Economic Viability and Management Challenges of Private Wildlife Ranches in Oyo and Ondo States

Private wildlife ranches represent an underexplored but potentially important mechanism for wildlife conservation and rural economic development in southwestern Nigeria, combining commercial wildlife utilisation with habitat management in a private land tenure context. Yet their economic viability, regulatory status, and management challenges have not been systematically studied. This study assesses the economic performance, biodiversity outcomes, and management challenges of six private wildlife ranches in Oyo and Ondo States. Mixed methods data collection combined financial records analysis, structured interviews with ranch owners and managers, ecological surveys assessing wildlife diversity and density, and a regulatory framework review. Financial analysis computed profitability ratios, revenue sources, and cost structures over a five-year period. Ecological surveys used camera traps deployed for 30 days per ranch to document wildlife species composition and relative abundance. Regulatory analysis identified applicable licensing requirements and their practical application. Results show that four of six ranches were financially viable, primarily through a combination of eco-lodge accommodation, game drives, and live animal sales. Wildlife species richness was higher in ranches with indigenous vegetation retention compared to those dominated by exotic tree species. Regulatory ambiguity was cited as the primary management challenge, with overlapping jurisdiction between state forestry agencies and federal wildlife authorities creating compliance uncertainty. Poaching from surrounding communities was identified as the second most significant challenge. Recommendations include a streamlined joint federal-state licensing regime for private wildlife ranches and recognition of their contribution to the national protected area estate. Keywords: private wildlife ranch, economic viability, Oyo State, Ondo State, wildlife management