Survey of the Nigeria-Cameroon Chimpanzee and Pangolin Population 2023

The project made use of both biological and socioeconomic survey methods. For biological survey, the park was divided into 15 blocks. This was to avoid bias in data collection on chimpanzees and pangolins and human activities affecting their distribution. The line transect technique was employed. In the study area a total of 35 3km line transects were randomly laid with the use of the GIS software. With the help of the GPS, the transect end points were located from our position. These points were trailed using the compass by following the orientation of the angle given by the GPS. Where necessary, a machete was used to trim impeding portions of the vegetation along transects to ensure easy access and identification of pangolin or their signs. Data recorded included number of chimpanzee vocalisations, nests and feeding signs as well as pangolins signs, habitat characteristics, activity, habitat type, weather condition, time of day and season. Human signs were also recorded and included farms (active and abandoned), settlements, snares, gun shells, gun sounds, hunting camps, hyrax snares, human paths, hunting camps, dogs and actual sightings of hunters. The survey started in February to July 2021.

Results obtained from the field detected a troop of chimpanzees with 11 individuals sighted in impenetrable rocky landscape at Etchem, 17 chimpanzee nests were also detected: three very old, eight old and seven recent nests. Most of the nests were detected in hilly rocky gallery forests while three were found in thick woody savanna. A total of 27 vocalisations were recorded across all vegetation types in the park. Twenty of these vocalisations were detected in highly steep rocky landscapes where chimpanzees have been resorted due to high human pressure from habitat fragmentation and hunting activities.

A total of 106 signs of pangolin were encountered along transects, recce and opportunistically, 12 live pangolins were encountered through recce walk and 28 live pangolins were encountered opportunistically in the woody savanna. The highest number of pangolins encountered opportunistically was in the dry season between December and February. This period in the park is called the “pangolin season” because even women encounter and pick live pangolins. This harmless species continuously being present in the park is through the mercy of God as it is being harvested throughout time. We were happy that two live pangolins were taken from a hunter and released back to the wild. Other species and signs detected were the olive baboons, velvet monkeys, mona monkeys, putty nosed monkeys, patas monkey, bay duikers, blue duikers, antelopes, cane rat, African civet, African wild cat, rock hyrax, porcupine, the monitor lizards and rock pythons. These species were detected in both ecosystems, lowland forests, gallery forests, woody savanna, grassland savanna and swampy ecosystem. A greater proportion of rodents were detected in the savanna and gallery forests. We detected some human activities including snares, gin traps, gun shell, farms, human paths and the timber exploitation in the park which remain potential threats to these protected species in the park.