Akinyemi and Kayode Obeche Journal 28 (2): 106-111, May, 2010; ISSN 0078-2912 106 Impact of Human Activities on the Distribution of Ungulates in Old Oyo National Park, Nigeria Akinyemi, A. F. and * Kayode, I. B. Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Management, University of Ibadan, Nigeria *Correspondence author: ifykay999@yahoo.com ; 08036326607 Abstract: The study evaluated the impact of the activities of villagers living around Old Oyo National Park on the distribution of ungulates. The distribution of ungulates in Old Oyo National Park was evaluated by administering 120 structured questionnaires to the people dwelling around the park; and by carrying out animal census using line transect method in core areas of the park (Transect A ) and other parts of the park with human activities (Transect B ). Data were analysed using descriptive statistics such as tables, percentages and bar charts. Most of the rural dwellers around the park are hunters (45%). Eight percent of the farmers have encroached illegally into the park and altered the habitat of the ungulates. Area without the impact of human activities (transect A ) inhabited higher mean relative density of ungulates at 1.85 per kilometer, while transect B contained 1.35 per kilometer. The effects of human activities in and around the park are habitat alteration and have contributed to local migration of the ungulates to the core areas of the park. The management of Old Oyo National Park should employ the service of more park rangers to police and secure the park effectively against various human activities. Key words: Human activities, Ungulates, Old Oyo National Park. INTRODUCTION Man has been noted to be the most profound manipulator of his environment of all the creation alive on earth (NHPT, 2010). Man hunts and gathers wild species, pollutes and destroys wilderness, and introduces alien species. Man has therefore been manipulating his environment in his selfish effort to maximize exploitation (NHPT, 2010). The numbers, types, intensity of human activities affecting wildlife and wildlife habitat are pervasive and increasing (Steidl, 2007). Effects of these activities are manifested at all ecological scales, from short-term changes in the behaviour of an individual animal through local extirpations and global extinctions (Pimm et al., 1995; Chapin et al., 2000). Sensitive wildlife species may be increasingly affected by these activities (Steidl and Anthony, 2000). The resultant effects of this sometimes irrational and unsustainable exploitation of the natural environment are depletion of soil fertility, disruption of water supply systems, and destruction of soil cover and extinction of wildlife resources (Lichstein et al., 2002). Observed effects include increased energetic stresses (Bélanger and Bédard, 1990), displacement from preferred environments (McGarigal et al., 1991), and reduced productivity through abandonment and decreased survival of young (Steidl and Anthony, 2000). To check these imbalances, man must cultivate the habit of protecting the earth and its resources from abuse, wastage, damage, destruction or outright extinction in the course of their exploitation for development (USP, 2010). It is in line with this that the Nigeria National Park Service was established through Decree 46 of 1999 (now Act 46 of 1999) to pursue the conservation and balance development of our nation s natural resources for posterity. This decree prohibits any manner of resource extraction and places legal restriction into the park. These restrictions to the parks have being trespassed because significant number of enclave communities now lives inside and around the boundaries of the park and depend on the resources for their survival. Reserves are specially established to enable breeding and population of mammals to reach maximum potentials (Anadu, 2005). Excessive hunting, trapping and poaching as well as changes in habitats and land use have resulted in the decline in the numbers and geographical changes of many species especially those valued for food and trophies (Happold, 1978). Hunting has been a factor in dynamics of many wild animals population in its primitive forms. Poaching is also a main problem in all reserves areas in Nigeria (Anadu, 2005). For animals to live or to be restored, man must leave a place for them to live. In order words a suitable habitat must be provided. Ungulates are herbivorous animals with fast moving potential (Wikipedia, 2010). They move several kilometres even outside the park to forage especially on the farms around the boundaries, and this has led to the death of many. Wild ungulates also forage in the same habitat with the domestic cattle. Activities of Fulani herdsmen and their cattle in National Parks and Game reserves in Nigeria lead to the degradation of the range through over grazing and their attendant hazards to the ecosystem (Anadu, 2005). Overgrazing by the cattle