Extinction: Elephants in trouble in Nigeria, conservationists warn

Wild Africa, a global non-governmental organization, has raised the alarm over the declining elephant population in Nigeria, warning that the species faces extinction due to poaching, habitat destruction, and human-wildlife conflict.

According to Wild Africa, the elephant population in Nigeria has dwindled from an estimated 1,200 to 1,500 individuals two decades ago to a mere 300 to 400 today.

The organization, in a statement by its Nigeria Representative, Festus Iyorah, attributes this decline to rampant poaching for ivory and habitat destruction, which has pushed the species to the brink of local extinction.

“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,” said Mark Ofua, Wild Africa’s West Africa representative.

“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,” said Ofua.

Habitat loss can lead to human-elephant conflict, which occurs when people clash with elephants due to crop raiding or property damage.

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 commends Nigeria’s first-ever National Elephant Action Plan (NEAP) for 2024-2034, prepared by WCS and the Elephant Protection Initiative Foundation (EPIF) on behalf of the Federal Government.

If implemented, the plan will reduce the dramatic rate of decline by boosting monitoring while combating illegal ivory trade through harmonised state and federal wildlife laws and enhanced law enforcement.

NEAP also looks to maintain elephant habitats through land-use planning and create wildlife corridors to mitigate conflicts with communities, as well as increase public awareness and community-shared economic benefits generated by tourism.

The plan will also enhance scientific knowledge and understanding of elephants to better inform efficient strategies and strengthen regional cooperation with neighbouring countries.

Wild Africa has been actively supporting the Nigerian government’s efforts to fight illegal wildlife trafficking and improve its wildlife laws through the Endangered Species Conservation and Protection Bill alongside Africa Nature Investors Foundation (ANI), 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.

The bill 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.

“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,” said Peter Knights, Wild Africa CEO.