By Editor
In an effort to safeguard the chimpanzee species in Nigeria, conservators have successfully trapped several chimpanzees in Ekiti state after an intense two-day search.
Project Director Mrs. Rachel Ashegbofe Ikemeh, in a statement, confirmed the development, emphasising the commitment to ensuring the survival of the species.
She noted that this group of chimpanzees has recently been identified as uniquely distinct, underscoring the importance of their conservation.
Ikemeh said: “This achievement is a testament of the combined dedication and hard work of South/West and Delta Force project, this is also in partnership with Ekiti State government and the Ise community who have been tirelessly monitoring too.
“This footage highlights the vital work of the SW/Niger Delta Forest Project which of course is a grassroots-focused conservation organization managing the Ise Forest Conservation area. Over the past four years, the project has rehabilitated the once severely degraded forest and protected surviving wildlife.
“Again, this conservation outcome vividly demonstrates the collaborative effort of a tripartite partnership between an NGO, the Ekiti State Government, and the Ise community, this is after four years of working to protect Ise Forest Conservation Area in southwestern Nigeria and the South-West/Niger Delta Forest Project.”
Mrs. Ikemeh added that SWNDF is excited to capture this species of chimpanzees in the Nigerian lowland forest, marking a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to protect this endangered species and its habitat.
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 and intensified due to the re-emergence of armed marijuana planters who even issued death threats to the rangers and their families
