Wildlife and Ecotourism Management
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Item Avian diversity and abundance in Finima nature park, Bonny Island, Rivers state, Nigeria(Faculty of Agriculture, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, 2021) Bunza, M. S.; Efenakpo, O. D.; Egbochie, C.; Uwatt, A.; Shittu, U. A.; Adeyanju, A. T.; Mukhtar, R. B.; Akupue, I. C.; Abubakar, B. B.Bird species indices for monitoring population trends and bird species habitat association in the Finima Nature Park (FNP) were assessed using line transect method. Nine transects of 2 km each, at an independent distance of 0.02 km were used for the study. Transects were surveyed over five days between 0600hrs and 1200hrs; 1400hrs and 1600hrs and opportunistically at night. All birds sighted or heard were recorded and identified to species with the aid of Helms field guide to birds of western Africa and collection of African bird calls. Bird species abundance, richness, diversity, evenness, and Sorenson’s index of similarity were deduced. A total of 1479 individuals belonging to 93 species and classified into 35 families were recorded. Pluvialis squatarola (20.89%) and Sternula balaenarum (13.52%) were the highest occurring birds. Ardeidae (9) and Scolopacidae (8) had the highest numbers of species represented at FNP. Among the birds sighted in the study, Necrosyrtes monachus is found to be Critically Endangered (CR); Sternula balaenarum to be Vulnerable (VU); and Numenius arquata is Near Threatened (NT). A periodic appraisal and protections for the migrant, resident birds, and their habitats is recommended.Item Species Richness and diest of bats from two sites in South-west, Nigeria(Department of Geography and Environmental Studies at Bahir Dar University in Ethiopia, 2018) Adeyanju, T. E.; Adeyanju, A. T.Information pertaining to bat species diversity, ecology and distribution is grossly inadequate and sparse. This study examines bat species richness and diets of some bats in two reserves in Nigeria. Bats were trapped using mist nets from 1800hrs to 2300hrs for 20 nights at each site. Faecal samples released by captured bats held in bags for 60mins were stored in 70% ethanol and carefully examined using a stereomicroscope with magnification strength of 20-40 times to examine the remnants and aid identification of prey. Habitat variables: tree density, number of snags, litter cover and canopy cover were measured and tested for varying effects on diversity of bats. A total of 149 individuals in 6 families and 22 species were trapped during the survey. More insectivorous bats were trapped at Omo forest reserve (12), in contrast, at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, only three insect bats were trapped. Mean bat diversity at IITA was higher in the plantation compared to the forest area (One-way ANOVA: F (13) = 6.51; P= 0.03; R2= 0.28). At OMFR, a reverse observation was observed, diversity of bat was higher in the forest compared to the plantation (One-Way ANOVA: F (14) = 1.54; P= 0.23; R2=0.24). Eleven insect orders were identified from analyzed faecal samples with the beetles (Coleoptera) showing the highest percentage prevalence and damselflies (Odonata) having the least prevalence. This would mean that the insect groups that possess larger proportions are not evenly digested as others which are available in low proportions.Item Conservation Implications of weed Management of Lake Reservoirs on wildbirds(Department of Geography and Environmental Studies at Bahir Dar University in Ethiopia, 2016) Adeyanju, A. T.; Kambai, C.Management of weeds around lake reservoirs is often implemented to reduce any possibility of siltation. However, machineries used in weed management have resulted in habitat degradation and geometrical multiplication of weeds by chopping rhizomes and scattering seeds. In general, the removal offers some feedbacks for wildlife around the lake which ought to be taken into account. We determined the effect of weed removal from a lake reservoir on wildbird activity and diversity using two transects 1.2 km each. Transects were subdivided into 'twelve' 200m sections using a GPS and variables taken into account were: wildbird species present; abundance; species activity; weed parameter ('zero' where cover was less than 10 percent of entire area, 'one' if extent of cover was less than 50 percent and 'two' if cover was greater than 50 percent). Complete removal of weeds significantly affected bird species abundance and richness. Comparison of this survey with previous data reveal that some species, such as Actophilornis africana African jacana have adapted to the removal of weeds while others such as the Gallinula chloropus Common moorhen, are now absent from the lake bank due to weed removal. Therefore, monitoring wildlife population to species holds great value for amplifying management decisions.Item Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) diversity and its implications for human and wildlife health and conservation – A review(2023) Coker, O. M.; Osaiyuwu, O. H.; Fatoki, A. O.It is clear that the global environment has changed and is still changing. The results of climate change, pollution, human use, and misuse of natural resources are tolling on humans and global biodiversity. The appropriate response(s) to these changes can be attributed to the efficacy of the immune system. The Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) has a key role in maintaining global biodiversity in the face of obvious threats. Genetic variation, especially those within MHC proteins has been known to influence the ability of individuals to cope with various pathogens. In this review, we reveal from empirical research, the diversities within the MHC in wildlife, highlight the importance of MHC to wildlife and human health, emphasize the need to conserve MHC diversity for adequate conservation, and open a discussion on whether the interplay between the MHC genes and disease resistance is a question of quantity or quality. For most jawed vertebrates, classical MHC genes are the most gene-dense and polymorphic. This polymorphism in the MHC genes can be explained by host-pathogen coevolution and provides an excellent tool for determining a population's or species' immunological fitness. Their variation is undoubtedly adaptively important, and there is strong evidence that pathogen-imposed balancing selection is the primary cause of its maintenance. Over the years, variants in the MHC have been reported as major risk factors for autoimmune and infectious diseases in humans and wildlife species of conservation concern. It has been observed that, though high diversity within the MHC proffers some protection for most natural populations, this seems not to be universal. The influence of this high diversity on the survival of natural populations should be further investigated. As the debate lingers, there is a dire need to protect the present diversity at the locus. This will definitely play a very important role in maintaining the health of both humans and animals and ensuring the conservation of biodiversity in response to the inevitable changes in our world.Item Morphometrics of two edible frog species [Crowned Bullfrog (Hoplobatrachus occipitalis), and Medine Grassland Frog (Ptychadena pumilio)] in Ibadan, Nigeria(Federal University Wukari, 2022) Coker, O. M.; Ogundare, A. D.Edible frog species are integral part of the economy as they are used as an alternative source of protein and are involved in international trade. Conservation efforts on them require information on their morphometry, which is scarce. Therefore, this study documents the preliminary morphometrics of two edible frog species [crowned bullfrog (Hoplobatrachus occipitalis), and medine grassland frog (Ptychadena pumilio)] in Ibadan, Nigeria. Twenty seven (27) live samples of adult H. occipitalis and Six (6) live samples of P. pumilio were used for this study. Live weights (LW) and 15 other external body measurement were taken. Means and standard deviations were computed. The T-tests and Pearson's correlation coefficients were conducted at p<0.05. The LW [52.14+39.58; 22.00+14.20] and Snout-vent length (SVL) [7.83±2.19; 7.00±2.00] in H. occipitalis were significantly higher than that of P. pumilio. The LW in H. occipitalis showed significant (p<0.05) positive correlations with all other measured parameters. In P. pumilio, the LW correlates significantly with SVL (r=0.94), head length (HL) (r=0.82), thigh length (THL) (r= 0.86), fore arm length (FLL) (r= 0.86), IOD (r=0.90), eye diameter (ED) (r=0.90) and tympanum diameter (TD) (r=0.90). The highest correlation coefficient (r=0.98) was found between the LW and SVL in H. occipitalis. These two parameters also had a high correlation coefficient (r=0.94) in P. pumilio. This study provides a preliminary data on the morphometrics of two edible frog species (Hoplobatrachus occipitalis and Ptychadena pumilio) in Ibadan, Nigeria. Molecular investigation of the species is recommended as it will further help in their management and conservation.Item 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.Item 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.