Wildlife and recreation are deeply connected in ways that can be both beneficial and challenging, depending on how they are managed.
Wildlife plays a vital role in maintaining the balance of ecosystems. Every species, whether predator or prey, insect or mammal, has a role that supports the health of the planet. Recreation activities such as hiking, bird watching, safari tours, and camping help people connect with nature, which has many health benefits.
The day we went to the conservation center
When I was working in Lagos as a teacher, I remember when we decided to go for an execution as an end-of-the-year party. However, we kept going back and forth because there was no way we would hold a party again after having held a party last term for students and pupils who graduated from nursery to primary, primary to secondary, and the secondary students who are going into higher institution.
After all is said and done, we end up choosing Lekki Conservation Centre. When we visited the place, it was beautiful, although I don't know how it looks now. The monkeys were jumping freely from one tree to another; some of them were coming close to take food from us. One took someone's phone as she was snapping photos, and I was surprised when the bigger monkeys returned the phone back and even spanked the little one.
It was then that we looked at the signpost and saw that it was written we should secure our property well because of the monkeys. Now in that conservation area, the animals were well taken care of, more like they are still being kept in the wild. The snakes were kept in the bush, but there was this net that acted as a barrier, stopping them from harming anyone.Even the crocodile, too, was kept inside water that looked like a mini stream.
There's a zoo in my school that I visited way back when I was in school. In fact, I felt pity for the lion because it looked so skinny and malnourished. The tiger and the only surviving snake there looked as if life had forsaken them.
Yes, wildlife is being exploited in many parts of the world, even in my country, and it's a growing concern. Exploitation occurs when animals are used for human benefit in ways that harm their survival or well-being. This includes illegal hunting (poaching), habitat destruction, the exotic pet trade, and using animals for entertainment or traditional medicine.
Forests are being cleared for farming and urban development, destroying habitats and forcing animals to migrate or die. Poaching for ivory, skins especially for kings, horns are being used for drinking palm wine, and bushmeat has pushed many species to the brink of extinction. Even tourism, when not managed properly, can stress animals and disturb their natural behavior.
This exploitation not only threatens biodiversity but also affects the balance of ecosystems. When one species disappears, it can have ripple effects across the entire environment. To stop this, stronger laws, conservation programs, and education are needed. People must learn to respect and protect wildlife, not exploit it for profit or entertainment. Protecting animals is not just about kindness; it's about protecting our planet's future.
Wildlife and recreation can thrive together if approached with care. When people experience the beauty of nature firsthand, they're more likely to protect it. So, recreational use of wildlife areas isn't a threat; it's an opportunity, if we handle it wisely.
Images are mine
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