Nigeria

WCS in Nigeria


The rainforest regions of Nigeria are widely recognized as biodiversity hotspots of global significance. The region is characterized by high species richness as well as numerous endemic species, including the extremely rare Cross River gorilla subspecies. WCS initially supported the first study of this little known subspecies of gorilla in 1996, and since 2001, has worked with the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) to support biodiversity research throughout south-eastern Nigeria. In particular, WCS has been focusing on the Afi and Mbe Mountain chain which links with the Cross River National Park as well as the Takamanda-Mone Forest in Cameroon, forming a rich landscape that offers refuge for plant and animal diversity.

The Human Aspect
Communities surrounding the protected areas depend on agriculture and face the constant need for farmland.  Currently, there are few systems in place that encourage community management of protected land that incorporates sustainable use. WCS is currently working with local stakeholders and governmental agencies in the Mbe Mountains to develop a community-led model for protected area conservation in Nigeria.

Threats
With only about 6% of land contained in protected areas, a major threat to conservation in Nigeria is continued deforestation and habitat loss. Unmanaged logging and the increased need for agricultural land lead to further fragmentation of remaining forest with the result that protected areas are becoming increasingly isolated.  However, it is the uncontrolled hunting of wildlife to supply the lucrative bushmeat trade that is the most urgent and immediate priority. A general lack of awareness of conservation issues in communities surrounding the protected areas also presents a major obstacle which WCS is addressing with a comprehensive education campaign.

WCS Activities
WCS conservationists continue to identify and monitor remaining gorilla subpopulations using noninvasive techniques such as genetic analysis and remote sensing. This work has proven vital in highlighting the need to preserve corridors that allow connectivity between gorilla groups and investigate the extent of their range use outside of protected areas. WCS has also hosted a series of regional workshops focused on the Cross River gorilla and has worked closely with the Nigerian government to make gorilla conservation a priority.  WCS’s continued presence, as well as WCS sponsored training and equipment for ranger patrols, has resulted in the promising sign that no Cross River gorilla has been confirmed killed in the last five years.

WCS expanded its work to include a broader landscape approach with the initiation of the Biodiversity Research Program in 2001. WCS conservationists are conducting extensive surveys at a variety of sites in order to evaluate the conservation status of little known areas, particularly those outside of protected areas. Recent surveys of butterflies, birds, amphibians, and fish have discovered species previously unknown to Nigeria. In addition, WCS is conducting a survey of chimpanzees in the southwest region of Nigeria in order to determine their status in this poorly studied and very threatened area. We are collaborating with the University of Calabar to establish a biodiversity research center and training program for Nigerian students. We also work closely with the Nigerian government as well as the WCS Cameroon program in order to inform management plans and transboundary collaboration. In collaboration with NCF, we are expanding our education program and awareness campaign to incorporate teacher training and lesson plans as well as multimedia presentations.

Important Next Steps
• Support the development and legal registration of the Mbe Mountains Community Wildlife Sanctuary, which serves as a corridor linking the Afi Mountain Wildlife Sanctuary and the Cross River National Park.
• Assist the National Park Service to complete the development of a management plan for the Cross River National Park.
• Improve knowledge of gorilla population biology within Cross River National Park.
• Expand education and awareness programs in areas bordering gorilla habitat around Afi  and Mbe Mountains.

The  Obudu Plateau, with the Mbe and Afi Mountains in the background,  contains important gorilla habitat