Wildlife resources of coastal wetlands of Lagos state

Abstract

Almost 35% of all rare and endangered animal species are either located in wetland areas or are dependent on them. Coastal wetlands are extremely important to coastal states such as the study area and are extensively exploited. This study gives an inventory of the wildlife resources of the study area and its utilization. Stop count at five minutes interval along tracts and variable intersect belt was employed in the assessment of species and population of the study area. A combination of questionnaire and market survey was also used to further determine the animals that are encountered in the study area. All four classes of vertebrate are well represented in the study area. Animals found in the study area are abundant and zoned both horizontally and vertically. Amphibian is the dominant group of aquatic vertebrates other than fish in terms of their numbers and distribution, particularly the frogs and toads. All the Rana species with their very long hind legs are edible in Nigeria and are harvested as wild bush meat. Grasscutter, antelopes, duicker and bush rats such as squirrel and the piscivorous mammals the marsh mangrove otter and manatee are found in all zones in the study area. Alligators are highly valued inhabitants of Lagos State coastal wetlands. The Nile crocodile is wildly distributed in the swampy areas while the commonest lizard found is the Nile monitor (Varanus niloticus). Amongst the aquatic birds are the common species of herons, water fowls, fish eagle and darters, king fishers (Ceryle rudis), strait pidgeons (ducala bicolor) which frequent the wetlands. Wildlife contributes immensely to the protein consumption and economy of the people of the study area, animal parts are also used in industry and medicine