Habitat preference and distribution of pangolin in Ala Forest Reserve and Onipanu Community Forest of Southwestern Nigeria

Abstract

Despite the ecological significance, social and economic values and the roles being played by pangolin, their ecological roles remain under-studied in context to Nigeria. There is dearth of information on the current status, distribution, habitat preferred by pangolin especially in the tropical rainforest ecoregion of Nigeria. Information on the overall habitat ecology, preference and the current distribution pattern of pangolin in the study areas were generated. Species name, height and diameter at breast height (DBH) of woody trees were recorded and Shannon-Wiener index of species diversity were used to evaluate diversity. Knowledgeable source, field guide books and indirect indices such as signs, footprints and decayed dead parts were employed. Hunters living in villages around the study sites were interviewed to facilitate opportunity to examine hunting practices, feeding and habits in areas where each species lived independently. Findings from this study reveal information on the presence of Phataginus tetradactyla, in the study ecosystem, habitat preference and the distribution pattern. The information provided will go a long way towards developing conservation strategies for pangolin in the study areas based on the available information on the ecological significance, social and economic values and the roles being played by this species of animal in context to Nigeria.