World Wildlife Day 22: Federal Department Of Forestry Wants Public Collaboration Towards Protection Of Natural Heritage

Umar Idris Mukhtar ,

As Nigeria joins the international community to observe this year’s World Wildlife Day, the need for all to play a part in recognition, restoration and conservation of the country’s natural heritage especially endangered species has been stressed.

Mr. Umar Idris Mukhtar , the Senior Forest Officer, Federal Department of Forestry, Federal Ministry of Environment who emphasized this in a statement stated that wild species play immense roles in ensuring the health and sustainability of the ecosystem.

The release is in respect of the 2022 theme for World Wildlife Day celebration with the theme, ” Recovering key species for ecosystem restoration”.

According to Idris Mukhtar whose office is concerned with Wildlife & CITES management, the presence of wild species is an indicator to the safety of the ecosystem.

He said, “Wildlife species refers to species of animals, plants, microorganisms and fungi that live and grow in nature, living in nature means their existence and lifestyle is according to the natural rules, not compromised by human. Existence of wildlife is therefore an indicator of safety of our ecosystems and planet in general.

“Key or key stone species is an organism that play pivotal role in defining an ecosystem, crucial for the integrity of the ecosystems in which they live. Without keystone species, the ecosystem would be entirely different or cease to exist.

“Bees make perfect examples of keystone species, they promote sustainability among ecosystems by cross-pollinating many different plant species. Other example of keystone species include Elephants, Bats, Vultures, Sharks, Sea Urchins etc.

‘”Let us therefore put hands together in recognition, restoration and conservation of our natural heritage especially endangered species”, he called.

He underscored the relevance of the World Wildlife Day Celebration, adding that “The need to set aside a particular day in solidarity to wildlife was noted in December 20, 2013 at the 68th meeting of the United Nations general assembly, the gathering agreed to allocate 3rd March, a date in which Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild fauna and flora (CITES) was adopted, for Wold Wildlife Day annual celebration”.

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