Survey of Cross River Gorilla (Gorilla gorilla diehli) in Cross-River National Park, Cross River State, Nigeria

Abstract

This research surveyed the park in order to know the areas of occurrence of Cross River Gorilla (Gorilla gorilla diehli). Evaluating the distribution and abundance of this iconic species (Cross River Gorillas (Gorilla gorilla diehli) in the study areas. Stating the historical review of Cross-River Gorilla (Gorilla gorilla Diehli), scientific classification of Cross-River Gorilla (Gorilla gorilla Diehli), Description of Cross-River Gorilla (Gorilla gorilla Diehli), vegetation of the Park, drainage pattern of the Park, Method of data collection which was line transect method using Drones, trap cameras, and digital cameras. And the Student’s T-test (Test of Independent Means) was used in analyzing the data collected. The study reviews that, the Cross River Gorilla (Gorilla gorilla diehli) can only be found within the Okwango Division of Cross-River National Park. And the result also indicated that the population of Cross-River Gorilla in the park is critically endangered as recorded with a low population density of 2.0 individuals per km². The result also review that the population status is decreasing at a high rate, and encroachment into the Park has been due to social and economic motives, with widespread poverty in the support zone communities of the park resulting in uncontrolled exploitation of the natural resources. And concludes that, the realization of biodiversity conservation in the park depends on poverty alleviation, provision of alternative livelihood options and infrastructural development in adjourning communities. Which will enable the local communities to appreciate the value of the biological resources and consequently support their conservation. And recommended that, there is an urgent need to carry out Research on the home range and feeding habits of Cross River Gorillas in the Park, due to their small population size.