Assessment of Interpretive Facilities and the Delivery of Interpretive Services in Nigeria National Parks

Assessment of interpretive facilities and the delivery of interpretive services in Chad Basin National Park (CBNP), Kainji Lake National Park (KLNP), Okomu National Park (OKNP), and Yankari National Park (YNP) were conducted. The parks were selected to represent the major ecological zones where National Parks are located in Nigeria. There methods of data collection were utilized in this study. The first was the use of interview guide adapted from the Department of Natural Resources and Environment (1999) to obtain information from the management of the four national parks; the second was on-site assessment of interpretive facilities and services available in the parks. Finally, data were obtained through questionnaire from the visitors to the parks on the interpretive facilities and services provided to Data obtained were subjected to descriptive statistics. The results indicated the presence of interpretive brochures and leaflets, interpretive signs, park publications, museum/interpretive exhibits, interpretive talks, school group activities, children activities, guided tours, video, visitor centre and audio/video viewing at visitor centre in these parks. None of these Parks provided internet site, night walks, self-guided activities and trailside exhibits. The study also showed that between 2.7% and 6.3% of the total number of full-time staff in these parks were available for the delivery of interpretive services. Also, between N100,000 and N1,000,000 were budgeted annually for interpretive services out of between N5,000,000 and N100,000,000 annual operating budget for the parks.Key Words: Interpretive facilities, interpretive services, delivery, visitors, Nigeria National Park

Biodiversity and potential socio-economic importance of Abandoned Quarry Sites in Abeokuta Area, Ogun State, Nigeria

The study evaluated the biodiversity status of abandoned quarry pits in ‘Aro’ in Abeokuta, Ogun State in Nigeria. The site was 1800 m2 in area. A total of 80 pits were inundated in the area. Stratified sampling was used to select 30 pits, ranging from small to medium and large pits. Twenty-eight per cent of the inundated pits were selected. A total of 26 aquatic plants were identified. Nymphae lotus had the highest occurrence (90%) while others with least occurrence had 2.3%. The study area was a good location for game animals, thus, animal species such as weaver birds (Ploceus spp.), hawks (Eremopterix leucotis) and water ducks (Dendrocygna viduata) were found to occupy some of the niches. A socio-economic assessment of the inundated pits in the area revealed that pit users made financial gains from the biological resources of the pits when exchanged inmarket places under direct use value of the resources. The biological resources entered into human preferences and, therefore, users generated income. Estimates from a small pit with stocking density of 791 fingerlings showed that N59,219 could be generated annually and in multiples if the pits are many. The management method excludes supplementary feeding in such pits but polyculture could be adopted with species such as Clarias gariepinus and Oreochromis niloticus. There were also indirect values (non-marketed resources) from the pits, including environmental functions such as recycling of nutrients and gases, aesthetic and water for domestic uses. These also require valuation to appreciate economic values of the pits

Relationship and Pattern of Adults and Minors Visitor at the Federal University of Agriculture Zoo Park, Abeokuta, Ogun State

Population influx and the relationship between adults and minorsvisitantsto the Federal University of Agriculture Zoological Park were investigated within six months. This was necessary in order to determine their population difference and relationship. Total population of two thousands, four hundred and twenty-nine (2,429) visitors majorly made up of one thousand, eight hundred and twenty-nine (1,829) minor visitors and six hundred (600) adults visitors were recorded in the Zoo Park within period of six months.Monthly visitation pattern from December, 2012 – May, 2013 showed that the highest peak occurred in the Month of May, 2013 followed by March, 2013. Total mean population of adults and minors visitors within the six months was 100±21 adults and 304±115 minors respectively. A chi-square test of independence was performed to examine the relationship between adults and minors visitors. The relationship between these variables was significant, X2 (5, N = 2429) = 232, p <0.05and revealed that minors are found of visiting the zoo more than the adults within the period of study. It was concluded that notable public holiday and mid-term might be factor responsible for the minors’ attendants. Improved exhibitions and educational programs that encourage adult visitants and as well improve minors visit are recommended.Key Words: Zoo Park, Visitants, Pattern, Relationshi

Assessment of Population Density and Disparity of Village Weaverbirds (Ploceus cucullatus) Along Three Selected Road Axis in Ogun State, Nigeria

Study of Village weaverbirds Ploceus cucullatus along the roads was necessary in order to provide prospect of their population, density and platform for monitoring their distribution. Data were collected through on-site observations and pointcount method at thirty-four (34) point-count stations. Collected data were subjected to descriptive statistics and one-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). 58.8% of the point-count stations were recorded along Abeokuta/Ibadan road axis, 26.5% along Abeokuta/Shagamu road axis and 14.7% along Ijebu-Ode/Ibadan road axis. Twelve different tree species representing ten families were found colonized by the bird but Cassia spp, Mangifera indica and Terminalia catappa were most preferred for habitation. Habitat use classifications indicated that Village weaverbirds predominantly nested in human settlements (94.2%). Total population of 1269 Village weaverbirds were recorded along the three road axis and highest population of it was from Abeokuta-Ibadan road axis. Overall, population density for the three road axis was 18 Village weaverbirds per kilometre and among the roads; Abeokuta-Ibadan road axis recorded the highest density. The total population mean Village weaverbirds was 223±13 Village weaverbirds while the total nest population was 129±nest. Total elevation value was 141±6 asl and the mean total of the tree species was 5±1 tree species. Maximum and minimum values of Village weaverbirds population, nest counts, elevation and tree species were recorded along Abeokuta/Ibadan road axis than other road axis. Elevation of point-count station was significantly different (P< 0.05). Elevation of the study locations contributed to Village weaverbirds population, density and population disparity along the road axis. ©JASE

Prevalence and Predictors of Tuberculosis Coinfection among HIV-Seropositive Patients Attending the Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Northern Nigeria

Background: The HIV/AIDS epidemic has been accompanied by a severe epidemic of tuberculosis (TB), although the prevalence of coinfection is largely unknown, especially in developing countries, including Nigeria. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and predictors of TB coinfection among HIV-seropositive Nigerians. Methods: The case files of HIV/AIDS patients attending Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Nigeria from January to December 2006 were reviewed. Results: A total of 1320 HIV/AIDS patients had complete records and were reviewed, among which 138 (10.5%) were coinfected with TB (95% CI, 8.9% to 12.2%). Pulmonary TB was diagnosed in 103 (74.6%) patients, among whom only 18 (17.5%) were sputum-positive. Fifty (36.2%) coinfected patients had some type of extrapulmonary TB (EPTB); 15 had both pulmonary TB and EPTB. Among the 35 patients with EPTB only, 20 (57.1%) had abdominal TB, 5 (14.3%) had TB adenitis, 5 (14.3%) had spinal TB, 3 (8.6%) were being monitored for tuberculous meningitis, and 1 (2.9%) each had renal TB and tuberculous adrenalitis. The highest prevalence of TB, 13.7% (n = 28), was seen among patients aged 41–50 years. TB coinfection was significantly associated with marital status, WHO clinical stage, and CD4 count. Marital status (OR, 2.1; 95% CI, 1.28–3.59; P = 0.04), WHO clinical stage at presentation (4.81; 1.42–8.34; P = 0.001), and baseline CD4 count (2.71; 1.51–6.21; P = 0.02) remained significant predictors after adjustment for confounding. Conclusions: The moderately high prevalence of TB among HIV-seropositive patients underscores the urgent need for strategies that lead to rapid identification and treatment of coinfection with active or latent TB

Body weight changes, morphometry and attachment of puberty in captive bred grasscutters (Thryonomys swinderarianus Temminck)

No Abstract

Short Communication: Effect of Soil Moisture Level on the growth of the Giant African Land Snails, Archachatina marginata and Achatina achatina in different season.

This study focused on the evaluation of the effect of soil moisture on the feed intake and weight gain of the Giant African Land snails, Achatina achatina and Archachatina marginata in different seasons using a 2 x 2 x 4 factorial experiment with soil moisture at two levels (low 25ml of water/ week and high 100ml water/week), species at two levels (Achatina achatina and Archachatina marginata) and season at four levels (cold dry, hot dry, hot wet and cold wet) constituting the three factors. Result showed that there was a significant seasonal differences (P<0.001) for weekly feed intake of snails in which values of 3.85, 2.53, 3.88 and 4.44g were recorded in cold dry, hot dry, hot wet and cold wet seasons, respectively. Monthly weight gains of 5.41g recorded for Archachatina marginata was significantly higher (P<0.001) than the value of 1.94g recorded for Achatina achatina. There was significant interaction (P<0.001) between soil moisture level and species on monthly weight gains of the snails. The feed intake and weight gain of snails (4.28 g and 6.43 g) in the high soil moisture treatment was significantly (P<0.01) higher than those in the low soil moisture treatment (3.07 g and 5.30 g). In conclusion, it is evident that species, season and soil moisture level affected the feed intake and weight gain of the Giant African Land Snails. Keywords: Soil moisture, season, species, feed intake, weight gain and Giant African Land snail

Distribution and diversity of flora and fauna in International Institute Of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) forest and nature reserve, Ibadan, Oyo state, Nigeria

The study examined the distribution and diversity of plant and animal  species at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture forest and nature reserve, it was aimed at assessing the numbers of plant and  animal species and the areas where they occur in the study sites. Plant and animal species were enumerated through direct on-site field  observation for fifteen months to provide data that could enhance the management and sustainable utilization of the forest. Eighty-seven plant species from 39 families were found in the area; 55 species were trees while shrubs and grasses were 32 species. The common tree species found in the area were Elaeis guineensis (32.4%) Funtumia elastica (11.4%) Newbouldia laevis (7.6%) and Lecaniodiscus cupanioides (4.5%). Two particularly interesting climber species found, were Pararistolochia  goldieana and Caesalpinia bonduc. Also, there are several wild relatives of cultivated yams which grow naturally these are Dioscorea bulbifera, Dioscorea dumentorum, Dioscorea hirtiflora, Dioscorea togoensis,  Dioscorea praehensilis and Dioscorea Prevssii. These form potential gene pool/resources for improvement of the cultivated yam. Ninety-two species of wild animals from 45 families were also found in the study area. There were 66 species of birds from 28 families, 3 species of reptiles from 3 families and 23  species of mammals from 16 families. A total of 11,632 sightings were recorded. The most abundant animal species found in the area were  Corvus albus (7.8%), Viverra civetta (7.4%), Cephalophus rufilatus (7.2%) and Dendrocygna viduata (5.4%). The endemic Ibadan malimbe  (Malimbus ibadanensis) was also sighted in the study site and several other birds which normally winter around the lake.Key words: Ecology, Distribution, Diversity, Forest, Nature Reserve, IITA