Threat to the conservation of grey necked rock-fowl (<i>Picathartes oreas</i>) in Cross River National Park, Nigeria

Abstract

Threat to the conservation of Grey Necked Rock-fowl (Picathartes oreas) in Okwangwo division of Cross River National Park and support zone community forest were assessed from May, 2016 to February, 2017. Participatory rural appraisal and field observations was adopted. Respondents were interviewed on the various threat factors (direct and indirect) within the study areas. Visits were made to the study area to document observed threats to the habitat and the bird. One-Way Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to test for significant differences in the severity of the identified threat factors among the villages and the park staff while t-test was used to test for significance in the direct and indirect threat factors. Nine (9) threat factors/ categories: Farming, logging, water poisoning, hunters camp, charcoal making and hostile behavior (Indirect threats) as well as hunting, trapping (with cage or gum) and egg collection (Direct threats) were identified through interview but six were observed. Farming activities ranked highest (100%) and more severe, logging was rated as a severe threat (60%), charcoal making and trapping were rated as moderate both by the villagers and the park staff. However, hostile behavior was rated as less severe (17.5%) by the villagers and more severe (70%) by park staff. Therefore, in order to ensure sustainability of the bird in Nigeria, there should be effective antipoaching patrol measure, conservation awareness campaign and collaboration through community participation.

Keywords: Picathartes, conservation, threat factors, National Park, community forest