Widlife Africa seeks bill for Pangolin protection
The representative of Wildlife Africa Nigeria, Festus Iyorah, has called on the Federal Government to propose a bill that will help protect pangolins and other wildlife animals. Iyorah made the
The representative of Wildlife Africa Nigeria, Festus Iyorah, has called on the Federal Government to propose a bill that will help protect pangolins and other wildlife animals.
Iyorah made the call in a statement on the World Pangolin Day. He noted that despite being protected by national and international laws, such as the 2016 ban on international commercial trade, pangolins faced extinction due to high demand for their scales.
Iyorah said: “These scales are used in Asia for traditional medicine, and their meats are considered a delicacy. Nigeria has become a key global exporter and a significant source of pangolin scales for Asian markets. This is associated with 55 per cent of pangolin scale seizures worldwide from 2016 to 2019.”
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The spokesperson for Wild Africa’s West Africa, Dr. Mark Ofua, said Nigeria is a custodian of precious biodiversity, but the pangolins were being trafficked into extinction, appealing that on the World Pangolin Day, Nigeria should make history for the right reasons.
He added that Nigeria is a custodian of the game-changer that will cement Nigeria’s commitment to conservation and secure a future for which will be the passage of the bill, this will secure a passage for these unique creatures that Nigeria is blessed with.
The Special Survival Commission Pangolins states that demand for pangolin scales and meat continues to drive exploitation across Africa despite international trade bans as he highlights the need for stronger protection, improved population monitoring, and effective engagement with.
