Roles of urban forestry in wildlife conservation: case of selected locations in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State, Nigeria

Abstract

The study investigated the roles of urban forestry in wildlife conservation in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State, Nigeria. Data were obtained through field survey and use of structured questionnaire. The data obtained was analyzed using descriptive statistics. The result revealed that most of the respondents were within the age group of 31 and 40 years (46.7%), married (65.4%) and had tertiary education (74.8%). The result also showed that valuable trees species such as shea butter (Vitellaria paradoxa), locus bean (Parkia biglobosa) and Baobab tree (Adansonia digitata) that are considered endangered in the wild due to deforestation were found in the study area. Among the associated wild animals species sighted in the study areas were cattle egret (18.4%), grey hornbill (15.3%), senegal coucal (13%), bee-eater (12.3%), bush fowl (7.7%), weaver birds (7.7%), touraco bird (6.9%), wood pecker (5.3%) flying squirrel (4.6%), morning dove (4.6%), lizard buzzard (3%) and common falcon (0.7%). The observed activities of these animals include singing, feeding, resting, nesting, flying, playing and mating. Government through the ministry of environment and department of forestry should give serious attention to urban trees and associated animal’s conservation, and also ensure public enlightment on trees planting and management.