IUCN / SSC Cat Specialist Group - Digital Cat Library |
|
||||||||||
|
||||||||||
|
|
| Ikemeh, A.R. | |
| Okomu Leopard Study - A Preliminary Assessment of the Status and Distribution of Leopards in Okomu Forest Reserve, South-Western Nigeria | |
| 2007 Full Book | |
The status of leopards in Nigeria is poorly known and their occurrence in the south-west has never been recorded, this provided stimulus for the Okomu Leopard Study. Therefore, the principal objective of this survey was to assess, at a preliminary level, the status and distribution of leopards and to determine the chances of the species' long term survival in Okomu. Although, the initial/pilot phase of the project started in late September 2006, this report provides data derived in the period between February and March 2007 (20 days). Preliminary results from interviews with park rangers, hunters and fieldworkers show that leopards occur and are wide-ranging in the Okomu forest reserve and seem to be increasing probably due to the substantial improvement in protection of the national park where prey is relatively abundant. Data collected in the field from signs and direct observation of the leopards covered 9.5% of the study area, leopard footprints was sighted at the oil palm plantations north of the reserve 20m from the park's eastern borders and scats was collected south, 6km from the national park borders and footprints were also observed westwards 1.6km into the oil palm plantations. Although, it is not clear at this stage whether they have colonized and occupy the plantation as part of their range. Footprints of a juvenile with an adult and of an adult and cubs were observed in certain areas giving evidence to breeding. Study findings indicate that the leopards potential prey in the study area are widely distributed and relatively abundant in areas of meaningful protection. Furthermore, observation rates for small sized ungulates such as duikers and other small carnivores were frequent. Investigations on the death of a leopard reported on the 17th of February in one of the buffer zone communities also revealed that leopards are killed outside the park where they are lured by the internal organ remains of bush meat deposited behind the restaurants of local communities. Indicators point to a rather recovering population of leopards in Okomu that could potentially ensure long-term survival of the species in the study area but will need meaningful conservation action plan that incorporate the corridors between the park and adjoining forests, the enlightenment/collaboration of the oil palm company and landowners plus local people within the leopard range. Information gathered from other parts of the country reveals that leopards were widespread throughout Nigeria occurring around Cross River State at the Obudu Cattle Ranch, on the Jos plateau, in the Gwoza hills of Borno State, Olokameji in Ogun State and around Birnin Gwari in Kaduna State. Nonetheless, existing data show that the leopards' range in Nigeria is severely fragmented and they are reported to occur in the Yankari Game Park; Kainji Lake National Park; Sambisa Game Reserve; Kambari Game Reserve; Cross River National Park-Oban Hills sector and the Gashaka Gumti National Park. Although, leopards are known to occur in other protected areas but their current status is uncertain, as it is possible that they may be locally extirpated from these areas. These areas have been delineated as possible ranges and priority areas for survey as the case may be. The Okomu leopard study was timely and this report recommends very stringent yet proactive measures that are absolutely realizable and needed, if there has to be credible conservation of wildlife and natural resources in the Okomu forest reserve. |
|
 |
PDF files are only accessible to Friends of the Cat Group. Joining Friends of the Cat Group gives you unlimited access and downloads in the Cat SG Library for one year, and allows you to receive our newsletter Cat News (2 regular issues per year plus special issues). More information how to join here |
(c) IUCN/SSC Cat Specialist Group ( IUCN - The World Conservation Union) |