Conservationists have warned that Nigeria’s elephant population has dwindled to about 400, raising concerns over the survival of the species amid increasing habitat loss, illegal ivory trade and human-wildlife conflicts.
The warning was issued during a media engagement organised by Wild Africa and the Nigerian Conservation Foundation, NCF, ahead of World Elephant Day, observed annually on August 12.
Speaking at the event, wildlife veterinarian and West African representative of Wild Africa, Dr Mark Ofua, said Nigeria’s remaining elephant population consists of about 300 forest elephants and 100 savannah elephants.
According to him, the population has reached a critical level and could face extinction if urgent conservation measures are not taken.
“Elephants are tenders of the forest,” Ofua said, noting that the animals play a key role in maintaining biodiversity and ecological balance.
He added that illegal ivory trade, retaliatory killings arising from human-elephant conflicts and injuries caused by snares remain major threats to the species.
Ofua also lamented poor public awareness, claiming that nearly 80 per cent of Nigerians do not know elephants still exist in the country.
He called for stronger enforcement of wildlife laws, increased public education and greater private-sector involvement in conservation efforts.
Also speaking, Dr Stella Egbe, who leads biodiversity pillar programmes at the NCF, said forest elephants are found in Omo Forest Reserve, Cross River National Park and parts of Rivers State, while savannah elephants are mainly located in Yankari Game Reserve in Bauchi State.
Egbe identified habitat fragmentation as a major cause of human-elephant conflicts, noting that encroachment into elephant habitats often leads to crop destruction and retaliatory attacks on the animals.
She said insecurity and inadequate funding have continued to hinder conservation activities and the implementation of the National Elephant Action Plan.
The conservationists urged government agencies, private organisations and development partners to strengthen collaboration to protect the country’s remaining elephant population and promote wildlife conservation.
