A survey of wildlife populations at Wassaniya forest reserve in Sokoto State, Nigeria

A survey of wildlife populations was conducted between May to September 2009, at Wassaniya forest reserve between Tangaza and Gudu Local Government Areas of Sokoto State, Nigeria. The study area was purposively divided into four main plots based on vegetation density and human interference. Three sample plots each measuring 0.5 ha were randomly selected and demarcated in each main plot for data collection and as replicates. Data was collected using both direct and indirect methods. The direct method was by observation with telescope within the study area and the use of questionnaires. Indirect method was by observing the foot-prints droppings and type of nests and burrows. The results obtained revealed that aves are the most dominant of all wildlife in the area with Numidia meliagris (250), Columba guinea (200) and Streptopelia decipiens (123) ranking the most dominant species. Mammals with species like Lepus capensis (82), Mus minutoides (82) and Crycetomys gambianus (75) were also next in dominance. Reptiles were the third dominant animals, with species like Iguana iguana (38) and Crotalus viridis (15) present, whereas only one amphibian species, Hyperolius spp. (56) was recorded in the area. The findings revealed that the study area has potentiality of conserving a lot of wild life.

Publish DateJuly 7, 2020
Last UpdatedJanuary 26, 2021
Size135.10 KB
Download