The present study assessed the species of wildlife mostly incriminated in human-wildlife conflicts around Yankari Game Reserve (Bauchi State, Nigeria). Three districts of Alkaleri Local Government Area were selected for the study viz; Duguri, Fali and Gwana districts. A total of 113 respondents comprising of 44 staff of Yankari Game Reserve and 69 local community members formed part of the study’s sample size selected through Systematic Random and Purposive sampling techniques. The study made use of the Descriptive Survey method involving mixed methods using self-made open ended questionnaire with multiple choice questions as well as Structured Interview Guide. Demographic characteristics of the local people indicated that the majority of them lack the basic formal western education and were mainly farmers. Study findings showed that 8 different species of wildlife were mainly involved in human-wildlife conflict along the Game Reserve. These were: Buffalo, Tantalus monkey, Patas monkey, Roan antelope, Western hartebeest, Bush buck, Waterbuck and African elephant. However, the number of these species of wildlife was also found to be declining fast in the area mainly due to anthropogenic factors such as reprisal attacks on the animals by the local communities in vengeance of damages caused by the animals. Thus, if unwanted contacts between the wildlife and the surrounding communities are not checked, human-wildlife conflict in the area will continue to escalate and many of these animals can be killed. Some are already on the endangered species list. Hence, strict measures should be adopted with the aim of minimizing the rate of encroachment of the wildlife into surrounding communities in order to stop human-wildlife conflict in the area.

The research assessed the spatial and source variations in groundwater quality in different locations and wells respectively across Dawakin-Tofa Local Government Area. The study area was divided into 10 by imposing a grid on its map and thereafter 10 hand dug wells and boreholes were selected, one from each location. Physical and chemical parameters like temperature, pH, Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) and heavy metals were tested in the laboratory and figures statistically compared with Nigeria’s national standard using ANOVA. The most notable difference in quality parameters between open wells and boreholes is in TDSs, electrical conductivity and chlorine content. The differences recorded in the other quality parameters ranged from between 0.0026 mg/l (in the case of lead) to 0.7°C (in the case of Temperature). This showed that the physio-chemical properties of open wells and boreholes are not much significantly different in the areas. The mean difference of TDSs between wells and boreholes in Dawakin-Tofa LGA is 35.721 mg/l, meaning that well waters are generally more turbid than that of boreholes which was not unexpected because of structural differences and modes of operation. While some quality parameters in Dawakin Tofa like TDSs, Electrical Conductivity, Temperature, Chlorine and Manganese content generally recorded non-harmful values as compared to the drinking standard; others like lead, chromium, cadmium recorded harmful values. Only Jalli (with above 300) and Tattarawa (with above 400) mg/l recorded TDS levels close to the maximum accepted limit of 500. This study further confirms the increased danger and risk of contaminated groundwater among consumer’s not only urban areas, but also in rural areas as well. Though, the levels of some elements like Sodium, Chlorine, Manganese and Magnesium in groundwater of Dawakin-Tofa LGA are currently within the National Acceptable limits, but the concentration of heavy metals clearly shows there is serious risk. Continuous monitoring, control and necessary policy decisions were recommended.

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Despite the fact that gold has been mined in Gashaka, Taraba State for over a century and has continued to present day in the area, not much is known about this activity and its associated environmental impact in the state. This study therefore, examines the dynamics of artisanal small scale gold mining activities in Gashaka Local Government Area of Taraba State, Nigeria. The study adopted survey research design approach which involves the use of direct fieldwork observation and interview of key informants. The findings of the study reveals that alluvial gold is mined along the streams and farmlands on the floodplains in the area. The gold exists as alluvial gold dust and nugget gold. The artisanal gold mining activity is carried out with rudimentary materials such as pickaxes, diggers, shovels, spades, pans and water pumps. Some of the local mining communities are Gayam, Jamtari, Karamti, Serti, Goje, Bodel, Mayo Jim, Bashishir, Kurr and Garbabi. The 3 major methods employed by artisanal gold miners in the study area include panning method, use of locally constructed devices and picking of gold nuggets or crystals from dug pit on the floodplain. The artisanal gold miners use sulphuric acid and white mercury in purifying the collected gold. The miners do not use any protective gears such as face masks, rubber gloves, leather boots or head coverings in the mining process. All golds collected from the mining activities are sold in the town (Serti/Baruwa). There is a ready market with both local buyers residing in the town and distant buyers coming from different parts of the country. Artisanal gold mining is an important livelihood activity in the study area despite the fact that many of them are carried out illegally. Based on the findings, the study recommended the establishment of a goldsmith industry, improvement in security in the local communities and organizing the artisanal gold miners into cooperative organizations.