ABSTRACT
The most recent management plan of Kainji Lake National Park recommended the creation of artificial waterholes to
minimize the effects of water shortage and also to prevent animals from straying away to the surrounding settlements in search of water. Assessment of artificial waterholes in
Zugurma sector of Kainji Lake National Park was carried out for a period of two weeks in May, 2015 to identify the wildlife species associated with the
waterholes and also to identify the practises carried out to maintain the waterholes. Two artificial waterholes which were still under construction and
one ephemeral waterhole were identified during the study. Direct and indirect methods of animals sighting were used in identifying the wildlife species that
are associated with the waterholes. The result of the study shows that Roan antelope (Hippotragus equinus), Western hartebeest (Alcelaphus buselaphus); Maxwell’s duiker (Cephalophus maxwellii) and Tantalus monkey (Chlorocebus tantalus) visit the waterholes. Regular and site-specific assessments of the
artificial waterholes should be conducted to enhance their habitat value and to decide if they should be maintained
in their existing state or modified.
FULL WORK
