Wildlife Expert Advocates Snake Protection Laws in Nigeria

Dr. Mark Ofua, a wildlife conservation expert, urged the Nigerian government to implement laws that protect snake species as part of efforts to reduce the spread of Lassa fever, a zoonotic disease. During a media chat commemorating World Zoonoses Day, he warned that indiscriminate killing of snakes, which are natural predators, contributes to the proliferation of disease-carrying rodents.

Ofua highlighted the critical role snakes play in controlling the population of multimammate rats, which transmit the Lassa fever virus to humans. He called for the government to establish laws regulating the bushmeat market, where snakes are often sold, as their decimation increases the risk of disease.

Ofua also advocated for public awareness campaigns to change perceptions about snakes and other natural predators, such as owls and cats, which help control rodent populations. He warned that the widespread use of rodenticides could harm bird predators, further destabilizing the ecosystem and increasing disease transmission risks.