Conventional drugs, witchcraft practices causes hyenas going extinct in C’River – Conservationist

A growing number of native wildlife species in Nigeria are facing a rapid decline in population, largely due to their use in traditional medicine and witchcraft practices by local communities.

Conservationists made this known after capturing rare footage of hyenas using hidden cameras in forests across Cross River State.

In a statement, leading conservationist Dr Imong Inayom said, “Hyenas face significant threats, including human-wildlife conflict due to livestock predation, habitat loss from settlement expansion and overgrazing, as well as hunting for food, traditional medicine, and witchcraft.”

He further noted that hyenas are also vulnerable to trapping and poisoning by humans, which exacerbates their dwindling numbers.

According to Dr Inayom, tackling these challenges will require a multi-pronged approach, including habitat preservation, community engagement, and the adoption of sustainable land-use practices to ensure the species’ long-term survival.

He explained that the spotted hyena (Crocuta crocuta), one of the noisiest African mammal, is best known for its distinctive vocalization, saying this is often likened to laughter.

However, this “laugh” is not a sign of amusement, but typically an expression of social anxiety or uncertainty.

The statement noted that in Nigeria, hyenas are now mainly found in protected areas such as Kainji Lake National Park, Gashaka Gumti National Park, and Yankari Game Reserve.

Inayom observed that hyenas were once widespread, but that they are now considered rare and are seldom seen in the wild.