After four years of working to protect Ise Forest Conservation Area in southwestern Nigeria, the South-West/Niger Delta Forest Project (SWNDF) is excited to capture the first-ever footage of a chimpanzee in the Nigerian lowland forest, marking a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to protect this endangered species and its habitat.
The footage, obtained from the tree canopy, shows an elusive male chimpanzee foraging.
This discovery underscores the need for continued conservation efforts and increased protection measures to ensure the survival of these chimpanzees.
This achievement is a testament to the combined dedication and hard work of SWNDF, the Ekiti State government and the Ise community who have been tirelessly monitoring and protecting these great apes.
The areas surrounding the conservation area, which is managed by state authorities, is under constant pressure from farmland expansion and illegal marijuana plantations, making the rangers’ job of protecting wildlife even tougher.
SWNDF Project Director Rachel Ashegbofe Ikemeh said: “In 2024, the challenge of sustaining this conservation work, which began in 2021, intensified due to a re-emergence of armed marijuana planters who even issued death threats to the rangers and their families.
“Fortunately, the formidable leadership of Governor Biodun Oyebanji and the dedicated community leaders in Ise reinforced the Ekiti people’s stance, declaring no further destruction of their forests and wildlife.”
The chimpanzee population in western Nigeria has developed unique genetic characteristics over time. Their isolation resulting from geographic and environmental factors has led to significant evolutionary changes, diverging genetically from other chimpanzee sub-species.
These unique genetic traits (now only found in the chimpanzee population in Ise forest and nowhere else in the world) highlight the importance of conservation efforts in Ise Forest Conservation Area. Protecting this isolated population is crucial to preserving their distinct genetic heritage and ensuring their survival.
Ikemeh noted that conserving the Ise forest at a difficult time, especially amidst the COVID-19 pandemic would have been impossible without the foresight of former Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Fayemi whose decision has proved critical in preventing the total loss of Ekiti’s remnant wildlife and habitat.
“I enjoy this work, especially when I see positive results,” said Ms. Seun Adejuwon, Programme Manager of the Ise Forest Conservation Area.
“This is a long-awaited miracle, thanks to the tireless efforts of our Project Director and, above all, to God because we prayed earnestly and worked hard for this outcome. Without diligent protection efforts, these majestic creatures would have been bygone in Ise and by extension in western Nigeria.”
The use of camera traps will further provide invaluable insights into the behaviour and population dynamics of the chimpanzees, further emphasizing the importance of conserving their habitat.
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