Training of Forest Guards and Community Field Guides 2021

Training of eco-guards and community field guides was done in two sessions. The first part was the theory in which power point presentations were made on camera trapping, GPS, compass, and data entering and SMART in law enforcement and patrols. Three camera traps were used for demonstration. This was focused on setting up the camera, parts of the camera, how to insert the SD Cards, how to position a camera in the forest, the height of the camera on the tree and the spacing of camera traps. The use of GPS, compass and binoculars were also a main focus of the training. Well designed data sheets were distributed to all the eco-guards and community guides for sample data collection in the field.

After the theory in which it was understood that the trainees were well equipped with the knowledge gathered, we then went to the forest for practical sessions. The practical phase was focused on movement along transects, data collection including physical detection of species, signs (dung, footprints, track, nests, vocalisation, feeding signs and all human activities). This training took a total of 10 days especially for community members. The local population advised that it was very important to include more community field guides for the training since eco- guards suffer from government transfers. Due to the Anglophone crisis that affects government uniform men, eco-guards were trained at the Limbe Botanical Garden. This advice came from the conservator Mr Walters Ashu. We contacted the conservator of the garden who gave us the permission. Community guides were trained in the park.