World’s rarest ape captured on trail cameras in Cross River wildlife sanctuary

Graduate students at the University of Calabar have captured stunning footage of the world’s rarest great ape – the Cross River gorilla in the Afi Mountain Wildlife Sanctuary.

The extraordinary sightings with the trail cameras mark the first successful photos since graduate students began studying this elusive subspecies last year as part of the Cross River Gorilla initiative. The two Silverback (mature males) gorillas were spotted in different parts of the sanctuary: one in the southern portion of the sanctuary and one in the northern portion.

The sanctuary is in Boki LGA, Cross River State. Researchers were particularly excited about the capture at the northern portion due to the higher level of human activity in that area. “This sighting is more than a visual success,” said Adekambi Adeyinka, an M.Sc student of the Department of Forestry and Wildlife, University of Calabar.

“It underscores the importance of community involvement and innovative research in conservation. By working closely with local communities, we are not only gathering crucial data but also fostering a deeper understanding and commitment to protecting these incredible great apes and their habitat,” he added.

Two years ago, a five-year Community Conservation Graduate Student Scholarship Programme for the Conservation of Cross River Gorilla funded by the Wilder Institute – Calgary Zoo and implemented by the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) in partnership with the Centre for Biodiversity Conservation Research (CBCR) was started at the University of Calabar. The programme involves supporting graduate research projects in Nigeria, including scholarships for one Ph.D. student and four master’s students at the University of Calabar.

The collaborative initiative extends beyond borders, with a partnership with the Centre for Biodiversity Conservation Research (CBCR) in Ghana to allow an exchange programme for knowledge sharing of the practices that create successful community conservation initiatives.

In early 2023, scholarships were awarded to the first set of postgraduate students; one Ph.D. and two M.Sc. students from the Department of Forestry and Wildlife Management, University of Calabar.

Conservation Manager, the Wilder Institute, Dr Mary Liao, said: “Hiking into the Afi Mountain Sanctuary, I was filled with excitement at the prospect of seeing a Cross River gorilla in its natural habitat. While I may not have encountered one face-to-face, the images and videos captured by the camera traps are an incredible glimpse into the life of these elusive and magnificent creatures.

“I am incredibly impressed by Cole for his collaboration with local hunters and eco-guards to strategically place the traps, showcasing a perfect blend of scientific and community knowledge and embodying the essence of inclusive conservation.”

NCF’s Director General, Dr Joseph Onoja, said: “As NCF, we appreciate our partners, the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo, the Centre for Biodiversity Conservation Research, and the University of Calabar for their invaluable support of this initiative.

“The success of this initiative underscores the significance of collaborative partnerships in addressing the challenges faced by wildlife and their habitats and achieving sustainable wildlife conservation. We are also hopeful that this initiative will contribute to the realisation of the objectives of our Strategic Pillar of Saving Species in peril.”

“Mr Cole Adekanbi has found promising results that demonstrate the power of collaboration to save the severely endangered cross river gorilla. The capture of two silverback gorillas on trail cameras in the Afi Mountain Wildlife Sanctuary emphasises the need for innovative technology, collaborative study, and community engagement to safeguard this fragile species and its environment.

For Prof Francis Bisong, Faculty of Environmental Sciences, University of Calabar, and Secretary of the Cross River Gorilla Conservation Project Advisory Committee, “these findings highlight the sanctuary’s vital role in gorilla protection and the need for more research and collaboration to conserve the Cross River gorilla and the region’s rich biodiversity. I am convinced that our graduate students will greatly improve our understanding and protection efforts for these amazing species. I urge the scientific community, conservation organisations, and stakeholders at all levels to support and extend this essential effort to protect one of the world’s rarest and most fragile species.”