The Conservator General, National Park Service, Ibrahim Goni, has said Nigerians must have behavioural change towards wildlife to curb avoidable diseases in our country.

The Conservator General gave the charge on Tuesday, while underlining the dangers posed by hunting, eating and trading in, wildlife, and also warned about using wild animals as pets.

“We got reports that people still eat and sell various species of dead monkeys, cats, and birds such as bats, as well as pangolins suspected to be at the center of COVID-19.

“Pangolin, the world’s most trafficked mammal is believed to have possibly been a vector in the leap of the novel coronavirus from animal to human at a market in China’s Wuhan city last year.

Read also: Historic wildlife bust highlights how the black market threatens ecosystems

“They are commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine, although scientists say they have no therapeutic value, he said.

The CG said that this pandemic should make hunters of wildlife to consider the health not just of humans, but of animals and the environment, to avert future crises.

“Due to hunting, eating and trading in wildlife, the world has seen the emergence of all sorts of animal- borne infectious diseases such as SARS, Ebola, Lassa Fever, and now, COVID-19.

“At our parks we have experts who handle these animals in hygienic ways to avoid direct human contact that can become breeding grounds for existing and emerging infectious diseases.

He said that the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has wreaked havoc globally and Nigeria is not left out and wondered why some people still engage in a trade that supposedly brought the new disease upon mankind.

“One of the frightening realities of this trade is the threat that it poses to the health of human beings, through the spread of diseases from animals to human beings.

“Wildlife belongs to the wild and therefore should be left in the wild, Goni said.

He called for a paradigm shift in behavior of the public towards Nigeria’s Environmental Laws and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES).

He added that 75 percent of emerging infectious diseases are linked to wildlife and that underscored the mutually-effective relationship between human beings and nature.

“It is important we understand the links between habitat and environmental damage and the coronavirus.

“The destruction of ecosystems makes disease outbreaks, including pandemics, more likely and now the destruction of nature is the underlying crisis behind the coronavirus crisis.

“Our Wildlife is increasingly going into extinction and its trade puts ecosystems at risk.

He said the Service will continue to create awareness on the impact of hunting and trading on biodiversity and the risks that it poses to human health.

“We urge those involved in wildlife trade to stop the killing and eating of wildlife, for their own good.

“Wild animals belong in the wild and are not pets and should be handled by professionals,’’ he warned.

A tiger at the Bronx Zoo has tested positive for the coronavirus.

The four-year-old female Malayan tiger, named Nadia, is believed to be the first known case of an animal infected with Covid-19 in the US.

The Bronx Zoo, in New York City, says the test result was confirmed by the National Veterinary Services Laboratory in Iowa.

Nadia, along with six other big cats, is thought to have been infected by an asymptomatic zoo keeper.

The cats started showing symptoms, including a dry cough, late last month after exposure to the employee, who has not been identified.

Read also: Pangolins found to carry related strain of Coronavirus

“This is the first time that any of us know of anywhere in the world that a person infected the animal and the animal got sick,” Paul Calle, the chief veterinarian at the zoo, told Reuters news agency on Sunday.

There have been isolated instances of pets testing positive for the coronavirus elsewhere in the world, but experts have stressed there is no evidence they can become sick or spread the disease.
Calle said he intends to share the findings with other zoos and institutions researching the transmission of Covid-19.

“We tested the cat [Nadia] out of an abundance of caution and will ensure any knowledge we gain about Covid-19 will contribute to the world’s continuing understanding of this novel coronavirus,” the zoo said in a statement.

Nadia, her sister Azul, as well as two Amur tigers and three African lions who showed symptoms, are all expected to make a full recovery, the zoo said.

The big cats did have some decrease in appetite but “are otherwise doing well under veterinary care and are bright, alert, and interactive with their keepers”, it said.

The zoo said it is not known how the virus will develop in animals like tigers and lions since various species can react differently to new infections, but all the animals will be closely monitored.

Read also: Coronavirus forces China to ban wildlife trade

None of the zoo’s other big cats – four other tigers, snow leopards, cheetahs, a clouded leopard, an Amur leopard, a puma and a serval – are showing any signs of illness.

“Our cats were infected by a person caring for them who was asymptomatically infected with the virus or before that person developed symptoms,” said the zoo.

All the tigers showing symptoms were housed in the zoo’s Tiger Mountain area. It is unclear if the others will be tested.

All four zoos run by the Wildlife Conservation Society in New York City, including the Bronx Zoo, have been closed to the public since 16 March. New measures will now be put in place to protect the animals and their caretakers at all the facilities.

Even though a couple of companion cats and dogs have tested positive to the disease in Hong Kong, the is no known case of animals transmission to humans yet.

Nigerian biologist, Iroro Tanshi who discovered bat species in Nigeria that was last seen 45 years ago is among the three winners of Future For Nature (FFN) Award 2020. Tanshi, beat 120 others to win the prestigious award.

The award ceremony is scheduled for Friday, May 8th 2020. Tanshi alongside María Fernanda Puerto-Carrillo from Venezuela and Tjalle Boorsma from the Netherlands/Bolivia will receive this prestigious nature conservation prize during the Future For Nature Award Event at Royal Burgers’ Zoo. In the past this internationally renowned prize was presented by icons such as Sir David Attenborough and Dr. Jane Goodall.

Read also: Celebrating conservation champions on IWD 2020

The 35-year-old biologist is a dedicated bat specialist. Amongst other achievements, she rediscovered a population of the Short-tailed Roundleaf bat in Nigeria. The last one was seen 45 years ago. Now, she is on a mission to protect the last known stable cave roost. That roost is under threat of fruit bat hunting and wildfires in Nigeria. Her ‘Zero Wildfire Campaign’, which engages local people to protect critical habitats for this bat species is yielding results to help bring back this species from the brink of extinction. In 2019 zero wildfires were reported in the dry season.

“Her passion and perseverance is now rewarded with the internationally recognised Future For Nature Award,” said Onnika van Oosterbosch, Coordinator Future For Nature in a press release.

The world’s most illegally trafficked mammal, the pangolin has been found to carry viruses closely related to the novel coronavirus currently spreading globally.

According to scientists, the sale of pangolins in wildlife markets should be strictly prohibited to minimise the risk of future outbreaks.

Pangolins are illegally trafficked both as food and in traditional medicine. The animals’ scales and meat are erroneously believed to be cures for numerous diseases including sexual dysfunction.

Read also: Coronavirus forces China to ban wildlife trade

A research published in the journal Nature, emphasised that these animals should always be handled with caution.

The research also recommended that surveillance of wild pangolins is needed to understand their role in the risk of future transmission of the virus to humans.

Lead researcher innthe study, Dr Tommy Lam of The University of Hong Kong said two groups of coronaviruses related to the virus behind the human pandemic have been identified in Malayan pangolins smuggled into China.

“Although their role as the intermediate host of the SARS-CoV-2 outbreak remains to be confirmed, sale of these wild animals in wet markets should be strictly prohibited to avoid future zoonotic [animal to human] transmission,” he said.

Read also: Researchers seek in-depth knowledge about pangolins before imminent extinction

Bats also contain coronaviruses, which are closer still to the human virus, except in one key area – the part that helps the virus invade cells.

“This tells us that viruses that look pretty adapted to humans are present in wildlife,” said co-researcher, Prof Edward Holmes of the University of Sydney. “Bats are certainly involved, pangolins may be, but it is very possible that other animal species are involved as well.”

The bat has been implicated in the recent spread of the Covid19 causing viruses. However, it is yet to be determined how the transmission occurred and the role of the pangolins or other wild animals in the spread of the novel coronavirus disease.

The ‘Gbo Kabaari,’ Ogoni Elders Council has written a letter to the Minister of Environment over what it described as the flawed implementation of the United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP) recommendations of Ogoni Clean-up exercise, alleging insiders abuse within government agencies.

The letter dated March 18 2020 also accused officials NOSDRA of complicity .

The letter was signed by Senator Bennett Birabi as Chairman; Dr. Aluba Bari D. Nbete, General Secretary; with Mr. Ledum Mitee; Mr .Baritor L. Kpagih; Chief Monday Nbueh; Chief Michael Aloega and John Pascal Nalley, as members.

Read also: Minister, others visit UK over Ogoni clean up

“Even more worrisome is the fact that by the UNEP Report which forms the basis of the clean-up exercise, about 30 per cent of the estimated cost of $1 billion for the first five years of the exercise was to be utilised for the provision of alternative drinking water, alternative employment for those in artisanal refining and restoration of artisanal refining sites,Ogoniland Restoration Authority and Centre for Excellence in Restoration,” the letter alleged.

“Yet, nothing significant has been done about these out of the $360million that is reported to have been released so far for the clean-up exercise. There is equally a mind-boggling disproportion between the said reported disbursed amount and the scope of job done in terms of remediation, environmental sustainability, livelihood enhancement”.

The letter further stated that it is obvious from the way activities connected to the clean-up are carried out that the lives of the Ogoni people have been tagged with prices and are being conspiratorially mortgaged for various forms of patronage and inordinate economic and political interests of some powerful and influential players outside of Ogoni.

Read also: Ogoni cleanup under HYPREP has failed — MOSOP

“What else can account for the award of contracts for a highly technical job such as hydrocarbon pollution remediation to incompetent non-indigenous companies, whose only qualification is their possession of procured documents that are at a variance with their technical capabilities, and annoyingly so?

“Perhaps equally worrisome is the fact that persons who have been part of the problem in the first place are now being put in charge of critical aspects of the equation”.

… as world commemorates event despite COVID19 

Notwithstanding any progress it is making, Nigeria still has a long way to go in conserving its abundant biodiversity. The country needs to do more in protecting its forests and the species that depend on the forest to survive by minimising the rate of deforestation and habitat loss. 

These are some of the sentiments shared by conservation experts on Saturday to mark the International Day of Forests. The International Day of Forests is set aside annually by the United Nations on 21 March to raise awareness of the importance of forests to people and their vital role in poverty eradication, environmental sustainability and food security. This year’s commemoration drew attention to forest and biodiversity.

Speaking in an interview on the importance of the forest and its biodiversity to humans, Dr. Tajudeen Amusa, a conservation expert from the Department of Forest Resources Management, University of Ilorin stated that humans and the biodiversity supported by forests are interdependent and one cannot do without the other. He encouraged everyone to play their own role in conserving the forest, which supports 80 percent of terrestrial life. He added a lack of political will is one of the major issues militating against forest conservation in the country.

Read also: Celebrating conservation champions on IWD 2020

“We need to stem the tide of habitat loss and fragmentation, we need policies to support the protection of wildlife in their ranges and we need political will to stop all human land use practices capable of causing destruction and fragmentation of the forests,” said Dr. Amusa.

The expert who has spent over a decade of his career on elephant conservation in the country also mentioned insecurity as a major setback to wildlife conservation in the country. He pointed some conservation oarks as examples of how insecurity can hinder conservation work.

“Birnin-Gwari and its environs where we carried out the first project was highly prone to bandit attacks,” he recounted. “A number of Park rangers have been killed in the area. The security situation in the area became so tense that we needed to stop the project there.”

He commended the Nigerian National Park Service, the Nigerian Conservation Foundation, The Rufford Foundation among others for their activities in making sure the forest and its biodiversity in the country receive constant attention. He urged the government and other stakeholders not to relent in keeping the forest sustainable.

Despite the global battle against the Covid19 pandemic, conservationists worldwide joined their voices online and as best as they could while taking all the precautions against the spread of the virus to commemorate the International Day of the Forest.

The National Park Service has suspended some of its activities, including group visits and overnight stay at the seven parks across the nation.

Dr Ibrahim Goni, the Conservator- General, National Park Service, said this in a statement issued by his Special Assistant on Media, Mr Yakubu Zull, in Abuja on Tuesday.

Goni said that in view of the reality of COVID-19 in the country, and in order to take further preventive steps, all Conservators of Parks (CPs) were to follow all the directives of the Federal Government.

Read also: Coronavirus forces China to ban wildlife trade

“The National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has continued to issue advisories to stem the spread of the disease which has no known cure.

“They have also recommended the cessation of all gathering in excess of 50 people because of the risks it poses.

“Therefore, the CPs has been directed to suspend all group bookings and visits and ensure no overnight stay by visitors; all visitors must be screened.

“There will be no Easter celebrations or gatherings inside the parks and no parties of any sort, weddings etc,” he said.

However, he noted that the service would continue its operations but as much as possible, efforts would be made to ensure that crowds coming to the parks would not exceed the recommended number.

Goni said the service would take all necessary steps to ensure the safety of visitors in its jurisdiction in view of the risk such large gatherings posed.

“This is a matter of grave concern to the entire National Park Service Management so we have provided test kits, sanitizes, soap and water for maintenance of proper hygiene,’’ he added.

The C-G called on all park visitors to comply with all the rules and cooperate with service staff to help curtail the spread of the virus.

He said all guidelines must be followed to ensure concerted and coordinated efforts in the prevention of the spread of this disease.

“As you are aware, the COVID-19 and its spread in Nigeria has become a source of concern to all.

“We, therefore, insist that all our visitors must submit themselves to the precautionary measures put in place at the parks”.

Goni advised the parks visitors and intending visitors to observe the general recommendations from the World Health Organisation (WHO).

“They include frequent washing of hands with soap and water, avoid touching of eyes, mouth, and nose, cover your mouth and nose with your bent elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze.

“Stay more than 1 meter (3 feet) away from a person who is sick and follow proper food hygiene practices.’’

He said that the global pandemic had affected every aspect of the nation including the service’s ability to carry out its programmes.

“As the situation unfolds, our top priority is everyone’s safety, and so we are in the process of making key alterations to how we work.

“I want to assure you that we are determined to do our best to help the Federal Government preserve lives and restore normalcy within the shortest possible time,” he promised.

A protected area native species has been established in Ise Forest Reserve, Ekiti State.

The protected area will go a long way in bringing back species in the forest from the brink of extinction. It will also help in protecting the chimpanzee population in the forest.

The announcement was made by the SW Niger Delta Forest team through its twitter handle on Tuesday.

“It’s official!!! We are happy to announce that a conservation area has been established in Ise forest reserve, Ekiti State following executive order by the outstanding Gov. @kfayemi of @ekitistategov. It’s win win for forests, chimpanzees, wildlife & indigenous people,” the handle tweeted.

Ise Forest Reserve covers 142 km². The reserve is bordered by the Ogbesse River and the Ondo-Ekiti boundary along its western limits. Though considered an important priority area for Nigerian-Cameroon chimpanzee conservation in southwestern, Nigeria, the biodiversity in the reserve is threatened by excessive logging and land clearing for illegal marijuana plantations. The establishment of a conservation area will bring more attention to the forest with the aim of safeguarding it from illegal activities.

Details later…

The Lagos State government has warned residents to get ready for a massive rainy season this year. The state is expected to receive between 240 to 270 days of rainfall in 2020.

The Commissioner Environment, Lagos Mr Tunji Bello, who stated this during a press briefing on the Year 2020 Seasonal Rainfall Predictions and prevention of flooding in the State on Tuesday, added that the maximum annual rainfall is predicted to be 1,750mm.

Read also: Lagos moves to ban single use plastic

While giving reference to a report obtained from the Nigerian Meteorological services (NIMET), the commissioner stated that the earliest predicted onset of the rainy season is 17th March with other areas following.

He added that the rainy season is expected to cease earliest by 22 Nov in Surulere with other areas following after.

“Ikeja is expected to have about 1526mm, while that of Badagry is 1750mm, Lagos Island with 1714mm, Ikorodu with 1690mm and Epe with 1730mm of rainfall.

“Lagos Island was expected to have a rainfall onset date of 19th March with an error margin of three days, while its cessation date is expected to be 26th of November,” he stated.
The Environment Commissioner noted that this year’s prediction by NiMeT is based on the global consensus that El-Nino Southern Oscillation (ENSO) is at the neutral phase which will continue till around August or September.

Bello explained that residents staying coastal areas will witness flash-floods which he describes as ‘natural’, but it will disappear in a matter of time if the drains are clean.

“As long as the drains are clean, we should be assured that, in a matter of time, the flash flood will disappear,” he said.

Read also: Environmentalist calls for ‘trash blindness’ sensitisation

“It must be noted that anytime the Lagoon level rises, it may “lock-up” the discharge points drainage channels and until it recedes, there will be no discharge. Occurrences like these also cause backflows, resulting in flooding.”

He added that the state government is collaborating with Ogun-Osun River Basin Development Authority and this has ensured control and monitoring of the release of water from Oyan Dam to prevent flooding of the downstream communities;

According to him, since last year the Emergency Flood Abatement Gang under Drainage Maintenance Department of the Ministry have been consistently de-silting and working on secondary collectors and conduits, to enable them to discharge efficiently.

The Commissioner advised Lagosians who reside along flood plains, coastal and low-lying wetland areas near major rivers to always be on the alert and be ready to relocate when the need arises.

He called on the state residents to desist from acts that can lead to flooding such as indiscriminate dumping of refuse in unauthorised places.

There is only one white giraffe known to be alive in Kenya after poachers killed the only female white giraffe and her calf at Ishaqbini Hirola Community Conservancy in Ijara, Garissa County, eastern Kenya.

Conservancy manager Mohammed Ahmednoor said on Tuesday that only skeletons of the rare animals were found after a long search.

Read also: Sumatran rhino now extinct in Malaysia

“This is a very sad day for the community of Ijara and Kenya as a whole. Her killing is a blow to the steps taken by the community to conserve rare and unique species, and a wake-up call for continued support to conservation efforts,” said Mr Ahmednoor in a statement.

In 2017, the rare white giraffe put a remote community conservancy in Ijara, Garissa, on the global map after its discovery.

The giraffe, described as one of a kind and believed to be the only one in the world, dazzled the local community, scientists and wildlife enthusiasts globally.

Scientists believed it suffered from a genetic condition called leucism which inhibits skin cells from producing pigment.

“This is a long-term loss given that genetic studies and research which were a significant investment in the area have now gone down the drain.

Read also: Kenyan vets harvest 10 white rhino eggs in desperate conservation move

“Also, the white giraffe was a big boost to tourism in the area,” Ahmednoor added.

Last August, the Northern Rangelands Trust announced that the female white giraffe had given birth at the Ishaqbini Hirola Community Conservancy.

The birth of the male white calf brought to three the number of all known white giraffes in the country.

“After this incident, only a lone bull remains,” Ahmednoor said.