Nigeria’s Cross River Gorilla: Fewer Than 350 Left in the Wild

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The Cross River gorilla is one of the rarest and most endangered animals in the world. Found only in the remote forests along Nigeria’s border with Cameroon, this species is critically endangered. With fewer than 350 individuals left in the wild, the Cross River gorilla faces a very high risk of extinction.

This drastic reduction in population makes their protection a top conservation priority. These gorillas are not just another species; they play a vital role in the forest ecosystem. Their decline reflects larger threats to biodiversity and the health of Nigeria’s forests.

By understanding the pressures driving the Cross River gorilla toward extinction, we can better protect this species and preserve the broader environment. This article explores where they live, why they are endangered, the conservation efforts underway, and what losing them would mean for Nigeria.

Where Do You Find the Cross River Gorilla in Nigeria?

The Cross River gorilla (Gorilla gorilla diehli) is a subspecies of the western gorilla and is found only in the rugged highland forests of Cross River State. Their habitat is extremely limited, covering just a few forested areas that are difficult to access, which partly explains why they remained so elusive for many years.

Here are the main areas where they live:

• Mbe Mountains: A community-managed forest between Afi Mountain and the Okwangwo Division of Cross River National Park. Local communities play a key role in monitoring and protecting this area.

• Afi Mountain Wildlife Sanctuary: Known for its dedicated gorilla protection projects, coordinated by the Cross River State Forestry Commission and local conservation groups.

• Okwangwo Division, Cross River National Park: Part of Nigeria’s largest gorilla habitat, which stretches into Cameroon. This connection allows gorilla groups to move across borders, helping maintain genetic diversity and improving their survival chances.

Their numbers are so small that even park rangers can go years without spotting one directly. Conservationists rely on camera traps, footprints, and dung samples to monitor their movements and population health.

Why Is the Cross River Gorilla in Nigeria Endangered?

If you’ve ever wondered why there are so few Cross River gorillas left, it is not just bad luck. These gorillas face a dangerous mix of threats, many of them caused by human activity. Their survival is closely tied to the health of Nigeria’s forests, and right now, conservation efforts are struggling to keep up with the pressures.

Key threats include:

• Loss of Forest Habitat
  Expanding farms, commercial logging, and road construction continue to destroy and fragment their natural habitat. This type of habitat loss in Nigeria is one of the biggest threats not only to gorillas but also to many other species.

• Hunting and Poaching
  Even though hunting gorillas is illegal, some are still targeted for bushmeat or captured for trade. In such a small population, the loss of even one adult has devastating consequences.

• Slow Reproduction Rate
  Cross River gorillas reproduce slowly. Females typically give birth to just one infant every four to six years. This means the population cannot quickly recover from losses, making each life especially precious.

• Limited Safe Zones
  Their few protected areas are often separated by human activity, which makes it difficult for groups to mix and breed. Without wildlife corridors to connect populations, inbreeding and isolation become serious risks.

Conservation Efforts to Protect the Cross River Gorilla in Nigeria

Even with their population dwindling, the Cross River gorilla is not without allies. Conservation groups, governments, and local communities are working together to protect their remaining habitats. Several practical strategies have already shown positive results:

• Patrols by Eco-Guards in the Mbe Mountains
  With support from the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), former hunters have been trained as eco-guards. Equipped with GPS-based patrol systems, camping gear, and field rations, these patrols monitor key gorilla areas, dismantle snares, and discourage poaching.

• Volunteer Eco-Guard Programs at Afi Mountain
  Local villages contribute volunteers who patrol the forest and report illegal activities. In return, communities receive livelihood support such as cassava mills and training programs. This model links conservation directly with income generation.

• Joint Nigeria–Cameroon Patrols and Border Collaboration
  Rangers from both countries coordinate anti-poaching patrols across the border near Okwangwo and Takamanda. These joint operations help secure critical forest corridors and protect wildlife that moves freely between the two nations.

• Education and Rehabilitation through the Cross River Gorilla Initiative
  Supported by the Nigerian Conservation Foundation and the Wilder Institute, this initiative trains graduate students in conservation science, field research, and community engagement. It helps build a generation of Nigerian conservation leaders.

• Plans for a Transboundary Heritage Site
  Nigeria and Cameroon are working toward creating a shared biosphere reserve that would extend across borders. This would protect not just gorillas but also chimpanzees, elephants, and countless plant species. Progress includes signing memoranda of understanding (MoUs), hosting joint workshops, and coordinating patrols.

The Role of Local Communities in Protecting the Cross River Gorilla in Nigeria

Local communities are at the heart of Cross River gorilla conservation. Many residents near the Cross River National Park and Afi Mountain Wildlife Sanctuary work closely with NGOs and government agencies to safeguard the forest.

Some villagers act as forest monitors, reporting poachers or illegal loggers. Others are involved in eco-tourism projects, serving as guides or providing hospitality services to visitors. This creates jobs and shifts perspectives, encouraging people to see gorillas as a valuable economic asset rather than a hunting target.

Traditional leaders also enforce cultural rules that forbid the killing of gorillas and other endangered species. These customs add an extra layer of protection, strengthening the official laws already in place.

This collaboration between conservation groups and local communities demonstrates that protecting Nigeria’s ecosystems requires both people and policy.

Why the Cross River Gorilla Matters to Nigeria’s Biodiversity

Losing the Cross River gorilla would mean far more than the disappearance of a rare primate. These animals are crucial to the health of the forest ecosystem.

• Seed Dispersal and Forest Regeneration: Gorillas eat fruits and spread seeds across wide areas, helping new trees grow and maintaining the forest’s balance.

• Cultural Heritage: In some communities, gorillas symbolize respect for nature and ancestral wisdom. Losing them would also mean losing part of Nigeria’s cultural identity.

• Economic Potential: Wildlife tourism can generate significant revenue. Protecting gorillas could strengthen eco-tourism in Nigeria, creating incentives for sustainable forest management.

If the Cross River gorilla disappears, Nigeria would not only lose an iconic species but also weaken its biodiversity, cultural richness, and tourism potential.

Find out more through our complete guides;

• Endangered Species of Nigeria 2025: Can We Save Them?
• Okomu National Park: Edo State’s Last Rainforest and Its Wildlife
• How Nigerian Youth Are Leading Conservation Efforts (2025)

Conclusion: The Future of the Cross River Gorilla in Nigeria

The future of the Cross River gorilla in Nigeria depends on whether real action is taken against habitat loss, poaching, and fragmentation. If these threats are tackled effectively, the species still has a chance to recover.

Protecting the Cross River gorilla is about more than saving a single species. It is about defending Nigeria’s biodiversity, preserving cultural heritage, and strengthening eco-tourism opportunities.

Everyone has a role to play, from supporting grassroots conservation initiatives to choosing sustainable tourism options. By protecting this rare gorilla, Nigeria is also protecting its forests, its people, and its future.

Cross River Gorilla in Nigeria: FAQs

Are Cross River gorillas only found in Nigeria?

No. They live in a small forested region spanning the Nigeria–Cameroon border, although Nigeria holds one of their most critical habitats.

Why are Cross River gorillas endangered?

They are critically endangered due to habitat loss, poaching, and human–wildlife conflict. With fewer than 350 left, each individual loss has a major impact on the population.

Can protecting Cross River gorillas boost Nigeria’s wildlife conservation economy?

Yes. Responsible eco-tourism and habitat protection can create jobs and generate revenue for local communities, offering long-term incentives to protect Nigeria’s ecosystems.

What role do Cross River gorillas play in biodiversity?

They maintain forest health by dispersing seeds, which supports regeneration and benefits other endangered species.