Advancing Conservation for the Cross River Gorilla in Nigeria
September 20, 2024
In the heart of Nigeria’s Afi Mountain Wildlife Sanctuary, efforts are underway to learn more about the world’s rarest great ape – the Cross River gorilla. These gorillas inhabit the tropical moist rainforest regions along the Nigeria-Cameroon border, spread across an area of about 12,000 km2.
Recently, trail cameras in the region captured stunning footage of two Silverback (mature male) gorillas, in different parts of the sanctuary: one in the southern portion and one in the northern part. Researchers were particularly thrilled about the northern sighting due to the higher level of human activity in that area.
These extraordinary sightings mark the first successful photos since three graduate students at the University of Calabar in Nigeria began studying this elusive subspecies last year as part of the Cross River Gorilla Initiative.
The Cross River Gorilla Initiative
The Cross River Gorilla Initiative, a collaboration between the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF), the Centre for Biodiversity Conservation Research, and supported by the Wilder Institute, is dedicated to gathering crucial information about the Critically Endangered Cross River gorilla.
Central to this initiative is a graduate student scholarship program at the University of Calabar in Cross River State, Nigeria. This program sponsors one doctoral and four master’s research projects, each focusing on various aspects of Cross River gorilla conservation. These selected students engage in field research, receive specialized training, and participate in internships and field study trips, honing the skills and knowledge necessary to lead future conservation endeavors.
In January 2023, the inaugural cohort of three students were selected for the scholarship program. Each research project is addressing diverse topics aimed at understanding and supporting the recovery of the Cross River gorilla.
Get to Know the Students and Their Research Projects
Agabi Eneji David, an M.Sc. candidate, is delving into the significance of community education in wildlife conservation within the Afi Mountain Wildlife Sanctuary. His research involves conducting focus groups and facilitating surveys among local communities to gauge their understanding and attitudes about conservation initiatives. By pinpointing human factors that impede conservation efforts, Agabi’s research aims to advance more impactful and inclusive strategies for safeguarding the Cross River gorilla, ensuring that community members are engaged participants in preserving wildlife and their habitats.
Agabi Eneji David Community Education and Conservation
Ph.D. candidate Ayambem Wilfred Akonjom is investigating the influence of land-use patterns on the Cross River gorilla population. His research entails setting up sample plots within the sanctuary to gather data on the vegetation that gorillas consume, offering insights into their dietary preferences and habitat needs. By discerning the ways in which human activities such as agriculture and deforestation impact gorilla habitats, Ayambem’s research aims to inform the development of strategies to mitigate these pressures.
Ayambem Wilfred Akonjom: Land-Use Patterns and Gorilla Populations
Adekanmbi Cole Adeyinka, currently pursuing an M.Sc., focuses his research on employing trail cameras to study the distribution and abundance of Cross River gorillas. His work aims to evaluate the accuracy and efficiency of cameras in collecting data on gorilla populations and estimating their numbers within the Afi Mountain Wildlife Sanctuary. Additionally, Adekanmbi investigates habitat threats, such as deforestation and human-wildlife conflict, providing insights into the challenges facing gorilla conservation efforts.
Ayambem Wilfred Akonjom: Land-Use Patterns and Gorilla Populations
Recently, Adekanmbi’s trail cameras captured images of two Critically Endangered Cross River gorilla silverbacks. This discovery is of considerable significance as it offers tangible evidence of these elusive gorillas and underscores the effectiveness of trail cameras in monitoring their populations. The sighting of these silverbacks emphasizes the importance of ongoing research and conservation efforts.
Looking to the Future: The Path Forward
Harnessing the strength of collaboration, the Cross River Gorilla Initiative is empowering Nigerian students and involving local communities in addressing knowledge gaps and conservation challenges head-on. As these students progress in their research, their findings will help deepen our understanding of this Critically Endangered species.
With your generous support, the Cross River Gorilla Initiative is dedicated to securing a brighter future for the world’s rarest great ape. By taking proactive measures, we aspire to ensure that this remarkable species remains an integral part of our natural world for generations to come.
