Nigeria Endangered Species: Causes, & Conservation Efforts [2025]

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Nigeria is home to some of Africa’s most iconic wildlife. Yet many of these species are now critically endangered, slipping toward extinction in silence.

With fewer than 400 elephants, fewer than 50 lions, and fewer than 250 Cross River gorillas left in the wild, the country is facing a quiet crisis. Once roaming freely across forests and grasslands, these animals now survive only in small, scattered areas, each one shrinking under human and environmental pressure.

So, what is driving this disappearance? And what can be done to stop it? This article explores the causes, the last safe havens, and the community efforts that could be the key to saving Nigeria’s endangered species.

 

Causes of Nigeria’s Endangered Species Decline

The decline of Nigeria’s endangered wildlife is not random, it is driven by a combination of human activities, weak protection, and environmental changes.

1. Forests and Woodlands Are Being Cleared at an Alarming Rate
Logging, farming, and construction continue to destroy habitats. Without natural homes, animals lose access to food, water, and shelter, forcing them into unsafe areas, or wiping them out entirely.

2. Poaching Threats
Elephants, gorillas, and lions are hunted illegally for ivory, meat, or traditional uses. For already small populations, every loss pushes them closer to extinction.

3. Weak Protection in National Parks
Many of Nigeria’s parks exist only on paper. With little funding, poor ranger training, and limited equipment, poachers enter freely, and endangered species are left exposed.

4. Habitat Loss and Human Conflict
As forests shrink, wildlife enters farms and villages searching for food and water. In response, communities kill them to protect crops and livestock, leading to more losses.

5. Climate Change
Rising heat, unpredictable rainfall, and water shortages make survival harder. When rivers dry up and vegetation disappears, food becomes scarce, and already fragile populations struggle to endure.

Where Nigeria’s Endangered Species Still Survive

Despite the threats, a few wild strongholds remain, vital for the survival of elephants, lions, gorillas, and other endangered animals.

• Yankari Game Reserve (Bauchi State): Nigeria’s largest surviving elephant population lives here, alongside lions. But poaching and low ranger numbers remain constant threats.

• Gashaka Gumti National Park (Taraba & Adamawa States): The country’s largest park shelters chimpanzees, forest elephants, and leopards. Its remoteness offers some protection, though hunting and encroachment persist.

• Cross River National Park (Cross River State): The last stronghold of the Cross River gorilla. Logging and farming fragment their habitat, making it harder for groups to breed and survive.

• Okomu National Park (Edo State): Home to forest elephants and rare monkeys, but its small size and surrounding farmland increase human-wildlife conflict.

• Afi Mountain Wildlife Sanctuary (Cross River State): Established to protect Cross River gorillas. While community-led, the population here is tiny and highly vulnerable.

Community Efforts to Save Nigeria’s Endangered Wildlife

In many parts of Nigeria, local communities are stepping up to defend wildlife where government systems fall short.

• Traditional Beliefs: In Cross River, spiritual taboos forbid hunting gorillas and chimpanzees, helping reduce poaching in some areas.

• Community Rangers: Locals in Yankari and Gashaka Gumti now patrol forests, dismantle traps, and monitor wildlife, work that would otherwise go undone.

• Local Laws: In Andoni (Rivers State), bylaws now ban elephant hunting and protect manatee habitats, showing how communities can drive conservation success.

These grassroots efforts are proof that conservation is not only possible—it’s already happening, though often underfunded and overlooked.

Challenges Facing Wildlife Conservation in Nigeria

Despite existing laws and parks, Nigeria continues to lose endangered species. Key challenges include:

• Underfunded National Parks: Most lack staff, vehicles, and equipment to stop poaching.

• Weak Law Enforcement: Poachers are rarely punished, sending the message that killing endangered animals is not a serious crime.

• Limited Local Involvement: Excluding communities from decisions creates resistance instead of cooperation.

• Lack of Awareness: Without benefits like tourism jobs or education, locals may view endangered species as threats.

• Poor Data on Wildlife: Without accurate counts, it’s hard to measure progress or even know how many animals remain.

Solutions: How Nigeria Can Save Its Endangered Species

Saving Nigeria’s wildlife requires urgent action. Here’s what must be done:

• Properly fund and equip national parks so rangers can protect endangered animals.

• Enforce anti-poaching laws to ensure killing endangered species has real consequences.

• Involve local communities by providing ecotourism jobs, land rights, and incentives to conserve wildlife.

• Raise public awareness so Nigerians see endangered species as national treasures rather than threats.

• Conduct national wildlife censuses to track population numbers and inform strategies.

Check Also; 

• • Cross River Forest Under Threat: Hidden Costs of Eco-Tourism [2025]
  • The Role of Forests in Preserving Nigeria’s Ecological Wisdom (2025)
  • Conservation in Nigeria: Protecting Nature, and a Greener Future

Conclusion: The Fight to Save Nigeria’s Endangered Species

The struggle to protect Nigeria’s endangered species is not just about animals—it’s about choices. Every forest cleared, every law ignored, and every missed opportunity brings these creatures closer to extinction.

But there is still hope. With stronger protection, community-driven leadership, and a genuine national commitment, Nigeria can preserve its elephants, gorillas, lions, and more.

Protecting these animals means protecting Nigeria’s heritage and future. The question now is: will Nigeria act before it’s too late?

Frequently Asked Questions on Nigeria’s Endangered Species

What are Nigeria’s most endangered species today?

The Cross River gorilla, forest elephant, Nigeria-Cameroon chimpanzee, West African lion, and manatee are among the most critically endangered species in Nigeria. These populations are small, fragmented, and highly vulnerable to habitat loss and poaching.

Why are Nigeria’s endangered species disappearing so quickly?

The primary causes are habitat destruction, illegal hunting, weak law enforcement, and climate change. Limited funding for national parks and poor wildlife data also make it harder to implement effective protection measures.

How many gorillas are left in Nigeria?

The Cross River gorilla is Africa’s most endangered ape, with fewer than 300 individuals remaining. About 100 live in Nigeria, found only in three protected areas within Cross River State.

Are Nigeria’s national parks helping to protect wildlife?

Some parks, such as Yankari Game Reserve and Gashaka Gumti National Park, still provide refuge for endangered animals. However, many parks remain underfunded, understaffed, and poorly managed, limiting their ability to prevent poaching or mitigate habitat loss.