Destruction in Niger

Abstract

The author went to Niger in August-September 1972 to report and advise on the wildlife situation. This was as a result of a report by two residents, Mr and Mrs Barry Humphrey, describing the serious and continuing decline in Niger’s wildlife, especially among the larger desert mammals, and the government’s inability to raise die necessary money and manpower to protect it In particular, poaching in the W National Park in the south, and hunting mainly by Europeans in the Aïr Mountains in the north, where a large French mining company has concessions, are seriously depleting wildlife populations, notably addax and scimitar-horned oryx, both vulnerable species in the Red Data Book, and both desert-living species that can survive in the drought-ridden areas where cattle are dying and people starving. This article covers the gist of his report and recommendations. © 1973, Fauna and Flora International. All rights reserved.