The Gashaka Gumti National Park in Taraba State is on the cusp of becoming a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Established in 1991, this expansive park is the largest and most diverse wildlife reserve in West Africa. Spanning over 6,000 square kilometres, it dwarfs several states in Nigeria.
UNESCO To Recognise Nigeria’s Gashaka Gumti National Park
UNESCO officials visited the park two weeks ago and are scheduled to return on September 20 to conduct further research and complete the necessary documentation. The UNESCO team is working to upgrade Gashaka Gumti National Park to a World Heritage Site.
Gashaka Gumti National Park is renowned for its incredible biodiversity. It hosts 1,000 plant species and 102 mammalian species. The park also shelters 60 species of fish, 477 bird species, and 300 butterfly species. However, Ntui voiced concerns about the extinction of certain animals, including lions, hippocampus, and cheetahs.
Historically, the cheetah was a symbol of the 20th Battalion of the Nigerian Army in Serti due to its presence in the park. They have 1,000 plant species, 102 mammalian species, 60 fish species, 477 bird species, and 300 butterfly species. The park is not only the largest in Nigeria but also the most diverse and unique.
Notable Features Of The Park
In addition to its flora and fauna, the park features notable sights such as Nigeria’s highest peak, Chappal Wada, standing at approximately 2,400 metres above sea level. Visitors can also explore nurseries, hot springs, a German/British fort, and historic slave trade routes.
As per reports by This Day Live, The Lamido of Gashaka, Alhaji Zubeiru Hamman Gabdo, praised African Nature Investors (ANI). He praised their role in enhancing the park’s security and improving the socio-economic conditions of local communities. Since ANI’s partnership with the park began in 2021, significant developments have been observed, including better security, increased employment, and economic opportunities for residents.
The collaboration between ANI and the National Park has led to remarkable improvements in both the park and the surrounding communities. Other organisations have been urged to follow ANI’s lead and support the park’s continued development.
As Gashaka Gumti National Park stands on the brink of receiving World Heritage status, its remarkable biodiversity and rich history continue to attract global attention. The anticipated upgrade promises to elevate the park’s profile and underscore its importance as a critical conservation area.
Cover Image Courtesy: Wikimedia Commons
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