Nigeria’s wild elephant population has dwindled to about 400, raising concerns over the possible extinction of the species amid habitat loss, illegal ivory trade, human-wildlife conflicts and other conservation challenges.

Wildlife experts disclosed this during a virtual media engagement organised by Wild Africa and the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) ahead of World Elephant Day, observed annually on August 12.

Dr. Mark Ofua, a wildlife veterinarian, conservationist and West African representative of Wild Africa, said the estimated population comprises about 300 forest elephants and 100 savannah elephants.

He warned that the figure represented a critical population threshold, noting that continued habitat fragmentation and hunting could isolate elephant populations, increase inbreeding and ultimately threaten their survival.

Ofua described elephants as an important component of healthy ecosystems, saying their activities contribute to forest regeneration, biodiversity and ecological balance.

He explained that elephants serve as an “umbrella species”, meaning that their decline could indicate broader deterioration within the ecosystems they inhabit.

According to him, losing elephants could negatively affect biodiversity, carbon storage and other ecosystem services that support human communities.

He identified illegal ivory trafficking, retaliatory killings linked to human-elephant conflicts and accidental deaths caused by snares intended for other wildlife as major threats to the remaining population.

Ofua also expressed concern over the low level of public awareness about elephants in Nigeria, estimating that about 80 per cent of Nigerians were unaware that the animals still existed in the country.

He called for stronger public education and sustained communication campaigns to improve understanding of wildlife conservation and discourage activities that endanger protected species.

The conservationist urged Nigerian businesses to view wildlife protection as part of their environmental responsibilities rather than simply as charitable activities.

He encouraged companies to support conservation initiatives, including adopting rescued elephants and financing programmes aimed at protecting endangered wildlife.

Ofua also advocated increased investment in ecotourism, saying Nigeria could create jobs, generate revenue and support local communities by properly developing its wildlife destinations.

He cited Rwanda’s gorilla tourism programme as an example, noting that visitors reportedly pay about $1,500 for a one-hour gorilla trekking experience, with proceeds contributing to infrastructure development and community support.

On the illegal wildlife trade, Ofua said the major threat to elephants was not the bushmeat trade but the demand for ivory, retaliatory killings and injuries from snares.

He called for greater awareness of cultural practices involving elephant tusks and other animal parts, stressing the need for education to encourage practices that do not depend on wildlife products.

Ofua further noted that gaps in existing legislation had contributed to difficulties in regulating the possession of wildlife products.

He said a new bill awaiting presidential assent was expected to address some of the identified shortcomings, while urging stronger enforcement and accountability against those involved in illegal wildlife activities.

He also called for improved cooperation among government agencies, the NCF, National Park Service, customs authorities and other relevant stakeholders to tackle wildlife trafficking.

Dr Stella Egbe, who heads biodiversity pillar programmes at the NCF, said forest elephants could be found in locations including Omo Forest Reserve, Cross River National Park and parts of the coastal areas of Rivers State.

She said savannah elephants were predominantly located in Yankari Game Reserve in Bauchi State.

Egbe explained that elephants do not recognise political boundaries and could move between states and neighbouring countries such as Benin Republic and Cameroon.

She said conservationists use scientific techniques, including line transects and camera traps, alongside field observations and records of poaching incidents, to estimate elephant populations.

On human-elephant conflict, Egbe identified habitat fragmentation as a major factor increasing encounters between elephants and surrounding communities.

She cited incidents in Itasin, where human encroachment into elephant habitats had contributed to crop destruction and subsequent retaliatory killings.

Egbe recommended measures such as noise deterrents, beehives and chilli fences to discourage elephants from entering farmlands while reducing confrontation between communities and wildlife.

She, however, said conservation groups faced difficulties in compensating farmers whose crops were destroyed because of inadequate emergency funding.

The NCF official also identified insecurity, particularly banditry and the availability of sophisticated weapons, as a major obstacle to conservation work in areas such as Gashaka Gumti.

According to her, insecurity restricts access to protected areas, making it difficult for conservationists to conduct research and effectively manage wildlife habitats.

Egbe said inadequate funding had also slowed the implementation of Nigeria’s National Elephant Action Plan.

She explained that while resources had been provided for the development of the plan, significant funding was still needed to execute its proposed conservation measures.

She called for increased collaboration between government, non-governmental organisations and private-sector actors to bridge the funding gap and strengthen wildlife protection.

Egbe said the NCF already worked with private-sector organisations, including Chevron and MTN, while advocating policies that would require businesses to take greater responsibility for their environmental impact.

She attributed the historical neglect of wildlife and tourism partly to Nigeria’s focus on crude oil and mineral resources, stressing that the country’s natural attractions could provide alternative sources of economic activity.

The conservationists noted that several natural attractions, including waterfalls, floating lakes and other unique sites, remained underdeveloped and inadequately promoted.

They argued that investment in ecotourism could diversify Nigeria’s economy, create employment in sectors such as hospitality and transportation, provide sustainable financing for conservation and improve the livelihoods of communities around protected areas.

The participants also urged the media and other stakeholders to maintain public attention on wildlife protection and demand greater accountability from authorities responsible for safeguarding Nigeria’s remaining elephant populations.