THIRTY-SEVEN BIRD SPECIES DOCUMENTED AT UNILAG WETLANDS AS CONSERVATIONISTS RENEW CALL FOR PROTECTION
Environmental advocates and bird enthusiasts have marked the 2026 World Wetlands Day at the University of Lagos, highlighting Nigeria’s rich biodiversity and renewing calls for stronger protection of the country’s remaining wetland ecosystems.
The commemorative event brought together conservation groups, students and school pupils for a guided exploration of the UNILAG wetlands, spanning from the area behind St. Thomas More Catholic Church to the Lagos Lagoon.
The exercise which was organised by the Lekki Bird Club in partnership with the Nigerian Conservation Foundation and the Society for Ecological Restoration, UNILAG Chapter, also served as the club’s first bird-watching activity of the year, during which participants identified and recorded thirty-seven bird species.
Among the birds documented were wetland-dependent and terrestrial species, including the White-faced Whistling Duck, Palm-nut Vulture, Yellow-billed Kite, African Grey Hornbill, Woodland Kingfisher and Grey Parrot—demonstrating the ecological importance of the habitat.
Organisers described the UNILAG wetlands as a critical ecosystem that supports research, eco-tourism and environmental education, while also acting as a natural flood-control buffer for the university and neighbouring Yaba communities.
They reiterated that wetlands play a vital role in water purification, climate regulation, flood mitigation and biodiversity conservation, stressing that sustained protection efforts are essential to ensure environmental resilience and sustainable development.
