ABSTRACT
The increase in human population and communities around Okomu National Park have resulted in human- elephant conflicts. These factors coupled with constant fragmenting of natural range by the construction of transverse road and illegal poaching pose a threat to elephant populations. This study assessed the conservation status of the forest elephant (Loxodonta cyclotis)in Okomu National Park, Edo State, Nigeria.
Direct search recce walk and indirect observation using footprints assessment methods were adopted for data collection. Enumerations were carried out twice a month for a period of six months in the rainy season (April – September, 2017) and six months in the dry season (October 2017- April 2018) within six compartments of Okomu National Park. One hundred and twenty (120) questionnaires were distributed to gather qualitative data information. Data analyses were conducted using the Paleontological Statistical software.
A total of seventy-nine (79) forest elephants were encounted in Okomu National Park with their distribution and the seasonal migratory routes. Their routes showed preference for lakes in the dry season but dense understory forest in the wet season. Age structure was dominated by adult females, which constituted 27.85% of the total population, juveniles 24.05%, and adult male 18.99%; sub adult female had 16.46% while sub adult male had 12.66%. Encounter rate within the six compartments, was highest in compartment 93 (0.67 rate/km) due to the lake in it being full all year round and lowest in compartment 53 (0.11 rate/km) as a result of logging activities in the area. Questionnaires survey indicated that elephants were sighted outside the Park within five months from October 2016 to February. 2017, resulting in destruction of farm crops. Disturbance from anthropogenic activities in the Okomu National Park were major factors in the declining trend observed in the population of the forest elephants and nature. For effective protection of the elephants and other biodiversity in the Park, the need for constant sensitization, support and empowerment of local people through community initiatives outside protected area is necessary. This is to ensure participation in the conservation and protection of elephants and other natural resources.
