Assessment of bush mea sale and its implication on wildlife conservation in Old Oyo National Park, Nigeria

Illegal hunting of wildlife is a major issue in today’s society, particularly in tropical ecosystems. Thus, this study assessed bush meat sales and its implication on wildlife conservation in Old Oyo National Park. Data were obtained through structured questionnaire and focus group discussion from hunters and bush meat sellers in Oke-ogun communities. The study population is comprised of 78 hunters and 42 bush meat sellers. Data were subjected to descriptive statistics. The result revealed that age group 41-60 recorded the highest for both the hunters and the bush meat sellers (50% and 52%), while age group 20-40 respondents (21% and 18%, respectively) is the least. Fourteen (14) bush meat species were identified: eleven (11) mammals and three (3) reptiles. The bush meat trade, channeling from hunters through sellers to the ultimate consumers was profitable. According to our findings, 57% of all the respondents indicated that they get their bush meat from local hunters and 43% of the respondent’s sources for the bush meat are met by personal hunting inside the National Park, on farm land, near the park or around their homes. Instrument use for hunting includes gun, arrow and bow, net, traps and domestic dogs. Majority of the respondents (54%) come about hunting through inheritance from parent and personal guidance. This confirms the fact that hunting is a traditional exercise that is inherited by male children from their father or community. Beyond the aforementioned, 3% of the respondents acquired their hunting through training and 43% of the respondents develop hunting by personal interest. These results could have come about due to lack of jobs or because of rural poverty. Strengthening law enforcement, increasing ecological awareness and environmental education, and developing mechanisms to reduce human-wildlife conflicts will assist in further minimizing illegal hunting activities in Nigeria’s National Parks.