Wildlife Weekly

Wildlife Weekly

Every Monday, Wildlife Weekly offers simple conversation and insight into Nigeria's rich biodiversity, forests and wildlife. The program educates students and residents of the metropolitan city of Lagos. The program is brought to you through a partnership between Wild Africa Fund and Yabatech Radio 89.3FM.

  1. 09/12/2025

    Enhancing Wildlife Protection Laws in Nigeria.

    Nigeria’s current wildlife law is old and inconsistent with international standards. Besides, it has weak penalties and provides little or no deterrence for wildlife criminals. This story will examine the economic losses caused by wildlife crime, the potential for eco-tourism, and the importance of preserving biodiversity in Nigeria. We will set up interviews with the organizations at the frontline of pushing for a new law, the Endangered Species Conservation and Protection Bill, 2024. The bill passed its second reading, and a public hearing was held in Nigeria’s House of Representatives in October 2024.Championed by Hon. Terseer Ugbor, the Deputy Chairman of the House Committee on Environment: The Bill tackles pressing challenges such as illegal wildlife trade, species conservation, and the decline of Nigeria’s precious wildlife and their habitats. The bill also seeks to improve the capabilities of law enforcement agencies, give investigator smore powers to look into financial matters and conduct operations guided by intelligence, and enable judges to speed up wildlife cases and recover assets. Additionally, it aligns with international treaties, encourages global cooperation, and introduces stricter penalties for poachers and traffickers. The new law will introduce stricter penalties for wildlife trafficking, including hefty fines and imprisonment, empowering law enforcement agencies to take decisive action against those involved in illegal activities.

    25 min

  2. 25/09/2025

    World Vulture Day: Why Are Vultures Vanishing in Nigeria?

    Vulture populations on the African continent have plummeted catastrophically over the last 50 years, with some species declining by as much as 97%. Seven of the eleven African vulture species are at risk of extinction. These majestic birds are now faced with extinction, with some species for the continent declining up to 97% over the last 50 years. Today, 7 out of 11 African vulture species are threatened with extinction due to various threats. Poisoning is the major cause of vulture mortalities, accounting for more than 60% of vulture deaths on the continent. In some instances, poachers lace carcasses with poison to kill vultures as they alert authorities of poaching activities. In other cases, vultures are killed unintentionally when herders lace carcasses with poison to kill predators in retaliatory killings, and vultures die after feeding on these carcasses This report will investigate the reasons for the dwindling vulture population. It would highlight the ecological consequences of losing vultures and the potential public health risks associated with unregulated traditional medicine practices. The Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) has been engaging traditional healers intending to raise awareness about plant-based alternatives to vulture parts. Since October 2019, these meetings have been held in the northern states of Sokoto Kano and Yobe, and the southern state of Ogun. More than 80 traditional healers have taken part in these events. Recently, NCF created Vulture Safe Zone Activities in Anambra State to support community-based monitoring and conservation of the vulture population. This report will look at the direct link between the demand for vulture parts in traditional medicine and the dwindling vulture population. It would highlight the ecological consequences of losing vultures and the potential public health risks associated with unregulated traditional medicine practices. This episode will feature Dr Stella Egbe, Species Conservation Manager - Nigeria Conservation Foundation.

    22 min

  3. 30/08/2025

    World Rangers Day

    July 31 is World Ranger Day, which honors the dedication and crucial work rangers do daily around the globe. The day offers an opportunity to commemorate Rangers killed or injured in the line of duty and celebrate Rangers' critical work to protect the world’s natural and cultural treasures. A World Wildlife Fund (WWF) survey reveals that one in seven wildlife rangers (14 percent) surveyed across Asia and Central Africa have been seriously injured at work within the last 12 months. The results, part of the largest-ever survey on ranger employment conditions and welfare, come as the official death toll from July 2017-18 has been confirmed by the International Ranger Federation (IRF) & Thin Green Line Foundation (TGLF) as 107 – up from 101 last year. This brings the total number of reported rangers who have lost their lives in the line of duty to 871 since 2009. This episode will focus on the plight of rangers, their passion for their work, why they chose it, and the challenges they face in the line of duty. This year, the focus will be shifted to park rangers who are guardians of Nigeria’s beautiful national parks - to understand their work, their challenges, and how they overcome them.

    22 min

  4. 21/07/2025

    World Zoonosis Day - Protecting humans from zoonotic diseases

    Every July, the world observes World Zoonoses Day, a special day to create awareness about diseases that originate in animals and can be transmitted to humans. It is estimated that 60% of infectious diseases and up to 75% of emerging infectious diseases are zoonotic, meaning they are transmitted from animals to humans. The transmitted agents of the infection could be any bacterial, viral, or parasitic pathogen. In the last decade, Nigeria has experienced zoonotic disease outbreaks such as the Ebola virus in 2014 and, recently, COVID-19, monkeypox, and Lassa fever, killing thousands of people in their wake. Typically, zoonotic transmission and events spread through contact with animals. Nigeria has a bustling bushmeat trade, which makes the country susceptible to zoonotic disease outbreaks. Africa faces a growing risk as it deals with population growth, rapid urbanization, deforestation, and the commercial bushmeat trade. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the number of zoonotic outbreaks, such as Ebola and monkeypox diseases, in the region from 2012 to 2022 has increased by 63% compared to the previous decade (2001 to 2011). In the last 24 months, several infectious disease outbreaks have been recorded in Africa and across the world, including these major zoonotic disease outbreaks: COVID-19 pandemic Anthrax Marburg virus Monkeypox (Mpox) Ebola Yellow fever Lassa fever The recent outbreaks of anthrax, monkeypox (now known as Mpox), and Marburg virus in some parts of Africa as well as the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, serve as a reminder that zoonotic diseases continue to pose a significant threat to our health, economies and global security. The Nigerian government recently issued an advisory warning citizens to desist from consuming bushmeat in the immediate aftermath of the outbreak of anthrax — believed to have spread from animals — in northern Ghana. This episode discusses World Zoonosis Day and how best to protect endangered species and avoid contact with humans, which typically leads to zoonotic events like Ebola, Monkeypox, or Lassa Fever. This episode features Dr Stella Egbe, Species Conservation Manager - Nigeria Conservation Foundation.

    26 min

  5. 12/06/2025

    World Parrots Day - Why are parrots disappearing?

    Parrots are among the world's most intelligent and traded wildlife species. In Nigeria, they are affected by habitat loss, a bustling pet trade online, and wildlife markets for their parts. Their feathers are used in traditional attire decoration as a symbol of status. In 2016, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) banned the trade of African Grey Parrots. In 2023, the Nigeria Customs Service said its officers intercepted 105 parrots and other birds from Katsina State to Benin Republic worth N24 million. This included 60 Green parrots, 14 Budgerigar Parrots, six Eastern Rosella Parrots, two Macaw Parrots, one White Cockatoo Parrots, and four Rose Ringed Parakeet Parrots. Yet, the sale of Parrots continues unabated in Nigeria, which demands our immediate attention. They are reportedly sold in a popular market in Lagos and paraded for sale on one of Nigeria’s most prominent e-commerce stores, Jiji. Every May 31st is World Parrot Day, which reminds us of parrots' crucial role in ecosystems and the need to protect their habitats. Originating from various regions across the globe, parrots play an essential role in their environment, helping to disperse seeds in forests and even aiding pollination. Also, for this report, Ifeanyi Ezenwa, the Nigerian director of World Parrot Trust, an organization working to protect parrots in Nigeria, will be interviewed. The conversation will explore the urgent plight of parrots in Nigeria and the crucial steps we can take to reverse this trend and save them.

    31 min

  6. 26/05/2025

    International Turtle Day: Protecting Nigeria’s Sea Turtles from Extinction

    Nigeria’s coastal waters are home to five species of sea turtles, including the critically endangered Hawksbill and Leatherback turtles. Yet, they face severe threats from poaching, plastic pollution, and bycatch in fishing nets. Doyinsola Ogunye is a conservationist based in Lagos, Nigeria. She founded the first sustainable beach in Lagos, the Kids Beach Garden, to teach children about the importance of caring for nature while showing them the need to teach life and environmental lessons through occasional beach clean-ups. While cleaning the beach, she quickly learned that Lagos’s coastal area is home to endangered turtle species, including the Leatherback, Green, and Olive Ridley Sea Turtles. In addition to being killed by ingesting plastics, these turtles are actively targeted by poachers who sell them for meat. So, she started saving turtles and educating coastal communities about conserving them, which is crucial for ensuring food security. In addition to being killed by ingesting plastics, Turtles are actively targeted by poachers who sell them for meat.

    30 min

  7. 28/04/2025

    International Bat Appreciation Day: The Role of Bats in Nigeria’s Ecosystem

    Bats play a crucial role in pollination, seed dispersal, and pest control; however, they are often misunderstood and persecuted because of superstitions and fears. In Nigeria, bats are frequently hunted for bushmeat, and some species are at risk from deforestation and cave destruction. For this episode, and in honor of International Bat Appreciation Day, the presenter will discuss debunking myths and highlighting the ecological importance of bats. Nigeria has 100 bat species, one-third of Africa’s bat diversity. Dedicated bat conservation in Nigeria began in 2012, with monitoring and roost protection of the Straw-colored Fruit bat. Since then, bat conservation in Nigeria has expanded to include two additional species: the Egyptian roulette fruit bat (Rousettus aegyptiacus) and the Short-tailed round leaf-nosed bat (Hipposideros curtus). Intense hunting of large-bodied fruit bats for food is reported across West Africa, and Nigeria allows bat hunting. Efforts to protect roosts and conservation outreach programs to involve communities in conserving bats are ongoing. Both fruit bat species are primary seed dispersers and pollinators, so steep population declines jeopardize valuable ecosystem services, forest regeneration, and ecosystem health. Additionally, Nigerians have a negative perception of bats. They see them as witches, and sometimes say bats represent a bad omen.

    32 min

  8. 27/03/2025

    International Day of Forest

    Forests cover one-third of the earth land mass, perform vital functions, and support the livelihoods of 1.6 billion people. They are essential for human survival, but human activity has damaged them. Every year, approximately 12 million hectares of forest are destroyed. Forests are home to more than half of the world’s land-based animals, plants, and insects. They combat climate change because of their capacity to remove carbon from the atmosphere and store it, which is called forest mitigation. Forests also buffer the impacts of storms and floods. By feeding our rivers, forests supply drinking water for nearly half of the world’s largest cities. They also provide shelter, jobs, and security for forest-dependent populations. Every March 21st is International Day of the Forest. The 2025 International Day of Forests theme was "Forests and Foods", a theme chosen to highlight the role of forests in food security, nutrition, and sustainable livelihoods, especially in host communities living closer to forests. This year’s theme promotes biodiversity and climate change mitigation due to forest protection. The first weekly wildlife episode will speak to the project coordinator at the Olokemeji Forest Reserve Restoration project - managed by IITA Forest Centre. Situated between the Nigerian mega-cities of Abeokuta and Ibadan, the Olokemeji Forest Reserve spans about 5,900 hectares and is one of southwest Africa's largest forest reserves that has suffered severe degradation due to unsustainable exploitation and farming practices. But with the restoration project, which involves replanting trees and enforcement efforts that have reduced illegal logging inside the forest reserve. In addition, and most importantly, IITA forest centre launched sustainable socio-economic programmes like bee-keeping, empowering former loggers and hunters to participate in the project. This episode will speak with the Olokemeji Forest Reserve project coordinator to discuss the intersection between forest, food and wildlife protection.

    34 min
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About

Every Monday, Wildlife Weekly offers simple conversation and insight into Nigeria's rich biodiversity, forests and wildlife. The program educates students and residents of the metropolitan city of Lagos. The program is brought to you through a partnership between Wild Africa Fund and Yabatech Radio 89.3FM.

Information

  • Creator
    Wildlife Weekly
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2025
  • Episodes
    36
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Wildlife Weekly
  • Show Website
    Wildlife Weekly