Authors: Inah, E. I. Smith, O. F. Ityavyar, J. Osunsina I. O. O. and Akosim C.
Journal of Agriculture, Biotechnology & Ecology, 5(1), 104-116, 2012
Abstract
The work assessed captive management of Nile crocodile in three towns of Benue State, namely Makurdi, Gboko and Katsina-Ala. A purposive research survey was carried out in the study area with structured questionnaires and oral interviews. The assessment consists of farm size, type of feed and amount given, general hygiene of the farms, weight and number of crocodiles kept in each farm were noted among others. A total of eight farmers keeping captive Nile crocodiles were used in the study. Two were located in Makurdi, two in Gboko and four in Kastina – Ala. Results showed that many keep Nile crocodile for recreational purposes (87.5%) and for economic values (62.5%). The size of enclosures of the farm was between 56 to 289m2
while the size of their ponds ranged forms 9m2 to 100m2. The sanitary conditions in most farms were fairly clean to clean. The type of feeds included beef, and frogs depending on availability or in combination with other feeds. The Nile crocodiles were either fed once or twice a day except for the farm in Gboko (Allam Villa farm) which fed the crocodiles four times a week. The Nile crocodile had an estimated age of between 22 to 36 years while their weight was between 51 to 87kg. The number of the crocodiles based on their sex was low because of the constraints faced in managing them in captivity and this is also true to the number of eggs (86 pieces of eggs as total). The constraints mentioned includes inadequate space (75%) and inadequate funds (62.5%). Others includes problems of water, fighting among the crocodiles, diseases and parasites. Recommendations include putting support system in place by the government to improve the quality and quantity of captive management of the Nile crocodile for enhanced production.