Attitudes and perceptions of farmers on the African grey parrot in Oba Hills National Park, Osun State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study is focused on people’s perceptions and attitudes on the population decline of African Grey Parrots (Psittacus erithacus) in Osun state, Nigeria. Data was collected through a structured questionnaire. The population of the study area comprises 234 farmers from communities in the study area. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, T-test, Pearson Correlation, and Chi-square test. The results revealed that 78% of the respondents were male, while 22% were female. Majority (51%) of the farmers were between the age group of 41-59 years, Christians (54%), indigenes (76%), and Nigerian (69%). As revealed from the study, 77.5% of the farmers were familiar with the African Grey Parrot (Psittacus erithacus). The farmers showed great knowledge of the bird and the ecosystem services rendered, thus they have a positive perception and attitude about African Grey Parrot conservation. The study recommended that the bird conservation club be initiated by forest management which should include youths, adults, and school teachers in the area in order to enlist farmers in the bird conservation program.

Keywords

• conservation
• ecosystem services
• knowledge and perception