The communal forest of Mintom, southern Cameroon is a vast evergreen forest that is home to various animals including gorillas, chimpanzees, monkeys, antelopes, snakes and more. The species here are special because they remain abundant here even though they are rare in other Congo basin forests. The water bodies and other forest resources indicate a healthy ecosystem. The soil type, landscape and climatic conditions have a positive influence on the habitat of these animals.
Both subspecies of lowland gorilla (Eastern and Western) occur in Mintom. Eastern lowland gorillas are found primarily in the eastern Congo basin, while western lowland gorillas inhabit forests in western Central Africa, including Cameroon. Western lowland gorillas have a smaller frame, brown-grey fur, and more pronounced ridges on their skulls. Eastern lowland gorillas are larger, with darker black fur. Both are critically endangered due to poaching, habitat destruction, and diseases like Ebola. Conservation efforts focus on protecting their shrinking habitats and curbing illegal hunting.
Mintom Communal Forest, as with most forest zones, faces many threats both to the fauna and flora. In this particular area, the forest is open to forest exploitation permits granted by the council to generate income. This activity destroys the habitat of the gorillas. Hunting and trade of bush meat by hunters is another fatal threat to the gorillas in Mintom forest. Agriculture, which consists of cutting down trees and bush fires is also causing a lot of damage to the gorilla habitat. Mining in this area (local and industrialized) have also caused the loss of gorilla habitat.
Visitors to Wildlife Heritage Areas can take part in outstanding wildlife watching experiences that put wildlife first. Staying in a Wildlife Heritage Area helps local communities invest in animal welfare and wildlife conservation, benefitting community well-being and driving forward sustainable practices.
Communities achieve Wildlife Heritage Area designation by playing a central role in protecting wild animals and their habitats. With support from responsible travel organisations and wildlife experts, these communities are committed to help turn the tide on biodiversity loss and the climate crisis, adopt a zero tolerance for wildlife suffering in tourism, and advocate for positive change through a willingness to collaborate.
Charley is a local forester who dedicates time to informing local people of the importance of wildlife protection and conservation. It is not easy to convince people not to hunt. Most people get irritated and pour out insults, but others listen and promise to change in order to protect the forest. Charley's conservation success is based on education and simple sensitization of...
Hunting and the encroachment of agriculture are key challenges for forest wildlife. We try to build local walls and fences to prevent animals from entering agricultural zones and coming into conflict with people. We also use bells to discourage animals from entering these areas at night.
Educational campaigns have been carried out by large NGOs that have visited the forest. Local people also carry out educational sessions that have provided and inspired a good understanding of the importance of conserving our forest. But the respect is not yet mature because the percentage of people trying to adapt to conservation policies is still low. We need the educational...
