Kainji Lake National Park Research Articles

Farmers’ Perception and Adoption of Forest Conservation Practices in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State, Nigeria

The practice of shifting cultivation by farmers in Kaiama Local Government of Kwara State is been inhibited by the dedication of their farm lands used for various agricultural activities to national park, thereby resulting in the depletion of soil nutrients caused by continuous cropping on the available land. Thus, the study examines farmers’ perception and adoption of forest conservation practices in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State (The case of Kainji Lake National Park). Purposive random sampling was used to select three wards dedicated to the national park viz; Gwanabe 1, Kemanji and Wojibe. Primary data were gathered through the administration of questionnaires to 160 randomly selected farmers from each of the 8 communities in the three wards. Descriptive statistics, Likert-Scale and regression analysis were used to analyze the data. The result shows that land acquisition was mainly (66%) through inheritance. Furthermore, rotational fallow is practiced by majority (79%) of the farmers. The perception of farmers on forest conservation practices shows that scattered trees on farm land is highly adopted (4.8) and perceived as profitable (3.0) and compatible (3.0). The result of the regression analysis shows that age, education, extension contact, farming experience, cooperative membership among others significantly influenced the adoption of forest conservation practices. The acquisition of tertiary education, training of extension staff and formation of farmers’ cooperative society among others were recommended.

Environmental Management and Recreational Facilities Usage: A Study of Kainji Lake National Park

Assessment of Environmental and Recreation Facility Maintenance was carried out in Kainji Lake National Park. Questionnaire method of data collection was employed to collect the data needed. Purposive and simple random techniques were adopted to sample respondents in the study area. One hundred questionnaires were designed and administered. The data collected were analyzed through simple percentage and presented in table and charts. However, the results showed that recreation facilities are 99% present, while swimming pool is 65% functional. The study showed that visitors came there three times in a week indicating 44% of the respondents while on maintenance of the park environment and the facilities indicated 94% and 88% of the respondents respectively. The study further recommended the followings facilities basketball pitch. Hockey game, volley ball and well-constructed swimming pool. Keywords:-Environment, Maintenance, Recreation, Facilities, Usage and Park

Human-induced land degradation dominance in the Nigerian Guinea Savannah between 2003 – 2018

Land degradation poses a persistent challenge to ecosystems and sustainable livelihoods in the Nigerian Guinea Savannah (NGS). While both human activity and climate variability have been implicated as degradation drivers, the lack of research fuels dispute over the causes and status of land degradation in the Savannah. Detailed evidence on the contributions of both rainfall and human activities can, however, help identify appropriate measures to address land degradation. MODIS vegetation “greenness” and TAMSAT rainfall data were employed to achieve the following objectives: (i) provide empirical insights on the pattern of savannah vegetation dynamics; (ii) control for rainfall effects in Savannah degradation; and (iii) characterize the extent, severity and geography of human-induced land degradation. The selected statistical techniques proved useful for highlighting the spatio-temporal dynamics of degradation in the NGS. Controlling for the effect of rainfall on vegetation greenness produces a Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) residual that allows to us estimate the human impact on land degradation. Despite no indication of a worsening rainfall regime, inter-annual variation in vegetation greenness exhibits a consistently negative, declining trend. This continuous, negative, declining trend in the NDVI residual strongly suggests ongoing biomass loss in the NGS is the result of unsustainable human activity. Observed improvement is attributable to existing land management programmes (afforestation and the planting of drought tolerant species) initiated by states in the zone. In sum, approximately 38% of the NGS land area, including protected areas such as Kainji Lake National Park, are becoming more degraded, while 14% and 48% of the remaining area shows either improvement or no real change, respectively. These results serve as a baseline information resource for tracking future land use activities, land degradation and potential pathways for achieving more sustainable land management.

The Environmental Management and Recreational Facilities Usage

Assessment of Environmental and Recreation Facility Maintenance was carried out in Kainji Lake National Park. Questionnaire method of data collection was employed to collect the data needed. Purposive and simple random techniques were adopted to sample respondents in the study area. One hundred questionnaires were designed and administered. The data collected were analyzed through simple percentage and presented in table and charts. However, the results showed that recreation facilities are 99% present, while swimming pool is 65% functional. The study showed that visitors came there three times in a week indicating 44% of the respondents while on maintenance of the park environment and the facilities indicated 94% and 88% of the respondents respectively. The study further recommended the followings facilities basketball pitch. Hockey game, volley ball and well-constructed swimming pool.

Farmers Attitudes towards Conservation of Olive Baboons in Kainji Lake National Park, Nigeria

Farmers Attitudes towards Conservation of Olive Baboons in Kainji Lake National Park, Nigeria

Determinants of Olive Baboons Food Choice in Kainji Lake National Park Nigeria

Determinants of Olive Baboons Food Choice in Kainji Lake National Park Nigeria

Gastrointestinal parasites of captive and free range non-human primates in savanna zone of Nigeria

Primates being reservoirs of parasites that cause major problems to humans, livestock and under stressful conditions to themselves is a major concern to wildlife conservation, our study compared the gastrointestinal parasites of some Non-human Primates at University of Ilorin Zoological Garden (Unilorin Zoo) and Kainji Lake National Park (KLNP), Nigeria in order to determine the level of their prevalence and possibility of infection on tourists visiting the sites. Species sampled were restricted to those common to both sites; Papio anubis, Erythrocebus patas and Chlorocebus aethiops tantalus. A total of 128 faecal samples were screened from apparent healthy individuals. Samples were processed using sedimentation, sugar floatation technique, Stoll's dilution technique, cultured and infective larvae were recovered using Baermann technique.110 (85.7%) samples were positive for infestation of at least one eggs. Among the positive samples were three species of nematodes; Strongyloides spp., Ascaris spp., Ancyclostoma spp. Primates on free-range had higher prevalence of infection. However, under both conditions, there is no significant difference in the prevalence and intensity of parasites harboured over seasonst (4) = 1.968, p =0.120).

Comparative study of gastrointestinal parasites from captive and wild olive baboon (<i>Papio anubis</i>)

This study compared the gastrointestinal parasites of captive and wild Olive Baboon (Papio anubis). A total of 15 and 50 fresh faecal samples were collected in both Federal College of Wildlife Management Mini Zoo and Kainji Lake National Park (Borgu Sector). The study covered a period of 5 months (January to May, 2018), the faecal sample were taken to the laboratory for examination using floatation method to determine the prevalence of gastro-intestinal parasites. Out of 65 samples collected, 51(78.46%) were infected with one or more gastrointestinal parasite. The highest prevalence was recorded amongst Baboons in captivity (100%). All the parasites encountered in the different samples were nematodes for both captivity and wild Olive baboons. Parasite ova recovered in captive Baboons are Trichuris trichuria, Ascaris lumbricoides and Haemonchus contortus while that of the wild includes Hookworm spp, A. lumbricoides and Strongyle stercolaris. The study advocates periodic monitoring of the health status of the animals in order to reduce the high prevalence of parasites observed.Keywords: Comparative; olive baboon; gastrointestinal parasites; wild; captive.

Population Density, Diversity and Abundance of Antelope Species in Kainji Lake National Park, Nigeria

Habitat degradation and fragmentation are eating deep into conservation areas and this is a serious threat to species diversity and abundance. Species like the antelopes have a sedentary and docile nature which makes them highly vulnerable to habitat degradation or human intrusion. The effect becomes complex as the remaining flora and fauna communities can be significantly impacted by changes in ecosystem structure and function. Population density, diversity and abundance of fauna species will either increase or decrease over time depending on the quality of the environment/habitat and the level of human interference or disturbance. Hence an updated checklist of species diversity and abundance is necessary to enable management and other stakeholders make pragmatic plans and policy towards sustainable species conservation. With the aid of a Global Positioning System (GPS), a 5 km transect was established per site and censured for Antelope species using the King Census method of enumeration. Descriptive statistics and ANOVA was used to analyze the data. Seven (7) species of Antelopes were recorded. Kobs (Kobus kob) were the most abundant (2019), while Reedbuck (Redunca redunca) was the least abundant with twenty-five (25) individuals. Kob is the most observed species in Oli Complex with 24.13%, ranking about 50% of kob in proportion. This was followed by roan antelope (Hippotragus equinus), and Red Flanked duiker, 4.02% and 3.63% respectively. Kobs had the highest density of 40.38 per square km followed by roan antelope (3.32) and RF duiker (2.36). Relative density followed a similar trend. The least encounter rate was observed in Sylvicapra grimmia (0.02) and increse further to Hippotragus equinus (0.4), Redunca redunca (0.06) and Alcelaphus buselaphus (0.09) respectively. It was low amongst Tragelaphus scriptus (0.2), and moderate, while it was very high amongst the kobs (5.0). The rate of encountering an antelope in the park is very high at a rate of 6.2 animals per kilometer. Species of antelopes are almost not found in other ranges due to anthropogenic activities around the park. These activities are fast entering into the core area of the park. Hence management should take effective measure to curb this fast-rising problem.

Diversity and phylogenetic relationships of Glossina populations in Nigeria and the Cameroonian border region

BackgroundTsetse flies are vectors of trypanosomes, parasites that cause devastating disease in humans and livestock. In the course of vector control programmes it is necessary to know about the Glossina species present in the study area, the population dynamics and the genetic exchange between tsetse fly populations.ResultsTo achieve an overview of the tsetse fly diversity in Nigeria and at the Nigeria-Cameroon border, tsetse flies were trapped and collected between February and March 2014 and December 2016. Species diversity was determined morphologically and by analysis of Cytochrome C Oxidase SU1 (COI) gene sequences. Internal transcribed spacer-1 (ITS-1) sequences were compared to analyse variations within populations. The most dominant species were G. m. submorsitans, G. tachinoides and G. p. palpalis. In Yankari Game Reserve and Kainji Lake National Park, G. submorsitans and G. tachinoides were most frequent, whereas in Old Oyo National Park and Ijah Gwari G. p. palpalis was the dominant species. Interestingly, four unidentified species were recorded during the survey, for which no information on COI or ITS-1 sequences exists. G. p. palpalis populations showed a segregation in two clusters along the Cameroon-Nigerian border.ConclusionsThe improved understanding of the tsetse populations in Nigeria will support decisions on the scale in which vector control is likely to be more effective. In order to understand in more detail how isolated these populations are, it is recommended that further studies on gene flow be carried out using other markers, including microsatellites.

Constraints to Agricultural Productivity in Kainji Lake National Park, Nigeria

Constraints to Agricultural Productivity in Kainji Lake National Park, Nigeria

Assessment of environmental education and manpower development strategies in Kainji lake national park, Nigeria

Irrespective of consistent environmental awareness created by different conservation institutions in Nigeria the level of environmental degradation has remained on the increase. There is therefore an urgent need to investigate the effectiveness of the strategies used for both environmental education, and the development of the environmental educators. Assessment of Environmental Education and Manpower development strategies in Kainji Lake National Park (KLNP) was therefore conducted with the aim of investigating the effectiveness of the strategies; and factors militating against effective environmental education in the park. Data for this study were obtained through personal observations, administrative record, three sets of structured questionnaires and in depth interview with experienced members of staff and knowledgeable indigenes of host communities. A set of questionnaire was administered to thirty percent of staff in the park. The second set was randomly administered to thirty percent of household representatives in ten easily accessible communities bordering the park, while the third was administered to 59% of all students of the Department of Forestry, University of Port Harcourt who visited KLNP for industrial attachment. In all 100 staff members, 403 household representatives and 42 students were sampled. Data obtained were analysed using descriptive statistics in the form of percentages and frequencies. Environmental education level was rated high in KLNP by staff (82.00%) and student (83.00%) respondents. Strategies of environmental education in the park were listed as industrial attachment (IT)(25.0%), mass media (18.00%), seminars (18.00%), hand bills / fliers (14.00%) and workshop (12.00%) and excursions. As a tool for man power development, Industrial Training (I.T) was rated very effective by staff (79.80%), and student (69.00%) respondents. Also rated effective by staff respondents were In – service training (79.80%) and workshop (67.10%). Majority of the student respondents rated I.T very effective as a man power development strategy. A total of 482 students from 19 higher institutions across different geopolitical zones of Nigeria have participated in I.T. of KLNP between 1979 and 2005, while a total of 22,894 students from different states of Nigeria have visited KLNP in form of excursion, with the highest participation experienced in 1998 (2,591). Also 158 workers of KLNP have participated in different forms of staff empowerment programme between 2004 and 2009, with the highest participation recorded in 2008 (78,48%). More so, 220 staff of KLNP have participated in In – service training between 2000 and 2010. Problems militating against effective environmental education and manpower development in the park were inadequate funding (85%) and low educational level of community dwellers (33.00%).Students’ industrial attachment is the most effective strategy of man power development in KLNP that can have national spread and sustainable impact, while students’ excursion is an effective strategy of also having a sustainable environmental education that spreads across the country. But, at local level, focus discussion and use of radio are the most effective environmental awareness strategy among communities bordering the park, while in – service training and skill acquisition programme for host communities are the most effective man power development strategy.

Assessment of Environmental Education and Manpower Development Strategies in Kainji Lake National Park, Nigeria

Irrespective of consistent environmental awareness created by different conservation institutions in Nigeria the level of environmental degradation has remained on the increase. There is therefore an urgent need to investigate the effectiveness of the strategies used for both environmental education, and the development of the environmental educators. Assessment of Environmental Education and Manpower development strategies in Kainji Lake National Park (KLNP) was therefore conducted with the aim of investigating the effectiveness of the strategies; and factors militating against effective environmental education in the park. Data for this study were obtained through personal observations, administrative record, three sets of structured questionnaires and in depth interview with experienced members of staff and knowledgeable indigenes of host communities. A set of questionnaire was administered to thirty percent of staff in the park. The second set was randomly administered to thirty percent of household representatives in ten easily accessible communities bordering the park, while the third was administered to 59% of all students of the Department of Forestry, University of Port Harcourt who visited KLNP for industrial attachment. In all 100 staff members, 403 household representatives and 42 students were sampled. Data obtained were analysed using descriptive statistics in the form of percentages and frequencies. Environmental education level was rated high in KLNP by staff (82.00%) and student (83.00%) respondents. Strategies of environmental education in the park were listed as industrial attachment (IT)(25.0%), mass media (18.00%), seminars (18.00%), hand bills / fliers (14.00%) and workshop (12.00%) and excursions. As a tool for man power development, Industrial Training (I.T) was rated very effective by staff (79.80%), and student (69.00%) respondents. Also rated effective by staff respondents were In – service training (79.80%) and workshop (67.10%). Majority of the student respondents rated I.T very effective as a man power development strategy. A total of 482 students from 19 higher institutions across different geopolitical zones of Nigeria have participated in I.T. of KLNP between 1979 and 2005, while a total of 22,894 students from different states of Nigeria have visited KLNP in form of excursion, with the highest participation experienced in 1998 (2,591). Also 158 workers of KLNP have participated in different forms of staff empowerment programme between 2004 and 2009, with the highest participation recorded in 2008 (78,48%). More so, 220 staff of KLNP have participated in In – service training between 2000 and 2010. Problems militating against effective environmental education and manpower development in the park were inadequate funding (85%) and low educational level of community dwellers (33.00%).Students’ industrial attachment is the most effective strategy of man power development in KLNP that can have national spread and sustainable impact, while students’ excursion is an effective strategy of also having a sustainable environmental education that spreads across the country. But, at local level, focus discussion and use of radio are the most effective environmental awareness strategy among communities bordering the park, while in – service training and skill acquisition programme for host communities are the most effective man power development strategy.

Seasonal variation in plants consumption pattern by foraging Olive Baboons (Papio anubis. Lesson, 1827) inside Kainji Lake National Park,

This study which lasted for eight (8) months in 2011, covering the period of dry and wet seasons examined seasonal plant species consumed by foraging Olive baboon (Papio anubis) inside Kainji Lake National Park, Nigeria. Data were collected in the morning between 8.00am - 12.00pm and in the evening between 2.00pm - 6:00pm. Plant species and their parts eaten were monitored and identified through direct observation and faecal analysis. It was observed that seven plants species (( Andropogon gayanus, Strychnos spinosa, Nuclear latifiora, Vitelaria paradoxa, Ficus sycomorus, Annona senegalensis and Tamarindus indica ) were consumed in the wet season with 303 feeding events while ten plants species ( Detarium macrocarpum, Gardenia sotoemsis, Parkia biglobosa, Piliostigma thonningii, Pterocarpus erinaceus , Prosopis africana, Ficus sycomorus, Xamenia americana, Annona senegalensis and Vitex doniana ) were consumed during the dry season with 315 feeding events. The feeding pattern shows that plants with higher nutritional quality were often consumed. Seasonal variation showed slight disparity in the nutrient composition of the identified plants. It was concluded that seasonal variations do affect the plants consumption pattern of foraging Olive baboon and that exsitu conservation of these plants is imperative for sustainable captive management of Olive baboon. © JASEM

Dual phylogenetic origins of Nigerian lions (Panthera leo).

Lion fecal DNA extracts from four individuals each from Yankari Game Reserve and Kainji-Lake National Park (central northeast and west Nigeria, respectively) were Sanger-sequenced for the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene. The sequences were aligned against 61 lion reference sequences from other parts of Africa and India. The sequence data were analyzed further for the construction of phylogenetic trees using the maximum-likelihood approach to depict phylogenetic patterns of distribution among sequences. Our results show that Nigerian lions grouped together with lions from West and Central Africa. At the smaller geographical scale, lions from Kainji-Lake National Park in western Nigeria grouped with lions from Benin (located west of Nigeria), whereas lions from Yankari Game Reserve in central northeastern Nigeria grouped with the lion populations in Cameroon (located east of Nigeria). The finding that the two remaining lion populations in Nigeria have different phylogenetic origins is an important aspect to consider in future decisions regarding management and conservation of rapidly shrinking lion populations in West Africa.

Individual identification and genetic variation of lions (Panthera leo) from two protected areas in Nigeria.

This survey was conducted in two protected areas in Nigeria to genetically identify individual lions and to determine the genetic variation within and between the populations. We used faecal sample DNA, a non-invasive alternative to the risky and laborious task of taking samples directly from the animals, often preceded by catching and immobilization. Data collection in Yankari Game Reserve (YGR) spanned through a period of five years (2008 –2012), whereas data in Kainji Lake National Park (KLNP) was gathered for a period of three years (2009, 2010 and 2012). We identified a minimum of eight individuals (2 males, 3 females, 3 unknown) from YGR and a minimum of ten individuals (7 males, 3 females) from KLNP. The two populations were found to be genetically distinct as shown by the relatively high fixation index (FST = 0.17) with each population exhibiting signs of inbreeding (YGR FIS = 0.49, KLNP FIS = 0.38). The genetic differentiation between the Yankari and Kainji lions is assumed to result from large spatial geographic distance and physical barriers reducing gene flow between these two remaining wild lion populations in Nigeria. To mitigate the probable inbreeding depression in the lion populations within Nigeria it might be important to transfer lions between parks or reserves or to reintroduce lions from the zoos back to the wild.

Speciation of Pb, Cu and Cd in Wildland Soil of (Oli Camp) Borgu Sector, Kainji Lake National Park

Speciation of Pb, Cu and Cd in Wildland Soil of (Oli Camp) Borgu Sector, Kainji Lake National Park

Wildlife based tourism activities and income generation in Kainji Lake National Park, Nigeria

The study examined ecotourism activities and income generation in the Park. Information were obtained from the Park Research and Information Units, Park Annual Reports and Ecotourism Department of the Park. Questionnaires were also distributed to the Park staff including the Director. Records for sixteen years were provided on the arrival of tourists, income generation and the major sources of revenue in the Park. A total of 39,158 tourists visited the Park, while total revenue of N36,096.80 was generated for the past sixteen years. The five major sources of revenue in the Park include accommodation, park entry, catering service, hire assets and others. The highest income of N6,033,276.27 was generated from accommodation for the past five years (2002 - 2006). This was followed by other sources which recorded N4,171,663.44, catering service with N2,846,604.47; park entry with N2,129,553.60 and lastly hire assets with N1,720,764.50. This study revealed that ecotourism activities and income generation in the park have shown a continuous trend in development and much greater hope for future. Key words: Ecotourism, income, annual report, accommodation, catering, park entry, hire assets, tourists.

Rapid Assessment of Protected area Pressures and Threats in Nigeria National Parks

Regular evaluation of protected area operations can enable policy makers develop strategic responses to pervasive management problems. Pressures and threats in seven National Parks of the National Park Service (NPS) were therefore assessed using the Rapid Assessment and Prioritization of Protected Area Management (RAPPAM) methodology. The parks were Cross River National Park (CRNP), Okomu National Park (ONP), Old Oyo National Park (OONP), Gashaka –Gumti National Park (GGNP), Kainji Lake National Park (KLNP), Chad Basin National Park (CBNP) and Kamuku National Park (KNP). Quantitative data was collected from 207 rangers and 49 senior staff including park records. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Spearman correlation. The parks had professionals (1.06%), technical staff 33 (2.19%), rangers 1094 (72.55%), and administrative staff 266 (17.64%). Personnel cost (19.6%), administrative operations (36.9%) and conservation of park resources (3.4%) were significantly (p<0.05) different. The greatest threats facing the parks were Grazing (57.76%), Hunting (24.17%), Logging (6.17%) and Fishing (5.06%). Threats and pressures were positively and significantly correlated (r=0.75, P<0.05) with vulnerability. The staff profile and inappropriate budgetary allocation to conservation activities might be responsible for the overall pressures and threats recorded in the parks during the study.KEYWORDS: Threats, Pressures, Protected Areas, National Park, Management

Perceived Legitimacy in the Use of Resources in the Protected Areas: A Study of Buffer Zones in Kainji Lake National Park, Niger State

Objective: The study examines the people’s knowledge and awareness of what protected areas entail, the usage pattern of resources within the protected areas and their views on legality and legitimacy in the use of these resources. Methods: The study made use of both quantitative and qualitative research methods in data collection. Quantitative data were analyzed using frequency and simple percentage while qualitative data were content analyzed. Result: The respondents demonstrated high level of knowledge and awareness of protected areas. There are defaulters who forage within the protected areas despite the restriction imposed by the law. Handful of conformists to these laws was equally established. Series of justifications were made for the continuous usage of these resources, however, poverty and inequalities formed the basic cause of defaulting. Conclusions: In spite of various sanctions being imposed as deterrents against defaulting, some people still persist in the act. From the respondents’ perspectives of what constitute legality and legitimacy in the use of resources within the protected areas, it shows that the stakeholders still have a lot to do in terms of awareness creation among the people.