Biodiversity Travel & Tourism Endangered Species of Nigeria 2025: Can We Save Them? Philip SifonSeptember 19, 20250932 views You don’t need to go deep into a forest in Nigeria to know something is wrong. The animals meant to be there are no longer there. Across Nigeria, species that once shaped local culture, diets, and myths are now listed as endangered species. The endangered species of Nigeria are not just symbols of nature. They are warning signs of a collapsing system. Forests are being cut down, and animals are being hunted or sold. The laws that should protect them often fail, and the few conservationists trying to help are overworked and underfunded. This article looks at what is driving endangered species of Nigeria toward extinction, which animals are most at risk, the role of communities and organisations in conservation, and what must change to save them. What Is Driving Endangered Species of Nigeria Toward Extinction? There is no single cause of extinction. The endangered species of Nigeria face multiple threats happening all at once. Loss of Habitat Forests are cleared for farming, logging, and development. In places like Cross River National Park and Omo Forest Reserve, animals are running out of space to live, feed, or raise their young. Habitat loss in Nigeria is one of the biggest drivers of species decline. Illegal Hunting and Wildlife Trade Endangered animals are killed for bushmeat, skins, tusks, or bones. Some are sold in local markets, while others are trafficked across borders. Nigeria is now a major hub in the illegal wildlife trade. Climate Change Dry seasons stretch for months longer than before. Rivers dry up, and forests overheat, making it harder for wildlife to survive. The climate change impact in Nigeria is already pushing species closer to extinction. Weak Conservation Laws Nigeria has wildlife protection laws such as the Endangered Species Act of 1985 and the National Parks Act. However, penalties are outdated, enforcement is weak, and corruption allows traffickers and poachers to escape consequences. Most Endangered Species of Nigeria in 2025 Below are some of the most at-risk species and the challenges they face. Species Status Main Threats Cross River Gorilla Critically Endangered Fewer than 100 left; habitat loss and hunting Nigeria-Cameroon Chimpanzee Endangered Fewer than 900 left; logging, hunting, pet trade African Forest Elephant Endangered Poaching for ivory; habitat fragmentation Pangolin Critically Endangered Most trafficked mammal; hunted for scales and meat West African Manatee Vulnerable Habitat destruction, pollution, fishing nets Red-Capped Mangabey Endangered Habitat loss, bushmeat hunting, pet trade 1. Cross River Gorilla There are fewer than 100 left in the whole country. Their forests are being cut down for farming and logging. And most times, they end up in traps meant for other animals. 2. Nigeria-Cameroon Chimpanzee Only about 900 remain in the wild. Logging and agriculture are clearing their habitat at a fast rate. Some are hunted, while others are captured and sold as pets. Even in protected areas, enforcement is weak. 3. African Forest Elephant Their numbers are falling quickly. They’re targeted for their ivory tusks, even though it’s illegal. Roads and farms are now cutting through their migration paths, making it harder for them to survive. 4. Pangolin These are still the most trafficked mammals in Nigeria. They’re hunted for their scales, used in traditional medicine, and for their meat. Even with global bans in place, illegal trade continues in local markets and across borders. 5. West African Manatee These animals live in rivers and lakes, but currently, those spaces are under attack. Pollution, dam construction, and sand mining are ruining their habitat. Many get tangled in fishing nets or are hunted for meat. Most people have never even heard of them. 6. Red-Capped Mangabey These monkeys are now primarily found in small, scattered forest areas across southern Nigeria. Logging and farming are destroying what’s left of their habitat. Many are trapped and sold as pets or killed for bushmeat. Without urgent protection, they could be added to the extinction list. Why the Endangered Species of Nigeria Matter Endangered species in Nigeria are important beyond wildlife conservation. Biodiversity Balance: Species like pangolins eat insects that damage crops. Losing them increases pests and weakens soil fertility. Cultural Value: Many animals are part of Nigeria’s myths, festivals, and folktales. Losing them means losing heritage. Economic Impact: Nigerian wildlife conservation supports jobs through ecotourism and park management. Without animals, tourism potential declines. Climate and Resources: Healthy forests and species protect water sources, reduce erosion, and store carbon that fights climate change. Get further insights; ReForest AI Ignites Nigeria’s Ecotourism Revolution Sacred Animals in Nigeria: Cultural Beliefs, Traditions & Symbolism Nigerian Forest Elephants: Silent Giants on the Brink of Extinction Conservation Efforts for the Endangered Species of Nigeria Although challenges are high, many groups and communities are taking action. Community Rangers Filling the Gaps: Local volunteers patrol forests, remove traps, and report illegal hunting where government enforcement is weak. Ecotourism Projects: Ecotourism creates alternative income for communities, reducing reliance on logging or hunting. Youth Awareness Campaigns: Young Nigerians lead eco-clubs, online campaigns, and school programs, raising awareness about biodiversity loss in Nigeria. Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation: Organisations such as the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) and Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) rescue trafficked animals, rehabilitate them, and when possible, release them into the wild. The Role of Local Communities in Protecting Endangered Species Community participation is central to conservation in Nigeria. In some regions, traditional rules and taboos still protect certain species. For example, sacred forests often serve as safe zones where hunting and logging are forbidden. Empowering these communities with resources, training, and recognition helps them protect endangered species more effectively than laws alone. Government Policies and the Gaps in Protection Nigeria’s laws, such as the Endangered Species Act, are outdated. Fines are often as little as a few thousand naira, which does little to deter traffickers. Many protected areas also lack funding for rangers, equipment, and proper monitoring. To save the endangered species of Nigeria, policies must be updated, enforcement strengthened, and corruption addressed. Case Studies: Conservation in Action Cross River Gorilla Patrols: Community rangers in Cross River have reduced hunting in some areas through consistent patrols. Yankari Game Reserve: One of the last safe zones for elephants in Nigeria, where anti-poaching patrols have slowed ivory hunting. Lekki Conservation Centre: Protects urban biodiversity while educating thousands of visitors each year on the importance of conservation. How to Support Endangered Species Conservation in Nigeria Protecting Nigerian wildlife requires more than laws. Here’s how individuals and organisations can help: Support NGOs like NCF and WCS working on wildlife protection. Visit ecotourism sites to support local economies. Avoid bushmeat consumption and spread awareness. Advocate for stronger conservation policies and enforcement. Conclusion: Endangered Species of Nigeria and the Urgent Call to Save Our Wildlife The endangered species of Nigeria are not just disappearing animals. Their decline is a signal that Nigeria’s ecosystems are under severe pressure. Protecting wildlife is about more than saving species. It is about protecting forests that store water, soils that feed crops, and traditions that shape communities. There is still hope, but only if action is taken now. Stronger laws, empowered communities, and greater public awareness are essential. If Nigeria loses these animals, it loses part of its future. Protecting them means protecting life itself. Frequently Asked Questions on Endangered Species of Nigeria What Are the Most Endangered Species of Nigeria in 2025? Some of the most endangered species include the Cross River gorilla, Nigeria-Cameroon chimpanzee, African forest elephant, pangolin, red-capped mangabey, and West African manatee. Why Are So Many Animals Endangered in Nigeria? Habitat destruction, illegal hunting, climate change, and weak law enforcement are the main drivers of biodiversity loss in Nigeria. What Laws Protect Nigeria’s Endangered Species? The Endangered Species Act of 1985 and the National Parks Act provide a framework, but weak enforcement and outdated penalties limit their effectiveness. How Does Habitat Loss in Nigeria Affect Biodiversity? When forests, rivers, and wetlands are destroyed, animals lose food, breeding grounds, and migration routes, leading to faster extinction. How Can Communities Help Save Nigeria’s Endangered Species? Communities can help by protecting sacred forests, joining ranger patrols, supporting ecotourism, and passing traditional knowledge about wildlife protection to younger generations.