Assessment of Biodiversity in Gashaka Gumti National Park: A Survey of Mammalian Fauna in the North East Zone

Gashaka Gumti National Park, spanning parts of Taraba and Adamawa States, is Nigeria's largest national park and harbours exceptional biodiversity, including several threatened mammalian species. This study conducted a systematic survey of mammalian fauna in the North East sector of the park, using camera traps, track stations, and direct observation along established transects. Survey effort was distributed across three habitat types: highland forest, lowland savanna, and riparian woodland. A total of twenty-three mammalian species were recorded during the study period, including olive baboons, common chimpanzees, African buffalo, and western hartebeest. Camera trap data provided evidence of nocturnal species including leopard and African civet that are rarely observed directly. Species accumulation curves indicated incomplete inventories in highland forest zones, suggesting underrepresentation of secretive taxa in current records. Human-wildlife conflict incidents involving crop-raiding by elephants and baboons were documented in communities adjacent to the park boundary. The study recommends long-term biodiversity monitoring protocols, increased ranger capacity, and enhanced community engagement programmes to reduce human-wildlife conflict. Strengthening anti-poaching surveillance in peripheral zones is also considered essential for sustaining the park's ecological integrity. Keywords: mammalian biodiversity, Gashaka Gumti National Park, camera trapping, wildlife survey, North East Nigeria.