UNESCO is set to upgrade Gashaka Gumti National Park in Taraba State to a World Heritage Site. Established in 1991, the park is the largest and most diverse wildlife park in West Africa, covering over 6,000 square kilometers. UNESCO officials are expected to finalise the upgrade after conducting research during a September 20 visit.

Park Conservator Joseph Ntui highlighted the park’s unique biodiversity, boasting 1,000 plant species, 102 mammalian species, 60 fish species, 477 bird species, and 300 butterfly species. However, he lamented the extinction of some animals, including lions, cheetahs, and hippocampus.

In addition to its wildlife, the park features remarkable landmarks such as Chappal Wada, Nigeria’s highest peak, hot springs, and historical sites. The cheetah, once native to the park, is honored as the mascot of the Nigerian Army’s 20 Battalion.

Alhaji Zubeiru Hamman Gabdo, the Lamido of Gashaka, praised African Nature Investors (ANI) for its role in improving park security and boosting the socio-economic conditions of surrounding communities since 2021, calling on more organisations to collaborate in furthering the park’s development.