people into the management of conservation areas in Africa will help in their successful conservation. There is a strong need to assess cultural practices; traditional laws and taboos of the people in protected areas, and how they have assisted conservation in the past. To understand how such practices could be strengthened and incorporated into natural resources management and conservation strategies, there is a need to have a general overview of existing practices. The study analyzes the ways in which cultural practices and value systems of the people of Oban Sector of Cross River National Park Nigeria, have aided conservation in the past and how such practices can be encouraged, strengthened and replicated for sustainable natural resources management in the study area and possibly proposed for adoption elsewhere. Ten cultural institutions and seven laws and taboos which regulate the use of resources were recorded in the area. These laws and taboos were respected by all indigenes. Eleven animal species were found to be forbidden by the people. Some of the tabooed animals were for spiritual reasons while some were for medicinal purposes. Every community had sacred forests, called Mgbe forest (Eten Mgbe) The social organizations in the area ensured that these taboos are obeyed. Presence of other tribes, new religions/westernization, use of modern hunting equipments and poverty pose a threat to the effectiveness of these taboos as a conservation tool. Adaptation of some aspects of these taboos may be valuable for wildlife conservation, particularly in protected areas
“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.
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.