75%75% oflost West Africa’s chimpanzees have disappeared30 in the years last 30 years.
Regional Action Plan for the Conservation of Chimpanzees in West Africa
HopeWith adequate measures rapidly implemented, chimpanzees do have hope Survivalof survival in the region. The two most threatened West African sub-species of chimpanzees
The Nigerian Chimpanzee The Western Chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes vellerosus) (Pan troglodytes verus) Illustrations by Stephen D. Nash.
The world’s leading experts agree that the investments and actions described in this plan constitute the best strategy for preserving wild chimpanzee populations in West Africa.
Regional Action Plan for the Conservation of Chimpanzees in West Africa
Regional Action Plan for the Conservation of Chimpanzees in West Africa
(Pan troglodytes verus and Pan troglodytes vellerosus)
Compiled and edited by Rebecca Kormos1 and Christophe Boesch2 © Christophe Boesch 1 Research Fellow, Center for Applied Biodiversity Science, Conservation International and Vice-Chair, Great Apes, Using a heavy stone, a mother cracks Panda nuts for her young son. Chimpanzees spend years mastering IUCN/SSC Primate Specialist Group, [[email protected]] this diffi cult skill, only becoming profi cient around the 2 President, Wild Chimpanzee Foundation [[email protected]] age of 10.
Abstract Wild chimpanzees are only found in tropical poaching, and capture for the pet trade and UMANS AND CHIMPANZEES ARE remarkably Africa, where their populations have declined research purposes. These threats are exacerbated Hsimilar—only a 1.24% genetic difference by more than 66% in the last 30 years, from by the recent human population explosion in exists between the two species, compared to a dif- 600,000 to fewer than 200,000 individuals. West Africa. ference of 1.63% between chimpanzees and goril- las (Chen and Li 2001). No other species resembles While this decline by itself is alarming, it merits The following action plan details a strategy humans as closely as chimpanzees, a resemblance that additional concern because, more than any other for protecting 80% of the surviving chimpan- goes beyond genetics. Like humans, chimpanzees make species, chimpanzees closely resemble humans zees in West Africa at a cost of US$9 million. and use tools, either to gain access to food resources, to genetically, behaviorally, and physically, and thus The plan resulted from a recent workshop use as weapons, or to improve comfort. While limited provide an important link to our evolutionary in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, where an interna- tool use has been documented in isolated populations history. tional group of 72 biologists, protected areas of some other species, all chimpanzee populations are The two West African sub-species of managers, government offi cials, and other known to fashion and use tools extensively. In fact, chimpanzees, the Western Chimpanzee (Pan experts met to discuss priority actions for wild chimpanzees have been observed to use as many troglodytes verus) and the Nigerian Chimpanzee protecting chimpanzees in West Africa. A key as 54 different kinds of tools (McGrew 1992, Boesch and Boesch-Achermann 2000, Yamakoshi 2001). The (Pan troglodytes vellerosus) are the most threat- feature of this plan is the protection of chim- extent to which they use tools varies—chimpanzees ened. Indeed, they have already become extinct panzee habitat, an approach that would also from the Taï forest in Côte d’Ivoire use 26 different in three West African countries: Benin, Togo, benefi t numerous other threatened species in types of tools; those from Bossou, Guinea, use 15; and and Burkina Faso. Throughout their range, a region that ranks among the world’s most those from Kibale in Uganda have been observed to chimpanzees are threatened by deforestation, biologically diverse. use only nine. West African chimpanzees, however, use tools more profi ciently than all other chimpanzees. In particular, they are famous for cracking wild nuts with hammers (Boesch 1978, Sugiyama and Koman 1979, Whitesides 1985).
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Regional Action Plan for the Conservation of Chimpanzees in West Africa Regional Action Plan for the Conservation of Chimpanzees in West Africa
Chimpanzees also resemble humans in that they hunt for meat. They usually hunt small monkey spe- This chimpanzee mother, named Margot, is pictured here in cies, especially red colobus monkeys, as well as small Côte d’Ivoire’s Taï forest with her twins Miriam and Makeba. On average, female duikers and bush-pigs. Taï chimpanzees hunt on aver- Twin chimpanzees rarely survive because they are so diffi cult chimpanzees to care for. Nevertheless, Margot succeeded in raising Miriam produce only one age every three days and tend to be successful every and Makeba for more than 1.5 years. Tragically, due to the civil second hunt (Goodall 1986, Boesch and Boesch- unrest in Côte d’Ivoire, a poacher entered the National Forest infant every fi ve or Achermann 2000). Some chimpanzee populations hunt and killed Margot in December 2002. Her twins were never six years. more rarely. Group hunting is common, and in the Taï seen again.
forest chimpanzees are known to adopt complementary © Christophe Boesch roles and work together as a team while hunting. This cooperation is remarkably developed, and if the hunt is human mourning behavior (Boesch and Boesch Acher- ranging through to the Sanaga river in Cameroon (see successful meat is shared according to very specifi c rules mann 2000). maps, pages 8–9). The boundary between the two sub- (Boesch 1994, Boesch et al. 2002, Boesch and Boesch- Yet, despite being the species that most resembles species is still unclear (Gonder et al. 1997, Gagneux et Achermann 2000, Mitani and Watts 2001). humans, chimpanzees are disappearing from the wild al. 1999). Both are seriously threatened, and we must Additionally, chimpanzee groups are known to at an alarming rate. In the early 1960s, Teleki (1989) act quickly if they are to survive. develop idiosyncratic cultural practices to such a degree estimated the African chimpanzee population to comprise In the sections that follow, we offer a general assess- that an individual’s behavior can indicate with certainty 600,000 individuals. Since then, the total population ment of the status of chimpanzees in West Africa the group to which it belongs (Whiten et al. 1999, has declined dramatically; researchers estimate that only based on the current 2001, Whiten and Boesch 2001). Like humans, chim- 150,000–250,000 individuals remain (Butynski 2001). knowledge of lead- panzees also care for their wounded, sometimes spend- The combined effects of deforestation and hunting ing experts, followed An estimated 80% ing hours attending to group members who have fallen have caused this dramatic decline. West Africa in particu- by an action plan for of West Africa’s victim to predator attacks. Moreover, they often mourn lar has suffered from widespread deforestation. An esti- their protection. This original forest the deaths of their companions in ways that resemble mated 80% of the region’s original forest cover was gone plan includes actions cover was gone by by the 1980s, affecting not only chimpanzees but also that are regional and the 1980s. rainfall—during the last three decades, precipitation has national in scope as diminished in West Africa even faster than it has in the well as site-specifi c drier regions of the Sahel (Paturel et al. 1995, Servat et actions focused on seven al. 1997). Researchers have also observed that chimpan- “Extremely Important” zees currently constitute 1–3% of the bushmeat sold in and seven “Very Impor- urban markets (Whites et al. 2002, Caspary et al. 2001). tant” areas for chim- Hunting pressure at this level could, by itself, lead to the panzee conservation, as rapid local disappearance of even large populations of identifi ed by experts on chimpanzees because of their low population density and the region. Several sites slow reproductive rate; on average, female chimpanzees are also identifi ed that produce only one infant every fi ve or six years (Sugiyama are likely to be impor- 1999, Boesch and Boesch-Achermann 2000). tant for the conservation
© Ilka Herbinger/ WCF In West Africa, two sub-species of chimpanzees have of chimpanzees in West Social grooming is common among chimpanzee groups. It appears to recently been documented: The Western sub-species, Africa but that are still have a calming effect, which helps explain why it is often observed following confl ict between individuals and sexual relations. Chimpanzees P. t. verus, ranging from Senegal eastward to either the relatively unstudied. © Ilka Herbinger/ WCF spend additional time grooming in the early stages of new relationships Dahomey Gap or the Niger River (Butynski 2001); Chimpanzees climb a Ficus tree and when relationships are threatened by rivals. and the Nigerian-Cameroon sub-species, P. t. vellerosus, to feed on its fruit.
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Regional Action Plan for the Conservation of Chimpanzees in West Africa Regional Action Plan for the Conservation of Chimpanzees in West Africa
Present Status of Chimpanzees In West Africa Table 1. Estimated status of the Western chimpanzee (P. t.verus) and the Nigerian chimpanzee (P. t. vellerosus). The Western Chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes verus) N EFFECTIVE PLAN like the Bafi ng in Mali (Pavy 1993, Duvall and Niagaté Status a FOR PROTECTING 1997). However, further surveys of West African chim- Country Source A Minimum Maximum chimpanzees in West panzee populations are urgently needed. 1 Senegal 200 400 Butynski 2001 Africa must be based The information we do have, however, supports on the most accurate some important conclusions. In total, 21,300–55,600 2 Mali 1,600 5,200 Duvall et al. in prep. and current knowledge Western chimpanzees and 5,000–8,000 Nigerian 3 Burkina Faso 0 Few?b Butynski 2001 Gippoliti et al. of their status. On chimpanzees are believed to exist today in West Africa. 4 Guinea-Bissau 600 1,000 in prep. © Ilka Herbinger/ WCF 12–13 September Approximately 6% of their range is found within pro- 5 Guinea 8,100 29,000 Kormos et al. in prep. Wild chimpanzees devote about one- 2002, an international tected areas, and only 25–45% of chimpanzees are fourth of every day to rest, grooming, 1 6 Sierra Leone 1,500 2,500 Butynski 2001 and play. Young chimpanzees play group of 72 biologists, currently found within these protected areas . Current 7 Liberia 1,000 5,000 Nisbett et al. in prep. with each other as well as their protected areas manag- knowledge suggests that viable chimpanzee popula- Herbinger et al. mothers and other adults in the ers, government offi - tions exist in at least fi ve countries: Côte d’Ivoire, 8 Côte d’Ivoire 8,000 12,000 in prep. group. cials, and other experts Guinea, Sierra Leone, Nigeria, and Liberia. Chimpan- 9 Ghana 300 500 Butynski 2001 met in Abidjan, Côte zees in West Africa are believed to be extinct in 3 of d’Ivoire, to assess the status of chimpanzees in West the 13 countries that constituted their original range, 10 Togo 0 0 Butynski 2001 Africa and devise a strategy for ensuring their survival. namely, Togo, Benin, and Burkina Faso (unconfi rmed 11 Benin 0 0 Butynski 2001 All of the countries comprising the chimpanzees’ cur- reports suggest that a few chimpanzees may seasonally 12 Nigeria 0 ?c Butynski 2001 rent range were represented at the workshop: Senegal, migrate into Burkina Faso). Moreover, populations in Total 21,300 55,600 Mali, Guinea-Bissau, Guinea, Sierra Leone, Liberia, three other countries—Senegal, Guinea-Bissau, and The Nigerian Chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes vellerosus) Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, and Nigeria. Experts from Ghana—are extremely threatened, numbering only in Status Country Source numerous other nations participated as well, including the hundreds. In other words, if we do not act quickly, Minimum Maximum the Gambia, Kenya, Uganda, the United States, the chimpanzees may soon be extinct in 6 of the 13 West 1 Nigeria 2,000 3,000c Oates et al. in prep. Netherlands, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, the United African countries where they originally occurred. With pers comm from Kingdom, and Japan. adequate measures rapidly implemented, however, 2 Cameroon 3,000 5,000 E. Gadsby, P. Jenkins, Workshop participants agreed that much remains chimpanzees do have hope of survival in the region. J. Oates, and J. Groves unknown about West Africa’s chimpanzee populations, In the action plan that follows, we fi rst present a list Total 5,000 8,000 and that many estimates of population sizes and distri- of priority actions that need to be pursued at regional butions in West Africa are based on outdated informa- and national levels. We then present a list of priority a Chimpanzees were previously reported to have once occurred in the tion. Our current knowledge, albeit limited, on the sites for chimpanzee conservation and corresponding Gambia (e.g. Teleki 1989) although there is no hard evidence for this status of chimpanzees in all countries within the two actions for each of these specifi c sites. fact (Butynski in prep.). Carter (personal communications) has however recorded verbal reports from hunters that chimpanzees did indeed once West African sub-species’ current and former ranges occur in this country although they are no longer present. is summarized in Table 1. Recent national censuses in b The IUCN Red Data Book (1988) reports unconfi rmed sightings sug- 1 countries like Côte d’Ivoire (Marchesi et al. 1995) and Protected areas here are defi ned as those falling within IUCN Cat- gesting that during the rainy season chimpanzees may be crossing into egories I–IV. In some cases there are other protected areas within these Burkina from Côte d’Ivoire. Guinea (Ham 1998) have added to this body of knowl- countries that contain chimpanzees, but these are national or classifi ed c The chimpanzee in Nigeria west of the Niger River may belong to the edge, as have censuses in smaller, more specifi c regions forests that receive less protection status. subspecies P. t. verus.
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Regional Action Plan for the Conservation of Chimpanzees in West Africa Regional Action Plan for the Conservation of Chimpanzees in West Africa
Workshop participants agreed on four Regional Non-Site Specifi c Priority Actions priority actions that should be pursued at the regional and national levels in order to protect chimpanzees in West Africa.
Priority Action HE ILLEGAL TRAFFIC OF INFANT CHIMPANZEES Currently, sanctuaries for confi scated chimpanzees Chimpanzee sanctuaries Thas become a significant drain on the wild in Guinea, Sierra Leone, and Nigeria house 33, 54, and population, not simply because infant chimpanzees are 22 individuals, respectively. Over the past two decades targeted, but also because capturing an infant often in the Gambia, 62 free-living chimpanzees have been requires that its mother and other family members be successfully introduced onto an island in the River Chimpanzee Sanctuaries killed. Moreover, infants often die from malnutrition Gambia. Sanctuaries aid in the enforcement of protec- in West Africa and disease during transport. If African governments tive legislation by providing safe havens for confi scated were to review, strengthen, and enforce legislation chimpanzees. They also help raise awareness about In total, about 171 chimpanzees currently designed to prohibit infant capture and trade, the threats to wild chimpanzee populations. In addition, live in sanctuaries in West Africa, although the sub-species of chimpanzees in these number of confi scated chimpanzees could increase because sanctuary populations tend to rise and fall in sanctuaries have not been confi rmed in in the short term, thus putting additional strain on response to the level of hunting pressure in surrounding every case. Approximately 478 captive chimpanzee “orphanages” or “sanctuaries”2, but over areas, sanctuaries can contribute to monitoring efforts. chimpanzees are also known to be held in the long term the number of animals killed, captured Unfortunately, they often lack the funds needed to care the region outside of the sanctuaries, e.g., in homes or hotels. The main sanctuaries for trade, or confi scated would decrease. for confi scated individuals. in West Africa include: Priorities for Review of Chimpanzee Sanctuaries Time Frame Funding Needed • The Chimpanzee Conservation Center • Create a trust fund that can provide long-term funding to sanctuaries. (CCC) in Guinea • The Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary • Create a mechanism for coordinating the efforts of all West African sanctuaries. in Sierra Leone • Formalize an agreement between governments on transferring confi scated chimpanzees • The Chimpanzee Rehabilitation between approved centers for the benefi t of the individual chimpanzees. Project in the Gambia • Explore the possibility of rehabilitating captive chimpanzees into former range states/areas, • Drill Rehabilitation and Breeding according to IUCN guidelines. Centre (DRBC) in Nigeria 5 years $500,000 • Train local staff to care for orphaned chimpanzees. Nationals should receive appropriate • The Limbe Wildlife Centre (LWC) in training in management, which would allow them to fi ll higher-level positions. southwestern Cameroon • Build on the PASA education package to increase awareness about the use of sanctuaries. Other organizations working in West Africa • Assess the feasibility of using sanctuaries, in an extremely careful way, as a potential source to aid chimpanzees in sanctuaries include of tourism revenue and education. the Pandrillus Foundation, Conservation • Develop a system of accreditation for sanctuaries. Society of Sierra Leone, and Foundation Step By Step. Relevant government departments in these countries also play an integral role in supporting sanctuary 2 There is still some debate as to what the correct terminology should be for chimpanzees in these facilities. Some feel that “orphanages” is too limited a projects. term, as these facilities play a much greater role. Others feel that the term “sanctuaries” can confuse in situ and ex situ situations.
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Regional Action Plan for the Conservation of Chimpanzees in West Africa Regional Action Plan for the Conservation of Chimpanzees in West Africa
Regional Non-Site Specifi c Priority Actions,continued
Priority Action COMPREHENSIVE DATABASE of information on so they are less time consuming and labor intensive. Biomonitoring A the status and distribution of chimpanzees Once refi ned, these methods should be employed con- is urgently needed. Once established, this database sistently throughout the region in a concerted “biomon- could provide a basis for an early warning system itoring” effort. The information generated from such an A Taï Chimpanzee designed to identify emerging threats. In order to effort would provide a tool for identifying and mapping Project assistant gather information on chimpanzees more effi ciently, threats, thus giving conservation authorities the infor- monitors chimpanzee however, current survey methodologies must be refi ned mation required to effectively protect chimpanzees. behavior. Assistants choose specifi c in- dividuals to observe Priorities for Biomonitoring Time Frame Funding Needed over an extended pe- • Develop a spatial method of surveying wild chimpanzee populations that will simultaneously riod of time. A range of behaviors are identify factors affecting chimpanzee population size and distribution. monitored, including • Develop a ranger-based monitoring program in all extremely high and very high priority sites the individual’s move- for chimpanzee conservation. © Ilka Herbinger/ WCF 5 years $800,000 ments within the group’s territory, his/her eating and resting habits, • Conduct an evaluation of the effi ciency of the protection for chimpanzees and their habitat in vocalizations, and interactions with other members all priority areas. of the group (i.e., grooming, aggression, play, sexual • Integrate the results of all of the above into protection strategies in all priority areas. relations). Assistants also closely monitor mother- infant relationships within chimpanzee groups.
Priority Action DUCATING AND RAISING THE AWARENESS of com- populations with much of the responsibility of protect- Education and awareness Emunities located near important chimpanzee ing chimpanzees. A campaign to raise awareness should habitat is necessary if chimpanzees are to be protected also target foreigners through embassies and airports. in both the short and long terms. This is especially Additionally, army offi cials and police offi cers within important because West Africa has suffered from civil the country should be educated about the laws protect- strife and law enforcement breakdowns, leaving local ing chimpanzees.
Priorities for Education and Awareness Time Frame Funding Needed
• Develop and expand education and awareness programs based on theater plays, newsletters, posters, fi lm video presentations, nature awareness outings, formation of scout groups, and slide programs for schools and villagers, with regular visits in villages close to protected areas and areas with important chimpanzee populations. • Develop and produce materials explaining the laws protecting chimpanzees for relevant 3 years $500,000 authorities, including the judiciary, customs, the police, and other national services that have key roles to play in the protection of chimpanzees. Haroldo Castro A visitor to Kakum National Park, Ghana, learns • Work with the national independent media to disseminate stories of interest about wildlife about the many different primate species of West conservation and cases of prosecution. Africa.
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Regional Action Plan for the Conservation of Chimpanzees in West Africa Regional Action Plan for the Conservation of Chimpanzees in West Africa
Regional Non-Site Specifi c Priority Actions,continued
Priority Action PROPER LEGAL FRAMEWORK must be established thermore, while chimpanzees currently receive the high- Review of legislation and A to support the efforts of governments, park war- est level of protection provided by national legislation in dens, and protected area managers to protect chim- all range countries—each country prohibits the hunting enforcement panzees. Chimpanzees are currently protected by the of chimpanzees—capture permits for scientifi c research Convention on International Trade in Endangered can still be acquired with ministerial approval in both Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) in all range Guinea and Senegal. Moreover, the fi nes for capturing countries (see bottom of page), but this Convention or killing chimpanzees are often inadequate. In Guinea, only applies to the movement of species across inter- for example, the current fi nes and penalties for infrac- national boundaries. It does not address the status or tions concerning the hunting, possession, or sale of treatment of species within country boundaries. Fur- chimpanzees are too low to serve as a realistic deterrent.
Priorities for Review of Legislation and Enforcement Time Frame Funding Needed
• Review legislation for the protection of chimpanzees throughout West Africa. • Assess the enforcement of chimpanzee protection legislation at every stage of the enforcement process (protected area enforcement, policing of poaching activities 1 year $20,000 outside of protected areas, application of the law by judges, etc.). • Work with governments to suggest changes and amendments to these laws, with an emphasis on region-wide regulations. Peter Hoke In Haute Dodo Classifi ed Forest, Côte d’Ivoire, timber originally felled to fulfi ll an order lies unused because the order was later canceled. Unregulated logging poses a serious threat to chimpanzee habitat. International Legal Protections for Chimpanzees Chimpanzees are listed under Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). This means that trade in this species between countries is forbidden and only permitted under exceptional circumstances and with proper documentation. Chimpanzees are listed as an Endangered Species under Section 4 of the United States Endangered Species Act of 1973. Chimpanzees are also protected by law within all countries in West Africa. These laws all state that the hunting and capture of chimpanzees is strictly forbidden throughout the entire territory of each country.
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Regional Action Plan for the Conservation of Chimpanzees in West Africa Regional Action Plan for the Conservation of Chimpanzees in West Africa
Priority Areas for the Protection of Chimpanzee Populations
IOLOGICALLY SPEAKING IT IS MORE useful to priority areas for chimpanzee conservation, participants Priority areas were ranked according to the Bthink of chimpanzee distribution in West Africa at the Abidjan workshop disregarded national boundar- following three classifi cations: in terms of population rather than geographic area ies and administrative limits and focused instead on because a population encompasses all the individuals areas where wild populations of chimpanzees with I. Exceptionally Important Priority Areas of a particular species that can potentially breed with good possibilities for genetic exchange occur. Conse- Areas that require immediate attention. If all areas one another, regardless of national boundaries or quently, several of the priority sites listed in this plan in this category are properly protected, an estimated administrative limits. For this reason, in delineating are transboundary areas. 60% of the remaining chimpanzees in West Africa will be saved.
Criteria for selection of priority areas for chimpanzee conservation II. Very Important Priority Areas Areas that, if protected, would save approximately In total, experts agreed upon a list of seven “Exceptionally Important Priority Areas” and seven “Very Important 20% of the chimpanzee population. Protecting these Priority Areas” where conservation efforts should be concentrated to ensure the survival of wild chimpanzees areas along with all Exceptionally Important Areas in West Africa. The criteria used to determine these priority areas were as follows: would allow for an estimated 80% of the chimpanzees in West Africa to be saved. • Population size (a population greater than 450 individuals was a prerequisite for the “Exceptionally Important Priority Areas”) III. Surveys Needed • Importance of the biotope (quality and diversity) Areas that are believed to be very important for • Surface area of habitat (larger areas of intact habitat are generally better than smaller areas) chimpanzee conservation, but that are still relatively • Real and potential pressures and threats unknown and need to be surveyed.
Additional points that experts considered when assessing the quality of priority sites:
• Attitudes of the local human populations towards chimpanzees (i.e., whether or not taboos exist against hunting chimpanzees) • Potential for genetic interchange (i.e., presence of multiple chimpanzee communities) • Degree of accessibility • Ongoing conservation activities (i.e., the presence of pre-existing conservation infrastructure that can facilitate future projects) • Legal status of the area or the site (i.e., whether the area already has any kind of protected status)
• Presence of other species, especially endangered and endemic species © Christophe Boesch • Optimization of ongoing conservation efforts An adult female chimpanzee uses a small stick to extract Detarium senegalensis seeds after cracking • Potential for ecotourism the hull open with a stone. Except for humans, chimpanzees are the only species known to use two different tools together to accomplish a task.
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Regional Action Plan for the Conservation of Chimpanzees in West Africa Regional Action Plan for the Conservation of Chimpanzees in West Africa
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Regional Action Plan for the Conservation of Chimpanzees in West Africa Regional Action Plan for the Conservation of Chimpanzees in West Africa
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Regional Action Plan for the Conservation of Chimpanzees in West Africa Regional Action Plan for the Conservation of Chimpanzees in West Africa
All 72 workshop participants agreed to classify seven sites as Exceptionally Important Priority Ar- Exceptionally Important Priority Areas eas. Protecting these sites is critical to the survival of chimpanzees in West Africa (page 7). Each site is described below, in no particular order of priority.
Fouta Djallon HE FOUTA DJALLON HIGHLANDS extending into recommended for the Taï-Grebo-Sapo-Cestos site (page Guinea and Guinea Bissau TGuinea-Bissau are probably home to more than 11), since the population of chimpanzees in the Fouta 3,300 chimpanzees, which would make it one of the Djallon is highly fragmented. Conservation strategies Estimated chimpanzee population: 3,300 largest populations of chimpanzees in West Africa. for this site must involve a greater understanding of Populations remain abundant in this area because local the distribution of chimpanzees, the degree of con- beliefs forbid the hunting or eating of chimpanzees. nectivity between their habitats, and the possibility Strategies for chimpanzee conservation here, however, for increased protection of areas that are key to their must take a very different approach from those survival.
Action Needed Potential Partners Timeframe Funding Needed
• Through surveys and monitoring activities and more detailed UNL, GZP, UTL for research, refi ne the density fi gures from the Ham (1998) survey to Guinea-Bissau better calculate the number of chimpanzees in the Fouta Djallon in and USAID funded Guinea, especially in the forests of Nialama, Fello Digué, Medina ENRMA program 3 years $160,0003 Lebere, Balayan-Souroumba, Sincery Oursa, and Bakoun Forest. being implemented by Also conduct basic surveys and monitoring in Boé in Guinea- Winrock International, Bissau. DNEF, AGIR in Guinea
• Establish and expand an education and awareness campaign UNL, DGFC, UTL, Guinée about chimpanzees and other primates in both Guinea and 3 years $40,000 Ecologie, ENRMA Guinea-Bissau.
• Carry out study of the bushmeat and pet trade in chimpanzees in DNEF, CI, Guinée 3 years $150,000 Guinea-Bissau and Guinea. Ecologie
• Improve the management plan for the Boé area in Guinea-Bissau. UNL, DGFC, GZP, UTL 3 years $150,000
3 This activity has been partly funded by the United States Agency for International Development (approximately $25,000), the European Union (approximately $25,000), J. Carter personal funding ($10,000), and presently by Winrock ($20,000 annually). Tetsuro Matsuzawa Tetsuro Young chimpanzees in Bossou, Guinea, use stones to crack oil palm nuts. A refi ned and complex skill, nut cracking takes several years to master. Chimpanzees perfect their technique by observing other members of their group and through diligent practice. Note: See page 24 for the full names of organizations listed as acronyms.
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Exceptionally Important Priority Areas, continued
Taï-Grebo-Sapo-Cestos HIS SITE COMPRISES THE LARGEST tropical rain- forest elephants (Loxodonta africana cyclotis). Protecting Côte d’Ivoire and Liberia Tforest areas remaining in West Africa. It includes this important stretch of forest would also aid in Taï National Park in the east and stretches through the climate stability in a region that has already suffered Estimated chimpanzee population: 8,000 forests around the park, such as the N’Zo fauna reserve from a signifi cant decline in rainfall (Paturel et al. and the Cavally-Goin and Haute Dodo classifi ed for- 1995, Servat et al. 1997). This area could potentially ests in Côte d’Ivoire. It also includes Grebo Forest in harbor as many as 8,000 chimpanzees and could there- Liberia and continues west to the Sapo National Park. fore become the stronghold of P. t. verus, especially with This priority area also represents an opportunity to regard to protecting both the genetic diversity of the protect other endemic species such as pygmy hippos species and the behavioral cultural specifi city (Boesch (Hexaprotodon liberiensis), zebra duikers (Cephalophus and Boesch-Ackermann 2000, Whiten et al. 1999). zebra), Jentink duikers (Cephalophus jentinki), and
Action Needed Potential Partners Timeframe Funding Needed
• Create a corridor linking chimpanzee populations including a DPN, WCF, BLI, FFI, feasibility study and impact study, stakeholders workshop, better World Wide Fund for 3 years $950,000 management of the protected areas and connectivity of forest Nature, Philadelphia fragments. Zoo, CI
• Promote chimpanzee-related tourism in Taï National Park to WCF, DPN, CI, CRE 3 years $150,000 increase value of chimpanzees to local people. © Ilka Herbinger/ WCF View from Mont Nienokoue in the • Provide support to Sapo National Park including extension of the Taï-Grebo-Sapo-Cestos region, which FDA, SCNL, FFI, CI 2 years $300,0004 includes what is the largest block of park. relatively intact tropical rainforest in SCNL, FDA, FFI, WCF, West Africa. • Commence a biomonitoring program and conduct surveys in Taï World Wide Fund National Park, Cavally Goin, N’Zo, Haute Dodo in Côte d’Ivoire, and 3 years $300,0005 for Nature, DPN, CI, Sapo National Park and Grebo and Cestos Forests in Liberia. SODEFOR, CRE
SCNL, Philadelphia Zoo, 4 This activity is already partly funded by CEPF ($150,000) for October • Continue ongoing monitoring of the bushmeat trade. World Wide Fund for 5 years $250,0006 2002 to September 2003. Additional funding will be needed beginning Nature, CI, DPN, CRE in late 2003. 5 This activity has already partly funded by CEPF ($25,000) but further SCNL, Philadelphia Zoo, • Initiate pilot projects for the development of alternative sources of funding is needed to expand this activity to Côte d’Ivoire and other World Wide Fund for 2 years $200,000 forests in Liberia. protein to reduce dependence on bushmeat. Nature, CI, DPN, CRE 6 This activity is already partly funded by CEPF ($37,000 for rural public opinion surveys and $79,000 for a national awareness campaign FDA, SCNL, DPN, WCF, about bushmeat in Liberia) but further funding is needed for the • Carry out education and awareness campaigns both in World Wide Fund for 3 years $150,000 activities listed. Côte d’Ivoire and Liberia.7 7 This activity is already partly funded by GRASP ($20,000). Nature, CI, GRASP
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Exceptionally Important Priority Areas, continued
Gashaka Mambilla HE GASHAKA-MAMBILLA REGION is one of two which includes Gashaka-Gumti National Park, is a top Nigeria and Cameroon Tareas in Nigeria that have large populations of the priority due to the Nigerian chimpanzee’s limited range second and most endangered West African sub-species, and the fact that it is probably the most threatened Estimated chimpanzee population: 1,750 the Nigerian chimpanzee (P. t. vellerosus). This area, African chimpanzee sub-species.
Action Needed Potential Partners Timeframe Funding Needed
World Wide Fund • Support existing conservation and research activities in for Nature, NCF, 5 years $250,000 Gashaka-Gumti National Park, Nigeria UCL Anthropology Department
• Conduct basic surveys to assess the distribution and numbers of chimpanzee populations across the Mambilla Plateau and the WCS, NCF, UCL Pandrillus adjacent Donga River valley, as well as adjoining areas south and Anthropology 1 year $50,000 The Nigerian Chimpanzee east of Mambilla and Gashaka in Cameroon. Surveys would also (P. t. vellerosus) is the most Department evaluate the degree and possibilities for connectivity between endangered sub-species of forests and populations. chimpanzee in Africa. Only between 5,000 and 8,000 individuals remain in the wild.
Haut Niger AUT NIGER NATIONAL PARK in Guinea The European Union has funded conservation and Guinea Hcontains a signifi cant population of chimpan- development projects here since 1994 through the zees—preliminary studies have documented about Programme Régional d’Appui à la Gestion Intégrée Estimated chimpanzee population: 600 600 chimpanzees in the park, the core area of which des Ressources Naturelles des Bassins du Niger et de la is relatively free from major human disturbances. Gambie (AGIR).
Action Needed Potential Partners Timeframe Funding Needed
• Conduct a census of the chimpanzee population in the Kouya AGIR, DNEF Forest and an investigation of the status of the chimpanzee 1 year $20,000 population in the two buffer zones.
• Build local capacity for monitoring chimpanzees. AGIR, DNEF, WCF 3 years $25,000
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Exceptionally Important Priority Areas, continued
Manding Plateau ECAUSE CHIMPANZEES IN THE Manding Plateau sity for the species. This priority area includes Mali, Senegal, and Guinea Bin Mali, Guinea, and Senegal are not generally Mali’s Wongo and Korofi n National Parks, compo- hunted, this area probably harbors at least 1,500 nents of the Bafi ng Biosphere Reserve. The Bafi ng Estimated chimpanzee population: >1,500 chimpanzees. It also represents West Africa’s largest Biosphere Reserve is the only protected area for chim- intact area of savanna woodland habitat (Warshall panzees within the Manding Plateau area, and its 1989). It is characterized by a diverse fl ora including management needs to be improved through increased several endemic and azonal species (Lawesson 1995; support. The Manding Plateau area also includes part Duvall 2001), and holds the last population of the of Senegal’s Niokolo-Koba National Park, where western Derby’s eland (Taurotragus derbianus) approximately 30 of Senegal’s 200–400 chimpanzees (East 1998). As an ecological margin of chimpanzee are found. Strategies for protecting chimpanzees both distribution in West Africa, protecting this region is within and outside the Niokolo-Koba Park are necessary to preserve the full range of adaptive diver- needed.
Action Needed Potential Partners Timeframe Funding Needed
• Develop a permanent administrative and management structure for ACRBB, AMCFE, the Bafi ng Biosphere Reserve including training of Malian natural COREPA DNCN, IUCN- 1–3 years $150,000 resource managers and Malian conservationists in chimpanzee Mali8 population estimation and monitoring.
• Finalize and implement the Bafi ng Biosphere Reserve Management COREPA, DNCN, 1–6 years $600,000 Plan and development of the reserve infrastructure. ACRBB, AMCFE
• Develop a national or sub-national program of environmental ACRBB, AMCFE, IUCN- © Ilka Herbinger/ WCF education including village-level programs on chimpanzee ecology Mali, Peace Corps- 5 years $270,000 A young chimpanzee eats Detarium seeds. and conservation. Mali, WCF Because the hulls can be diffi cult to crack with teeth, chimpanzees often use a hammer to extract • Carry out research on threats to chimpanzee survival in order to ACRBB, AMCFE, Duvall 2 years $110,000 the seeds. help guide conservation policy.
3 years, • Conduct basic research on chimpanzee behavior and ecology. AMCFE, DNCN, Duvall then $120,000 ongoing
• Investigate chimpanzee-human competition over natural resources, especially with regard to the role of Saba fruit in the DPN (Senegal); NGS; 2 years $50,000 local economy, trends in population increase, crop-raiding by Iowa State University chimpanzees, and habitat destruction.
8 Other Malian government agencies, research institutions, non-governmental organizations, and others may be capable of participating in the recom- mended actions, particularly the Université du Mali, the Institut des Sciences Humaines, and the Institut de l’Economie Rurale.
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Exceptionally Important Priority Areas, continued
Takamanda-Okwangwo HE TAKAMANDA-OKWANGWO AREA includes the south of Takamanda. This is an important area for Nigeria and Cameroon TOkwangwo Division of Nigeria’s Cross River P. t. vellerosus, as it includes large areas of intact lowland National Park and the adjacent Takamanda Forest closed-canopy moist forest that are at the northern edge Estimated chimpanzee population: >500 Reserve of southwest Cameroon. Workshop partici- of the moist forest zone, as well as areas of submontane pants also defi ned this area to include the Afi Moun- vegetation. This area is also home to the threatened tain Wildlife Sanctuary, other areas of Afi River Forest and endemic Cross River gorilla (G. gorilla diehli), Reserve, the Mbe Mountains community forest area the drill (Mandrillus leucophaeus) and Preuss’s guenon that lies immediately between Afi and Okwangwo, all (Cercopithecus preussi). Hunting is currently the biggest community forest in Nigeria’s Cross River State, in the threat to chimpanzees and other primates in this area, Mone Forest Reserve, and in Mbulu, and other areas and there is a signifi cant cross border trade in bushmeat of community forest in Cameroon to the east and from Cameroon to Nigeria from Takamanda.
Action Needed Potential Partners Timeframe Funding Needed
Tatyana Humle/Stirling University Tatyana • Continue existing primate conservation efforts in Cross River An adult female feeds on the fruit of Trichilia National Park Okwangwo Division, Afi River Forest Reserve heudelotii. The diet of chimpanzees is mainly WCS, FFI, NCF, GTZ, (including Afi Mt Wildlife Sanctuary), and the Mbe Mountains in 2 years $100,000 comprised of fruit. Pandrillus, BPG, CRNP Nigeria and Takamanda Forest Reserve, Mone Forest Reserve, and Mbulu Forest in Cameroon.
• Assess connections within the meta-population of Takamanda- WCS 1 year $50,000 Okwangwo.
• Support efforts to bring hunting for the bushmeat trade under control, including improved law enforcement and an education NCF, BPG, WCS 2 years $50,000 and awareness campaign. © Christophe Boesch Using small sticks modifi ed for this particular use, chimpanzee mothers and their youngsters dip for ants.
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Exceptionally Important Priority Areas, continued
Nimba Mountains HE NIMBA MOUNTAINS IN Guinea, Côte d’Ivoire, it is under threat from agricultural encroachment and Guinea, Côte d’Ivoire, and Liberia T and Liberia, stretching over 40 km and rising to mining. Protecting the area’s habitat will not only 1,752 m in altitude, constitute one of the most biologi- ensure the survival of an important population of Estimated chimpanzee population: 450 cally diverse areas in all of Africa. Its mountains are chimpanzees, but will also contribute to the general home to a signifi cant population of chimpanzees. protection of biodiversity in Africa. However, despite its status as a World Heritage Site,
Action Needed Potential Partners Timeframe Funding Needed
1) IREB, KUPRI, and • Create natural forest corridors (1) linking Bossou to Nimba to 1) 5 years 1) $100,0009 Japanese Embassy help guarantee the future survival of the Bossou community, and in Guinea (2) linking the Déré Forest to Nimba, to allow for a contiguous forest 2) IREB, KUPRI, block to exist. 2) 5 years 2) $100,000 Stirling University
• Formalize protected area recognition and legal status for Tatyana Humle Tatyana 1) FDA, LIMINCO, 1) 3 years 1) $150,000 View of the Nimba Mountains from the Guinean (1) the Liberian portion of the Nimba Mountains, which needs to be FFI, UNESCO side. recognized nationally and internationally as an integral part of the whole Nimba Ecosystem, and (2) the Bossou, Déré, and Tiapleu 2) CEGEN, IREB, 2) 1.5 years 2) $20,000 forest blocks. DNEF, FFI, CI
IREB, KUPRI, UVODIZ, • Carry out a public education and awareness program including Stirling University, village-level programs run by trained local youth groups, school- 3 years $20,000 Guinée Ecologie, CI, teachers, and members of local NGOs. FFI, DNP
1) IREB, KUPRI, • Conduct chimpanzee research and surveys in (1) the Déré forest Stirling University, 1) 1–2 years 1) $40,000 bloc and the northern (Guinea) and southern (Liberia) regions of the FFI, CI Nimba Massif, and (2) the Nimba region. 2) IREB, KUPRI, 2) 5 years 2) $150,00010 Stirling University
• Conduct a tri-national program for the integrated conservation FFI, CI, BLI, UNESCO,
Tatyana Humle Tatyana of the Nimba Mountains, which will harmonize the biomonitoring, CEGEN, DNEF, FDA, 3 years $75,000 Corn fi elds grow along the edge of the forest the protection laws, and the management of the Nimba Mountains Mining organizations, in the Nimba Mountains. The encroachment of among Guinea, Côte d’Ivoire, and Liberia. IREB, KUPRI agriculture on forest habitat is a principal threat to chimpanzees in this region.
9 This project, involving the local population, is currently underway with the aid of $50,000 from the Japanese Embassy, but will require further funding for full completion. 10 This activity is already partly funded by a grant from T. Matsuzawa, but a $30,000 per annum is needed for continued activities.
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Workshop participants agreed to classify the Very Important Priority Areas following seven sites, listed in no particular order of priority, as Very Important Priority Areas.
Marahoué N 1995 THE NUMBER of chimpanzees in Côte to its chimpanzee population, the park also contains a Côte d’Ivoire Id’Ivoire’s Marahoué National Park was estimated signifi cant population of elephants(Loxodonta africana) to be 1,407—the largest of all protected areas in Côte and what may be the greatest diversity of primates in Estimated chimpanzee population: 900 d’Ivoire except the Taï forest (Marchesi et al. 1995). West Africa, including endangered endemic species like Since 1995, however, pressure from poaching and cocoa the white-naped mangabey (Cercocebus atys lunulatus), plantations is believed to have reduced this number the diana monkey (Cercopithecus diana roloway), and considerably (Struhsaker and Bakarr 1999). In addition the red colobus (Procolobus badius).
Action Needed Potential Partners Timeframe Funding Needed
• Survey the park to determine the most important habitat for chimpanzees and to assess the decline in the population since the CI, DPN, WCF 1 year $50,000 1995 survey.
• Train park guards and national researchers in survey techniques CI, DPN, WCF, Alliance and assist them in setting up both a long-term monitoring system of CI-BLI, Lamto Research 3 years $150,000 primates within the park and a research program focused mainly on Station (Abobo-Adjamé primates. University)
Alliance CI-BLI, DPN, • Support conservation of the Marahoué-Péko-Nimba area. 2 years $55,00011 Haroldo Castro EU Forest is cleared for agriculture near Parc National de la Marahoué, • Support the development of a corridor between Marahoué and the Alliance CI-BLI, DPN, 2 years $150,000 Côte d’Ivoire, using slash-and-burn Haut Sassandra Classifi ed Forest. EU Sodefor methods. This practice has caused widespread deforestation in West Activity Africa. Alliance CI-BLI, DPN, already • Carry out a program for biomonitoring in Marahoué National Park. 2 years EU funded by EU (PT2)
11 Already funded by EU (PT2), but $55,000 still needed from external funders. Tatyana Humle Tatyana Chimpanzees feed on corn at the edge of the forest. Because of ongoing habitat destruction, more and more chimpanzees are raiding domestic crops to supplement their daily diet.
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Very Important Priority Areas, continued
Oban-Korup HE OBAN-KORUP AREA is very important for and additional areas of community forest. The Oban- Nigeria and Cameroon Tthe Nigerian chimpanzee (P. t. vellerosus) because Korup region is also home to the endangered Preuss’s it contains the largest total area of fully protected rain red colobus monkey (Procolobus pennantii preussi) and Estimated chimpanzee population: 800 forest within the species’ geographical range. This area the drill (Mandrillus leucophaeus). Hunting in the area comprises the Oban Division of Cross River National is the biggest threat to primates. A major cross-border Park in Nigeria and Korup National Park in Camer- bushmeat trade, from the Korup region into Nigeria, oon, as well as the adjacent forest reserves of Cross threatens primates as well. River South in Nigeria and Ejagham in Cameroon,
Action Needed Potential Partners Timeframe Funding Needed
Cross River National Park (for Oban enforcement), • Support relevant government authorities’ efforts to make MINEF (for Korup), protection of chimpanzees and other wildlife more effective, World Wide Fund for particularly through assistance in developing and implementing Nature-Cameroon, 5 years $500,000 incentive systems for fi eld staff. Support education and WCS-Cameroon, Durrell awareness campaigns. Wildlife Preservation Trust, Pandrillus, © Christophe Boesch Cercopan, BPG, FFI A young chimpanzee and his mother rest together on a log. • Survey forested region around Korup National Park with the aim GTZ, WCS, MINEF, World of establishing the distribution and status of the larger chimpanzee Wide Fund for Nature- 2 years $35,000 population, and establishing conservation strategies that ensure Cameroon, Pandrillus the connectivity of fragmented forests.
Comoé HE COMOÉ NATIONAL PARK is located in the 4.5–5.5 individuals per km2. However, the park is Côte d’Ivoire Tdriest area of Côte d’Ivoire. Marchesi et al. (1995) under strong human pressures, and law enforcement note that the park’s chimpanzee population totals actions are a priority. Estimated chimpanzee population: 470 close to 470 and has a density of approximately
Action Needed Potential Partners Timeframe Funding Needed
• Conduct general surveys and monitoring of chimpanzee WCF, World Wide Fund 2 years $5,000 populations. for Nature
World Wide Fund for • Provide support for anti-poaching patrols and park infrastructure. 3 years $75,000 Nature
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Very Important Priority Areas, continued
Outamba-Kilimi and EARLY TWO DECADES AGO, four groups of both in terms of conservation presence and facility Guinea Border Nchimpanzees were known to occur in the infrastructure. Unpublished surveys, however, con- Sierra Leone and Guinea area encompassing Outamba-Kilimi National Park. fi rm that wild chimpanzees are presently living and Unfortunately, due to the prolonged civil war in thriving throughout the park. Estimated chimpanzee population: 600–700 Sierra Leone, the area has been widely neglected
Action Needed Potential Partners Timeframe Funding Needed
• Help with re-construction and rehabilitation of the Outamba-Kilimi Ministry of Agriculture National Park by supporting anti-poaching activities and promoting 3 years $150,000 and Forestry, CSSL tourism and conservation research in and around the park.
Ministry of Agriculture • Complete a chimpanzee population survey. 1 year $50,000 and Forestry, CSSL © Ilka Herbinger/ WCF An ecotour guide looks for chimpanzees in the surrounding habitat. If planned and implemented carefully, ecotourism could provide a signifi cant boost to conservation efforts in West Africa.
Guinea-Guinea-Bissau Coastal BOUT 500 CHIMPANZEES currently live in the important habitat for other primate species such as Guinea-Guinea-Bissau A coastal forests of Guinea-Bissau, including red colobus (Procolobus badius temminki), black and the southwestern regions of Quinara and Tombali white colobus (Colobus polykomos polykomos), and Estimated chimpanzee population: 500 and the very northwestern part of the Republic of sooty mangabey (Cercocebus atys atys). Coastal areas Guinea. They are not usually hunted or eaten in this are also of international importance for wintering region, and they exhibit the interesting behaviour Palearctic waders and for some marine mammals of nesting in oil palms, possibly as a result of the (e.g., manatees). reduction in primary forest cover. The region is
Action Needed Potential Partners Timeframe Funding Needed
• Conduct basic chimpanzee surveys of the entire area. UNL, DGFC, GZP, UTL 1 year $100,000
• Carry out a feasibility study for establishing a protected area in the Rebecca Kormos UNL, DGFC, GZP, UTL 1 year $50,000 Oil palm trees in the Guinea-Guinea-Bissau Coastal Cantanhez-Cacine Basin region. region. The chimpanzees in this region nest in oil palm trees, an unusual behavior that may be part of the group’s cultural norms or a response to reduced primary forest cover.
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Very Important Priority Areas, continued
Ghana-Côte d’Ivoire Border RELIMINARY SURVEYS FROM 1991 and 1995 Red Colobus (Procolobus badius waldroni) may have indicate that chimpanzees still exist in the for- already gone extinct from this area (Oates et al. Estimated chimpanzee population: 600–700 P ests of western Ghana and eastern Côte d’Ivoire, 2000) or, at best, now exists only in isolated patches but in very low numbers. Populations in this region (Oates et al. 2002). Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana must are under high threat from hunting and habitat loss work together if the long-term viability of primate due to agricultural expansion, mining, and logging. populations in this area is to be achieved. Indeed, the primate sub-species Miss Waldron’s
Action Needed Potential Partners Timeframe Funding Needed
• Estimate chimpanzee numbers and distribution in the three identifi ed important forests: Bia/Goaso, Ankasa/Tano, and Fure WCF, CI, FSD, RC, GWS, 1 year $60,000 River. The results of the survey will be used to develop a fi ve-year CBAGs conservation program for chimpanzees in Ghana.
• Map all chimpanzee habitats and create a GIS Database. This DPN, WCF, CERGIS, would also serve as the basis for an ecological monitoring program 1 year $40,000 WD, FSD, CBAGs for all other primates.
• Implement measures that allow conservation agencies of the FSD, WD, CBAGs, wildlife and forestry sector, NGOs, Traditional Authorities, local RC, DPN, WCF, CI, 3 years $750,000 communities, and other stakeholders on both sides to cooperate in Traditional Authorities the development of conservation programs.
• Using stakeholder workshops and posters, educate local CI 2 years $35,000 communities about chimpanzee ecology and conservation.
• Undertake training in techniques for estimating chimpanzee
Jessica Donovan DPN, WD 1 year $20,000 populations and monitoring population trends. A young chimpanzee in a sanctuary in Côte d’Ivoire’s Le Parc National d’Asagny.
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Regional Action Plan for the Conservation of Chimpanzees in West Africa Regional Action Plan for the Conservation of Chimpanzees in West Africa
Very Important Priority Areas, continued
Lofa-Mano-Gola Forests HE LOFA-MANO-GOLA FOREST AREA includes Efforts are currently underway to create a national forests in western Liberia as well as the only park in the Gola area. The possibility of creating a Sierra Leone and Liberia T remaining primary rainforest habitats in Sierra Leone. trust fund to maintain this area is also being explored. Estimated chimpanzee population: unknown Action Needed Potential Partners Timeframe Funding Needed
Ministry of Agriculture • Upgrade the Gola Reserve to a national park. 2 years $100,000 and Forestry, CSSL
Ministry of Agriculture • Support anti-poaching activities. 3 years $75,000 and Forestry
Ministry of Agriculture • Conduct a chimpanzee population survey. 1 year $50,000 and Forestry, CSSL © Ilka Herbinger/ WCF An 11-year old female uses a stick to extract seed pieces from a Detarium nut. Russell A. Mittermeier
Protecting habitat critical to the survival of chimpanzees will also benefi t other endemic species such as forest elephants (Loxodonta africana).
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Surveys Needed
HIS TABLE LISTS SEVERAL AREAS where experts sify them as priority action areas. Therefore, as a Tbelieve signifi cant populations of chimpanzees basis for effective conservation action, surveys are exist but still lack the information necessary to clas- needed to fi nd out more about these populations.
Potential Duration Funding Location Area Description Partners of Study Needed
In Guinea, preliminary chimpanzee surveys have been 1. Diéké and conducted in both Diéké and Ziama but more detailed Ziama in information is needed. In Liberia, Wonegizi is a proposed Kyoto University, GUINEA and national park that lies on the other side of the border Stirling University, 1 year $20,000 Wonegizi in from Ziama. If a large population of chimpanzees is found WCF, CI, FFI LIBERIA here, this could give support for the gazetting of this new protected area. © Christophe Boesch A young chimpanzee tries to crack a Detarium nut. Sporadic surveys were conducted around the Loma 2. Loma mountains before 1993 and in the late 1980s. Since the Mountains, confl ict in Sierra Leone, hunting and agricultural expansion WCF 1 year $30,000 SIERRA LEONE has been extensive in this area, but the status of the chimpanzee population today is unknown.
Recent surveys indicate signifi cant populations of chimpanzees in Mont Péko, but more information is needed. 3. Haut Sassandra Little is known about the populations in Haute Sassandra. It WCF, CI-BirdLife and Mont Péko, will be important to investigate the status of chimpanzees Alliance/Hornbill 1 year $30,000 CÔTE D’IVOIRE in two forest corridors between Mont Péko and Haut Corridor Partners Sassandra and to investigate ways of managing them to maintain connectivity between these two important areas.
The remnant chimpanzee populations that hang on in this large area have been very little studied. Very limited 4. Southwest genetic information allies them with either P. t. verus to the Nigeria and the NCF, WCS, and west or P. t. vellerosus to the east. Further research on the Niger Delta, CUNY 1 year $30,000 distribution, abundance, and evolutionary affi nities of these NIGERIA chimpanzees is urgently needed, along with a conservation plan for this area.
Groves/WCS, 5. Areas west of Basic survey work is needed to formulate a conservation MINEF, World Sanaga River, action plan for this area. Wide Fund for 1 year $100,000 CAMEROON Nature-Cameroon
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Conclusions
HIMPANZEES IN WEST AFRICA are more endan- trees. They prey upon other mammals and, in turn, are Cgered than any other chimpanzee sub-species preyed upon themselves by larger predators. We still do on the continent. Yet it is still possible to ensure their not know enough to predict the specifi c consequences survival if we act now. The action plan outlined here, of an extinction of chimpanzees in the region, but his- which is based on consensus among the world’s lead- tory has shown that the removal of even one species can ing experts on chimpanzees in West Africa, lists both affect a multitude of other species and destabilize an site-specifi c and region-wide actions and identifi es those entire ecosystem. who have the capacity and capability to undertake these While deforestation is a principal driver of dimin- actions, over what time frame, and at what cost. We ishing chimpanzee populations in West Africa, it is also The world’s leading experts agree hope other individuals and organizations will join in likely to have serious consequences for human popula- implementing this plan, whether through collaboration, tions. Scientists have shown that deforestation in West that the investments and actions logistical support, or fi nancial support. We urge devel- Africa is leading to decreased rainfall (Lawton et al. described in this plan constitute opment organizations to scrutinize their activities in 2001), causing a desertifi cation process that, combined these priority sites with an eye toward eliminating any with the recent exponential human population growth the best strategy for preserving negative impacts on chimpanzee populations. We also in the region, could bring about resource shortages that wild chimpanzee populations in encourage them to incorporate elements of this plan would be catastrophic to local human populations. The into their programs in the region. degradation of natural resources has also been linked to West Africa. Chimpanzees are an extremely important species poverty and civil confl ict in West Africa (Homer-Dixon because they so closely resemble humans genetically, et al. 1993, Shambaugh et al. 2001). Governments, behaviorally, and physically, and consequently we have donors, and development organizations are increasingly much to learn from them about our own behavior and becoming aware of the relationship between environ- evolutionary history. But chimpanzees also play an mental health and human welfare in West Africa, but important role in the broader ecosystem of West Africa. much more serious investment is needed if we are to They eat fruits and thereby disperse the seeds of fruiting prevent the extinction of chimpanzees.
Upon losing her mother, this orphaned chimpanzee was immediately adopted by another female in her group, and thus continued to develop well. Because the mother-infant bond is so strong among chimpanzees, some infants have been known to lose interest in life and die after becoming orphans. © Christophe Boesch
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Regional Action Plan for the Conservation of Chimpanzees in West Africa
List of Acronyms Acknowledgements
ACRBB Association des Chasseurs de la Réserve de FSD Forest Services Division Biosphère du Bafing (Mali) GRASP UNEP/UNESCO Great Ape Survival Project E WOULD LIKE TO ACKNOWLEDGE the United AGIR Programme Régional d’Appui à la Gestion GWS Ghana Wildlife Society States Fish and Wildlife Service Great Apes Intégrée des Ressources Naturelles des Bassins GZP Giardino Zoologico di Pistoia W du Niger et de la Gambie Conservation Fund and especially Richard Ruggiero IUCN World Conservation Union AMCFE Association Malienne pour la Conservation de for the main funding for the process that led to the IREB Institut de Recherche Environnementale de la Faune et de l’Environnement (Mali) creation of this document. We also thank Conservation Bossou BLI BirdLife International International and the Center for Applied Biodiversity KUPRI Kyoto University Primate Research Institute, Science, GrASP (the UNEP/UNESCO Great Ape BPG Biodiversity Preservation Group Japan Survival Project), the Primate Action Fund, and CABS Center for Applied Biodiversity Science LIMINCO Liberian Mining Company Foundation Step by Step for contributing additional CBAGS Community Biodiversity Advisory Groups MINEF Ministère des Eaux et Forêts CEPF Critical Ecosystems Partnership Fund funds to this project. Special thanks also to Russ NCF Nigerian Conservation Foundation Mittermeier, Mohamed Bakarr, Aaron Brownell, CEGEN Centre de Gestion de l’Environnement du NGO Non-governmental organization Nimba Mark Denil, Annie Kneedler, Neil Lindeman, Kim NGS National Geographic Society CERGIS Centre for Remote Sensing and Geographical Meek, Paula Pebsworth, Anthony Rylands, and Bill PASA Pan African Sanctuary Alliances Information Systems Konstant for their help in the finalization of this Action PROFA Protection of the Forests around Akwaya CI Conservation International Plan, to Maire-Claire Fleury-Brugière for translating RC Ricerca et Cooperazione COREPA Comité Restreint d’Elaboration du Plan the Action Plan into French, and Tatyana Humle for d’Aménagement de la Réserve du Bafing (Mali) SCNL Society for Conservation of Nature in Liberia proofreading the French version. CRE Centre de Recherche en Ecologie SLCRP Sierra Leone Chimpanzee Rehabilitation Project CRP Chimpanzee Rehabilitation Project UNL Universidade Nova de Lisboa CSSL Conservation Society of Sierra Leone UTL Universidade Técnica de Lisboa DGFC Direccao-Geral das Florestas e Caca UVODIZ Union des Volontaires pour le Développement DNCN Direction Nationale de la Conservation de la Integré de Zantompiézo (Guinea) Nature, Mali Contributions WCB Wildlife Conservation Branch, Sierra Leone F YOU WOULD LIKE TO HELP to make any of DNEF Direction Nationale des Eaux et Forêts, Guinea WCF Wild Chimpanzee Foundation the projects listed in this action plan possible, DPN Department of National Parks, Senegal I WCS Wildlife Conservation Society please contribute to the Great Ape Conservation DPN Direction de la Protection de la Nature, Fund (contact Richard Ruggiero, e-mail: Richard_ Côte d’Ivoire WD Wildlife Division, Ghana [email protected]); or The Primate Action DPWM Department of Parks and Wildlife WWF World Wildlife Fund and World Wide Fund Fund (contact Bill Konstant, e-mail: b.konstant@ Management, The Gambia for Nature conservation.org), which provides small grants to ENRMA Expanded Natural Resource Management Activity reviewed projects for the conservation of Great Apes; or please contact organizations and individuals EU European Union directly. FDA Forest Development Authority, Liberia FFI Fauna and Flora International
24 DONOVAN, Jessica. West Africa Program, Conservation International, USA, PEAL, Alex. Country Director for Liberia, Conservation International, LIBERIA. [email protected] [email protected] Workshop Participants DUVALL, Chris. Department of Geography, University of Wisconsin, USA, PLUMPTRE, Andy. Director of Albertine Rift Programme, Wildlife Conservation [email protected] Society, UGANDA, [email protected] EMBALO, Daniel Suleimane. Minister of Agriculture, Forests, Hunting and PRUETZ, Jill. Assistant Professor Department of Anthropology, Iowa State ABE, Eve. Wildlife Consultant, Technical Support Team, Great Ape Survival Livestock, GUINÉE-BISSAU, [email protected] University, USA, [email protected] Project (GrASP), UNITED KINGDOM, [email protected] FLEISHER, Jesse. Peace Corps, GUINEA RAMIRES, Luis. Voice of America, CÔTE D’IVOIRE ABOUA, Gustave. Network for Environment and Sustainable Development in GIPPOLITI, Spartaco, Conservation Unit, Giardino Zoologico di Pistoia e REDMOND, Ian. Wildlife Consultant, Head, UNEP GrASP Technical Sup- Africa (NESDA), CÔTE D’IVOIRE Istituto per lo Studio degli Ecosistemi CNR c/o Dipartimento di Biologia port Team, Chairman, Ape Alliance, Co-ordinator, African Ele-Fund, UK, ADU-NSIAH, Mike. Senior Wildlife Officer, Wildlife Division, GHANA, Animale e dell’UomoVia Borelli Rome, ITALY, [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] GONE, Bi Zoro Bertin. Centre Suisse de recherches scientifiques en Côte RONDEAU, Guy. Chef de Projet, CÔTE D’IVOIRE, [email protected] AIME, Stephanie. Assistante Technique, Parc National du Mont Sangbé, d’Ivoire, CÔTE D’IVOIRE, Wild Chimpanzee Foundation ROSEN, Norm. Great Ape Program Coordinator, IUCN/SSC Conservation CÔTE D’IVOIRE GORDON, Jean Francois. Ambassadeur of Great Britain, CÔTE D’IVOIRE Breeding Specialist Group, USA, [email protected] ADELEKE, Alade. Nigerian Conservation Foundation, NIGERIA, aadelekerdi@ GOSSE, Aidara. Conseiller Technique, Ministère de l’Environnement, CÔTE SAGNO, Christine. Ingénieur Spécialiste de la Faune, Chef Division Faune et hotmail.com D’IVOIRE Protection de la Nature, Direction Nationale des Eaux et Forêts, GUINEA, BAKARR, Mohamed. Vice President for Research, Center for Applied Biodi- HANSON-ALP, Rosalind. Director, Foundation Step By Step, THE NETHER- [email protected] versity Science, Conservation International, USA LANDS, [email protected] STEPHENSON, P.J. Programme Officer, Africa & Madagascar Programme, BAMBA, Singo. Projet SODEFOR-GTZ-KFW, CÔTE D’IVOIRE, m.bakarr@ HERBINGER, Ilka. Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, World Wide Fund for Nature, SWITZERLAND, [email protected] conservation.org Department of Primatology, GERMANY, Wild Chimpanzee Foundation, SUGIYAMA, Yukimaru. Dean, Faculty of Humanities, Tokai-Gakuen University, BANGURA, K.I. Director Wildlife Conservation Branch Tower Hill, Forestry [email protected] JAPAN, [email protected] Division, SIERRA LEONE HUMLE, Tatyana. Department of Psychology, University of Stirling, Scotland, SUTER, Jamison. Senior Projetcs Advisor, Fauna and Flora International, UK, BEUGRE, Eric. Cellule de Coordination, Programme Cadre de Gestion des UK, [email protected] [email protected] Aires Protégées, CÔTE D’IVOIRE KABASAWA, Asami. Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary, SIERRA LEONE, TONDOSSAMA, Adama. Côte d’Ivoire GrASP focal point, CÔTE D’IVOIRE BOESCH, Christophe. Professor and Director, Max-Planck Institute for [email protected] TOUNKARA, Elhadj Ousmane. ENRM Project, Winrock International, GUINEA, Evolutionary Anthropology, GERMANY, Wild Chimpanzee Foundation, KALE, Gbegbe Jean Luc. Taï National Park project officer, World Wide Fund [email protected] [email protected] for Nature, West Africa Regional Program Officer (WARPO), CÔTE D’IVOIRE TSUMURA, Michiko. Ambassade de Japon, CÔTE D’IVOIRE BOIRO, Samba. Education Officer, Chimpanzee Rehabilitation Project, De- KORMOS, Rebecca. Research Fellow, Center for Applied Biodiversity WADJA, Berenger. ONG CRES-ERE/FONGED partment of Parks and Wildlife Management, Department of State for Science, Conservation International, and Vice-Chair, Great Apes, WAITKUWAIT, Wolf Ekkehard. Chef de Projet, World Wide Fund for Nature/ Natural Resources, THE GAMBIA IUCN/SSC Primate Specialist Group, USA, [email protected] Parc National de la Comoé, CÔTE D’IVOIRE BOMISSO, Caroline. Côte d’Ivoire Nature, CÔTE D’IVOIRE KPELLE, David. Director of Programs of CI-Ghana, Conservation Interna- WELSCH, Paul. Bureau Regional BBC, CÔTE D’IVOIRE BONNÉHIN, Léonie. Corridor Manager Côte d’Ivoire, Conservation Interna- tional, GHANA, [email protected] YAPI, Ahoua. Coordonnateur du FONGED, CÔTE D’IVOIRE tional, CÔTE D’IVOIRE, [email protected] LAINE, Gilbert Bleu. Ministère de l’Environnement et du Cadre de Vie, CÔTE ZANNOU, Moise. Direction de la Programmation Ministère des Eaux et BOWEN, Lisa. Senior Director of Communications, Conservation Interna- D’IVOIRE Forêts, CÔTE D’IVOIRE tional, USA, [email protected] LAUGINIE, Francis. Africa Nature International, West and Central Africa BRUGIERE, David. Conseiller Technique Parc National du Haut – Niger, Representative, CÔTE D’IVOIRE, [email protected] Other Contributors Projet AGIR Délégation Union Européenne GUINEA, [email protected], MANG-BENZA, Carelle. United States Ambassador, CÔTE D’IVOIRE DIALLO, Mamadou Saliou. Guinée Ecologie, GUINEA, [email protected] [email protected] MATSUZAWA, Tetsuro. Professor, Kyoto University Primate Research GADSBY, Liza. Pandrillus, Calabar, Cross River State, NIGERIA, [email protected] BUTYNSKI, Thomas. Director, Eastern Africa Biodiversity Hotspots, Conser- Institute, JAPAN and Director of KUPRI project Bossou/Nimba, HOYT, Reg. Senior Vice President, Conservation & Science, Philadelphia Zoo, vation International, KENYA, [email protected] [email protected] USA, [email protected] CARTER, Janis. Co-Director, Chimpanzee Rehabilitation Project, Wildlife MCGREW, William C. Professor of Zoology, Miami University, Oxford, Ohio, KORMOS, Cyril. Vice President for Policy, The Wild Foundation, USA, Conservation Department, Ministry of Natural Resources, THE GAMBIA, USA, [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] MITTERMEIER, Russ. President, Conservation International, Chair of the NIAGATE, Bourama. Ingénieur des Eaux et Forêts/Aménagiste - Gestionnaire CISSE, Sanissi. Reserve Integrale du Mont Nimba, CÔTE D’IVOIRE IUCN/SSC Primate Specialist Group, USA de la Faune et des Aires Protégées, Chef de la Section et Aires Protégées, COLEMAN, James. Society for Nature Conservation in Liberia, LIBERIA, NANDJUI, Awo. Elephant Biology Monitoring Project, CÔTE D’IVOIRE MALI, [email protected] [email protected] NDIAYE, Souleye. SENEGAL, [email protected] PARREN, Marc. Wageningen University, Department of Environmental Sci- COULIBALY, Foussenie. Direction de la Faune et de la Pêche, CÔTE D’IVOIRE NGANJE, Martin. Forest Officer, World Wide Fund for Nature,West Africa ences, Silviculture and Forest Ecology, THE NETHERLANDS, Marc.Parren@ DIALLO, Abdoulaye. Assistant Peace Corps Director for Natural Resource Regional Programme Office (WARPO), CÔTE D’IVOIRE wur.nl Management, Peace Corps, GUINEA N’GORAN Dje Francois. Ministère de l’Environnement et du Cadre de Vie, SOUSA, Claudia, Departamento de Antropologia, Faculdade de Ciencias DIARRA, Fousseyni. Ingénieur des Eaux et Forêts, Direction Nationale de la Coordonnateur du PCGAP, CÔTE D’IVOIRE Sociais e Humanas, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Lisboa, PORTUGAL, Conservation de la Nature DNCN, MALI OATES, John. Department of Anthropology, Hunter College, CUNY and the [email protected] DIARRASSOUBA, Abdoulaya. Projet Autonome pout la Conservation du Parc Wildlife Conservation Society, USA, [email protected] TELEKI, Geza. Department of Anthropology, George Washington University, USA National de Taï, CÔTE D’IVOIRE PAVY, Jean-Michel. Banque Mondiale, Abidjan, CÔTE D’IVOIRE, Jpavy@ DJOKOI, Pierre. Agence Nationale de l’Environnement, CÔTE D’IVOIRE worldbank.org