Cross River Gorillas are classified by the IUCN as Critically Endangered. The conservation status of these great apes is precarious due to habitat fragmentation and increasing human pressure across the Lebialem Highlands and Mone gorilla range. The project will lead to the upgrading of these areas into fully protected areas with management status.

The Cross River gorilla is Africa’s most endangered African primate and one of the world’s 25 most endangered primate species. There are currently just 250-300 individuals still present in the wild.

Gorilla Habitat Gorilla Habitat

Lebialem Forest Lebialem Forest

Lebialem HighlandsLebialem Highlands

Project Needs

The greatest threats facing the conservation of gorillas and other primates are the conversion of forests to farms and plantations, slash and burn agriculture, commercial logging habitat fragmentation, and most especially hunting and illegal trade of bush meat. As part of this project we will determine the current distribution of these great apes and the degree to which these threats are influencing population size, distribution and abundance.

Urgent support is needed to facilitate the establishment of protected areas and actively engage local communities in the planning process, as well as development of alternative livelihood activities.

Objectives of this project

• Goal of this project is to protect Cross River Gorillas across the Lebialem Highlands and Mone Forest area in Western Cameroon through research, conservation and development of alternative income generating opportunities. The project fosters community participation in conservation planning and provides immediate action to protect key wildlife areas.

Activities

• Surveys of the status and distribution of Cross River Gorillas, including assessment of forest fragmentation and other local threats to their survival.
• Participatory development of a sustainable management plan for the Lebialem Highlands rainforest ecosystems.
• Build the capacity of local staff of NGOs and community groups to manage and conserve forests biodiversity effectively.
• Promote community-based forest and wildlife conservation through environmental education in local schools and villages.
• Poverty alleviation through alternative income generating initiatives.

Beneficiaries

More than 40 villages (fondoms/chiefdoms), 50 primary schools, 20 secondary schools, more than 200 teachers and 5000 school children will benefit from conservation, sustainable development and education activities developed by the project partners.