Save Africa's most endangered gorillas

We are pleased to provide you with an update on the significant progress achieved in our conservation endeavors for the critically endangered Cross River gorillas. Your support has enabled us to successfully carry out essential conservation measures to safeguard these majestic creatures and their natural habitat.

In the past months, significant strides have been made in addressing the challenges associated with the protection of the targeted species and habitat areas. The approach was multi-faceted, engaging various stakeholders in the process. Here are the key accomplishments:

Community Engagement and Capacity Building

The project focused extensively on community involvement and conservation education. Local communities were sensitized and actively engaged in community-based conservation efforts. We successfully conducted outreach and awareness programs, as well as capacity development. Youth, eco-guards, and community leaders received training in bio-monitoring methods and tools. Involving community members in activities such as bio-monitoring and surveillance is crucial, as they possess in-depth knowledge of the local area. These efforts collectively fostered environmental stewardship among the local community, enhancing their commitment to biodiversity protection.

Management Plans

Collaboration with relevant government departments and authorities in Cameroon plays a pivotal role in ensuring project success. Major emphasis was placed on involving these entities in the creation of Management Plans for community forests in the target areas. This inclusive process promoted the involvement of all key stakeholders in setting priorities for the conservation and management of endangered species, with a particular focus on the Cross River gorilla.

Habitat Protection and Conservation

Capacity development within local institutions and communities, along with the creation of Management Plans, is paving the way for long-term conservation of great ape and their habitat. These management plans are important in ensuring the long-term protection and sustainable maintenance of the rainforest. Simultaneously, they enable a sustainable supply of natural products and services to meet the needs of local communities, thus reducing their dependence on forest resources. This approach not only safeguards habitats but also fulfills the specific requirements of various species, contributing to their protection.

The project's activities and achievements are creating a strong foundation for the continued conservation of endangered species and their habitats. Through community engagement, government collaboration, and bottom-up conservation strategies, the project has made substantial progress towards its goals.

We would like to share an update about progress made in our conservation efforts for the critically endangered Cross River gorillas. Thanks to your generous contributions, we have been able to implement vital conservation actions to protect these majestic creatures and their habitat.

One of our key initiatives involved training community-based farmers and hunters as Community Rangers in the Tofala Hill Wildlife Sanctuary forest and the Tofala-Mone forest corridor. These dedicated individuals have played a crucial role in collecting essential field data, working closely with our Great Apes Program. Their expertise and involvement have been instrumental in assessing the impacts of threats and evaluating the effectiveness of our conservation programs.

In the Tofala forest site, we introduced innovative camera traps for monitoring purposes, allowing us to capture valuable insights into the lives of the Cross River gorillas. Additionally, regular monthly bio-monitoring activities were carried out in the Tofala-Mone forest corridor. We employed a combination of recce and line transect survey methods to gather comprehensive data, including indirect signs of apes, direct observations, and human signs.

We identified a total of 8 gorilla nest sites, comprising 8 tree nests and 30 ground nests. In addition, we discovered a resting nest and dung. Alongside these findings, we documented 13 feeding signs, 8 trails, and even discovered hair on one of the nests. The nesting group sizes varied, with an average nest height ranging from 1m to 4m.

Our conservation endeavors extended beyond gorillas, as we also documented significant findings related to chimpanzees. During our surveys, we encountered chimpanzee nest sites, consisting of 67 tree nests and 21 ground nests. Moreover, we recorded 7 feeding signs, 3 dung piles, 29 trails, 2 footprints, and 17 vocalizations, providing valuable insights into the lives of these fascinating creatures.

Our surveys also revealed signs of human pressure, including 21 farmlands, 12 gunshots, 39 snares, 3 hunting huts, 24 hunting trails, and 32 discarded gun shells. It is crucial that we continue our efforts to combat these challenges and protect the remarkable biodiversity found within the Cross River gorilla habitat.

None of these achievements would have been possible without your invaluable support. Your commitment to conservation has made a significant impact in safeguarding the Cross River gorillas and their fragile ecosystem. We invite you to join us in our continued efforts to protect these incredible gorillas and promote a sustainable future for our planet. Together, we can!