Mammals of the Eastern Niger Delta (Rivers and Bayelsa States, Nigeria): An environment affected by a gas-pipeline

Publication Type:Journal Article
Year of Publication:1999
Authors:Angelici, FM, Grimod, I, Politano, E
Journal:Folia Zoologica
Volume:48
Date Published:1999
Keywords:Panthera pardus
Abstract:

A study of the ecology and distribution of the mammal fauna in the Niger Delta region of southeastern Nigeria (Port Harcourt territory, Rivers, and Bayelsa States) was conducted as part of a larger environmental project with gas and oil production industries. Mammalian biodiversity at ten study localities was assessed by means of standardized transects, mammal trapping, interviews, sightings, and other signs of presence. Twenty-six species were recorded for the first time in the study area and six species recently found by previous authors, were confirmed. The study localities varied significantly in terms of both abundance and species diversity, dominance and evenness indices. Generally these differences can be attributed to differences in environmental characteristics. Primary and secondary rainforest, both dry and swamp types, housed significantly more species than mangroves. In terms of conservation, we found the mammal fauna of this area remarkably important. According to recent IUCN criteria, the presence of two Critically Endangered (CR) species (Panthera pardus, Tragelaphus spekii), and five Endangered (EN) species (Potamogale velox, Cercopithecus sclateri, Cercocebus torquatus, Procolobus badius epieni, Trichechus senegalensis) was also noteworthy.

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