The Nation Newspaper

Tag: wildlife

  • Wildlife Africa intensifies campaign against animal extinction through partnership

    Wildlife Africa intensifies campaign against animal extinction through partnership

    Wildlife Africa is intensifying campaign against animal extinction through public awareness as it partners Nela Duke Ekpenyong to further sensitse the public on the importance in keeping these animals.

    In a statement by Festus Iyorah, stated Nela Duke Ekpenyong is an award-winning conservationist, investor, and entrepreneur who will be raising her voice for wildlife as a Wild Africa ambassador, to help increase awareness about Nigeria’s remaining biodiversity and contribute to protecting iconic species from extinction.

    Iyorah noted Wild Africa has been working in Nigeria to turn the tide on extinction through public awareness campaigns using radio, TV, newspapers, billboards, and social media.

    Their work informed people about the threats facing Nigeria’s amazing wildlife while also amplifying wildlife laws and anti-poaching measures that protect them. Their campaign leverages the voices of influential Nigerians like Ekpenyong to raise the profile of conservation in Nigeria.

    Read Also: Fed Govt unveils elephant sculpture representing zero-tolerance against wildlife trafficking

    “Wild Africa is a conservation communication organisation that inspires the public support and political will to protect Africa’s wildlife and wild spaces forever.

    “This work is particularly needed in Nigeria, which, despite being home to wildlife such as elephants, lions, and a unique species of gorilla, faces significant threats in the forms of poaching, deforestation, and the illegal wildlife trade. Nigeria has also become a global transit hub for the tra’cking of ivory and pangolin scales,” it stated.

    Ekpenyong, according to him, has over a decade of experience in entrepreneurship, collaborating with prominent institutions dedicated to large-scale growth and development initiatives in Africa.

    She is the co-founder and Chief Executive Officer , CEO at LEGA.C Capital, overseeing the operations of Obudu.

    Speaking, she said, caring for nature has been part of her life’s purpose as it is an honour to join Wild Africa to continue this shared vision in protecting, preserving and increasing awareness of our wildlife and wild lands in Africa.

  • 66% of Africa’s wildlife has disappeared in the last 50 years – WAF

    66% of Africa’s wildlife has disappeared in the last 50 years – WAF

    The Nigerian representative for Wildlife African Fund (WAF), Festus Iyorah, has disclosed that 66% of Africa’s wildlife has disappeared in the last 50 years, highlighting the need to educate children on the reality of African wildlife and the urgent system changes required.

    In a statement signed by Iyorah, an exciting new children’s programme, Dr. Mark’s Animal Show, will be available to stream on Showmax from Friday 15 March 2024.

    It said: “The unique, 11-part series showcases African wildlife like never before. Each episode takes a deep dive into a different animal species, from turtles to pangolins, unpacking their remarkable features, the roles they play in ecosystems, and the challenges they face in the wild.

    “The show produced by the conservation organisation Wild Africa Fund, its arrival on Showmax could not be timelier.

    “This is a way to engage and inspire hope for a different and better future. In the show, Dr Mark introduces his audience to some of the animals he has rescued from the illegal bushmeat trade for eventual reintroduction to the wild.

    Read Also: Govt seeks collaboration with EFCC, Interpol to combat wildlife crime

    “Each episode takes a deep dive into a different animal species, from turtles to pangolins, unpacking their remarkable features, the roles they play in ecosystems, and the challenges they face in the wild. Viewers can watch the trailer here. The show also features exclusive short messages from pop culture legends, such as Davido, Laycon, Focalistic, Nviiri The Storyteller, and Shekhinah.

    “This new show is to spark the minds of little ones across the continent and engage them with the realities of the world and wildlife around them. Across several African countries, iconic wildlife species (including lions, gorillas, pangolins, leopards, chimpanzees, sea turtles, vultures, and numerous monkey species) are disappearing.”

    The WAF representative noted that “This decline highlights the urgent need to raise awareness about these challenges and inspire action to address them, particularly with the younger generation. After all, they are set to be the future protectors of our wildlife. Parents and guardians are to watch alongside their children.”

  • FG to investigate killing of wildlife

    FG to investigate killing of wildlife

    The Federal Government yesterday expressed worry over the killing of elephants and other preserved wildlife animals across the country.

    Minister of State for Environment, Dr, Iziaq Salako, stated this during a press briefing, where he said Government will investigate the killings.

    He said the government will not condone any such act by any persons or communities involved.

    Salako stated: “We are deeply concerned about the recent illegal killings of elephants and other wildlife species across the country which involves the killing of two elephants by the military in Kala Balge, Borno State at the instance of a Local Government Chairman and the killing of another elephant by a Professor from the University of Ibadan, Oyo State, the Ministry also received similar unpleasant information on the killing of two booted eagles that migrated all the way from Europe but met their deaths in both Kebbi and Sokoto States.”

    Read Also: Customs secures conviction of Guinean for prohibited wildlife trafficking

    He said efforts are being made by the Ministry to retrieve the transmitters attached to these birds and return them to the researchers in Europe.

    The Minister said the brutal killings of the wildlife not only reflect a blatant disregard for the importance of wildlife preservation but also highlights the urgent need for enhanced awareness and sensitization of the public regarding the protection of Nigeria natural heritage.

  • ‘Arrest, prosecute illegal wildlife hunters’

    ‘Arrest, prosecute illegal wildlife hunters’

    Law enforcement stakeholders have called for the arrest and prosecution of those engaged in illegal wildlife activities.

    They also called for the deployment of cutting-edge technology such as drones and geographic information system (GIS) mapping to tackle the problem.

    The stakeholders advocated effective training of personnel in the wildlife sector to enhance their performance.

    They spoke in Abuja at a two-day workshop on Use of modern techniques in combating wildlife crime organised by the National Park Service in collaboration with the Attorney General Alliance Africa Programme (AGA-AFRICA).

    AGA-Africa’s International Advisor, Mr John Edozie, noted an alarming surge in the illegal wildlife trade facilitated by advancements in technology.

    He said: “Disturbingly, data from the Environmental Investigation Agency (EIA) website highlights Nigeria’s involvement in trafficking significant quantities of ivory and pangolin scales.

    “Specifically, more than 49,000 kg of ivory and 161,000 pangolin scales are trafficked, which has resulted in the death of 7,400 elephants and hundreds of thousands of pangolins.

    “Such illicit activities not only pose a severe threat to our planet’s biodiversity, with pangolin populations declining by up to 80 per cent in certain parts of Africa, but also erode the foundations of the rule of law, foster corruption, and fund criminal enterprises.

    “To address this global crisis effectively, we must equip ourselves with the most advanced tools and strategic approaches available.

    “This entails embracing cutting-edge technology such as drones, GIS mapping, and DNA analysis to confront the threats posed by poaching and the illegal wildlife trade head-on.”

    Edozie noted that success in combating wildlife crimes does not solely rely on technology, but on networks that facilitate regional and international collaboration, including the sharing of intelligence.

    He said: “Just as criminals operate without regard for borders, so must we – to make it increasingly difficult for traffickers to find safe havens.

    Read Also: Tinubu to Siemens: speed up investment in power, rail

    “We are thus glad, as the AGA-Africa Programme, to lend our support to this endeavour through the facilitation of this workshop, ensuring that we can fight wildlife crimes much more aggressively and effectively.

    “As a non-profit organisation, the AGA-Africa Programme is dedicated to promoting the rule of law, strengthening legal systems, and fostering collaboration among criminal justice actors across the African Continent.

    “This involves providing training programmes, technical assistance, and resources to enhance legal expertise when it comes to tackling transnational crimes like cybercrime, money laundering, wildlife trafficking, and other cross-border offences in Africa. Currently, the AGA-Africa Programme is active in West, East and Southern Africa.”

    Assistant Conservator-General (ACG), National Park Abuja, Mohammed Kabir, said the workshop was apt because it was coming at a time when the service needed it most.

    He believes the training will enhance the capacity of park officials in combating illegal trafficking in wildlife which he puts between N7 billion and N10 billion.

    Kabir raised the alarm about the increase in cases of illegal logging and grazing, which according to him, contributes to illicit wildlife activities.

    The ACG called for the arrest and prosecution of all those involved in these illegal activities.

  • A united battle against wildlife predators

    A united battle against wildlife predators

    In a world where greed and illicit desires threaten the very existence of wildlife, Nigeria is witnessing a fierce battle to protect these precious creatures. Criminals engaged in the illegal trade of wildlife are facing formidable adversaries. As these ruthless predators of the animal kingdom persist in their illicit activities, they find themselves locked in a relentless struggle against the combined forces of law enforcement agencies. In this report, JOHN OFIKHENUA delves into the ongoing war to safeguard Nigeria’s wildlife, highlighting the crucial efforts to combat wildlife trafficking and protect these vulnerable species from extinction.

    Despite the unwavering determination of wildlife criminals in their illicit trade against wildlife, they have encountered formidable opponents in the form of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). These agencies have intensified their efforts to combat these illegal activities.

    Under Section 245 (1) of the NCS Act, 2023, and in accordance with Export Prohibition Schedule VI of the existing Common External Tariff, which strictly prohibits the exportation of wildlife, the NCS has demonstrated its commitment by successfully seizing numerous wildlife items. Nigeria’s commitment to the CITES convention further reinforces its stance against serving as a transit hub or illegal wildlife market. Additionally, in a bid to enhance its capacity to combat wildlife crimes, the Nigeria Customs Service entered into a cooperative agreement with the Wildlife Justice Commission in 2021.

    This partnership requested continuous assistance from the WJC to enhance the effectiveness of the Customs Intelligence Unit, which serves as the overarching body for the NCS Special Wildlife Office. This partnership has yielded remarkable results, as outlined below. Between July 2021 and the present, nine joint operations targeting illegal wildlife activities have been executed, resulting in the seizure of over 10,819.48 kilograms of illicit goods. Furthermore, 21 individuals have been apprehended, with 8 already convicted, while others are currently undergoing trial in the Nigeria Federal High Court.

     Beyond these apprehensions, the WJC provided invaluable operational support, including the pioneering DNA analysis of confiscated wildlife and forensic examinations of mobile phones to aid wildlife investigations. Additionally, a workshop for the NCS legal department was conducted in September 2022, where the NCS Legal Advisor led a team of prosecutors in reviewing current wildlife cases. This involved an exhaustive examination of all case files, available evidence, and expert witnesses, aligning the NCS with the investigative practices of other Nigerian agencies such as the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) and the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU).

     Furthermore, in 2023, the NCS procured and installed an iBase (intelligence database) at the NCS Intelligence Headquarters. This state-of-the-art system is designed to centralise intelligence gathered from all wildlife-related cases, enabling proactive targeting, thorough investigations, and the apprehension of wildlife criminals. In light of these developments, the Acting Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, and his management team extended their commendation to the Wildlife Justice Commission and its generous donors. Their support has been instrumental in the NCS’s successful disruption of wildlife trafficking and the illegal wildlife trade in Nigeria, NCS said. It’s worth noting that Nigeria, as highlighted in the UNODC’s World Wildlife Crime Report 2020, has become a primary transit hub for trafficking illicit wildlife products. These include pangolin scales, ivory, and other protected species originating from Eastern and Central Africa, which enter the country through its borders.

    Read Also: Why Nigeria’s petrol is smuggled, by Customs

     Nonetheless, the Nigeria Customs Service has intensified its enforcement efforts against the illicit trafficking of wildlife and forestry products. In 2021, several significant seizures of wildlife and forest goods were executed. Notably, in January 2021, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) intercepted a container at the Apapa Port in Lagos containing a mixture of wildlife products. This haul included 2,772 pieces of elephant tusks weighing 4,752kg, 162 sacks of pangolin scales weighing 5,329kg, 5kg of rhino horns, 103kg of skulls suspected to belong to lions and other wild cats, and 76 pieces of processed timber.

     The most recent achievement in the NCS’s ongoing efforts to combat wildlife theft was the announcement of the seizure of parrot birds on September 25, 2023. According to the report, the Seme-Badagry Customs Command intercepted numerous African parrot birds with an estimated value in the millions of naira. During a briefing, the Area Controller, Comptroller Timi Bomodi, emphasised that the smuggling of these birds was in violation of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). He said: “On the 25th of September at about 0400hrs, Officers and Men of the Nigeria Customs Service, Seme Area Command while on patrol along Seme – Badagry expressway, acting on credible intelligence intercepted a luxurious bus enroute from Kaduna to Benin Republic.

      “Upon search of the bus, 51 live green parrots, five live African grey parrots, five dead green parrots, one dead African grey parrot, and one live hawk in iron nets and a paper box were discovered. Six of these birds have died due to the trauma of transporting them in this condition. Two suspects were also arrested in connection with the seizure.”

     He further disclosed that the African parrots carried a duty paid value (DPV) of N6,859,932. Bomodi strongly condemned the actions of these criminal traffickers, emphasising that their activities not only harmed the ecosystem but also violated the terms of CITES, an international agreement among governments that Nigeria is a part of. The Comptroller issued a stern warning to those engaged in this illegal trade, cautioning them to steer clear of the Lagos – Abidjan corridor unless they wished to continue suffering heavy losses. In alignment with the principles of the Nigeria Customs Service, which advocates for inter-agency collaboration and synergy, and considering the sensitive nature of the seized parrot birds, they will be transferred to the Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service (NAQS) Seme Command. Additionally, the NCS will notify officials from the National Park Service, as it falls under their jurisdiction to provide rehabilitation and protection for these birds, safeguarding them from further harm.

     In August 2021, the Nigeria Customs Service showcased sacks of different kilograms of Pangolin scales and Elephant tusks evacuated by the Nigeria Customs Service through the Customs Intelligence Unit and the Headquarters’ Strikeforce at a location on the Eastern side of Ijeoma Street, Lekki, Lagos State worth over Twenty-two Billion. The Seizure is said to be one of the biggest Wildlife Seizures so far.

     In February 2022, an Elephant was found wandering in Saki, Oyo State Westen part of Nigeria by a group of Farmers; the video quickly went viral, showing the jolly elephant, as it attracted both young and old, but only to be announced dead days after.  NCS also reported yet another seizure of 14 sacks containing 839.40kgs of pangolin scales and 4 sacks containing 40 pieces of cut ivory weighing 145kgs. In July 2022, investigators from the Nigeria Customs Service Special Wildlife Office arrested eight suspects in Lagos, where they were believed to be sourcing further illegal wildlife products to Asia.

    Further investigation revealed that three of the eight suspects are Vietnamese nationals with specialty in illegal wildlife trade. They were arrested with 7.1 tonnes of Pangolin scales and 850 kg of ivory. In July 2023, the Nigeria Customs Service arrested three persons allegedly involved in illegal wildlife activities around the Nigeria-Cameroon border. In a statement, the Wildlife Conservative Society in Calabar, Cross River State, said the NCS made the arrests following a series of intelligence-led operations they supported. The statement informs that one of the suspects was apprehended in Jimeta, Yola, Adamawa State, with four sacks of ivory weighing 89kg.

    Customs in Murtala Muhammed Airport Command said from the period of January – to July 2023, it made a seizure of six packages of suspected dried shark fins with an FOB value of 221,885,769.02 and twenty-five packages of suspected dried donkey genitals with an FOB value of 1,010,372,761.98 bringing it to a total of 1,232,258,531. The Customs Area Controller, Muhammed Sani Yusuf, during a press briefing said: “The suspects have been arrested, and investigation is ongoing. These items were seized mainly because of various infractions on export guidelines and failure to comply with CITES law on endangered species as enshrined in the Nigeria Customs Service Act,” he added.

     In 2022, a report by the World Customs Organisation (WCO) regarding the depletion of wildlife resources attributed the problem to a criminal network operating across various regions of the African continent. The report said:  “Criminal networks operating in West and Central Africa’s export hubs extend across a swathe of the region’s tropical rainforests and savannahs, presenting sustained threats to the last strongholds of forest and savannah elephants and pangolin species (white- and black-bellied and giant ground pangolins) in the region. Smuggling routes involve many countries, including Togo, Cameroon, Gabon, DR Congo, the Republic of Congo, the Central African Republic, Liberia, Cote d’Ivoire and Benin.”

     Meanwhile, wildlife experts say if proper care is not given to wildlife, in the future, only pictures will be used to describe wild animals to the next generation. Wildlife trafficking undermines and threatens the ability and efforts of states to manage their natural resources. It can result in severe economic losses, particularly affecting developing countries that rely on revenue generated by legal trade. Forest crime threatens rural livelihoods where people’s subsistence and income depend on wildlife, including those based on ecotourism.

    syndicate operation that has bet on decimating wildlife, it is expedient that all hands must be on deck globally to stamp out the criminals from their business or at the very minimum, reduce the crime to the barest minimum.

  • Turkish Airlines signs pact for wildlife protection

    Turkish Airlines signs pact for wildlife protection

    Amid the renewed fight to protect wildlife, a European carrier, Turkish Airlines, has expressed its commitment to tackling illegal wildlife trade with its resolve to increase its passengers, customer, client, and staff awareness about the  consequences of illegal wildlife trade.

    To further strengthen the awareness, the Airline says it is developing mechanisms that will enable the transport sector receive timely information about the transport of suspected illegal wildlife and their products, including methods of transportation, key routes, ports and other locations.

    Such information, Turkish Airlines further revealed, will be made available to relevant customs and law enforcement authorities, where permitted by law; just as it plans to support the development of mechanisms by the World Customs Organisation and national customs authorities to aid the detection and prevention of trade in illegal wildlife and their products.

    Turkish Airlines Deputy Chairman and CEO, Mr. Bilal Eki, disclosed this at the signing ceremony of the United for Wildlife Buckingham Palace Declaration (UFW), where parties in attendance pledged zero-tolerance regarding the illegal wildlife trade.

    “With this declaration, we as Turkish Airlines are not only underlining one of the most important environmental issues of our times, that is, trafficking of wildlife, but we are also setting an example of responsibility. Today with this signature we hope that we are contributing to the level of awareness on the issue and smoothing the path for legal enforcement procedures against the traffickers,” he said.

    Eksi noted that governments alone could not curb this phenomenum, and, therefore, called on international organisations, more importantly airlines, who are key players in the international wildlife trade, to play a more important role in preserving the wildlife diversity in global economy.

    Wildlife is a very important component of the ecosystem and it is expedient to stop its illegal trade in order to conserve wildlife for posterity and ecological balance. It is important to note that different species in nature are connected through various food webs, and the disappearance of one species could affect several others down the line. The need for innovative solutions and improved data to facilitate interventions to stop illegal wildlife trade has been noted by the United Nations and USAID-supported Wildlife Crime Tech Challenge. Organisations with the power and influence to effect change should take it upon themselves to champion this intiative helping to secure a safer future for not only the human species but also to wildlife, including plants.

    “The illegal wildlife trade threatens to extinguish many of the world’s most iconic and special creatures, forcing them to the brink of extinction and threatening our global biodiversity. This illegal activity has deeper socio-economic impact, fuelling organised crime, undermining the prosperity of economies and feeding insecurity across the globe,” Eksi said.

    In Nigeria, stakeholders in the environmental protection movements are worried that it is a common sight in the country to see hawkers displaying for sale the remains of various animals killed in the course of hunting. Rural as well as some urban communities in the country have gone as far as legalising the hunting and killing of wildlife to the extent that certain days are set aside every year in various communities for hunting.

  • NCF warns on extinction of wildlife, forests

    President Board of Trustees Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF), Izoma Asiodu, has urged Nigerians to desist from illegal trade in wildlife and destruction of forests to prevent extinction of wildlife and desert encroachment.

    According to him, these illegal activities are not only responsible for the reduction in the population of wildlife but also desert encroachment in some parts of the nation.

    Asiodu spoke at the 27th Annual General Meeting of the foundation at its headquarters in Lagos at the weekend.

    He said: “Illegal trade in wildlife is a major driver of species loss. This callous trade is really depleting the population of wildlife that renders valuable benefits to the ecosystem.

    “It has been reported that between 2010 and 2012, approximately 100,000 African elephants were killed out of a population estimated to be less than 500,000.

    “Climate change is the biggest global environmental threat. Adaptive measures need to be taken now to protect arid regions in the Northern part of our dear nation where desert encroachment is happening at a fast rate.

    “The continuing degradation of these forests would mean loss of ecosystem services and livelihoods, extinction of endangered wildlife, loss of cultural heritage and loss of carbon storage among others”.

    Asiodu promised the group’s continuous partnership with government at different levels and other stakeholders to ensure the conservation of Nigeria’s wildlife and forests.

    “It is our intention to collaborate with the federal and state governments as their support are crucial to the success of large scale forest rehabilitation efforts.

    “Yet, humans remain the wildlife’s greatest threat and are equally its only hope for continued survival.”

    In his annual report, the Director-General of NCF, Adeniji Karunwi, noted that the achievements made by the foundation under the year review include: projects implementations in different parts of the country, conservation awareness creation, tree-planting exercises and capacity development trainings among others.

    Karunwi, who charged the media to increase the publicity for the group’s activities, also expressed optimism for improvement of the group’s numeral strength through the use of appropriate technology to enhance members’ registration.

    “We expect our membership base to increase significantly during this year as we finalise the installation of a membership software application for seamless registration.

    “We believe much more would be achieved in our drive to make NCF a mass-membership based organization,” Karunwi added.

    Chairman, National Executive Council of NCF, Chief Ede Dafinone, promised the foundation would not rest on its oars.

     

     

     

    He said the foundation will increase its efforts at “breaking new grounds in stakeholders’ engagements and awareness creation in conservation and environmental issues in consonance with NCF strategic action plan”.

     

  • Council okays $40m to combat wildlife crime

    With the value of illegal wildlife trade estimated at between $10 billion and $23 billion per year, the Global Environment Facility (GEF) Council has approved an additional $40 million for the Global Wildlife Programme (GWP).

    This fund will further expand the GEF’s support in the fight against illegal wildlife trafficking to 19 countries in Africa and Asia.  The GWP is a global partnership established to address the growing poaching crisis and an international call to action. Wildlife crime is said to be the fourth most lucrative illegal business after narcotics, human trafficking and weapons.

    “Poaching and illegal wildlife trafficking are reaching unprecedented levels, robbing the livelihoods of local communities and eroding the global commons,” said Naoko Ishii, GEF CEO and Chairperson, explaining that the project is not only about stopping the slaughter of animals in the forests and savannas of Africa, but also aims at reducing the demand in Asia.

    Combating the illegal trade in wildlife is a high priority for the GEF. Last month, at the UN Environment Assembly in Nairobi, GEF joined other partners to support the launch of the Wild for Life campaign. This new UN-led campaign urges politicians, celebrities and business leaders to help bring global attention to the fight against the illegal wildlife trade.

    The GEF agencies contributing to the partnership include the Asian Development Bank (ADB), International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the World Bank Group (WBG) and World Wildlife Fund (WWF).

    Helen Clark, UNDP Administrator, said “Wildlife poaching and the illicit trade of wildlife and forest products are abhorrent. This multi-billion dollar worldwide trade is a security issue, an environmental issue, and a development issue. It is pushing vulnerable and endangered species toward extinction. The illicit trade is also fuelling corruption and conflict, destroying lives, and deepening poverty and inequality. If not addressed decisively, illicit poaching and wildlife trade will have significant national economic impacts. UNDP is thus proud to be a key partner of the new Global Wildlife Programme, spearheaded and financed by the GEF, in partnership with other organisations, including the World Bank. At UNDP, through these joint efforts, we are committed to helping to stop the illegal trade.”

    For Nessim Ahmad, Deputy Director-General, Sustainable Development and Climate Change Department at the Asian Development Bank, “Wildlife crime is a serious crime and threatens progress towards sustainable development. It destroys biodiversity, denies governments billions of dollars in revenue, prevents communities from obtaining sustainable livelihoods, and undermines law enforcement and national security.”

    Last June, the GEF approved 10 national projects in Botswana, Cameroon, Ethiopia, Gabon, India, Indonesia, Mozambique, Republic of Congo, Tanzania and Zambia. Now, with the additional $40 million to the council’s purse, nine additional countries – Afghanistan, Kenya, Malawi, Mali, Philippines, South Africa, Thailand, Vietnam and Zimbabwe.

    UNEP Executive Director, Achim Steiner said: “The victims of wildlife crime are not only the animals and ecosystems that are devastated by poaching and trafficking, they are people as well. The human cost of poaching and illegal trade in wildlife is measured in lives lost to the criminal networks involved and livelihoods destroyed by the erosion of a natural economic foundation. Ending the illegal trade in wildlife requires a concerted and cooperative effort between all sectors. These new projects will further these efforts and help bring us closer to ending wildlife crime once and for all.”

  • Nigerian nominated for Green Oscar

    Nigerian nominated for Green Oscar

    Nigerian conservationist, Inaoyom Imong, has been nominated among seven others, for an international ‘Green Oscar’ nature prize in the United Kingdom.

    Imong was nominated for the prestigious prize for his work in protecting the Cross River gorillas through community-based conservation in the Mbe Mountains.

    The Award is to be presented by HRH, the Princess Royal, at the Royal Geographical Society in London on 29 April.

    Organised by Whitley Fund For Nature, the awards are prestigious international prizes which honour exceptional individuals who, through their outstanding conservation work in developing countries, are redefining the way people engage with the natural world in the 21st century.

    Selected from a field of 174 applicants from all over the world, the seven wildlife conservationists shortlisted this year for the chance to win an award and a share in project funding worth £245,000 are:

    • Arnaud Desbiez (Brazil; giant armadillos);

    • Rosamira Guillen (Colombia; cotton-top tamarins);

    • Panut Hadisiswoyo (Sumatra; orang-utans);

    • Jayson Ibañez (Philippines; Philippine eagles);

    • Inaoyom Imong (Nigeria; Cross River gorillas);

    • Ananda Kumar (India; Asian elephants);

    • Pramod Patil (India; Great Indian Bustard).

    The charity’s patron, HRH The Princess Royal, will announce the final results at a special evening ceremony that would be hosted by television presenter Kate Humble and attended by Sir David Attenborough, same day.

     

  • Fresh breath for troubled Jos Wildlife Park

    Fresh breath for troubled Jos Wildlife Park

    The Jos Wildlife Park used to be a centre of tourists’ attraction on the Plateau. But due to neglect by successive administrations, the tourists’ first-choice destination is now a shadow of itself. The animals that made the park famous are no longer there.

    After its establishment 42 years ago, the park, which had a collection of about 160 animals, comprising 40 species, received little  attention from successive administrations. As a result, it no longer boasts of more than 50 animals and birds. This is because there were no deliberate efforts to replenish the stock.

    Investigations revealed that some of the animals became very old and died; some died as a result of fire, and others were poached by hunters; a situation that has left the park almost empty.

    The symbols or signs that remind visitors of the past glory of the park are the photographs of animals that habited the park and the labelled but empty cages.

    Some of the animals available at the park are one species of ape, chimpanzee, baboons, vultures; guinea fowls, two lions, a python, one elephant and crocodiles. Major games such as buffalo, zebra, tiger and hippopotamus are not there.

    General Manager of the Plateau State Tourism Corporation John Doy said the Jos Wild Life Park was established in 1972 along with Pandam Wildlife Park and Wase Rock Games Reserve by the Joseph Gomwalk administration in the then Benue-Plateau State.

    Gomwalk, who was a Commissioner of Police, was said to be a zoologist. Doy said: “Jos Wildlife Park is located in Jos South Local Government Area of the state; it covers a land area of eight square kilometres. It was established under the Northern Nigeria Wild Animal Law of 1963, which was enacted primarily for the conservation, preservation, protection and management of indigenous and exotic wildlife resources against endangerment and extinction.

    “It was also meant to promote and encourage tourism and related activities to improve the economy of the state through ecotourism. It was equipped with 160 animals comprising 40 species.”

    Currently, the Wildlife Park is dilapidated because there has been no form of renovation in the past 35 years. However, when Governor Jonah Jang assumed office in 2007, he promised to give tourism the desired attention. He was of the view that revamping the park and other tourist sites will go a long way in authenticating the state’s motto of Home of Peace and Tourism.

    The Jang administration pledged to revive the park. But less than one year to the end of his administration and over seven years after, nothing has been done with regard to resuscitating the ailing park.

    However, the Commissioner for Tourism, Culture and Hospitality, Pastor Abraham Yiljab told our correspondent that government has worked out a strategy to breathe life into the park.

    He said: “The administration of Governor Jang has worked out a strategy to secure the Wildlife Park. The project plan is being considered at the state executive council level, after which a contract will be awarded for its fencing. Construction of Safari Road network will be part of it so that tourists can walk and drive around inside the park. The contract will also include the renovation of structures and construction of new office accommodation for members of staff working there.”

    He further said that government deliberately delayed commencement of work at the park as expected since 2007 because tourism itself cannot be handled in isolation. The state itself had to be attractive enough for tourists. The entire state requires total turn-around.

    “So, Governor Jang had to concentrate on opening up the state to tourists through massive road network. The tourism potential of the state will make no meaning if there was no good road network. That was why Governor Jang invested nearly N100 billion on road construction across the state.

    “There are also other aspects of tourism that took the attention of the state government; the gigantic Indoor Theater is one of those. It is first of its kind in Nigeria. It has a sitting capacity of 5,000 and serves multi-purpose benefits to government and citizens. There is also the newly completed Government House which cost about N9 billion and the renovation of the state secretariats, among others.

    “These massive infrastructural developments had to be done in the interest of tourism of the state. The new plan to redeem the wildlife park also includes the construction of animal clinic. The original plan for the establishment of the wild life did not include the medical aspect. But government has come up with a design of a clinic at the park for the animals.

    “Government had to bring in the National Veterinary Research Institute (NVRI) to help in taking care of the animals. The NVRI also took care of the health of members of staff working there so that there will be no infection that can pass from man to animal or from animal to man. So, NVRI with its expertise has been doing very well in taking care of the health of animals and that is why you hardly hear of any form of epidemic.

    There will be restaurants and chalets; this will give tourists an opportunity to stay within a very natural environment.

    “The issue of depletion of the wildlife has already been addressed. We are looking forward to securing more animals. Recently, we have secured a very huge male python which we have introduced to the female python in the park. They already co-exist without any tension among them.

    “Currently, we are working with some other zoo facilities in the country for animal exchange. Where we found we have more males we will exchange with another zoo that has female species. We are currently doing that with Aso Rock Zoo. We are also on exchange programme with the Kano Zoo and that of Maiduguri.

    “These are some of the plans government has towards replenishing the lost stock. Animals have their own lifespan, and so some of them died of age. We lost some of them due to some adverse situation such as bush burning.

    “We lost some of them to hunters who poached on the park. That is why even before we restock it, we have to secure the place. We have to provide adequate security for the animals and protect them from hunters.”