The survival of Nigeria’s elephants is at stake as over the last three decades their population has dwindled from an estimated 1,200-1,500 to an estimated 300-400 today.
Nigeria, on the African continent, has a unique elephant population of both forest-dwelling (Loxodonta cyclotis) and savanna-dwelling (Loxodonta africana) elephants. But these elephants are facing unprecedented threats to their survival.
Elephants Balance Natural Ecosystems
Nigeria has never had herds in the multiple thousands, but its elephants have played a vital ecological role, balancing natural ecosystems. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) recently classified forest elephants as “critically endangered” and the savanna elephant as “endangered”.
Today they live primarily in protected areas and in small forest fragments where they are increasingly isolated and vulnerable to extinction. They are found in Chad’s Basin National Park in Borno State and Yankari Game Reserve in Bauchi State. Also in Omo Forests Reserve in Ogun State, Okomu National Park in Edo State and Cross River National Park in Cross River State.
Action Plan to Save Nigerian Elephants
Elephants in Nigeria are threatened by habitat loss and fragmentation, poaching and illegal ivory trade, human-elephant conflict and climate change. These issues are pushing them to the brink of extinction.
In August 2024, Nigeria launched the country’s first National Elephant Action Plan. The 10-year strategic plan aims to ensure the long-term survival of elephants in Nigeria.
According to research in elephant conservation, this plan is a promising initiative and conservationists agree it could ensure the survival of Nigeria’s elephants. However, the long-term sustainability of the elephant populations in Nigeria depends on how well the plan balances conservation efforts with economic development. The government must also be willing to support the plan and commit financial resources to carry it out.
Threats to Elephants in Nigeria
Expansion of agriculture, urbanisation and infrastructure development leads to habitat loss and fragmentation. The destruction of elephant habitats means that populations are isolated, making it difficult for elephants to migrate, find food and breed. At about 3.5% a year, the rate of forest loss in Nigeria is among the highest globally.
Poaching of elephants for their ivory and traditional medicinal value is another major problem. Despite the ivory trade ban under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species, Nigeria-linked ivory seizures amounted to 12,211kg in the period 2015-2017. According to an article published in The Conversation in January this year, Nigeria destroyed 2.5 tonnes of seized elephant tusks valued at over 9.9 billion naira (US$11.2 million).
Human-elephant conflict is a growing challenge. As elephants lose their habitats, they encroach on farmland, leading to conflicts with people. Elephants damage crops. In retaliation, some communities harm or kill the elephants.
Climate change is another threat to the survival of elephants in the country. Water scarcity and food insecurity affect both humans and elephants. Elephants are forced to venture into human-dominated landscapes, increasing conflicts.
Saving Nigeria’s Endangered Elephants
To save its elephants, Nigeria needs to take the following steps.
Strengthen existing protected areas
Existing national parks, forest and game reserves should be strengthened to prevent further destruction and fragmentation. Wildlife corridors to reconnect fragmented populations are also crucial. This should be based on management plans approved by government agencies, conservationists and local communities.
Combat poaching and ivory trafficking
Wildlife laws should be enforced to disrupt ivory trade networks. The capacity of park rangers, wildlife law enforcers and local authorities to combat poaching must be enhanced. Advanced surveillance tools such as drones and camera traps must be provided. There should also be regular training for law enforcement officers to keep up with modern anti-poaching tactics.
Stricter penalties for wildlife crimes and effective prosecution of offenders will deter poachers too.
Promote human-elephant coexistence
This requires innovative and community-driven solutions. One approach is the use of early warning systems and deterrent measures, such as beehive fences. They have been effective in deterring elephants from entering farmlands. Training and equipping local communities to monitor elephant movements can also help avoid conflicts. Compensation schemes for farmers who suffer losses from elephant raids can foster positive attitudes towards conservation.
Expanding public awareness and conservation education
Some Nigerians may not fully understand the ecological and cultural importance of elephants. Awareness of their role in maintaining ecosystem health and the consequences of their extinction should be highlighted to foster support for protection. Schools, community groups and media should be engaged in conservation education initiatives. This will promote a sense of ownership and responsibility for preserving Nigeria’s wildlife generally.
Why Nigeria Must Save Its Elephants
Saving elephants is not only a matter of preserving biodiversity but also ensuring the health of entire ecosystems. Elephants are keystone species; they create and maintain habitats supporting other species. They shape the landscape, disperse seeds and create water holes benefitting a wide variety of wildlife. Losing them would have cascading effects on the environment.
Economically, elephants are valuable for ecotourism. They can provide sustainable income to local communities, while protecting elephants could be an alternative to poaching or illegal logging.
Culturally, elephants hold symbolic and spiritual value for many Nigerians. Their presence is linked to heritage and identity of communities.
Protecting elephants in Nigeria is not only about conserving a species. It is about preserving the country’s ecological integrity, supporting sustainable livelihoods and safeguarding the natural heritage for future generations.
