By Daniel Adaji
In a recent report, Nigeria’s wildlife is under significant pressure as endangered species face rampant domestic and international trade.
The findings reveal Nigeria’s pivotal role in the illegal wildlife trade, serving as the largest export hub for ivory and pangolin scales destined for Asia.
The Environmental Investigation Agency’s (EIA) comprehensive research and analysis of seizure data paints a concerning picture.
Nigeria stands implicated in trafficking over 49,983kg of ivory and 161,403kg of pangolin scales—equivalent to more than 7,400 elephants and countless pangolins.
Given the critical ecological roles of these species, with pangolins consuming approximately 70 million insects annually to regulate insect populations and support crop growth, experts stress the urgent need for conservation measures.
Nigeria harbors several endangered species, including pangolins, elephants, Cross River gorillas, Nigeria-Cameroon chimpanzees, leopards, African grey parrots, African wild dogs, olive colobus, red colobus, West African manatees, Dema gazelle, white-throated guenon, Scalter’s guenon, pygmy hippopotamus, drill monkeys, West African giraffes, martial eagles, white-backed vultures, hooded vultures, and Ibadan malimbe.
Mr. Adebisi Abeni, hailing from Osun State, represents a unique perspective. His family has been engaged in the hunting of wildlife, primarily bush meat, for generations. This tradition persists despite their royal status, as the importance of this heritage endures.
Abeni explains, “The hunting business has deep roots in my family, passed down through generations. Stemming from a royal background, it’s an inheritance we hold in high regard. While I may not have returned to my hometown recently, my extended family continues this tradition. We are the fourth generation of hunters in our lineage, and it’s not merely a hobby but an occupation.”
Hunting is driven by multiple motivations, including financial gain and the prestige associated with capturing rare species.
Abeni highlights, “We do not discriminate in our hunting. In a community without animal-related taboos, we hunt and sell excess game.”
However, the conservation challenge looms large. Abeni elaborates on the difficulties faced by hunters who are also dealing with dwindling agricultural opportunities due to land disputes and encroachment.
Government claims on land ownership and incursions by fortune seekers further complicate the situation. This forces many to seek livelihoods elsewhere while continuing the practice of hunting and poaching.
The conservation conundrum in Nigeria persists because many view wild animals as a cost-effective source of protein.
Zootherapy, which employs animals as alternative medicine, is prevalent globally, relying on wild and domestic animal by-products for curative, protective, and prophylactic purposes.
Furthermore, in parts of Africa, elephant tusks symbolize royalty, driving demand for these creatures and contributing to their endangerment.
The World Health Organization estimates that over 80% of the global population relies on animal and plant-based medicines, a practice known as zootherapy.
This situation presents a considerable challenge to the government, as the invasion of reserves and illegal wildlife activities continues.
Nigeria’s wildlife conservation efforts have received low ratings from the United States Department of State, placing the country on the list of ‘Countries of Particular Concern’ since 2020.
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) classifies these animals on their Red List of Threatened Species. Besides poaching, deforestation and illegal logging, driven by local communities seeking agricultural expansion, also threaten these creatures.
Kelechukwu Iruoma, the Nigeria Representative of Wildlife Animal Fund, underscores the urgency, stating, “Our iconic giraffes, rhinos, and cheetahs have already gone extinct due to illegal wildlife activities. It will be disastrous for Nigeria to lose its remaining endangered animals.”
While the government is taking steps to control the export of wildlife by-products, experts emphasize the importance of addressing the issue at its source by apprehending and prosecuting offenders before these animals are captured from the wild.
Mr. Filip Van-Trier, Chairman of the West Africa Biodiversity Conservation Trust, calls on all levels of government to prioritize wildlife preservation for the sake of nature’s survival.
He argues that protecting wildlife discourages poaching and is vital for the environment.
Van-Trier warns, “If steps are not taken to stop this, such animals will not exist in Nigeria again.”
CP Emmanuel Ntuyang, Public Relations Officer of the National Park Service, explains that Nigeria boasts diverse ecosystems that house most of its wildlife, protected by the federal government through the National Park Service.
Other wildlife sanctuaries and forest reserves exist in states, including ungoverned areas like community forests.
However, protecting wildlife faces numerous challenges, including a lack of awareness about the importance of conservation among communities.
Ntuyang acknowledges the need for extensive education efforts and appeals for private sector support to complement government funding.
Insecurity is another obstacle, as some parks have been infiltrated by bandits. The National Park Service collaborates with security agencies, NGOs, and the media to raise awareness and sensitize people about the value of wildlife.
Despite their critical role, park rangers often face danger in protecting Nigeria’s wildlife. The service recorded 11 casualties in the last four years, highlighting the risks they undertake to safeguard these resources.
Nigeria is a signatory to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, emphasizing its commitment to wildlife protection and biodiversity conservation.
Destruction of wildlife in Nigeria has far-reaching consequences, affecting ecosystems and water sources, and endangering indigenous species.
Chief Majekodunmi, an environmental expert, underscores the interconnectedness of wildlife and the need for collective responsibility in protecting it.
He advocates for a renewed consciousness that recognizes the irreplaceable value of these species and emphasizes the importance of preventive measures through sensitization and awareness among local communities.
As the world grapples with the consequences of losing wildlife, Nigeria faces a pivotal moment in its conservation efforts.
The choice to protect these species today will determine the legacy left for future generations and the health of the nation’s ecosystems.