ISSN: 2578-4994
Authors: Orimaye JO*
The major problem facing wildlife conservation in Nigeria is the increase rate of loss or modification to the structure of their habitat due to human activity which has greatly affected their survival in their natural environment. This study was done to compare the habitat structure of Red Patas monkey (Erythrocebus patas) in Marguba and Sepeteri Ranges of Old Oyo National Park (OONP), Southwest Nigeria using Total Enumeration Count. Data obtained were analyzed using the Computer PAST program for all indices required. A total of one hundred and one (101) tree species belonging to 32 families were enumerated the study areas with eighty-nine (89) species in 31 families recorded in the Sepeteri range and 72 species in 26 families in the Marguba range and Vitex doniana was the most commonly encountered tree species in both ranges. Furthermore, 70 (69.31%) tree species were common to the two sites. Students’ t-test indicates that there is no significant difference (p > 0.05) in the species composition of the two sites. The effective number of species of 60.95 was computed for the Sepeteri range and 44.26 for the Marguba range. The species dominance was given as 0.02 and 0.03 for Sepeteri and Marguba ranges respectively while the species evenness was 0.68 for Sepeteri and 0.61 for Marguba range. However, the Sorenson’s coefficient (SC) of plant species similarity between the two ranges showed a value of 0.70. Thirty-two (32) families of tree species were recorded in the two ranges with 31 and 26 families in Sepeteri and Marguba ranges respectively. Kolmogorov Simnrrov's test showed no significant difference (P≥>0.05) in equal distribution of families in the two sites. The results showed that Sepeteri and Marguba ranges are similar in species composition, family diversity and structural arrangement and indiscriminate felling of woody trees for charcoal and firewood production should be proscribed.
Keywords: Red Patas Monkey; Sepeteri Range; Marguba Range; Vitex Doniana Effective Number of Species
