AEB Experts Underscore Relevance Of Animal, Environmental Preservation

By Laura Uzu

Dr. Osikemekha Anthony Anani, Head of the Department of Animal and Environmental Biology at Delta State University, Abraka, has emphasized the importance of preserving animals for educational, research, and environmental purposes.

Anani described the university’s Animal and Environmental (AEB) Biology Museum as a hub for learning, discovery, and the appreciation of both livestock and wildlife.

According to him, the AEB Museum is not only an academic resource but also a community asset that allows students, researchers, and the general public to explore the natural world.

“Animals are used as bio-sensors to indicate whether the environment is polluted or in good condition”, he said.

“They also serve as models to help solve human and environmental problems, including health issues.

“These animals indicate the level of parasites in an ecosystem and help predict future impacts on humans and the environment.”

The Head of Department further noted that the study of Animal and Environmental Biology has greatly contributed to society’s understanding of biodiversity, ecosystems, and natural habitats, adding that it has also improved awareness of zoonotic diseases, such as Ebola, linked to fruit bats and discovered in Nigeria on July 20, 2014, and Lassa fever, first identified in 1969 and associated with infected rodents.

Anani also highlighted that using animals in research has reduced the ethical and practical challenges associated with human experimentation.

“Rather than using humans for experiments, animals, especially mammals that share biological similarities with humans, are now used as practical tools to solve problems affecting both people and the environment.

“People often think that studying Animal and Environmental Biology will limit them to working in zoos, but today, our graduates work in various industries, including oil companies, serve as environmental consultants, and work as hydrobiologists and aquatic ecologists.”

On her part, Dr. Kadiene Uzoma, also lecturer in AEB Department, explained that the museum is home to various preserved species, including reptiles, amphibians, birds (Aves), mammals, and even submerged aquatic plants.

She stated: “The AEB Museum is a place where different species are kept, nurtured, and preserved for long-term study.

“The animals are preserved through a process that involves chloroform for humane euthanasia and formalin for disinfection and long-term preservation.

“This ensures that specimens are safely maintained for educational use without decaying quickly.”

Uzoma emphasised that the museum is essential for research and practical experiments, but it also serves a broader role of welcoming tourists and visitors from different locations, offering them the opportunity to explore the beauty of nature and gain a deeper understanding of animal life and environmental systems.