Pandam Wildlife Park in Qua’an Pan Local Government Area of Plateau State is one of the largest game reserves in Nigeria. It was so designated in 1972 by the then Military Governor of Benue-Plateau, Joseph Gomwalk, of blessed memory. The Park covers a land mass of about 224sq Km of untouched savanna wetlands and forest and is home to many species of wild animals, including antelopes, shy duikers, warthogs and monkeys living in the natural environment.
Apart from these, hippopotamus and the rare African manatee are found inside the fresh water of Pandam Lake. It is indeed an interesting sight for tourists who would like to see the brilliantly colored parrots and other rare bird species in the park.
The park has over the years provided a place for visitors to learn about the beauty of nature and enjoy the natural environment. Parks such as the one in Pandam exist to ensure that pleasure seekers, now and in the future, are able to experience for themselves their country’s rich natural heritage.
Oftentimes tourists engage in activities the park provides such as picnicking, game viewing, bird watching, sport fishing, as well as boating and canoeing on the Pandam Lake with self-guided trails.
Because of its obvious economic potentials, the then military governments decided to build 20 chalets, a multi-purpose hall and a manager’s house in the park. The nature reserve, apart from being a tourist destination, is equally a research haven for researchers in aqua culture and environmental related investigations by scientists over the years.
In the 70s to late the 80s, the park hosted many government activities due to its serenity. Also, in the late 90s, with the return of democracy, the park served as a venue for political meetings and rallies.
However, today, sadly, the story has changed to one of total rot and decay in this rare but unique tourism facility. At the moment, the park has suffered so much neglect and this can be attributed to the lackluster attitude of past administrations in the state. This development has turned the Pandam Wildlife Park into a robbers’ den where all sort of criminality is committed unhindered