Table of Contents
Abstract. 2
CHAPTER ONE.. 5
INTRODUCTION.. 5
1.1 Background to the Study.. 5
1.2 Statement of the Problem... 7
1.3 Objectives of the Study.. 8
1.4 Research Questions. 8
1.5 Research Hypothesis. 9
1.6 Significance of the Study.. 9
1.7 Scope of the Study.. 10
1.8 Limitations of the Study.. 10
1.9 Organization of the Study.. 10
CHAPTER TWO.. 13
REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE.. 13
2.1 Introduction.. 13
2.2 Theoretical Review.. 13
2.3 Conceptual Review.. 15
2.4 Empirical Review.. 18
2.5 Summary of Literature Review.. 20
CHAPTER THREE.. 22
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY.. 22
3.1 INTRODUCTION.. 22
3.2 RESEARCH DESIGN.. 22
3.3 POPULATION AND SAMPLE.. 22
3.4 DATA COLLECTION METHODS.. 23
3.5 DATA ANALYSIS TECHNIQUES.. 23
3.6 ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS.. 24
3.7 LIMITATIONS OF THE STUDY.. 24
3.8 CONCLUSION.. 24
CHAPTER FOUR.. 25
DATA ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION.. 25
4.1 Preamble.. 25
4.2 Socio-Demographic Characteristics of Respondents. 25
TABLES BASED ON RESEARCH QUESTIONS.. 29
4.3 Analysis of the Respondents’ Views on Research Question one:. 29
4.4 Testing Hypothesis. 41
4.5 Discussion of Findings. 43
CHAPTER FIVE.. 46
SUMMARY CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION.. 46
5.1 Summary of Findings. 46
5.2 CONCLUSION.. 46
5.3 RECOMMENDATION.. 47
REFERENCES.. 48
APPENDIX Research Questionnaire.. 51
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background to the Study
1.1 Background to the Study
Nigeria, with its diverse ecosystems and rich biodiversity, is home to a plethora of animal species ranging from mammals and birds to reptiles and amphibians. However, the rapidly expanding human population and associated activities have posed significant threats to the survival of many of these species. The effects of human activities on animal populations in Nigeria are multifaceted, encompassing habitat destruction, pollution, poaching, and climate change. These anthropogenic pressures have led to declines in wildlife populations, disruption of ecosystems, and loss of biodiversity, ultimately posing a threat to the stability of ecosystems and the well-being of both humans and wildlife.
Habitat destruction stands as one of the foremost challenges facing animal populations in Nigeria. Rapid urbanization, agricultural expansion, logging, and infrastructure development have led to extensive loss and fragmentation of natural habitats, leaving wildlife populations vulnerable and isolated. Additionally, pollution from industrial activities, agricultural runoff, and improper waste disposal further exacerbates the degradation of habitats, contaminating water sources and poisoning ecosystems. The combined impacts of habitat destruction and pollution have dire consequences for the survival and reproductive success of numerous animal species across Nigeria's landscapes (Adekanmbi, 2018; Adefalu, 2020).
Furthermore, the rampant poaching of wildlife for bushmeat, traditional medicine, and illegal wildlife trade persists as a significant threat to animal populations in Nigeria. Iconic species such as elephants, pangolins, and various primate species are particularly targeted, pushing many to the brink of extinction. Inadequate enforcement of wildlife protection laws, coupled with socio-economic factors driving poaching activities, continues to challenge conservation efforts and undermine the integrity of ecosystems. The loss of key species disrupts ecological balances, leading to cascading effects on ecosystem dynamics and services (Ogogo et al., 2019; Okeke, 2021).
Moreover, climate change emerges as a looming threat amplifying the pressures on animal populations in Nigeria. Shifts in temperature and precipitation patterns, as well as extreme weather events, disrupt habitats and alter species distributions. Vulnerable species, such as those restricted to specific habitats or with limited dispersal capabilities, face heightened risks of extinction as they struggle to adapt to rapidly changing environmental conditions. The compounding effects of climate change, coupled with existing anthropogenic pressures, pose formidable challenges for wildlife conservation and necessitate urgent action to mitigate further impacts and ensure the persistence of Nigeria's rich biodiversity (Ugbomoiko et al., 2020; Olukoya, 2022).
1.2 Statement of the Problem
The burgeoning human population and associated activities in Nigeria have precipitated profound impacts on local animal populations, posing significant ecological challenges. Rampant deforestation, agricultural expansion, and urbanization have led to habitat loss and fragmentation, resulting in dwindling habitats for many native species. Furthermore, the burgeoning industrialization and pollution from various sectors have contributed to environmental degradation, directly affecting animal health and reproductive success. These anthropogenic pressures have culminated in declining animal populations across diverse ecosystems in Nigeria, jeopardizing biodiversity and ecosystem stability (Olukoye et al., 2020). Understanding the complex interplay between human activities and their ramifications on animal populations is crucial for devising effective conservation strategies and mitigating further biodiversity loss in the region.
Moreover, the exploitation of wildlife for bushmeat, traditional medicine, and illegal trade exacerbates the vulnerability of many species, driving populations towards local extinction. Unsustainable hunting practices coupled with weak enforcement of wildlife protection laws exacerbate this issue, leading to overexploitation of key species and disrupting ecological balance (Ugbomeh, 2019). Consequently, there is an urgent need for interdisciplinary research and collaborative efforts among policymakers, conservationists, and local communities to address the multifaceted challenges facing animal populations in Nigeria. By integrating ecological knowledge with socioeconomic considerations, it becomes possible to develop holistic approaches that promote sustainable coexistence between humans and wildlife while safeguarding the invaluable biodiversity of the region.
1.3 Objectives of the Study
The main objective of the study is to examine the effects of human activities on animal populations in Nigeria. Specific objectives of the study are:
- 1. To assess the impact of habitat loss and fragmentation on specific animal populations in Nigeria.
- 2. To analyze the effects of hunting and poaching on the population viability of threatened and endangered animal species in Nigeria.
- To evaluate the influence of pollution from human activities on the health and survival of aquatic animal populations in Nigeria.
1.4 Research Questions
To guide the study and achieve the objectives of the study, the following research questions were formulated:
- How has deforestation due to logging and agriculture changed the distribution and abundance of primates in Nigerian rainforests over the past two decades?
- How do hunting practices for bushmeat consumption and illegal wildlife trade affect the population size and age structure of vulnerable mammals in Nigeria?
- How do oil spills and agricultural runoff impact the water quality and food chain dynamics, affecting fish populations in the Niger Delta?
1.5 Research Hypothesis
The following research hypothesis was developed and tested for the study:
Ho: There is no statistical significant relationship between human activities and animal populations in Nigeria.
1.6 Significance of the Study
The study is important for many reasons. The following are the major stakeholders this paper through its practical and theoretical implications and findings will be of great significance:
Firstly, the paper will benefit major stakeholders and policy makers in the Zoology sector. The various analysis, findings and discussions outlined in this paper will serve as a guide in enabling major positive changes in the industry and sub-sectors.
Secondly, the paper is also beneficial to the organizations used for the research. Since first hand data was gotten and analysed from the organization, they stand a chance to benefit directly from the findings of the study in respect to their various organizations. These findings will fast track growth and enable productivity in the organisations used as a case study.
Finally, the paper will serve as a guide to other researchers willing to research further into the subject matter. Through the conclusions, limitations and gaps identified in the subject matter, other student and independent researchers can have a well laid foundation to conduct further studies.
1.7 Scope of the Study
The study is delimited to Uyo LGA. Findings and recommendations from the study reflects the views and opinions of respondents sampled in the area. It may not reflect the entire picture in the population.
1.8 Limitations of the Study
The major limitations of the research study are time, financial constraints and delays from respondents. The researcher had difficulties combining lectures with field work. Financial constraints in form of getting adequate funds and sponsors to print questionnaires, hold Focus group discussions and logistics was recorded. Finally, respondents were a bit reluctant in filling questionnaires and submitting them on time. This delayed the project work a bit.
1.9 Organization of the Study
The study is made up of five (5) Chapters. Chapter one of the study gives a general introduction to the subject matter, background to the problem as well as a detailed problem statement of the research. This chapter also sets the objectives of the paper in motion detailing out the significance and scope of the paper.
Chapter Two of the paper entails the review of related literature with regards to corporate governance and integrated reporting. This chapter outlines the conceptual reviews, theoretical reviews and empirical reviews of the study.
Chapter Three centers on the methodologies applied in the study. A more detailed explanation of the research design, population of the study, sample size and technique, data collection method and analysis is discussed in this chapter.
Chapter Four highlights data analysis and interpretation giving the readers a thorough room for the discussion of the practical and theoretical implications of data analyzed in the study.
Chapter Five outlines the findings, conclusions and recommendations of the study. Based on objectives set out, the researcher concludes the paper by answering all research questions set out in the study.
