Abstract:
Idanre Forest Reserve serve as recruitment source for the unique floral and faunal of the Idanre Hills heritage site. An assessment of the large mammals of Idanre Forest Reserve, Ondo State was carried out using the Line Transect Methods. Habitat types were analyzed and described as matured forest; thickets; and forest margins. Shrubs, saplings and herbs were also recorded. The result revealed that a total of nine (9) large mammals were observed out of which three were sighted directly and six (6) were observed by their signs and activities. These consist of three (3) primate species; red-capped mangabey (Cercocebus torquators), mona monkey (Cercopithecus mona) and white-throated monkey (Cercopithecus erythrogaster). Four species of antelope; bushbuck (Tragelaphus scriptus), Maxwell duiker (Cephalophus maxwelli), yellow-backed duiker (Cephalophus silvicultor) and forest buffalo (Syncerus cafffer nanus) were observed. Others include bush pig (Potamochoerus porcus) and the jackal (Canis aureus). A total of 148 observations of these large mammals were achieved. The density of animals sighted directly were computed to be 6.62±0.56troop/km for mona monkeys while that of red-capped mangabey (Cercocebus torquators) which is the least is 2.76±0.75.
There is a very strong correlation between the sightings in the morning and evening (r=0.86, P<0.05). Over fifty percent (50%) of all sightings were achieved in the matured forest. This is an indication that the matured habitat is the most preferred abode of the animals and for their continued survival a substantial portion of the forest is needed to maintain their populations in the reserve.
