“Legislations are in place to prevent the illegal sale of precious wildlife in Nigeria, yet the prohibited practice persists. The wildlife trader may not have heard of the Endangered Species (Control of International Trade and Traffic) Act Decree No.11 of 1985.”
Hawkers are not strange sights on the many bustling streets of Lagos, Nigeria. But alarm bells were set off when I saw a man selling Parrots without let or hindrance. This sighting was disturbing in light of Africa’s vanishing wildlife and the increasing calls for the protection of the ecosystem by conservationists around the world.
In a brief interview, the bird hawker would not reveal how he trapped the two pretty Parrots. He only offered to sell each for N8,000, which is around ($10.53), according to https://ngn.currencyrate.today.
When pushed further, the hawker had no immediate response about why he chose to trade in wild birds. He walked away from the conversation when reminded of the need to protect wildlife.
Parrots are endangered birds. An article on Wikipedia notes: “The international trade in Parrots is a lucrative enterprise, and forms an important part of the international wildlife trade. As Parrots have become increasingly endangered, many countries have placed restrictions on the trade and/or prohibited the trade altogether. Despite the restriction on trade in many countries however, the market still operates both legally and illegally.”
Legislations are in place to prevent the illegal sale of precious wildlife in Nigeria, yet the prohibited practice persists. The wildlife trader may not have heard of the Endangered Species (Control of International Trade and Traffic) Act Decree No.11 of 1985. This vital legislation is highlighted by the Animal Legal and Historical Centre at Michigan State University, www.animallaw.info: “The hunting or capture of or trade in animal species listed in the First Schedule to this Act is absolutely prohibited. Furthermore, no person shall hunt, capture, trade in, or otherwise deal with an animal species specified in the Second Schedule to this Act except if that person is in possession of a license issued under this Act. The Act also sets out the conditions of licenses and permits. The Minister may, by an order, publish in the Federal Gazette alter the list of animals specified in the First or Second Schedule to this Act by way of addition, substitution or deletion or otherwise. Penalties for violations are also provided.”
Birds are facing increasing danger from hunters. In 2005, Avifuana, a Swedish organization, organized an expedition “in search of the birds of Obudu Plateau” in Cross River state, Nigeria. The existential threat birds face explains why the Boki Birds Protection Foundation exists in Cross River state in the country’s south. But more can be done to protect animals. There is an urgent need to continue spreading awareness about conservation and animal protection laws in the country; otherwise, Parrots and other precious animals may become extinct in the nearest future in Nigeria and elsewhere.
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