Comparative Analysis of Fauna Numerical Characteristic of Yankari Game Reserve from 1980-2008

Abstract

Mammals of Yankari Game Reserve (YGR) was conducted with a view to making comparison with what existed in the 80's. Road Side Count Method was used for the inventory of individual species using specially designed form administered by a volunteer during the game viewing trip. In-depth interviews and questionnaires were administered to Patrol Guard Rangers and Peri-game reserve dwellers to elicit information on the trend of encroachment into the reserve. Data obtained were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The study revealed a decline of -58.55% of animal species sighted in the reserve between 1979/80-2008, indicating 0.2% annual decline. It was also observed that predation and epizootic diseases contributed significantly to the decline of the reserve fauna resources. Other factors responsible for the decline of the animal species include poaching and increasing pressure emanating from the Internally Displaced Persons (IDP'S) settling <1 km around the reserve boundary. In addition however, the reserve had experienced over the years prolonged unresolved administrative bottleneck, which further compound the reserve conservation problems. To rescue the remaining animal species and to alleviate the identified conservation problems in YGR. Government, NGO'S and the Reserve Management should consider and encourage the need for increased support zone community development projects, intergretated participatory management that enunciate bottom-up conservation process and re-settlement of the recently established hamlets that are proximate to the reserve boundary among others.