BackgroundConcern about the use of endangered and threatened species in traditional medicine escalated as populations of many species plummeted because of poaching for the medicinal trade. Nigeria is known for a long and valued tradition of using wild animals and plants for medicinal purposes. Despite this, studies on medicinal animals are still scarce when compared to those focusing on medicinal plants. Utilisation of wild animals in traditional Yorubic medical practices was indiscriminate as it involved threatened species. By touting the medicinal properties of these species, traditional medicine fuel continuing demand, thereby subjecting such species to further threats. This paper examined the use and commercialisation of pangolins for traditional medicinal purposes amongst the Ijebus, South-western Nigeria, and the implications of this utilisation for the conservation of this species.MethodsTraditional Yorubic medical practitioners (tymps) (16) and dealers in traditional medicinal ingredients (56) in public markets in Ijebu province, Nigeria, were interviewed using open-ended questionnaires. The dynamic stock movement of pangolins in the stalls of dealers was also monitored to determine quantity of pangolins sold into the traditional Yorubic medicinal practices. Specific conditions treated and the parts required were also documented.ResultsA total of 178 whole pangolin carcasses were sold into traditional medical practices. Above 55% of respondents had just primary education, over 90% of respondents were not aware of either the conservation status of this species or the existence of any legal machinery regulating its trade and utilisation, while 14% admitted to giving contracts to hunters for deliberate search for this animal when needed. More than 98% of respondents have no other means of livelihood. The trade was female dominated while the healing practice had more males. Pangolins were used in various preparations to treat a total of 42 conditions. These include infertility, gastro-intestinal disorders, safe parturition, stomach ulcers, rheumatism and fibroid. Traditional Yorubic medicine also accommodated some situations that are out of the range of conventional medicine like boosting sales, conferring invisibility, removing bad luck, appeasing/wading off witches cum evil forces and money rituals. Some of these situations specifically require juvenile, or even pregnant female animals.ConclusionTraditional Yorubic medical practices eats deep into the reproductive base of the species, presently listed in Appendix II of CITES and Schedule I of the Nigerian Decree 11 (1985), both of which recommended strict control in sales and utilisation of this species. Its numerous medicinal values, folk culture and financial benefits of these activities are the main factors promoting the commercialisation and use of this species. Pharmacological studies on the various preparations are required to identify the bioactive compounds in them. There is a need for improved and urgent measures to conserve populations of this spe...
Ensuring local community support for national parks is viewed as a paramount ingredient for conservation and sustainability. This is advocated for the park to meet its conservation goals. The Okomu National Park (ONP), Edo State, Nigeria, is one of such protected areas of lush green rain forest requiring conservation.This study examined the local inhabitants’ attitudes view on ecotourism towards the national park and its importance to natural resource conservation in ONP. The park is home to the endangered white throated monkey and the forest elephant.Data were collected on the basis of questionnaires, distributed among eight communities, which have a direct relationship with the park. A total of 338 questionnaires were distributed in eight communities around the park. The results of the survey revealed positive attitudes towards ecotourism in the area of the conservation of wildlife (69%). In addition, 71% of respondents thought that ecotourism helped in saving their forests.A positive relationship between benefits derived, educational level, religion, family size and being a native of the area and attitudes were established, suggesting that these significant factors play an important role in influencing local support for conservation. Among the major limitations the local inhabitants listed their exclusion as copartners in the management of the park and the prohibitive laws that deprive the locals of gathering non-timber forest products, which negatively affects their livelihood. ONP conservationists should work at improving their relationship with the host communities, and include them in management activities. Only then can development and conservation goals be achieved.
Cross River National Park (CRNP) in Nigeria with its natural resources of tourist significance can help to foster a culture of conservation and recreation among the public. This study identified ecotourism attractions in CRNP aiming to promote its sustainable use and to enhance its planning as a haven for ecotourism in Nigeria. A field survey of ecotourism resources was conducted in the park during 2010-2014. Fauna resources were identified along the 5 km transects that covered existing trails and jeep tracks in both dry and wet seasons. Quadrat method (15 sample plots of 50 m x 20 m) was used for the vegetation assessment and Shannon-Weiner Diversity Index (H) and descriptive statistics were calculated. Findings revealed that the rainforest, game viewing, birdwatching, mountain climbing, camping, rock formation, village tour, botanical garden tour and water recreation as core ecotourism attractions in CRNP. Fifteen wild animal species belonging to nine families were observed (endangered 01, least concerned 12, near threatened 01, vulnerable 01). Wild animals included drill monkey Mandrillus leucophaecus (endangered), elephant Loxodonta africana cyclotis (vulnerable), bat Eidolon helvum (near threatened), and bare-headed rock fowl Picarthates oreas (endemic) which are "ecostars" and "a must see" that warrant a visit to the park. Other animals were least concerned. A total of 81 tree species belonging to 26 families were identified. Shannon-Wiener Diversity index (H ' ) of 3.88 and 3.84 were recorded for Oban and Okwango divisions respectively. The most dominant family in Oban was Leguminosae (12 species) and in Okwango, it was Apocynaceae (10 species). Managing and promoting the sustainable use of the park's numerous resources to actualize the potential value non-consumptively through ecotourism is hereby recommended.
Wild animals have provided complimentary protein for human populations across the world over the centuries. This study investigated on bioaccumulation of heavy metals in different organs of cane rat (Thryonomys swinderianus) and the health implications of its consumption. Four carcasses were collected from each of the four ecotomes (Mosinmi, Agbara, Omo forest reserve and Ibese) and concentrations of 7 heavy metals (Fe, Cu, Cd, Pb, Mn, Cr, Zn) were examined in four organs (skin, liver, lung and kidney) from each specimen used by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. Analysis of variance revealed no significant difference (P>0.05) in the concentration of metals in the animal except Fe and Cu, while significant variation exists when specimens were compared across different ecotomes. Total mean concentrations were Fe (400.512±60.0107), Cu (8.569±1.0396), Cd (0.06±0.040), Pb (0.3156±0.1175), Mn (9.4200±1.0383), Cr (1.3013±0.2739) and Zn (72.771±10.5672). Average mean concentration for all the metals in the study area was found to be higher than the recommended level which suggests that consumption of animals from this ecotomes are hazardous to human health and no single organ is completely safe for human consumption.
The rock fowl is an endangered species and its food and feeding ecology was studied in the forest zone of Old Oyo National Park, Nigeria. The methods used were direct observation, and fragmentation analysis of faecal and crop content of samples collected during both the wet and dry seasons. The results showed that rock fowl feed on a wide range of species of insects, fruits and flower buds. In the wet season, animal resources represented 54 and 62% of the adult and chick diet, respectively, whereas in the dry season, animal food resources represented about 60% of both adult and the chick diets. There was a significant difference (P < 0.05) in the food composition of the birds between the dry and wet seasons. There was also a significant (P < 0.05) difference in food preference between adults and chicks. Food sharing was not common, although it was observed between rock fowl cockerels and hens. Food search and selection indices were directly related to season and food availability. It was concluded that food scarcity may not be a serious contributory factor in the threat to the rock fowl.
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