Cross River Gorilla

WWF has supported various research related conservation activities and field projects in cross river gorilla habitat in both Cameroon and Nigeria over the last twenty years. Among other activities, it has provided financial support for gorilla surveys in Cameroon’s Takamanda Forest Reserve and technical and financial support for the management of Nigeria’s Cross River National Park, working in partnership with a variety of governmental and non-governmental organizations.

Partnering with WCS

In 2004, WWF started supporting a new project aimed at saving cross river gorillas. The project is being implemented in partnership with the Wildlife Conservation Society and the Cameroonian and Nigerian governments. The program is enhancing our understanding of the gorilla’s biology and assisting with law enforcement activities while also generating community-based support for conservation. The challenges of conserving cross river gorillas are huge and require a unified approach.

Some of the project goals include:

• strengthening protection and law enforcement measures for all cross river gorilla populations
• developing a land-use plan for the Takamanda-Mone-Mbulu forest complex in Cameroon, which includes the creation of a protected area at Kagwene Mountain and provisions for maintaining or recreating forested corridors
• continuing research into the ecology, distribution and population biology of the gorillas including the monitoring of existing study populations
• strengthening and expanding conservation education and awareness programs at all levels, from local communities to government
• contributing to the capacity of institutions in Cameroon and Nigeria that can assist cross river gorilla conservation, through direct support and training

Sustainable forest management

Since 2002, WWF alongside local and other international NGOs have been working with logging companies, local communities and Cameroon’s Ministry of Forest and Wildlife to ensure sustainable forest management. WWF has been accompanying logging companies engaged in the Forest Stewardship Council through the certification process and working with local communities to set up community forest enterprises. Companies seeking certification must undertake responsibilities to protect sensitive wildlife corridors, contribute in the fight against poaching and protect rivers, streams and marshy areas within the concession they are logging.