- Ntui said poaching, illegal hunting, and encroachment for farming have severely impacted wildlife, with no recent sightings of key species
Lions, hippos, and cheetahs are feared locally extinct in Nigeria’s Gashaka Gumpti National Park, according to the park’s Conservator, Joseph Ntui.
He revealed the concern during a media tour organised by Africa Nature Investors, citing the animals’ absence in recent years due to human activities.
Gashaka Gumpti, located in Taraba State, is Nigeria’s largest and most biodiverse national park, home to a range of species, including birds, mammals, and butterflies.
However, Ntui said poaching, illegal hunting, and encroachment for farming have severely impacted wildlife, with no recent sightings of key species.
“We used to have cheetahs and lions here, but they’ve not been seen for years. The last hippopotamus was spotted five years ago. We now believe they might be locally extinct,” Ntui explained.
He highlighted the challenge of promoting conservation in Nigeria, where public understanding remains low. Many people view the park as a restricted area for the elite, further complicating efforts to protect the park’s wildlife.
Ntui praised Africa Nature Investors for their support, which has improved operations at the park through financial aid, ranger training, and equipment, including patrol vehicles and a helicopter.
The introduction of the helicopter, he said, has been a major boost, allowing quicker ranger deployment and more effective patrols. Ntui expressed optimism that, with sustained partnerships, Gashaka Gumpti could achieve global recognition for its conservation efforts.
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