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 inAfrica 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 theirecological role as natural ant and termite controllers. Over the years regulatory bodies have enacted lawsprotecting some animals from human activities. The paper through desk-based research sourced data fromrecords of pangolin seizures linked to Nigeria and found that despite the existence of these laws prohibiting illegaltrade in pangolins, the practice persists and is increasing drastically over the years. Several attempts have beenput in place by concerned countries to checkmate these practices, but these efforts have remained futile. Findingsalso reveal that out of the 27 countries determined to be involved in the practice, 94 percent of the traffickedscales were linked to six countries having Nigeria, Uganda, Cameroon and the Republic of Congo at the apex. Itis recommended that there should be more enlightenment on the danger and effect of pangolins going intoextinction. It concludes by emphasizing the importance of pangolins to the society particularly farmers whichsaves millions of naira by destroying pests. If pangolins become extinct the consequences could be disastrous forour economy.