Save Africa's most endangered gorillas

In Cameroon’s breathtaking Lebialem Highlands, one of Africa’s richest biodiversity zones, the Cross River gorilla and other endangered species face increasing threats as development and regional unrest undermine forest protection. Despite these challenges, the Community Rangers, Village Forest Committees (VFCs), and Community Forests in the region are rising as frontline defenders of this critical rainforest habitat.

Over the past three months,  we have focused intensively on capacity development—enhancing skills, knowledge, and coordination among local stewards.

1. Training and Mentorship for Community Rangers

Six Community Rangers—60% of whom are women—continued their hands-on training in wildlife monitoring methodologies. They deployed camera traps, conducted field surveys, and documented (nest) sightings of Cross River gorillas and Nigeria–Cameroon chimpanzees, reaffirming the viability of the Tofala Hill Wildlife Sanctuary as their habitat. These monitoring data represent critical evidence to policymakers and conservation planners.

2. Strengthening Village Forest Committees

We delivered interactive workshops to VFC members. Topics included forest governance, patrolling techniques, and conflict resolution. These sessions empowered committee members to organize regular patrols—reducing illegal logging, hunting, and encroachment threats.

3. Community Forest Management Planning

Local communities advanced their management plans for designated community forests. With technical guidance, leaders are defining sustainable resource use rules, and setting aside zones for regeneration and biodiversity conservation. These plans feed into our broader goal of consolidating a network of protected areas and corridors covering over 130,000 hectares in the Lebialem landscape.

Why This Work Matters

Community-led capacity building is fundamental to securing long-term protection of the Cross River gorilla’s habitat—especially given ongoing instability and reduced government presence in the region. By empowering local rangers and forest stewards, we ensure that conservation continues even amid adversity.

Looking Ahead

In the coming months, we’ll expand training to additional community rangers and VFCs, scale up monitoring efforts across more forest zones, and formalize community forest networks that link the Tofala Hill Sanctuary with wider corridors in Lebialem.

With your support, we are enabling communities to protect, monitor, and restore one of Africa’s last strongholds for its most critically endangered great apes.

Thank you for partnering with the African Conservation Foundation to support this essential work.