Urban Biodiversity

Perception, Preference, General Awareness, and Threats in Two Cities (Niamey and Maradi) of Niger

Bibliographic Data

ID23030898
AuthorsSalamatou Abdourahamane Illiassou (0000-0003-4414-4703, Université de Diffa, corresponding author), Abdoulaye Amadou Oumani (Université de Maradi), Laouali Abdou (0000-0003-0670-0203, Université de Diffa), Ali Mahamane (0000-0002-7973-5792, Université de Diffa), Mahamane Saadou (Université de Maradi)
Year2016
Volume2016
Pages1-12
Publication date2016-12-14
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueUrban Studies Research (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 2090-4185 • E-ISSN: 2090-4193
PublisherWiley (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1155/2016/1469530
OpenAlexW2566614291
LanguageEN
References cited31

This study was undertaken to obtain direct and useful data that support biodiversity awareness and management in two cities of Niger. 800 questionnaires were administrated to the populations of Niamey and Maradi. The results show that 99% of respondents are aware of the importance of biodiversity in urban areas. They assign multiple roles to it; however, climatic and managerial reasons explain why plants are most preferred to animals in these cities. Furthermore, shade and fruits are the criteria for plant species selection, and that explains the abundance of Azadirachta indica A. Juss. and Mangifera indica L. Even though plants are preferred to animals in houses, 47% of the respondents practice animal husbandry. Most of the animals are left wandering with risks of destruction of green areas, road unsafety, and zoonotic contamination. The results of this study also showed the ignorance of 55% of the respondents about the presence of wildlife in urban areas. The proliferation of cockroaches and rats could be an indication of insanitary conditions that are faced in some areas of the cities as mentioned by 81% of the respondents. This study shows the importance of local knowledge in the identification process of urban problems.

Agroforestry · Azadirachta · Biodiversity · Biology · Environmental protection · Geography · Ignorance · Mangifera · Socioeconomics · Ecology · Land Use and Ecosystem Services · Urban Agriculture and Sustainability · Urban Green Space and Health

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