Past and present status of kob (Kobus (Adenota) kob (Erxleben) in Nigeria

Past and present distribution of Kob (Kobus kob) within the Nigeria protected landscapes was studied. Reconnaissance survey of all the parks and some of the existing game reserves were conducted to ascertain whether the animals have existed in those areas before or they still exist. Questionnaires were administered to both the officials and residents of the surrounding villages and enclaves of those parks where Kob (Kobus kob) still exists. Coordinates of the park or reserves where the animals have existed before or are still present were taken and was used to draw their previous and current national distribution map within the country. The data from the questionnaires were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The results showed that Kob existed in eleven protected areas but they are now restricted to ranges within three national parks. Responses concerning sighting of Kob in almost all the parks currently inhabited were more coherent and consistent from 2000 to date. Approximately 50% of the respondents in Kainji, 89% for Gashaka, 100% for Old Oyo National Parks confirmed that they can recognize and have seen the animal before. It was also confirmed that Kobs in Kainji are more stable in status than those in Gashaka and Old Oyo respectively. Thus, it was concluded that the national range landscape of Kob has shrunk tremendously in Nigeria. Key words: Kob, status, range, distribution, national parks, protected area.