Impact of Anthropogenic Threats on Management Effectiveness of Cross River National Park, Cross River State, Nigeria

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@article{1714837,
      author = {Nwanja, E. F., Nchor, A. A., Ebu, V. T., Anoh R. A., Urim. B. A.},
      title = {Impact of Anthropogenic Threats on Management Effectiveness of Cross River National Park, Cross River State, Nigeria},
      journal = {Iconic Research And Engineering Journals},
      year = {2026},
      volume = {9},
      number = {9},
      pages = {512-523},
      issn = {2456-8880},
      url = {https://www.irejournals.com/formatedpaper/1714837.pdf},
      abstract = {This study assessed the impact of anthropogenic threats on the management effectiveness of Cross River National Park, a major biodiversity hotspot in Nigeria and habitat to endangered species such as the Cross River gorilla and the Nigeria-Cameroon chimpanzee. Using the International Union for Conservation of Nature – World Commission on Protected Areas (IUCN–WCPA) framework and Rapid Assessment and Prioritization of Protected Area Management (RAPPAM) methodology, data were collected from 298 respondents (park staff, rangers, and support-zone communities) through structured questionnaires, alongside secondary park records (2018–2022). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, ANOVA, and multiple regressions at a 5% significance level. Findings revealed that illegal farming, hunting, and logging were the most significant threats. The statistical results indicated a strong link between the threats and the effectiveness of management (F = 229.128; p < 0.05; R² = 0.947), meaning that 94.7% of the differences in management performance were attributable to these factors. The study concludes that persistent human-induced pressures significantly undermine park management. It recommends strengthened law enforcement, improved funding and ranger capacity, enhanced community participation, and sustainable livelihood programs to ensure long-term biodiversity conservation.},
      keywords = {Anthropogenic Threats, Management Effectiveness, Cross River National Park, Protected Area Management},
      month = {March},
      doi = {https://doi.org/10.64388/IREV9I9-1714837}
  }