ASSESSMENT OF THE ARTIFICIAL WATER HOLES AT ZUGURMA SECTOR OF KAINJI LAKE NATIONAL PARK

ABSTRACT

The most recent management plan of Kainji Lake National Park recommended the creation of artificial waterholes to
minimize the effects of water shortage and also to prevent animals from straying away to the surrounding settlements in search of water. Assessment of artificial waterholes in Zugurma sector of Kainji Lake National Park was carried out for a period of two weeks in May, 2015 to identify the wildlife species associated with the waterholes and also to identify the practises carried out to maintain the waterholes. Two artificial waterholes which were still under construction and one ephemeral waterhole were identified during the study. Direct and indirect methods of animals sighting were used in identifying the wildlife species that are associated with the waterholes. The result of the study shows that Roan antelope (Hippotragus equinus), Western hartebeest (Alcelaphus buselaphus); Maxwell’s duiker (Cephalophus maxwellii) and Tantalus monkey (Chlorocebus tantalus) visit the waterholes.  Regular and site-specific assessments of the artificial waterholes should be conducted to enhance their habitat value and to decide if they should be maintained in their existing state or modified.
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