Survey of Pangolin Population 2021

The project made use of both biological and socio-economic survey methods. For biological survey, the park was divided into 15 blocks. This was to avoid bias in data collection on pangolins, habitat use (preference) and human activities. The “Line transects technique was employed. In the study area a total of 30 3 km line transects was randomly laid with the use of the GIS software. With the help of the GPS, the transect end points were located from our position. These points were trailed using the compass by following the orientation of the angle given by the GPS. Where necessary, was used to trim impeding portion of the vegetation along transects to ensure easy access and identification of pangolin or their signs. Data recorded included number of pangolins or signs, habitat characteristics, activity, habitat type, weather condition, time of day and season. Human signs were also be recorded and included farms (active and abandoned), settlements, snares, gun shells, gun sounds, hunting camps, hyrax snares, human paths, hunting camps, dogs and actual sightings of hunters. The survey started in February to July 2021.

Results obtained from the field detected 43 signs of pangolins along transects, recce and opportunistically, six live pangolins through recce walk and 15 live pangolins opportunistically in the savanna ecosystem. We also detected 14 pangolin snares in the forest. Other species and signs detected were the critically threatened Nigeria Cameroon chimpanzee, olive baboons, velvet monkeys, mona monkeys, putty nosed monkeys, patas monkey, bay duikers, blue duikers, antelopes, cane rat, African civet, African wild cat, the monitor lizards. These species were detected in both ecosystems, lowland forests, gallery forests, woody savanna, grassland savanna and swampy ecosystem. A greater proportion of rodents were detected in the savanna