Yankari was upgraded from a game reserve to a national park in 1991 before later reverting to state control.
The reserve was originally created by the Northern Nigeria Government for wildlife conservation.
Making it one of the largest protected wildlife areas in West Africa.
Estimates suggest it holds one of the last viable elephant groups in Nigeria.
Including migratory and resident species, making it a birdwatcher’s paradise.
The famous Wikki Warm Springs stay around 31°C all year round.
Archaeological remains like iron smelting furnaces and caves have been discovered.
The idea for Yankari came after a Nigerian official visited a game reserve in Sudan.
Control has shifted between federal and Bauchi State authorities over the years, affecting conservation.
It attracts thousands of visitors annually for safari and nature tourism.
The lion population is critically low, making conservation efforts urgent.
The reserve sits on ancient sandstone and sedimentary rock formations shaping its valleys and hills.