The Nigerian-Cameroon chimpanzees inhabit the cross border region of these two countries. They are considered to be the most endangered of all the African chimpanzees, with less than 8000 individuals left in the wild. If nothing is done these primates will be extinct in 20 years. You can help to protect the chimpanzees and their habitat in the South West Province of Cameroon.

Only about 5000 Nigerian-Cameroon chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes vellerosus) are found in Cameroon, most of them in unprotected areas.

The Lebialem Highlands are located on the mountainous northeastern part of the South West Province of Cameroon. This highland region is one of the most accidental landscapes with very fragile ecosystems within the western highlands of Cameroon, characterized by several isolated peaks and steep valleys. 

Project Needs

Threats to chimpanzee conservation in the region include habitat fragmentation, farmers’ encroachment, poaching and hunting as well as acute poverty. One of the forest blocks is currently under a logging concession. The cross-border bushmeat trade from the Lebialem Highlands into Nigeria threatens these primates as well. The Nigerian-Cameroon chimpanzees are seriously endangered and we must act now if they are to survive.

Objectives

• The main goal of this project is to protect the Nigerian-Cameroon chimpanzees and their habitat in the Lebialem Highlands, the Bechati-Mone Forest corridor and other key areas in West Cameroon. This will include surveys and monitoring, education and the establishment community conservation areas. The project actively engages community members in the process and provides immediate action to protect key wildlife areas.

Activities

• Surveys of the status and distribution of the chimpanzee populations;
• Identification pf local conservation threats and opportunities;
• Development of a conservation strategy using participatory tools and methodologies;
• Training of community members and local staff to manage and conserve forests biodiversity effectively;
• Promote community-based forest and wildlife conservation through environmental education in local schools and villages.

Beneficiaries

The project will contribute to improved forest management and the development of local wildlife protection regulations. Sustainable sources of livelihoods like eco-tourism will be promoted as one of the sustainable alternative livelihood options in the area. Local communities, primary schools, secondary schools, teachers and school children will benefit from conservation, sustainable development and education activities developed by the project partners.