Range & Population

Afi Mountain Wildlife Sanctuary

Afi is a region of rocky slopes with sparse vegetation, surrounded by 16 villages. Rapid encroachment by farms has led to an estimated 600 illegal farms within the sanctuary boundaries. The forest corridor connecting Afi to the Mbe Mountains is also under threat. Fires over the past decade have affected many outer slopes, but the cleared areas often grow large herb patches, providing a critical food source for gorillas. Illegal hunting persists, though ranger patrols have significantly reduced it. Afi has been suggested as a potential site for ecotourism.

Mbe Community Forest

Mbe is a community-owned forest without formal protection. Gorillas inhabit the ridges and valleys in the central forest, occasionally moving to lowlands. The Conservation Association of the Mbe Mountains (CAMM), organized by nine surrounding communities, aims to manage the forest for both wildlife and local people. Threats include logging, agricultural expansion, fires, and hunting. Communities have agreed to limit hunting, and negotiations are ongoing to establish a community-run conservation area. Despite its informal status, wildlife abundance in Mbe appears higher than in nearby protected areas. Mbe links Afi with Cross River National Park, though the connection to Afi is disrupted by a paved road.

Okwangwo Division, Cross River National Park

Gorillas occur only in the Okwangwo division, north of the Cross River, where two gorilla groups reside: one in the ridges and valleys of the Boshi Extension Forest and another in the Okwa Hills. The Okwa group also crosses into Takamanda National Park, while the Boshi forest is isolated by human settlements. Three villages (Okwa 1, Okwa 2, Okwangwo) are located within the park. Agricultural expansion threatens to fragment the division, while hunting and edge burning continue despite national park protection. Boundary disputes have also occurred.

Takamanda National Park

Upgraded from a forest reserve in 2008, Takamanda hosts four gorilla groups: Takamanda South, East, North, and a border-crossing group. The park is surrounded by villages such as Obonui 1 and 3, Matene, and Kekpane, with approximately 15,000 people relying on its forests. Timber and non-timber forest products (NTFPs), including bushmeat, bush mangoes, and edible leaves, are harvested and often traded across the border. The bushmeat trade is a major threat, and road improvements may increase pressure on the area.

Mone River Forest Reserve

Gorillas were first confirmed in Mone in 2000. The forest features diverse landscapes with hills and vegetation similar to Takamanda, supporting a larger elephant population. Major threats include uncontrolled hunting and timber and NTFP extraction. Formal protection is urgently needed to safeguard this area.

Mbulu Forest

Mbulu consists of mature forest connected to Takamanda and Mone, with grasslands to the north. A new road threatens to sever connectivity with Takamanda and increase access for hunters. Gorillas inhabit a highland ridge surrounded by four villages, with small settlements scattered throughout. Hunting is the primary threat, and formal protection is necessary.

Kagwene Mountain Gorilla Sanctuary

Kagwene features a mosaic of montane and submontane forest and grassland and was designated a gorilla sanctuary in 2008. It represents the highest altitude range for Cross River Gorillas. Nine surrounding villages depend on the forest, and hunting has historically depleted large mammals. Gorillas have been spared due to traditional hunting bans. Since 2005, a local anti-poaching team has reduced trapping, but habitat loss from farmland and cattle grazing remains the most serious threat.

Tofala-Mone Landscape

Gorillas were recently discovered in lowland and submontane forests between Bechati, Fossimond, Besali, and Mone Forest Reserve. Hunting bans have been in place since 2003, but threats include habitat loss, road development, logging, and oil-palm expansion. Gorillas here are about 60 km from the nearest known group and 25 km from Mone. Local communities are negotiating with traditional rulers to manage steep slope farming. Surveys are planned to assess potential corridors between Bechati and Mone.