Adopting Malaysia's tolerance for monkeys in Nigeria's forests: exploring the potential for entrepreneurship in wildlife conservation and sustainable tourism

Monkeys in Nigerian forests have frequently caused conflicts between local communities and wildlife conservationists. In contrast, Malaysia’s wildlife conservation approach, which emphasizes tolerance toward monkeys, has demonstrated positive outcomes. This study investigates the potential for entrepreneurship in wildlife conservation and sustainable tourism in Nigeria by adapting Malaysia’s monkey tolerance strategies. A mixed-methods research design was employed, incorporating a review of relevant literature, online surveys, and interviews with key stakeholders. The findings indicate that Malaysia’s conservation model could be adapted to Nigeria’s forest ecosystems, provided there is a shift in public perception of monkeys from being viewed as pests and threats to crops. However, inadequate infrastructure, limited funding, and insufficient political commitment remain major barriers to implementation. The study recommends that wildlife conservation organizations in Nigeria promote ecotourism as a means of generating income while preserving the natural habitats of monkeys. It also emphasizes the importance of collaboration among the Nigerian government, conservation agencies, and other stakeholders to overcome these challenges. Adopting Malaysia’s tolerance-based conservation strategy presents a promising entrepreneurial opportunity for wildlife conservation and sustainable tourism, although its success depends on changing public attitudes and increasing investments in infrastructure, financial resources, and political support. If effectively implemented, this approach could provide long-term benefits for the government, conservationists, and local communities.