Abundance and distribution of ungulates in the buffer zone of old Oyo national park, Nigeria

Abstract

The buffer zones of Nigerian protected areas are neglected and under-managed. The study examined the abundance and distribution as well as the population structure of ungulates species in Old Oyo National Park buffer zone. Five 3×2 km transects were laid in the buffer zone of all the ranges (Ogun-Tede, Marguba, Sepeteri, Oyo-Ile, and Yemoso) of the Park. The transects were traversed for a period of 12 months. Observations were based on direct censusing techniques only. The wet season results showed that Marguba range had the highest relative abundance of ungulate species 0.67±0.0057/km2, while Sepeteri range had the least relative abundance of ungulate species 0.33±0.0023/km2. Sylvicapra grimmia had the highest number of individuals in a group per square kilometer 0.0043±0.0012, while Kobus kob had the least number of individuals in a group per square kilometer 0.0011±0.0004. Adult males and adult females constituted the highest proportion of ungulate species mean population structure which ranged between 0.75 and 25.0%. In the dry season, however, Ogun-Tede range had the highest relative abundance of ungulate species 1.50±0.0092/km2, while Yemoso range had the least 0.17±0.0011/km2. Hippotragus equinus had the highest number of individuals in a group per square kilometer 0.0033±0.0012, while both Potamochoerus porcus and Sylvicapra grimmia had the least number of individuals in a group per square kilometer 0.0017±0.0005. Adult males, adult females and sub-adult males constituted the highest proportion of ungulate species mean population structure which ranged between 0.8 and 22.22%. Based on these findings, a buffer zone of Old Oyo National Park should be given more attention in terms of policing, monitoring and effective protection.

Keywords: Buffer zone, Ungulates, Population, Distribution, National Park