Assessing the impact of community-led conservation approach in the preservation of the cryptic gorilla (Gorilla gorilla) population in the Ebo forest, Littoral Region-Cameroon

The Ebo forest in Cameroon, a biodiversity hotspot in the Gulf of Guinea, hosts conservation valuable plant and animal species, including a geographically isolated small gorilla population. Despite its ecological significance, the forest faces threats from unsustainable activities by adjacent communities and newly authorized logging operations. To address threats, the community-led conservation initiative ‘Club des Amis des Gorilles’ (CAG) was established in 2012 in three villages near the Ebo gorilla habitat. This study assesses potential changes in communities’ opinions on the Club’s role in biodiversity conservation and household well-being over its 5-year existence. A questionnaire was administered to household heads in 2013 and in 2017 in CAG-affiliated villages. The study revealed that CAG is an effective strategy for engaging local communities in conservation, with about 80% of residents being members during both surveys. The majority of respondents (92% in 2017) maintained positive opinions about CAG, highlighting its importance in biodiversity conservation and community well-being. Despite CAG’s prominent role in education, hunting practices remain prevalent in the region, likely due to the remoteness of the area, which makes hunting a more substantial source of protein and income than agriculture. The situation could worsen following the recent two logging concessions establishment, particularly if these do not adhere to strict conservation measures. In perspective, CAG proposed the establishment of the gorilla habitat as a community-sanctioned ‘no-go-zone’ to human activities to enhance their protection. To ensure the sustainability of this community-led initiative, there is a need for incentive support from stakeholders.