DEPARTMENT OF WILDLIFE AND ECOTOURISM MANAGEMENT

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An introduction to animal behaviour
(2003) Alarape, A.A.; Ayodele, A.I
APPRAISAL OF PRIVATE SECTOR INVESTMENTS IN ECOTOURISM INDUSTRY IN OGUN STATE, NIGERIA
(2013) LAWAL, M. S.
Ecotourism is a capital intensive industry that requires private sector participation to complement government’s efforts in its development. Information on private investments contributions to Ogun state ecotourism industries is scanty. This study was therefore carried out to appraise private sector investments in ecotourism in Ogun state with the view to ascertaining economic viability of investing in the industry. The twenty-eight registered private ecotourism firms (botanical garden, resort centre, zoological garden, wildlife souvenir and water recreation/natural pool) in Ogun state were enumerated. Purposive sampling was used for the selection of 65 hospitality firms (hotel, catering services and motel) within five to 10km radius of the firms. Primary data were obtained from relevant governmental and non-governmental agencies, community based and labour organisations using structured questionnaire on demography of investors (proprietors), existing government policies on tourism investments, factors militating against investments and promotions of private investments in ecotourism. Cost-Benefit Ratio (CBR), Net Present Value (NPV), Internal Rate of Return (IRR) and Rate of Return on Investments (RRI) were determined to assess the economic viability of investing in ecotourism site. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and chi square at p = 0.05. Private investments in ecotourism firms were in resort centres (39.2%), botanical gardens (17.4%), water recreation (26.1%), wildlife souvenir (13.1%) and zoological gardens (4.2%). Meanwhile, 36.9% of the private investors have been in the business for more than 10 years. Sources of capital for initial investments in ecotourism industry were bank loan (30.3%), personal savings (43.4%), government assisted (3.9%) and informal loans (22.4%). The patronage patterns of ecotourism sites in Ogun state were weekdays (8.6%), weekends (26.1%), public holiday (57.1%) and vacation/leave (8.2%). Initial total investments cost was between N 3,155,000 and N25, 012,000. The least average price charged visitor/tourist for services rendered by the firm were N200. Furthermore, 92.1% of investors were of the views that budgetary allocations to ecotourism industry are insufficient. However, 98.7% of the investors in ecotourism regarded electricity supply as epileptic whereas 82.9% considered the present condition of road facilities and network in Ogun state as bad. There was significant relationship between private investments and operational registration of business with government (χ² = 76.89), incentive for investors (χ² = 39.77) and marketing strategies/sales promotion (χ² = 28.37) in ecotourism industry. Private investments in ecotourism site in Ogun state had cost-benefit ratios between 1.14 and 1.80. The NPV was positive at 25.0% and 35.0% interest rates. The IRR was above the interest rates with minimum and maximum values of 57.2% and 137.4% respectively. The RRI was positive with highest return of 79.7% on interest rate of 25% except for one firm which had 23.6% returns. Existing private investments in ecotourism sites in Ogun state were economically viable but in a small scale. It is important that the state government aggressively improves on infrastructural development and budgetary allocations to ecotourism for rapid development of the industry.
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 Knowledge and Experience of Hunters on Natural Saltlicks of Old Oyo National Park
(2020) Adewale, R.O.; Alarape, A.A
Background: The impetus behind wildlife geophagy has not only remained a mystery but continued to gain scientists attention lately. To this day, lucking around natural saltlicks (NSs) for hunting or poaching on geophagic animals is not uncommon among hunters, especially in a protected area. Although, hunters’ reasons for doing so may seem obvious but their experience over the years had not only suffered neglect but also lack of documentation. Perhaps, understanding this experience may help unravel the geophagic impetus. This study therefore focused on the collection of information on the existing knowledge of hunter-wildlife-saltlick relationships in Old Oyo National Park (OONP). Materials and Methods: Data were collected by interviewing 18 respondents (3 workers of OONP and 15 hunters) using purposive, snow ball and convenient sampling techniques. Information gathered from the interview was subjected to thematic content analysis and was followed up by observation method. Result: The result revealed 36 locations (including Wawa, Ajaku, Ibuya, Toka, Olotaara, Olopekan, Odo koko, Ayinta, Eleekan, Ipade aaye, Alalegba, Agbon eerin, Igbo alata, Aladere, Tofolo e.t.c) that were thought to contain numerous NSs in the park. Apart from hunters and wildlife (like giant rat, kob, waterbuck, bushbuck, duiker, baboon) which directly utilize NSs, some members of the community (especially pregnant women of certain family) also utilize the NSs indirectly. Conclusion: Hunters have verse knowledge of NSs of OONP than have been envisaged and their experience is too important to be neglected. This suggests the importance of considering knowledge of members of the community for incorporation in formulating conservation policy for protected areas.
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.
ASSESSMENT OF THE ECOTOURISM POTENTIALS OF OSUN OSOGBO WORLD HERITAGE SITE OSUN STATE, NIGERIA
(2014) WAHAB, Munir, Karounwi, Adegoke.
Uncontrolled entry into World Heritage Sites (WHS) and other tourism sites may impact negatively on vegetation and wild animal populations, thereby reducing their potential for ecotourism development. Balanced site ecology and conducive socio-economic environment are germane to sustainable ecotourism development. Needed, information on these is not well documented for Osun Osogbo WHS. Therefore, some aspects of site ecology and socio-economic variables were investigated in Osun Osogbo WHS, Nigeria. The study was carried out using three sets of structured questionnaires, personal interview and field surveys. The sets of questionnaire were systematically administered on fifty local residents, randomly administered on 100 tourists and 60% of the WHS staff (50), respectively. Information was obtained on wildlife resources, tourism potentials, managerial challenges and administrative approaches. Within the three vegetation zones in the site: Dry High Forest (DHF), Dry Savanna Forest (DSF) and Riparian Forest (RF), samples of water were taken and nutrient agars were used to isolate their pathogens. Also, three sample plots (30mx30m) were laid in each zone for vegetation survey to determine Diameter at Breast Height (DBH), Basal Area (BA) and volume of trees. Point count and Rodger's methods were used to enumerate birds and terrestrial wildlife, respectively. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, chi-square and ANOVA at α0.05. Anthropogenic activities identified within the site were farming (37.3%), firewood and medicinal plants collection (20.9%), illegal grazing (17.1%), poaching (10.5%), fishing (9.2%) and crafting (5.0%). In order of importance, income (32.0%), literacy level (26.5%) and tourist’s interest in culture (23.5%) were perceived to impact tourism in the WHS. The modal age group of tourists was 10-20years (40.5%). Tourist's visitation to WHS was found to be dependent on their age (χ2 = 12.97; df = 4; α0.01). Tourists population was observed to fluctuate between 38,000 in 2006 and 63,000 in 2010, while internally generated revenue recorded during these period was between N120, 000:00 and N250, 000:00. Bacteria isolated from the water included: Escherichia coli (8xl04cfu/mL), Salmonella sp. (7.5xl04 cfu/mL), Staphylococus sp. (5.5xl04 cfu/mL), Vibro cholera (7.5xl04 cfu/mL) and Shigella sp. (3xl04 cfu/mL). Absolute density of woody plants was 187 trees/ha. Cola milleni had the highest (18.71/ha) density on the site, while Antiaris toxicaria, Anthodeista dyalonensis, Funtumia elastica and Milicia excelsa had the least with 0.53/ha each. The BA in DHF, DSF and RF were 0.75±1.9m2, 0.82±3.1m2 and 0.15±0.3m2 respectively. Tree volume in DHF (0.92±2.0) m3, DSF (0.41±1.12) m3 and RF (0.13±0.28) m3 were significantly different. The DBH in DHF (22.42±21.6), DS (20.47±25.44) and RF (11.64±7.3) were also significantly different. The study area was covered by luxuriant vegetation types and was mainly inhabited by white throated monkey (Cercopithecus erythrogaster). Sixteen reptiles, 13 avians and 20 other wildlife species were identified in the site with the white throated monkey (Cercopithecus erythrogaster) being the most sighted wild animal. Osun Osogbo world heritage site has high potential for ecotourism development. There was evidence of inadequate management and human pressure. Habitat improvement, enhanced site protection and public awareness campaign were therefore recommended.
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.
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.
Baseline ecological survey of the proposed permanent site of Emmanuel University, Ibadan
(2006) Emmanuel, U.I
Behaviour of antelopes around perenialwaterholes in Kainji lake national park (KLNP),Nigeria
(2013) Halidu S.K; Ayodele A.I; Oyeleye D.O; Ojo S.O.; Alarape A.A.
Mammals spend more time around available water points especially during the dry season. This makes waterholes strategic spots for close observation of animals behavior. This study assessed the seasonal distribution of selected antelopes (Hippotragus equinus , Kobus kob, and Silvicapral grimmia) in KLNP, with a view to examining their daily activities and common behaviors . The study involved direct observation and identification of the selected antelopes around three perennial waterholes (Rivers Kpesa, Nanon and Oli) 10 - 24 km apart, from high hides. The indirect method on the other hand involved establishment of three 10m2 quadrants in each of the three study waterholes for observation of the Antelopes activities and interactions. This was done from 6am 6pm for six consecutive days monthly from July, 2011 to June, 2013. Data obtained were analyzed using descriptive statistics. From the study, Kobus kob had the highest percentage of observation in the study area (62.8%) followed by Hipptragus equinus (20.4%) and silvicapral grimmia (16.8%). The average herd size was 9 for Kobus kob, 5 for Hipptragus equinus and 1 for Silvicapral grimmia. Animals in herds stay longer at the waterhole than the solitary duiker. Peak periods for maximum observation of antelopes around the water holes are 8.00-10.00hrs and 16.00-18.00hrs for Kobus kob and Silvicapral grimmia while that of Hippotragus equinus is 11.00-13.00hrs of the day. . Understanding of basic behavioral pattern of mammals will contribute in no small way to their effective management. A good timing of game viewing will increase the chances of antelope encounter in shortest period of tour.
Biodiversity conservation & National Development: Potentials and Challenges
(2018) Gabriel S. U.; Folaranmi A.B.; Edem A.E.
BITUMEN SEEPAGE AND ITS EFFECTS ON BIODIVERSITY IN ONDO STATE, NIGERIA
(2013) OGUNSUSI, KAYODE
Biodiversity enhances capacity of ecosystems to provide food resources and sequestration services of pollutants in soil and water. Bitumen seepage could impact negatively on soil and vegetation, thereby reducing their value. Information on the impact of bitumen seepage on the abundance of biodiversity in Nigeria is scanty. In this study, effects of bitumen seepage on biodiversity were therefore investigated. The study was conducted in bitumen belt of Ondo state for three years, with and without evidence of bitumen seepage in Ode-Irele and Ebute-Irele respectively. Composite samples of soil and foliar tissues of six most commonly occurring plants: Panicum laxum, Panicum maximum, Lycopodium cernuum, Calopogonium mucunoides, Pteridium aquilinium and Centrosema molle were collected from experimental sites and analysed for presence of heavy metals (copper, zinc, lead, chromium, cadmium, nickel and arsenic) using standard procedure. Water samples at depth of 30 cm midstream were collected for physicochemical analysis: (sulphate, Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) and turbidity analysis) using standard methods. Vegetation cover was sampled using 5m x 5m sample plots for trees ( ≥10 cm diameter at breast height) and shrubs, while 1m x 1m sub-plot was used for herbs. Point count and line transect methods were used to enumerate birds and other wild animals respectively. Flora and fauna diversities on experimental sites in wet and dry seasons were assessed using Shannon-Wiener (H1) and Simpson (D) indices. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and t-test at p=0.05. In soil, significantly lower values of copper (139.6 ± 73.8mg/kg) and zinc (219.7 ± 106.1mg/kg) were in polluted sites compared with values in control. In foliar tissues, higher levels of lead (4.0 ± 0.8mg/kg); chromium (11.9 ± 1.9mg/kg); cadmium (2.2 ± 3.4mg/kg); nickel (21.2 ± 3.0mg/kg); and arsenic (0.4 ± 0.3mg/kg) were average values found in combinations of all the plants considered namely P. laxum, P. maximum, L. cernuum, C. mucunoides, P. aquilinium and C. molle in seepage sites compared with values in control. Water on seepage site had significantly higher values of sulphate (6.0 ± 0.8mg/L), COD (553.6 ± 343.7mg/L), and turbidity (19.3 ± 12.0 NTU) than those in control. Number of different species of shrubs (797.0 ± 198.6/ha), herbs (29999.9 ± 5798.8/ha), birds (14.2 ± 9.3/ha), and terrestrial wildlife (60.3 ± 11.6/ha) in seepage site were significantly lower than that in control [(2799.8 ± 1195.9/ha), (69977.8 ± 18298.9/ha), (49.6 ± 15.6/ha) and (140.3±32.6/ha) respectively]. Raphia longiflora (H1=0.33, D=0.01), Chromolaena odorata (H1=0.52, D=0.05), Ageratum conyzoides (H1=0.44, D=0.02), Cinnamopteryx castaneofuscus (H1=0.56, D=0.06) and Achatina spp (H1=0.68, D=0.18) had highest abundance in the study area. Seasonal abundance of herbs (541,666.7 ± 409899.9/ha), birds (166.4 ± 60.4/ha), and other wild animals (336.7 ± 223.9/ha) on experimental sites in wet season was significantly higher than that of dry season. At the end of the three years study, heavy metals in plants and pollutants in water were high in bitumen seepage area. There were declines in diversities of birds, other wild animals and flora caused by bitumen seepage.
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.
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.
Butterfly spices diversity and abundance in university of Ibadan botanical garden, Nigeria
(2015) Abideen, A.A.; James, K.O.; Georgina, S.M.
Understanding the significance of butterflies in an ecosystem as an environmental healthy indicator and pollination of flowering plants is crucial to achieving sustainability and conservation of floral diversity. The aim of the study was to investigate the butterfly species diversity and abundance and compare the relationship between physical factor and butterfly species. Line transect were used to survey three habitats around botanical garden with scooped-net between June and July, 2010. Diversity varied from habitat to habitat. A checklist was made comprising a total of 57 butterfly species that were surveyed belonging to 9 families. There was a relationship between temperature and butterfly species diversity and abundance. There was no correlation between physical factors (relative humidity and temperature) and the total number of species and families. Moreover, butterfly numbers were not related to relative humidity in any species and family. However, temperature was significantly correlated with species. Therefore, understanding of the factors that affect butterfly species diversity and abundance in University of Ibadan Botanical Garden is important for conservation.
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.
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.
Ecotourism Potentials of Plateau State, Nigeria: A Monitoring Survey
(2011) Ijeomah, H.M.; Abideen, A.A.; Augustine, U.O.
Endowment with natural attractive features is one of the important indicators of a successful development of ecotourism, as simulation of ecotourism potentials can signiﬁcantly affect patronage by making experience unnatural. This survey was conducted using oral interviews, group discussions, a reconnaissance survey and information obtained from administrative records of ecotourism institutions. The results obtained were analysed using descriptive statistics and presented in the form of tables and a graph. The study revealed that Plateau State is endowed with potential packaged in many tourism centres, such as Pandam Wildlife Park, Jos Wildlife Park, Jos National Museum and Zoo, Wase Wildlife Park, Assop Falls, Naraguta Tourist Village, Rayﬁeld Resort, Pai River Game Reserve and Amurun Bird Sanctuary, and these are stocked with different tourism products. Some of the products include viewing game, wilderness tourism, bird watching, ﬁshing, and recreational and cultural tourism. On an annual basis, the Jos National Museum and Zoo recorded the highest number of tourists, about 300,000 in 2003, 2004 and 2007. A cumulative 424,252 tourists visited the surveyed ecotourism destinations of Plateau State in 2004, while 112,648 visited in 1998. December had a relatively high number of tourists throughout the period of the study. There was a progressive increase in the cumulative number of ecotourists from 1998 to 2004. These tourism potentials, if properly and fully harnessed, could make Plateau State and the various tourism centres ﬁnancially independent.
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.