Check List and Population Densities of Mammals in the University of Agriculture Makurdi Wildlife Park, Benue State, Nigeria

Abstract

Appraisal of fauna species which form an integral part of ecology, in protected based areas is necessary before any meaningful conservation work can commence. This study was undertaken in the wildlife park of the University of Agriculture, Makurdi, to produce the species list and determine the population density of mammals in the park. The species list was obtained using both direct and indirect methods while density of mammals were determined using the kings census method. The park was stratified into two vegetations types, the riparian and woody vegetations. Result obtained showed that 19 species of mammals were identified while the density of some of them ranged from 1.0/km2 to 10.0/km2 in both the riparian and woody vegetations in the park. The park supports unique fauna species making it significant regarding conservation and scientific interest and has to be protected through fencing, conservation awareness and community participation to conserve the current species and enhanced its range productivity.