WORLD WILDLIFE DAY 2020: Sustaining all Life on Earth
All things being equal, a day like this should be one where we get to strictly celebrate the allure encapsulated in wildlife and wildlife resources. Be it as it may, it is instead, a day filled with concerns bordering on the adverse conditions bothering wildlife species, globally –with just a little bit of celebrations for achievements made, here and there. All thanks to the fact that in our pursuit of survival, we pursue other species into extinction. Then and again, we gasp in awe when we visit the wild and admire the beauty that exists therein. Over the past 25 years, human activities such as hunting, logging, land degradation, mining, and infrastructure construction such as aerodromes, electrical lines, and related events have killed off wild flora and fauna by more than 40% compared to natural factors such as climate change and fire.
A recent International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Globally Threatened Species has reported that 148 animals and 146 plant species found in Nigeria are endangered to varying degrees, including some species close to extinction. The efforts geared towards the protection of wildlife –especially the large predators whose existence in Nigeria is threatened severely– have to be increased urgently. Also, the National Park Service should be more attuned to current, global wildlife trends and conservation practices. Thus, improving national parks’ capacity for conservation of biodiversity, and raising awareness on the intrinsic value of wildlife for/in the society.
Fast and transparent penalties for illegal poachers and hunters are also recommended to prevent further illegal wildlife harvesting. The international community is increasingly focused on conserving diversity as threats to biodiversity escalate. The number of endangered species is an important measure of the world’s urgent need for conservation. Nearly one-quarter of the world’s mammalian species are considered to be threatened or extinct, 63% are known to be unthreatened, and there is insufficient data to determine the threat status of about 15%. Loss of habitat, which affects more than 2,000 species of mammals, is the biggest global threat. The second most significant threat is the use which affects more than 900 species of mammals, mainly those in Asia. Direct threats to biodiversity are the anthropogenic activities or processes that have influenced or impacted the status of the taxon under assessment (e.g., illegal fishing or logging).
The modern man is known for his strong appetite for harnessing the ecosystem of wild populations. Available research has shown that the human activities of today are empirical evidence that humans are losing what nature has entrusted into their care for the sole purpose of sustainability. It has been documented that despite concerted efforts by individuals/organizations of goodwill, man continues to encroach on the remains of wildlife all over the world more than ever. Forests are being drained and destroyed and turned with increased use into croplands. In Nigeria, for example, 21 of the known bird species in Nigeria are facing a serious threat of extinction due to habitat loss. The situation is alarming as two endemic species -Anambra Waxbill and the Ibadan Malimbe- fall under this count.
Conservation awareness has risen in recent decades, in particular, due to the decline of tropical forests and the loss of endangered species. Nonetheless, the nation’s goals of managing wildlife for tourism, preserving the ecological balance, justifiable game meat farming, and protecting our national heritage have been difficult to achieve as we continue to face new and increasing economic problems. Mostly, these problems are propped by a rapidly growing human population and the consequent continuous loss of wildlife habitat. Nigeria is rich in wildlife reserves, and so can boast of high biodiversity. There are 22,000 species of vertebrate and invertebrate animals, including 20,000 bugs, 1,000 birds, 1,000 fish, 247 mammals, and 123 species of reptiles.
Bringing the focus down to our nation, Nigeria needs to explore the possibilities of ecotourism better. As described by The International Ecotourism Society in 2015;
responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment, sustains the well-being of the local people, and involves interpretation and education
Despite the country’s wild array of rich wildlife resources, Nigeria’s media outlets don’t seem to have any unique nature conservation programs embedded in their broadcasts. It is therefore pertinent that a collaboration between the Nigeria National Parks Service and major media establishments be established to help increase public awareness, education, appreciation of the nation’s wealth of wildlife, and government support towards efforts to preserve biodiversity. All of these are known to have the potential to catalyze responsive actions at the local and decision-making levels. In turn, this could prevent the degradation of biodiversity in Nigeria.
The country’s zoological gardens must be upgraded and well managed to become healthy survival habitats for some animals that are already vulnerable and not just entertainment centers. In this region, all interested individuals and stakeholders must be involved. This is because most likely, a lot of urban dwellers would visit a zoo instead of a park. Some of the country’s universities have working zoological gardens; for example, the University of Ibadan zoo, which has undergone a lot of renovation and upgrading to meet global standards, and the University of Ilorin zoo, has been recently upgraded.
Nevertheless, it is unfortunate that wildlife conservation studies and research are still very weak at the university level. Given the many advantages that man receives from wildlife resources, his careless use of the environment remains unceasing and unabated. Therefore, in line with the theme of this year’s World Wildlife Day on “Sustaining All Life on Earth,” it is imperative that Nigeria take more decisive action and face the challenge of maintaining her wildlife resources. And hopefully, create a future in which the coming generation live in harmony with nature.
Therefore, as the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) said in its conservation slogan, “we are building a future where humans live in harmony with nature,” we should endeavor to build a more accommodating environment in other to live peacefully with lives that nature has entrusted into our care.
