International Journal of Mol. Ecol. and Conserv 2015, Vol.5, No.4, 1-7
6
the rate of poaching and habitat degradation in the
Park. Accordingly, regular anti-poaching patrols is
being carried out in the area including conservation
education on the need to protect the flora and fauna of
the area and also the need for the support zone
communities to help in checking the rate of poaching
in the area. Other methods include arrest and
prosecution of offenders which seldom result in
conflict between the park and its support zone
communities mostly due
to contests over resources
and access to them (Fisher and Ury, 1985; Imeh and
Adebobola, 2005).
3.1 Conclusion and Recommendation
The provision of sound and realistic approaches for
effective conservation of natural resources,
particularly where the sources of livelihood of rural
communities are affected have been a serious
challenge to many countries. The establishment of a
protected area in any ecologically endowed resource
environment should be aimed at benefiting the
indigenous people and subsequently, the world at large
through sustainable natural resources utilization.
However, the conservation effort in CRNP is under
threat as wildlife poaching in on the increase in the
area because the support zone communities have been
deprived of their livelihood. Hunger, sickness,
unemployment and poverty are the conditions that
characterize the current situations in these areas. The
feeling of marginalization, loss of source of livelihood
and lack of concern from the park authorities are also
factors that trigger the incidences of conflicts between
the park and its support zone communities. Although,
the park management has taken steps in combating
wildlife poaching in the park, i
t is recommended that
the success of natural resource conservation can only
be achieved by adequately involving the local people
in the management of the park resources. For
conservation schemes to be laudable in the area, it is
vital that such schemes take into consideration the
peculiar cultural traits of the people in which they are
established. This would include conservation
education, infrastructure, funding and man-power
availability.
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