Survey on the Level of Awareness about Cites and Wild Life Management in Nigeria

Abstract

The conservation and sustainable management of wildlife and their habitats are essential for ecological balance and biodiversity preservation. In Nigeria, renowned for its diverse flora and fauna, effective wildlife management practices are imperative. Nigeria became a signatory to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) in 1974 and ratified it in 1975, thereby assuming the responsibility of implementing all relevant provisions within the country. Evaluating the awareness level of CITES and wildlife management in Nigeria is crucial to assess the potential effectiveness of CITES implementation. This assessment was conducted through questionnaires distributed to Critical Stakeholders, employing person-to-person contact. The results indicated a majority of male stakeholders (66.5%), primarily aged between 30-40 years (66%). Notably, the largest percentage of respondents (24.4%) hailed from the Ministry of Environment. The findings underscored a suboptimal level of awareness among Critical Stakeholders, necessitating urgent attention. It is evident that a comprehensive understanding of CITES in Nigeria influences the proper conservation attitude towards wildlife species. Consequently, there is a pressing need for widespread sensitization and Conservation Education (CE) across all levels of governance.