Relevance of Mineral Salt Lick Influence on Ecotourism Conservation of Protected Areas

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Department of Wildlife and Ecotourism Management, Osun State University.

2 Department of Wildlife and Ecotourism Management, Federal College of Wildlife Management, New - Bussa, Nigeria.

3 Department of Wildlife and Range Management, Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Nigeria.

Abstract

This study was examined in Kainji Lake National Park. A systemic random sampling method was used for data collection around the mineral salt lick areas. Line transect was used to actualize the ecotourism activity within the ecosystem. Salt lick areas and soil samples were collected and analyzed in the laboratory for their mineral composition. Secondary data were taken from the park management. The result revealed that the manganese concentration (trace element) was higher in salt lick area 1 (7.69), while the least was observed in salt lick area 5 (1.96 mg/L). Calcium which is a major element was observed to be high in salt lick area 1 (4.22 mg/L), while the least was recorded in salt lick area 6 (0.40 mg/L). Observation showed that the mineral content of the salt lick areas 3 and 6 was not adequately utilized in the dry season period. It is pertinent to realize that the mineral composition of the salt lick areas serves as an influence affecting the optimum utilization of fauna species. The turnout of eco-tourists sighting the park varied due to human anthropogenic activities and other limiting issues. The influence of mineral salt licks on wildlife well-being and their health care primarily herbivores depict decisive good maintenance of a healthy wildlife community for the physiological and biochemical activity that enhances their reproductive survival. 

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