Authors: A.L.A. Shotuyo1 M.O.O. Oyatogun1 O.O. Oduntan1 I.A. Ayodele2
International Journal of Molecular Ecology and Conservation, 2013, Vol. 3, No. 2
Abstract
The importance of wildlife, especially the vertebrates for game, tourism and medicinal use cannot be over emphasized. Nature reserves are also known to influence the ecosystem of its location. However, rapid increase in land use for agriculture and other physical developments are gradually reducing wildlife habitation including the Alabata area nature reserve of Abeokuta. Inventory of these resources in relation to their habitat parameters would inform their better management. Assessments of vertebrate and associated flora diversities were therefore carried out in Alabata Nature Reserve. The study covered 20 km2 out of 97.3 km2 area of Alabata Nature Reserve. Twenty sample plots each of 25 m x 25 m were laid randomly. Animals(vertebrates) were assessed for 24 months in each plot
cutting across wet and dry seasons. Animals were surveyed weekly using the King Census and Line Transect methods, by direct and indirect modes. One hundred and twenty-one (121) vertebrate species, belonging to fifty-six (56) families were recorded.Thryonomys swinderianus was the most abundant vertebrate species with a mean frequency of 319±40.87, followed by Xerus erythropus (143±2.98) and Arvicanthus niloticus (122±15.39) while Ploceus capensis (5±3.92) was the least abundant.