DEPARTMENT OF WILDLIFE AND ECOTOURISM MANAGEMENT
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Item Diversity and Distribution of Anomalures and Squirrels in Oban Hills of Nigeria(2022) James, K.O.; Emmanuel,T.I.; Abideen, A.A.; Saka,O.J.; Christian ,J.A.K.; Gautam, D.; Xiaofeng, L.The Congolian tropical forest represents the epicenter of biodiversity conservation and squirrel diversity in the Western and Central African region of sub-Saharan Africa. The scientific knowledge gap of squirr el species diversity,distribution and ecology of the region is limited. We investigated anomalure and squirrel richness and diversity in different land-use types in the Oban region, Nigeria between January 2010 and April 2013 to update species baseline information on squirrels. In total we recorded 495 individuals of seven species and six genera representing, Anomaluridae and Sciuridae families, were detected in the Oban Hills Region. The Anomaluridae family accounted for one genus and one species (Anomalurus beecrofti),while the Sciuridae family is represented by the Xerini and Protoxerini tribes in five genera (Funisciurus, Heliosciurus, Xerus, Paraxerus, and Protexerus). Encounter rates with five different species revealed that the Protoxerini tribe (FunisciurusanerythrusandHeliosciurusrufobrachium)werethemostfrequentlydetectedacrossallthe land-use types in the region. The high diversity of squirrels detected in the region could be a reflection of its recognition as a biodiversity hotspot. Also,closed-canopy cover had the highest diversity index and evenness recorded than farm fallow. Studies on population monitor in ecology and conservation help species- and site-specific conservation strategies in the region. We conclude that closed-canopy forest has high conservation value, and that management should be initiated where possible to alleviate threats to its continued functioning and effort must be directed towards ascertaining the ecology and biology of squirrel species for effective conservation strategies.Item Avian species abundance and habitat association in Makurdi metropolis, Benue State, Nigeria(2022) Gabriel, O.Y.; Abideen, A.A.; Adegoke, K.M.W.; Suurshater G.Appraisal of avian species, especially in urban areas, is paramount to determining the health of the environment. The research focused on the abundance, diversity, and habitat association of avian species within and around the new bridge in Makurdi metropolis, Benue State, Nigeria. The habitats selected were: Abattoir (Ab), Oxbow Lake (Ol), and Farmland (Fl). A line transect length of 100 m was laid (1 at Ab, 2 each at Ol and Fl). The line transect method was used to identify and estimate the abundance and diversity of birds (at 06:00–09:00 hrs and 15:00– 18:00 hrs) aided with binoculars for 2 consecutive days weekly in June–November 2021. The Textbook on Birds of West Africa was used for the identification of the species. The dataset was analyzed using descriptive statistics and diversity indices. The result revealed a total number of 23 species (4061 individuals) belonging to 15 families. Five species (41 individuals), 19 species (2,804 individuals), and 8 species (1,216 individuals) were recorded at Abattoir, Oxbowlake, and Farmland, respectively. Ploceus cucullatus (55.68%) was the most abundant species, while Accipitridae (12.5%) was the dominant family recorded. Variation in density varies across the habitat, with farmland (723.13) being the densest area. The diversity indices indicated that farmland (D: 0.668, H1: 1.571, and richness (2.267)) had a high value when compared to other habitats. Conservation and management of urban avian species should be encouraged to promote avi-tourism.Item 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.Item The Role of Traditional Laws and Taboos in Wildlife Conservation in the Oban Hill Sector of Cross River National Park (CRNP), Nigeria(2012) Saka, O.J.; Emmanuel, T.I.; Abideen, A.A.; Emeka, E. Obioha; Adesoji, A.A.Efforts to integrate rural people into biodiversity conservation through community-based conservation programs is an old tradition. These efforts were largely based on economic incentives, with little or no attention given to the role of culture and traditions in building support for conservation. Although these strategies are useful in promoting conservation and local empowerment, they are still fragile. Scholars suggest that incorporation of traditional values which reflect locally important cultural practices of the people into the management of conservation areas in Africa will help in their successful conservation. There is a strong need to assess cultural practices; traditional laws and taboos of the people in protected areas, and how they have assisted conservation in the past. To understand how such practices could be strengthened and incorporated into natural resources management and conservation strategies, there is a need to have a general overview of existing practices. The study analyzes the ways in which cultural practices and value systems of the people of Oban Sector of Cross River National Park Nigeria, have aided conservation in the past and how such practices can be encouraged, strengthened and replicated for sustainable natural resources management in the study area and possibly proposed for adoption elsewhere. Ten cultural institutions and seven laws and taboos which regulate the use of resources were recorded in the area. These laws and taboos were respected by all indigenes. Eleven animal species were found to be forbidden by the people. Some of the tabooed animals were for spiritual reasons while some were for medicinal purposes. Every community had sacred forests, called Mgbe forest (Eten Mgbe) The social organizations in the area ensured that these taboos are obeyed. Presence of other tribes, new religions/westernization, use of modern hunting equipments and poverty pose a threat to the effectiveness of these taboos as a conservation tool. Adaptation of some aspects of these taboos may be valuable for wildlife conservation, particularly in protected areas.Item 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.