Experts have called for conservation of pangolins, saying extinction of such animals portends grave danger to the ecosystem and human existence.
They made the call during the World Pangolin Day 2024, which was held at the Zoology Lecture Theatre and Pangolin Conservation and Research Centre, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, on the theme: ‘Unity for the Conservation of Pangolins: Working to Keep Pangolins in the Wild’.
The event attracted stakeholders in the environmental conservation, security and educational sectors, including law enforcement agents, scholars, non-governmental organisations, and students. Dignitaries included Vice Consul, the United States (U.S.) Consulate General, Lagos, Christina Connelly-Kanmaz, Director-General, Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria (FRIN), Ibadan, Prof Zachariah Yaduma and Chair, Pangolin Conservation Guild Nigeria (PCGN), Prof Olajumoke Morenikeji.
Connelly-Kanmaz said illegal wildlife trafficking posed significant threats to pangolins, stressing that the United States through its various agencies and partnerships in Nigeria was deeply committed to wildlife conservation and the fight against illegal wildlife trafficking.
The Vice Consul said: ‘’this year’s theme speaks volumes about the urgency and collective efforts required to protect this creature from the brink of extinction. Pangolins are not just an integral part of our biodiversity but also a testament to our ecosystem’s intricate balance. Our collaboration with Nigerian authorities, conservation groups and educational institutions like University of Ibadan is pivotal in this endeavour.’’
The diplomat lauded Morenikeji, who is a professor at the Zoology Department of the premier university for her dedication to wildlife conservation.
Morenikeji emphasised that pangolins were very crucial to the environment, saying the animals must, therefore, be prevented from going into extinction.
Morenikeji said: “The pangolins are the most illegally traded mammals in the world. There are reports of huge numbers of seized pangolin scales, translating to the killing of thousands of pangolins, being taken away from Nigeria. Pangolins can only be found on two continents – Asia and Africa. Now, most of the species in Asia are critically endangered, and the focus is on Africa to provide for the insatiable thirst for pangolins by the Asian countries.”
According to her, Pangolins are so important, critical, and crucial to the ecosystem and environment. “One pangolin is estimated to consume about 70 million insects in one year. Those insects include crop pests and those that bring down buildings like termites. Pangolin activities on the soil help to aerate the soil thus helping the plants to grow better. When pangolins dig a burrow, they leave places for other animals to inhabit. Our goal is to ensure that the animals do not go into extinction.’’
Morenikeji called for the protection of pangolins and other animals, as well as trees for the benefit of humans. ‘’What we are doing is also for our own benefit, because human beings will exist on earth if they remove all the trees, animals and everything around them; we will not last long before we all go extinct as well,’’ she said.
She, therefore, reiterated the determination of the group to educate the populace and create awareness on pangolin and wildlife conservation to safeguard the environment.
On his part, the FRIN Director-General, Buba Yaduma, said if pangolins do not survive, food security and survival of humans would be a mirage.The DG, who was represented by Prof Kehinde Solomon, said the programme was apt as it focused on protection, conservation, as well as preservation of the environment and wildlife, especially pangolins.
He said: ‘’At the FRIN, we ensure the continued existence of wildlife species. Man detests chemical control; so, wildlife and pangolins are a means of ensuring biological conservation. Pests are rampant, and destructive to crops. It is the work of pangolins to eliminate the destructive work of pests and diseases. That means if pangolins don’t survive, the issue of food security will be a mirage.”
