Objectives: To assess the impact of deforestation in YankariGame Reserve, Nigeria. It will also review some issues and challenges facing the game reserve.
Methods/Statistical analysis: The methodology adopted for the study consists of field trips for an onsite visit and data collection, evaluation of the existing literatures and interviewing of some identified stake holders.
Findings: Encroachment of the reserve was observed and woodlands are being converted to non-forest land. The Game Reserve is the Nigerian richest wildlife sanctuary that contains many wild animals. The control and management of deforestation in the area is minimal. Absence of modern technology such as remote sensing and GIScan provide accurate documentation of the location, extent and rate of the deforestation. Besides, these technologists will be cost-effective in estimating forest change as well as the movement of these wild animals. It was also been identified that corruption, abuse of office, low morale and inadequate training among the factors affecting the non-performance of the Game Reserve.
Application/Improvements: The forest laws in the state owned should be reviewed to incorporate the local communities for effective performance. Any poacher arrested should get punishment. The salary and allowances of the staff should be paid regularly.
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