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Places in News: Nigeria
Context:
The Nigerian coup on August 27, 1985, was a significant military takeover that resulted in the ousting of Major General Muhammadu Buhari from power. The coup was orchestrated by a faction of mid-level armed forces officers led by Major General Ibrahim Babangida, who was the Chief of Army Staff at the time. This coup followed Buhari’s own rise to power through a coup in December 1983.
About Nigeria:
- Bordering Countries: Niger, Chad, Cameroon, and Benin.
- Major Rivers:
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- Niger River: The longest river in Nigeria, it flows from the northwest to the southeast, eventually emptying into the Gulf of Guinea. It plays a crucial role in agriculture, transportation, and fishing.
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- Benue River: A major tributary of the Niger, it merges with the Niger at Lokoja. The Benue River is vital for irrigation and supports various ecosystems along its banks.
- Physiography:
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- Plains and Plateaus: The northern and southern regions are predominantly flat plains. The Jos Plateau and the Adamawa Highlands in the central region are notable for their elevated terrain.
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- Mountains: The southeastern part of Nigeria features the Cameroon Highlands, which includes the country’s highest point, Chappal Waddi, at 2,419 meters (7,936 feet).
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- Coastal Areas: The southern boundary of Nigeria is marked by the Gulf of Guinea, featuring a coastline of about 853 km. The coastal region includes mangrove swamps and tropical rainforests, contributing to Nigeria’s biodiversity.
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- Vegetation Zones: Nigeria’s vegetation ranges from tropical rainforests in the south to savannahs in the north. The diverse ecosystems support a wide variety of flora and fauna, reflecting the country’s climatic variations.
- Flora: Nigeria is home to over 5,000 recorded species of plants, with significant variations across its ecological zones:
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- Tropical Rainforests: Found primarily in the southern regions, these forests are rich in biodiversity, including endemic species such as the Ibadan malimbe and the Nigeria-Cameroon chimpanzee. Common tree species include members of the Leguminosae family, such as Brachystegia and Piptadeniastrum africanum.
- Savannahs: About 50% of Nigeria is classified as Guinea savanna, characterized by scattered trees and tall grasses. Typical flora includes Burkea africana, Terminalia avicennioides, and Lophira lanceolata.
- Mangroves and Swamps: The Niger Delta hosts the largest mangrove forest in Africa, which is a critical habitat for various species and provides essential ecosystem services.
- Montane Forests: The Cross River State is known for its montane forests, which are hotspots for amphibian biodiversity and house various plant species adapted to high altitudes.
- Fauna: Nigeria boasts a rich variety of wildlife, with approximately 290 mammal species, 940 bird species, and numerous reptiles, amphibians, and fish:
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- Mammals: Notable species include the African elephant, leopard, chimpanzee, and various antelope species.
- Birds: Nigeria is home to around 940 bird species, including endemic species like the Jos Plateau indigobird and the rock firefinch. Different geographical zones harbour distinct bird populations, with many species adapted to specific habitats.
