Hunting is one of the major causes of the decline of species of conservation concern in Afrotropical rainforest areas. The Korup National Park (KNP) and its Support Zone have been listed as a centre of primate endemism and one fifth of all African primate species live in this area.

Two of the Endangered primates (Preuss’ Red colobus and Drill) listed by IUCN are found in the area as well as the Chimpanzee, listed as Vulnerable. Besides extensive farming which destroys animal habitats, an important activity of the communities living in and around KNP is hunting, serving as additional income and also provides the main source of protein for local people.

In the past, wildlife conservation issues did not play a major role in the natural resource management of Korup’s Support Zone. This is seen as a major shortcoming in the conservation strategy of Korup’s forests. We will initiate a Community-based programme based on:

(1) monitoring of key species,

(2) forest patrols,

(3) an education programme

(4) a wildlife management programme in order to protect local populations of these endangered primates.

The project aims at promoting the conservation of animal wildlife and the sustainable harvest of natural resources by building the capacity of local communities and support local initiatives in the long term conservation of endangered wildlife in the Korup Region.