Analyses of Threats on Managements, Rangers and Ranges in Old Oyo National Park as a Tourism Destination, Oyo State, Nigeria

Year 2025, Volume: 11 Issue: 1, 34 - 50, 30.07.2025

Adeitan Adeola Lameed , Adekunle Olufemi Oloyede , Dotun Tosin Adesunloye , Temidayo Olayemi Olaniyi , Roseline Olufeyisayo Olarinde , Bosede Folake Olanipekun

https://doi.org/10.26650/jot.2025.10.1.1500224

Abstract

Protected areas are one of the most effective strategies for minimising human impacts on biodiversity globally. However, studies have shown that protected areas face numerous threats, yet there is little emphasis on arranging these threats by severity. This study analysed the threats to management, rangers, and ranges in Old Oyo National Park (OONP), Nigeria, and assessed their impact on conservation efforts. OONP, covering an area of approximately 2,512 km², is Nigeria's fourth-largest national park with five ranges and 185 rangers. A multi-stage sampling technique was employed, selecting all five ranges and randomly selecting 40% of rangers (74) for the study. Data were gathered through semi-structured questionnaires, interviews, and observations then analysed using descriptive statistics and Garrett Ranking. The findings revealed that grazing posed the most severe threat (89.2%), while logging was the least (44.5%). Threat severity varied by range, with grazing and bush burning predominant in Yemoso and human settlement and mining prevalent in Tede. Challenges such as limited vehicles and inadequate management hindered efforts to mitigate these threats. This study highlights the importance of local community support to mitigate the impact of threats on the park’s biodiversity and management.

Keywords

Perception , National Park , Threats , Park Rangers , Management

Ethical Statement

The committee has carefully examined the ethical aspects of the research conducted in accordance with the guidelines and standards set forth by LAUTECH Ethics Policy, and any relevant national or international guidelines. The following key ethical considerations were assessed: Informed Consent: The committee ensures that the paper addresses the issue of informed consent appropriately, especially when involving human subjects.

Supporting Institution

Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Oyo State, Nigeria.

Project Number

nil

Thanks

We appreciate the management of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology. Ogbomoso

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