Species Diversity Associated with Salt Lick Utilization in Borgu sector of Kainji Lake National Park, Nigeria

Salt licks play an important role in the health of wildlife by supplying the essential minerals required especially for herbivores. This study assessed nine mineral salt lick sites, fauna utilization and tree species diversity in response to threats encountered at the site. Systematic random sampling, quadrat sampling, and transect survey were used as the methodological indices to carry out the research. The dominant tree species is Anogeissus leiocarpus while recessive species was Vitellaria paradoxa. Fauna distribution and abundance within and across mineral salt lick sites were observed. Kobs (Kobus kob) were the highest while Tantalus monkey (Chlorocebus tantalus) and Warthog (Phacochoerus aethiopicus) had the least encounter rate. Park management should implement conservation education, stringent policies against wildlife offences and constant surveillance to conserve biodiversity in protected ecological site. The overall benefits derived from salt licks for wildlife health, majorly through herbivores, are crucial in maintaining a healthy wildlife community for their reproduction and survival.