Assessing Ecotourism Potential and Wildlife Value of Kamuku National Park, Kaduna State, North West Nigeria

Kamuku National Park in Kaduna State harbours Guinea Savanna woodland ecosystems with notable wildlife populations, yet its ecotourism potential remains underutilised. This study assessed the ecotourism potential of Kamuku National Park by evaluating wildlife diversity, visitor infrastructure, access conditions, and community stakeholder perceptions. Wildlife surveys were conducted using vehicle-based transects and camera traps deployed at thirty-six stations across the park. Visitor facility and infrastructure quality were assessed against established ecotourism standard indicators. Structured interviews were conducted with park management staff, community leaders adjacent to the park, and domestic tourists. Wildlife surveys recorded twenty-eight mammalian species, including roan antelope, waterbuck, and kob, alongside over 120 bird species with strong potential as attractions for birdwatching tourism. Large carnivores including lion were documented through camera traps but at low densities. Infrastructure assessment revealed significant deficiencies in visitor accommodation, road access, and interpretive signage. Community perception of ecotourism was generally positive, with most respondents expressing willingness to participate in community-based tourism enterprises. The study recommends targeted investment in basic ecotourism infrastructure, development of birdwatching and wildlife safari packages, and formal community benefit-sharing arrangements to align local incentives with conservation goals in Kamuku National Park. Keywords: ecotourism, wildlife diversity, Kamuku National Park, Kaduna State, community conservation.