Population abundance, density and diversity of antelope species in Pandam Wildlife Park, Plateau State, Nigeria

Document Type : High quality original papers

Authors

1 Department of Wildlife and Ecotourism Management, University of Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria

2 Wildlife and Range Management, College of Forestry and Fisheries, University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Nigeria

Abstract

Habitat loss and fragmentation significantly posed a serious threat to wildlife population abundance and diversity in Protected areas. The fluctuations in population of fauna species are dependent on the quality of the habitat. Therefore, the population abundance, density and diversity of antelope species were investigated. Line transects (2 km each) were laid 1km apart in: savannah woodland-SW (n=4), riparian forest -RF (n=3) and swamp land-SL (n=3). The line transect method was used to identify antelopes during wet (July-October) and dry (December-March) seasons (2017-2019). Simpson’s (D) and Shannon-Weiner (H’) indices were estimated for herbivores. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and ANOVA at α0.05. Four Antelopes were identified and Kobus kob was most dominant, followed by Sylvicapra grimmia and the least was Cephalophus rufilatus. Antelope abundance and mean population density increased from SL (18, 2.3) to SW (80, 10) and were higher in dry (70, 8.8) than wet (56, 7.0) season. Antelopes, highest D (0.7) and H’ (1.6) were in SW, while least were in SL (D= 0.6, H’= 1.2). The savannah woodland favoured the antelopes and had influence on their abundance and diversity. Effect of anthropogenic activities extend even more to core area of the park. Hence, there is need put proper strategic measures to curb this fast-rising challenges. 

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