Wildlife Weekly

World Parrots Day - Why are parrots disappearing?

Parrots are among the world's most intelligent and traded wildlife species. In Nigeria, they are affected by habitat loss, a bustling pet trade online, and wildlife markets for their parts. Their feathers are used in traditional attire decoration as a symbol of status. In 2016, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) banned the trade of African Grey Parrots. In 2023, the Nigeria Customs Service said its officers intercepted 105 parrots and other birds from Kat...

International Turtle Day: Protecting Nigeria’s Sea Turtles from Extinction

Nigeria’s coastal waters are home to five species of sea turtles, including the critically endangered Hawksbill and Leatherback turtles. Yet, they face severe threats from poaching, plastic pollution, and bycatch in fishing nets. Doyinsola Ogunye is a conservationist based in Lagos, Nigeria. She founded the first sustainable beach in Lagos, the Kids Beach Garden, to teach children about the importance of caring for nature while showing them the need to teach life and environmental lessons throug...

International Bat Appreciation Day: The Role of Bats in Nigeria’s Ecosystem

Bats play a crucial role in pollination, seed dispersal, and pest control; however, they are often misunderstood and persecuted because of superstitions and fears. In Nigeria, bats are frequently hunted for bushmeat, and some species are at risk from deforestation and cave destruction. For this episode, and in honor of International Bat Appreciation Day, the presenter will discuss debunking myths and highlighting the ecological importance of bats. Nigeria has 100 bat species, one-third of Africa...

International Day of Forest

Forests cover one-third of the earth land mass, perform vital functions, and support the livelihoods of 1.6 billion people. They are essential for human survival, but human activity has damaged them. Every year, approximately 12 million hectares of forest are destroyed. Forests are home to more than half of the world’s land-based animals, plants, and insects. They combat climate change because of their capacity to remove carbon from the atmosphere and store it, which is called forest mitigation....

World Wildlife Day 2025: Investment in conservation needed to protect Nigeria’s iconic species

On World Wildlife Day, the Nigerian government, the private sector, and conservation organizations areencouraged to support wildlife conservation initiatives to preserve Nigeria’s iconic species. This year’s theme, “Wildlife Conservation Finance: Investing in People and Planet,” emphasizes theessential role of innovative funding in protecting biodiversity and ensuring a sustainable future for bothnature and humanity

World Pangolins Day; Focus on the world's most trafficked animal

This first episode from Season 4 focuses on World Pangolin Day, a day dedicated to raising awareness about one of the most trafficked mammals on the planet: the pangolin. We'll be exploring the challenges pangolins face, the tireless efforts being made to save them, and what we can all do to make a difference. It also feature an interview with Dr. Mark Ofua, the Nigeria representative for Wild Africa This pod is brought to you through a partnership between Wild Africa and Yabatech Radio 89.3FM L...

World Ranger Day

On World Ranger Day, we celebrate the individuals around the world who play an essential role in safeguarding our planet’s natural resources. Their skills are indispensable in combating poaching, illegal fishing, and other threats that jeopardize wildlife and exacerbate climate change.

A day in the life of a zoo keeper

In this episode, Oiza visits the Wildlife Park at Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library in Abeokuta, Ogun State where she engaged the zoo keeper, Mr Anthony Enahoro in a conservation about the animals in the zoo, their routine care, and what a typical day in his life as a zoo keeper is. For better perspectives on Zoos and Wildlife Conservation, she speaks with Dr Mark Ofua. Enjoy!

Dr Mark’s Animal Show

One of Africa's first wildlife shows for kids, Dr Mark, a qualified wildlife vet, spends each episode educating kids about a different animal relevant to the African continent. The episodes unpack general information about each species as well as the threats they face and what we can do to help protect them.

Why do Forests matter? ft Laycon

Forests cover one third of the earth's land mass, performing vital functions and supporting the livelihoods of 1.6 billion people. Forests are vital for human survival but have been hit hard by human activity. Every year, approximately 12 million hectares of forest are destroyed. Forests are home to more than half of the world’s land-based species of animals, plants and insects. They combat climate change because of their capacity to remove carbon from the atmosphere and store it, which is calle...

Ibadan Bird Club Story

Nigeria Destroys Seized Ivory in Big Push to Tackle Illegal Ivory Trade

On Tuesday, 9th January 2024, the Nigerian government organized its first-ever Ivory crush, destroyed massive stockpiles of seized elephant tusks, and worked ivory weighing about 2.5 tonnes (2,436.15 kilograms). The event was held in the Nigerian capital, Abuja, and was spearheaded by the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) in collaboration with the Elephant Protection Initiative Foundation (EPIF). Nigeria's first-ever ivory crush is a watershed moment fo...

The Olokemeji Forest Reserve Story

In March 2021, the Nigerian Breweries Plc awarded the restoration of an area (about 600 ha) of Olokemeji Forest Reserve to the IITA Forest Center, with the Ogun State Government as an implementing partner. The Olokemeji Forest Reserve covering about 5,900 ha and located between two mega-cities in Nigeria, Abeokuta and Ibadan, is one of the largest forest reserves in southwest Africa. The Forest Reserve is managed by the Ogun State Government, but highly degraded due to unsustainable exploitation...

Deforestation in Ibadan

On the show today, let’s talk deforestation and the latest happening in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital As the world seeks to slow the pace of climate change, preserve wildlife, and support more than eight billion people, trees inevitably hold a major part of the answer. Yet the mass destruction of trees—deforestation—continues, sacrificing the long-term benefits of standing trees for short-term gain of fuel, and materials for manufacturing and construction. We need trees for a variety of reasons,...

African Grey Parrots

African grey parrots are bright, intelligent, long living birds. They are known to be smart, talented mimics. But their popularity has taken a heavy toll on their wild populations. The parrot, which once flourished in Nigeria and several West African countries, has nearly disappeared from the wild due to unsustainable trapping and habitat loss. African grey parrots are one of the most commonly traded of all birds. More than one million wild grey parrots were likely traded between 1982 and 2001. ...

Climate Change; What is it about

It’s always in the news. The public hears it quite often. But what exactly is climate change and how can we help the public make sense of this complex term? In this episode, Oiza spoke to Olumide Idowu , aka Mr. Climate , who is a campaigner and climate change activist as well as Host, The Climate Talk Podcast Seyifunmi Adebote...

Mangroves are in Danger

Mangroves are rare, spectacular and prolific ecosystems on the boundary between land and sea. Mangroves contribute to the wellbeing, food security, and protection of coastal communities worldwide. Mangroves also act as a form of natural coastal defense against storm surges, tsunamis, rising sea levels and erosion. Yet mangroves are disappearing three to five times faster than overall global forest losses. In this episode, Oiza had a chat with Jerry Chidi , documentary photographer, who is raisin...

The Bald Headed Saviour: Vultures (Season 3 EP 1)

Vulture populations on the African continent have plummeted catastrophically over the last 50 years, with some species declining by as much as 97%. Seven of the eleven African vulture species are at risk of extinction. In West Africa there is high demand for vulture parts, majorly driven by belief-based use. In some communities, vulture heads are erroneously thought to contain mystic powers and are used in making traditional charms and medicine. In Nigeria, vultures are also sold in markets as f...

WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY SPECIAL

Plastic Pollution has become a menace in Lagos, South west, Nigeria with drainages, canals, lagoon and ocean filled with different colours, shapes and sizes of plastics which result in flooding of roads, streets and homes eventually leading to loss of life and property. In commemorating World Environment Day with the theme"Solutions to Plastic Pollution", Oiza speaks with Doyinsola Ogunye, founder of RESWAYE, a recycling initiative in Lagos and Benedicta Ikemefuna, a young heroine volunteering a...

WILDLIFE WEEKLY SEASON 2 EP 11 ( Illegal wildlife trade: Why should you care? )

Nigeria has become a hub for the illegal export of pangolin scales and ivory. Why is this a problem and why should I care? This question will guide this episode wherein we will explore ongoing efforts to stop the illegal trade. Oiza had an enlightening conversation with a senior official of the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency.

WILDLIFE WEEKLY SEASON 2 EP 12 ( The Big Five: What’s their status in Nigeria? )

The “Big Five” is a term that is used to refer to the 5 African animals that early big game hunters considered most difficult and dangerous animals to hunt on foot in Africa. These animals include the lions, leopards, elephants, African buffalo, and rhinoceroses This week’s show will share interesting facts about the Big Five to impress the audience and then get them to understand that some have gone or are on the verge of extinction in Nigeria. It is crucial to understand the role of the Big Fi...

WILDLIFE WEEKLY SEASON 2 EP 10 ( The Elephants of Omo Reserve )

A look at efforts to protect the last elephant population in Omo Forest 100 kilometers (60 miles) from downtown Lagos. Omo was protected as a government reserve nearly a century ago and is a UNESCO "biosphere reserve" of global importance, it is one of the last patches of pristine rainforest left near Lagos. While Omo’s 132,000 hectares (326,000 acres) of forest is granted official protection, with a 640-hectare (1,580-acre) portion in the middle designated a “strict nature reserve” — the reserv...

WILDLIFE WEEKLY SEASON 2 EP 9 (A trip to Old Oyo National Park)

In this episode, Oiza visited the Old Oyo National Park, considered as a mixed heritage site with outstanding natural and cultural values. Interviews with rangers and the park management. It is the closest park to Lagos and worth exploring and bringing to the attention of Lagosians.

WILDLIFE WEEKLY SEASON 2 EP 8 (Unsung hero: Benedicta Ikemefune)

For this episode, we went in search of young people working to protect the environment, whether from plastic pollution or supporting conservation efforts across Lagos. We found Benedicta, a student of the University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria. Oiza interviews her on her activities around curbing plastic pollution as she tells the story of the tragic incident that spurred her to become an environmentalist.

WILDLIFE WEEKLY SEASON 2 EP 7 (Where did all our vultures go? )

There are growing fears among conservationists that vultures are facing extinction. This is particularly troubling when you consider that vultures are among the most adaptable of all the world’s birds and have learned to live alongside human beings, serving as the clean-up squads in urban and rural areas alike. In this episode, Oiza speaks to Mr. Desmond Majekodunmi, Owner of Lufasi Nature Park he spoke on the threats facing vultures and implored Nigerians to see the vulture in a more positive l...

WILDLIFE WEEKLY SEASON 2 EP 6 (Unsung hero: Chinedu Mogbo)

In this episode, Oiza speaks to Chinedu Mogbo and his mission to save endangered animals in Nigeria. Widespread hunting in Nigeria has seen the country's animal population continue to fall. With no effective laws against animal abuse and trade, Chinedu Mogbo is trying to combat it by setting up a sanctuary for animals.

WILDLIFE WEEKLY EP 5 ( The Pandemic, Wildlife and Us )

Bushmeat species are ideal hosts for deadly diseases. For example, great apes are as adversely affected by the Ebola virus as humans. Ebola can be transmitted to humans from contact with contaminated meat and eating bushmeat is believed to be a cause of Ebola outbreaks in humans. With bushmeat becoming increasingly commercialized, this problem could quickly affect any of us. It is a huge possibility that this meat will be accompanied by zoonotic diseases. In this episode, Oiza had a chat with Dr...

WILDLIFE WEEKLY SEASON 2 EP 4 (The manatees of Lagos)

The West African Manatee is listed as ‘Vulnerable’ on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Incidental capture in nets, and hunting for meat, skin, bones and oil occurs throughout most of its range, including in coastal towns and villages in Nigeria. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature, there are an estimated 10,000 manatees along the coast of West Africa, but its population is rapidly declining. Hunting manatees is illegal in Nigeria yet endangered mammals remain ...

WILDLIFE WEEKLY SEASON 2 EP 3 ( The Bushmeat Crisis)

What is the bushmeat crisis and why should we care? In this episode we sought to help the audience understand how the growing appeal of bushmeat is destroying wildlife and why this needs to stop, at least for endangered species. This episode featured interviews from bushmeat markets in Lagos, urban consumers on factors that influence their preference for bushmeat and views from experts responding to consumers’ perceptions and offering wider context on why it is necessary to tackle this crisis....

WILDLIFE WEEKLY SEASON 2 EP 2 (Young people and conservation)

As the impacts of the commercial bushmeat trade and wildlife trafficking increase with each passing year, it is important for young people to join the movement for positive change. By leading the discussion around bushmeat trade, illegal wildlife trafficking and ongoing conservation efforts , young people will become agents of change and spread awareness while also motivating others to take action. This episode will “listen” to young voices and encourage youth around the world to rally together ...