Save The Cross River Gorillas From Extinction

Partner Snapshot

The Challenge

Fragmentation of wildlife subpopulations in the Eastern and Lebialem Highlands of Cameroon is leading to inbreeding and the potential local extinction of species. The Cross River gorilla, with fewer than 300 individuals remaining in the wild, is the world's most threatened primate. Chimpanzees, forest elephants, and western lowland gorillas also face severe threats due to widespread deforestation, logging, land grabbing, and rapid urbanization.

The international pet trade exacerbates the decline of these species, while the local economy's suppression and extreme poverty drive communities to rely heavily on forest resources for survival. The lack of comprehensive education and career development programs limits alternatives for locals. Government rangers, tasked with protecting these habitats, are also insufficient in number, further weakening conservation efforts.

Urgent Solutions

Immediate action is required to address the critical conservation challenges in Cameroon. To protect endangered species and support local communities, the following solutions are essential:

1. Designation of Conservation Areas: Support the official designation of the Deng Deng Technical Operational Unit and the creation of six community-conserved areas to protect vital habitats.
2. Wildlife Monitoring: Develop a comprehensive database tracking the distribution of key wildlife species, including migratory routes for great apes and African forest elephants.
3. Economic Empowerment: Invest in initiatives that lift impoverished communities out of poverty, such as gorilla-based ecotourism, the valorization of non-timber forest products (NTFPs), agricultural ventures, cooperative development, and improved market access.

4. Education and Capacity Building: Implement a sustainable development education strategy focused on ecosystem management, skills training, and capacity development for local communities.
5. Carbon Finance: Support the development of carbon finance mechanisms to ensure long-term funding for conservation efforts.
6. Ecological Corridor Management: Establish and manage ecological corridors to promote species connectivity and reduce inbreeding.
Together, these solutions will help safeguard Cameroon's biodiversity while providing sustainable livelihoods for its communities, ensuring a brighter future for both people and wildlife.

Why Your Donation Matters

Your donations will help create and maintain community-conserved areas spanning 1.58 million acres, safeguarding critical habitats and establishing ecological corridors to prevent inbreeding and extinction of endangered species like great apes and elephants.

• Conservation Area Management Your support will help designate and manage the Deng Deng Technical Operational Unit and six community-conserved areas to protect vital habitats.
• Alternative Livelihoods By supporting economic development, your funds will provide sustainable livelihood alternatives for impoverished communities, reducing their dependence on forest and wildlife resources.
• Education and Capacity Building Education and training programs for local stakeholders will encourage sustainable practices and create opportunities beyond resource depletion.

In addition, research and biomonitoring initiatives will help combat poaching and habitat destruction. Your contributions are vital in implementing long-term solutions to the current conservation challenges, ensuring a sustainable future for both wildlife and local communities.

Partner Qualifications