DEPARTMENT OF WILDLIFE AND ECOTOURISM MANAGEMENT

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Start date: 2020End date: 2022

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    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.
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    Short note on observation of breeding activities of the lander horseshoe bat (Rhinolophus Landeri- martin, 1837) within an urban area in southwest, Nigeria
    (2022) Adeyanju, T. E.; Alarape. A.A
    This study made observations on breeding activities of the Lander Horseshoe bat in southwest, Nigeria. Bats were captured using mist nets placed in the ground storey at the University of Ibadan, southwest, Nigeria. Forty-two per cent of total R. landeri (n=14) captured in March, 2017 and between February-August, 2019 were breeding either pregnant or with pups. Though distribution of the species is believed to range nationwide, the last report on breeding activity was about forty-six years ago and with a data deficient status; this observation is the first record for the breeding activities of R. landeri on the southwest range of
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    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.
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    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.
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    Population abundance, density and diversity of antelope species in pandam wiildlife park, plateau state, Nigeria
    (2022) Gabriel, Y. O.; Abideen, A. A.
    Habitat loss and fragmentation are heating deep into conservation areas like Wildlife Parks and this has posed a serious threat to wildlife population abundance and diversity. The fluctuations in population of fauna species are dependent on the quality of the habitat. Therefore, the population abundance, density and diversity of antelope species were investigated. Line transects (2 km each) were laid 1km apart in: savannah woodland-SW (n=4), riparian forest -RF (n=3) and swamp land-SL (n=3). The line transect method was used to identify antelopes during wet (July-October) and dry (December-March) seasons (2017-2019). Simpson’s (D) and Shannon-Weiner (H’) indices were estimated for herbivores. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and ANOVA at α0.05. Four Antelopes were identified and Kobus kob was most dominant. Antelope abundance and mean population density increased from SL (18, 2.3) to SW (80, 10) and were higher in dry (70, 8.8) than wet (56, 7.0) season. Antelopes, highest D (0.7) and H’ (1.6) were in SW, while least were in SL (D= 0.6, H’= 1.2). The savannah woodland favoured the antelopes and had influence on their abundance and diversity. Antelope species were almost not found in other habitats due to human activities within the park. The anthropogenic activities are fast entering into the core area of the park. Hence, the park management should take strategic measures to curb this fast-rising challenges.
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    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.
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    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.
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    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.
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    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.
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    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.