Difference between revisions of "Mount Nimba Strict Nature Reserve"

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[[West Africa]] > [[Republic of Guinea]] > [[Mount Nimba Strict Nature Reserve]]
 
[[West Africa]] > [[Republic of Guinea]] > [[Mount Nimba Strict Nature Reserve]]
  
 +
'''[https://wiki-iucnapesportal-org.translate.goog/index.php/Mount_Nimba_Strict_Nature_Reserve?_x_tr_sl=auto&_x_tr_tl=fr&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=wapp Français]''' | '''[https://wiki-iucnapesportal-org.translate.goog/index.php/Mount_Nimba_Strict_Nature_Reserve?_x_tr_sl=auto&_x_tr_tl=pt&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=wapp Português]''' | '''[https://wiki-iucnapesportal-org.translate.goog/index.php/Mount_Nimba_Strict_Nature_Reserve?_x_tr_sl=auto&_x_tr_tl=es&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=wapp Español]''' | '''[https://wiki-iucnapesportal-org.translate.goog/index.php/Mount_Nimba_Strict_Nature_Reserve?_x_tr_sl=auto&_x_tr_tl=id&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=wapp Bahasa Indonesia]''' | '''[https://wiki-iucnapesportal-org.translate.goog/index.php/Mount_Nimba_Strict_Nature_Reserve?_x_tr_sl=auto&_x_tr_tl=ms&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=wapp Melayu]'''
  
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SITE UNDER PROGRESS
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__TOC__
 +
= Summary =
  
 +
<div style="float: right">{{#display_map: height=190px | width=300px | scrollzoom=off | zoom=5 | layers= OpenStreetMap, OpenTopoMap|7.64, -8.41~[[Mount Nimba Strict Nature Reserve]]~'Pan troglodytes verus''}}</div>
 +
* Western chimpanzees (''Pan troglodytes verus'') are present in Mount Nimba Strict Nature Reserve.
 +
* There is an ongoing study to determine the chimpanzee population size (Koops et al. in prep.).
 +
* The chimpanzee population trend is unknown.
 +
* This site has a total size of 125 km².
 +
* Key threats to chimpanzees are iron ore mining, poaching and habitat encroachment.
 +
* Conservation activities have focused on improving tri-national coordination and capacity building for local communities.
 +
* The Nimba Mountains are exceptional in their diversity of fauna and flora with a high rate of endemism. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1981 and listed as World Heritage in Danger since 1992. It is also recognized as an Important Bird Area.
 +
* Long-term chimpanzee research has been ongoing since 2003 at the Seringbara study site on the Guinean side of the Nimba Mountains.
  
  
−
= Summary = <!-- An overview of the site, with a one sentence overview of each of the following sections. can include a site map -->
+
[[File:Nimba_Mountains_Mt_Leclerc_Koops.JPG|400px|thumb|right|Mount Leclerc © Kathelijne Koops]]
 +
= Site characteristics =
  
−
* Western chimpanzees ([https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/15935/17989872  Pan troglodytes verus]) are present in Mount Nimba Strict Nature Reserve.
+
Mount Nimba Strict Nature Reserve is located in the Nimba Mountains at the tri-national border of Guinea, Liberia and Côte d’Ivoire. It was designated a Strict Nature Reserve in 1944 (IUCN Category Ia) and is transboundary with Mount Nimba Integral Reserve (Côte d’Ivoire) and East Nimba Nature Reserve (Liberia, [https://www.protectedplanet.net/mount-nimba-strict-nature-reserve  UNEP-WCMC and IUCN 2018]).
−
* It has been estimated that more than 160 individuals occur in the reserve.
 
−
* The chimpanzee population trend is unknown.
 
−
* This site has a total size of 125 km².
 
−
* Key threats to chimpanzees are iron ore mining and poaching.
 
−
* Conservation activities have focused on improving tri-national coordination and capacity building for local communities.  
 
−
* The Nimba mountains are exceptional in their diversity of fauna and flora with a high rate of endemism. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1981 and listed as World Heritage in Danger since 1992. It is also recognized as an Important Bird Area.
 
  
−
 
+
'''Table 1. Basic site information for Mount Nimba Strict Nature Reserve'''
−
= Site characteristics = <!-- A paragraph summary of physical and geographic aspects of the site, and a table of key information -->
+
{| border="1" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" class="Site_characteristics-table"
−
 
+
|Species
−
Mount Nimba Strict Nature Reserve is located in the Nimba mountains at the tri-national border of Guinea, Liberia and Côte d’Ivoire. It was designated a Strict Nature Reserve in 1944 (IUCN Category Ia) and is transboundary with Mount Nimba Integral Reserve (Côte d’Ivoire) and East Nimba Nature Reserve (Liberia, [https://www.protectedplanet.net/mount-nimba-strict-nature-reserve  UNEP-WCMC and IUCN 2018]).
+
|'Pan troglodytes verus''
−
 
+
|-
−
Unlike other protected areas in Guinea, Nimba was managed by the Museum National d’Histoire Naturelle (Paris) and the Institut Français d’Afrique Noire (Dakar) after its creation (Brugière & Kormos 2009, Garnier & Martinez 2011). Consequently, the site as a long history of scientific studies (Garnier & Martinez 2011).
+
|Area
−
The reserve is now managed by the Centre for the Management of the Environment of Mount Nimba-Simandou (‘Centre National de Gestion de l’Environnement des Monts Nimba et Simandou‘, CEGENS) under the Ministry of Environment, Water and Forests and Sustainable Development, and fulfills administrative as well as scientific responsibilities (UNESCO 2018a).
 
−
 
 
−
The Nimba mountains are a chain of mountains stretching across 40 km with the highest peak being Mount Nimba with 1,752m (Kormos & Boesch 2003). The area is characterized by a high plant and animal diversity and a high rate of endemism. The terrain is steep and the source if several rivers (Granier 2008). The habitat is moist forest up to 1,000 m altitude, but also includes grassland and wooded savanna (UNESCO 2018a). Due to strong seasonality and the abrupt change in altitude a variety of microclimates exist contributing to the high biodiversity (UNESCO 2018a). The most well-known endemic species are the Micropotamogale of Mount Nimba (Micropotamogale lamottei, a shrew), the viviparous toad of Mount Nimba (Nimbaphrynoides occidentalis) (UNESCO 2018a). In total, more than 317 vertebrate species, including 107 mammal species, more than 2,500 invertebrate species, and 2,000 plant species have been described (UNESCO 2018).
 
−
 
 
−
Mount Nimba Strict Nature Reserve has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1981 and the only one in Guinea ([http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/155 UNESCO 2018]). It covers both Guinea (125.4 km²) and Côte d’Ivoire (50 km²). However, due to the threat of iron mining and the arrival of a large number of refugees from Liberia it has been listed as World Heritage in Danger since 1992 (UNESCO 2018a).
 
−
 
 
−
Since 1980 the Guinean part of the Nimba mountains is also part of the Mont Nimba Biosphere Reserve that also includes Déré forest and Bossou hills ([http://www.unesco.org/new/en/natural-sciences/environment/ecological-sciences/biosphere-reserves/africa/guinea/mont-nimba/  UNESCO 2011]).
 
−
 
 
−
Even though the avifauna is not well studied in the Guinean part of the Nimba mountains, its diversity is assumed to be similar to the Liberian part of the mountain range, and the area is consequently recognized as an Important Bird Area ([http://datazone.birdlife.org/site/factsheet/monts-nimba-(part-of-mount-nimba-transboundary-aze)-iba-guinea  BirdLife International 2018a]).
 
−
 
 
−
The long-term chimpanzee research site Bossou is less than 10 km to the west of Nimba Mountains and therefore the reserve area has been studied by chimpanzee researcher since the 1990’s.
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
'''Table 1: Basic site information for Mount Nimba Strict Nature Reserve '''
 
−
{| border="1" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" class="basic-information"
 
−
| Area:            <!-- Please include units: km2/ha e.g 200ha    -->
 
 
|125 km²
 
|125 km²
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Designation:     <!-- Protected area, Forestry concession, Community reserve  -->
+
|Coordinates
−
|Strict Nature Reserve
+
|Lat: 7.64 , Lon:  -8.41
 
|-
 
|-
−
|Habitat types:    <!-- List IUCN Habitat Classification 3.0 categories present (Without number), see link below -->
+
|Type of site
−
|Subtropical/tropical moist montane forest, subtropical/tropical moist lowland forest, dry savanna, permanent rivers
+
|Protected area (Strict Nature Reserve)
 +
|-
 +
|Habitat types
 +
|Subtropical/tropical moist montane forest, Subtropical/tropical moist lowland forest, Savanna, Wetlands (lakes, rivers, streams, bogs, marshes), Agricultural land
 +
|-
 +
|Type of governance
 +
|
 
|}
 
|}
−
[http://www.unitar.org/hiroshima/sites/unitar.org.hiroshima/files/Annex%201%20-%20IUCN%20Classification%20Schemes.pdf IUCN habitat categories]  [[Site designations]]
 
−
 
  
−
= Ape status = <!-- a text overview of ape status (population sizes, trends etc), followed by a table of specific surveys and results -->
+
[https://www.iucnredlist.org/resources/habitat-classification-scheme IUCN habitat categories] [[Site designations]]
 +
[[File:Nimba_Mountains_Koops.JPG|500px|thumb|right|Nimba Mountains © Kathelijne Koops]]
 +
= Ape status =
  
−
Surveys in different parts of the Nimba mountains confirmed the presence of western chimpanzees (Sugiyama 1995, Shimada 2001). From the beginning these surveys were also aimed to study chimpanzee behavior, such as nesting behavior and tool-use behavior (details below). In the Regional Conservation Action Plan for western chimpanzees in 2003 the Nimba mountains were identified as an ‘Exceptionally Important Priority Area’ (Kormos & Boesch 2003). Detailed surveys on chimpanzee density distribution were conducted by Nicolas Granier during multiple surveys after 2006 that focused on the eastern part of the protected area and the southern slope of Mount Nimba (Granier 2011, Granier et al. 2014). A transect survey conducted by the [http://www.wildchimps.org  Wild Chimpanzee Foundation] estimated the chimpanzee population in the reserve at around 166 individuals (WCF 2012).
+
Surveys in different parts of the Nimba Mountains confirmed the presence of western chimpanzees (Sugiyama 1995, Shimada 2001). From the beginning these surveys were also aimed to study chimpanzee behavior, such as nesting behavior and tool-use behavior (details below). In the Regional Conservation Action Plan for western chimpanzees in 2003 the Nimba Mountains were identified as an ‘Exceptionally Important Priority Area’ (Kormos & Boesch 2003). Detailed surveys on chimpanzee density distribution were conducted by Nicolas Granier during multiple surveys after 2006 that focused on the eastern part of the protected area and the southern slope of Mount Nimba (Granier 2011, Granier et al. 2014). A transect survey conducted by the [http://www.wildchimps.org  Wild Chimpanzee Foundation] estimated the chimpanzee population in the reserve at around 166 individuals (WCF 2012).
  
−
'''Table 2: Great ape population estimates in Mount Nimba Strict Nature Reserve '''
+
'''Table 2. Ape population estimates reported for Mount Nimba Strict Nature Reserve'''
−
{| border="1" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" class="population-estimate-table"
+
{| border="1" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" class="Ape_status-table"
−
! Species
+
!Species
−
! Year
+
!Year
−
! Abundance estimate (95% Confidence Intervall)
+
!Occurrence
−
! Density estimate (per km²)
+
!Encounter or vistation rate (nests/km; ind/day)
−
! Encounter rate
+
!Density estimate [ind./ km²] (95% CI)
−
! Area
+
!Abundance estimate (95% CI)
−
! Method
+
!Survey area
−
! Source
+
!Sampling method
−
! Comments
+
!Analytical framework
−
! A.P.E.S. database ID
+
!Source
 +
!Comments
 +
!A.P.E.S. database ID
 
|-
 
|-
−
|Western chimpanzee
+
|''Pan troglodytes verus''
 
|1991
 
|1991
 +
|Present
 +
|
 +
|
 
|
 
|
 +
|North of Goera
 +
|Reconnaissance walk
 
|
 
|
−
|present
 
−
|north of Goera
 
−
|reconnaissance survey
 
 
|Sugiyama 1995
 
|Sugiyama 1995
−
|
+
|Reconnaissance survey
 
|
 
|
 
|-
 
|-
−
|Western chimpanzee
+
|''Pan troglodytes verus''
 
|1999
 
|1999
 +
|Present
 +
|
 +
|
 
|
 
|
 +
|North east of Seringbara village
 +
|Reconnaissance walk
 
|
 
|
−
|present
 
−
|north east of Seringbara village
 
−
|reconnaissance survey
 
 
|Shimada 2000
 
|Shimada 2000
−
|
+
|Reconnaissance survey
 
|
 
|
 
|-
 
|-
−
|Western chimpanzee
+
|''Pan troglodytes verus''
 
|1999
 
|1999
 +
|Present
 +
|
 
|
 
|
 
|
 
|
−
|present
+
|North of Goera
−
|north of Goera
+
|Reconnaissance walk
−
|reconnaissance survey
+
|
 
|Shimada 2000
 
|Shimada 2000
−
|
+
|Reconnaissance survey
 
|
 
|
 
|-
 
|-
−
|Western chimpanzee
+
|''Pan troglodytes verus''
 
|2006-2008
 
|2006-2008
 
|
 
|
 +
|1.14
 +
|
 +
|
 +
|Eastern part of the reserve
 +
|Line transects & recces
 
|
 
|
−
|1.14 chimpanzee signs/km
 
−
|eastern part of the reserve
 
−
|combination of transect, reconnaissance and scouting surveys
 
 
|Granier 2011
 
|Granier 2011
−
|total survey effort: 350 km
+
|Total survey effort: 350 km; combination of line transect, reconnaissance survey and scouting surveys
 
|
 
|
 
|-
 
|-
−
|Western chimpanzee
+
|''Pan troglodytes verus''
 
|2009-2011
 
|2009-2011
−
|8-39 individuals
 
−
|0.46 chimpanzee/km²
 
 
|
 
|
−
|southern slope of Nimba mountains [covered Guinean section (10 km²) and Côte d’Ivoirian section (50 km²)]
+
|
−
|combination of transect and reconnaissance surveys, DISTANCE analysis
+
|0.46
 +
|8-39
 +
|Southern slope of Nimba Mountains [covered Guinean section (10km2) and Côte d’Ivoirian section (50km²)]
 +
|Line transects & recces
 +
|
 
|Granier et al. 2014
 
|Granier et al. 2014
−
|total survey effort: 78.21 km; abundance and density estimate only  based on transects (i.e., 12.5 km)
+
|Total survey effort: 78.21 km; combination of line transect and reconnaissance survey, abundance and density estimate only  based on transects (i.e., 12.5 km)
 
|
 
|
 
|-
 
|-
−
|Western chimpanzee
+
|''Pan troglodytes verus''
 
|2009
 
|2009
−
|166 individuals
+
|
−
|1.33 individuals/km²
+
|6.58
−
|6.58 nests/km
+
|1.33
−
|Mount Nimba Strict Nature Reserve (i.e., Guinean part of Nimba mountains)
+
|166
−
|transect survey, DISTANCE analysis
+
|Mount Nimba Strict Nature Reserve (i.e., Guinean part of Nimba Mountains)
 +
|Line transects
 +
|
 
|WCF 2012
 
|WCF 2012
−
|total survey effort: 59.4 km
+
|Total survey effort: 59.4 km
 
|
 
|
 
|}
 
|}
  
 +
[[File: GIN_Nimba_chimpanzee_M_Fitzgerald_small.jpg | 400px | thumb| right | Western chimpanzee, Nimba (Guinea) © Maegan Fitzgerald]]
 +
= Threats =
  
 +
Since 1992 Mount Nimba Strict Nature Reserve is listed as a ‘World Heritage in Danger’ because of plans to mine iron ore inside the reserve and an increase in anthropogenic pressure due to the arrival of refugees from Liberia (UNESCO 2018). Insufficient institutional structure was also reported as a threat (UNESCO 2018). As a result the boundary of the reserve were changed by the World Heritage Committee in 1993 and 15.5 km2 were degazetted so that mining operations could take place (Brugière & Kormos 2009).
  
−
= Threats =    <!-- a text overview of threats, followed by a table of key threats -->
+
'''Table 3. Threats to apes reported for Mount Nimba Strict Nature Reserve'''
−
 
+
{| border="1" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" class="Threats-table"
−
Since 1992 Mount Nimba Strict Nature Reserve is listed as a ‘World Heritage in Danger’ because of plans to mine iron ore inside the reserve and an increase in anthropogenic pressure due to the arrival of refugees from Liberia (UNESCO 2018). Insufficient institutional structure was also reported as a threat (UNESCO 2018). As a result the boundary of the reserve were changed by the World Heritage Committee in 1993 and 15.5 km² were degazetted so that mining operations could take place (Brugière & Kormos 2009).
+
!Category
−
Population density is high in the area around the reserve, also as consequence of mining activities in the Nimba Mountains. Consequently, poaching, wood extraction, land conversion to agriculture and cattle grazing using fires, and harvesting of medicinal plants is very prevalent across the area (Shimada 2000, WCF 2012, BirdLife International 2018b, UNESCO 2018a). In a nation-wide survey across 12 sites in Guinea, the Wild Chimpanzee Foundation concluded that Nimba was the most threatened site with 3.94 signs of human activity per km (WCF 2012). The most prevalent threat was poaching (2.74 signs/km), followed by agriculture, and wood extraction (WCF 2012). Agricultural activities have been on-going for decades especially in the northern part close to Seringbara and around Thuo towards the Liberian border (WCF 2012).
+
!Specific threats
−
According to the World Heritage Centre, the Guinean government arranged for all mining operations to halt in the reserve and that mining permits had been withdrawn (UNESCO 2018b). However, the World Heritage Center concluded that provided information was ambiguous, and that Environmental and Social Impact Assessments had not yet been implemented by mining companies or did not confirm to international standards (UNESCO 2018b). In addition, there are plans to tarmac a road from Lola (Guinea) to Danané (Côte d’Ivoire) that would pass by Mount Nimba and likely negatively impact biodiversity due to pollution, increased poaching and illegal logging (UNESCO 2018b).
+
!Threat level
−
 
+
!Description
−
<br>
 
−
'''Table 3: Threats to great apes in Mount Nimba Strict Nature Reserve '''
 
−
{| border="1" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" class="threats-table"
 
−
!align="left"|Category <!-- Do not change threat categories -->
 
−
!Specific threats   <!-- For specific threats, please use list of comma separated keywords from the list linked below -->
 
−
!Threat level       <!-- For threat level, please use keywords: unknown, low, high -->
 
−
!Description         <!-- You can add descriptive information here -->
 
 
!Year of threat
 
!Year of threat
 
|-
 
|-
−
|1. Residential & commercial development
+
|1 Residential & commercial development
 
|
 
|
−
|absent
+
|Absent
 
|
 
|
 
|
 
|
 
|-
 
|-
−
|2. Agriculture & aquaculture
+
|6 Human intrusions & disturbance
−
|2.1. Annual & Perennial Non-Timber Crops
 
−
|medium
 
−
|agricultural activities especially in the northern part around Seringbara and towards the border with Liberia [17]
 
−
|on-going
 
−
|-
 
 
|
 
|
−
|2.3. Livestock Farming & Ranching
+
|Absent
−
|present
 
−
|present [16], level of threat not known
 
−
|on-going
 
−
|-
 
−
|3. Energy production & mining
 
−
|3.2. Mining & quarrying
 
−
|present
 
−
|exploration for iron ore, activities seem to have ceased, but current threat level not clear [16]
 
−
|unknown
 
−
|-
 
−
|4. Transportation & service corridors
 
−
|4.1. Roads & railroads
 
−
|present
 
−
|tarmacking of a road passing by the reserve in planning and would reinforce anthropogenic pressures such as poaching and illegal wood extraction [16]
 
−
|in planning
 
−
|-
 
−
|5. Biological resource use
 
−
|5.1.Hunting & collecting terrestrial animals
 
−
|high
 
−
|most prevalent sign of human activity inside the reserve [17, also confirmed by 2, 11, 16]
 
−
|on-going
 
−
|-
 
 
|
 
|
−
|5.2. Gathering terrestrial plants
 
−
|medium
 
−
|collection of medicinal plants [2]
 
−
|on-going
 
−
|-
 
 
|
 
|
−
|5.3. Logging & wood harvesting
 
−
|medium
 
−
|wood extraction [17]
 
−
|on-going
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
|6. Human intrusion & disturbance
+
|10 Geological events
 
|
 
|
−
|absent
+
|Absent
 
|
 
|
 
|
 
|
 
|-
 
|-
−
|7. Natural system modifications
+
|12 Other threat
−
|7.1. Fire & Fire suppression
 
−
|medium
 
−
|fires used to clear land for agricultural and cattle grazing [16]
 
−
|on-going
 
−
|-
 
−
|8. Invasive & other problematic species, genes, diseases
 
 
|
 
|
−
|unknown
+
|Absent
 
|
 
|
 
|
 
|
 
|-
 
|-
−
|9. Pollution
+
|5 Biological resource use
−
|
+
|5.1 Hunting & collecting terrestrial animals
−
|unknown
+
|High (more than 70% of population affected)
−
|
+
|Most prevalent sign of human activity inside the reserve (WCF 2012), also confirmed by BirdLife International 2018b, METT 2009, Shimada 2000, UNESCO 2018b.
−
|
+
|2000-Ongoing (2018)
 +
|-
 +
|2 Agriculture & aquaculture
 +
|2.1 Annual & perennial non-timber crops
 +
|Medium (30-70% of population affected)
 +
|Agricultural activities especially in the northern part around Seringbara and towards the border with Liberia (METT 2009, WCF 2012).
 +
|Ongoing (2012)
 +
|-
 +
|5 Biological resource use
 +
|5.2 Gathering terrestrial plants
 +
|Medium (30-70% of population affected)
 +
|Collection of medicinal plants (BirdLife International 2018b)
 +
|Ongoing (2018)
 +
|-
 +
|5 Biological resource use
 +
|5.3 Logging & wood harvesting
 +
|Medium (30-70% of population affected)
 +
|Wood extraction (WCF 2012).
 +
|Ongoing (2012)
 +
|-
 +
|7 Natural system modifications
 +
|7.1 Fire & fire suppression
 +
|Medium (30-70% of population affected)
 +
|Fires used to clear land for agricultural and cattle grazing (METT 2009, UNESCO 2018b, WCF 2012).
 +
|2009-Ongoing (2018)
 +
|-
 +
|2 Agriculture & aquaculture
 +
|2.3 Livestock farming & ranching
 +
|Present (unknown severity)
 +
|Present (METT 2009, UNESCO 2018b), level of threat not known.
 +
|Ongoing (2018)
 +
|-
 +
|3 Energy production & mining
 +
|3.2 Mining & quarrying
 +
|Present (unknown severity)
 +
|Exploration for iron ore, activities seem to have ceased, but current threat level not clear (METT 2009, UNESCO 2018b).
 +
|Unknown (2018)
 +
|-
 +
|4 Transportation & service corridors
 +
|4.1 Roads & railroads
 +
|Present (unknown severity)
 +
|Tarmacking of a road passing by the reserve in planning and would reinforce anthropogenic pressures such as poaching and illegal wood extraction (UNESCO 2018b), signs of paths inside reserve (WCF 2012).
 +
|Ongoing (2018)
 
|-
 
|-
−
|10. Geological Events
+
|8 Invasive & other problematic species, genes & diseases
 
|
 
|
−
|absent
+
|Unknown
 
|
 
|
 
|
 
|
 
|-
 
|-
−
| 11. Climate change & severe weather
+
|9 Pollution
 
|
 
|
−
|unknown
+
|Unknown
 
|
 
|
 
|
 
|
 
|-
 
|-
−
|12. Other options
+
|11 Climate change & severe weather
 
|
 
|
−
|absent
+
|Unknown
 
|
 
|
 
|
 
|
−
|-
 
 
|}
 
|}
−
[[Threats list]]
 
−
<br>
 
  
−
<br>
+
[https://www.iucnredlist.org/resources/threat-classification-scheme IUCN Threats list]
  
−
= Conservation activities =       <!-- a text overview of conservation activities, followed by a table of key activities -->
+
= Conservation activities =
  
 
The governmental unit responsible for the administration of the reserve is the Centre for the Management of the Environment of Mount Nimba-Simandou (CEGENS) under the Ministry of Environment, Water and Forests and Sustainable Development, and fulfills administrative as well as scientific responsibilities (UNESCO 2018a).
 
The governmental unit responsible for the administration of the reserve is the Centre for the Management of the Environment of Mount Nimba-Simandou (CEGENS) under the Ministry of Environment, Water and Forests and Sustainable Development, and fulfills administrative as well as scientific responsibilities (UNESCO 2018a).
  
−
The project ‘Ministry of Environment, Water and Forests and Sustainable Development’ by Fauna & Flora International and funded by the Darwin Initiative established a transboundary biodiversity governance platform with the aim to compile data, build capacity and improve stakeholder collaboration (2009 -20012, [http://www.nimbadarwin.org/index.html  Darwin Nimba Project]). The project also received follow-up funding from USAID, but whether it is still operational as of 2018 is not clear. Activities included stakeholder consultation, capacity building through workshops and data compilation (Darwin Nimba Project).
+
'''Table 4. Conservation activities reported for Mount Nimba Strict Nature Reserve'''
 +
{| border="1" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" class="Conservation_activities-table"
 +
!Category
 +
!Specific activity
 +
!Description
 +
!Implementing organization(s)
 +
!Year of activity
 +
|-
 +
|1 Development impact mitigation
 +
|1.4 Farm more intensively and effectively in selected areas and spare more natural land
 +
|Communities received training on improved farming practices (BirdLife International 2018b)
 +
|
 +
|2017-2018
 +
|-
 +
|2 Counter-wildlife crime
 +
|2.13 Provide sustainable alternative livelihoods; establish fish- or domestic meat farms
 +
|Communities received training in financial, marketing and advocacy matters and in farming practices to decrease their reliance of natural resources from the protected area (BirdLife International 2018b)
 +
|
 +
|2017-2018
 +
|-
 +
|5 Protection & restoration
 +
|5.2 Legally protect ape habitat
 +
|Designated a Strict Nature Reserve in 1944 (UNEP-WCMC and IUCN 2018)
 +
|
 +
|Since 1944
 +
|}
  
−
The nine-month project ‘Strengthening capacity of local communities to sustainably manage Mount Nimba’s natural resources’ headed by BirdLife International and financed by the Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund’s (CEPF) was implemented by the ‘Initiative de Base pour la Gestion des Ressources Naturelles’ (IBGRN) until February 2018 ([https://www.birdlife.org/worldwide/news/fighting-rural-poverty-community-empowered-conserve-guinean-mountain-reserve  BirdLife International 2018b]). The project established community groups, youth-led or women-led, and also two networks of traditional healers and hunters, and the groups also received legal status. Implemented activities included workshops and trainings in “micro-projects, internal governance, financial management, marketing, advocacy and communication” (BirdLife International 2018b). In addition, group members were trained in gardening and farming practices, and use of fuel efficient stoves with the aim to reduce reliance on natural resources from the protected area (BirdLife International 2018b). 
+
[[Conservation activities list (Junker et al. 2017)]]
  
 +
= Challenges =
  
 +
Lack of transboundary cooperation as well as lack of technical, financial and human resources were mentioned as impediments to effective protection of the reserve (Granier and Martinez 2011, UNESCO 2018a, UNESCO 2018b).
  
−
'''Table 4: Conservation activities in Mount Nimba Strict Nature Reserve'''
+
'''Table 5. Challenges reported for Mount Nimba Strict Nature Reserve'''
−
{| border="1" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" class="conservation-actions-table"
+
{| border="1" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" class="Challenges-table"
−
!align="left"|Category  <!-- Do not change threat categories -->
+
!Challenges
−
!Specific activity    <!-- For specific threats, please use list of comma separated keywords from the list linked below -->
+
!Specific challenges
−
!Description        <!-- You can add descriptive information here -->
+
!Source
−
!Year of activity        <!-- You can add descriptive information here -->
+
!Year(s)
 
|-
 
|-
−
|1. Residential & commercial development
+
|2 Resources and capacity
−
|absent
+
|2.1 Lack of capacity/training
 +
|UNESCO 2018a, UNESCO 2018b
 
|
 
|
 +
|-
 +
|2 Resources and capacity
 +
|2.3 General lack of funding
 +
|UNESCO 2018a, UNESCO 2018b
 
|
 
|
 
|-
 
|-
−
|2. Agriculture & aquaculture
+
|2 Resources and capacity
−
|2.11. Farm more intensively and effectively in selected areas and spare more natural land
+
|2.2 Lack of staff
−
|communities received training on improved farming practices [2]
+
|UNESCO 2018b
−
|2017 - 2018
+
|
 
|-
 
|-
−
|3. Energy production & mining
+
|2 Resources and capacity
−
|absent
+
|2.5 Lack of equipment/transportation
 +
|UNESCO 2018a
 
|
 
|
 +
|-
 +
|4 Institutional support
 +
|4.4 Lack of transboundary cooperation
 +
|Granier and Martinez 2011, UNESCO 2018b
 
|
 
|
 +
|}
 +
 +
 +
= Enablers =
 +
 +
 +
 +
'''Table 6. Enablers reported for Mount Nimba Strict Nature Reserve'''
 +
{| border="1" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" class="enabler-table"
 +
!Enablers
 +
!Specific enablers
 +
!Source
 +
!Year(s)
 
|-
 
|-
−
|4. Transportation & service corridors
+
|1 Site management
−
|absent
+
|
 
|
 
|
 
|
 
|
 
|-
 
|-
−
|5. Biological resource use
+
|2 Resources and capacity
−
|5.17. Provide sustainable alternative livelihoods; establish fish- or domestic meat farms
+
|
−
|communities received training in financial, marketing and advocacy matters and in farming practices to decrease their reliance of natural resources from the protected area [2]
 
−
|2017 - 2018
 
−
|-
 
−
|6. Human intrusion & disturbance
 
−
|absent
 
 
|
 
|
 
|
 
|
 
|-
 
|-
−
|7. Natural system modifications
+
|3 Engaged community
−
|absent
+
|
 
|
 
|
 
|
 
|
 
|-
 
|-
−
|8. Invasive & other problematic species, genes, diseases
+
|4 Institutional support
−
|absent
+
|
 
|
 
|
 
|
 
|
 
|-
 
|-
−
|9. Pollution
+
|5 Ecological context
−
|absent
+
|
 
|
 
|
 
|
 
|
 
|-
 
|-
−
|10. Education & Awareness
+
|6 Safety and stability
−
|absent
 
 
|
 
|
 
|
 
|
 +
|
 +
|}
 +
 +
 +
= Research activities =
 +
 +
The Nimba Mountains have been the focus of research for several decades. In the 1940’s a research station was established in Ziéla to the North of the Nimba Mountains and researchers including Maxime Lamotte, Roger Roy, and other scientists from the Institut Français d’Afrique Noire in Dakar, conducted studies on the fauna and flora, but also on climate and geology (Granier & Martinez 2011). In the context of the recognition of Nimba as a World Heritage Site several missions have been conducted by UNESCO (UNESCO 2018b). Many other organization conducted research here, for example on the Nimba toad (Hillers et al. 2008, Sandberger-Loua et al. 2016). Studies targeted at chimpanzees in the Mount Nimba Strict Nature reserve, also investigated chimpanzee behavior, such as tool use (Sugiyama 1995, Shimada 2000), but also habitat use and nesting behavior (Granier et al. 2014). Long-term chimpanzee research is ongoing at the Seringbara study site in Guinea. Initial research at Seringbara focused on tool use behaviour by the Nimba chimpanzees especially in comparison to the chimpanzees at Bossou (e.g., Humle & Matsuzawa 2001, Koops 2011, Shimada 2000, Sugiyama 1995). Subsequently, Seringbara research broadened to include chimpanzee tool use patterns (Koops et al. 2013, 2015), feeding ecology (Koops 2011, Koops et al. 2013, 2019), grouping and ranging patterns (van Leeuwen et al. in press), nesting behaviour (Koops et al. 2007, 2012a,b), habitat suitability modeling (Fitzgerald et al. 2018), molecular genetics (Koops et al 2012b, Koops et al. in prep), nutritional analyses (Koops et al. 2019) and conservation strategies (Fitzgerald et al. in prep).
 +
 +
 +
= Documented behaviours =
 +
 +
 +
 +
'''Table 7. Behaviours documented for Mount Nimba Strict Nature Reserve'''
 +
{| border="1" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" class="behaviours-table"
 +
!Behavior
 +
!Source
 
|-
 
|-
−
|11. Habitat Protection
+
|Ant dipping
−
|11.2. Legally protect primate habitat
+
|Humle & Matsuzawa 2001, Koops et al. 2015, Granier 2011
−
|designated a Strict Nature Reserve in 1944 [13]
 
−
|since 1944
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
|12. Species Management
+
|Crab fishing
−
|absent
+
|Koops et al. 2019
−
|
+
|-
−
|
+
|Fruit cleaving (''Treculia'')
 +
|Koops et al. 2010
 +
|-
 +
|Hand clapping
 +
|Koops & Matsuzawa 2006
 +
|-
 +
|Leaf biting
 +
|Koops 2011
 +
|-
 +
|Leaf cushion
 +
|Koops 2011
 +
|-
 +
|Leaf swallowing
 +
|Koops 2011
 
|-
 
|-
−
|13. Livelihood; Economic & Other Incentives
+
|Making ground nests
−
|absent
+
|Humle & Matsuzawa 2001, Koops et al. 2007, Koops 2011, Koops et al. 2012a,b
−
|
 
−
|
 
 
|-
 
|-
 +
|Medicinal uses of leaves
 +
|Koops 2011
 
|}
 
|}
−
[[Conservation activities list]]
 
  
  
−
= Impediments = <!-- Overview of impediments to ape conservation -->
+
= Exposure to climate change impacts =
 +
 
 +
 
 +
 
 +
 
 +
 
 +
= External links =
 +
 
  
−
Lack of transboundary cooperation as well as lack of technical, financial and human resources were mentioned as impediments to effective protection of the reserve (Granier and Martinez 2011, UNESCO 2018a, UNESCO 2018b).  <br><br>
 
  
−
[[Impediments list]]
+
= Relevant datasets =
  
−
<br>
 
  
−
= Research activities = <!-- Overview of research activities, and keyword list of documented behaviours -->
 
  
−
As reviewed in Granier & Martinez (2011) the Nimba mountains have been the focus of research for several decades. In the 1940’s a research station was established in Ziéla to the North of the Nimba mountains and researchers including Maxime Lamotte, Roger Roy, and other scientists from the Institut Français d’Afrique Noire in Dakar, conducted studies on the fauna and flora, but also on climate and geology (Granier & Martinez 2011). In the context of the recognition of Nimba as a World Heritage Site several missions have been conducted by UNESCO (UNESCO 2018b). Many other organization conducted research here, for example on the Nimba toad (Hillers et al. 2008, Sandberger-Loua et al. 2016). Studies targeted at chimpanzees in the Mount Nimba Strict Nature reserve, also investigated chimpanzee behavior, such as tool-use (Sugiyama 1995, Shimada 2000), but also habitat use and nesting behavior (Granier et al. 2014).
+
= References =
  
−
===Documented behaviours===  <!-- Paragraph describing any behaviours observed at the site, including citations -->
+
BirdLife International. 2018a. Important Bird Areas factsheet: Monts Nimba (part of Mount Nimba transboundary AZE).  Online: [http://datazone.birdlife.org/site/factsheet/monts-nimba-(part-of-mount-nimba-transboundary-aze)-iba-guinea  www.birdlife.org]
  
−
* traces of ant-catching with a wooden ‘wand’ (i.e., stem) found (Sugiyama 1995)
+
BirdLife International. 2018b. Fighting rural poverty: community empowered to conserve Guinean mountain reserve. Online: [https://www.birdlife.org/worldwide/news/fighting-rural-poverty-community-empowered-conserve-guinean-mountain-reserve   www.birdlife.org/news]
−
* ant-dipping sites in eastern part of the reserve (Granier 2011)
 
  
 +
Brugiere D, Kormos R. 2009. Review of the protected area network in Guinea, West Africa, and recommendations for new sites for biodiversity conservation, Biodiversity and Conservation, 18:847
  
−
===Relevant datasets===
+
Granier N. 2008. Ecological study and conservation of chimpanzees Pan troglodytes verus in the Nimba Mountain Biosphere Reserve, Republic of Guinea. Report to the Section on Great Apes of the IUCN/SSC Primate Specialist Group and Conservation International
−
[http://apesportal.eva.mpg.de/database/archiveMap A.P.E.S Portal]
 
  
 +
Fitzgerald et al 2018. Modeling habitat suitability for chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes verus) in the Greater Nimba Landscape, Guinea, West Africa. Primates 59: 361-375.
  
−
<br>
+
Granier N. 2011. Chimpanzees in the Eastern Part of the Nimba Mountains Biosphere Reserve: Gouéla II and Déré Forest, In: Matsuzawa, T. et al. (eds.) The Chimpanzees of Bossou and Nimba. Springer, Tokyo, Japan.
  
−
= References =
+
Granier N et al. 2014. Density Estimates and Nesting-Site Selection in Chimpanzees of the Nimba Mountains, Côte d’Ivoire, and Guinea. American Journal of Primatology 76: 999–1010
−
[1] BirdLife International (2018a) Important Bird Areas factsheet: Monts Nimba (part of Mount Nimba transboundary AZE). Online: [http://datazone.birdlife.org/site/factsheet/monts-nimba-(part-of-mount-nimba-transboundary-aze)-iba-guinea  www.birdlife.org]<br>
+
 
−
[2] BirdLife International (2018b) Fighting rural poverty: community empowered to conserve Guinean mountain reserve. Online: [https://www.birdlife.org/worldwide/news/fighting-rural-poverty-community-empowered-conserve-guinean-mountain-reserve  www.birdlife.org/news]<br>
+
Granier N, Martinez L. 2011. Conservation Issues in the Nimba Mountains, In: Matsuzawa, T. et al. (eds.) The Chimpanzees of Bossou and Nimba. Springer, Tokyo, Japan.
−
[3] Brugiere, D. & Kormos, R. (2009) Review of the protected area network in Guinea, West Africa, and recommendations for new sites for biodiversity conservation, Biodiversity and Conservation, 18:847<br>
+
 
−
[4] Granier, N. (2008) Ecological study and conservation of chimpanzees Pan troglodytes verus in the Nimba Mountain Biosphere Reserve, Republic of Guinea. Report to the Section on Great Apes of the IUCN/SSC Primate Specialist Group and Conservation International<br>
+
Hillers A et al. 2008. Assessment of the distribution and conservation status of the viviparous toad Nimbaphrynoides occidentalis on Monts Nimba, Guinea. Endangered Species Research, 5: 13–19.
−
[5] Granier, N. (2011) Chimpanzees in the Eastern Part of the Nimba Mountains Biosphere Reserve: Gouéla II and Déré Forest, In: Matsuzawa, T. et al. (eds.) The Chimpanzees of Bossou and Nimba. Springer, Tokyo, Japan.<br>
+
 
−
[6] Granier, N., Hambuckers, A., Matsuzawa, T. and Huynen, M.-C. (2014) Density Estimates and Nesting‐Site Selection in Chimpanzees of the Nimba Mountains, Côte d’Ivoire, and Guinea. American Journal of Primatology 76: 999–1010<br>
+
Koops K et al. 2007. Ground-nesting by the chimpanzees of the Nimba Mountains, Guinea: environmentally or socially determined? American Journal of Primatology 69: 407–419.
−
[7] Granier, N. and Martinez, L. (2011) Conservation Issues in the Nimba Mountains, In: Matsuzawa, T. et al. (eds.) The Chimpanzees of Bossou and Nimba. Springer, Tokyo, Japan.<br>
+
 
−
[8] Hillers, A., Loua, N.-S., Rödel, M.-O. (2008) Assessment of the distribution and conservation status of the viviparous toad Nimbaphrynoides occidentalis on Monts Nimba, Guinea. Endangered Species Research, 5: 13–19. <br>
+
Koops K et al. 2010. Do chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) use cleavers and anvils to fracture Treculia africana fruits? Preliminary data on a new form of percussive technology. Primates 51:175-178.
−
[9] Kormos, R. & Boesch, C. (2003) Regional Action Plan for the Conservation of Chimpanzees in West Africa. IUCN/SSC Primate Specialist Group and Conservation International, Washington DC.<br>
+
 
−
[10] Sandberger-Loua, L., Doumbia, J., and Rödel, M.-O. (2016) Conserving the unique to save the diverse — Identifying key environmental determinants for the persistence of the viviparous Nimba toad in a West African World Heritage Site, Biological Conservation 198: 15-21<br>
+
Koops K et al. 2012a. Nest-building by chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes verus) at Seringbara, Nimba Mountains: anti-predation, thermoregulation, and anti-vector hypotheses. International Journal of Primatology 33 (2): 356-380.
−
[11] Shimada, M. (2000) A survey of the Nimba Mountains, West Africa from three routes: confirmed new habitat and ant catching wand use of chimpanzees. Pan Africa News, 7, 7–10.<br>
+
 
−
[12] Sugiyama, Y. (1995) Tool-use for catching ants by chimpanzees at Bossou and Monts Nimba, West Africa. Primates 36: 193-205.<br>
+
Koops et al 2012b. Terrestrial nest-building in wild chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes verus): Implications for the tree-to-ground sleep transition in early hominins. American Journal of Physical Anthropology 148: 351-361.
−
[13] UNEP-WCMC and IUCN (2018) Protected Planet: The World Database on Protected Areas (WDPA), Cambridge, UK: UNEP-WCMC and IUCN Online: [https://www.protectedplanet.net/massif-du-ziama-classified-forest   www.protectedplanet.net]<br>
+
 
−
[14] UNESCO MAB (2011) UNESCO MAB Biosphere Reserve Directory. Haut Niger. Online: [http://www.unesco.org/new/en/natural-sciences/environment/ecological-sciences/biosphere-reserves/africa/guinea/mont-nimba /  www.unesco.org]<br>
+
Koops et al 2013. Ecology of culture: Do environmental factors influence foraging tool use in wild chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes verus)? Animal Behaviour 85: 175-185.
−
[15] UNESCO (2018a) Mount Nimba Strict Nature Reserve. Online: [http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/155    whc.unesco.org]<br>
+
 
−
[16] UNESCO (2018b) State of Conservation - Mount Nimba Strict Nature Reserve. Online: [http://whc.unesco.org/en/soc/3810    whc.unesco.org/soc]<br>
+
Koops et al 2015. Chimpanzees prey on army ants at Seringbara, Nimba Mountains, Guinea: Predation patterns and tool characteristics. American Journal of Primatology 77: 319-329.
−
[17] WCF (2012) Etat de la faune et des menaces dans les aires protégées terrestres et principales zones de forte biodiversité de Rep. de Guinée. Report. Wild Chimpanzee Foundation, Sangaredi, Republic of Guinea. Online: [http://www.wildchimps.org  www.wildchimps.org]<br>
+
 
 +
Koops et al 2019. Crab-fishing by chimpanzees in the Nimba Mountains, Guinea. Journal of Human Evolution 133: 230-241.
 +
 
 +
Koops K. 2011. Chimpanzees in the Seringbara Region of the Nimba Mountains, in Matsuzawa, T., Humle, T. and Sugiyama, Y. [eds.] The chimpanzees of Bossou and Nimba. Springer. Tokyo
 +
 
 +
Kormos R, Boesch C. 2003. Regional Action Plan for the Conservation of Chimpanzees in West Africa. IUCN/SSC Primate Specialist Group and Conservation International, Washington DC.
 +
 
 +
METT. 2009. Management Effectiveness Evaluations – Reserve naturelle integrale des Monts Nimba. Online: [https://papaco.org/guinea/  papaco.org]
 +
 
 +
Sandberger-Loua L et al. 2016. Conserving the unique to save the diverse — Identifying key environmental determinants for the persistence of the viviparous Nimba toad in a West African World Heritage Site, Biological Conservation 198: 15-21
 +
 
 +
Shimada M. 2000. A survey of the Nimba Mountains, West Africa from three routes: confirmed new habitat and ant catching wand use of chimpanzees. Pan Africa News, 7, 7–10.
 +
 
 +
Sugiyama Y. 1995. Tool-use for catching ants by chimpanzees at Bossou and Monts Nimba, West Africa. Primates 36: 193-205.
 +
 
 +
UNEP-WCMC,  IUCN. 2018. Protected Planet: The World Database on Protected Areas (WDPA), Cambridge, UK: UNEP-WCMC and IUCN Online: [https://www.protectedplanet.net/mount-nimba-strict-nature-reserve   www.protectedplanet.net]
 +
 
 +
UNESCO MAB. 2011. UNESCO MAB Biosphere Reserve Directory. Haut Niger. Online: [http://www.unesco.org/new/en/natural-sciences/environment/ecological-sciences/biosphere-reserves/africa/guinea/mont-nimba /  www.unesco.org]
 +
 
 +
UNESCO. 2018a. Mount Nimba Strict Nature Reserve. Online: [http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/155    whc.unesco.org]
 +
 
 +
UNESCO. 2018b. State of Conservation - Mount Nimba Strict Nature Reserve. Online: [http://whc.unesco.org/en/soc/3810    whc.unesco.org/soc]
 +
 
 +
WCF. 2012. Etat de la faune et des menaces dans les aires protégées terrestres et principales zones de forte biodiversité de Rep. de Guinée. Report. Wild Chimpanzee Foundation, Sangaredi, Republic of Guinea. Online: [http://www.wildchimps.org  www.wildchimps.org]
  
  
  
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+
'''Page created by: '''A.P.E.S. Wiki Team & Kathelijne Koops''' Date:''' NA
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'''Page completed by:''' A.P.E.S. Wiki Team '''Date:''' 20/12/2018  <!-- If you don't want to add your name, you can add "A.P.E.S. Wiki team" -->
 
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<br><br>
 

Latest revision as of 09:55, 18 March 2025

West Africa > Republic of Guinea > Mount Nimba Strict Nature Reserve

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Summary

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  • Western chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes verus) are present in Mount Nimba Strict Nature Reserve.
  • There is an ongoing study to determine the chimpanzee population size (Koops et al. in prep.).
  • The chimpanzee population trend is unknown.
  • This site has a total size of 125 km².
  • Key threats to chimpanzees are iron ore mining, poaching and habitat encroachment.
  • Conservation activities have focused on improving tri-national coordination and capacity building for local communities.
  • The Nimba Mountains are exceptional in their diversity of fauna and flora with a high rate of endemism. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1981 and listed as World Heritage in Danger since 1992. It is also recognized as an Important Bird Area.
  • Long-term chimpanzee research has been ongoing since 2003 at the Seringbara study site on the Guinean side of the Nimba Mountains.


Mount Leclerc © Kathelijne Koops

Site characteristics

Mount Nimba Strict Nature Reserve is located in the Nimba Mountains at the tri-national border of Guinea, Liberia and Côte d’Ivoire. It was designated a Strict Nature Reserve in 1944 (IUCN Category Ia) and is transboundary with Mount Nimba Integral Reserve (Côte d’Ivoire) and East Nimba Nature Reserve (Liberia, UNEP-WCMC and IUCN 2018).

Table 1. Basic site information for Mount Nimba Strict Nature Reserve

Species 'Pan troglodytes verus
Area 125 km²
Coordinates Lat: 7.64 , Lon: -8.41
Type of site Protected area (Strict Nature Reserve)
Habitat types Subtropical/tropical moist montane forest, Subtropical/tropical moist lowland forest, Savanna, Wetlands (lakes, rivers, streams, bogs, marshes), Agricultural land
Type of governance

IUCN habitat categories Site designations

Nimba Mountains © Kathelijne Koops

Ape status

Surveys in different parts of the Nimba Mountains confirmed the presence of western chimpanzees (Sugiyama 1995, Shimada 2001). From the beginning these surveys were also aimed to study chimpanzee behavior, such as nesting behavior and tool-use behavior (details below). In the Regional Conservation Action Plan for western chimpanzees in 2003 the Nimba Mountains were identified as an ‘Exceptionally Important Priority Area’ (Kormos & Boesch 2003). Detailed surveys on chimpanzee density distribution were conducted by Nicolas Granier during multiple surveys after 2006 that focused on the eastern part of the protected area and the southern slope of Mount Nimba (Granier 2011, Granier et al. 2014). A transect survey conducted by the Wild Chimpanzee Foundation estimated the chimpanzee population in the reserve at around 166 individuals (WCF 2012).

Table 2. Ape population estimates reported for Mount Nimba Strict Nature Reserve

Species Year Occurrence Encounter or vistation rate (nests/km; ind/day) Density estimate [ind./ km²] (95% CI) Abundance estimate (95% CI) Survey area Sampling method Analytical framework Source Comments A.P.E.S. database ID
Pan troglodytes verus 1991 Present North of Goera Reconnaissance walk Sugiyama 1995 Reconnaissance survey
Pan troglodytes verus 1999 Present North east of Seringbara village Reconnaissance walk Shimada 2000 Reconnaissance survey
Pan troglodytes verus 1999 Present North of Goera Reconnaissance walk Shimada 2000 Reconnaissance survey
Pan troglodytes verus 2006-2008 1.14 Eastern part of the reserve Line transects & recces Granier 2011 Total survey effort: 350 km; combination of line transect, reconnaissance survey and scouting surveys
Pan troglodytes verus 2009-2011 0.46 8-39 Southern slope of Nimba Mountains [covered Guinean section (10km2) and Côte d’Ivoirian section (50km²)] Line transects & recces Granier et al. 2014 Total survey effort: 78.21 km; combination of line transect and reconnaissance survey, abundance and density estimate only based on transects (i.e., 12.5 km)
Pan troglodytes verus 2009 6.58 1.33 166 Mount Nimba Strict Nature Reserve (i.e., Guinean part of Nimba Mountains) Line transects WCF 2012 Total survey effort: 59.4 km
Western chimpanzee, Nimba (Guinea) © Maegan Fitzgerald

Threats

Since 1992 Mount Nimba Strict Nature Reserve is listed as a ‘World Heritage in Danger’ because of plans to mine iron ore inside the reserve and an increase in anthropogenic pressure due to the arrival of refugees from Liberia (UNESCO 2018). Insufficient institutional structure was also reported as a threat (UNESCO 2018). As a result the boundary of the reserve were changed by the World Heritage Committee in 1993 and 15.5 km2 were degazetted so that mining operations could take place (Brugière & Kormos 2009).

Table 3. Threats to apes reported for Mount Nimba Strict Nature Reserve

Category Specific threats Threat level Description Year of threat
1 Residential & commercial development Absent
6 Human intrusions & disturbance Absent
10 Geological events Absent
12 Other threat Absent
5 Biological resource use 5.1 Hunting & collecting terrestrial animals High (more than 70% of population affected) Most prevalent sign of human activity inside the reserve (WCF 2012), also confirmed by BirdLife International 2018b, METT 2009, Shimada 2000, UNESCO 2018b. 2000-Ongoing (2018)
2 Agriculture & aquaculture 2.1 Annual & perennial non-timber crops Medium (30-70% of population affected) Agricultural activities especially in the northern part around Seringbara and towards the border with Liberia (METT 2009, WCF 2012). Ongoing (2012)
5 Biological resource use 5.2 Gathering terrestrial plants Medium (30-70% of population affected) Collection of medicinal plants (BirdLife International 2018b) Ongoing (2018)
5 Biological resource use 5.3 Logging & wood harvesting Medium (30-70% of population affected) Wood extraction (WCF 2012). Ongoing (2012)
7 Natural system modifications 7.1 Fire & fire suppression Medium (30-70% of population affected) Fires used to clear land for agricultural and cattle grazing (METT 2009, UNESCO 2018b, WCF 2012). 2009-Ongoing (2018)
2 Agriculture & aquaculture 2.3 Livestock farming & ranching Present (unknown severity) Present (METT 2009, UNESCO 2018b), level of threat not known. Ongoing (2018)
3 Energy production & mining 3.2 Mining & quarrying Present (unknown severity) Exploration for iron ore, activities seem to have ceased, but current threat level not clear (METT 2009, UNESCO 2018b). Unknown (2018)
4 Transportation & service corridors 4.1 Roads & railroads Present (unknown severity) Tarmacking of a road passing by the reserve in planning and would reinforce anthropogenic pressures such as poaching and illegal wood extraction (UNESCO 2018b), signs of paths inside reserve (WCF 2012). Ongoing (2018)
8 Invasive & other problematic species, genes & diseases Unknown
9 Pollution Unknown
11 Climate change & severe weather Unknown

IUCN Threats list

Conservation activities

The governmental unit responsible for the administration of the reserve is the Centre for the Management of the Environment of Mount Nimba-Simandou (CEGENS) under the Ministry of Environment, Water and Forests and Sustainable Development, and fulfills administrative as well as scientific responsibilities (UNESCO 2018a).

Table 4. Conservation activities reported for Mount Nimba Strict Nature Reserve

Category Specific activity Description Implementing organization(s) Year of activity
1 Development impact mitigation 1.4 Farm more intensively and effectively in selected areas and spare more natural land Communities received training on improved farming practices (BirdLife International 2018b) 2017-2018
2 Counter-wildlife crime 2.13 Provide sustainable alternative livelihoods; establish fish- or domestic meat farms Communities received training in financial, marketing and advocacy matters and in farming practices to decrease their reliance of natural resources from the protected area (BirdLife International 2018b) 2017-2018
5 Protection & restoration 5.2 Legally protect ape habitat Designated a Strict Nature Reserve in 1944 (UNEP-WCMC and IUCN 2018) Since 1944

Conservation activities list (Junker et al. 2017)

Challenges

Lack of transboundary cooperation as well as lack of technical, financial and human resources were mentioned as impediments to effective protection of the reserve (Granier and Martinez 2011, UNESCO 2018a, UNESCO 2018b).

Table 5. Challenges reported for Mount Nimba Strict Nature Reserve

Challenges Specific challenges Source Year(s)
2 Resources and capacity 2.1 Lack of capacity/training UNESCO 2018a, UNESCO 2018b
2 Resources and capacity 2.3 General lack of funding UNESCO 2018a, UNESCO 2018b
2 Resources and capacity 2.2 Lack of staff UNESCO 2018b
2 Resources and capacity 2.5 Lack of equipment/transportation UNESCO 2018a
4 Institutional support 4.4 Lack of transboundary cooperation Granier and Martinez 2011, UNESCO 2018b


Enablers

Table 6. Enablers reported for Mount Nimba Strict Nature Reserve

Enablers Specific enablers Source Year(s)
1 Site management
2 Resources and capacity
3 Engaged community
4 Institutional support
5 Ecological context
6 Safety and stability


Research activities

The Nimba Mountains have been the focus of research for several decades. In the 1940’s a research station was established in Ziéla to the North of the Nimba Mountains and researchers including Maxime Lamotte, Roger Roy, and other scientists from the Institut Français d’Afrique Noire in Dakar, conducted studies on the fauna and flora, but also on climate and geology (Granier & Martinez 2011). In the context of the recognition of Nimba as a World Heritage Site several missions have been conducted by UNESCO (UNESCO 2018b). Many other organization conducted research here, for example on the Nimba toad (Hillers et al. 2008, Sandberger-Loua et al. 2016). Studies targeted at chimpanzees in the Mount Nimba Strict Nature reserve, also investigated chimpanzee behavior, such as tool use (Sugiyama 1995, Shimada 2000), but also habitat use and nesting behavior (Granier et al. 2014). Long-term chimpanzee research is ongoing at the Seringbara study site in Guinea. Initial research at Seringbara focused on tool use behaviour by the Nimba chimpanzees especially in comparison to the chimpanzees at Bossou (e.g., Humle & Matsuzawa 2001, Koops 2011, Shimada 2000, Sugiyama 1995). Subsequently, Seringbara research broadened to include chimpanzee tool use patterns (Koops et al. 2013, 2015), feeding ecology (Koops 2011, Koops et al. 2013, 2019), grouping and ranging patterns (van Leeuwen et al. in press), nesting behaviour (Koops et al. 2007, 2012a,b), habitat suitability modeling (Fitzgerald et al. 2018), molecular genetics (Koops et al 2012b, Koops et al. in prep), nutritional analyses (Koops et al. 2019) and conservation strategies (Fitzgerald et al. in prep).


Documented behaviours

Table 7. Behaviours documented for Mount Nimba Strict Nature Reserve

Behavior Source
Ant dipping Humle & Matsuzawa 2001, Koops et al. 2015, Granier 2011
Crab fishing Koops et al. 2019
Fruit cleaving (Treculia) Koops et al. 2010
Hand clapping Koops & Matsuzawa 2006
Leaf biting Koops 2011
Leaf cushion Koops 2011
Leaf swallowing Koops 2011
Making ground nests Humle & Matsuzawa 2001, Koops et al. 2007, Koops 2011, Koops et al. 2012a,b
Medicinal uses of leaves Koops 2011


Exposure to climate change impacts

External links

Relevant datasets

References

BirdLife International. 2018a. Important Bird Areas factsheet: Monts Nimba (part of Mount Nimba transboundary AZE). Online: www.birdlife.org

BirdLife International. 2018b. Fighting rural poverty: community empowered to conserve Guinean mountain reserve. Online: www.birdlife.org/news

Brugiere D, Kormos R. 2009. Review of the protected area network in Guinea, West Africa, and recommendations for new sites for biodiversity conservation, Biodiversity and Conservation, 18:847

Granier N. 2008. Ecological study and conservation of chimpanzees Pan troglodytes verus in the Nimba Mountain Biosphere Reserve, Republic of Guinea. Report to the Section on Great Apes of the IUCN/SSC Primate Specialist Group and Conservation International

Fitzgerald et al 2018. Modeling habitat suitability for chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes verus) in the Greater Nimba Landscape, Guinea, West Africa. Primates 59: 361-375.

Granier N. 2011. Chimpanzees in the Eastern Part of the Nimba Mountains Biosphere Reserve: Gouéla II and Déré Forest, In: Matsuzawa, T. et al. (eds.) The Chimpanzees of Bossou and Nimba. Springer, Tokyo, Japan.

Granier N et al. 2014. Density Estimates and Nesting-Site Selection in Chimpanzees of the Nimba Mountains, Côte d’Ivoire, and Guinea. American Journal of Primatology 76: 999–1010

Granier N, Martinez L. 2011. Conservation Issues in the Nimba Mountains, In: Matsuzawa, T. et al. (eds.) The Chimpanzees of Bossou and Nimba. Springer, Tokyo, Japan.

Hillers A et al. 2008. Assessment of the distribution and conservation status of the viviparous toad Nimbaphrynoides occidentalis on Monts Nimba, Guinea. Endangered Species Research, 5: 13–19.

Koops K et al. 2007. Ground-nesting by the chimpanzees of the Nimba Mountains, Guinea: environmentally or socially determined? American Journal of Primatology 69: 407–419.

Koops K et al. 2010. Do chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) use cleavers and anvils to fracture Treculia africana fruits? Preliminary data on a new form of percussive technology. Primates 51:175-178.

Koops K et al. 2012a. Nest-building by chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes verus) at Seringbara, Nimba Mountains: anti-predation, thermoregulation, and anti-vector hypotheses. International Journal of Primatology 33 (2): 356-380.

Koops et al 2012b. Terrestrial nest-building in wild chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes verus): Implications for the tree-to-ground sleep transition in early hominins. American Journal of Physical Anthropology 148: 351-361.

Koops et al 2013. Ecology of culture: Do environmental factors influence foraging tool use in wild chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes verus)? Animal Behaviour 85: 175-185.

Koops et al 2015. Chimpanzees prey on army ants at Seringbara, Nimba Mountains, Guinea: Predation patterns and tool characteristics. American Journal of Primatology 77: 319-329.

Koops et al 2019. Crab-fishing by chimpanzees in the Nimba Mountains, Guinea. Journal of Human Evolution 133: 230-241.

Koops K. 2011. Chimpanzees in the Seringbara Region of the Nimba Mountains, in Matsuzawa, T., Humle, T. and Sugiyama, Y. [eds.] The chimpanzees of Bossou and Nimba. Springer. Tokyo

Kormos R, Boesch C. 2003. Regional Action Plan for the Conservation of Chimpanzees in West Africa. IUCN/SSC Primate Specialist Group and Conservation International, Washington DC.

METT. 2009. Management Effectiveness Evaluations – Reserve naturelle integrale des Monts Nimba. Online: papaco.org

Sandberger-Loua L et al. 2016. Conserving the unique to save the diverse — Identifying key environmental determinants for the persistence of the viviparous Nimba toad in a West African World Heritage Site, Biological Conservation 198: 15-21

Shimada M. 2000. A survey of the Nimba Mountains, West Africa from three routes: confirmed new habitat and ant catching wand use of chimpanzees. Pan Africa News, 7, 7–10.

Sugiyama Y. 1995. Tool-use for catching ants by chimpanzees at Bossou and Monts Nimba, West Africa. Primates 36: 193-205.

UNEP-WCMC, IUCN. 2018. Protected Planet: The World Database on Protected Areas (WDPA), Cambridge, UK: UNEP-WCMC and IUCN Online: www.protectedplanet.net

UNESCO MAB. 2011. UNESCO MAB Biosphere Reserve Directory. Haut Niger. Online: / www.unesco.org

UNESCO. 2018a. Mount Nimba Strict Nature Reserve. Online: whc.unesco.org

UNESCO. 2018b. State of Conservation - Mount Nimba Strict Nature Reserve. Online: whc.unesco.org/soc

WCF. 2012. Etat de la faune et des menaces dans les aires protégées terrestres et principales zones de forte biodiversité de Rep. de Guinée. Report. Wild Chimpanzee Foundation, Sangaredi, Republic of Guinea. Online: www.wildchimps.org


Page created by: A.P.E.S. Wiki Team & Kathelijne Koops Date: NA

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