Nigerian emerges West Africa chair for IUCN Snake Specialist Group

Nigerian conservationist Edem Eniang has emerged as the West Africa regional chair of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Snake Specialist Group, placing him in a regional leadership role in efforts to strengthen snake conservation and coordinate research across the sub-region.

His emergence comes as the group works to establish its regional structures, membership lists and specialist working groups, alongside a revised process for admitting members.

In a message of appointment shared with PREMIUM TIMES by Mr Eniang, the organisation said they had gained momentum following recent engagements at a meeting of the Wildlife Conservation Society, with encouraging responses during and after the conference.

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

The organisation said it was developing documents and strategies, including terms of reference for regional chairs, membership lists, working groups and a clearer organisational structure.

The proposed arrangements are intended to improve coordination among regional teams, exchange ideas and reduce duplication of conservation activities.

The proposed coordination framework would include online meetings of regional chairs three times a year, with separate quarterly meetings between each regional chair and members in their respective regions.

IUCN stated that the meetings would help specialists share updates on the group’s priorities and exchange ideas without duplicating ongoing work. They also proposed holding a brief introductory meeting for regional chairs before the end of 2026.

Global conservation network

The IUCN Snake Specialist Group is part of the IUCN Species Survival Commission, a global network of experts that provides scientific advice on species conservation and supports efforts to address threats to wildlife.

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According to the group’s official website, its work covers knowledge of snake populations, conservation planning, analysis of threats, policy guidance and public education aimed at reducing conflict between people and snakes.

The group focuses on thousands of snake species worldwide, although some groups, including vipers and sea snakes in the subfamily Hydrophiinae, fall under separate specialist groups.

Mr Eniang’s appointment gives Nigeria representation in the group’s emerging regional leadership structure at a time when coordination among researchers and conservation practitioners is being strengthened.

Other regional chairs listed 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 listed regional representatives for South Asia, North America, Central America and the Caribbean.

The group said it would circulate further information on its organisational arrangements and membership once the relevant documents and strategies were ready.