Economic Valuation of Some Wildlife Species With Food and Tourism Value in Hong Local Government Area, Adamawa State

The study carried out the valuation of some wildlife species that have food and tourism potential, determine the willing to pay and perceptions of wildlife species conservation. The contingency valuation method was used for valuation of wildlife species for food and tourism. The study tool consisted of structured questionnaire, simple random sampling techniques were used for data collection. Descriptive statistics was used for data analysis. Results indicated that wildlife species was perceived as something good by majority of respondents. Wildlife species with food and tourism potential were 26, and 3 with only food value. Prices of wildlife species prescribed by respondents for food ranged from N739.00 to N 1543.00 per kg while that for tourism ranged from N 22.00 to N 193.00. Wildlife species that attracted the highest price from the respondents for meat included Roan antelope, Western heart beast, Buffalo, Kob, Yellow backed duiker, Bush buck etc. Wildlife species with the highest prices for tourism included: Lion, Elephant, Python and larger bovidae such as Buffalo, Roan antelope, Western heart beast etc. The study recommended that government should encourage integrated effort among local governments, non-governmental organizations and local communities to ensure the implementation and success of wildlife species conservation, Local communities should be trained on an alternative means of livelihood to prevent further destruction of wildlife resources, enhancement of conservation education program and establishment of training centers for wildlife species domestication.