ABSTRACT

This research examined the assessment of wildlife conversation in adjoining communities of Ogba Zoo. It evaluate the benefits and level of awareness of wildlife conversation to the local people, identify the challenges/constraints to sustainable conversation of wildlife, perception and involvement of the people towards wildlife conversation. The five selected communities were Ogba, Umegbe, Evbuodia, Irhirhi and Avuogba. A total number of two hundred and twenty five(225)copies of questionnaires were administered randomly to individuals in the five communities. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics such as frequency, percentages, means and presented in tables. The results revealed that 84% of the respondents are fully aware of wildlife conversation,72% practiced wildlife conversation,76% of the respondents support wildlife conversation,68% have benefited from wildlife conservation. Majority of the respondents in the different communities stated that they are being faced with some challenges regarding wildlife conversation such as lack of social amenities(36.36%),no government support(40%),lack of awareness(32.88%).Some of the important benefits of wildlife conversation to the people staying near the zoo were Ecotourism(53.57%),income generation(43.33%) and employment(16.67).It was concluded that majority of the respondents are aware of wildlife conversation and they get their information from newsprint. It hasd been recommended that wildlife conservation study should be included in the curriculum of secondary schools, the management of Ogba zoological garden should employ more of the local people and they should provide basic social amenities to the adjoining communities.