What question did this study set out to answer?

To assess spatio-temporal variations in the relative abundance and size distribution of vulnerable dwarf crocodiles (Osteolaemus tetraspis) across bushmeat markets in the Niger Delta to guide conservation interventions.

August 14, 2026BMC ZoologyOpen Access

Relative abundance of Osteolaemus tetraspis in Uwa, Edumanom and Ogbe-Ijaw bushmeat markets in the Niger Delta region, Nigeria

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Authors

IOIsrael O. OgorodeUniversity of Africa EIEdore Edwin ItoDelta State University OOObemeata E. OriakponoUniversity of Port Harcourt

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Implication

Observational market survey reveals high bushmeat trade of adult dwarf crocodiles during dry seasons in Nigeria, indicating severe risks of reproductive population collapse.

Key Points

To assess spatio-temporal variations in the relative abundance and size distribution of vulnerable dwarf crocodiles (Osteolaemus tetraspis) across bushmeat markets in the Niger Delta to guide conservation interventions.
Conducted fortnightly market surveys across three bushmeat markets (Uwa, Edumanon, and Ogbe-Ijaw) in Nigeria from October 2021 to April 2022, recording counts and size classes (60, 90, and ≥120 cm).
Fitted a negative-binomial generalized linear mixed model (GLMM) evaluating the fixed effects of month, market location, and their interaction on monthly crocodile counts (N=158).
Recorded 158 O. tetraspis individuals, predominantly medium-sized (39.24%) and large-sized (39.24%), with Uwa market contributing the highest share (60.76%), followed by Edumanon (25.32%) and Ogbe-Ijaw (13.92%).
Identified significant fixed effects for Month (χ²₆ = 19.82, p < 0.01), Market Location (χ²₂ = 10.46, p = 0.005), and Month × Market interaction (χ²₁₂ = 23.17, p = 0.018), with fixed effects explaining substantial variation (marginal R² = 0.48).
Observed peak trade volume during dry-season months (October–February) followed by marked declines across all markets in April.

Cite This Study

Ogorode et al. (2026) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/6a7ec6c6b70b84ec8b912e6c https://doi.org/10.1186/s40850-026-00281-3

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Implication

Observational market survey reveals high bushmeat trade of adult dwarf crocodiles during dry seasons in Nigeria, indicating severe risks of reproductive population collapse.

Relative abundance of Osteolaemus tetraspis in Uwa, Edumanom and Ogbe-Ijaw bushmeat markets in the Niger Delta region, Nigeria

Discussion

Member takes

Implication

Key Points

Cite This Study

Relative abundance of Osteolaemus tetraspis in Uwa, Edumanom and Ogbe-Ijaw bushmeat markets in the Niger Delta region, Nigeria

Discussion

Member takes

Implication

Key Points

Cite This Study

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