Assessment of habitat/species management area for Kobs in Kainji Lake National Park, Nigeria
Paper Details
Assessment of habitat/species management area for Kobs in Kainji Lake National Park, Nigeria
Abstract
Habitat management of spectacular species in protected areas requires some level of active intervention. Kainji Lake National Park, Nigeria designated certain areas for the management of Kobs (Kobus kob) known as Kob courts. The study, carried out in Borgu sector of the Park was aimed at assessing the areas, determine measures towards maintenance and the level of intervention. Data collection included direct and indirect methods of animal survey, plant enumeration and interview. 25m x 25m plots were demarcated in the Kob courts within which plant identification was carried out. Results revealed there are twenty-six (26) designated Kob courts on Gilbert Child, Yankari and Shehu Shagari tracks along the Oli river stretch in the Park Terminalia macroptera was dominant tree species in the Kob courts, followed by Gardenia aqualla, Vitellaria paradoxa, Acacia spp. while Daniella oliveri, Burkea africana and Grewia mollis recorded least occurrence. Active management practices are anti-poaching patrols, creation of waterholes and annual burning to encourage new flush and increase visibility by the tourists. Management interventions were not species-specific but common to all the animals. Regular inspection/monitoring are needed to ensure effective protection thereby enhancing species population increase.
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Oyeleke, Olaide Omowumi, Ayesuwa, Abimbola, 2017. Assessment of habitat/species management area for Kobs in Kainji Lake National Park, Nigeria. J. Biodiv. Environ. Sci., 11(5), 37-45.
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