PANGOLIN TRAFFICKING IN NIGERIA IN THE FACE OF WILDLIFE LAWS

Abstract

Pangolins are the most trafficked mammal in the worlds with records of seizures of illegal cargo originating in Africa and intended for Asian markets. This has having increased sporadically over the years since 2014. Pangolins are trafficked for their scales and eaten as luxury dishes by the wealthy with utmost disregard to their ecological role as natural ant and termite controllers. Over the years regulatory bodies have enacted laws protecting some animals from human activities. The paper through desk-based research sourced data from records of pangolin seizures linked to Nigeria and found that despite the existence of these laws prohibiting illegal trade in pangolins, the practice persists and is increasing drastically over the years. Several attempts have been put in place by concerned countries to checkmate these practices, but these efforts have remained futile. Findings also reveal that out of the 27 countries determined to be involved in the practice, 94 percent of the trafficked scales were linked to six countries having Nigeria, Uganda, Cameroon and the Republic of Congo at the apex. It is recommended that there should be more enlightenment on the danger and effect of pangolins going into extinction. It concludes by emphasizing the importance of pangolins to the society particularly farmers which saves millions of naira by destroying pests.  If pangolins become extinct the consequences could be disastrous for our economy.