Indigenous Wildlife Conservation Practices in Selected Communities in Bende and Obi-Ngwa Local Government Areas of Abia State, Nigeria

Ijeomah, H.M
Indigenous wildlife conservation practices in Bende and Obi Ngwa Local Government Areas of Abia state was examined using Uzuakoli, Item, Ozuitem, Umuokahia, Mgbokoumuanunu and Umuegbe communities as case studies. Data for the study were obtained through personal observation, in-depth interview and administration of questionnaires. A set of questionnaires was purposively administered to 170 respondents in the study area based on the population size of communities. Data obtained were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Uzuakoli community has the highest number of sacred species: Green snake (88.00%), Chameleon (88.00), Crocodile (20.00%) and Small fish (18.00%). Item has Bat (83.33%) and vulture (83.33%). Ozuitem has Monitor lizard (100.00%). Umuokahia has Python (96.67%). Mgbokoumuanunu has Hyena (95.00%) and Leopard (35.00%). Umuegbe has Black kite (90.00%). These species are conserved mainly as ancestors (50.00%), Protectors of little children (25.00%), ancestors/ protectors (25.00%) in Uzuakoli; ancestors (40.00%), mouthpiece of the gods (40.00%) and evil spirits (20.00%) in Item; ancestors (100.00%) in Ozuitem; ancestors (79.31%) in Umuokahia; ancestors (57.90%), protectors (5.26%), ancestors/counterparts (36.84%) in Mgbokoumuanunu; ancestors (88.90%), protectors (11.11%) in Umuegbe. Challenges of these conservation practices identified in Uzuakoli include Christianity (47.72%), Hunting and disobedience (15.91%), absence of traditional ruler and chief priest (15.91%); in Item: Christianity (52.00%), absence of chief priest (12.00%) ignorance (4.00%) ; in Ozuitem: Christianity (60.00%), insufficient awareness (15.00%), ignorance (15.00%), Hunting and disobedience (10.00%); in Umuokahia: Christianity (44.83%); in Mgobokoumuanunu: Christianity (68.42%), Hunting and disobedience (31.58%); in Umuegbe: Christianity (55.56%), Civilization (33.33%), Faded practice (11.11%). Umuokahia and Item have fewer challenges because the existing conservation practices in them are very strong (62.07%) and strong (80.00%). The practices in all the other communities are either very weak or weak in terms of level of effectiveness. The Chi-square tests of association between perceived effectiveness and respondents age, sex, religion and indigenship were not significant (p>0.05), while family size (χ 2 = 19.570a ) and educational qualification (χ 2= 37.275a ) were significant (p<0.005). The reducing level of effectiveness in many of these communities is an indication that with time the practices could be eroded in the study area. The practices, though seriously facing several challenges at present, have enhanced the protection of some wildlife species and should therefore be supported with policies to ensure that they are sustained.