Nigeria’s Conservationists have expressed concerns that the growing appetite for bushmeat among urban residents in Nigeria and surrounding countries threatens the wildlife population and increases the risk of zoonotic disease transmission. They called for the implementation of demand reduction and education campaigns on wildlife conservation, improving the communication of wildlife laws, strengthening law enforcement, providing and publicising sustainable alternatives to high-risk bushmeat species. The group made these recommendations during the launch of a report by WildAID on bushmeat consumption in Nigerian cities conducted in partnership with the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) in Lagos. The forum also featured the unveiling of Wildlife consumption reduction ambassador, Stephanie Lynus, a Nigerian actress. He said animals such as the Pangolins and Sea Tortoise are still sold in open markets in Nigeria unhindered.

Source: The Guardian January 18, 2021 03:59 UTC