Adrian Odi Eban-Odi
Other projects
5 Jul 2022
Preliminary Assessment of Chimpanzees and other Wildlife in the Somie Forest, Cameroon
The purpose of this project is to improve the conservation of chimpanzees and other wildlife species in the Somié landscape by:
- Investigating the abundance and distribution of chimpanzees and other wildlife species in the savanna area in Somié so as to fully understand the range and threats to chimpanzees’ survival.
- Amplifying conservation education within schools and the broader community to foster sustainable forest use practices.
- Reducing the conversion of forests and woodlands to agricultural lands and contributing to the food security of at least 25 farmers in the Somié landscape through agroforestry techniques.
Somié is one of the border villages between Cameroon and Nigeria. This area, with coordinates between latitude 6° 27' 30" N and 11° 25' 58" E, is a critical habitat for the Nigeria Cameroon chimpanzee and numerous other species, including the giant pangolin, tantalus monkey, putty-nosed monkey, olive baboon, bay duiker, blue duiker, African civet, monitor lizard, warthog, crested porcupine, bushbuck, sitatunga, and helmeted guineafowl. The Somié landscape, despite its biodiversity richness, is facing severe degradation due to human activities, including uncoordinated clearing and burning for agriculture, hunting, livestock grazing, fuel wood extraction, uncontrolled bushfires, and commercial tree bark harvesting.
Team leader and field guide mounting a camera trap in the survey area. © Adrian Odi Eban-Odi (Timer camera).
Our project will address these challenges through a multifaceted approach:
We will conduct extensive forest reconnaissance walks (recce) to record signs of chimpanzees and other wildlife in the savanna area. By mapping out these observations on a cartography map, we will gain a comprehensive understanding of their abundance and distribution, as well as the threats they face.
Secondly, we will prioritize conservation education within schools and the broader community. Through collaboration with five communities surrounding Somié and two primary and secondary schools in the area, we will develop educational materials tailored to their needs and interests. These materials will include videos showcasing the local wildlife, as well as informative posters and brochures.
We will actively work towards reducing the conversion of forests and woodlands to agricultural lands. To enhance food security for at least 25 farmers in the Somié landscape, we will implement agroforestry techniques. Farmers will receive tools, equipment and poly bags to establish their own agroforestry nurseries. Additionally, we will provide economic tree species like Acacia, Leucaena, avocado, citrus fruits, oranges, njangsang, and bush mango, based on farmers' preferences.
Through collaborative conservation efforts, education, and sustainable practices, our project aims to safeguard the biodiversity of the Somié landscape.
Header: Chimpanzees recorded on camera trap. © Adrian Odi Eban-Odi (mounted camera traps during 1st grant).