Daud Olatunji
In a monumental stride toward the preservation of Nigeria’s endangered species, the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) has partnered with the Wilder Institute, a renowned science-based conservation organization, to donate cutting-edge equipment valued at over 8 million naira.
A statement released by the foundation on Saturday said the gesture was aimed at fortifying government’s agencies and a tertiary institution, including the Cross River National Park, Cross River Forestry Commission, and the University of Calabar.
The statement added that the focal point of this collaboration is to amplify the ongoing research project dedicated to the conservation and preservation of the Cross River gorilla (Gorilla gorilla diehli).
The donation encompasses a diverse array of equipment, ranging from digital cameras and desktop computers to sophisticated devices like the 4K PTZ professional Video Conference Camera and MC3000 USB HD PTZ Auto Rotate Tracking Voice Camera.
These tools are designed to enhance data collection, monitoring, and maintenance, crucial components of the ambitious Cross River Gorilla Initiative.
The University of Calabar will harness the TV and computer equipment for remote steering committee meetings, fostering seamless collaboration. Simultaneously, students engaged in the research project will benefit from GPS handsets, camera traps, drones, and additional camera equipment, empowering them in their quest to contribute meaningfully to the preservation of the Cross River gorilla.
Initiated in 2022, the Cross River Gorilla Initiative stands as a beacon of hope, promising scholarships to one Ph.D. student and four master’s degree students at the University of Calabar over a five-year span.
The first set of awardees, comprising one Ph.D. and two M.Sc. students from the Department of Forestry and Wildlife Management at the University of Calabar, have embarked on a three-month internship program with NCF.
Their internship objectives are comprehensive, spanning practical hands-on experience with field equipment, mastery of field survey techniques (including Focal Group Discussions, Key Informant Interviews, Participatory Rural Appraisals, and Community Work Skills), and an understanding of the crucial role of community engagement in data collection and field research.
Moreover, the students are establishing connections with the project community through field visits, ensuring a smooth transition into their research endeavours.
Adding another layer to the multifaceted approach, a recent 2-day training on gender and conservation took place at the University of Calabar. Facilitated by Dr. Mary Liao, Senior Advisor at the Wilder Institute, and co-facilitated by Dr. Brenda Akpan, a gender specialist from the University of Calabar, the workshop aimed to instill a profound understanding of the role of gender in the conservation of the Cross River gorilla.
This knowledge is poised to guide the development of research instruments, enriching the overall impact of the project.
The Cross River gorilla, a Critically Endangered subspecies, faces existential threats driven by habitat loss and hunting.
With an estimated population of no more than 300 individuals in the wild, the NCF remains unwavering in its commitment to collaborating with partners, mobilising stakeholders, and garnering support to ensure the survival of the remaining gorilla population and its habitat, striving to prevent the extinction of this species in Nigeria.
To delve deeper into the initiatives and impact of the Cross River Gorilla Initiative, visit wilderinstitute.org.
The collaboration between NCF and the Wilder Institute serves as a testament to the power of collective action in safeguarding our planet’s precious biodiversity.
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