DEPARTMENT OF WILDLIFE AND ECOTOURISM MANAGEMENT
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Item Welfare of animals in captivity: expose on diversity, enclosure size and enrichment, food and feeding regime in some zoos in south-west Nigeria(2021) Ajayi, O. O.; Alarape, A. A.This study assessed the diversity of animals with respect to the number and sex, IUCN status, husbandry practices vis a vis enclosure size and enrichment, food and feeding regime in three zoos located in southwest Nigeria, in order to offer an insight into the welfare of animals in captivity in Nigerian Zoos, as well as the practice of captive breeding and/or conservation roles of modern zoos. Two of the five freedoms were focused on namely freedom from hunger and thirst and freedom to express most normal behaviour. It was revealed that a total of thirty-six species of animals (131 individuals) belonging to 25 families, 15 orders, and 3 classes (Aves, Reptiles and Mammals), were presented and displayed in the zoos. These animals largely belong to least concern conservation status of IUCN. Thirty species were without mates and some were housed with members of same sex. Animals’ enclosure sizes are designed to accommodate the needs of each species of animal; and enclosure enrichments were largely provided. The sizes of enclosures were however extremely smaller than the standard minimum enclosure requirements of animals in captivity. Feeding and feeding regime was done and appropriated with considerations to what obtains in their wild habitat and the digestive system of the animals. It was concluded that freedom from hunger and thirst was ensured in all the zoos given adequate food and feeding regime but hampered in terms of freedom to express most normal behaviour.Item 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. PThe 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.Item “Salt lick potentials in Ecotourism Management of Borgu Sector”: Kainji Lake National Park, Nigeria(2020) Wahab, M.K.A,; Alarape, A. A.; Halidu, S. K.; .|| Idowu, I. A.Ecotourism is a form of tourism undertaken to view and / or encounter wildlife in a range of settings. One of such eco-destinations in which wildlife can be viewed is salt licks. The study was undertaken at Borgu sector of Kainji Lake National Park. Data collection was carried out using systematic random sampling for the selection of salt lick sites, direct and indirect fauna observation using transect lines to determine the level of site utilization. Secondary data from the park management and laboratory analysis of salt lick, soil samples to detect the mineral compositions and richness of the licks as relevant to ecotourism activities in the park was examined. Observation revealed that the iron concentration (a trace element) is high in salt lick 1 (332.33), while the lowest was recorded in salt lick 6 (36.36).It was also revealed that the content of calcium (a major element) is high in salt lick 1 (4.22), with the least recorded in salt lick 6 (0.40). It was perceived that salt lick 3 and 4 were least utilized during the dry seasons. It is important to know that the mineral content of salt lick sites can be a factor affecting its utilization by fauna resources. It was observed that, turn-out of tourists visiting the park fluctuates; as a result of anthropogenic activities and other limiting factors.The overall benefits derived from salt licks for wildlife health,majorly through herbivores are crucial in maintaining a healthy wildlife community for their reproduction and survival.