Nigeria’s Last Elephants – What Must Be Done to Save Them

Nigeria has a unique elephant population, made up of both forest-dwelling (Loxodonta cyclotis) and savanna-dwelling (Loxodonta africana) elephant species. But the animals are facing unprecedented threats to their survival. In about 30 years, Nigeria’s elephant population has crashed from an estimated 1,200-1,500 to an estimated 300-400 today. About 200-300 are forest elephants and 100 savanna elephants.

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) recently classified the forest elephant as “critically endangered” and the savanna elephant as “endangered”.

Threats to Elephants in Nigeria

Expansion of agriculture, urbanisation, and infrastructure development lead to habitat loss and fragmentation. The destruction of elephant habitats isolates populations, making it difficult for them to migrate, find food, and breed. Nigeria’s rate of forest loss, at about 3.5% per year, is among the highest globally.

Poaching for ivory and traditional medicinal purposes is another menace. Despite the ivory trade ban, Nigeria-linked ivory seizures amounted to 12,211kg from 2015 to 2017. In January 2024, Nigeria destroyed 2.5 tonnes of seized elephant tusks valued at over 9.9 billion naira (US$11.2 million).

Human-elephant conflict is growing. Elephants encroach on farmlands, damaging crops, which leads to retaliation by communities. Climate change exacerbates this, causing water scarcity and food insecurity that force elephants into human-dominated landscapes, increasing conflicts.

Steps to Save Nigeria’s Elephants

Nigeria launched its first National Elephant Action Plan in August 2024. This 10-year strategic plan aims to ensure the long-term survival of elephants. Here are four urgent steps to make this plan a reality:

1. Strengthen Protected Areas: Restore and safeguard elephant habitats. Wildlife corridors should reconnect fragmented populations, based on management plans approved by conservationists and local communities.
2. Combat Poaching and Ivory Trafficking: Enforce wildlife laws and enhance the capacity of park rangers and law enforcement. Provide advanced tools like drones and camera traps to monitor poaching activities.
3. Promote Human-Elephant Coexistence: Use innovative measures such as beehive fences to deter elephants from farmlands. Compensation schemes for farmers can foster positive attitudes toward conservation.
4. Expand Public Awareness: Educate communities about the ecological and cultural importance of elephants through schools, media, and conservation initiatives.

Why Nigeria Must Act Now

Elephants are keystone species that shape ecosystems. They disperse seeds, create habitats, and maintain biodiversity. Losing them would have cascading effects on the environment.

Elephants also hold economic value through ecotourism, offering sustainable income for local communities. Protecting them safeguards Nigeria’s natural heritage and ensures ecological integrity for future generations.