EFFECTS OF SOME ANTHROPOGENIC ACTIVITIES ON FISH SPECIES DIVERSITY IN ELEIYELE LAKE, IBADAN, NIGERIA

Various anthropogenic activities in and around Lake Eleiyele, Ibadan, Nigeria were identified through direct observations, interviews and questionnaires administration. The direct and indirect impacts as well as their possible impacts on fish species diversity were assessed by comparing the present catch abundance and composition with the past data. The major anthropogenic activities observed on the lake include felling of trees on the lake's watershed, effluents discharge from cottage industries around the lake and domestic waste released into the lake. The total species biomass showed a decline when compared with the past while species composition still maintained it richness. The number of species recorded on the field did not vary significantly from the past record. However freshwater prawn (Macrobranchium spp) was not sighted during the study. Analysis of water sample from the lake showed a high value for Cyanide (0.26mg/l) and Ammonia (13.85mg/l) above the regulated limit. Key Words: Anthropogenic activities, fish diversity, Lake Eleiyele. African Journal of Livestock Extension Vol.3 2004: 13-1