Pattern and extent of threats to African buffalo (Syncerus caffer) in Kainji Lake and Okomu National Parks in Nigeria

Abstract

The study investigated the type, pattern and magnitude of threat factors in Kainji Lake and Okomu  National Parks, Nigeria. Field Practical observation and socioeconomic data were adopted for the present study. A total of 60 and 42 field officers from the two Parks were interviewed. Seventeen potential threats that causes Syncerus caffer population decline were identified during the field work and eleven major threats through socioeconomic data. The most dangerous threat includes: shortage of fund, illegal grazing, illegal hunting and illegal cutting of trees. The study indicates that Syncerus cafferi are at risk and, that threats vary based on the ecological zone. Kainji Lake National Park was highly subjected to livestock grazing and hunting while Okomu National Park was prone to illegal cutting of trees. The Kruskal – Wallis test showed that, for both PASI and PARTI, threat scores were higher in both Parks (PASI - r (4) = 0.93, P = 0.0052, PARTI – r = 11.39, P = 0.0021. Multi-sectorial approach and support zone community involvement, are key factors to manage national parks effectively and to reduce prevalent anthropogenic activities resulting to population decline of Syncerus caffer in their habitats.