A group of conservation experts has emphasized the urgent need for reliable data on bird species in Nigeria to enhance biodiversity conservation and environmental sustainability.
Speaking at a stakeholder meeting in Abuja on citizen science advocacy in conservation, Dr. Alao Mitchell, Director of Wildlife Disease Surveillance and Ecosystem Health at the Ministry of Livestock Development, urged Nigerians to adopt eco-friendly practices.
He stressed that citizen-generated data on bird species could play a crucial role in policymaking to safeguard both wildlife and human populations.
A Deputy Director at the Ministry of Environment, Mr. Aiwuyo Christopher highlighted the ecological significance of birds, noting their roles in pest control, plant pollination, and seed dispersal.
He pointed out that Nigeria is home to approximately 975 bird species, which contribute significantly to maintaining ecosystem balance.
The Executive Director of A.P. Leventis Foundation Nigeria, Mr. Hope Useita, revealed that the foundation collaborates with federal and state governments, as well as other partners, to train youths and farmers in sustainable agriculture and conservation practices.
The Manager of the Nigerian Bird Atlas Project at the A.P. Leventis Ornithological Research Institute, University of Jos, Mrs. Talatu Tende explained that the project seeks to raise awareness of birds’ environmental importance and assess the impact of human activities on their distribution.
Additionally, Mr. Anthony Kuria, Head of the Africa Office at the Tropical Biology Association in Kenya, shared insights from Kenya’s conservation efforts.
He noted that Kenya’s government invests significantly in the wildlife sector, which serves as a key revenue source for the country.
The experts collectively called for increased public participation in bird conservation, emphasizing that systematic data collection would support informed policy decisions and protect Nigeria’s diverse bird populations.
