Distribution and Abundance of Pangolin (Phataginus tetradactyla) in Borgu Sector of Kainji Lake National Park, Nigeria

Habitat destruction and poaching has been a major threat to wildlife species. In Kainji Lake National Park, the present population of Pangolin (Phataginus tetradactyla) is not certain. Therefore, this study documents the distribution and abundance of Pangolin in Borgu Sector of Kainji Lake National Park. Data were collected using the line transect method for a period of five (5) months. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, and displayed in the form of tables, chart and graphs. The findings show that Awwal Ibrahim tract had the highest percentage (29.7%) of observation of pangolin during the five month period of study (March– July, 2018), and the least observation was sighted in Gilbert child and Mamud Lapai tracks - with 16.2%, respectively. The month of March had the highest number of observation (10) and the month of June had the least number of observations (5). The Population structure of pangolin (P. tetradactyla) revealed that adult recorded the highest observation (26) and the least observation was recorded among young individuals (11). The vegetation distribution of pangolin revealed that riparian forest recorded the highest percentage (29.7%) of sightings, followed by Isoberlina doka woodland and Acacia complex (18.9%, respectively) while the least was Detarium microcapum areas - with (16.2%). Our study also revealed that in the different activities carried out by pangolin, running recorded the highest observation (14), followed by feeding (11) and the least was resting (4). The study recommended that, the park authority should intensify anti-poaching patrols so as to stop humans from entering the park and to minimize indiscriminate deforestation, bush burning and farming activities in the area, so as to allow wildlife to have enough cover and feed for survival.