Pangolin Species in Nigeria
Nigeria is home to two critically endangered pangolin species – the white-bellied pangolin (Phataginus tricuspis) and the black-bellied pangolin (Phataginus tetradactyla). These unique, scaly mammals are the only known placental mammals with scales and play a vital role in the country’s delicate ecosystems.
Critically Endangered Pangolins
The white-bellied pangolin is found primarily in the southern and central regions of Nigeria, inhabiting dense forests and savanna woodlands. This nocturnal species feeds mainly on ants and termites, using its long, sticky tongue to extract them from mounds and logs. With a diminutive body size of around 5-15 kg, the white-bellied pangolin is extremely vulnerable to poaching and habitat loss.
The black-bellied pangolin, on the other hand, is found in the southeastern rainforests of Nigeria. Slightly larger than its white-bellied counterpart, this pangolin species also relies on a specialized diet of insects. Both pangolin species are classified as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List, facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild.
Threats to Nigerian Pangolins
The primary threat to Nigeria’s pangolin populations is the relentless demand for their meat and scales in international wildlife trafficking networks. Pangolins are the world’s most trafficked mammal, with their scales prized in traditional Chinese medicine and their meat considered a delicacy in parts of Asia. This illegal trade has devastated populations across Africa, including in Nigeria.
Habitat loss and degradation also pose a significant threat, as Nigeria’s forests and savannas are cleared for agricultural expansion, logging, and urban development. Pangolins require vast, undisturbed natural areas to thrive, and the fragmentation of their habitats isolates populations and makes them more vulnerable to poaching.
Conservation Efforts
In the face of these daunting challenges, a dedicated non-profit organization, the Pangolin Conservation Guild Nigeria (PCGN), has emerged as a beacon of hope for Nigeria’s pangolins. Founded in 2016, PCGN has rescued over 100 pangolins from the illegal wildlife trade and worked tirelessly to rehabilitate and release them back into protected areas.
“When we receive them, we do an initial evaluation to determine their state and what care is needed immediately,” explains Oladipo Omotosho, the PCGN’s communications lead. “A more thorough health assessment is done after to determine the appropriate veterinary and nursing care they require. They are rehabilitated before they are released back into the wild in protected forest areas.”
PCGN’s efforts extend beyond rescue and rehabilitation; the organization also engages with local communities, educating them on the importance of pangolin conservation and offering alternative livelihood opportunities to discourage poaching. By involving stakeholders, such as hunters, bushmeat sellers, and poachers, PCGN aims to reduce the demand for pangolin products and empower communities to become active stewards of their natural resources.
“The conservation of nature is the responsibility of everyone,” says Professor Olajumoke Morenike, the founder of PCGN. “We are all to play our parts in preserving the earth and its resources for our use and for generations to come.”
Nigerian Biodiversity and Ecosystems
Nigeria’s rich biodiversity extends far beyond its pangolin species, with a remarkable array of avian life and diverse ecosystems that play a crucial role in the country’s environmental health and resilience.
Avian Diversity in Nigeria
Nigeria is home to over 940 bird species, representing a significant portion of Africa’s total avian diversity. From the vibrant plumage of the African Fish Eagle to the melodious calls of the Hooded Vulture, these feathered creatures are integral to the delicate balance of Nigeria’s ecosystems.
Many of Nigeria’s bird species, such as the Bannerman’s Turaco and the Anambra Waxbill, are found nowhere else on Earth, making the country a global hotspot for endemic and threatened avian species. These unique birds play vital roles in seed dispersal, insect control, and nutrient cycling, contributing to the overall health and resilience of Nigeria’s natural environments.
Habitat Preservation
Protecting the diverse habitats that support Nigeria’s avian and mammalian species, including the pangolins, is a critical priority for conservation efforts. The country’s forests, savannas, wetlands, and coastal ecosystems provide essential resources and shelter for a myriad of wildlife, and their preservation is crucial for maintaining the ecological balance.
Organizations like PCGN work closely with local communities and government agencies to advocate for the protection of these vital habitats. By raising awareness, promoting sustainable land-use practices, and collaborating on conservation initiatives, they aim to safeguard Nigeria’s natural heritage for future generations.
Sustainable Development
Balancing the needs of a growing human population with the preservation of Nigeria’s biodiversity is a complex challenge, but one that must be addressed through thoughtful, sustainable development practices. This includes exploring ecotourism opportunities that generate income for local communities while fostering a deeper appreciation for Nigeria’s natural wonders.
“We are solving this through a multifaceted campaign aimed at making the people see the reason for conservation of these creatures beyond the immediate benefits of poaching and trade,” explains Oladipo Omotosho. “We are also working with community leaders and law enforcement agencies to drive compliance with national and international laws on conservation of endangered wildlife.”
By empowering local stakeholders, investing in sustainable economic alternatives, and strengthening environmental protections, Nigeria can chart a course toward a future where its unique biodiversity, including the awe-inspiring pangolins, can thrive in harmony with human development.
Economic Factors in Pangolin Conservation
The complex interplay of economic forces, both legal and illicit, has a profound impact on the fate of Nigeria’s pangolins and other wildlife. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for developing effective conservation strategies.
Illegal Wildlife Trade
The thriving global demand for pangolin meat and scales has fueled a vast and lucrative black market, with Nigeria serving as a key transit hub for the illegal wildlife trade. Despite national and international laws prohibiting the hunting and commercial trade of pangolins, the country has seen a significant spike in reported pangolin trafficking in recent years.
“Until recently, Nigeria has limited awareness of the concept of wildlife as a crime even amongst the criminal justice players tasked with combating this crime,” explains Adenekan Folusho, the Programme Officer for Wildlife Projects at the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) Country Office in Nigeria. “Also, there is very limited government funding put towards the interdiction and prosecution of wildlife crime, which hampers the ability of these agencies to undertake their mandates.”
Addressing this challenge requires a multipronged approach, including enhanced law enforcement, stiffer penalties for offenders, and targeted public awareness campaigns to reduce domestic demand for pangolin products.
Ecotourism Opportunities
As Nigeria’s biodiversity comes under increasing threat, the potential for ecotourism to provide sustainable economic alternatives and incentivize conservation efforts has gained traction. Showcasing the country’s unique wildlife, including its charismatic pangolins, to responsible, eco-conscious travelers could generate much-needed revenue for local communities and conservation initiatives.
“We are solving this through a multifaceted campaign aimed at making the people see the reason for conservation of these creatures beyond the immediate benefits of poaching and trade,” says Oladipo Omotosho of PCGN.
By developing ecotourism infrastructure, training local guides, and promoting Nigeria’s natural wonders on the global stage, the country can harness the economic power of sustainable tourism to safeguard its biodiversity and empower communities to become active stewards of their natural resources.
Community Engagement
Ultimately, the long-term success of pangolin conservation in Nigeria hinges on the active participation and support of local communities. PCGN’s approach of engaging stakeholders, including hunters, bushmeat sellers, and poachers, through education and alternative livelihood programs has been a crucial component of their conservation strategy.
“We are also working with community leaders and law enforcement agencies to drive compliance with national and international laws on conservation of endangered wildlife,” Oladipo Omotosho explains.
By fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility among local communities, conservation efforts can become more deeply rooted and sustainable. As communities recognize the inherent value of pangolins and other wildlife, they are more likely to protect and preserve these species for the benefit of present and future generations.
Policy and Legislation
Nigeria has taken important steps to address the plight of its pangolin populations, both through national action plans and international cooperation. However, the effective implementation and enforcement of these policies remains a significant challenge.
National Action Plans
In April 2022, Nigeria launched its first-ever National Strategy to Combat Wildlife and Forest Crime in Nigeria 2022-2026. Developed with the support of the UNODC and the Government of Germany, this comprehensive plan aims to free the country from wildlife and forest crimes, including the illegal trade in pangolins.
“UNODC found that two-thirds of the seizures involving Nigeria, were reported by other countries, meaning they had left Nigeria’s shores undetected,” explains Adenekan Folusho. “So, though there has been an uptick in wildlife seizures by the Nigeria Customs Service, Nigeria is not detecting most of the illegal wildlife trade passing through its borders and ports.”
The National Strategy outlines a range of interventions, from strengthening law enforcement and the criminal justice system to improving international cooperation and public awareness. Successful implementation of this plan could be a game-changer for pangolin conservation in Nigeria.
International Cooperation
Nigeria has also signed various international agreements that prohibit the hunting and commercial trade of pangolins, including the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES). However, the country’s continued involvement in the reported trafficking of pangolins highlights the need for more effective enforcement and compliance with these global protocols.
Recognizing this challenge, the UNODC has extended a range of programs to the Nigerian government to tackle the menace of wildlife crime. This includes the Wildlife and Forest Crime Analytical Toolkit and Indicator Framework Assessment, which aim to assist the country in understanding the main issues and evaluating the effectiveness of its criminal justice response.
Enforcement Challenges
Despite these policy and legislative efforts, experts warn that patchy law enforcement and lack of funding for wildlife protection agencies continue to undermine the effectiveness of Nigeria’s conservation initiatives.
“Over time, Nigeria has not been mindful of the wildlife let alone protecting them,” says Mark Ofua, the Country Representative of the Wild Africa Fund in Nigeria. “We have fines that are now updated, dating back 30 years so they are really not punitive and the laws are not even enforced.”
Addressing these enforcement gaps will require a concerted effort to train and equip law enforcement personnel, increase funding for wildlife protection agencies, and ensure the swift prosecution of offenders. Only then can Nigeria’s policies and legislation truly translate into meaningful change for its endangered pangolin populations.
As the Pangolin Conservation Guild Nigeria and other dedicated organizations continue their tireless efforts, the future of Nigeria’s pangolins hangs in the balance. With a combination of robust conservation strategies, economic incentives, and strengthened legal frameworks, Nigeria can turn the tide and secure a brighter future for these remarkable, scaly creatures. By doing so, the country will not only protect its unique biodiversity, but also safeguard the delicate balance of its ecosystems for generations to come.
