Nigeria’s Elephants: Conservationists Warn of Extinction as Habitat Loss, Human Conflict Threaten Remnant Population

Conservationists are issuing urgent warnings about the precarious state of Nigeria's elephant population, which has plummeted to an estimated 400 individuals. For generations, elephants roamed freely across the country's landscapes, but today, sightings are increasingly rare, prompting grave concerns for the species' survival.

The shrinking habitats, ongoing human-wildlife conflicts, and continued pressure on forest resources are identified as the main drivers behind this dramatic decline. As the world approaches World Elephant Day on August 12, experts emphasize that Nigeria's remaining elephants are at a critical juncture, requiring immediate and sustained conservation efforts to prevent their disappearance.

Dr. Stella Egbe, lead for biodiversity pillar programs at the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF), stated that World Elephant Day offers a vital platform to amplify the conservation message beyond traditional circles and engage the wider public. She stressed that Nigeria's remnant elephant populations, both forest and savannah types, possess the potential for recovery if their habitats are adequately protected and ecological corridors are maintained.

Wildlife veterinarian Dr. Mark Ofua recalled a stark contrast between past and present. His father described a time in the Niger Delta when large elephant herds were so common that travelers often had to wait for them to cross roads. Ofua himself, despite growing up in Delta State, never encountered elephants there due to their earlier disappearance. Current estimates suggest approximately 300 forest elephants and 100 savannah elephants remain in the wild.

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We want to have a conversation about their plight, about the need to protect them and about their importance.