Abstract

Birds act as crucial links in their respective ecologic circle, within and between ecosystems. This study assessed the knowledge of secondary school students in the support zone communities around Old Oyo National Park about the ecosystem services of birds in their environment. Data was collected through questionnaire survey. A total of 345 students from public and private schools in the selected communities surrounding the five ranges of the park were involved in the study. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA, T-test and Chi-square. The results revealed that female (54.8%) were more than male (45.2%). Majority of the students ((80.9%)) were in age group >15 years with 19.1% in age 11-14years. None of the students could name all the bird species and their food. Few of the students from both private schools (8.1%) and public schools (3.2%) could correctly name 10-14 birds. Specifically, knowledge of ecosystem services was dependent on ranges (X²=0.000). The students from both private and public schools and across all the ranges agreed that birds are important in the ecosystem through their services. There was a significant difference in students’ knowledge of bird ecosystem services across the ranges (P=0.000). It was concluded that the students’ ability to adequately identify common birds in their environment and their food resources is low but they had a good understanding of ecosystem services provided by birds. The study recommended National park should create bird conservation club to encompass bird watching activity among the schools in the surrounding communities.

Key Words: Ecosystem services, Birds, Students, local communities, National park