Editor
Wild Africa have called for better protection for the remaining declining Elephant population in Nigeria.
Mr Festus Iyorah, Wild Africa Representative, said in a statement on Monday in Lagos that Elephants in Nigeria face growing threats to their survival.
Newsmen reports that August 12 each year is set aside to mark World Elephant Day.
“Over the past 30 years, the population has declined from an estimated 1,200 to 1,500 elephants two decades ago, to about 300 to 400 Elephants today, Iyorah said.
Iyorah quoted Dr Mark Ofua, Wild Africa’s West Africa Representative as saying:
“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.”
He said that habitat loss can lead to human-Elephant conflict, which occurs when people clash with elephants due to crop raiding or property damage.
Iyorah said that Elephants are predominantly found within or near protected areas in Nigeria, with only 10 per cent of them residing outside of these spaces.
He noted that 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.
He added that Elephants also exist across several sites in the southern region, including Cross River National Park.
Iyorah expressed Wild Africa commendation on Nigeria’s first-ever National Elephant Action Plan (NEAP) for 2024-2034.
He explained that NEAP was prepared by Wildlife Conservation Society and the Elephant Protection Initiative Foundation (EPIF) on behalf of the Federal Government.
He said that If implemented, NEAP will reduce the dramatic rate of decline of Elephants in the country.
According to him, this will be achieved by boosting monitoring while combating illegal ivory trade through harmonised state and federal wildlife laws and enhanced law enforcement.
He added that NEAP also looks to maintain elephant habitats through land-use planning.
He said that the plan also would create wildlife corridors to mitigate conflicts with communities, as well as increase public awareness and community-shared economic benefits generated by tourism.
He explained that the plan would enhance scientific knowledge and understanding of elephants to better inform efficient strategies and strengthen regional cooperation with neighbouring countries.
He said that Wild Africa has been actively supporting the Nigerian government’s efforts to fight illegal wildlife trafficking and improve its wildlife laws through the following:
“The Endangered Species Conservation and Protection Bill alongside Africa Nature Investors Foundation.
“Others included the London-based Environmental Investigation Agency (EIA) with support from the UK Illegal Wildlife Trade Challenge Fund and the US Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs.”
He noted that the bill (NEAP) passed its second reading in May in the Nigerian House of Representatives.
“It is scheduled for a public hearing and later a third reading.
“The bill would further disrupt and deter illegal wildlife trade, including elephant ivory, within the country.
“By enhancing law enforcement capabilities, increasing investigative powers to include financial enquiries and intelligence-led operations, and expanding courts’ ability to expedite wildlife cases and recover assets.
“It also creates corporate liability, supports international cooperation, and imposes stringent penalties for traffickers and poachers,” Iyorah said.
He quoted Peter Knights, Wild Africa’s CEO as saying:
“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,”
