Effect of artificial waterholes on distribution of wildlife fauna in arboretum of Gashaka Gumti National Park, Taraba State, Nigeria

Abstract

This research focused on the influence of using artificial waterhole on wildlife fauna distribution in Gashaka Gumbti National Park. The  methodology used was simply to identify/build artificial waterholes for these wildlife animals to aggregate and use during the dry season  when most natural streams and springs were dried up. Data were collected from January to end of August, 2018 through Focus  group interview of the Park Management Staff (field Rangers and anti-poachers) and field observations from mornings between 6. 00 am  to 10.00 am and evenings from 3.00 pm to 6.00 p.m. Night observations were hindered due to insecurity and banditry activities. However,  foot prints and fecal droppings were identified. Two artificial waterholes were identified that supplied water to the wildlife animal species  during the dry season. Hundred percent of the staff identify the need for waterhole, about 88.57% agreed that animals visited the  waterhole mostly in the evening (60%) and 85.71% advocated for more waterholes in the study area. The following animals were  observed to have visited the waterhole like Papio anubis (20%), Tragelaphus Scriptus (30%), Cephalophus rufilatus (10%), Chlorocebus  tantalus (20%) and Hippotragus eguines (20%). Some wild aves (birds) also benefitted from this water scheme, mostly, Apus affinis and  Ceyx picta. It is recommended that, authority should consider conducting regular specific site assessment of the waterholes for their   maintenance and modification where and when necessary.