Hunting and Trading in the Nigerian Chimpanzee (<i>Pan troglodytes vellerosus</i>) in Gashaka- Mambilla Region, Nigeria

Abstract

The study was conducted to determine the extent of hunting and trading on the Nigerian chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes vellerosus) in the Gashaka-Mambilla region, Nigeria. A total of 231 respondents selected using random sampling technique were sampled in 27 towns and villages of six local Government areas in Taraba and Adamawa states. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics. The result showed that hunting and trading in chimpanzees is an organized enterprise in the region. Chimpanzees were sourced mainly from the Gashaka- Gumti National Park. Price of live Baby chimpanzee goes for about N10, 000.00, while big animal fetched between N 15,000.00 - N 30,000.00. The marketing of chimpanzees is not usually an open activity as about 36.4% of the respondents reported the marketing to be in the night, 8.7% reported it to be by day, 19.9 % reported it to be by both time periods. Means of transporting chimpanzees for sale were most often by trekking 40.7 %, motor bike 35.1%, commercial vehicles 7.4% and horses and donkeys 3.9%. Chimpanzees’ hunting and trade are carried out all the seasons round. The major chimpanzee markets identified are located in Maihulla,
Gembu, Wukari and Bali within the region. Hunting and trading in chimpanzees constitute one of the greatest threats to chimpanzee conservation in the Gashaka-Mambilla region. Efforts are needed in the area of protection and awareness of conservation benefit to the local people of the region to be able to combat this menace.