The Project
Cross River Gorilla Surveys in the Highland Rainforests of South West Cameroon

Research has revealed that fewer than 250-300 Cross River Gorillas remain in the border region of Nigeria and Cameroon. Their current range is very fragmented and most gorilla signs have been found in 11 discrete localities. From 2004-2007, systematic surveys were conducted in the Bechati-Mone Forest Corridor in order to establish and protect the ecological and genetic connectivity between great ape populations in Lebialem and Mone River Forest Reserve. The main goal of the Western Cameroon Great Apes Programme is to protect and conserve the Cross River Gorilla and Nigeria/Cameroon chimpanzees, through research and the development of participatory biodiversity management strategies. The African Conservation Foundation has partnered with the Environment and Rural Development Foundation to implement community-based sustainable forest management and alternative livelihood-support mechanisms and strategies, which have been designed and realised with the local stakeholders through a participatory process. Forest management projects have been established in nine out of ten local villages. Since Cross River Gorillas inhabit a region with a high numbers of species - many which are endemic - measures that conserve the gorillas’ habitat will, at the same time, protect many other endangered species that are restricted to this range.

Side Trips

Visits to local villages, palaces and schools; and a trip to the Limbe Wildlife Centre - a rescue and rehabilitation facility for primates.