By: EMELUE G. U.; EMUEZE M. N.;
Abstract:
The study examined the attitude of the public and factors influencing it towards conservation of wildlife in Delta State. The respondents were residents of eight communities from three Local Government Areas in the State. Structured questionnaire were administered to 100 respondents from the communities and 20 from the staff of the Department of Forestry and Conservation in the state. Data obtained were analyzed using descriptive statistics, ANOVA and Chi-Square analysis. Results showed that only 45% of the respondents had knowledge about wildlife conservation. The respondents had a negative attitude towards wildlife conservation as only 7% of the respondents would think of rearing wild animals, 71% would kill and 22% would allow to go. The study also showed that occupation, settlement, sex, educational level, knowledge about wildlife conservation and efforts made by the government are significant factors that influence the attitude of the public towards wildlife conservation at p<0.05. The study furthermore showed that there is no conscious effort on ground now being made by Delta State Government to boost conservation of wildlife in the State. It is recommended that the people should be enlightened on how important it is to conserve wildlife, awareness programmes should be organized in all the Local Government Areas, conservation areas such as zoos, parks and game reserves should be established and money should be provided to those who can go into wild animal conservation.
Keywords: Public Attitude Towards Wildlife Conservation In Delta Stat
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