"Protected animals in my country....(Nigeria)"

Hello, friends welcome to my post in which I have discussed "Protected animals in my country" as part of my participation in this 👉contest.

One of the biggest countries in West Africa, with the largest forest and landmass, is Nigeria. Nigeria has 36 states and a capital territory, all of which have protected animals. We have discussed more about the protected animals in Cross River State, and today we are here to discuss the protected animals in Benue State, Nigeria.

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White-Bellied Pangolin

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This animal, called Pangolins, is critically endangered because of the high levels of illegal trade and poaching. In Benue State and Nigeria at large, they are among the most trafficked mammals in the world. As for the exact population of Pangolins in Benue State, Nigeria, it is still unknown, but there is a rapid decline in this animal due to human activities.

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Causes of Threat and Habitat Changes

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• Illegal Wildlife trade: The major hub for international trafficking of Pangolins is Nigeria, especially in Benue State

• Poaching for Scales and Meat: Pangolin scales are falsely believed to have medical properties, and to those who eat it, it is delicious.

• Low reproduction rate: the animal gives birth to only one baby at a time, unlike other animals, which makes the population recover slowly.

• Deforestation: Farmland and logging expansion in Benue State Nigeria reduce pangolin habitats

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Legal Status and Legal Protection

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• Pangolin is listed as critically endangered by the IUCN Red List.

• It is protected by the Nigerian Endangered Species Control of International Trade and Traffic Act of 1985.

• It is protected under the CITES Appendix I, which implies that all international trade in pangolin and their parts is banned.

• In the year 2021, the Nigerian government intercepted pangolin scales worth millions of dollars which highlights how serious the government is in treating any crime.

• People of Benue State were educated by NGOs on the importance of Pangolins and to report illegal hunting.

I am inviting: @dove11, @ruthjoe, and @Ihorgic

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