Andoni Island
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
  Andoni Island Location in Nigeria | |
| Geography | |
|---|---|
| Location | Niger Delta |
| Coordinates | 4°27′45″N 7°27′47″E / 4.46250°N 7.46306°E |
| Area | 124 km2 (48 sq mi) |
| Administration | |
Nigeria | |
| State | Rivers State |
| Local government area | Andoni |
Andoni Island is a barrier island on the eastern fringe of the Niger Delta in Rivers State, Nigeria. The island measures about 124 square kilometres (48 sq mi) and is known for housing the endangered African forest elephant (Loxodonta cyclotis), pygmy hippopotamus and many other mammals. Andoni island, perhaps the only island in Nigeria where forest elephant is found, is also a nesting ground for different species of sea turtles.[1] Apart from Andoni island, there are many other islands in Andoni Local Government Area of Rivers State. Also, migratory dolphin species usually visit the Atlantic shores of the island during summer. According to a local conservationist on the island, Gogo Abel Ujile, the island is a Key Biodiversity Area suitable for the creation of Andoni Elephant Park and a marine park to help preserve the much threatened ecosystem.[citation needed]
