Andoni Island is a barrier island on the eastern fringe of the Niger Delta in Rivers State, Nigeria.[1] The island measures about 124 square kilometres (48 sq mi).[1] The island is a Key Biodiversity Area, which is suitable for conservation activities such as the Andoni Elephant Park and a marine park preserving the local ecosystem.[citation needed]

Andoni Island
Andoni Island is located in Nigeria
Andoni Island
Andoni Island
Location in Nigeria
Geography
LocationNiger Delta
Coordinates4°27′45″N 7°27′47″E / 4.46250°N 7.46306°E / 4.46250; 7.46306
Area124 km2 (48 sq mi)
Administration
Nigeria
StateRivers State
Local government areaAndoni

Wildlife

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Andoni Island is known for housing the endangered[2][3] African forest elephant (Loxodonta cyclotis).[citation needed] In 2011, it was estimated that between 2 and 11 elephants lived on Andoni Island;[4] this number had risen to about 12 in 2018.[1] In May 2020, CITES' protection plan for Nigeria included the establishment of a migratory corridor for elephants in the area.[5]

The island also houses pygmy hippopotamuses and different species of sea turtles. Migratory dolphin species usually visit the Atlantic shores of the island during summer.[citation needed]

References

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  1. 1 2 3 Nte, F. U.; Were, J. I. R. (February 2018). "GPS/DNA Elephant Survey: Nigeria Case Study OML 11 and OML 52 Ikuru NDES Study Zone" (PDF). International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology. 3 (2): 689–690. ISSN 2456-2165. Retrieved 24 November 2021.
  2. "UNDP Moves To Protect Forests In Andoni …Plans Elephants' Cluster". The Tide. Port Harcourt, Nigeria. 3 December 2018. Retrieved 18 November 2021.
  3. Nte, F. U. (March 2018). "Oil and Gas Exploitation Impact on Wildlife (The Physicsist [sic] View Point) Case Study: OML 11 and OML 52 Ikurundes Study Zone". International Journal of Innovative Research and Development. 7 (3): 22.
  4. West Africa - African Elephant Status Report 2016 (PDF) (Report). IUCN. 2016. p. 255. Retrieved 25 June 2026.
  5. Revised and Updated National Ivory Action Plan Nigeria (PDF) (Report). Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora. May 2020. p. 11. Retrieved 25 June 2026.