Browsing by Author "Coker, O. M."

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Abundance and distribution of Roan Antelope (Hippotragus equinus) in the Old Oyo National Park, Nigeria
(Nigeria Tropical Biology Association, 2013) Coker, O. M.; Adetoro, A. O.
Knowledge of population size and structure is essential for the development of effective management strategies for animal populations. The abundance and distribution of Roan Antelope (Hippotragus equinus) in Old Oyo National Park during the dry season (between December, 2008 and February, 2009) were investigated. Stratified sampling was used to assign nine transects each 3km long in four major vegetation communities within the Park. The communities were Riparian grassland, Mixed open savannah woodland, Dense wooded and Outcrop. The transects were traversed twice a week between December and February and estimates were based on direct ensuring techniques. The study estimated 88 Roan Antelopes for the Park and. though small, has a viable structure for expansion. Riparian grassland had the highest proportion (44.32%) of the species while, the Outcrop vegetation type had the lowest (6.82%). The population density was 0.035 km2 while the biomass was 9.196 kg km-2. Horizontal distribution of the animal within the Park showed that the Roan Antelopes can be found between 8019'27.8"Nto 8025'16.2"Nand3047'0.3"E to 3049'17.9"E. The vertical distribution revealed that they occur between Altitudes 2 74m and 307m above sea level. Strict adherence to the fire regime of the Park, provision of water holes to increase home range, periodic monitoring of the population of the animal, and intensified efforts to guard against poachers have been suggested for the effective management of this species in the Old Oyo National Park.
Application of multivariate statistical analysis in characterising the phenotypic variability of locally adapted Muscovy ducks (Cairina moschata) in Nigeria
(Lužianky: National Agricultural and Food Center, 2023) Osaiyuwu, O. H.; Adeyinka, O. A.; Coker, O. M.; Oyebanjo, M. O.; Akinyemi, M. O.
While there are studies that describe the biometric traits and phenotypic variations in Muscovy ducks in Nigeria, there are limited studies that employ a multivariate approach to depict the phenotypic variability of Muscovy ducks in Nigeria. Therefore, this study aimed to explicate genetic variabilities within C. moschata using qualitative and biometric traits. This study used a multivariate statistical method to phenotypically characterise locally adapted Muscovy duck populations from seven ecogeographical locations in Ibadan, Nigeria. Four qualitative traits (eye colour, bill colour, bean colour and shank colour) and eleven biometric traits (head length, neck length, body length, wings length, shank length, toe length, thigh length, bill length, breast length, breast width and bodyweight) were evaluated in 201 ducks (109 males and 92 females). To study the possible effects of geographical locations on selected phenotypes, frequency distribution, univariate analysis, stepwise and canonical discriminant analyses and cluster analysis were performed. The association between body weight (BWT) and other biometric traits was assessed using the Pearson product-moment correlation coefficient. Male ducks (drakes) were generally more abundant than female ducks (hens). The most prevalent colour traits of locally adapted Muscovy ducks were brown eye colour (70.65 %), black bean colour (62.69 %), pinkish white bill colour (45.27%) and grey shank colour (56.22 %). Overall, ecogeographical location did not significantly affect (p < 0.05) the measured biometric traits. However, across all locations, the sexual dimorphism was favourable in male ducks, with respect to biometric traits. Stepwise-canonical discriminant analysis revealed a substantial intermixing of biometric traits, especially in Molete, Oje, Adogba and Ajibode ducks. Similarly, the cluster analysis, although it separated the birds into different clusters, showed some level of admixture. The small Mahalanobis distance (0.61-3.88) suggested that, with respect to location, there was more morphological similarity than dissimilarity between ducks. The correlation analysis revealed that the body weight of ducks can be fairly estimated from other biometric traits due to their positive, statistically significant correlation. In general, the ducks from all seven ecogeographical locations were rather homogeneous than heterogeneous.
Assesing the knowledge, perception, and attitude of wildlife management students toward biodiversity conservation in Nigeria
(John Wiley & Sons, 2023) Ajayi, O. O.; Coker, O. M.; Agbon, Z.
Despite intensified media campaigns and heightened emphasis on classroom instruction, recent international research has reported that young people are still failing to acknowledge biodiversity conservation as an issue of high priority. This study assessed students' knowledge, perception, and attitude toward biodiversity conservation in three Federal Universities offering Wildlife Management course in Southwestern Nigeria. A total of 159 respondents (15% sampling intensity) were surveyed using a structured questionnaire between July and December 2021. The findings revealed that most students had low knowledge of biodiversity conservation. This result is quite shocking given that they were enrolled in wildlife management courses. On the other hand, they had favorable attitudes and perceptions. The result further revealed that students in University of Ibadan had better attitude and perception. We concluded that there is a need to develop and teach programs and curricula that encourage and sustain the interests of wildlife students in biodiversity conservation.
Assessing awareness on biodiversity conservation among Nigerians: the Aichi Biodiversity Target 1
(Springer Science+Business Media, 2021) Akindele, E. O.; Ekwemuka, M. C.; Apeverga, P.; Amusa, T. O.; Olajuyigbe, S.; Coker, O. M.; Olaleru, F.; Fasona, M.; Usen, E. N.; Ringim, A. S.; Adedoja, O. A.; Nsude, C. C.; Ota, A. C.; Oluowo, F. E.; Onatunji, A. B.; Adedapo, A. M.; Kolawole-Daniels, A.
The adoption of the Aichi Biodiversity Targets (ABTs) was supposed to increase conserva tion awareness in diferent countries and regions of the world. However, there seems to be a limited understanding of the importance of ecosystem services, ofered by biological diver sity. Thus, the continued decline in biodiversity, especially in developing countries. This study appraised the level of success of the frst target of Nigeria’s National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP), which is hinged on the frst ABT. In a national survey, data were obtained from a total of 1,124 respondents (839 professionals and 285 non-pro fessionals), using a structured questionnaire. Information on the respondents’ knowledge of biodiversity conservation and the associated ecosystem services, were elicited. Most of the non-professionals had a low level of understanding of biodiversity concepts (4.9±1.7 to 20.5±3.4%), while there was a moderate level of understanding among the professionals (48.0±8.6 to 88.8±3.4%). Awareness of the NBSAP was low for both groups (43.8±7.2% professionals and 12.1±3.7% non-professionals). The study concludes that there is a need to step up campaigns on biodiversity conservation in Nigeria and promote visits to natural sites. Youth engagement through the employment of graduates of biology-related disci plines, to educate the public on biodiversity conservation and the action plan, could also be a strong determinant to the success of the NBSAP targets.
Biotechnology tools in disease surveillance and monitoring in free ranging wildlife: A review
(Wildlife Society of Nigeria, 2018) Omonona, A. O.; Oko, P. A.; Adetuga, A. T.; Coker, O. M.
Diseases have become an important challenge, with more than 60% of recent emerging infectious diseases (EIDs) increasingly originating from wildlife due to increasing urbanization, hunting, globalized trade, habitat loss and other environmental changes. This continuous treat of EIDs to biodiversity represents a major crisis and challenge for public health, though there is an international agreement to slow down or halt this menace. Therefore, wildlife disease monitoring and surveillance has been increasing in recent years in an effort to identify and characterize emerging zoonoses. However, traditional monitoring techniques remain problematic due to detection of new disease events, identification of the level and distribution of diseases endemically present in a population, and the invasive nature of some survey techniques. Hence, there is an urgent need for alternative and efficient techniques for large-scale biodiversity monitoring. The disciplines of molecular biology, genomics and evolutionary biology, in particular, are providing insights into the origin of the outbreak, transmissibility, implications and virulence of the pandemic strain. This review therefore, highlights improved free ranging wildlife disease surveillance using biotechnological techniques and highlights genetic tools which could have important socio-economic benefits, including reducing long-term disease management costs, protecting biodiversity and ecosystem services.
Biotechnology: Lifeline for endangered biodiversity
(Wildlife Society of Nigeria, 2018) Coker, O. M.; Oko, P. A.
Recent threats to species and ecosystems are the greatest recorded in recent history. In the face of our ever-changing environment, the threshold for the conservation of biodiversity must be raised. A possible viable method is the use of biotechnology in the conservation efforts. This review therefore highlights the use of biotechnology to conserve, maintain and enhance biodiversity. Biotechnology is any technique that uses living organisms, or substances to make or modify a product, to improve plants or animals, or to develop microorganisms for specific uses. Biotechnology has been used to improve and enhance animal and crop productivity, as well as to conserve, evaluate and utilize various aspects of biodiversity. Several biotechnological approaches are important to conserve, analyze and detect genetic diversity of rare and endangered plants and animals. Cloning, plant tissue culture, transgenesis and cryopreservation are quite advantageous and a useful technique that has served to conserve biodiversity. Biotechnological approach, though expensive, can be helpful in the conservation of biodiversity, including threatened, endangered and critically endangered species.
Comparison of mathematical models describing the growth of tropically adapted Ross 308 commercial broiler chickens
(University of Nigeria, Nsukka, 2024) Osaiyuwu, O. H.; Oyebanjo, M. O.; Coker, O. M.; Akinyemi, M. O.
Mathematical growth models are useful in describing the growth of livestock. The study was done to assess the predictive ability and accuracy of four three-parameter nonlinear mathematical models (namely: Gompertz, Gompertz-Laird, Logistic, and von Bertalanffy) and one four-parameter (namely: Richards) nonlinear mathematical model. Models were used to predict the body weight (BW) of commercial Ross broiler chickens adapted to tropical conditions (n = 1,286). Age-weight data were collected once every week for 6 weeks. The Gauss-Newton iterative process of the nonlinear procedure in SAS was employed to obtain the parameters for each model. In addition, each model's goodness- of-fit, residuals, and computational difficulty were estimated. Model parameters were evaluated using Akaike's information criterion (AIC), Bayesian information criterion (BIC), adjusted coefficient of determination (AdjR2) and root mean square error (RMSE). The AdjR2 value for all five models was high; however, the highest value was observed in the Gompertz and Gompertz-Laird models. Furthermore, the lowest AIC, BIC and RMSE values were observed in the Gompertz models. Using a complimentary method (involving a subjective pairwise comparison of the observed and predicted BWs), the Logistic, Gompertz-Laird, von Bertalanffy, and Richards models fitted well for the data used. However, the best fitting was obtained in the Gompertz model. Some similarities were observed between the Logistic and Richards models. In conclusion, all five nonlinear mathematical models fitted the age weight data used in this study well, with the Gompertz model being the best.
Diversity of the Ghrelin gene in Nigeria’s Fulani and Yoruba Ecotype Chickens
(Sciencedomain International, 2024) Igbatigbi, L. O.; Osaiyuwu, O. H.; Fatai, R. B.; Coker, O. M.; Fijabi, O. E.
Ghrelin (GHRL) is a novel 28-amino acid gut-brain peptide linked to a gene associated with the regulation of growth hormones in birds. This study was carried out to investigate the polymorphism of the Ghrelin gene in Fulani and Yoruba ecotypes chickens in Nigeria. Blood samples were collected from seventy-eight (78) Nigerian indigenous chickens comprising of 41 Yoruba ecotype chickens and 37 Fulani ecotype chickens. Polymerase Chain Reaction-Restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method was used and the MboII restriction enzyme cut site 71 of the ghrelin and genetic structure were determined. Population structure was analyzed using allele and genotype frequencies, heterozygosity and genetic variation metrics. Two alleles (C and T) and three genotypes (CC, CT and TT) were observed. In the Yoruba Ecotype, the allele frequencies were C (0.34) and T (0.66) respectively while C (0.45) and T (0.55) were observed in the Fulani ecotype and the overall population was C (0.39) and T (0.61). The genotype frequencies obtained were; in the Yoruba ecotype, CC (0.10), CT (0.48), and TT (0.41) were observed. In the Fulani ecotype, CC (0.22), CT (0.45), and TT (0.32) were also observed, and in the overall population CC (0.15). CT (0.47) and TT (0.37) were observed. FIS values for the Yoruba ecotype (-0.0847) and Fulani ecotype (0.00702) reflects random mating and inbreeding respectively. The effective number of alleles indicates that the Fulani ecotype has more effective alleles compared to the Yoruba ecotype. These results suggest that the Yoruba ecotype may be at Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, while Fulani ecotype deviates for the ghrelin locus. In summary, our results may open opportunities for genetic improvement in Nigerian indigenous chicken due to the polymorphic nature of the ghrelin gene.
External and internal morphometry of the four-toed Hedgehog (Atelerix albiventris Wagner, 1841) in Ibadan, Nigeria
(University of Nigeria, Nsukka, 2018) Coker, O. M.; Olukole, S. G.; Udje, O. A.
Body size and measurements are important determinant of fitness in m any species. The four-toed hedgehog (Atelerix aibiventris) is the m ost preferred pet species of the hedgehogs and has been found in Africa to be eaten as bush m eat and hunted for fertility charms. This puts the animal at risk. The morphometries of the hedgehog genera has been carried out with little attention to the comparison between its external and internal body parts. This study is therefore aim ed a t determining the relationships among the external and internal morphometries of A. aibiventris in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria. Twelve (12) adult individuals comprising of 5 males and 7 females were used in this study and were all gotten from the wild in Ibadan, Nigeria. Live weights, external body measurements and weights of some internal organs were measured. Means and standard deviations were calculated. The T-tests and Pearson's correlation coefficients were conducted at a0.o5. The snout length and the tail thickness in males were significantly greater than that of females. Live weights in male correlates significantly with the trunk circumference, while in females it correlates with trunk circumference, body length, lung weight and heart weight. Several significant correlations were established among both external and internal parameters measured. This study revealed a reduction in the size of Atelerix aibiventris when compared with the previous similar studies. Factors such as increased hunting and habitat destruction might have been responsible for this.
Genetic structure of wild and domesticated grasscutters (Thryonomys swinderianus) from south-western Nigeria
(Informa UK Limited, 2017) Coker, O. M.; Omonona, A. O.; Fagbohun, O. A.; Pylant, C.; Austin, J. D.
Grasscutter (Thryonomys swinderianus) is a large rodent distributed across sub-Saharan Africa that is highly valued as a source of protein. There has been little effort to evaluate the genetic structure of grasscutters despite long-term harvesting pressure and over 40 years of grasscutter domestication in West Africa. Our objectives were to quantify the genetic structure of wild grasscutters, and to compare genetic variation from wild samples to those from various farmed samples within south-western Nigeria. We genotyped 145 wild and 88 domesticated individuals at 11 microsatellite loci and present results quantifying regional genetic structuring and the relative patterns of diversity among wild and domesticated grasscutter populations. Our data reflect high differentiation between wild and domesticated grasscutters, and significantly greater allelic richness and gene diversity in the former. Despite this, domesticated populations appear to have similar levels of observed heterozygosity and comparable levels of differentiation among domesticated samples relative to wild samples. This may be the result of high turnover within captive colonies, or frequent infusion of new animals. More detailed molecular and quantitative genetic studies are recommended on this species to be able to understand their natural variation, degree of connectivity and to improve strategies for domestication.
Genetic variations in Thomas’s Rope Squirrel (Funisciurus anerythrus) and Gambian Sun Squirrel (Heliosciurus gambianus) Ibadan, Nigeria, using Allozyme markers
(2018) Coker, O. M.; Osaiyuwu, O. H.; Isong, O. M.
Thomas’s Rope Squirrel (Funisciurus anerythrus) and Gambian Sun Squirrel (Heliosciurus gambianus) are two of the eight squirrel species found in Nigeria with overlapping habitats in Southwestern Nigeria. Squirrels are involved in pollination, seed dispersal, vectors of human and domestic animal diseases as well as crop and household pests. These species and the crucial ecosystem services they render are threatened by habitat destruction, human encroachment and the fact that they are being used as a source of protein in Nigeria. Their conservation would be enhanced by availability of accurate genetic information which are scarce for these species. This study seeks to provide baseline data on genetic variation at three allozyme loci in the two species in University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria. Twenty-nine individual squirrels including eighteen F. anerythrus species and eleven H. gambianus were used in this study. These were obtained from the wild within the University of Ibadan. Observed and expected heterozygosity (Ho and He), Hardy Weinberg equilibrium (HWE), genetic distance between the species, and inbreeding coefficients were performed using POPGENE and Tools for Population Genetic Analyses (TFPGA). In F. anerythrus, Ho and He were 0.6092 and 0.5635, respectively, while, for H. gambianus, Ho and He were 0.6242 and 0.5745, respectively. There were no deviations from HWE in all the tested loci (p>0.05). Nei genetic distance between the species was 0.0070 and the populations showed fairly high level of outbreeding (FST = 0.0029 ± 0.0017). More robust genetic markers would be required to further ascertain the genetic status of the species.
Genetic variations in two edible frog species (Crowned Bullfrog (Hoplobatrachus occipitalis) and African clawed frog (Xenopus muelleri)) in Ibadan, Nigeria using Allozyme markers
(University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, 2021) Coker, O. M.; Osaiyuwu, O. H.; Oko, P. A.; Awosan, G. P.; Fijabi, O. E.
Attempts to determine interspecific differences in patterns of protein variation in edible frog species have been relatively few. Therefore, this study determined the genetic variation in populations of Hoplobatrachus occipitalis and Xenopus muelleri in two locations [University of Ibadan (UI) and Igbo Oloyin area (IO)] in Ibadan, Nigeria, using five allozyme loci. Eighty (80) edible frogs comprising twenty (20) live samples each of H. occipitalis and X. muelleri species from IO and UI were collected. 1ml of blood was drawn per sample via cardiac venipuncture. Plasma fractions were obtained and subjected to Cellulose Acetate Electrophoresis to determine the genetic variations at Haemoglobin (HB), Carbonic anhydrase (CA), Transferrin (TF), Albumin (AL) and Esterase (EST) loci. Test for Hardy–Weinberg Equilibrium (HWE; ), Heterozygosity [observed (Ho) and expected (He)] and Genetic differentiation (FST) were estimated. Significant deviations from HWE were observed at several loci in all the populations. Ho was higher (than He) for both populations of H. occipitalis but lower for both populations of X. muelleri. FST was 0.0559 and 0.0264 for the populations of H. occipitalis and X. muelleri, respectively. There is an indication of evolutionary forces in operation in the IO populations of H. occipitalis and X. muelleri.
Genetics of wildlife diseases and its impact on biodiversity conservation
(2018) Coker, O. M.
Diseases of wildlife origin have great impact on the conservation of the vast global biodiversity and also take a toll on domestic animals’ and human health. Diseases of wildlife have the capacity to be of utmost concern because they can affect the economy and public health if not attended to promptly. An amazing 60% of emerging infectious diseases are zoonotic and many of the recent cases have been proved to originate from wildlife. Knowledge of genetics is important to curtail the emergence of overwhelming wildlife diseases. Understanding the genetics of these diseases is important to give a better understanding of how they can be prevented and controlled to forestall the decimation of wildlife populations and consequent effect on biodiversity. Being armed with the knowledge of both, host and pathogen or parasite genome, would go a long way to pursue the solutions to wildlife diseases and their transmission. This review is geared towards promoting the incorporation of genetics and genomics and its diverse concepts and techniques into the process of detection, characterization, control and prevention of wildlife diseases.
Growth performance, blood profiles and egg production of Coturnixjaponica (Temm Inck and Schlegel, 1849) fed diets supplemented with Tithonia diversifolia a. gray leaves
(University of Nigeria, Nsukka, 2020) Olajuyigbe, S. O.; Oyedare, O. O.; Obebe, O. O.; Coker, O. M.
This study investigated the growth performances, egg production and blood profiles of Coturnix japonica fed concentrate diets supplemented with Tithonia diversifolia leaf meal (TDLM). One hundred (two-week old) C. japonica chicks were allocated to five dietary treatments. The experimental birds were allowed to acclimatize for one week, before feeding trials lasted for twelve weeks. Diets were formulated with TDLM inclusions at 0 % (A), 2.5% (B), 5 % (C), 7.5% (D) and 10 % (E) to the standard dietary formulations. Diets and water were provided for the chicks, ad-libitum. Data collected on growth performance, blood profiles, serum biochemistry and egg production, were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Inclusion of TDLM had a significant influence on growth performance, blood profiles, and egg production (P<0.05). After 12 weeks, Diet C had the highest body weight (148.37 ± 0.76 g), while control diet had least (144.93 ± 1.05 g). The control diet had 20% mortality, while Diet D had 5% mortality due to injuries from other birds' attack. Egg weight varied from 9.60 ± 0.14 g (control) to 11.39 ± 0.12 g (Diet E). The blood profiles responded positively to TDLM inclusion with the birds developing stronger immunity when compared to those fed the control diet. Serum biochemistry did not significantly differ indicating that there were no negative effects due to TDLM inclusion. TDLM at 2.5 and 5.0 % inclusions had the highest positive effects on growth performance, haematological parameters, egg production and serum biochemistry of the quails.
Immunohistochemical studies of αSMA in the epididymis of African four-toed Hedgehog (Atelerix albiventris)
(University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy, Košice, 2020) Olukole, S. G.; Coker, O. M.; Oke, B. O.
The epididymis plays an important role in sperm maturation, storage, transport and in the secretion of enzymes and proteins into the tubular lumen. In this study, we examined the histology, microstereology and immunohistochemical localization of alpha smooth muscle (αSMA) in the three regions of the epididymis of the African four-toed hedgehog (Atelerix albiventris). Ten adult males were captured from the wild in Ibadan, Nigeria, between May and October, 2016. The animals were euthanized and the epididymis (caput, corpus and cauda regions) were retrieved and fixed in buffered neutral formalin ahead of the paraffin technique, following standard procedures. The duct of the epididymis was lined by pseudostratified columnar epithelium comprising basal, principal and apical cells as well as intraepithelial lymphocytes in proximity to basal cells. The principal cells, the major cells encountered within the epididymal epithelium of the animal, decreased in population from the caput to the cauda epididymidis while the apical cells were more abundant in the cauda epididymidis. Positive reactions to αSMA were observed in the peritubular muscular coat of the epididymal duct as well as blood vessels across the three regions of the epididymis with the caput and cauda epididymidis showing stronger positive reactions compared to the corpus epididymidis. This study demonstrated that the histology, microstereology as well as the cellular constituents of the epididymal duct of the Atelerix albiventris are similar to those of other mammals with a slight variation. It has also highlighted variation in the localization of αSMA across the regions of the epididymis of the animal.
Immunoreactivities to α-SMA and S-100 proteins in the testis of the African four-toed Hedgehog (Atelerix albiventris)
(Scienceline Publication, 2020) Olukole, S. G.; Coker, O. M.; Oke, B. O.
The African four-toed hedgehog is a small nocturnal mammal, characterized by a short-grooved brown or grey spine covering the dorsum of the body with a band of whitish fur running across their forehead, little is known about the reproductive biology of this animal. The present study aimed to evaluating the validity of immunohistochemistry in the differential labelling of the different cellular components of the testis of the African four-toed hedgehog. Paraffin-embedded testicular sections were stained by conventional histological technique using ten male African four-toed hedgehogs captured from the wild animals in Ibadan, Nigeria. Primary antibodies against alpha smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and S-100 were applied on paraffin sections. The peritubular myoid cells, the testicular capsule and vascular endothelium expressed strong immunostaining for α-SMA. The spermatogenic cells, Sertoli and Leydig cells, peritubular myoid cells, the testicular capsule, straight tubules as well as rete testis and vascular endothelium all expressed positive immunostaining for S-100. α-SMA and S-100 proteins play active roles in cytoskeletal physiology of testis of the African four-toed hedgehog while S-100 protein plays additional role in the structural formation and maintenance of the blood-testis barrier during the process of spermatogenesis in the animal. It is concluded that α-SMA and S-100 proteins has active roles in the cytoskeletal structure of testis and physiology of the African four-toed hedgehogs.
Impacts of hunting pressure on wildlife conservation in Nigeria
(Forestry Association of Nigeria, 2018) Coker, O. M.; Akinduro, O. S.
Hunting is a craft that is as old as mankind itself and it is one of the oldest ways for humans to use natural resources. Wildlife hunting is done in Nigeria for human consumption, medicinal purposes, ornamental use of body parts and commerce. The unsustainability of this practice has accelerated due to growing human population and thus represents a significant threat to wildlife populations. This review therefore highlights the current drivers of hunting pressure in Nigeria, assesses the impact of hunting pressure on effective wildlife conservation in Nigeria and suggests an alternative to unsustainable wildlife hunting in Nigeria. The growing human population, poverty, demand and weak penal System are recognized as the major drivers of hunting pressure on wildlife in Nigeria. The major impact of hunting pressure is the decline in the population trends of hunted wild animal species which continue to worsen over time with only a small percentage of these species considered stable or increasing. Habitat degradation, ecosystem alteration, extinction of rare species, as well as threat to sustainable ecotourism are also impacts of wildlife hunting in Nigeria. However, viable alternatives to unsustainable hunting include wildlife farming and domestication of wildlife species. This reduces the pressure and dependence on wild animal populations. Unsustainable hunting constitutes a great threat to wildlife conservation, ecotourism and environmental sustainability. In order to save wild species from further jeopardy, and for the promotion of conservation, there should be perpetual environmental protection, change in public behavior towards biodiversity, poverty eradication, establishment of more protected areas, among others.
Importance of genetics in conservation of biodiversity
(Wildlife Society of Nigeria, 2017) Coker, O. M.
Genetic diversity is the centre pillar for species and ecosystem diversities and the main goal of conservation genetics is to apply the knowledge of genetics to reduce the risk of extinction. Unfortunately, it has not received its deserved place in the biodiversity conservation efforts. This review is aimed at highlighting the need for the application of genetics in the conservation of natural resources and as well to assess the successes recorded so far while also identifying some challenges of conservation genetics. Non-invasive DNA sampling have been used to trace the origin of seized ivory tusk, detect hybridization, evaluate social structures in organisms, estimate population size and identify predator of kills. Poor adaptation of captive-bred endangered species when they are reintroduced to the wild, solving the problem of inbreeding and the high cost of conducting researches were identified as some of the challenges in the field of conservation genetics.
Internal and external morphometry of Thomas's rope squirrel (Funisciurusanerythrus) and Gambian Sun Squirrel (Heliosciurus Gambianus) In Ibadan, Nigeria
(University of Nigeria, Nsukka, 2020) Coker, O. M.; Jubril, A. J.; Isong, O. M.; Omonona, A. O.
Currently, no information exists regarding internal and external morphometrics and their correlations in Funisciurus anerythrus and Heliosciurus gambianus. Therefore, this study examined the relationships among the internal and external morphometrics of the two species in University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria. Samples of adult F. anerythrus (n = 20) and H. gambianus (n = 13) were trapped from the wild at various locations within the campus. Live weights (LW), external measurements and weights of internal organs were taken. Comparisons within and between both species were carried out using T-tests and Pearson's correlation coefficient at p<0.05. H. gambianus was significantly bigger than F. anerythrus for all the measured parameters, except in ear and snout lengths. Male F. anerythrus was significantly bigger than female in LW, body length (BL) and shoulder to tail length (STL) while, female H. gambianus was significantly bigger than male in trunk circumference (TC). In male F. anerythrus, BL significantly correlates with STL (r = 0.85). In female F. anerythrus, LW correlates significantly with hind limb length (r = 0.62) and both kidneys. In male H. gambianus, LW correlates significantly with head length (r = 0.79), tail length (r = 0.81), BL (r = 0.97), STL (r = 0.87), and the weights of lungs and kidneys. In female H. gambianus, LW correlates significantly with TC (r = 0.99) and right lung weight (r = 0.92). Both species show some levels of sexual dimorphism and substantial positive correlations among the external and internal measurements.
Introduced species and their effects on biodiversity conservation in Africa
(Nigeria Tropical Biology Association, 2016) Coker, O. M.
Exotic/Introduced species has been spread all over the world either deliberately or accidentally and have no doubt contributed both positively and negatively to human existence over the years. So many of these introduced species became invasive in their introduced range. Ecologically and economically, the impacts of introduced/invasive species pose a threat, not only on our biodiversity, but also on human existence itself. It will be a double disaster if man does not recognize this disaster and harness its resources in order to curtail the menace. Control of alien species has been recommended by both theoretical and field conservationists. However, in order to be able to control invasive species effectively, prevention of any other introduction must be effected. Keeping potentially damaging invaders out is the most cost-effective way to deal with introduced species. Targeting common pathways by which invaders reach our shores can slow or stop their entry. As important as the need for control of Introduced/invasive species is, care must be taken on how and which method(s) of control is used at a particular time and in a particular situation for a particular species, so as to prevent any complication as much as possible. The paper therefore highlights few examples of introduced species in Africa, their impact, as well as ways of controlling them.