- A rare population of chimpanzee, most recently confirmed to be uniquely different from known chimpanzee subspecies, was captured on video for the first time in just two days of a major camera trapping effort.
- This footage highlights the vital work of the SW/Niger Delta Forest Project, a grassroots-focused conservation organization operating managing the Ise Forest Conservation Area. Over the past four years, they have rehabilitated the once severely degraded forest and protected surviving wildlife.
- This conservation outcome vividly demonstrates the collaborative effort of a tripartite partnership between an NGO, the Ekiti State Government, and the Ise community.
Exciting news from the Ise Forest Conservation Area! Catch the first glimpse of the first-ever camera trap footage of a chimpanzee in the Nigerian lowland forest. This significant milestone highlights 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 achievement is a testament to the combined dedication and hard work of conservationists at SW/Niger Delta Forest Project, the Ekiti State government and the Ise community who have been tirelessly monitoring and protecting these great apes.
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. This discovery underscores the need for continued conservation efforts and increased protection measures to ensure the survival of these chimpanzees.
Project Director Rachel Ashegbofe 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. John Fayemi, whose decision has proved critical in preventing the total loss of Ekiti’s remnant wildlife and habitat. She says, “This year 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 His Excellency 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.
“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 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.
About the Ise Forest Conservation Area
Ise Forest Conservation Area covers 3,300ha located in Ise-Ekiti, Ekiti State, South-Western, Nigeria. The conservation area was established through a management agreement between the SW/Niger Delta Forest Project and the Ekiti State Government in February 2021 and the site was Gazetted on the 29th of July 2021. The creation of the conservation area is the result of several years of chimpanzee-focused surveys that revealed populations found in southwestern Nigeria form a distinct group and this newly discovered genetically different population was already on the brink of extinction due to years of hunting and prevalent habitat loss. This conservation project is helping the last known surviving population to rebound while also creating jobs for people in the local communities (98% of project staff are from the indigenous community) and building the capacity of local institutions. From insects to mammals, there is a wide range of wildlife species benefiting from the conservation of this forest. Conserving this forest also enhances local livelihoods and traditional knowledge is preserved. The conservation efforts also provide an opportunity for several thousands of young people in the community to learn about biodiversity. The conservation work in Ise Forest is supported by TUSK, PPI (Programme of the French Committee of the IUCN) and Whitley Fund for Nature. Previously supported by Rufford Foundation, National Geographic Society and the French Embassy in Nigeria.
About Us in a SNAP
The SW/Niger Delta Forest Project is a grassroots-focused conservation organization with a mission to provide conservation solutions that will ensure the survival of threatened species and habitats. In the last ten years, the organization has established itself as Nigeria’s most prolific conservation organization – the only indigenous group in the country to have spearheaded the creation of four (4) protected areas while currently negotiating protection for five (5) new sites in some of the most critical ecosystems in the world. SW/Niger Delta Forest Project has three main work streams: i) Provide the conservation solutions that will ensure the survival of threatened species and habitats ii) build local capacities for actions to be sustained iii) become a resource hub that will provide access to information/learning vital to increase public participation in conservation.
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