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I N T R O D U C T I O N |
Nigeria is a tropical country with a total land area of about 932,768 km2, and a coastline of 960km along the Atlantic Ocean. It has a population of about 140 million people, with the largest number of the black race on earth, have 250 ethnic groups and 400 distinct languages, with Hausa/Fulani, Yoruba and Igbo as the dominant groups. Abuja is the Federal Capital City, while Lagos remains as the Economic Capital. English is the official language. Nigeria was once colonized by Britain, but gained her independence on 1st October, 1960.
Nigeria is blessed with rich and unique array of ecosystems, and a great variety of wild fauna and flora. This rich natural endowment is a product of the climatic variations resulting into various north-south gradations of habitats and ecosystems. The habitats support more than 1,340 species of animals among which is 274 mammalian species, making it the 8th highest in Africa.
From biological inventories, about 885 species of birds, over 109 species of amphibians and 135 species of reptiles have so far been identified. There are about 900 species of which 60 species are within the wetlands and freshwater ecosystems in Nigeria. The threat currently being posed is habitat loss, which is a major problem the National Park Service.
Significant Ecological Sites and Ecotourism Attractions
Nigeria's National Parks have a wide variety of interesting sites; e.g .Cultural, Historical, Archacological and unique ecosystems, as well as other biophysical attractions for all types and classes of visitors including scientists and researchers. Visitors are therefore invited to brouse the section on unit Parks and make their own choice(s)of the park in advance for eventual visits.
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