By Chidinma Ewunonu-Aluko
Ibadan – The Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria (FRIN) Ibadan has improved its Wildlife and Ecotourism Department by establishing museum and animal husbandry to forestall environmental protection.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the newly established Wildlife and Ecotourism Department in the institute produces various animals such as snail, rabbits, catfish and grass cutters.
Dr Adekunle Meduna, Head of the department told NAN in Ibadan that it has been able to produce about four generation of rabbit including flamix giant breed in the last eight months.
Meduna said the institute was aimed to conserve resources, especially biological diversity and maintain sustainable use of resources to bring ecological experience to tourists.
‘’It ranges from the nutrition of wild animals, eco-touristic values of the animals, domestication of various animals to keeping of zoo and museum management unit.
“In eight months, we have produced more than 1,500 kilograms of fish, rapid breeding of grass cutters has begun; also, more than a thousand hatchlings of snails have been produced.
“The institute has approved six hectares of land to be developed into a zoo in the department.
“Also another 10 hectares approved to be developed into entertainment, holiday resort and leisure grounds that will be natural for human relaxation,” he said.
Meduna pointed out that the department also carried out training of farmers both in the institute and in their various farms.
“It’s free of charge when we go to their farms but they pay when they come to the institute, the training is always at the demand of farmers.
“Ecotourism in the institute will be lauded as a sustainable development option for not only Oyo state but Nigeria and the world at large.
“This is because it will spur economic development in both flora and fauna and enhance environmental protection at the same time,” Meduna stressed.