Browsing by Author "Alarape, A.A."

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An introduction to animal behaviour
(2003) Alarape, A.A.; Ayodele, A.I
Assessment of tourists satisfaction and perception in Markurdi Zoological garden, Benue state, Nigeria
(2015) Alarape, A.A.; Yager, G.O.; Salman, K.K.
The assessment of tourists’ satisfaction and perception in Makurdi Zoological garden, Nigeria was elucidated using two sets of structured questionnaires; in-depth interview and desk review. This paper explores the underlying reasons accounting for tourists’ tendency to repeat their visit and preferences in the garden, the category of people who patronized the zoo most and sourcing visitors’ views on what can be done to make the garden more viable. Descriptive statistics (frequencies, percentages and line graph) and the Pearson chisquare test of independent were used in data analysis. Results analyzed revealed that student groups (70%) in primary, secondary and tertiary cycle patronized the garden most. The purpose of visitation among tourists was for education (35%) and viewing of animals (33%). The most preferred wildlife species visitors came to view were lion, elephants, chimpanzee, monkeys, crocodile, and birds respectively. Tourists express dissatisfaction over diversity/welfare of fauna species in the zoo, route network, security/ protection against hazards and the abandoned areas like the picnic, museum and restaurants. They also perceived that good management, proper advertisement, good landscape (horticulture), restocking and rehabilitation of depilated or abandoned facilities will promote patronage, create satisfaction and equally step up the revenue of the garden. Age and gender has no significant effect on visitation to the zoo (α0.05) while marital status and occupation was observed to have (α0.05). The recommendation is made that government should increase its financial commitment, improve on its management strategies and renovate dilapidated and abandoned structures to make the garden attractive and viable.
Breeding Potency And History Of Selected Animal Species in Jos Wildlfe Park
(2006) Ijeomah, H.M.; Alarape, A.A.; Adetoro A.O.
Anthropogenic activities have decimating implications on widlife population in the ecosystem. Breeding of wild animals in captivity was introduced as a way to safe species from extinction but this has posed some challenges. The study surveyed the breeding potency, trend, history and infant mortality of selected animal species in Jos Wildlife Park. Data for toe study were obtained through oral interviews, observations, review of records and structured questionnaires. 24 respondents were randomly sampled. Data obtained were analysed using descriptive statistics in form of tables, percentages and frequency of counts. Results revealed that lion, Panthera leo (Linnaeus, 1758); leopard, Pantoera pardus(Unnaeus, 1758); pigmy hippopotamus, Choeropsis liberiensis (Morton, 1849); derby eland, Taurotragus derbianus (Gray, 1847); stripped hyaena, Hyaena hyaena(Linnaeus, 1758); Grimms duiker (Syhacapra grimmiaiinnaeus, 1758); Red-flanked duiker, CephaJophus rufilatus (Gray, 1846); and MaxwelFs duiker Cephatophus maxweffi (Smith, 1827); and Kob Kobus kob (Erxleben, 1777); Waterbuck, Kobus ellipsiprymnus (OgBby, 1833); and Red-fronted; gazelle, Gazella rufifrons (Gray, 1846) procured from different places have produced 17; 10; 8; 13; 24; 1; 6; 2; and 4 number of individuals respectively since inception of the park. The breeding of carnivores was between the years 1979 and 1993 with three infant mortalities. The pigmy hippopotamus, Choeropsis liberiensis bred between the years 1980 to 1992 with one infant mortality. The herbivores have been breeding almost on yearly basis with no infant mortality. Two leopards procured from the University of Ibadan did not breed. The only infant mortality recorded by toe leopard was due to cannibalism. Jos W iife Park has been breeefing, nurturing and distributing endangered, threatened, rare and abundant species of w M fe to several conservation centres in Nigeria suggestions to improve breeding of animal species were made.
Contributions of university of Ibadan botanical gardens to avifauna diversity conservation
(2019) Lawal, M.F.; Alarape, A.A.; Adeyanju, T.E.; Onefeli, A.O.; Adeyanju, A.T
Rapid urbanization poses the greatest threat to bird populations due to habitat loss and fragmentation. Managed habitats including nature gardens remain one of the likely areas to host displaced species and serve as secondary habitat options. This depends strongly on floristics and vegetation structure which are strong determinants of bird species distribution. This paper presents a review of bird diversity in the botanical gardens, University of Ibadan, and assesses effect of vegetation parameters on patch utilization within the garden. Point-count method and circular plots were used for bird and vegetation survey. Ten point-counts selected from the upper course and developed section of the garden were visited 37 times each, in the mornings (0630-0930 hrs) and evenings (1600- 1900hrs). Fifty-five (55) bird species belonging to 23 families were recorded. A total of 1344 plants belonging to 69 species were identified within sampling points. There was significant difference in bird richness across points (P<0.05). The patch around point 6 had the highest mean bird richness and plant abundance; showing a possible positive correlation between both factors. A significant relationship between ground cover, litter cover, canopy cover and bird species diversity was observed. Total families of plants identified were thirty-two (32) with Amaranthaceae having the highest frequency (401) while Malvaceae, Polygalaceae and Sapotaceae had the least frequency. Management practices in gardens such as introduction and re-introduction of indigenous plant species, prunning, grass clearing, can potentially affect a gardens' ability to host bird species. Proper understanding on this relationship is vital to sustaining bird populations.
Environmental Attitudes of Visitors to Nature Based Tourism Destinations; Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta Zoological Park in Perspective.
(2018) Alarape, A.A.; Ajayi O.O.
Essentials of wildlife management
(Jachin Publisher, 1999) Ayodele, I.A.; Ebin, C. O.; Alarape, A.A.
Evaluation of Range Condition and Trend of Ikwe Forest Reserve Igbor, Gwer-East Local Government Area of Benue State, Nigeria
(2017) Yager G.O; Alarape, A.A.; Bunza, M.S
Public concern over biological resources assessment has grown over the decade due to a decline in resources through habitat fragmentation. The study was designed to evaluate the range condition and trend of Ikwe Forest Reserve in Gwer-East local government area of Benue State, Nigeria. Assessment of herbaceous cover and composition, woody plant/shrubs density and plant vigor were carried out in randomly selected sample plots. Litter cover was determined by step point transect method, while erosion and its extent were assessed by presence and degree of gullies. Data collected was analyzed using descriptive statistics and analysis of variance (ANOVA). Results obtained showed that the herbaceous cover composed of perennials (39%) and annuals (61%).
Human–Bat Relationships in Southwestern Nigerian Communities
(2022) Yager, G.O.; Wahab,M.K.A.; Alarape, A.A.; Attah, L.O.
Knowledge on the behavioural pattern of fauna species help to maintain good relationship with captive animals. Chimpanzee behavioural pattern differs in many ways with human interactions. The research focused on the effects of tourist participation on Chimpanzee behavior in a captive environment. Fifty copies of Semi-structured questionnaire were administered to the tourist. Chimpanzee activities and interactions with tourists was carried out using standard focal sampling method at 5 minutes interval for 2 days per week for two months. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Mantel-Haenszel χ2 and Cochran-Mantel-Haenszel (CMH) M2 test. The study reveals that majority of the respondents were males (60%) and were first timers who came for the purpose of relaxation and research. The probability of return visit by the respondents was low, due to poor rating of the Zoo. Most of chimpanzee time was spent resting, sitting and standing (29.5%, 23.2% and 17.0%), respectively. The locomotive and display behavioural pattern were statistically significant (p-value = 0.042 and 0.042) at contact and non-contact level. However, there was no statistically difference with the relieve behavioural pattern exhibited by the Chimpanzee, which indicates that, the relieved behaviour observed was independent of non-contact and contact between the Chimpanzee.
Impact of Agricultural Activities in Boundary Communities on Wildlife Management in the Old Oyo National Park, Nigeria
(2008) Wahab, M.K.A.; Alarape, A.A.; Ayodele, I.A
Structured questionnaire was administered in six (6) sampled communities at the boundary of Old Oyo National Park. The communities were purposely chosen due to their proximity to the park. The questionnaire was designed to collect information on the encroachment of agricultural activities on the park. A total of hundred and twenty (120) respondents were randomly selected and interviewed. The study revealed the inhabitants of the communities encroached on the park land for farming (100%) while the water bodies of the park and its banks are used for fishing purposes (86%). Also the boundary agriculture communities utilized the park by poaching on the wild animals and looping the trees to enhance hunting expedition during festivity periods in their communities. The respondents identified some species of fishes that spawn within the park water bodies, the most prevalent being Tilapia zilli, Clarias angualaris and Hemichromis faciatus and the least being Eutropius niloticus. The agricultural communities interacted with during the period of this survey did not support the total management of anti poaching control on the park resources, but agreed to selective control of the park resources to check the excessive fauna and flora loss through agricultural activities. The respondents identified some communities that most engaged in grazing their livestock within the park boundary communities, the most prevalent being Alaguntan (18%) and the least being Oloka (9%).
Impact of Anthropogenic Activities on Vegetation Cover and Mammalian Herbivores in Afi Mountain Wildlife Sanctuary, Cross River State, Nigeria
(2022) Yager, G.O.; Alarape, A.A.; Onaji, O.J.; Acha, S.
Despite the popular perception of protected areas, forest resources are still subject to many forms of anthropogenic activities such as logging, hunting and burning. This necessitates the study on the impact of anthropogenic activities on vegetation cover and mammalian herbivores in Afi mountain wildlife sanctuary. Four communities around the study area namely; Ebok, kakukob, Esekwe and Olum were selected based on proximity to the sanctuary. Data on socio-economic characteristic and anthropogenic activities of the communities were determined using questionnaire. A total of sixty (60) copies of questionnaire, 15 each were distributed to the four communities. Dynamics in vegetation cover for 1985, 2000 and 2021 was determined using landsat imagery. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Normalized Difference Vegetation Index. The result revealed that, males (65.0%) were the dominant respondents. The study respondents were in the age bracket between 41-50 years (51.6%) and majority (51.7%) can at least read and write. The result also indicates a drastic decrease in the forest cover as from 1985-2021, owning to increase in activities such as settlement, logging and farming within the sanctuary. Major threats to the vegetation cover and mammalian herbivores survival were farming, logging and illegal hunting. Conservation of the remaining forest resources should be given top priority.
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.
Maritl Characteristics of Household in Ecotourism Centres: The Case of Rural Tourism Development in Plateau State, Nigeria
(2009) Ijeomah, H.M.; Alarape, A.A.
Inadequate information on marital culture of communities adjoining ecotourism destinations has led to worrisome sexual exploitation and indirect introduction of sex tours in many communities . The study surveyed the marital culture of communities near ecotourism centres in Pleateu state with the view 410 sampled households distributed over ten communities in five functional tourism centres. Respondents indicated thet female household members in Aningo (83.34%), Naraguta (70.0%) and Pandam (62.22%) communities mostly marry when they are between 15 and 18 years old. Many respondents in Naraguta communties (57.50%) expect male household members to marry as early as from 19 to 22 years unlike in Dong, Gwut and Kabon where expected age of marriage from most men ranges between 23 to29 years as influenced by their bcloseness to Jos city. Most males are in constant search for hard working uneducated wives to sustain their farms while females continuously search for better economic condition. This results in high rate of polygamus, divorce and povert. Tests of relationship between marital culture and educational attainment among women using Chi square were all significant (P<0.05). Households from communities bordering pandam wildlife park are likely to be vulnerable to sexual exploitation during tourism boom; unless the educational level of the women is generally improved.
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.
Preliminary Assessment of Fauna Species Diversity in Ipinu Igede Community Range Forest in Oju Local Government of Benue State, Nigeria
(2018) Yager, G.O.; Alarape, A.A.; Onuwa, O.A.
Background and Objectives: Appraisal of fauna species which form an integral part of range ecology, in rangeland based protected areas is necessary before any meaningful conservation work can commence. This study was aimed at assessing the composition of fauna species in the community forest. Methodology: Animal species were enumerated through direct on-site using four transects line of 2.0 km by 10 m broad distributed randomly, field observation and indirect indices. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics (table, figures and plates). Results: Fifty-six species of wild animals from 40 families were observed in the study area. There were 21 species of mammals from 15 families, 6 species of reptiles from 6 families and 29 species of birds from 19 families. A total of 1,419 sightings were recorded. The most abundant animal species found in the area were Epixerus ebii, Eidolon helvum, Chlorocebus tantalus, Papio anubis, Philothemus irregularis, Musophaga violacea, Numidia meleagris and Francolinus bicalcaratus. The status of most mammals was Low risk-conservation dependent as applicable to reptiles. All the birds are known to breed in the reserve. Transect C had the highest diversity index (0.0130) and transect A had the lowest animal diversity index (0.0061) but with the highest species count of thirty six (36) and individual animal species sighted (454). Conclusions: The community forest support unique fauna species making it significant in terms of conservation and scientific interest and has to be protected through conservation awareness and community participation to conserve the current state and enhanced its range productivity.
Relative density and distribution of tantalus monkey (Cercopithecus tantalus) in the four ranges of Sambisa game reserve
(2015) Modu, M.; Alarape, A.A.; Omifolaji, J.K.; Burabe B.I.
Tantalus monkey (Cercopithecus tantalus) was reported as widely abundant primate species in Sambisa Game Reserve. In order to provide information on the density of Tantalus monkey, this research was undertaken to study the abundance and distribution of the species in the Reserve. The line transects method of estimating animal population was used for the enumeration. An analysis of data was conducted using the software package DISTANCE 6.0 to determine population density estimate. Kwada, Yuwe, Jeltere and Balda are the four ranges within the reserve. Considering the number of species sighted, Tantalus monkey is widespread throughout the reserve where it was sighted in all the 4 ranges with the highest density of 10.84 km-2 (n=80) in Yuwe range. In Jeltere ecological habitat for the species survival is under threats. Habitat loss and habitat degradation in the area are principally due to illegal logging, forest fires and forest clearance for agriculture harbored very few individual of the species. The mean encounter rates (MERs) for the species 1.58km-1 with density estimate of about 11km-2. There was a significant difference in the pattern of the species densities for morning and evening count indicating less activity in the evening with mean encounter rate of 0.54 km-1 (n=85) and 0.43 km-1 (n= 67) individual animals for morning and evening sightings respectively. The relative density for the species across the four ranges in the reserve revealed that Tantalus monkey was present in all the four ranges of the game reserve. A total of only 21 Tantalus monkey were sighted in the Balda range, this calls for close monitoring and control of its population particularly within the range.
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.
The distribution and abundance of baboons (Papio Anubis) in Sambisa game reserve
(2015) Modu, M.; Alarape, A.A.; Omifolaji, J.K.; Burabe, B.I.
Base line information on animal population distribution and abundance is crucial to planning and implementation of effective management strategies for the conservation of species. There is paucity of information on the distribution and abundance of papio anubis in Sambisa game reserve. Therefore, this study was carried out to obtain information on estimate, population structure and abundance of the species, as well as habitat disturbances. The line transect sampling method was used for the enumeration. The data obtained was analyzed using the software package DISTANCE 6.0 to determine population density estimate. The result indicated that Baboon population was concentrated in three ranges of the Reserve a Range has suffered habitat disturbances resulting into insignificant number of primates. The mean encounter rates (MERs) for the species was 1.85km-1. Baboon had the estimated density of about 12km-2. There was a significant difference in the pattern of the species densities for morning and evening counts. The mean encounter rate for Baboon were 1.15 km-1 (n=110) and 0.71 km-1 (n= 68) individual animals for morning and evening sightings respectively. The relative density for the primate species across the four ranges in the reserve revealed that Baboon was not recorded in Balda range and only 2 individuals sighted in Jeltere. Kwada and yuwe range have the highest abundance of 119 and 57 individuals sighted respectively. The population structure shows declining trend as number of juveniles was relatively lower than adult population. However, the relatively higher percentage of female adults may result in population growth, if majority of them are within the breeding age. The highest numbers of primate species were found in the centre of the reserve (Kwada and Yuwe) where habitat disturbances were controlled.
The Potentials of Derby Eland ( Faurotragus dcrbianus) For Commercial Hush Meat Production In Jos Wildlife Park, Nigeria
(2008) Ijeomah,F. I.M; Alarape, A.A.; Ojo, V.A.
Most conservation centres in Nigeria are economically dependent on governmental and non governmental organizations for sponsorship as opportunities to generate revenues for conservation and the much needed protein for the growing population are being neglected and /or wasted This work focuses on the potentials of derby eland (Taurotragus derbiamis) Jor commercial bush meat production in Jos Wildlife Park. Nigeria. The data for this study were collected through observation, review of records and indepth interview of experienced wildlife officers. Data obtained were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results show that derby eland has a favourable breeding trend for commercial meal production in Jos wildlife Park. No infant mortality of the species was recorded in Jos wildlife Park between 1979 and 2005 The mortality of the species recorded in the Park were cases of an elderly cow that died during parturition and a bull that was called in 2005 Both dead individuals of the species lived up to 25 years which is the life span of derby eland in the wild Derby eland feeds on vegetation and feed supplement composed of maize, soybean and groundnut that are locally sourced and processed in Jos. It has good carcass quality dnd high dressing percentage Derby eland will be a sustainable source of lender and lean meat to the public because of the semi intensive management system it is subjected to, in Jos Wildlife Park The management, medication and suitability of derby eland for meat production were discussed
Understanding Hunters-Wildlife-Spirits Relationships around Natural Saltlicks: Analysis of Mythical Narratives of Hunters’ Experience
(2021) Alarape, A.A.; Adewale, R.O
The 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.
Urnal of Agriculture Food and Environment
(2005) Ijeomah, H.M.; Alarape, A.A.; Nwafor O.E
The study explored the impacts of Civil Crises in Plateau State on Wase Wildlife Park (WWLP), Nigeria. Data for the study were obtained through observations, interviews and structured questionnaires. Data obtained were analysed using descriptive statistics. Results revealed that Religion (62.5%), Politics (45.0%) and Tribalism (75.5%) were the causes of the crises. All the respondents indicated that the crises affected tourism; economically (72.5%) and politically (27.5%). Due to the crises most indigenes (92.5%) of Wase Local Government Council ran away. All the staff of WWLP escaped for safety and later were reposted to other parks in Plateau State by the Plateau State Tourism Corporation. WWLP was abandoned and forgotten with all the animal species exposed to the danger of being poached. Park facilities were looted (92.5%) and vandalized (5.0%). Wildlife resources including endangered species were threatened and wasted with tourism hampered. Annual revenue generation of WWLP through tourism declined from N294, 792.0 in the year 2001 to zero. Wase remains deserted. It is expedient that the Plateau State Government looks into the root causes of conflicts in the State to ensure that a long lasting solution is found as ecotourism cannot thrive where there is crises