Survey of Wildlife Resources as Basis for Ecotourism Development at Ebomi Lake, Ondo State, Nigeria
Mr Opemipo Alaba Ijose1
1Department Of Wildlife And Ecotourism Management, University Of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
Ensuring local community support for biodiversity hotspot is viewed as a paramount ingredient for conservation and sustainability. This is advocated for community based ecotourism. Ebomi Lake (EL) is a natural scenic area with potentials for income-generating activities and capacity for poverty reduction and sustainable development. This study surveyed flora and fauna resources as ecological basis for ecotourism development at EL and its importance to natural resource conservation. Data were collected through questionnaires, distributed among two communities, which have a direct relationship with EL. A total of 368 respondents were randomly selected proportionate to size of the two communities. Fauna and flora resources at EL were identified using key informants, Physical Observations and Mackinon method. The survey revealed positive level of communities’ acceptability towards ecotourism in the area of conservation of lake’s biodiversity (87.5%). 52.7% respondents agreed that ecotourism will help boost the economy, 84.2% agreed ecotourism would bring sustainable developmental projects to the communities. A total of 26 families, 46 species of avifaunal, 18 families and 30 species of floral were surveyed. Integration of the locals in decision making and community participation is therefore advocated for sustainable development through ecotourism to be achieved.
Keywords:
Wildlife Survey, Conservation, Ebomi Lake, Support Zone Communities, Ecotourism
Biography:
Ijose Opemipo Alaba is a teaching and research assistant at the Department of Wildlife and Ecotourism Management, University of Ibadan.