Wildlife rehabilitation centres in Nigeria: Prospects and challenges

Abstract

Wildlife rehabilitation is the treatment and temporary care of injured, diseased, and displaced indigenous animals, and their subsequent release after recuperation to appropriate habitats in the wild. The high rate of exploitation and gross misuse of natural resources have led to large scale reduction in the number of wildlife species. Unfortunately, wildlife rehabilitation centres are not adequately available to cater for the needs of sick, diseased, injured or orphaned wildlife in Nigeria. This review assesses the prospects and challenges of wildlife rehabilitation. It also seeks to advocate the need for more wildlife rehabilitation centres in Nigeria. Direct conservation impact, educational, captive wildlife programs, scientific research and epidemiological impacts are benefits of wildlife rehabilitation to conservation. Insufficient fund, inadequate skilled personnel, poor welfare and health standard of the staff are some of the most pressing challenges faced in wildlife rehabilitation centres especially in Nigeria.