Nigerian Takes Lead for Snake Conservation in West Africa

Nigerian conservationist Edem Eniang is now the West Africa regional chair of the International Union for Conservation of Nature Snake Specialist Group. This role puts him in charge of efforts to improve snake conservation and coordinate research in the region.

His appointment comes as the group sets up its regional structures, membership lists, and specialist working groups. They are also updating the process for admitting new members.

In a message shared with PREMIUM TIMES by Mr Eniang, the organization mentioned they are gaining traction after recent meetings with the Wildlife Conservation Society. They received positive feedback during and after the conference.

PREMIUM TIMES reported that Mr Eniang, who is a professor and executive director of the Biodiversity Preservation Centre in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, was Nigeria's only representative at the first World Congress on Snakes held from October 1 to 4 in Sri Lanka.

The organization is working on documents and strategies, which include terms of reference for regional chairs, membership lists, and a clearer structure. These arrangements aim to improve coordination among regional teams, share ideas, and cut down on repeated conservation efforts.

The planned coordination framework includes online meetings of regional chairs three times a year. There will also be quarterly meetings between each regional chair and their members in their regions.

IUCN said these meetings will allow specialists to share updates on the group's priorities and exchange ideas without repeating ongoing work. They also suggested having a short introductory meeting for regional chairs before the end of 2026.

The IUCN Snake Specialist Group is part of the IUCN Species Survival Commission. This is a global network of experts that gives scientific advice on species conservation and helps tackle threats to wildlife.

According to the group’s official website, their focus includes knowledge about snake populations, conservation planning, analyzing threats, policy guidance, and public education to lessen conflicts between people and snakes.

The group studies thousands of snake species around the world. Some groups, like vipers and sea snakes in the subfamily Hydrophiinae, are under different specialist groups.

Mr Eniang's appointment means Nigeria has a voice in the group's new regional leadership at a time when coordination among researchers and conservationists is being improved.

Other regional chairs mentioned in the message include Tim Colston and Adriaan Jordaan for East and Southern Africa, Chifundera Kusamba for Central Africa, Steven Allain for Europe, Evan Quah and Justin Bernstein for East and South-East Asia, and Melissa Bruton for Australia, Oceania, and Melanesia.

The message also included regional representatives for South Asia, North America, Central America, and the Caribbean. The group plans to share more information about its structure and membership once the necessary documents and strategies are complete.