Assessment of wildlife-damage to crop farms in some selected farmlands in Iddo local Government area of Oyo State, Nigeria
3rd Global Food Security, Food Safety & Sustainability Conference
May 21-22, 2018 | New York, USA

Kolawole F Farinloye

Lead City University, Nigeria

Posters & Accepted Abstracts: J Food Process Technol

Abstract:

This research work studied the damages caused by wild animal species in farmlands at Iddo Local Government area of Oyo State, Nigeria. Structured questionnaires were randomly administered to farmers in four communities in the Local Government. Wildlife species reported to infest farmlands during the study include Cane Rat (Thrynomys swinderianus,), Wild Guinea Fowl (Numida meleagris), Giant Rat (Cricetomys gambianus), Squirrel (Protezerus srangerri) Mouse (Aconomy cashirines) and Senegal Cougal (Psittacus erithacusi). Crops reported to be infested include Maize, Cassava, Yam, Tomato, Vegetable Orchard, and Plantain, respectively and Cane Rat with a total number of 62 within the wildlife species, 11 infested maize, 50 infested cassavas and one infested yam. Wild Guinea Fowl has a total number of 10 within wildlife species, eight infested maize and two infested cassavas. Giant Rat with a total number of 70 within wildlife species, four infested Maize, 60 infested cassavas, five infested tomatos and one infested vegetable. Squirrel with a total number of 65, 51 infested maize, five infested cassavas, seven infested tomatos, one infested yam and one infested maize/yam. Mouse with a total number of 19 in which, 13 infested maize, five infested cassavas and one infested yam. Senegal Cougal with a total number of nine, eight infested maize and one infested cowpea. Attacks on farm crop occurred at four different stages, during planting, immediately after growing, before harvest and at storage. Losses incurred by farmers could not be accounted for as at the time of the report. Control methods employed by farmers included trappings, group hunting, poison etc. Alternative management methods such as creation of buffer zone with the area maintenance of good sanitation with the farm and understanding the biology and ecology of the species were recommended. kofelix2003@yahoo.com