Endangered Species Day is a global event celebrated annually on the third Friday of May to raise awareness about the importance of conservation and protecting endangered species. The day serves as a reminder of the alarming rate at which species are disappearing due to human activities such as habitat destruction, pollution, climate change, and overexploitation. Endangered species are plants or animals that are threatened with extinction due to human activities, environmental changes, or other factors that impact their populations, habitats, or ecosystems. These species are at risk of disappearing forever, which can have significant consequences for ecosystems, biodiversity, and human well-being. Endangered Species Day aims to educate people about the importance of conservation and the simple actions they can take to make a difference. By highlighting the plight of endangered species, the day encourages individuals, organizations, and governments to work together to protect and preserve threatened species and their habitats. The theme of Endangered Species Day changes each year, focusing on specific issues such as habitat loss, climate change, or human-wildlife conflict. Through events, campaigns, and educational programs, people around the world come together to celebrate the beauty and diversity of wildlife and to raise awareness about the urgent need for conservation.
The main drivers of this destruction are deforestation, overgrazing, low education, poverty, unemployment, bush clearing, and bush burning, affecting both young and old people in the area. Nigeria’s tree species face numerous threats, both anthropogenic and biological. Protected areas are vulnerable to illegal land conversion for agriculture, while trees outside these areas are exploited for timber, fuelwood, and other purposes. Additional threats include wildfires, habitat destruction, mining, and urban expansion. Biological threats comprise invasive species, poor seed viability, and genetic erosion. Indigenous trees have long gestation periods, slow growth rates, and low regeneration success, hindering commercial production. Examples of vulnerable species include Garcinia kola, over-exploited for chewing sticks, and Prunus africana heavily debarked for medicinal purposes and traded internationally.
There are about 290 species of mammals and 940 species of birds in Nigeria. The regions near Calabar and Cross River state have the world’s largest variety of butterflies. Nigeria wildlife is also famous in the southwestern part of the country. The forests in Nigeria are mostly tropical and savanna type. The forests are home to diverse mammals, reptiles and birds. Some species of animals are endangered and the government and various wildlife agencies are making efforts to conserve them. The loss of endangered species has significant consequences, including loss of biodiversity, ecosystem disruption, and negative impacts on human well-being. As species disappear, ecosystems become less resilient and adaptable, leading to changes in food webs, nutrient cycles, and ecosystem processes. This can result in decreased access to natural resources, loss of economic opportunities, and negative impacts on human health, emphasizing the importance of conserving endangered species and preserving biodiversity.
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) estimates that over 27,000 animal species are threatened with extinction, including iconic animals like elephants, lions, and pandas. Human activities have pushed many species to the brink of extinction, disrupting delicate ecosystems and threatening biodiversity. Species categorized as critically endangered are at high risk of extinction, necessitating strong conservation efforts to protect remaining populations. Nigeria has 16 endangered and 132 vulnerable plant species, while globally, 1,701 plant species were identified as critically endangered by the IUCN in 2009. However, some species may be misclassified due to inadequate data. The actual number of threatened species may be higher, considering 5,570 species are classified as Data Deficient. In Nigeria, a study found 73 endemic plant species in Oban Division of the Cross River National Park and 21 in Eket, with Rubiaceae having the highest representation among endemic flora. Conservation efforts are crucial to protect these species and preserve biodiversity. A study in Northwest Nigeria identified eight endangered tree species: Tamarindus indica, Adansonia digitata, Parkia biglobosa, Vitellaria paradoxa, Hyphaene thebaica, Faidherbia albida, Khaya senegalensis, and Borassus aethiopica. These trees are heavily exploited for fuelwood, timber, medicine, and furniture, threatening sustainable environmental and ecosystem management. Netlink Environmental Conservation Organisation launched a Community-based Conservation Initiative on February 8, 2020, to protect seven endangered species in Nigeria’s coastal areas. The seven identified Endangered species include Sea Otter, Manatee, Whale, Dolphin, Sea turtle, Crocodile and Shark. Marine species play crucial roles in maintaining healthy ecosystems. Sea otters control sea urchin populations, preventing overgrazing of kelp and supporting biodiversity and carbon sequestration. Manatees maintain healthy seagrass beds through their feeding habits, promoting new growth and improving water quality. Whales contribute to marine nutrient cycling through their fecal plumes, fertilizing the ocean surface and supporting phytoplankton growth, which aids in carbon sequestration. Dolphins indicate ocean health, and their presence helps safeguard other marine species and habitats. Sharks, as top predators, maintain marine ecosystem balance and diversity. Nile crocodiles, found in freshwater and estuarine habitats, control fish and animal populations, contributing to ecosystem health. Sea turtles promote beach and marine ecosystem health by feeding on seagrasses and providing nutrients to coastal vegetation. Each of these species plays a vital role in maintaining the delicate balance of their respective ecosystems.
Effective conservation of endangered species requires a multi-faceted approach, including the establishment of protected areas, adoption of sustainable practices, continued research, and community engagement. Protected areas provide a safe haven for species to thrive, while sustainable practices reduce human impact on the environment. Research informs conservation strategies, and community engagement fosters support and involvement from local populations, ultimately contributing to the long-term survival of endangered species. Strict fines should be imposed on those who engage in indiscriminate tree felling. By adopting these measures, we can ensure the sustainable management and conservation of our valuable tree species.
Species in Peril: A Call to Action on Endangered Species Day
