Authors : Ogunmola James Kehinde; Malangale Albert; Omada Meshach Arome; Hyelduku Mwada Aliyu; Gajere Nabit Caleb

Volume/Issue : Volume 11 - 2026, Issue 2 - February

Google Scholar : https://tinyurl.com/3pa26ssd

Scribd : https://tinyurl.com/shs44833

DOI : https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/26feb295

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Abstract : Urbanization poses a significant threat to protected ecosystems, particularly in rapidly growing cities . This study assessed the effects of urbanization on land use/land cover (LULC) dynamics and habitat integrity of Jos Wildlife Park and its environs, Plateau State, Nigeria, over a 35-year period (1988–2023). Using multi-temporal Landsat satellite imageries (TM, ETM+, and OLI/TIRS) integrated with Geographic Information System (GIS) techniques, supervised classification was employed to map and quantify changes in five major LULC classes: vegetation, built-up areas, farmland, bare land, and rocky outcrops. Ground truthing using GPS data and high-resolution imagery supported classification accuracy assessment. The results revealed pronounced urban-induced landscape transformation within and around the park. Vegetation cover declined drastically from 904.70 ha (52.51%) in 1988 to 390.15 ha (22.65%) in 2023, representing a net loss of 514.55 ha (−40.31%). Conversely, built-up areas expanded substantially from 84.96 ha (4.93%) to 538.65 ha (31.27%), while farmland increased from 192.24 ha (11.16%) to 376.85 ha (21.87%) over the same period. Rocky outcrops and bare land also experienced net declines, reflecting intensified land conversion pressures. Decadal analysis showed consistent increases in built-up and agricultural land at the expense of natural vegetation, indicating accelerating anthropogenic encroachment. Classification accuracy was acceptable, with overall accuracies ranging from 83.75% to 95.63%, confirming the reliability of the results. The observed LULC changes underscore the adverse impacts of unchecked urban expansion, agricultural intensification, and deforestation on wildlife habitats and biodiversity conservation in Jos Wildlife Park. The study highlights an urgent need for strengthened land-use planning, effective buffer-zone management, public awareness, and improved conservation strategies to mitigate urban pressures and ensure the long-term sustainability of this critical protected area.

Keywords : Urbanization, Vegetation Cover, Forest Change, Wildlife Park, Environments.

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