Assessment of indigenous wildlife utilization practices in Niger North Senatorial District, Niger State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study examined indigenous wildlife utilisation practices in the Niger North Senatorial District of Niger
State, Nigeria, to document commonly utilised wildlife species, patterns of use, drivers of utilisation, and
implications for sustainability. A cross-sectional survey design was adopted. Data were collected using
structured questionnaires, and key informant interviews, across selected rural communities in the district. A
total of 200 respondents were sampled using multistage sampling techniques. In-depth interview was also used
for data collection. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse the data, while qualitative responses were
thematically interpreted to complement quantitative findings. Results showed that indigenous wildlife
utilisation is widespread. The most frequently utilised species included grasscutter (Thryonomys
swinderianus) (68.5%), duiker (Sylvicapra grimmia) (60.0%), monitor lizard (Varanus spp.) (46.0%), and
various wild bird species (18.6%). Primary purposes of utilisation were food, income generation, and
traditional medicine. Lion (Panthera leo) has traditional use values in all (100%) the communities in the study
area while each of Python (Python sabae) and Leopard (Panthera pardus) has in 4 (80.0%) of the
communities. Culturally, Lion is used as a symbol of bravery among the communities. Hunting using traps
and locally made guns was the dominant harvesting method. Notably, many respondents perceived a decline
in wildlife availability over the past decade, attributing this to increased hunting pressure, habitat loss, and
population growth. The study concludes that while indigenous wildlife utilisation contributes significantly to
livelihoods in Niger North, current practices raise sustainability concerns. Integrating indigenous knowledge
with community-based wildlife management strategies is therefore essential for balancing livelihood needs
and biodiversity conservation.