The Nigerian highlands are an important part of the African Guineo-Congolian biodiversity hotspot, with high species richness and globally threatened species. Among these highlands, our study area – Obudu Plateau (OP) in Southeastern Nigeria stands out as one of the most biodiverse African Guineo-Congolian biodiversity hotspots, yet highly threatened. Our previous RSG project in OP recorded high amphibian and reptile (herein referred to as herpetofauna) species richness that comprise more than half of the entire Nigerian amphibians. Despite this, OP remains unprotected, with more than half of its habitats now degraded by human activities.

Our previous Rufford-sponsored projects showed that remnant forest habitats of OP, essential for herpetofaunal survival, are currently undergoing rapid degradation. Also, we observed poor biodiversity literacy among local students which affects their conservation willingness. In addition, our previous RSG projects indicate that locals and other relevant stakeholders in OP are eager to participate in conservation projects. Yet, there are no community-based herpetofaunal conservation programmes to foster conservation.