Diversity and Conservation Status of Mammals in Kwiambana Game Reserve, Zamfara State, North West Nigeria

This study documents the diversity and conservation status of mammalian species in Kwiambana Game Reserve, Zamfara State, located in Nigeria's North West geopolitical zone. Game reserves in the North West are under increasing pressure from illegal hunting, agricultural encroachment, and livestock overgrazing, and current species inventory data for Kwiambana are outdated. A systematic survey was conducted using camera traps deployed at 25 stations for 90 trap-nights, complemented by transect walks, track identification, and key informant interviews with local hunters and rangers. Mammals were identified from photographic evidence and field signs. A total of 23 mammalian species from 14 families were recorded. Carnivores were represented by African wild cat and spotted hyena. Ungulates recorded included roan antelope, waterbuck, and oribi. African hare, Cape porcupine, and various rodent species were common. Human-wildlife conflict centred on crop-raiding by primates and ungulates was identified as a major management challenge. Poaching was confirmed by snare and bushmeat evidence at 8 of 25 camera stations. Several species of concern including aardvark and African wild cat had fewer than three individual records, suggesting low population densities. The study recommends strengthening anti-poaching capacity, community engagement programmes, and regular camera trap monitoring as a cost-effective long-term inventory tool for Kwiambana Game Reserve. Keywords: mammalian diversity, game reserve, conservation, camera trap, Zamfara State.