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Demographic skew and market dynamics reveal unsustainable trade and conservation risks of the West African dwarf crocodile

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Abstract

The West African dwarf crocodile (Osteolaemus tetraspis), classified as Vulnerable by the IUCN and listed under CITES Appendix I, is increasingly threatened by unregulated trade and habitat degradation. This study investigated the trade dynamics of the species across Delta and Edo States, Nigeria, focusing on market structure, trade routes, seasonal trends, and size-class composition. Market surveys, semi-structured interviews, and ecological observations were employed to examine trade dynamics of the West African dwarf crocodile from 2019 to 2021 identified nine key markets, with Ugbenu emerging as the primary hub, recording 1,818 individuals over 105 market days. Trade was dominated by mid-sized, sexually mature crocodiles (101–120 cm), while juveniles (0–20 cm and 21–40 cm) were scarcely represented, suggesting depletion of older cohorts. The trade is economically motivated and gendered, with middlewomen controlling over 80% of market flow, sourcing from remote riverine communities. Hunting methods included wire traps, baited hooks, and burrow excavation, raise ecological and welfare concerns. Findings highlight unsustainable exploitation and underscore the need for urgent conservation measures, including legal enforcement, harvest regulations, and community-based monitoring aligned with CITES and IUCN guidelines.

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Data availability

The datasets generated and/or analysed during the current study are available in the supplementary files accompanying this manuscript. Additional raw data supporting the findings are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.

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Acknowledgements

We thank the communities of Ugbenu, Koko, and Benin City, as well as market vendors and field assistants for their cooperation. Special thanks to the Museum of Natural History, Obafemi Awolowo University, for technical support.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Biological Sciences, University of Botswana, Gaborone, Botswana

    Francis O. Arimoro

  2. Ecology and Environmental Biology Unit, Department of Animal Biology, Federal University of Technology, Minna, P.M.B. 65, Nigeria

    Francis O. Arimoro

  3. Department of Animal and Environmental Biology, Delta State University, Abraka, 330105, Nigeria

    Matthew P. Dore & Robert B. Ikomi

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  1. Francis O. Arimoro
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Contributions

F.O.A. contributed to methodological refinement, performed statistical analyses, validated findings, and participated in reviewing and editing the manuscript. M.P, D led the conceptualization of the study, designed the methodology, conducted field investigations, curated and analyzed the data, and was responsible for drafting the original manuscript, visualizing results, and overseeing project administration. R.B.I. provided essential resources, contributed to manuscript review and supervision, and secured funding for the research.

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Francis O. Arimoro.

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Ethical and Compliance

All methods were performed in accordance with the relevant guidelines and regulations, under approval from the Faculty of Science Ethics Committee, Delta State University, Abraka, Nigeria (approval ref. Delsu/FOS/EC/2018-002). Community engagement was conducted with informed consent and in respect of local cultural practices. Additional research permissions were obtained from the Edo State and Delta State Ministries of Environment prior to fieldwork.

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Arimoro, F.O., Dore, M.P. & Ikomi, R.B. Demographic skew and market dynamics reveal unsustainable trade and conservation risks of the West African dwarf crocodile.
Sci Rep (2026). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-026-45968-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-026-45968-2

Keywords


  • Osteolaemus tetraspis
  • Wildlife trade
  • Commodity chain
  • Size-class dynamics
  • Seasonal harvesting
  • Conservation management

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