CBPP

Research

Our Work

General Objectives: (add picture/video for each objective) 

  • Assess Chimpanzee Populations 
  • Blurb at top: The chimpanzees of MDNP are unique. They belong to the P. t. ellioti subspecies, which is divided into two genetically-and behaviorally-distinctive populations. One population is localized to mountainous forested areas of western Cameroon. The second population is found only in the ecotone region of central Cameroon, and members of this population persist in the largest numbers at MDNP. Very little is known about the status of NC chimpanzee overall. CBPP seeks to deepen our understanding of the distribution, abundance, and status of chimpanzees in MDNP, providing critical knowledge that will improve regional conservation strategies. 
  • We use camera traps to capture behaviors of chimpanzees and other large mammals at high-activity areas such as the termite mound pictured to the right. 
  • We carry out monthly monitoring of chimpanzee presence and activity through transects, monitoring of high-activity areas, and reconnaissance surveys at the Ganga Station 
  • We collect chimpanzee droppings and used tools to learn more about their feeding behaviors. 

Research Team Activities 

Data collection at the Ganga Research Station began in January 2016 and is ongoing. The research area covers 9 square kilometers, with 10 lines transect, each 2 km in length and spaced 500 m apart. Transects are marked every 25 m using flagging tape and bold markers. Along each 2 km transect, a 4 m² quadrat is placed every 100 m on alternating sides. Each line transect is monitored once per month to collect a range of ecological and behavioral data. 

1. Phenological Monitoring of Trees, Lianas, and Terrestrial Herbaceous Vegetation (THV): 

Key Focus: Assess fruit fall, fruiting, flowering, and leaf states of key species critical to chimpanzee diets. 

Transect Monitoring: Fruit fall assessments are conducted within a 1 m strip along botanical transects. Key species are inspected to determine the presence or absence of fruits, leaves, and flowers. 

Quadrat Monitoring: Are used to Document the phenology of three terrestrial herbaceous species (Aframomum, Palisota, and Marantaceae) in quadrats. 

2. Habitat Assessment: Conducted quarterly to evaluate canopy cover percentage, vegetation height estimation, ground visibility including undergrowth density 

3. Variation in Chimpanzee Nesting Ecology: Site Documentation: Date, GPS location, vegetation type, topography and slope aspect, plant phenology and presence of human signs are recorded at nesting sites. 

Nest-Specific Data: Tree species, diameter at breast height (DBH), tree height, and lowest branch height; nest height from the ground, number of nests per tree, distance between nests, and nest position in the crown; presence of fruits on nesting trees, are recorded. 

Nest Group Analysis: Within a 30 m radius of each identified nest, we examined the area to locate nests of similar age and estimate group size. Nest age is categorized based on observable features. 

4. Chimpanzee High-Activity Areas: Frequent visits are made to areas of intense chimpanzee use, such as tool-use sites (e.g., termite fishing, ant dipping, honey dipping, and nut cracking). Sites are categorized as: fresh, recent, mixed, old, very old. 

5. Chimpanzee Feces Collection: 

For Genetic Analysis: Fresh feces are sampled (~4–5 cm²) and preserved in ~20 mL of RNAlater. GPS coordinates and the date of collection are recorded. 

Macroscopic Dietary Analysis: Fecal samples are weighed, washed in a 1 mm mesh sieve, and analyzed to identify dietary components. Seeds (>0.5 cm in diameter) and insect remains (e.g., termite or ant heads) are systematically counted. 

6. Opportunistic Observations and Tracking: Recces and Trail Monitoring: Indirect signs (e.g., fresh trails and vocalizations) are noted. When possible, activities of chimpanzees are observed and recorded from a safe distance. 

7. General Observations: Sightings of live and dead animals during survey are documented. 

Protection Team Activities 

Two dedicated protection teams consisting of local community members and park rangers are responsible for ensuring the security of the research station, safeguarding the study area from potential incursions by poachers. Their primary duties include: 

Regular Patrolling: Conducting routine patrols along the periphery of the research station to determine unauthorized access and protect the integrity of the study area. Ensuring that their activities do not interfere with ongoing research operations. 

Surveys in the Northern Park Region: Carrying out comprehensive surveys across the northern part of the park to detect and document illegal activities. These activities include unauthorized fishing, poaching, and the harvesting of natural resources. Through these measures, the protection teams play a critical role in maintaining the safety of the research station and supporting broader conservation efforts in the park. 

  • Mary Katherine Gonder and her collaborators have made significant contributions to understanding chimpanzee genetics, particularly in Cameroon and Nigeria. Their recent research reveals how genetic diversity in chimpanzees has been shaped by environmental factors rather than solely by geographic isolation, challenging earlier assumptions. For instance, they identified a unique gene pool of Nigeria-Cameroon chimpanzees in savanna-woodland habitats, showing adaptations to these environments. 
  • This work highlights the role of habitat variation in speciation processes and provides critical insights into how climate change threatens these habitats. Projections suggest that Nigeria-Cameroon chimpanzees in the savanna-woodland mosaic are at significant risk of losing their habitats within a few decades. These findings emphasize the urgency of integrating genetic data into conservation planning to address threats like habitat loss and climate change. 
  • Park Protection 
  • Blurb at top: Mbam Mbam & Djerem National Park (MDNP) has an upbeat and optimistic future, but it still faces many pressures and threats including settlement and commercial development along the periphery–and within the Park–threats include varying degrees of hunting, fishing, deforestation, habitat degradation, and illegal cattle grazing. CBPP ____ 
  • Constructed permanent structures at Ganga to support monthly biomonitoring activities and provide protection from wildlife and the elements. 
  • Collaborate with World Conservation Society (WCS) to ensure permanent field team presence at ganga as means to provide passive protection for chimpanzees and other wildlife at Ganga. 
  • Provide a base camp for anti-poaching activities that are carried out by MINFOF ecoguards. 
  • Professional Development and Capacity Building  
  • Blurb at top: Cameroon is experiencing sweeping socioeconomic transformation, unprecedented population growth, and unbridled, unsustainable development, placing vulnerable wildlife and their habitats ‘in the crosshairs.’ Saving these ecological jewels requires networks of young African champions, innovators and problem solvers who can create sustainable pathways to mobilize conservation action at all levels. CBPP supports and bolsters the professional development of these young conservationists.
  • Provide hands-on field exercises for staff from MINFOF, WCS, local universities, and internships for students completing M.Sc. degree projects. 

    Host workshops on a variety of topics, including:
  • Data collection techniques: camera-traps, GPS, SMART modules, climate and weather stations
  • Data analysis techniques: data management strategies, basic statistical analyses for summarizing and explaining field data, geographic information systems (GIS) for plotting and analyzing field data
  • Support the professional development of senior staff through grant writing workshops, leadership opportunities, and mentorship for M.Sc. or PhD projects.