Abstrakt

Population trends, distribution, status and strategies for genetic improvement and conservation of the savanah muturu on free range in the Benue trough of Nigeria.

Gwaza DS, Yahaya A, Ageba M

A field study was conducted in Benue, Kogi, Nasarawa, Taraba and Niger states of Nigeria to determine the population trends, distribution and status of the savanah Muturu in Nigeria. An inventory of the savanah Muturu and their distribution was carried out in the five states of Nigeria. The study revealed that the populations of the Savanah Muturu had been eliminated in Kogi, Taraba, Nasarawa and Niger states. Savanah Muturu populations of 1600 heads were found in Benue state that were distributed in ten (10) local government areas. It was also identified that the Savanah Muturu is endangered and may go into extinction if appropriate and urgent conservation strategies are not applied to the herds. A cooperative breeding scheme is proposed for adoption to catalyze self-help type management focusing on overall improvement in addition to conservation techniques. For successful implementation and sustainability of the rural cooperative breeding technology, a structure to ensure that members acquire the capacity for the holistic ownership and management must be put in place.