Thryonomys Research Articles

Ultrastructural Studies of Acrosomal Formation in the Testis of Male Greater Cane Rat (Thryonomys swinderianus).

Purpose:In furthering the understanding of the process of spermatogenesis in the greater cane rat, this study describes the ultrastructural spermiogenic transformation and acrosomal formation in the testes of this hystricomorphic rodent that is currently undergoing domestication in parts of West Africa.Materials and Methods:Testicular samples were obtained from ten sexually mature cane rats that were perfused-fixed using Karnovsky's fixative (phosphate buffered 2% paraformaldehyde – 2.5% glutaraldehyde fixative at pH 7.4). The samples were processed for ultrastructural analysis and examined under the transmission electron microscope.Results:The testes of the cane rat showed uniqueness in its cellular associations and the ultrastructure of the spermatogenic cells especially in the formation of the acrosome. The spermatid differentiation and acrosomal formation occurred in 12 steps with the first three steps being the Golgi phase and the next three steps making up the cap phase. While the three steps that follow constitute the acrosomal phase, the last 3 steps make up the maturation phase. At the cap and acrosomal phases, the entire acrosomal system comprising the vesicle and granule covers the head of the spermatids with no clear indentation of the nuclear surface by the formed acrosome. Furthermore, elongated spermatids at the maturation phase contained abundance of nuclear vacuoles.Conclusion:This work has not only provided information that will further the understanding of spermatogenesis but also aid the understanding of acrosomal reaction in the reproduction of the greater cane rat.

WITHDRAWN: Ultrastructural studies of Acrosomal formation in the testis of male greater cane rat (Thryonomys swinderianus)

Purpose In furthering the understanding of the process of spermatogenesis in the greater cane rat, this study describes the ultrastructural spermiogenic transformation and acrosomal formation in the testes of this hystricomorphic rodent that is currently undergoing domestication in parts of West Africa.

Prevalence and renal pathology of pathogenic Leptospira spp. in wildlife in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria.

There is paucity of information on the prevalence of leptospirosis in wildlife in Nigeria. This study investigated the prevalence and renal pathology of leptospirosis in wild animals in Southwest Nigeria. One hundred and five kidney samples were examined from 10 different wildlife species (antelope) greater cane rat (GCR), hare, African giant rat (AGR), tree hyrax, civet cat, monitor lizard, python, bushbuck and partridge) using a combination of Ellinghausen McCullough Johnson Harris (EMJH) medium, microscopic agglutination test (MAT), Warthin–Starry silver stain (WSss) and immunohistochemistry. Chi-square test was used with confidence level set at 0.05 to ascertain associations between positive cases and sex and species. Eighty-two (78.1%) samples were culturally positive, while 67.7% (63/93), 57.0% (16/28) and 66.7% (8/12) were WSss, MAT and immunohistochemically positive, respectively. Interstitial nephritis (41.0%) and tubular nephrosis (81.0%) were the most prominent histopathological changes. Pathogenic Leptospira organisms were highest in GCR (32.1%) and antelope (14.3%). Serovars hardjo (11.54%), bratislava (3.9%), canicola (3.9%), icterohaemorrhagiae (15.4%), pomona (7.14%) gripptotyphosa (19.2%) and undetermined isolates were also detected in other animals. The result showed high prevalence of Leptospira infection in the wild and the possibility of domestic animals and humans contracting the disease. This study is the first documentation of evidence of pathogenic Leptospira species in wildlife in Nigeria.

Ultrastructure of the Parotid Salivary Gland in the Greater Cane Rats (Thryonomys Swinderianus).

The parotid glands of adult male African greater cane rat (Thryonomys swinderianus) were examined by light microscopy (semi-thin sections) and transmission electron microscopy. Histologically, it consisted of acinar cells with vacuoles which corresponded to large oval electron-dense granules, intercalated, striated ducts, and myoepithelial cells which contacted the cells and intercalated ducts (IDs). The cytoplasmic organizations of acinar cells represented the features of serous secreting cells. Ultrastructurally, the acinar cells contained granules of low and moderately electron densities without substructures in their matrix. Lipid droplets were interspersed with the granules. Several coalesced low electron-dense granules were common in some of the acinar cells. The acinar cells also contained few dilated (vesicular) and abundant parallel arrays of tubular rough endoplasmic reticulum and extensive Golgi complex. IDs were lined by tall cuboidal cells interconnected by tight junctions. Secretory granules were absent in their cytoplasm. Striated ducts were composed of columnar cells with few basal cells, and secretory granules were absent as well. Apical blebbing was observed in these ducts. Myoepithelial cells were limited to the acinar-intercalated ductal system. Nerve terminals were observed among the adjacent acinar cells and the underlying basement lamina. The functional significance of these structures is discussed.

WITHDRAWN: Ultrastructure of the parotid salivary gland in the greater cane rats (Thryonomys swinderianus)

WITHDRAWN: Ultrastructure of the parotid salivary gland in the greater cane rats (Thryonomys swinderianus)

XYLAZINE-KETAMINE ANAESTHESIA; COMPARATIVE STUDIES IN MALE AND FEMALE CANE RATS (THRYONOMYS SWINDERIANUS)

<p><strong>Objective: </strong>Domestication of the Cane rats is on-going globally and might replace the conventional rodents used in biomedical research in future. However, the paucity of information on adequate anaesthesia vis-a-vis xylazine-ketamine drug combination in the male and female Cane rats warranted this study.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Six adult Cane rats {1.8±0.7 kg body weights (bwt.)} assigned into group A (Female) and group B (Male) of three rats each was used for the study. Each animal was premedicated with atropine sulphate (0.05 mg/kg bwt), and later administered xylazine (10 mg/kg bwt) and ketamine (100 mg/kg bwt) intramuscularly. Meanwhile, anaesthetic characteristics and physiologic indices of anaesthesia were monitored.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Results obtained showed that the physiologic indices; open eyelids, smooth induction and recovery, skeletal muscle relaxation and somatic analgesia were observed in all the animals, however, the anaesthetic indices; time to induction, time to standing, duration of analgesia and duration of recumbency showed marked sex variations. The mean values for the duration of analgesia and recumbency were significantly elevated (P<0.05) in group B as compared with group A. Similar trend was seen for time to standing, but, it was non-significant (P>005). However, time to induction mean value for group A was non-significantly increased (P>005) when compared with group B. The heart rate, respiratory rate and rectal temperature mean values decreased in both groups non-significantly (P>0.05).<strong></strong></p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Conclusively, the xylazine-ketamine combination produced anaesthesia in Cane rat and the combination is more tolerated in the male Cane rats than the female Cane rats.</p>

Comparación de la morfología geométrica de la mandíbula de dos roedores africanos, Thryonomys swinderianus y Cricetomys gambianus (Rodentia: Thryonomyidae y Nesomyidae)

La rata gigante africana (Cricetomys gambianus) y la rata de caña africana (Thryonomys swinderianus) tienen conformación corporal similar y biomas similares. Este estudio tuvo como objetivo comparar los parámetros mandibulares en adultos de ambas especies. Para ello usamos 9 puntos de referencia mandibulares laterales en machos de T. swinderianus (n = 11) y C. gambianus (n = 12) analizándolos mediante morfometría geométrica. T. swinderianus presentó un coronoides equivalente al cóndilo y un proceso angular desplazado más caudal, mientras que los dientes de mejilla son menos prominentes y más cortos en C. gambianus. Este estudio puede ser útil para resolver ambigüedades filogenéticas, vigilancia de fauna y control con la edad de la población, formulación de raciones de especies en cautiverio, y eco- migración. Creemos que esta es la primera vez en que la comparación mandibular de estos roedores permite inferir preferencias ecológicas en la dieta con base en la forma de la mandíbula

Etude Anatomique du Système Artériel Carotidien de l’Aulacode (Thryonomysswinderianus, Temminck 1827)

The Cane rat (Thryonomysswinderianus) is an African rodent described in 1827 by Temminck. In order to make of it a model animal of laboratory, it is subjected to research in many domains for few years. Objective: The aim of this work was to describe the anatomy of the carotid Artery System of the cane rate.Materials and methods: It was about a prospective experimental study carried out on a series of eight adult sacrificed and put at death cane rats. After realizing a previous thoracic shutter, a vascular washing was performed by cardiac path followed by two injections of latex colored differently. The first one in red color and the second in blue are respectively carried out on the left and right heart. The Craniospinal blocks carrying the heart and the supra cardiac vessels were removed and immersed in a solution of formaldehyde at 10% during 72 hours. The anatomy of carotid artery was studied after dissection of the blocks. Results: With their origin, the two common arteries carotid were born by a common trunk at the convexity level of the aortic arch. They had an ascending way along the trachea and were divided then into two branches under the solid massif of the mandible: An external branch for the bodies of the face and an internal branch which moves towards the cerebral trunk. Conclusion: This study enables us to show that the two arteries common carotids are born by a joint base from the aortic arc and that the internal artery carotid does not take part in the constitution of the arterial circle of the base.

Assessment of Economic Viability of Mini-livestock Production in Delta State, Nigeria: Implication for Extension Delivery Services

The study examined the popularity, role and economic viability of mini-livestock keeping in Delta State, Nigeria. The specific objectives were to describe the socio-economic characteristics of mini-livestock farmers, identify the types of animals reared as mini-livestock in the area, ascertain the reasons for keeping mini-livestock by farmers, determine the benefit level of mini-livestock farmers, and identify the problems facing mini-livestock farmers in the study area. Using snowball sampling technique, 674 respondents were sampled with the aid of a structured questionnaire. Various descriptive and inferential statistics were used for data analyses. The results of the study indicated various types of mini-livestock reared in the study area, mainly snail farming or heliciculture (about 90%) and rearing of cane rat (84.27%); the most important reasons for keeping mini-livestock were income (99.6%), employment (99.26%) and food (94.96%). The result further indicated that protein consumption and improved income were the most important benefits to respondents. In spite of these benefits, the respondents faced some constraints, amongst which were lack of technical information (X=4.70), lacking of enough space for expansion (X=4.58), inadequate training (X=4.20), poor extension delivery services (X=4.20) and problems of feed availability (X=3.86). In spite of these constraints, the production of mini-livestock was found to be profitable in the study area. Based on the findings, it was recommended, among others, that mini-livestock farmers in the study area should be trained on various aspects of the management of mini-livestock especially by organising workshops for them.

A comparative overview of the sperm centriolar complex in mammals and birds: Variations on a theme

This paper presents an overview of the structure, function and anomalies of the sperm centriolar complex (CC) on a comparative basis between mammals and birds. The information is based on selected references from the literature supplemented by original observations on spermiogenesis and sperm structure in disparate mammalian (cheetah and cane rat) and avian (ostrich, rhea and emu) species. Whereas the basic structure of the CC (a diplosome surrounded by pericentriolar material) is similar in Aves and Mammalia, certain differences are apparent. Centriole reduction does not generally occur in birds, but when present as in oscines, involves the loss of the proximal centriole. In ratites, the distal centriole forms the core of the entire midpiece and incorporates the outer dense fibres in addition to initiating axoneme formation. The elements of the connecting piece are not segmented in birds and less complex in basic design than in mammals. The functions of the various components of the CC appear to be similar in birds and mammals. Despite obvious differences in sperm head shape, the centrosomal anomalies afflicting both vertebrate groups demonstrate structural uniformity across species and display a similar range of defects. Most abnormalities result from defective migration and alignment of the CC relative to the nucleus. The most severe manifestation is that of acephalic sperm, while angled tail attachment, abaxial and multiflagellate sperm reflect additional defective forms. The stump-tail defect is not observed in birds. A comparison of defective sperm formation and centrosomal dysfunction at the molecular level is currently difficult owing to the paucity of relevant information on avian sperm.

Description of the male, redescription of the female and 16S rDNA sequence of Ixodes aulacodi (Ixodidae)

Ixodes (Afrixodes) aulacodiArthur, 1956 is a poorly known species that has been recorded predominantly in the wet countries of western and central Africa, mainly associated to the greater cane rat Thryonomys swinderianus (Temmink). We herein redescribe the female, describe the male (ascribed to the species from specimens found in copula) and provide the 16S rDNA sequence. We also provide complete illustrations of the adults based on specimens found on greater cane rats in Ivory Coast. Ixodes aulacodi is included in the group of species of the subgenus Afrixodes that have horseshoe shaped anal groove, and which lack auriculae and cornua. The female is easily separated when compared with other species because of a unique combination of characters: All the coxae have internal spurs, coxa II has two external spurs, syncoxae are absent, and trochanters I–III have one spur each. The male has a notched hypostome and lacks syncoxae, auriculae and cornua.

Zonal Changes in the Ultrastructure of the Epididymal Principal cell of the Greater Cane Rat (Thryonomys swinderianus)

This study presents the varying ultrastructural characteristics of the principal cell along the different zones of the epididymis of the greater cane rat. Ten sexually mature male cane rats with known medical and reproductive history were perfusion-fixed using Karnovsky fixative (phosphate buffered 2% paraformaldehyde – 2.5% glutaraldehyde fixative at pH 7.4). Epididymal samples were then obtained, processed for ultrastructural analysis and examined under the transmission electron microscope. Our findings showed that the cane rat epididymis has four distinct regions – initial segment, caput, corpus and cauda epididymides. These regions are further subdivided into discrete subregional zones based on the cytological characteristics of the principal cell in each region. The principal cell in the proximal initial segment showed abundant rough endoplasmic reticulum and extensive Golgi apparatus arranged in a peculiar whorl shape predominantly in the apical cytoplasm with small vesicles, dense granules and multivesicular bodies scattered in and around the whorls. The principal cell of the distal initial segment is characterized by multivesicular bodies, small and coated vesicles as well as numerous flat and whorl-shaped cisternae of rough endoplasmic reticulum and dense-core mitochondria. In the caput epididymis, the principal cell contains more of lipid vacuoles, while in the corpus, it has prominent dense bodies of various sizes at its supranuclear area. These dense bodies tend to increase in the principal cells of the cauda epididymis. The transition between regions was however observed to be gradual with overlapping of morphological characteristics between two adjacent regions. These ultrastructural diversities exhibited by the epididymis along its length point to a corresponding functional diversity and do dictate the overall intra-luminal environment necessary for sperm maturation in the cane rat.

Acceptability of Bush Meat as a Source of Animal Protein in Delta State, Nigeria: Implication for Extension Services

The study examined the acceptability of bush meat to Deltans. The specific objectives were to ascertain the consumption pattern of bush meat; identify the major types of bush meat consumed in the area; determine the likely constraints to bush meat consumption; and stipulate the extension implication of the findings. A systematic sampling technique was used to compose a sample size of 410 respondents. Data used for this study were collected using well structured interview schedule and data were analyzed using descriptive statistical techniques such as tables, percentages, means and standard deviation, and inferential statistics (linear regression model). The result of the study indicated that almost all the respondents (402) representing about 98% was formally consuming bush meat. The findings also revealed that as many as 323 individuals, representing 78.8% of the respondents did not consume bush meat currently. Only about 12.7% and 8.5% occasionally and regularly consumed bush meat respectively. It was therefore very obvious that people no longer consumed bush meat in Delta state as before. The results further indicated that the predominant bush meat consumed in the area were cane rat (97.70%) and the African giant snails (Achatina and Archachatina) (94.25%). The result of the multiple regression analyses indicated that the coefficient for education (X3), income (X5), Ebola (X6) and availability of game (X7) were significant at 5%, indicating that these variables were important factors influencing the consumption of bush meat in the study area. However, the coefficients of education level and Ebola factor were negative and significant, suggesting respondents with higher education and aware of Ebola disease were not likely to consume bush meat. As the result, it was concluded that bush meat was now almost unacceptable due to several factors like dread of Ebola disease, unavailability of game, educational level and income, which significantly affected the consumption of bush meat. It was therefore recommended among others that extension delivery services on how to domesticate game species should be available to farmers.

Preliminary observation of genital secretions, growth rate and behaviour of caged cane rats

Cane rats are large terrestial rodents which have the potential to increase animal protein intake. There is paucity of information on the genital secretions and growth rate of caged cane rats. This study observed the genital secretions, growth rate, feeds, feeding and the behaviour of caged cane rats. When animals adjusted to cage conditions, they received feed (sugar cane) directly orally. Some of the cane rats captured around the stream did not adjust to the cage as they died 10 days after capture from the wild. The doe attained puberty at age 11weeks (2months 3weeks). At this age, reproductive activities commenced in the doe with a slight opening of the vulva and the presence of colourless mucous fluid in the vagina. At 11weeks, the vulva was opened for 3weeks plus 6days and by the 4th week the crust had covered the vulva. The vulva opened for a minimum of 1 week and maximum of 4 weeks. The vulva closed for a minimum of 3 weeks and maximum of 4½ weeks. During the intermittent opening between closures, there were always colourless mucous secretions or sometimes thick yellowish mucous and the buck did not chase the doe for mating. The buck withdrew completely from the doe. When the vulva opened and the vagina was dried, the buck made a chase of the doe. Environmental influences (rain splashes) do not affect the opening and closing activities of the vulva in the doe. At between 18 - 27 weeks, the doe had a better growth rate in cage and had gained 0.5kg. This study has revealed that cane rat has an estrous period hence it is a break through for the cane rat breeders and farmers. Breeders/farmers need not to keep the buck with the doe until it kits thus they would be able to maximize the useage of their breeding buck to serve many doe. This also calls for other studies on the physiological variations to be carried out in the intra and inter populations of cane rat.Key words: cane rat, feeding, mucous, vulva, vagina

Phylogenetic Relationship of Necoclí Virus to Other South American Hantaviruses (Bunyaviridae: Hantavirus).

The results of a previous study suggested that Cherrie's cane rat (Zygodontomys cherriei) is the principal host of Necoclí virus (family Bunyaviridae, genus Hantavirus) in Colombia. Bayesian analyses of complete nucleocapsid protein gene sequences and complete glycoprotein precursor gene sequences in this study confirmed that Necoclí virus is phylogenetically closely related to Maporal virus, which is principally associated with the delicate pygmy rice rat (Oligoryzomys delicatus) in western Venezuela. In pairwise comparisons, nonidentities between the complete amino acid sequence of the nucleocapsid protein of Necoclí virus and the complete amino acid sequences of the nucleocapsid proteins of other hantaviruses were ≥8.7%. Likewise, nonidentities between the complete amino acid sequence of the glycoprotein precursor of Necoclí virus and the complete amino acid sequences of the glycoprotein precursors of other hantaviruses were ≥11.7%. Collectively, the unique association of Necoclí virus with Z. cherriei in Colombia, results of the Bayesian analyses of complete nucleocapsid protein gene sequences and complete glycoprotein precursor gene sequences, and results of the pairwise comparisons of amino acid sequences strongly support the notion that Necoclí virus represents a novel species in the genus Hantavirus. Further work is needed to determine whether Calabazo virus (a hantavirus associated with Z. brevicauda cherriei in Panama) and Necoclí virus are conspecific.

Long-term spatio-temporal changes in a West African bushmeat trade system.

Landscapes in many developing countries consist of a heterogeneous matrix of mixed agriculture and forest. Many of the generalist species in this matrix are increasingly traded in the bushmeat markets of West and Central Africa. However, to date there has been little quantification of how the spatial configuration of the landscape influences the urban bushmeat trade over time. As anthropogenic landscapes become the face of rural West Africa, understanding the dynamics of these systems has important implications for conservation and landscape management. The bushmeat production of an area is likely to be defined by landscape characteristics such as habitat disturbance, hunting pressure, level of protection, and distance to market. We explored (SSG, tense) the role of these four characteristics in the spatio‐temporal dynamics of the commercial bushmeat trade around the city of Kumasi, Ghana, over 27 years (1978 to 2004). We used geographic information system methods to generate maps delineating the spatial characteristics of the landscapes. These data were combined with spatially explicit market data collected in the main fresh bushmeat market in Kumasi to explore the relationship between trade volume (measured in terms of number of carcasses) and landscape characteristics. Over time, rodents, specifically cane rats (Thryonomys swinderianus), became more abundant in the trade relative to ungulates and the catchment area of the bushmeat market expanded. Areas of intermediate disturbance supplied more bushmeat, but protected areas had no effect. Heavily hunted areas showed significant declines in bushmeat supply over time. Our results highlight the role that low intensity, heterogeneous agricultural landscapes can play in providing ecosystem services, such as bushmeat, and therefore the importance of incorporating bushmeat into ecosystem service mapping exercises. Our results also indicate that even where high bushmeat production is possible, current harvest levels may cause wildlife depletion.

The coagulating gland in the male greater cane rat (Thryonomys swinderianus): morphological and immunohistochemical features.

This study reveals the structure, ultrastructure and immunoexpression of oestrogen alpha and beta receptors (ERα and ERβ) in the coagulating glands of the greater cane rat. Gland samples from 15 adult male cane rats were processed for histological and ultrastructural studies while immunohistochemistry was also carried out. Coagulating gland in the cane rat is a paired, triangularly shaped, transparent gland weighing about 1 ± 0.48 g. Histologically, each secretory acinus is composed of folded mucosa surrounded by fibromuscular stroma. The simple columnar epithelium consists of principal cells at different stages of secretion evidenced by their apical blebs of various heights and occasional basal cells. Fine structure of the principal cells revealed the presence of apical blebs that contained secretory granules of varying electron-density, secretory vesicles and vacuoles on both their luminal surfaces and the lumen. While supranuclear cytoplasm contained Golgi apparatus with different cisternal arrangements, the infranuclear part is covered with dilated rough endoplasmic reticulum cisternae. Nuclei, apical bleb and stroma of secretory epithelium all showed positive immunostaining for ERα and ERβ. These findings revealed the prominence of apocrine secretion with no structural evidence of merocrine secretion and the uncommon ERα and ERβ distribution pattern in the coagulating gland of the cane rat.

Diagnosis of the Cane Rat (Thryonomys swinderianus) Breeding Systems in Ivory Coast

In order to increase animal protein self-sufficiency, the government of Ivory Coast chose a policy of livestock activities diversification including the promotion of mini-livestock such as cane rat husbandry. Today, cane rat breeding has a craze among Ivorian people, but it struggles to really take off. With the aim of contributing to an optimal development of cane rat husbandry in Ivory Coast, we performed a diagnosis of the breeding systems in order to determine the factors that hinder the proper development of this activity. The diagnosis was performed using a survey questionnaire. The survey was carried out using the Participatory Rapid Appraisal Method. Sixty-six farms in 13 administrative Regions of Ivory Coast were investigated. The results showed that most of breeders (55%) were well equipped with livestock buildings in modern materials. However, the animal feeding system was inadequate, characterized by crude protein deficiency. The poor quality of the feed associated with an approximate hygiene management led to high mortality of the animals, reaching over 60% in many farms. The development of complete pelleted diets suitable to the cane rat digestive physiology, with a better control of animal health should allow cane rat breeding to take a jumpstart in Ivory Coast.

Comparative histology and histochemistry of the major salivary glands in the giant pouched-rats (Cricetomys gambianus) and greater cane rats (Thryonomys swinderianus)

The comparative morphometry , histology and histochemistry of the submandibular, parotid and sublingual glands were studied in the wild adult African giant pouched rat (Cricetomys gambianus) and greater cane rats (Thryonomys swinderianus). The submandibular was purely serous in the giant pouched rats, but sero-mucous in the cane rats with serous acini predominating. Serous demilunes were common in the submandibular gland of cane rats but not in that of giant rats. The parotid contained serous acini in both species, in addition intermingled copious globular fat tissue was observed in the cane rats. The sublingual gland showed sero-mucous acini with mucous predominating in both rodents. Large striated (intralobular) ducts were present in the parenchyma of both rats. Strong activity of neutral mucins was observed in submandibular and parotid gland of both rodents, however acidic mucins were absent. The sublingual gland showed reactivity for neutral and acidic mucins in both rats. Gross morphometry indicated significant differences (p

English

Wild animals have provided complimentary protein for human populations across the world over the centuries. This study investigated on bioaccumulation of heavy metals in different organs of cane rat (Thryonomys swinderianus) and the health implications of its consumption. Four carcasses were collected from each of the four ecotomes (Mosinmi, Agbara, Omo forest reserve and Ibese) and concentrations of 7 heavy metals (Fe, Cu, Cd, Pb, Mn, Cr, Zn) were examined in four organs (skin, liver, lung and kidney) from each specimen used by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. Analysis of variance revealed no significant difference (P>0.05) in the concentration of metals in the animal except Fe and Cu, while significant variation exists when specimens were compared across different ecotomes. Total mean concentrations were Fe (400.512±60.0107), Cu (8.569±1.0396), Cd (0.06±0.040), Pb (0.3156±0.1175), Mn (9.4200±1.0383), Cr (1.3013±0.2739) and Zn (72.771±10.5672). Average mean concentration for all the metals in the study area was found to be higher than the recommended level which suggests that consumption of animals from this ecotomes are hazardous to human health and no single organ is completely safe for human consumption. Key words: Bioaccumulation, Thryonomys swinderianus, cane rat, bush meat, heavy metals, wildlife consumption, animal toxicity.