News
Unending Search for a Common Ground: Understanding the Dynamics of Human and Wildlife Conflict
Unending Search for a Common Ground: Understanding the Dynamics of Human and Wildlife Conflict
By: Bright Olunusi
The term “wild” implies creatures untouched by the direct influence of humanity, preserving their instincts and behaviors. On the other hand, zoological gardens serve as ex-situ conservation sites, showcasing these magnificent animals to the public, albeit in a tamed and controlled environment. Families flock to zoos for leisure and education, seeking to witness the wonders of nature up close. One of the questions bothering the minds of tourists and non-experts from the field is, are these wild animals truly domesticated?
While years of captivity may temper their ferocity to some extent, labeling them as pets would be a grave misjudgment. Instances abound where wild animals, including lions, have lashed out at unsuspecting visitors, reminding us of the untamed essence that lies beneath their captive facade. Such encounters often end in tragedy, as evidenced by the recent incident at the zoological garden of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife.
Without prejudice to the university’s ongoing inquiry into the remote cause of the death of Mr. Olabode Olawuyi, a veterinary technician in the zoological garden of the institution, whom the employer claimed had been tendering the nine-year-old lion from birth. Consider the plight of the zookeeper who, for close to a decade, tended to a lion under the mistaken belief of familiarity and safety. Tragedy often struck when zoo users or the attendants ignored the established protocols for handling wild animals. This unfortunate incident serves as a stark reminder of the inherent dangers posed by human-wildlife interactions within captive settings.
Indeed, human-wildlife conflicts manifest in various forms, ranging from loss of life and property to the transmission of diseases. The OAU Ife Zoo incident epitomizes this perilous nexus, underscoring the need for stringent safety measures and heightened awareness among zoo personnel and visitors alike. There are documented instances of wild animals attacking their caregivers, tourists, or those who cross their paths in their wild moments. For instance, in 2017, a harrowing incident unfolded at the Agodi Zoological Gardens when a lion managed to escape from its enclosure, leading to the devastating loss of a zoo curator’s life. This incident led to the temporary closure of the facility by the Oyo state government as a precautionary measure. In a similar vein, a tragic event unfolded in Texas in 2010 when a man was fatally kicked by his pet deer while trying to feed it, necessitating the deer’s euthanization. In 2011, in Indonesia, seven dogs, starved for two weeks, fatally attacked their owner upon his return. In 2012, a horrifying incident occurred at the Pittsburgh Zoo when a toddler fell into an African-painted dog enclosure and was fatally attacked.
To mitigate such human-wildlife conflict (HWC), especially in conservation areas, several safety precautions must be adhered to. Visitors should supervise their children closely to prevent them from wandering off and should refrain from leaning over cages or attempting to view animals from unsafe distances. It is crucial not to touch or feed the animals and to maintain a safe distance from enclosures. Proper sanitation practices, including thorough handwashing after visits, are essential to prevent the transmission of diseases.
Furthermore, zookeepers must exercise caution. They should avoid becoming overly familiar with the animals and must ensure that enclosures and cages are securely locked before and after feeding times. Regular inspections should be conducted to identify and address any structural weaknesses or faults in facilities.
In conclusion, as a wildlife conservationist who has witnessed firsthand the delicate balance between human presence and animal instincts, I implore greater vigilance and respect for the wild within captive environments. Only through fostering a deeper understanding of wildlife behavior and implementing robust safety protocols can we mitigate the risks inherent in our coexistence with these magnificent creatures.
Bright Olunusi
Boston University, Massachusetts, USA.
brightolunusi@gmail.com
Unending Search for a Common Ground: Understanding the Dynamics of Human and Wildlife Conflict
ISWAP admits losing 23 fighters in clash with troops in Sambisa Forest
By: Zagazola Makama
An intercepted communication involving members of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) has reportedly confirmed the loss of 23 of their fighters during a recent encounter with Nigerian Special Forces troops in the Sambisa Forest, Borno State.
According to intelligence sources, the ISWAP associate informed an unidentified contact that Nigerian forces had conducted sustained operations in Sambisa Forest for a week, during which they burned down the village of Allafawa and destroyed properties belonging to the insurgents.
Some ISWAP members, the source added, were still present in the forest, while the troops in the theatre of operations have continued aggressive patrols and intelligence-driven assaults to exploit the gains, targeting fleeing elements and dismantling remaining strongholds within the forest.
Security officials emphasised that maintaining the operational tempo is critical to further weaken the terrorist and prevent them from regrouping.
ISWAP admits losing 23 fighters in clash with troops in Sambisa Forest
Maiduguri residents urged to remain calm as fake terror threats circulate during Ramadan
By: Zagazola Makama
Residents of Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, have been urged to remain calm and vigilant following the circulation of false audio messages and online posts claiming imminent attacks by Boko Haram and ISWAP during the last ten days of Ramadan.
According to checks, including field verification by community journalists, the purported threats alleging infiltration of suicide bombers into the city and attempts to plant explosives at worship centres.
The most recent threat was publicized Yesterday at Massalacin Mallam Bako in Layin Hadiza, are entirely fabricated.
Security sources explained that such rumours often emerge during the fasting period to instil fear, disrupt prayers, and create panic among worshippers. “These are deliberate attempts by mischief-makers to exploit the spiritual atmosphere of Ramadan,” said a senior security official who requested anonymity.
Community leaders and vigilante groups, including the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), have intensified patrols across Maiduguri to ensure the safety of residents and worshippers. Residents are being encouraged to continue attending prayers and to report any suspicious activity to security agencies promptly.
Local journalists conducting verification in affected areas confirmed that no explosives or suspicious individuals were found, dismissing claims circulating on social media and messaging platforms as false.
The government are therefore called to take stronger action against those spreading fake news, warning that misinformation can destabilise the fragile peace in the city. “In times of heightened religious activity, misinformation is as dangerous as a physical attack. It is important to clamp down on these instigators,” said one analyst.
As the final ten days of Ramadan approach, authorities have assured residents that security remains tight and that all necessary measures are in place to safeguard lives and properties while encouraging calm and rational public conduct.
Maiduguri residents urged to remain calm as fake terror threats circulate during Ramadan
River State NSCDC personnel shot dead during patrol in Chokocho-Etche
By: Zagazola Makama
A member of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) attached to the South-South Mining Marshals was shot dead during an attack by a group of tipper drivers in Chokocho-Etche, River State, the Police Command said.
Police sources reported that the incident occurred on March 9 at about 2:45 p.m. while the NSCDC team was on routine patrol in the area.
During the attack, one ASC II Kalu Samuel Ali was shot in the head and rushed to the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH) for medical attention, where he was later confirmed dead.
In a reprisal response, security personnel returned fire, injuring one of the tipper drivers, who is receiving treatment in a separate medical facility.
Authorities said policemen and other security personnel have been deployed to prevent further escalation and maintain law and order, while efforts to apprehend the perpetrators are ongoing.
River State NSCDC personnel shot dead during patrol in Chokocho-Etche
ISWAP admits losing 23 fighters in clash with troops in Sambisa Forest
Maiduguri residents urged to remain calm as fake terror threats circulate during Ramadan
River State NSCDC personnel shot dead during patrol in Chokocho-Etche
Roger Federer’s Shock as DNA Results Reveal Myla and Charlene Are Not His Biological Children
THE PLIGHT OF FARIDA
FAILED COUP IN BURKINA FASO: HOW TRAORÉ NARROWLY ESCAPED ASSASSINATION PLOT AMID FOREIGN INTERFERENCE CLAIMS
-
News2 years agoRoger Federer’s Shock as DNA Results Reveal Myla and Charlene Are Not His Biological Children
-
Opinions4 years ago
THE PLIGHT OF FARIDA
-
News11 months agoFAILED COUP IN BURKINA FASO: HOW TRAORÉ NARROWLY ESCAPED ASSASSINATION PLOT AMID FOREIGN INTERFERENCE CLAIMS
-
News2 years agoEYN: Rev. Billi, Distortion of History, and The Living Tamarind Tree
-
Opinions4 years agoPOLICE CHARGE ROOMS, A MINTING PRESS
-
ACADEMICS2 years agoA History of Biu” (2015) and The Lingering Bura-Pabir Question (1)
-
Columns2 years agoArmy University Biu: There is certain interest, but certainly not from Borno.
-
Opinions2 years agoTinubu,Shettima: The epidemic of economic, insecurity in Nigeria
