CHALLENGES OF CONSERVING WILDLIFE IN THE TROPICS: A CASE STUDY OF DAGIDA GAME RESERVE, NIGER STATE

Abstract

Abstract The paper examined the present state of Dagida Game Reserve with the aim of identifying the challenges and effects of human activities on the management and conservation of the reserve. Multiple data collection techniques were used for the research in order to increase the chances of collecting valid and accurate data. Reconnaissance survey and frequent visit to the study area was carried out in order to collect reliable data. 213 structured questionnaires was formulated and distributed to farmers and other vital stakeholders and only 208 were returned. Personal interview and group interviewees were conducted to pave way for objective comparison. Government document and previous work carried out on the study area were consulted. Data analysis was carried out using frequency- percentage technique and computation table. The result of the research shows that a lot of human activities such as farming, hunting, lumbering, land excavation and bush burning have distorted Dagida Game Reserve to a significant level. Funding and staffing. are serious challenges facing the game reserve. Inappropriate and inconsistent government policies have also affected the viability of the game reserve. A serious challenge facing the game reserve is the encroachment by other Local Government Area like Mashegu. Recommendations were advanced to serve as veritable tool for addressing the challenges.