For over 20 years, APLORI has been committed to advancing ornithology and conservation science in West Africa while promoting capacity building in the region, successfully training more than 160 conservation biologists and aspiring ornithologists across West Africa at the master's level. Through our capacity building efforts and active research, APLORI has significantly improved researchers' ability to analyze the environment and investigate ecological processes, particularly in African tropical habitats.

The Center for Species Survival Nigeria builds upon APLORI's long-standing legacy and accomplishments in capacity building and research. Established in 2023 and located in the Amurum Forest Reserve in Jos, Nigeria, the Center aims to address the urgent need for regional-level understanding of birds and biodiversity status, as well as concerted efforts to conserve them.

The Center's primary objectives revolve around conserving rare, endemic, and endangered species. To achieve this, it aims to identify research gaps related to threatened and endemic bird species in West Africa and assess the protection status of Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs) in the region as a first step. This knowledge forms a critical basis for our conservation and protection initiatives, as it helps us identify areas where information is lacking and provides essential data for species assessment, ultimately contributing to the development of a National Red List. Additionally, the Center is committed to building capacity in the region by promoting knowledge sharing, training, and collaboration among local stakeholders. By empowering individuals and organizations, we aim to strengthen conservation efforts and ensure their long-term effectiveness.

Collaboration lies at the heart of the Center's approach. It actively engages with government authorities, communities, and other conservation organizations to foster partnerships and promote shared responsibility for species conservation. By working closely with these stakeholders, the Center develops and implements conservation strategies grounded in local contexts and tailored to the specific needs of the region.

The Center's work aligns with the IUCN SSC Species Conservation Cycle, a holistic approach that encompasses the assessment, planning, and action stages of species conservation. It actively supports this cycle through its various projects, which focus on understanding species status and employing effective conservation strategies at species or group of species level while also fostering the protection of Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs) at habitat level.

Through these projects and its commitment to collaboration and capacity building, the Center for Species Survival Nigeria aims to make a significant impact on conserving the rich biodiversity of Nigeria and West Africa as a whole. By fostering local expertise, generating knowledge, and engaging stakeholders, the Center plays a vital role in ensuring the long-term conservation and sustainable management of the region's unique biodiversity.

Supporting the Species Conservation

Meet our team