Mammal Species Composition in Ini Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

Ini Local Government Area (ILGA) is the home of biodiversity, rich in many species of fauna and flora. However, anthropogenic activities carried out by the inhabitants of this area have been a threat to the ecosystem, thereby exterminating the wildlife resources. The data for this study were collected from in-depth interviews with hunters, bushmeat markets, bushmeat sellers, indirect and direct wildlife survey methods, and a semi-structured questionnaire was employed for the household survey. A multiple sampling technique was adopted. A stratified random sampling technique was utilized to stratify the study area into six strata (clans). A proportional sampling technique was used to select 11 villages. In contrast, 60 household heads were randomly selected for questionnaire administration. The study revealed seventeen (17) species of mammal, which accounted for four orders, with Rodentia being the highest (47%). Most species (94%) had the conservation status of Least Concern (LC) based on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Furthermore, illegal hunting and deforestation for agriculture and infrastructural development in the area have led to the loss of wildlife habitats. Thus, a great need for conservation and management practices to protect these vulnerable mammals and their habitats is needed. Hunting laws, afforestation, and reforestation programs should be implemented.