Nigeria’s Elephants facing extinction, conservation group warns

Conservation organisation, Wild Africa has raised the alarm on the dire situation facing Nigeria’s elephant population following a record of gradual decline.

A representative of Wild Africa’s West Africa, Dr Mark Ofua, said the country’s elephant population has dropped in the past 30 years from an estimated 1,200-1,500 individuals to just 300-400 today.

Ofua made this known in a statement on Friday commemorating World Elephant Day held on Monday, August 12.

The statement signed by the Wild Africa Nigerian representative, Festus Iyorah, said the government’s intervention at the national level would help stabilise the numbers.

The statement read, “On World Elephant Day, we acknowledge how sad it is that we are losing these majestic animals that once roamed freely across our savannas and forests. Poaching for ivory and habitat destruction have reduced their population and are pushing them to the brink of local extinction in Nigeria. But if implemented, the National Plan should stabilise their numbers.

“Elephants are predominantly found within or near protected areas in Nigeria, with only 10% residing outside of these spaces. Two species of elephants—savannas and forest— are found in Nigeria, with the largest herd – about 100 individuals – in Yankari Game Reserve in Bauchi State. Elephants also exist across several sites in the southern region, including Cross River National Park.”

Wild Africa has been supporting the Nigerian government’s efforts to fight illegal wildlife trafficking and improve wildlife laws through the Endangered Species Conservation and Protection Bill.

The bill, currently awaiting hearings in the National Assembly would enhance law enforcement capabilities and impose stringent penalties for traffickers and poachers.

The Chief Executive Officer of Wild Africa, Peter Knights, however, noted in the statement that it would be tragic and harmful for Nigeria to lose its elephants.

Knights who emphasised the urgency of passing the bill stated, “Were Nigeria to lose its elephants it would be tragic and harmful to the opportunity to develop wildlife-related tourism. Passing the new Endangered Species Conservation and Protection Bill, currently awaiting hearings, would be the first step to ensure this doesn’t happen.”