SNAKES DIVERSITY AND DISTRIBUTION IN KAINJI LAKE NATIONAL PARK (KLNP), NIGERIA

Snake is an important agent in ecosystem balance but people’s fear makes it difficult to conserve. Thus, its diversity is declining rapidly due to anthropogenic factors. Information on snake species in Kainji Lake National Park (KLNP) is scarce despite their socio-economic value as source of antivenin, food, leather products and pets. Therefore, snake diversity and distribution in KLNP Nigeria were investigated. Ten transect strips of 2 km each were laid in five ranges (Oli, Ibbi, Kuble, Doro and Kali) randomly selected from seven ranges in KLNP. Visual Encounter Survey was conducted along each transect to determine snake diversity and relative abundance during the day (09.00 - 12.00 h) and at night (19.00 - 21.00 h). Visit was replicated twice in each month both in dry (December – April) and wet (June - October) seasons in two consecutive years (2013 - 2014). Dead snakes were collected, preserved in 20% formalin solution and their morphometric parameters measured. Respondents (226) from 12 villages randomly selected from 21 villages at the buffer zones of KLNP were interviewed using structured questionnaire. Relative Abundance and diversity of snakes were measured using Simpson’s (D) and Shannon Weiner’s (H) diversity indices. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and ANOVA at α0.05.