The widespread dearth of knowledge about pangolin in Nigeria has been identified as one of the major factors fuelling its illegal trade in the country.The widespread dearth of knowledge about pangolin in Nigeria has been identified as one of the major factors fuelling its illegal trade in the country.
She said Nigeria made four seizures from illegal wildlife trade last year, with only three having pangolin scales, while adding that 14 persons – both Nigerians and foreigners were arrested in connection with the crime. Morenikeji who is also the regional chair of the International Union for Conservation of Nature SSC Pangolin Specialist Group – West Africa regretted that poachers have turned to Africa to supply tonnes of pangolins to the Asian market, noting that if left unchecked, the mammal will go into extinction.
She called on all Nigerians to collaborate in the quest to tame the illegal trade, while highlighting the works of PCGN in tackling the menace.