Investigating the Intersection between Climate Change and Animal Welfare within Yankari Game Reserve, Bauchi State, Nigeria

Abstract

The objective of this paper was to investigate the connection between climate change and animal welfare within Yankari Game Reserve, Bauchi State, Nigeria using four geospatial coordinates of the game reserve that is publicly available on websites and spooled over a 40-year period (1981 to 2020). Population data and other welfare issues were collected through interviews with personnel of the game reserve. Data was analysed using both qualitative and quantitative techniques and the results indicated that changes in temperature, rainfall pattern, atmospheric pressure affected the population of animals. Cases of abuse by holidaymakers and accidents along the road leading to the reserve affected the welfare and this consequently affected the population of animals especially the Tantalus Monkey and Water buck. Further indications regarding population of carnivores was affected when cases of bush burning were recorded. In conclusion, the evident impacts of climate change on ecosystems and habitats necessitate further research into its correlation with animal welfare, underscoring the urgent need for comprehensive understanding and action.