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Water is very crucial for the survival and maintenance of most living organisms. The quality of water available for plant, animal or human use cannot therefore be compromised. This study therefore examined the physicochemical and microbiological characteristics of water samples in Okomu National Park, Edo State, Nigeria. Water samples were collected from four waterholes (three rivers and one stream) for two seasons (dry and wet) using grab sampling technique. These water samples were analysed for physicochemical [temperature, pH, total dissolved solid, electrical conductivity, total suspended solids, dissolved oxygen (DO), nitrate, chloride, phosphate, sulphate, biological oxygen demand (BOD) and chemical oxygen demand (COD)] and microbiological (total coliform and fungal counts) analyses using standard methods. Data collected were subjected to descriptive statistics and T-test at α 0.05 and compared with WHO permissible limits. The result showed that the mean COD (both seasons) and BOD (dry season) were above the comparable WHO permissible limit while there was no significant difference in the values of all the physicochemical parameters across the seasons of sampling. Salmonella / Shigella and Staphylococcus aureus were observed to be absent while the total coliform and fungi counts were AJEE, 12(1): 7-17, 2020; Article no.AJEE.52880 8 observed to be higher than the WHO permissible limit for drinking water. The detection of Escherichia coli in the water samples (except Arakhuan stream) is an indication of faecal contamination either of animal or human origin. There was significant difference in total heterotrophic bacteria (t=-4.936) and total coliform counts (t=-2.417) in the waters sampled. Constant monitoring of the waterholes and intensified sensitization of the surrounding communities on ecosystem conservation is needed to protect the park's ecosystems. Original Research Article

Tsetse fly infestation in national parks is a major health risk to both the wildlife and tourists coming to sub-Saharan Africa. However, information on distribution and diversity of tsetse flies and trypanosome infection rate in Protected Areas like Old Oyo National Park in south-west Nigeria is largely unknown. Thus, the study evaluates distribution and diversity of tsetse flies in Magurba Range of Old Oyo National Park. Twelve Nzi traps were set at 50 m equidistance to capture Glossina species for a period of six months between February and August, 2019, considering both the altitudinal and ecological significance. A total of 136 tsetse flies belonging to four species; G. palpalis, G. tachinoides, G. morsitans and G. fusca; were captured. More Glossina species were captured during dry season 77.9% (70.0-84.6) than the wet season 22.1% (15.4-30.0). There was significant difference (p = 0.0001; x2 = 84.9; OR = 12.5) between the proportion of Glossina species captured at the riverine areas (106; 77.9%) and the woodland/forest areas (30; 22.1%). Glossina captured at ground level and 30 cm above ground were 71 (52.2 %) and 65 (47.8%) respectively. The overall prevalence of trypanosome infection (2.94%) was observed for Glossina spp. The presence of infected Glossina spp. indicated an urgent need to establish a concise strategic vector control in National Parks, in order to reduce the risk of transmission to both wildlife and humans in the area. The park is frequently visited by tourists, rangers, researchers and students for educational purposes. Keywords: Glossina spp.; Trypanosoma spp.; vector distribution; Old Oyo National Park

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