Conservation of waterbirds in the Hadejia-Nguru Wetlands, Nigeria: current efforts and problems

Abstract

Akinsola, O.A., Ezealor, A.U. & Polet, G. 2000. Conservation of waterbirds in the Hadejia-Nguru Wetlands, Nigeria: current efforts and problems. Ostrich 71 (1 & 2): 118–121.

The ornithological importance of the Hadejia-Nguru wetlands at both national and international levels is well known. Current efforts at conserving the avifauna of the wetlands started with the establishment of the Hadejia-Nguru Wetlands Conservation Project (HNWCP) in 1987, as a joint international initiative to promote sustainable use of this hydric ecosystem in the otherwise semi-arid zone of north-eastern Nigeria. The present phase of the project started in 1995 with the major goal of maintaining the natural resources and function of the wetlands. This paper discusses recent activities of the project that have been directed towards conserving the wetlands, particularly its avifauna.

Bird monitoring and the annual dry season (northern winter) waterbird surveys remain the most publicised bird conservation effort of the HNWCP. However, recognition of the vital and central role of water in maintaining the ecological health of the wetlands has prompted the project to evolve a new strategy of regular meetings of the wetlands' water stakeholders (tagged “water-use advocacy”), to resolve periodic water-shortage and distribution problems.

Uncontrolled hunting of birds and habitat loss remain pressing problems throughout the wetland. The HNWCP has made efforts to curb these problems by sensitising the local communities through awareness campaigns and harnessing the efforts of concerned local and national organisations. However, the HNWCP has had difficult experiences regarding the problems of crop damage by avian pests from the wetlands.