Analyses of Threats on Managements, Rangers and Ranges in Old Oyo National Park as a Tourism Destination, Oyo State, Nigeria

This study was conducted in Old Oyo National Park, Oyo State to assess the local community perception and reaction to the non-utilization of natural resources. Ninety-four questionnaires were administered to obtain information from the local community. Data obtained were analyzed using descriptive statistic such as frequency, percentage, mean, etc. Also chi square analysis was used to determine the relationship between the respondent’s demographic characteristics and their awareness of the rules and regulations of the park. The result shows that majority of the respondents were male (70%) while 24% were female. In terms of the age group, majority of the respondents were between 26-35 (36.2%) and 36-45 (28.7%) age group. Over half of the respondents (57.4%) had secondary education and 75.5% were married. The predominant occupations of the respondents were farming (42.6%) and hunting (21.3%). Some of the respondents (41.5%) agreed that the rules and regulations of the park were strict. Majority of the respondents strongly disagreed to the non-utilization of natural resources in Old Oyo National Park. By restricting access to these park resources, the people feel denied and as such majority (54.3%) of the respondents are non-compliant to the rules and regulations of the park. For adequate protection of the park, there is need to allow the local people to utilize certain resources of the park such as water, grass for roofing and vegetable. This will encourage the local people to protect the natural resources.

This study assessed the level of community awareness and participation in ecotourism in Old Oyo National Park, Nigeria. Data were collected in communities located in four ranges (i.e. administrative and protection zones) of Old Oyo National Park, Oyo State, Southwest Nigeria. The ranges are Tede, Marguba, Sepeteri, and Oyo-Ile. Seven (7) communities out of 27 that are in Tede range were selected, eight (8) were selected from 12 communities in Marguba range, eight (8) were selected from 17 communities in Sepeteri range while eight (8) were selected from 30 communities in Oyo Ile range. The study was a questionnaire survey involving 150 respondents that were randomly selected from communities in the four (4) ranges of the Park. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, one way analysis of variance (ANOVA) with Tukey’s HSD, t-test and logistic regression. Results revealed that 48% of the respondents were aware of ecotourism while 52% were not. Also, 46% participated in ecotourism while 54% did not participate. A relationship exists between ecotourism awareness and participation (p<0.01). Community type (p<0.01) was the only predictor of community awareness of ecotourism while community type (p<0.01) and awareness (p<0.01) were the predictors of participation in ecotourism in the park. Awareness, active involvement of communities in stakeholder meetings, decision-making and provision of start-up capital are important for ecotourism development in the park.

The study assessed causes and impacts of conflicts on biodiversitymanagement in Old Oyo National Park (OONP), Nigeria. Ten villages out ofabout 41 villages sited within 10km radius around OONP were randomlyselected for wildlife assessment. A total of 100 questionnaire wereadministered to the villagers while 40 questionnaire were administered toPark Staff. Oral interview was also conducted. Secondary data was collectedfrom relevant records and documents on the park. Data collected weresubjected to inferential and descriptive statistics. Result shows that amongother demographic factors tested against the causes of conflict in the park,education status and occupation show significant differences (P

Tsetse fly infestation in national parks is a major health risk to both the wildlife and tourists coming to sub-Saharan Africa. However, information on distribution and diversity of tsetse flies and trypanosome infection rate in Protected Areas like Old Oyo National Park in south-west Nigeria is largely unknown. Thus, the study evaluates distribution and diversity of tsetse flies in Magurba Range of Old Oyo National Park. Twelve Nzi traps were set at 50 m equidistance to capture Glossina species for a period of six months between February and August, 2019, considering both the altitudinal and ecological significance. A total of 136 tsetse flies belonging to four species; G. palpalis, G. tachinoides, G. morsitans and G. fusca; were captured. More Glossina species were captured during dry season 77.9% (70.0-84.6) than the wet season 22.1% (15.4-30.0). There was significant difference (p = 0.0001; x2 = 84.9; OR = 12.5) between the proportion of Glossina species captured at the riverine areas (106; 77.9%) and the woodland/forest areas (30; 22.1%). Glossina captured at ground level and 30 cm above ground were 71 (52.2 %) and 65 (47.8%) respectively. The overall prevalence of trypanosome infection (2.94%) was observed for Glossina spp. The presence of infected Glossina spp. indicated an urgent need to establish a concise strategic vector control in National Parks, in order to reduce the risk of transmission to both wildlife and humans in the area. The park is frequently visited by tourists, rangers, researchers and students for educational purposes.
 Keywords: Glossina spp.; Trypanosoma spp.; vector distribution; Old Oyo National Park

This study was carried out in some selected communities nearer to natural resources and protected areas in Oyo State. These are Sepeteri and Igboho that shared boundaries with Old Oyo National Park; Asejire and Oranyan markets nearer to Olokemeji forest via Ibadan. The activities considered are general information on occupation, income generation, cooperatives, association, societies, and general awareness with respect to wildlife in natural protected areas. The study revealed that there are significant (P 0.05) to resource utilization; and there are strong awareness (76%) about wildlife protection among women in the state. It was therefore deduced from the aforementioned that women involvement in wildlife conservation, and their contribution to the development has useful impact in terms of culture, norms, occupation, awareness, and organizational structure of the communities considered. In conclusion, it was suggested that government should involve community women in rural community participation, provide infrastructural facilities and set up awareness programme which would convince them to use natural resources justifiably. Key words: Natural resources, wildlife, development, women, conservation. [JEXT Vol.3 2002: 59-63]

Soil contamination by heavy metals is a major environmental concern eliciting from both natural and anthropogenic factors, with the potential to disrupt the delicate balance of physical, chemical and biological processes which soil fertility and structure depends upon. The study therefore investigated the heavy metals levels and degree of contamination of soils sampl ed from three purposively-selected ranges (Oyo-Ile, Marguba, Tede) of Old Oyo National Park, Nigeria. Surface soil samples (0 -15 cm) were randomly collected along chosen topographical catenae for four seasons with the aid of a soil auger. The samples were analysed for copper, zinc, lead, nickel, cadmium, chromium, iron and manganese using standard methods. Data collected were subjected to descriptive and inferential (ANOVA) statistics using SPSS v.20 with statistical significance set at α0.05. The result of the mean concentration of the heavy metals showed that only cadmium was higher than the permissible limit. The ANOVA result showed that there were significant differences in the concentrations of all the analysed heavy metals except Ni (P=0.123) across the seasons of sampling. The quantitative indices used to assess the degree of heavy metal contamination showed that the studied soils had moderate degree of contamination while soil contamination was observed more during the wet season. This study observed cadmium toxicity as well as moderate degree of soil heavy metal contamination in Old Oyo National Park. There is need for continuous assessment of soil quality in Old Oyo National Park as a means of ensuring good ecological health.

Information Communication Technology has become significant to the development and growth of modern tourism. This study aimed to examine the knowledge and use of information and communication at Old Oyo National Park, Ikogosi Warm Spring Resort and Lacampagne Tropicana by using structured questionnaire directed at fifty percent of the total members of staff at the sites. Data indicated that majority of the staff at Old Oyo National Park (82.9%), Ikogosi Warm Spring Resort (95%) and Lacampagne Tropicana (88.9%) were knowledgeable about the use of information and communication technology especially the use of internet and social media. The staff were also a little competent with the use of Information and Communication Technology at Old Oyo National Park (45.7%), Ikogosi Warm Spring Resort (50%) and Lacampagne Tropicana staff (44.4%). Furthermore, the socio-demographic characteristics of the staff has a significant relationship with their knowledge on the existence of Information Communication Technology at the sites. The management need to organize proper trainings for the staff on the use of Information and Communication Technology so as to improve satisfaction of tourists.

The natural radioactivity in the soils ofselected tourist centres in Southwest Nigeria was determined using gamma-ray spectrometer comprising a 3” x 3”Nal(TI) detector coupled to a Camberra series 10 MCA. Twenty(20) soil samples were collected from the five tourist centres. Four soil samples each were collected from Idanre hills (ID) in OndoState, Ikogosi warmspring (IKG) in EkitiState, Erin-Ijesha (EI) waterfall in OsunState, Olumo rock (OL) in OgunState,and Old Oyo National Park (OONP) in Oyo State. The Activity Concentrations (AC) were measured in Bqkg -1 . The AC at ID ranged from below detection limit (BDL) to 41.93±4.74 for 226 Ra, BDL to 49.37±2.90 for 232 Th, and 643.27±33.36 to 2040.16±104.33 for 40 K with respective mean values of 17.55±2.01, 23.61±1.86, and 1221.90±62.9. At IKG, AC ranged from BDL to 70.43±7.76 for 226 Ra and 75.25±3.94 to 550.16±28.69 for 40 K with mean values of44.51±4.94 and 255.14±13.38 respectively while 232 Th was BDL. At EI, AC ranged from BDL to 35.32±4.18 for 226 Ra, 139.60±7.37 to 452.71±23.60 for 40 K with mean values of 10.64±0.94 and 285.55±8.81 respectively while 232 Th was BDL. At OL, AC ranged fromBDL to 87.78±10.47 for 226 Ra, 3.95±0.23 to 84.08±4.99 for 232 Th, and 528.49±27.68 to 2159.01±112.85 for 40 K with mean values of 21.94±2.57, 52.66±10.34 and 1533.63±79.82respectively. For OONP, AC ranged from BDL to 72.66±7.72 for 226 Ra, and 247.04±13.12 to 611.10±32.05 for 40 K with mean values of 22.11±2.40 and 450.93±23.33 respectively while 232 Th was BDL.The maximum and minimum Absorbed dose rate meanvalues were foundto be 111.40±10.74 in OL and 16.82±1.19 nGyh -1 in EI respectively while that of the outdoor Annual Effective Dose and the Radium equivalent values for all the study centreswere also estimated and comapared to the world limits.

Assessment of the habitat management practices was investigated for four months to identify the various management strategies and threats affecting ungulates in Old Oyo National Park. The methods used for the study are observation techniques and questionnaire administration and data were analyzed descriptively. Results showed that four management practices (annual burning, anti poaching patrol, conservation awareness/education and boundary assessment/ surveillance) are in place for animals in Old Oyo National Park and they are not animal specific. Ungulates presently encountered in the study area are seven, Kob; Waterbuck; Bushbuck; Roan antelope, Oribi; Buffalo and Duikers. The threats to the Park vary in intensity among the ranges but the ones common to all the ranges of the Park are grazing, hunting and honey tapping. Mining is a major threat in Oyo ile range, while fishing with chemical is practiced in Sepeteri range; these threats have direct effects on the animals. Suggestion was made on the need to intensify anti-poaching patrol and conservation awareness to curb the level of encroachment into the Park. Key Words: Park management, habitat, ungulates, conservation

Survival of wildlife in protected areas is dependent on innate attributes and response of vegetation to climate change. Piliostigma thonningii holds promise for wildlife conservation in Old Oyo National Park, but its population is threatened by physical dormancy. There is dearth of information on long-term benefits of its seed pretreatment and early growth response to nitrogen fertilizer. This study assessed effects of acid scarification on germination and early growth of P. thonningii under different nitrogen application rates. Seeds harvested from three purposively selected seasonal wetlands in Old Oyo National Park (OONP) were treated with 1N H2SO4 at durations ranging from 0 – 120 minutes in three replicates. Germinated seeds were enumerated over a 14-day period. Top soils from the wetlands were randomly sampled using soil auger in three replicates for physical and chemical analyses, and for early growth study with Urea fertilizer at rates 0, 50 and 100 kg/ha in experimental pots in completely randomized design. Growth and dry matter were assessed using ANOVA at P.05. Germination commenced in control treatments at 14 days after plating (DAP) and was low (13.3%). Germination progressively increased in acid treatment. At 5 DAP for soaking for 30 minutes gave 46.67%; while it was 96.67% at 40 minutes at 14 DAP. Higher soaking times gave 100% germination by 14 DAP, but with low growth vigor. The response of P. thonningii to Urea application was significantly higher in number of leaves at 12 weeks than in other rates. Other growth parameters are not significantly different at all rates. The biomass yield of P. thonningii was 1.98 g ±0.21and 2.6 g ±0.36 root and shoot dry weights at 6 weeks after sowing (WAS); and 7.3 g ±0.04 root and 6.4 g ±0.95 shoot dry weights at 12 WAS. Piliostigma thonningii can restore and improve wildlife abundance to mitigate climate change effects in the Park.

Dipteran flies play significant role in disease transmission to human, domestic and wild animals. The distribution and diversity of dipteran flies of medical and veterinary importance in Old Oyo national park and its significant importance were assessed in relation to altitude and ecology. Twelve Nzi traps were set at 50 m equidistance to capture dipteran flies between February and August 2019. A total of 1529 dipteran flies belonging to five families were captured. More dipteran flies (64.9%) were trapped during the dry season than wet season (35.1%) (X2 = 270.8; P < 0.0001; OR = 3.41). Of the total flies caught, 289 representing 18.9% were identified as haematophagus flies. Differences in the total haematophagus fly 2 abundance was not significant across the altitudinal levels (X2 = 0.432; P = 0.511; OR = 1.13). The relative apparent density (RAD) of 0.47, 0.22, 0.13, 0.09, 0.07 and 0.03 (flies/trap/day) was observed in Glossina, Hippobosca, Tabanus, Haematopota, Chrysops, Ancala and, respectively. The diversity index of 0.55 and 0.76 were determined for Glossina spp. and Tabanids respectively. The non-blood sucking flies in order of abundance are Musca domestica (43.6%), Fanniacanicularis (41.9%), Chrysomyia bezziana (8.9%), Lucilia sericata (5.6%). If the value-chain of ecotourism is to be promoted in the park, vector-borne arthropods need to be controlled through the use of integrated methods.
 Keywords: Ecological survey, haematophagus flies, Old Oyo national Park, RAD

This study assessed the biodiversity laws and policies in Protected Areas, using Cross River Na- tional Park, Kainji Lake National Park and Old Oyo National in Nigeria as case study. The problems emanating from such policies and legislation were identified and integrated approach in the conservation of the nation’s biodiversity was investigated. The results revealed that the present law (Decree 46 of 1999) operating to conserve wildlife resources in the Protected Areas is weak and endangered species Decree of 1985 have limited ope- rational coverage. The rate of arrest and aggregate of fine in Kainji Lake National Park (KLNP) increased from 172 people arrested in 1991 to 229 people in 2001, with aggregate increase in fine from N31,800 to N1.5million. In Old Oyo National Park (OONP) there was no record of arrest in 1991 until the year 1998 when the rate of arrest increased to peak (65 people) with ag- gregate fine of N74,300. Cross River National Park (CRNP) also witnessed no rate of arrest until 1994 when 3 offenders were first recorded. The implementation of the decree in area of appre- hension of offenders is totally weak in CRNP. The response of local people towards government policies in CRNP was poor in all the highlighted conditions except for tourism possibilities and International Organization assistance. While in other two National Parks (KLNP and OONP), the respondents supported conditions and policies implementation. In general, the people response towards government policies in all the study areas was significant (P<0,01). It was concluded that the protection staff should be more enhanced and various facilities needed should be considered for their live insurance. Encouragement should be given to community participation, traditional practices, customs, and taboos that are in consonance with the ethics of conservation.

This study sheds light on visitors’ preferences in Old Oyo National Park (Nigeria) and how these preferences contributed to their travel experience. A total of 120 visitors were reached via convenience sampling employing questionnaire administration. Their preferences were measured with the aid of a Likert scale and choice cards. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics and conditional logit specification for inferential statistics. The results revealed that entrance fees, availability of affordable chalet accommodation, wildlife viewing opportunities and visits to the relics of the old city wall of Oyo Ile were the significant site predictors of choosing the park as a preferred tourist destination. Easy access within the park and good staff courtesies also had high means of 4.21 and 4.16 respectively, demonstrating site features and hospitality services rendered lends credence to visitor decision on destination choice. The park management needs to continually research on attractions and make efforts at improving such to entice repeat visits. Keywords: Old Oyo National Park, Hospitality Services, Visitor Preferences, Site Features, Experiences

This paper describes the conceptualization of Old Oyo National Park seeking an intervention for improve collaboration and communication internally across functional and departmental boundaries through the use of ICT. Eighteen natural and cultural heritage resources of ecotourism values were indentified in the Park, in addition to the nine art and craft practiced in these communities and eight annual cultural events. A detail assessment of the level of development of the cultural and natural features in the Old Oyo National Park was carried out based on the three component of tourist destination, viz; attraction, amenities and accessibility. The gridded map of the locations of these ecotourism features was also presented. An e-tourism designed for the park has the basic component of catalog of product, shopping cart, and check out, payment gateway (payment processing network), customer account, internet merchant account and business account. Customers can browse the catalog of tourism product and shops cart it. The gateway component accepts credit card details and sends to the payment gateway for authorization on the premise of adequate security using the SSL primitives. Funds are reserved into the customer account and later transfer to merchant account, and then to the business account of the park.

The human - wildlife relationship within the boundary zone of protected biodiversity conserved areas has led to different forms of conflicts. The study undertaken in the Old Oyo National park (Nigeria) support zone areas was aimed at evaluating and determining the level of damage, and the economics loss to farmers due to a human-wildlife conflict. The research identified the locals’ attitude to wildlife conservation management and proposed a mitigating strategy for human interaction with the wildlife. Data were collected by the combination of social survey methods which involved participatory techniques such as on-site field observation, a household survey questionnaire (n =120), a key informant interview, and focus group discussions. Data were presented using a descriptive statistical test to extract information on the socio-economic conditions, including major conflicting animals, crop loss, main season of conflict, and also about the local techniques to mitigate the Human-Wildlife Conflict, the perceptions and attitudes of local people towards the effectiveness of mitigation approaches. Results revealed that the proximity of farmland to the national park is a factor determining the damage caused by the wild animals. It has also revealed that local peoples’ attitude to wildlife conservation was positive. Nevertheless, as far as farm produce was destroyed, more than 50% of the respondents expressed dissatisfaction with the park management efforts and its conflict resolution strategy. We have suggested that the meaningful involvement of the local community in the conservation administration from bottom to top levels, including an awareness campaign program will contribute towards a reduction of conflicts. The outcomes of the study will assist in changing the perceptions towards conservation in relation to the human development in the communities surrounding the protected areas. Keywords: buffer zone, crop destruction, human-wildlife interaction, habitat, management