ABUJA, Aug. 13 (Xinhua) -- The Nigerian government on Tuesday unveiled a national action plan to combat the illegal trade and poaching of elephants, a move aimed at strengthening wildlife conservation measures in Africa's most populous country.
The National Elephant Action Plan (NEAP), designed as a tool for planning and monitoring elephant conservation measures, will also serve as a framework for the strategies and decision-making of all relevant government institutions, donor agencies, and non-governmental organizations, Minister of State for Environment Iziaq Salako said during the unveiling of the document in the national capital of Abuja.
"Elephants are special creatures whose demonstration of the finest human traits like self-awareness, intelligence, and empathy is unmatched among the animal kingdom. It is common knowledge that threats to our biodiversity and, indeed, our iconic wildlife species of global significance such as elephants are becoming endemic in Nigeria," Salako said while describing the NEAP as "another giant step" in the determination to protect Nigeria's natural resources and wildlife.
The official said this step will reverse the current negative trend of wildlife poaching while securing the preservation and conservation of the country's rich biodiversity, with a focus on elephants.
Salako noted that Nigeria is one of relatively few African countries where forest and savanna elephants are found, adding that both are now being depleted.
According to him, the elephant population has declined over the years, often due to ivory demand, habitat loss, and human-wildlife conflicts.
In many cultures, elephants have proved to be a veritable source of livelihood sustenance, especially through ecotourism, the Nigerian official said.
"Elephants are part of our history and heritage in Nigeria and the world-famous culture. They are critical ecosystem engineers, forest gardeners, and seed dispersers supporting the growth of flora and fauna and fostering biodiversity," he added.
