This article covers the top 5 wildlife conservation in Nigeria. Nigeria is blessed with abundant wildlife, a testament to the generosity of nature within the country’s borders. Its diverse ecosystems support a wide range of animals, including elephants, leopards, lions, giraffes, crocodiles, hippos, primates, birds, and reptiles.
Preserving this rich wildlife heritage has proven to be a formidable challenge due to the negligence and activities of poachers. Nevertheless, the Nigerian government has taken proactive steps to mitigate this decline and ultimately prevent the extinction of these magnificent creatures. Among the initiatives implemented is the establishment of wildlife conservation areas, national parks, and game reserves across the nation. These have been created to serve as sanctuaries for Nigeria’s wildlife. Here, we will introduce you to some of these crucial preservation areas that deserve your attention.
1. Yankari National Park
When it comes to Nigerian wildlife and the country’s national parks, the first name that prominently stands out is Yankari National Park. Located in the northeastern province of Bauchi, Yankari boasts a sprawling expanse covering 2,244 square kilometers, encompassing various wildlife species and ecosystems.
One of the most captivating features of Yankari National Park is its extensive population of elephants, which ranks among the largest in Africa. Additionally, the park is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including leopards, hyenas, primates, numerous species of gazelles, and an impressive count of over 350 bird species.
2. Okomu National Park
Nestled in the southern region of Edo State, Okomu National Park is yet another significant wildlife conservation center in Nigeria. As part of the government’s commitment to safeguarding Nigerian wildlife, this park was established back in 1953. Originally designated as a forest reserve, its primary purpose was to protect a species of monkeys unique to Nigeria – the now-endangered Nigerian white-throated guenon. Subsequently, in 1999, it was officially designated as a national park, covering an extensive area of 1,082 square kilometers.
3. Gashaka Gumti National Park
The largest national park in Nigeria is Gashaka-Gumti National Park, situated in Taraba State, covering a vast expanse of 6,402 square kilometers. Established in 1991, it derives its name from the prominent Gashaka and Gumti rivers that flow through the region.
This national park boasts a rich diversity of Nigerian wildlife, housing over 100 species of mammals and 500 species of birds. Among its inhabitants are elephants, leopards, hyenas, lions, monkeys, various types of impala, the African wild dog, chimpanzees, and the drill, making it a true haven for nature enthusiasts and wildlife lovers.
4. Omo Forest Reserve
Located in the southwestern state of Ogun, this Nigerian wildlife sanctuary is a protected area encompassing approximately 1,045 square kilometers. It is renowned as one of the largest forest reserves in Nigeria and takes its name from the Omo River.
The Omo Forest Reserve is home to a diverse range of Nigerian wildlife, including primates such as the white-throated guenon, the mona monkey, and chimpanzees. Additionally, the reserve is inhabited by duikers, pangolins, and bush pigs. Impressively, it also provides habitat for over 200 bird species.
Beyond its ecological significance, the reserve serves as a vital water source for neighboring communities and a valuable supplier of timber and non-wood forest products, including honey, medicinal plants, and mushrooms. Furthermore, it contributes to the maintenance of rivers and streams, supporting agricultural activities downstream.
Visitors to the Omo Forest Reserve can enjoy activities such as hiking, bird watching, and engaging with local communities. The reserve also offers accommodation facilities for guests seeking an immersive wildlife experience.
5. Cross River National Park
Another notable Nigerian wildlife conservation area is the Cross River National Park, located in the southeastern province of Cross River. Established in 1991, this protected region spans an estimated area of 4,000 square kilometers, making it one of the largest parks in the country.
The Cross River National Park is renowned for its remarkable biodiversity, featuring over 1,500 plant species, 300 species of birds, and various primates, including the endangered Cross River Gorilla and the Nigeria-Cameroon chimpanzee. It is also home to a wide range of mammals, such as elephants, elands, buffaloes, and leopards.
This national park is a vital sanctuary for both flora and fauna in Nigeria, contributing significantly to the conservation efforts in the region.
6. Kainji Lake National Park
Named after the Kainji Lake along the Niger River, Kainji Lake National Park is a Nigerian wildlife sanctuary situated in the central Nigerian regions of Niger and Kwara. Established in 1979, it encompasses an expansive area covering approximately 5,341 square kilometers and ranks as one of the largest parks in Nigeria.
The ecosystem within the Kainji Lake National Park comprises forest savannahs, grasslands, and riparian forests. It serves as a habitat for a diverse array of Nigerian wildlife, including buffaloes, elephants, gazelles, mandrills, patas monkeys, vervet monkeys, and olive baboons. The park is also home to a rich avian population, with more than 300 species of birds adding to its ecological diversity.
