Population status and habitat preferences of common warthog (Phacochoerus africanus) in Kainji Lake National Park, Niger State Nigeria

Abstract

This study assessed the population status and habitat preference of common Warthog in Kainji Lake National Park using direct sighting and line transect method using the existing jeep tracks. Data were analysed using the Paleontological Statistics Software (PAST) for scientific data analysis. Population estimates for the common warthog across various habitats were compared using one-way ANOVA and t- test for wet and dry seasons. A total number of 318 individuals were recorded in both seasons in the study area. Wet season recorded 244 individuals while dry season recorded 74 individuals. The findings also showed that the mean population estimates of the warthog were 175.17 ± 58.18 and 106.25 ± 17.23. The mean age structure and sex ratio of the observed warthog population during dry and wet seasons in the study area showed that juveniles had the highest mean of 18.50 ± 1.04 during the wet season and adult females and juveniles had the highest mean of 5.25 ± 1.25 respectively during the dry season. The seasonal distribution and habitat preference of common warthog showed that during the wet season, the species were commonly sighted in Terminalia macroptera tree savannah as 76 individuals was recorded during the study period and During the dry season, Oli complex habitat had the highest observation with 23 individuals. The study recommends that more aspect of the ecology of the animal should be studied in details and emphasis should be placed on the habitat requirements.

Keywords: Population status, Habitat Preference, Warthog, Kainji Lake National Park