Save Africa's most endangered gorillas

The Tofala Hill Wildlife Sanctuary (THWS) in Cameroon is a critical biodiversity hotspot and home to endangered species like the Nigeria-Cameroon chimpanzees and Cross River gorillas. Between April and September 2024, the prject team conducted bio-monitoring to assess population dynamics, habitat quality, and threats to wildlife. The findings offer critical insights into conservation priorities and challenges in this protected area.

Objectives and Methodology

The bio-monitoring program aimed to:

1. 1.Assess population densities and distributions of great apes and other species.
2. 2.Evaluate habitat quality and connectivity.
3. 3.Identify and monitor threats such as poaching, habitat encroachment, and human-wildlife conflict.
4. 4.Inform conservation strategies and promote community involvement.

The team employed recce surveys and camera trapping. Recce walks systematically documented direct (sightings) and indirect (nests, feeding signs, vocalizations) evidence of species presence. Camera traps captured photographic data, providing insights into population structure and behavior.

Key Findings

Great Ape Populations

• Chimpanzees: Across the surveyed period, data indicated increasing chimpanzee activity. Camera traps captured significant evidence, including mother-infant pairs, highlighting reproduction and a healthy population dynamic. A total of 71 chimpanzee nests were recorded in April, 46 in June, and 18 in September. Vocalizations and feeding signs were also prevalent, affirming their reliance on the sanctuary’s resources.
• Cross River Gorillas: Fewer signs of gorilla presence were noted compared to chimpanzees. Observations included limited feeding signs and a single footprint, reflecting a smaller, more elusive population.

Other Wildlife

The sanctuary hosts diverse species critical to ecosystem health, including:

• Birds: Bannerman’s Turaco, hornbills, and other avian species enrich the sanctuary’s biodiversity.
• Mammals: Duikers, pangolins, bush pigs, monkeys, porcupines, and squirrels were recorded through camera traps and field observations. Pangolins, targeted in illegal wildlife trade, require urgent protection.
• Reptiles and Amphibians: Snakes and frogs were also documented, contributing to the sanctuary’s ecological complexity.

Habitat Quality

The sanctuary’s natural habitat is increasingly degraded due to human activities and natural threats. Farming, illegal settlements, and forest exploitation reduce habitat quality, forcing animals into human-dominated areas, increasing conflict risks.

Threats Identified

1. Human Pressure: Encroachment, farming, and poaching remain the primary threats. Between 2006 and 2017, illegal settlements in the sanctuary surged from 18,000 to 50,000. Evidence of gun shells, bush huts, and wire snares underscore ongoing human-wildlife conflict.
2. 2.Climate and Natural Hazards: Excessive rainfall, erosion, and landslides have further degraded habitats, impacting food availability for wildlife.
3. 3.Human-Wildlife Conflict: Crop raiding by wildlife and retaliatory killings escalate tensions, with several elephant deaths reported in 2020 due to such incidents.

Conservation Recommendations

1. 1.Anti-Poaching and Law Enforcement: Strengthen surveillance and law enforcement to curb poaching and habitat encroachment. Engage community rangers to bolster patrolling efforts.
2. 2.Habitat Restoration: Rehabilitate degraded areas and ensure habitat connectivity to support wildlife movement and population growth.
3. 3.Community Engagement: Foster education and awareness campaigns to build local support for conservation. Promote sustainable livelihoods, including ecotourism and alternative energy sources, to reduce forest dependence.
4. 4.Research and Monitoring: Continue collaborations with local and international researchers to deepen understanding of population trends and ecological dynamics.
5. 5.Livelihood Programs: Address community grievances by providing resources like mills, poultry, fish ponds, and water systems, as requested during community assessments.

The Tofala Hill Wildlife Sanctuary remains a vital refuge for endangered species and a critical component of Cameroon’s natural heritage. Bio-monitoring efforts have highlighted its significance in conserving great apes and other wildlife while underscoring urgent conservation needs. Sustained efforts, community collaboration, and strategic planning are essential to ensure the sanctuary continues to support biodiversity and coexistence between humans and wildlife.

In the heart of the Lebialem Highlands, there is Tofala Hills Wildlife Sanctuary. Our dedicated group of community rangers is making significant strides in protecting some of the world’s most endangered species, including the Cross River gorillas and Nigeria-Cameroon chimpanzees. Operating under the challenging circumstances of the Anglophone crisis, these rangers, trained and supported with your help, are proving that local involvement is crucial for effective conservation.

Thriving in Adversity

The community rangers, many of whom were once hunters, have undergone extensive training to become citizen scientists. Their transformation is a testament to the power of local knowledge and engagement in conservation efforts. The leader of the rangers emphasizes the area’s rich biodiversity: “Tofala Hills Wildlife Sanctuary is home to numerous species, including duikers, giant pangolins, Cross River gorillas, and Nigeria-Cameroon chimpanzees. Our work has expanded our understanding of these species and their habitats”.

The community rangers navigate the dense forest of the Tofala Hill Wildlife Sanctuary, constantly vigilant for snare traps and signs of human activity. This sanctuary is under threat not only from poachers but also from separatist militia fighting for independence from Cameroon. The rangers face significant challenges, operating undercover in plainclothes to avoid being mistaken for government forces by the militia.

Tangible Impacts

Our Community Rangers Support Project has had a profound impact on both wildlife conservation and the rangers’ lives. A former gatherer of forest products, shares, “The project has been a breakthrough for me. I can now provide for my family’s needs and contribute to wildlife conservation.” Similarly, the eldest ranger reflects on his journey from hunter to protector. “I used to hunt monkeys, gorillas, and chimps. Now, I understand their importance for the survival of our forests, and thus for ourselves, and am committed to their protection.”

Achievements and Discoveries

Since 2018, community rangers have been the primary source of ecological data in the Lebialem Highlands, contributing 100% of species and habitat records in the region. Their efforts have led to the discovery of new species, including the white-crested hornbill (Horizocerus albocristatus). This data is vital for making informed conservation decisions and effectively addressing threats to biodiversity.

Broader Benefits

Beyond scientific contributions, the involvement of community rangers has brought numerous benefits. It has enhanced their skills, improved their livelihoods, and fostered a sense of connection to their environment. Citizen science supports researchers in exploring the well-being, governance, and ecological knowledge of indigenous peoples and local communities. It is a robust way to understand human-environment interactions.

A Vision for the Future

Our project, supported by GlobalGiving, aims to empower local communities through ongoing training and capacity-building. By integrating traditional ecological knowledge with scientific research, the Community Rangers Support Project ensures that conservation efforts are sustainable and impactful. Our current needs include recruiting and training more Community Rangers, acquiring resources for patrols and monitoring, and obtaining trail cameras that can provide vital data on wildlife movements and behaviors. These resources will enhance our ability to protect endangered species, gather accurate ecological data, and respond swiftly to emerging threats.