Nigeria's Elephants Face Survival Threats, Conservationists Warn

Nigeria's elephant population has dwindled to about 400, comprising approximately 300 forest elephants and 100 savannah elephants. Dr. Mark Ofua, a wildlife veterinarian and West African representative of Wild Africa, highlighted the critical threats to these elephants, including habitat loss, illegal ivory trade, and human-wildlife conflict, during a media engagement organized by Wild Africa and the Nigerian Conservation Foundation ahead of World Elephant Day on August 12.

Ofua warned that continued habitat fragmentation and hunting could lead to inbreeding and extinction. He described elephants as an "umbrella species," crucial for maintaining forest health and biodiversity.

Ofua noted that about 80% of Nigerians are unaware of the elephants' existence and called for increased public education and corporate involvement in conservation. He also advocated for investment in ecotourism, citing Rwanda's successful gorilla trekking program as a model for generating revenue and supporting local communities.