Drill Monkey in Nigeria: Afi Wildlife Sanctuary’s Last Refuge (2025)

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The drill monkey is one of Nigeria’s most endangered primates, and Afi Wildlife Sanctuary is one of its last safe havens. This protected area, hidden in the forested hills of Cross River State, may look small on the map, but it is critical to the survival of the species.

Conservation groups and local communities are attempting to hold the line against hunting, habitat loss, and the steady erosion of Nigeria’s ecosystems.

For the drill monkey, the fight in Afi is not about thriving but about surviving long enough to have a future.

This article looks at why Afi Wildlife Sanctuary matters for the drill monkey, the threats it faces, and how visitors can see it without harming its habitat.

Quick Facts: Afi Wildlife Sanctuary

Afi Wildlife Sanctuary covers about 100 km² of mountain rainforest and rocky slopes in Cross River State, close to Nigeria’s border with Cameroon.

It’s home to some of the country’s rarest species, including the drill monkey, Cross River gorilla, Nigeria–Cameroon chimpanzee, and the elusive grey-necked rockfowl.

Created in 2000, the sanctuary was set up to protect endangered wildlife from hunting and deforestation.

Today, it’s managed by the Cross River State Forestry Commission with support from groups like Pandrillus and the Wildlife Conservation Society.

Why Afi Wildlife Sanctuary Matters for Nigeria’s Drill Monkey

Afi Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the few remaining habitats for the endangered drill monkey. Its range is limited to Cross River State in Nigeria, southwest Cameroon, and Bioko Island.

The species is listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List and is considered a high conservation priority among African primates.

The sanctuary’s steep terrain protects the drill monkey from logging and provides critical shelter as deforestation increases elsewhere.

The drill monkey also plays a vital ecological role as a seed disperser, helping maintain forest regeneration and biodiversity.

Afi connects to nearby reserves like Afi River Forest Reserve and the Mbe Mountains, forming a wildlife corridor that maintains genetic diversity. Without this connection, isolated populations would face a faster decline.

Unique Traits of Nigeria’s Endangered Drill Monkey

At first glance, the drill monkey might remind you of a baboon or mandrill, but closer inspection shows traits that set it apart.

This endangered primate, found in Nigeria’s Cross River region, is one of the most visually striking and behaviourally complex monkeys in Africa.

Here’s what makes them unique:

• Distinctive physical features
  Adult male drill monkeys are much larger than females, often weighing twice as much. They develop noticeable cheek pads and paranasal swellings that signal dominance.

• Bright coloration
  Mature males have vivid lilac, blue, and red markings on their rumps and genital area, which intensify with age and social rank.

• Scent-marking behaviour
  They use specialised chest glands to rub scent on trees and branches, marking territory and communicating presence.

• Mostly terrestrial lifestyle
  While excellent climbers, they spend most of their time on the forest floor searching for seeds, roots, insects, and fallen fruit.

• Seed dispersal role
  By consuming fruits and excreting seeds far from the parent tree, they maintain forest diversity.

• Complex social structure
  Drill monkeys live in groups of 20+ individuals, where grooming, calls, and body language reduce conflict and strengthen bonds.

These traits have helped the drill monkey survive in Nigeria’s forests, but increasing threats are driving them toward extinction.

Threats Facing the Drill Monkey in Nigeria

The drill monkey’s survival is hanging by a thread, with its population dropping sharply over the past few decades. Its challenges come from both human activities and environmental changes.

Key threats include:

• Habitat loss from logging and farming
  Expanding farmland and commercial logging are destroying the dense forests the drill monkey depends on.

• Hunting for bushmeat
  Drills are often targeted because of their size, with meat sold in local markets or consumed in rural homes.

• Trapping for the pet trade
  Young drills are sometimes captured alive after hunters kill their mothers.

• Human–wildlife conflict
  Crop raiding by drills sometimes leads to retaliation from farmers.

• Fragmented populations
  Roads, farms, and settlements break up habitats, isolating groups and reducing genetic diversity.

What Else Can You Find in Afi Wildlife Sanctuary?

The Afi Wildlife Sanctuary is more than just a shelter for drill monkeys.

It protects the elusive Cross River gorilla, Nigeria–Cameroon chimps, red river hogs, and bushbucks.

The skies attract millions of migratory European barn swallows each winter, forming one of Africa’s largest seasonal roosts.

Birdlife includes Shelley’s eagle owl and the African piculet.

Native trees such as Pterocarpus osun and Irvingia gabonensis enrich the forest floor, boosting the sanctuary’s ecological value.

Eco-tourism tips for visitors:

• Hire trained local guides for wildlife tracking.

• Visit during the dry season for easier hikes.

• Avoid feeding or disturbing animals.

• Support local conservation lodges and eco-friendly stays.

Conservation Efforts Protecting the Drill Monkey

In Cross River State, Afi Wildlife Sanctuary stands out as one of the last strongholds for the drill monkey. Protecting it requires constant work.

Conservation measures include:

• Strict anti-poaching patrols
  Eco-guards from nearby communities dismantle snares, track illegal activity, and deter hunters.

• Community employment
  Locals are hired as eco-guards and guides, earning a livelihood without relying on bushmeat hunting.

• Wildlife monitoring
  Researchers track populations to detect threats early and guide strategies.

• Habitat restoration
  Tree planting projects reconnect fragmented forests, giving drill monkeys safer movement corridors.

• Education and outreach
  Awareness programmes in nearby villages reduce hunting and build conservation support.

Discover more;

• Nigeria’s Cross River Gorilla: Fewer Than 350 Left in the Wild
• Endangered Species of Nigeria 2025: Can We Save Them?
• Nigerian Sacred Forest Conservation: Efforts & Threats (2025 Guide)

 

Conclusion: Protecting Nigeria’s Drill Monkey at Afi

Afi Wildlife Sanctuary is more than just a green patch on a map; it is a last refuge for some of the world’s rarest primates and a reminder of what happens when forests vanish.

For visitors, it provides rugged trails, rare wildlife sightings, and the chance to witness conservation in action. For local communities, it is both heritage and future.

Protecting Afi means more than saving animals. It means keeping this part of Nigeria wild, connected, and alive for generations to come.

Frequently Asked Questions About Drill Monkeys and Afi Sanctuary

Where Is Afi Wildlife Sanctuary Located in Nigeria?

Afi Mountain Wildlife Sanctuary is in Cross River State, southeastern Nigeria, covering about 100 km² of rugged lowland and submontane rainforest. It was designated in 2000 to protect endangered species like the drill monkey, Cross River gorilla, Nigeria–Cameroon chimpanzee, and grey-necked rockfowl.

Best Time to Visit Afi Wildlife Sanctuary for Drill Monkeys?

The dry season, especially November through March, offers the easiest hiking conditions and the best wildlife viewing opportunities.

Can Tourists Stay Overnight at Afi Wildlife Sanctuary?

Yes. Afi’s Drill Ranch offers cabins, hiking trails, and camping near WCS research areas. A guide is required, and porters are recommended for the challenging terrain.

How Is Afi Connected to Other Nigerian Protected Areas?

Forest corridors link Afi to the Mbe Mountains and Cross River National Park. These connections are essential for preserving genetic diversity and allowing species to move between habitats.