The Nigeria-Cameroon Chimpanzee

The Nigeria-Cameroon chimpanzee has been recognized as the most endangered subspecies of chimpanzee in all of Africa. In contrast to the Cross River Gorilla, which has been a focus of study and conservation action in this region by the Wildlife Conservation Society, the Nigeria-Cameroon chimpanzee is virtually unknown and studies of this species are rare. The DNA of this subspecies is distinct from chimpanzee populations in other parts of Africa but not enough is known yet about these differences. Their range is an area that stretches from the Niger River in Nigeria to the Sanaga River in Cameroon.  In a recent meeting in Cameroon to address the lack of information on the conservation status of this species it was estimated that there may be only 5,000 remaining in the wild, with pressure from illegal hunting and logging decreasing both the population size and the available habitat.  Without immediate attention, this important subspecies is likely to go extinct in the next ten to twenty years. You can help us to learn more about these chimpanzees!

Your donations will help us return to our work in the Nigeria-Cameroon Forests!