Author: Ezekiel Micheal
Nigeria is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including many endangered and threatened species. One of the ways that this wildlife is protected is through national parks, which serve as sanctuaries for conservation efforts.
In this article we will explore some of the most popular national parks in Nigeria and their role in protecting wildlife.
Yankari National Park
Yankari National Park located within Bauchi state covers over 2,244 square kilometers making it one largest park systems West Africa . It was established in 1956 with aim conserving natural resources while also promoting tourism activities such as safari drives or guided tours .
The park serves as sanctuary for several animal species like African elephants ,buffalos,lions & antelopes among others. Recently introduced Cheetahs have been successfully breeding within Yankari’s boundaries increasing their population size significantly .
Gashaka Gumti National Park
Gashaka-Gumti National Park situated along border Cameroon covering 6,731 sq km has unique ecosystem containing both montane forests savanna grasslands making it ideal habitat variety animals especially primates .
It plays critical role conserving several primate species such as chimpanzees , drills monkeys & mandrills but also houses other mammals like giant pangolins or forest elephants .
Visitors can take guided tours through its vast plains observe these amazing creatures up close while learning about conservation measures being taken protect them from extinction.
Kainji Lake National Park
Kainji Lake NP straddles between Niger and Kwara States covering approximately 5,341 sq km consisting mainly woodland savannah habitats . It was established primarily to conserve Kainji dam reservoir created by building hydro-electric plant nearby.
Some notable animal species found within include hippopotamuses, baboons ,crocodiles and several types of antelopes like roan or waterbuck. It also serves as sanctuary for one largest populations African bush elephants .
Conclusion
Nigeria’s national parks are vital in conservation efforts aimed at protecting wildlife species from extinction. From Yankari National Park to Gashaka Gumti National Park and Kainji Lake National Park, each park has its own unique characteristics that make them special. Whether you’re interested in guided tours, safari drives or just exploring Nigeria’s natural beauty, visiting national parks is a great way to learn about the importance of wildlife conservation while enjoying nature’s beauty at same time.
