Distribution of African Grey Parrots (Psittacus erithacus) Linnacus, 1758 in Okomu National Park, Nigeria

Abstract

This study investigated the distribution of African Grey Parrots (Psittacus timneh) in Okomu National Park, Nigeria as influenced by the habitat and anthropogenic activities. Data were collected by random sampling from 18 compartments of approximately 1.6 km² and with structured questionnaires on the use of various forest habitats, anthropogenic activities and African Grey Parrots in the Park. Data obtained were time seen, preferred compartment and vegetation, activities of the Parrot and level of participation in Park patrol. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and the results revealed that 85% of the 615 Parrots sighted were in the dense vegetation with highest frequency of occurrence (134) in the evening (6:10 - 6:52 pm). Population distribution was highest (320) and least (28) in compartments 55 and 62 respectively with roosting (28.1%) and perching (0.30%) as the highest and least activities respectively., Timber extraction and illegal hunting constituted the highest anthropogenic activities compared to tourism (14.3%) to implicate habitat degradation (96.4%) as major threat to the even population distribution of this IUCN-threatened wildlife species in the Park. Therefore, the need to strengthen the daily patrol with more public enlightenment campaign for the conservation of the Okomu National Park for increased population viability cannot be overemphasized.