Gorilla Research Expedition, Cameroon in Lebialem-Mone Forest region of Cameroon

Gorilla Research Expedition, Cameroon

The Gorilla Research Expedition is located in the Lebialem-Mone Forest Landscape about 37km from Dschang. The Lebialem-Mone Forest Landscape is one of the ecosystems in the Western Cameroon Highlands Region that has a high biodiversity species potential. The site harbours the Cross River gorillas – (CRG) which is one of the world’s 25 most endangered wildlife species with just about 300 of them remaining in the wild. They are located in 11 fragmented forest patches between the Cameroon and Nigerian boarder. The Lebialem-Mone Forest Landscape stands as one of the unique landscapes in Cameroon with a high potential for these gorillas, notwithstanding the threat factors affecting these apes. Major threats identified to be responsible for the reduction in the CRG population are hunting, forest encroachment and ignorance of the legislation protecting these species of apes. The vegetation of this landscape varies from savannah to sub-mountain type thus presenting it with a wide variety of flora and fauna species. The topographical features of this area give it a type of low land relief and mountainous ranges which favours fertile soils.
Volunteers will be trekking and camping in the rain forest recording information on the wildlife in the area. As an adaptation against predation (hunting), the gorillas and chimpanzees shy away from humans and are very elusive. However, it is still very common to hear vocalisations at close ranges and to find fresh and old tracks.
There is also a range of other species found in the forest, which include various monkey species, porcupine, cane rats, deer, bush dogs, bush cats, antelope, bush pigs, bush babies, blue duiker, elephant, sitatunga and drills.