Conservation Options for Sustainable Management of Wildlife Species in the Three Ecological Zones of Adamawa State, Nigeria

The study evaluated management options for the sustainable conservation of wildlife species and factors that will actualize the Successful Implementation of the Options in the three ecological zones in Adamawa state. The study tool consists of a structured questionnaire, multi-stage and simple random sampling techniques employed for data collection. Descriptive statistics and multiple linear regressions were used for data analysis. Results indicated that management options identified included captive breeding and domestication, safari and zoo, community forestry, hunting reserve, game reserve, game ranching and National park. Regression analysis between management options and factors that will ensure their success in the ecological zones (land availability, government policies and legislation, awareness of values of wildlife conservation, willingness to support wildlife conservation/attitude and willingness to contribute financially to wildlife conservation) revealed that land availability (p<0.01), willingness to contribute financially to wildlife conservation (p<0.01) and willingness to support wildlife conservation/attitude (p<0.04) were the critical factors among others required to actualize the management options in the study area. The study recommended that government should encourage integrated efforts among local governments, non-governmental organizations and local communities to ensure the implementation and success of the management options. The government and private organizations should provide loans to enable farmers to practice wildlife domestication. Local institutions (Village heads and councils) should be empowered to enforce customary laws that are targeted towards protection, conservation and the practice of wildlife domestication. Government should establish training centers for wildlife domestication. Finally, the government should enact laws that will encourage the conservation and domestication of wildlife species.