Nigerian Biodiversity Hotspots: Niger Delta, Jos Plateau & Cross River

Philip SifonSeptember 18, 20250638 views

You’ve probably heard of Nigeria’s forests. Maybe even its savannahs. But there’s a different story happening in the Niger Delta, Jos Plateau, and Cross River rainforest that many people are not paying attention to.

These three places are where Nigeria’s rarest species of plants and animals still survive. They are the most critical biodiversity hotspots in Nigeria.

Most people have never been to these places. Fewer still know how much depends on them.

This article explores what makes these regions important, why they matter now more than ever, and what could be lost if we stop paying attention.

Why These Nigerian Biodiversity Hotspots Matter

Biodiversity in Nigeria is not spread evenly. A few regions such as the Niger Delta, Jos Plateau, and Cross River rainforest contain some of the highest concentrations of plant and animal life in West Africa.

What sets these places apart is the number of endangered species in Nigeria that still survive there.

From rare amphibians in Jos to forest elephants in Cross River, these species cannot be found anywhere else. Each hotspot supports more than just wildlife.

They protect freshwater sources
They slow down erosion
They sustain entire food chains
They support local communities directly

Losing them would mean more than just biodiversity loss in Nigeria. It would accelerate habitat loss in Nigeria and disrupt systems people rely on every day.

Niger Delta Biodiversity Hotspot: Wildlife, Ecosystems and Threats

The Niger Delta is one of the most critical biodiversity zones in Nigeria, especially for wetland and marine species.

It is home to Nigeria’s largest stretch of mangrove forests, which serve as breeding grounds for fish, sea turtles, and migratory birds.

What makes the Niger Delta stand out is that it is the only place in Nigeria where animals like manatees and rare fish species still survive. Without this ecosystem, many species would not stand a chance.

Key ecological functions of the Niger Delta include:

Preventing erosion
Filtering and cleaning water
Reducing flooding along riverbanks

Yet, the Niger Delta faces serious threats. Oil spills, unchecked development, and pollution have made it one of the most fragile ecosystems in Nigeria. (UNEP Niger Delta Report)

Jos Plateau Biodiversity Hotspot: Endangered Species and Ecosystem Services

The Jos Plateau does not receive as much attention as Nigeria’s forests or rivers, but it is unique. Its cooler climate and different terrain have allowed rare plants, frogs, and birds to survive in ways they cannot anywhere else.

That is what makes the Plateau a Nigerian biodiversity hotspot.

The Plateau also regulates water flow, feeding rivers that support farms and communities beyond its boundaries.

Why the Jos Plateau Matters

Rare amphibians and birdlife unique to Nigeria
Cooler microclimate supporting special crops such as strawberries and apples
Watershed that sustains farming downstream

It is a vital ecosystem in Nigeria, but also one of the most fragile due to mining, deforestation, and climate change.

Cross River Rainforest Biodiversity Hotspot: Nigeria’s Most Fragile Forest

The Cross River rainforest is the last major stretch of tropical high forest in Nigeria and one of the most critical biodiversity hotspots in West Africa.

It is home to endangered species such as the Cross River gorilla, the Nigeria-Cameroon chimpanzee, and forest elephants.

What makes this region fragile is how little of it remains. Most of Nigeria’s rainforests have already disappeared.

The Cross River rainforest is holding the line for dozens of endangered species and the ecosystems that depend on it.

Key Concerns in the Cross River Rainforest

Deforestation and agricultural expansion
Poaching of rare wildlife
Climate change intensifying rainfall and erosion

Push it any further, and some species will not survive.

What is at Stake for Nigerian Biodiversity Hotspots

This goes beyond protecting animals. Whether you live nearby or not, these areas sustain everyday life.

Here’s what is at stake:

1. Water Security
The Cross River rainforest regulates rainfall. Once trees are gone, rain patterns shift, affecting farmers who rely on stable weather.

2. Food Production
The Jos Plateau supports crops such as Irish potatoes, strawberries, and apples. As warming intensifies and biodiversity declines, food diversity and farmer livelihoods are at risk.

3. Flood and Erosion Control
The Niger Delta’s mangroves absorb heavy rains, buffer storm surges, and mitigate erosion. Oil spills and deforestation weaken these protections, making floods more dangerous.

4. Fishing and Community Livelihoods
The Delta’s fish populations are declining due to pollution. Fishing families are losing both cultural heritage and economic stability.

5. Climate Regulation
Forests across Nigeria act as carbon sinks. Clearing them worsens climate change, leading to hotter cities, longer dry spells, and health problems from dust and air pollution.

Can Nigerian Biodiversity Hotspots Be Saved?

Yes, but saving them will take more than short-term projects. Right now, Nigeria’s biodiversity hotspots are in a fragile survival state. Climate change has made seasons unpredictable. Fires are worsening on the Jos Plateau and floods are more frequent in Cross River.

However, there is hope:

Communities are tracking endangered species
NGOs are restoring degraded land
Local knowledge is being used to fight biodiversity loss

For wildlife conservation in Nigeria, consistent effort and stronger policy support are essential. These ecosystems can recover, but only if Nigeria chooses to protect them.

How You Can Support Nigerian Biodiversity Hotspots

Protecting Nigeria’s ecosystems is not just the job of the government. Individuals can make a real impact:

Buy from eco-conscious Nigerian brands that support reforestation or wildlife protection
Visit conservation-friendly destinations like the Cross River rainforest through responsible ecotourism
Cut down single-use plastics to protect rivers and wetlands from pollution
Support grassroots conservation groups working on the ground with donations, volunteering, or awareness campaigns

Gain Further Insights;

Conclusion on Nigerian Biodiversity Hotspots

Walking through a Nigerian biodiversity hotspot is humbling. You realise how much life still thrives here, and how close we are to losing it. These hotspots hold more than rare species. They preserve memories, ensure survival, and shape the future of Nigeria’s ecosystems.

Yes, biodiversity loss in Nigeria is a serious concern. But recovery is possible if we care, act, and support the communities already defending these lands.

If you care about Nigeria’s future, now is the time to act. Every action matters.

Frequently Asked Questions on Nigerian Biodiversity Hotspots

What makes a region a biodiversity hotspot in Nigeria?

A biodiversity hotspot is a location that supports exceptionally high numbers of rare and endangered species while facing major threats. In Nigeria, the Niger Delta, Jos Plateau, and Cross River rainforest are hotspots because of their unique wildlife and high risk of habitat loss.

How do protected areas help conserve biodiversity in Nigeria?

Protected areas such as national parks and forest reserves offer legal protection against deforestation and hunting. They provide safe corridors for endangered species, support research, and preserve ecosystem services like clean water and carbon storage.

What role do local communities play in conservation?

Local communities are central to protecting biodiversity in Nigeria. Many patrol forests, restore degraded land, and adopt sustainable farming and fishing practices. For example, in the Omo Forest Reserve, former poachers have become rangers protecting endangered species.

What are the biggest threats to Nigerian biodiversity hotspots?

The main threats include habitat loss, illegal logging, oil spills, climate change, and weak enforcement of environmental laws. Conflicting development projects also make conservation more difficult.

Why is the Cross River gorilla important to Nigeria’s biodiversity?

The Cross River gorilla is one of the rarest great apes in the world, found only in the Cross River region of Nigeria and Cameroon. Its survival is directly tied to the preservation of Nigeria’s last rainforest ecosystem.

How does biodiversity loss affect people in Nigeria?

Biodiversity loss affects food supply, water security, local economies, and climate regulation. As habitats are destroyed, people lose not just wildlife but also the natural systems that sustain life.