PREVIEW

Nigeria Launches Historic National Plan to Protect Endangered Elephants. The plan addresses the human activities, such as poaching, that have driven Nigerian elephants to near extinction. Key objectives include reducing illegal killings and trade, preserving habitats, and raising public awareness on the importance of elephant conservation. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, Nigeria's Minister of State for Environment, highlights that the plan will also focus on supporting local communities near elephant habitats. Salako emphasizes the goal of creating alternative livelihoods for these communities through wildlife preservation efforts. Nigeria is a significant player in the illegal wildlife trade, with elephant ivory and pangolin scales being among the most trafficked items. The Elephant Protection Initiative Foundation reports that Nigeria accounts for nearly 25% of the world's seized ivory. Nigeria’s elephant population, now between 300 and 400, has dropped to a quarter of its size compared to three decades ago. Human-elephant conflict, due to elephants invading farms, is also a growing issue contributing to their decline. Andrew Dunn, Wildlife Conservation Society’s country director, authored the National Elephant Action Plan, outlining eight key objectives, including conflict reduction. In 2010, all African elephant range states, including Nigeria, committed to securing the future of the continent’s elephants. As the world observes World Elephant Day, Nigeria’s new plan marks a significant step forward in protecting its remaining elephants and tackling illegal wildlife crimes.
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