Ecological Impact of Artisanal Gold Mining on Wildlife in Zamfara State Protected Areas

Artisanal and small-scale gold mining in Zamfara State, within Nigeria's North West geopolitical zone, has expanded rapidly over the past decade, creating severe environmental externalities including soil erosion, chemical contamination, and wildlife habitat destruction. The proximity of mining activities to forest reserves and game areas in the state presents a significant but poorly documented ecological threat. This study investigates the ecological impact of artisanal mining on wildlife populations and habitat quality in areas adjacent to and within three protected zones in Zamfara State. A combination of field vegetation transects, wildlife sign surveys, water quality testing, and camera trap deployment across mined and non-mined comparable areas was employed over eight months. Heavy metal analysis of water and sediment samples from mined areas revealed mercury and lead concentrations significantly exceeding Nigerian Environmental Standards and Regulations Agency threshold values. Wildlife sign density in mined areas was 74 percent lower than in control areas of comparable habitat type. Camera trap data recorded only four mammal species in mined zones compared with 19 in matched control areas. The study quantifies the impact magnitude for the first time and provides a baseline for ongoing monitoring. Recommendations include mandatory reclamation bonds for mining operations, regulatory enforcement of mining exclusion zones around protected areas, and environmental health monitoring programs for affected communities. Keywords: artisanal mining, wildlife impact, Zamfara State, North West Nigeria, heavy metal contamination