2023, Vol. 5, Issue 2, Part A

author(s)
Mamman GS, Amshi AM and Adedotun A

abstract
This study aimed at assessing the biodiversity status of Dagona waterfowl sanctuary with the view of conserving them to boost ecotourism potentials of the site. The line transect method was used to determine animal population density. Two transects of 1000 m were laid systematically at an interval of 500m in the study area. Observation and collection of data was made at 50m along each of the transect. The result revealed that Papio anubis as having the highest population density of 0.028/km2 while the least was Thryonomys swinderianus having population density of 0.001/km2. For the flora species, sample plots of 50m x 50m in size were established at 50 m interval in alternate position along each transect and all flora species were enumerated by direct counting and all other measurements taken. Simpson’s diversity index was used to determine plant species diversity. The result showed that transect 2 had the highest plant diversity of 0.969. However, due to some anthropogenic activities such as over exploitation, free grazing, poaching, deforestation, etc. Ongoing in the sanctuary, a lot of flora species like Mitragyna inermis, Centella astiatica, Acacia sieberitana etc. have evolved into rare and threatened while the animal population has also reduced drastically due to loss of their habitat hence the need to conserve the biodiversity in the sanctuary been the resource base that would boost ecotourism potentials of the area.