Difference between revisions of "Sapo National Park"

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[[West Africa]] > [[Liberia]] > [[Sapo National Park]]
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> [[West Africa]] > [[Liberia]] > [[Sapo National Park]]
 
  
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= Summary = <!-- An overview of the site, with a one sentence overview of each of the following sections. can include a site map -->
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'''[https://wiki-iucnapesportal-org.translate.goog/index.php/Sapo_National_Park?_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/Sapo_National_Park?_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/Sapo_National_Park?_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/Sapo_National_Park?_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/Sapo_National_Park?_x_tr_sl=auto&_x_tr_tl=ms&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=wapp Melayu]'''
  
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__TOC__
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= Summary =
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<div style="float: right">{{#display_map: height=190px | width=300px | scrollzoom=off | zoom=5 | layers= OpenStreetMap, OpenTopoMap|5.378432, -8.496117~[[Sapo National Park]]~'Pan troglodytes verus''}}</div>
 
* Western chimpanzees (''Pan troglodytes verus'') are present in Sapo National Park.
 
* Western chimpanzees (''Pan troglodytes verus'') are present in Sapo National Park.
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* The total abundance was 1,055 (95% CI: 595-1,870) in 2017.
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* It has been estimated that 1,055 (CI: 595-1,870) individuals occur in the site.
 
* The chimpanzee population trend is stable.
 
* The chimpanzee population trend is stable.
 
* The park has a total size of 1,804 km².
 
* The park has a total size of 1,804 km².
 
* Key threats to chimpanzees are poaching and illegal mining.
 
* Key threats to chimpanzees are poaching and illegal mining.
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* Conservation activities have focused on long-term bio-monitoring and law enforcement.  
+
* Conservation activities have focused on long-term bio-monitoring and law enforcement.
 
* Sapo National Park is Liberia's first protected area, established in 1983.
 
* Sapo National Park is Liberia's first protected area, established in 1983.
  
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= Site characteristics = <!-- A paragraph summary of physical and geographic aspects of the site, and a table of key information -->
 
  
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Located in southeastern Liberia (between 5°–6°N and 8°–9°W), Sapo National Park is Liberia's first protected area and represents one of the most intact forest ecosystems of the country (Tweh et al. 2018). The area of the park was extended from 1,304 km² to 1,804 km² in 2003 (Tweh et al. 2018).
 
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The park forms part of the Upper Guinean Forest ecosystem, and contains high levels of biodiversity (N'Goran et al. 2010). In addition to the West African chimpanzee, other endangered and vulnerable species, including forest elephants (Loxodonta africana cyclotis),
 
−
pigmy hippopotamus (''Hexaprotodon liberiensis''), Jentink’s duiker (''Cephalophus jentinki''), Red colobus (''Procolobus [Piliocolobus] badius''), and Diana monkeys (''Cercopithecus diana diana'') are found in the park (N'Goran 2010).
 
  
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'''Table 1: Basic site information for Sapo National Park'''
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= Site characteristics =
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{| border="1" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" class="basic-information"
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| Area:            <!-- Please include units: km2/ha e.g 200ha    -->
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Located in southeastern Liberia, Sapo National Park is Liberia's first protected area and represents one of the most intact forest ecosystems of the country (Tweh et al. 2018). The area of the park was extended from 1,304 km² to 1,804 km² in 2003 (Tweh et al. 2018). The park forms part of the Upper Guinean Forest ecosystem, and contains high levels of biodiversity (N'Goran et al. 2010). The park is a low elevation tropical humid rainforest. Elevation in the southeastern area is approximately 100m with gently rolling hills while in the north, the elevation is approximately 400m in the north with steep ridges (Peal & Kranz 1990). In addition to the western chimpanzee, other endangered and vulnerable species inhabit the site, including forest elephants (''Loxodonta africana''), pygmy hippopotamus (''Hexaprotodon liberiensis''), Jentink’s duiker (''Cephalophus jentinki''), red colobus (''Piliocolobus badius''), and Diana monkeys (''Cercopithecus diana diana'', N'Goran 2010).
 +
 
 +
'''Table 1. Basic site information for Sapo National Park'''
 +
{| border="1" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" class="Site_characteristics-table"
 +
|Species
 +
|'Pan troglodytes verus''
 +
|-
 +
|Area
 
|1,804 km²
 
|1,804 km²
 
|-
 
|-
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| Designation:     <!-- Protected area, Forestry concession, Community reserve  -->
+
|Coordinates
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|National park
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|Lat: 5.378432 , Lon:  -8.496117
 
|-
 
|-
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|Habitat types:    <!-- List IUCN Habitat Classification 3.0 categories present (Without number), see link below -->
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|Type of site
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|Subtropical/tropical moist lowland  
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|Protected area (National Park)
 +
|-
 +
|Habitat types
 +
|Subtropical/tropical moist lowland
 +
|-
 +
|Type of governance
 +
|
 
|}
 
|}
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[[IUCN habitat categories]]  [[Site designations]]
 
  
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= Ape status = <!-- a text overview of ape status (population sizes, trends etc), followed by a table of specific surveys and results -->
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[https://www.iucnredlist.org/resources/habitat-classification-scheme IUCN habitat categories] [[Site designations]]
 +
 
 +
= Ape status =
  
 
A survey in 1982 (one year before the establishment of the park), confirmed the presence of chimpanzees in the Sapo forest (Anderson et al. 1983). Based on the estimates from two surveys, one in 2009 (N'Goran et al. 2010) and a second one in 2017 (Tweh et al. 2018), the chimpanzee population in the park has remained relatively stable, with an estimated abundance of approximately 1,055 individuals.
 
A survey in 1982 (one year before the establishment of the park), confirmed the presence of chimpanzees in the Sapo forest (Anderson et al. 1983). Based on the estimates from two surveys, one in 2009 (N'Goran et al. 2010) and a second one in 2017 (Tweh et al. 2018), the chimpanzee population in the park has remained relatively stable, with an estimated abundance of approximately 1,055 individuals.
  
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'''Table 2: Great ape population estimates in Sapo National Park'''
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'''Table 2. Ape population estimates reported for Sapo National Park'''
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{| border="1" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" class="population-estimate-table"
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{| border="1" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" class="Ape_status-table"
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! Species
+
!Species
−
! Year
+
!Year
−
! Abundance estimate (95% Confidence Interval)
+
!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''
 
|1983
 
|1983
 +
|Present
 +
|
 +
|0.24
 +
|
 +
|Southeastern sector of the park (50 km²)
 +
|Line transects
 
|
 
|
−
|0.24 individuals/km²
 
−
|present
 
−
|southeastern sector of the park (50 km²)
 
−
|transect survey
 
 
|Anderson et al. 1983
 
|Anderson et al. 1983
−
|total survey effort: 42.7 km
+
|Total survey effort: 42.7 km
 
|
 
|
 
|-
 
|-
−
|Western chimpanzee
+
|''Pan troglodytes verus''
 
|2002
 
|2002
 +
|Present
 +
|
 
|
 
|
 
|
 
|
−
|present
 
 
|Sapo National Park
 
|Sapo National Park
−
|transect survey
+
|Line transects
 +
|
 
|Waitkuwait 2003
 
|Waitkuwait 2003
 
|Assessment of Fauna & Flora International's bio-monitoring programme
 
|Assessment of Fauna & Flora International's bio-monitoring programme
 
|
 
|
 
|-
 
|-
−
|Western chimpanzee
+
|''Pan troglodytes verus''
 
|2007-2009
 
|2007-2009
 +
|
 +
|0.27
 
|
 
|
 
|
 
|
−
|0.27 signs/km
 
 
|Sapo National Park, excluding south east area
 
|Sapo National Park, excluding south east area
−
|transect survey
+
|Line transects
 +
|
 
|Vogt 2011
 
|Vogt 2011
 
|Fauna & Flora International bio-monitoring programme
 
|Fauna & Flora International bio-monitoring programme
 
|
 
|
 
|-
 
|-
−
|Western chimpanzee
+
|''Pan troglodytes verus''
 
|2009
 
|2009
−
|1,079 (CI: 713-1,633)
+
|
−
|0.86 individuals/km²
+
|4.05
−
|4.05 nests/km
+
|0.86
 +
|1079 (CI: 713-1633)
 
|Sapo National Park, excluding mining areas
 
|Sapo National Park, excluding mining areas
−
|transect survey
+
|Line transects
 +
|
 
|N'Goran et al. 2010
 
|N'Goran et al. 2010
 
|
 
|
 
|
 
|
 
|-
 
|-
−
|Western chimpanzee
+
|''Pan troglodytes verus''
 
|2016-2017
 
|2016-2017
−
|1,055 (CI: 595-1,870)
+
|
−
|0.83 individuals/km²
+
|
−
|encounter rate
+
|0.83
 +
|1055 (CI: 595-1870)
 
|Sapo National Park, excluding south east area
 
|Sapo National Park, excluding south east area
−
|transect survey
+
|Line transects
 +
|
 
|Tweh et al. 2018
 
|Tweh et al. 2018
−
|total survey effort: 38.38 km
+
|Total survey effort: 38.38 km
 
|
 
|
 
|}
 
|}
  
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= Threats =    <!-- a text overview of threats, followed by a table of key threats -->
 
  
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Sapo National Park has been primarily threatened by illegal hunting and mining (Tweh et al. 2018; Greengrass 2016; N'Goran et al. 2010). An estimated 18,000 illegal miners were inhabiting the park in 2010, the majority of which was evicted by the government on the same year (Vogt 2011).
+
= Threats =
−
A survey of two commercial hunting camps bordering the park revealed high hunting pressure in the area, and the majority of bushmeat harvested was destined to urban areas (Greengrass 2016). The carcassess documented during this survey included chimpanzees as well as other endangered and vulnerable species, such as the red colobus monkey, Diana monkey, and pygmy hippopotamus.
 
−
Furthermore, the development of the road network around the park is expected to increase hunting pressure and facilitate the bushmeat trade (Greengrass 2016), as well as other illegal activities in the park.
 
  
−
'''Table 3: Threats to great apes in Sapo National Park'''
+
Sapo National Park has been primarily threatened by illegal hunting and mining (Tweh et al. 2018; Greengrass 2015; N'Goran et al. 2010). An estimated 18,000 illegal miners were inhabiting the park in 2010, the majority of which was evicted by the government on the same year (Vogt 2011). A survey of two commercial hunting camps bordering the park revealed high hunting pressure in the area, and the majority of bushmeat harvested was destined to urban areas (Greengrass 2015). The carcasses documented during this survey included chimpanzees as well as other endangered and vulnerable species, such as the red colobus monkey, Diana monkey, and pygmy hippopotamus. Furthermore, the development of the road network around the park is expected to increase hunting pressure and facilitate the bushmeat trade (Greengrass 2015), as well as other illegal activities in the park.
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{| border="1" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" class="threats-table"
+
 
−
!align="left"|Category <!-- Do not change threat categories -->
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'''Table 3. Threats to apes reported for Sapo National Park'''
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!Specific threats   <!-- For specific threats, please use list of comma separated keywords from the list linked below -->
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{| border="1" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" class="Threats-table"
−
!Threat level       <!-- For threat level, please use keywords: unknown, low, high -->
+
!Category
−
!Description         <!-- You can add descriptive information here -->
+
!Specific threats
 +
!Threat level
 +
!Description
 
!Year of threat
 
!Year of threat
 
|-
 
|-
−
|1. Residential & commercial development
+
|10 Geological events
−
|1.1 Housing & Urban Areas
+
|
−
|high
+
|Absent
−
|illegal settlement of miners; in 2010 there were an estimated 18,000 illegal settlers [5]
+
|
 
|
 
|
 
|-
 
|-
−
|2. Agriculture & aquaculture
+
|12 Other threat
−
|2.1 Annual & perennial non-timber crops
+
|
−
|present
+
|Absent
−
|present as a result of illegal settlements; scale unknown [2]
+
|
−
|ongoing
+
|
 
|-
 
|-
−
|3. Energy production & mining
+
|1 Residential & commercial development
−
|3.2 Mining & quarrying
+
|1.1 Residential areas
−
|high
+
|High (more than 70% of population affected)
−
|illicit gold mining which has decreased since 2010 [1]
+
|Illegal settlement of miners (Vogt 2011).
−
|ongoing
+
|2010
 
|-
 
|-
−
|4. Transportation & service corridors
+
|3 Energy production & mining
−
|4.1 Roads & railroads
+
|3.2.3 Artisanal mining
−
|present
+
|High (more than 70% of population affected)
−
|development of the road network around the park facilitates illegal human activities in the park [6]
+
|Illicit gold mining which has decreased since 2010 (Tweh et al. 2018); artisanal mining is still present (Junket per. comm. 2019).
−
|ongoing
+
|Ongoing ( 2019)
 
|-
 
|-
−
|5. Biological resource use
+
|5 Biological resource use
−
|5.1 Hunting & Collecting Terrestrial Animals
+
|5.1 Hunting & collecting terrestrial animals
−
|high
+
|High (more than 70% of population affected)
−
|poaching represents a major threat to chimpanzees and other species in the park [1, 2, 6], and most of the bushmeat is destined to urban areas [6]
+
|Poaching represents a major threat to chimpanzees and other species in the park (Tweh et al. 2018, N’Goran et al. 2010, Greengrass 2015), and most of the bushmeat is destined to urban areas (Greengrass 2015).
−
|ongoing
+
|Ongoing (2010, 2015, 2018)
 
|-
 
|-
−
|6. Human intrusion & disturbance
+
|6 Human intrusions & disturbance
−
|6.2 War, civil unrest & military exercises  
+
|6.2 War, civil unrest & military exercises
−
|high
+
|High (more than 70% of population affected)
−
|two civil wars since the establishment of the park disrupted conservation activities, and led to illegal occupation of the park, as well as poaching and extraction of natural resources [6, 7]
+
|Two civil wars since the establishment of the park disrupted conservation activities, and led to illegal occupation of the park, as well as poaching and extraction of natural resources (Greengrass 2015, Collen et al. 2011).
 
|1989-1996, 1999-2003
 
|1989-1996, 1999-2003
 
|-
 
|-
−
|7. Natural system modifications
+
|2 Agriculture & aquaculture
−
|
+
|2.1 Annual & perennial non-timber crops
−
|unknwon
+
|Present (unknown severity)
−
|
+
|Present as a result of illegal settlements; scale unknown (N’Goran et al. 2010).
−
|
+
|Ongoing (2010)
 
|-
 
|-
−
|8. Invasive & other problematic species, genes, diseases
+
|4 Transportation & service corridors
−
|
+
|4.1 Roads & railroads
−
|present
+
|Present (unknown severity)
−
|Ebola virus disease was present in Sinoe county (where the park is located) during the 2014-2016 epidemic [8]
+
|Development of the road network around the park facilitates illegal human activities in the park (Greengrass 2015).
−
|2014-2016
+
|Ongoing (2015)
 
|-
 
|-
−
|9. Pollution
+
|7 Natural system modifications
 
|
 
|
−
|unknown
+
|Unknown
 
|
 
|
 
|
 
|
 
|-
 
|-
−
|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
 
|
 
|
−
|unknown
+
|Unknown
 
|
 
|
 
|
 
|
−
|-
 
 
|}
 
|}
−
[[Threats list]]
 
  
−
= Conservation activities =       <!-- a text overview of conservation activities, followed by a table of key activities -->
+
[https://www.iucnredlist.org/resources/threat-classification-scheme IUCN Threats list]
 +
<div><ul><li style="display: inline-block; vertical-align: top;"> [[File: IllegalMining_Sapo_BTally.jpg | 200px | thumb| right | Illegal mining activity in Sapo © Ben Tally]] </li><li style="display: inline-block; vertical-align: top;"> [[File: MiningCamp_Sapo_BTally.jpg | 200px | thumb| right | Mining camp © Ben Tally]] </li><li style="display: inline-block; vertical-align: top;"> [[File: IllegalMining_BTally.jpg | 200px | thumb| right |Illegal mining © Ben Tally]] </li><li style="display: inline-block; vertical-align: top;"> [[File: Patrol_SMART.jpg | 200px | thumb| right |Illegal mining © Ben Tally]] </li></ul></div>
 +
= Conservation activities =
  
−
The national park forms part of the Tai-Grebo-Sapo Forest Complex, which is a conservation priority in West Africa. Conservation efforts in Sapo National Park have mainly focused on law enforcement, conservation awareness, and bio-monitoring. The WCF has supported Community Watch Teams (CWT), which comprise members from surrounding communities, and regulary patrol and support FDA rangers (WCF 2019). CWTs have played an important role in the eviction of illegal miners from the national park (WCF 2019). In 2012, Fauna & Flora International established a long-term bio-monitoring programme to follow the population trends for chimpanzees, pygmy hippotamuses, elephants, as well as duikers, birds, reptiles, and amphibians (Tweh et al. 2018). Together with Liberia's Forestry Development Authority, permanent transects are surveyed twice a year as part of this long-term bio-monitoring programme (Tweh et al. 2018).
+
The Forestry Development Authority of Liberia is responsible for the sustainable management of the forest sector and the protection of all natural resources. It runs the Sapo National Park in collaboration with Fauna & Flora International (FFI) and Wild Chimpanzee Foundation (WCF).  Main activities at the national park level include anti-poaching, conservation education awareness, and bio-monitoring & scientific research. As of 2019, the main activities in the research area have been camera trappings (2019,2020, 2021) by FFI and FDA in the entire national park. eDNA (focusing on Pygmy hippopotamus) was conducted in 2022. The national park forms part of the Tai-Grebo-Sapo Forest Complex, which is a conservation priority in West Africa. Conservation efforts in Sapo National Park have mainly focused on law enforcement, conservation awareness, and bio-monitoring. The WCF has supported Community Watch Teams (CWT), which comprise members from surrounding communities, and regularly patrol and support FDA rangers (WCF 2019). CWTs have played an important role in the eviction of illegal miners from the national park (WCF 2019). In 2012, Fauna & Flora International established a long-term bio-monitoring program to follow the population trends for chimpanzees, pygmy hippopotamuses, elephants, as well as duikers, birds, reptiles, and amphibians (Tweh et al. 2018). Together with Liberia's Forestry Development Authority, permanent transects are surveyed twice a year as part of this long-term bio-monitoring program (Tweh et al. 2018).
−
<br>
 
  
−
'''Table 3: Conservation activities in Sapo National Park'''
+
'''Table 4. Conservation activities reported for Sapo National Park'''
−
{| border="1" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" class="conservation-actions-table"
+
{| border="1" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" class="Conservation_activities-table"
−
!align="left"|Category <!-- Do not change threat categories -->
+
!Category
−
!Specific activity   <!-- For specific threats, please use list of comma separated keywords from the list linked below -->
+
!Specific activity
−
!Description         <!-- You can add descriptive information here -->
+
!Description
−
!Year of activity         <!-- You can add descriptive information here -->
+
!Implementing organization(s)
 +
!Year of activity
 
|-
 
|-
−
|1. Residential & commercial development
+
|2 Counter-wildlife crime
−
|absent
+
|2.3 Conduct regular anti-poaching patrols
 +
|Community Watch Teams supported by the WCF regularly patrol the site (WCF 2019)
 
|
 
|
 +
|Ongoing (2019)
 +
|-
 +
|2 Counter-wildlife crime
 +
|2.8 Provide training to anti-poaching ranger patrols
 +
|Members of the Community Watch Teams are trained in the use of equipment (GPS, compass, camera) and patrolling (WCF 2019)
 
|
 
|
 +
|Ongoing (2019)
 
|-
 
|-
−
|2. Agriculture & aquaculture
+
|2 Counter-wildlife crime
−
|absent
+
|2.11 Implement monitoring surveillance strategies (e.g., SMART) or use monitoring data to improve effectiveness of patrols
 +
|Long-term bio-monitoring of chimpanzee population (Tweh et al. 2018)
 
|
 
|
 +
|Ongoing (2019)
 +
|-
 +
|4 Education & awareness
 +
|4.2 Involve local community in ape research and conservation management
 +
|As part of a long-term bio-monitoring program, staff of Liberia’s Forestry Development Authority and members of the local community are involved in the surveys (Tweh et al. 2018)
 
|
 
|
 +
|Ongoing (2018)
 
|-
 
|-
−
|3. Energy production & mining
+
|5 Protection & restoration
−
|absent
+
|5.9 Resettle illegal human communities (i.e., in a protected area) to another location
 +
|Eviction of 18,000 illegal settlers in the park by the Liberia's government (Vogt 2011)
 
|
 
|
 +
|2010
 +
|-
 +
|5 Protection & restoration
 +
|5.2 Legally protect ape habitat
 +
|The area is designated as National Park (N’Goran et al. 2010)
 
|
 
|
 +
|Ongoing (2010)
 +
|}
 +
 +
[[Conservation activities list (Junker et al. 2017)]]
 +
 +
= Challenges =
 +
 +
The influx of local community dwellers inside the national park is hampering the SNP management to implement the protection of chimpanzees. Low manpower for conducting anti-poaching patrols in and outside the park has put chimpanzees under serious threat.
 +
 +
'''Table 5. Challenges reported for Sapo National Park'''
 +
{| border="1" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" class="Challenges-table"
 +
!Challenges
 +
!Specific challenges
 +
!Source
 +
!Year(s)
 
|-
 
|-
−
|4. Transportation & service corridors
+
|4 Institutional support
−
|absent
+
|4.1 Lack of law enforcement
 +
|Greengrass 2015, N'Goran et al. 2010
 
|
 
|
 +
|-
 +
|2 Resources and capacity
 +
|2.5 Lack of equipment/transportation
 +
|Tweh et al. 2018
 
|
 
|
 
|-
 
|-
−
|5. Biological resource use
+
|1 Site management
−
|5.6. Conduct regular anti-poaching patrols
+
|1.2 Need for improved coordination
−
|Community Watch Teams supported by the WCF regularl patrol the site [9]
+
|Waitkuwait 2003
−
|ongoing
+
|
 
|-
 
|-
 +
|1 Site management
 +
|1.4 Conflict on land tenure
 +
|Tally, B. pers. comm. 2022
 
|
 
|
−
|5.11. Provide training to anti-poaching ranger patrols
+
|}
−
|Members of the Community Watch Teams are trained in the use of equipment (GPS, compass, camera) and patrolling [9]
+
 
−
|ongoing
+
 
 +
= Enablers =
 +
 
 +
 
 +
 
 +
'''Table 6. Enablers reported for Sapo National Park'''
 +
{| border="1" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" class="enabler-table"
 +
!Enablers
 +
!Specific enablers
 +
!Source
 +
!Year(s)
 
|-
 
|-
 +
|1 Site management
 +
|
 +
|
 
|
 
|
−
|5.14. Inform hunters of the dangers (e.g., disease transmission) of wild primate meat
 
−
|awareness campaigns during the Ebola crisis informed people living near the park about the risks of handling and consuming bushmeat as a preventative measure [10]
 
−
|2014-2016
 
 
|-
 
|-
 +
|2 Resources and capacity
 
|
 
|
−
|5.15. Implement monitoring surveillance strategies
 
−
|long-term bio-monitoring of chimpanzee population [1]
 
−
|ongoing
 
−
|-
 
−
|6. Human intrusion & disturbance
 
−
|6.7. Resettle illegal human communities (i.e. in a protected area) to another location
 
−
|eviction of up to 18,000 illegal settlers in the park by the Liberia's government [5]
 
−
|2010
 
−
|-
 
−
|7. Natural system modifications
 
−
|absent
 
 
|
 
|
 
|
 
|
 
|-
 
|-
−
|8. Invasive & other problematic species, genes, diseases
+
|3 Engaged community
−
|absent
+
|
 
|
 
|
 
|
 
|
 
|-
 
|-
−
|9. Pollution
+
|4 Institutional support
−
|absent
+
|
 
|
 
|
 
|
 
|
 
|-
 
|-
−
|10. Education & Awareness
+
|5 Ecological context
−
|10.2. Involve local community in primate research and conservation management
+
|
−
|as part of a long-term bio-monitoring programme, staff of Liberia’s Forestry Development Authority and members of the local community are involved in the surveys [1]
 
−
|ongoing
 
−
|-
 
−
|11. Habitat Protection
 
−
|11.2. Legally protect primate habitat
 
−
|the area is designated as National Park
 
−
|since 1983
 
−
|-
 
−
|12. Species Management
 
−
|absent
 
 
|
 
|
 
|
 
|
 
|-
 
|-
−
|13. Livelihood; Economic & Other Incentives
+
|6 Safety and stability
−
|absent
 
 
|
 
|
 
|
 
|
 +
|
 +
|}
 +
 +
 +
= Research activities =
 +
 +
Several surveys have been done in the park to monitor the chimpanzee population (e.g., N'Goran et al. 2010, Tweh et al. 2018), assess the impacts of conservation interventions (Tweh et al. 2018), investigate the behavior and ecology of chimpanzees in the park (Anderson et al. 1983), and investigate the impact of hunting pressure in the area (Greengrass 2015).
 +
 +
 +
= Documented behaviours =
 +
 +
 +
 +
'''Table 7. Behaviours documented for Sapo National Park'''
 +
{| border="1" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" class="behaviours-table"
 +
!Behavior
 +
!Source
 
|-
 
|-
 +
|Nut cracking
 +
|Anderson et al. 1983
 
|}
 
|}
−
[[Conservation activities list]]
 
  
−
= Impediments = <!-- Overview of impediments to ape conservation -->
 
  
−
Weak law enforcement has been cited as a major impediment (Greengrass 2016, N'Goran et al. 2010). As part of enforcing the protection of the park, the need to officially demarcate the buffer zone around the park has been stressed, as this area represents important habitat for chimpanzees (Tweh et al. 2018). Administrative weakness and lack of logistical and technical support have also been mentioned as challenges for Fauna & Flora International's long-term bio-monitoring programme (Waitkuwait 2003).
+
= Exposure to climate change impacts =
−
<br><br>
 
−
[[Impediments list]]
 
−
<br>
 
  
−
= Research activities = <!-- Overview of research activities, and keyword list of documented behaviours -->
 
  
−
Several surveys have been done in the park to monitor the chimpanzee population (e.g., N'Goran et al. 2010, Tweh et al. 2018), assess the impacts of conservation interventions (Tweh et al. 2018), investigate the behavior and ecology of chimpanzees in the park (Anderson et al. 1983), and investigate the impact of hunting pressure in the area (Greengrass 2016).
 
  
−
===Documented behaviours===  <!-- Paragraph describing any behaviours observed at the site, including citations -->
 
  
−
Chimpanzees have been observed cracking nuts at this site using a hammer-and-anvil technique; more specifically, they were observed using hammer stones, but no evidence was found that they also use wooden clubs (Anderson et al. 1983).
 
  
−
===Relevant datasets===
+
= External links =
−
[http://apesportal.eva.mpg.de/database/archiveMap A.P.E.S Portal]
+
 
 +
 
 +
 
 +
= Relevant datasets =
 +
 
  
−
<br>
 
  
 
= References =
 
= References =
−
[1] Tweh, C., Kouakou, C.Y., Chira, R., Freeman, B., Githaiga, J.M., Kerwillain, S., Molokwu-Odozi, M., Varney M. and Junker, J.(2018) Nest counts reveal a stable chimpanzee population in Sapo National Park, Liberia. Primate Conservation 2018 (32): 12 pp. <br>
 
−
[2] N’Goran, K. P., Kouakou, C.Y. and Herbinger I. (2010) Report on the Population Survey and Monitoring of Chimpanzee in Sapo National Park, Liberia (June–December 2009). Report. Wild Chimpanzee Foundation, Abidjan, Côted’Ivoire. <br>
 
−
[3] Anderson, R., Williamson, E.A., and Carter, J. (1983) Chimpanzees of Sapo Forest, Liberia: density, nests, tools and meat-eating. PRIMAaXS, 24(4): 594-601. <br>
 
−
[4] Waitkuwait, W.E. (2003) Report on the First Year of Operation of a Community-based Bio-monitoring Programme in and around Sapo National Park, Sinoe County, Liberia. Report. Fauna and Flora International. <br>
 
−
[5] Vogt, M. (2011) Results of Sapo National Park Bio-Monitoring Programme 2007-2009. Report. Fauna & Flora International, Monrovia, Liberia. <br>
 
−
[6] Greengrass, E. (2015) Commercial hunting to supply urban markets threatens mammalian biodiversity in Sapo National Park. Oryx 50(3), 397–404. <br>
 
−
[7] Collen, B., Howard, B., Konie, J., Daniel, O., and Rist, J. (2011) Field surveys for the endangered pygmy hippopotamus Choerpsis liberiensis in Sapo National Park, Liberia. Oryx, 45(1), 35–37. <br>
 
−
[8] CDC (2017) 2014-2016 Ebola Outbreak Distribution in West Africa. Online: https://www.cdc.gov <br>
 
−
[9] Wild Chimpanzee Foundation (2019) Activities of the Wild Chimpanzee Foundation for improved conservation of chimpanzees and their habitat in West Africa. Annual Report 2018. <br>
 
−
[10] Ordaz-Németh, I., Arandjelovic, M., Boesch, L., Gatiso, T., Grimes, T., Kühl,H.S., Lormie, M., Stephens, C., Tweh, C., and Junker, J. (2017) The socio-economic drivers of bushmeat consumption during the West African the West African Ebola crisis. PLoS Negl. Trop. Dis. 11: e0005450. <br>
 
  
−
<br>
+
Tweh, C., Kouakou, C.Y., Chira, R., Freeman, B., Githaiga, J.M., Kerwillain, S., Molokwu-Odozi, M., Varney M. and Junker, J. 2018. Nest counts reveal a stable chimpanzee population in Sapo National Park, Liberia. Primate Conservation 2018 (32): 12 pp.
−
'''Page completed by:''' A.P.E.S. Wiki Team '''Date:''' 19/03/19  <!-- If you don't want to add your name, you can add "A.P.E.S. Wiki team" -->
+
 
−
<br><br>
+
N’Goran, K. P., Kouakou, C.Y. and Herbinger I. 2010. Report on the Population Survey and Monitoring of Chimpanzee in Sapo National Park, Liberia (June–December 2009). Report. Wild Chimpanzee Foundation, Abidjan, Côted’Ivoire.
 +
 
 +
Anderson, R., Williamson, E.A., and Carter, J. 1983. Chimpanzees of Sapo Forest, Liberia: density, nests, tools and meat-eating. PRIMAaXS, 24(4): 594-601.
 +
 
 +
Waitkuwait, W.E. 2003. Report on the First Year of Operation of a Community-based Bio-monitoring Programme in and around Sapo National Park, Sinoe County, Liberia. Report. Fauna and Flora International.
 +
 
 +
Vogt, M. 2011. Results of Sapo National Park Bio-Monitoring Programme 2007-2009. Report. Fauna & Flora International, Monrovia, Liberia.
 +
 
 +
Greengrass, E. 2015. Commercial hunting to supply urban markets threatens mammalian biodiversity in Sapo National Park. Oryx 50(3), 397–404.
 +
 
 +
Collen, B., Howard, B., Konie, J., Daniel, O., and Rist, J. 2011. Field surveys for the endangered pygmy hippopotamus Choerpsis liberiensis in Sapo National Park, Liberia. Oryx, 45(1), 35–37.
 +
 
 +
Wild Chimpanzee Foundation. 2019. Activities of the Wild Chimpanzee Foundation for improved conservation of chimpanzees and their habitat in West Africa. Annual Report 2018.
 +
 
 +
Peal, A. L., & Kranz, K. R. (1990). Antelopes: GLobal Survey and Regional Action Plans, Part 3. West and
 +
 
 +
Central Africa. Gland, Switzerland: World Conservation Union.
 +
 
 +
 
 +
 
 +
'''Page created by: '''Ben Tally & A.P.E.S. Wiki Team''' Date:''' NA

Latest revision as of 09:57, 18 March 2025

West Africa > Liberia > Sapo National Park

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Summary

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  • Western chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes verus) are present in Sapo National Park.
  • It has been estimated that 1,055 (CI: 595-1,870) individuals occur in the site.
  • The chimpanzee population trend is stable.
  • The park has a total size of 1,804 km².
  • Key threats to chimpanzees are poaching and illegal mining.
  • Conservation activities have focused on long-term bio-monitoring and law enforcement.
  • Sapo National Park is Liberia's first protected area, established in 1983.


Site characteristics

Located in southeastern Liberia, Sapo National Park is Liberia's first protected area and represents one of the most intact forest ecosystems of the country (Tweh et al. 2018). The area of the park was extended from 1,304 km² to 1,804 km² in 2003 (Tweh et al. 2018). The park forms part of the Upper Guinean Forest ecosystem, and contains high levels of biodiversity (N'Goran et al. 2010). The park is a low elevation tropical humid rainforest. Elevation in the southeastern area is approximately 100m with gently rolling hills while in the north, the elevation is approximately 400m in the north with steep ridges (Peal & Kranz 1990). In addition to the western chimpanzee, other endangered and vulnerable species inhabit the site, including forest elephants (Loxodonta africana), pygmy hippopotamus (Hexaprotodon liberiensis), Jentink’s duiker (Cephalophus jentinki), red colobus (Piliocolobus badius), and Diana monkeys (Cercopithecus diana diana, N'Goran 2010).

Table 1. Basic site information for Sapo National Park

Species 'Pan troglodytes verus
Area 1,804 km²
Coordinates Lat: 5.378432 , Lon: -8.496117
Type of site Protected area (National Park)
Habitat types Subtropical/tropical moist lowland
Type of governance

IUCN habitat categories Site designations

Ape status

A survey in 1982 (one year before the establishment of the park), confirmed the presence of chimpanzees in the Sapo forest (Anderson et al. 1983). Based on the estimates from two surveys, one in 2009 (N'Goran et al. 2010) and a second one in 2017 (Tweh et al. 2018), the chimpanzee population in the park has remained relatively stable, with an estimated abundance of approximately 1,055 individuals.

Table 2. Ape population estimates reported for Sapo National Park

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 1983 Present 0.24 Southeastern sector of the park (50 km²) Line transects Anderson et al. 1983 Total survey effort: 42.7 km
Pan troglodytes verus 2002 Present Sapo National Park Line transects Waitkuwait 2003 Assessment of Fauna & Flora International's bio-monitoring programme
Pan troglodytes verus 2007-2009 0.27 Sapo National Park, excluding south east area Line transects Vogt 2011 Fauna & Flora International bio-monitoring programme
Pan troglodytes verus 2009 4.05 0.86 1079 (CI: 713-1633) Sapo National Park, excluding mining areas Line transects N'Goran et al. 2010
Pan troglodytes verus 2016-2017 0.83 1055 (CI: 595-1870) Sapo National Park, excluding south east area Line transects Tweh et al. 2018 Total survey effort: 38.38 km


Threats

Sapo National Park has been primarily threatened by illegal hunting and mining (Tweh et al. 2018; Greengrass 2015; N'Goran et al. 2010). An estimated 18,000 illegal miners were inhabiting the park in 2010, the majority of which was evicted by the government on the same year (Vogt 2011). A survey of two commercial hunting camps bordering the park revealed high hunting pressure in the area, and the majority of bushmeat harvested was destined to urban areas (Greengrass 2015). The carcasses documented during this survey included chimpanzees as well as other endangered and vulnerable species, such as the red colobus monkey, Diana monkey, and pygmy hippopotamus. Furthermore, the development of the road network around the park is expected to increase hunting pressure and facilitate the bushmeat trade (Greengrass 2015), as well as other illegal activities in the park.

Table 3. Threats to apes reported for Sapo National Park

Category Specific threats Threat level Description Year of threat
10 Geological events Absent
12 Other threat Absent
1 Residential & commercial development 1.1 Residential areas High (more than 70% of population affected) Illegal settlement of miners (Vogt 2011). 2010
3 Energy production & mining 3.2.3 Artisanal mining High (more than 70% of population affected) Illicit gold mining which has decreased since 2010 (Tweh et al. 2018); artisanal mining is still present (Junket per. comm. 2019). Ongoing ( 2019)
5 Biological resource use 5.1 Hunting & collecting terrestrial animals High (more than 70% of population affected) Poaching represents a major threat to chimpanzees and other species in the park (Tweh et al. 2018, N’Goran et al. 2010, Greengrass 2015), and most of the bushmeat is destined to urban areas (Greengrass 2015). Ongoing (2010, 2015, 2018)
6 Human intrusions & disturbance 6.2 War, civil unrest & military exercises High (more than 70% of population affected) Two civil wars since the establishment of the park disrupted conservation activities, and led to illegal occupation of the park, as well as poaching and extraction of natural resources (Greengrass 2015, Collen et al. 2011). 1989-1996, 1999-2003
2 Agriculture & aquaculture 2.1 Annual & perennial non-timber crops Present (unknown severity) Present as a result of illegal settlements; scale unknown (N’Goran et al. 2010). Ongoing (2010)
4 Transportation & service corridors 4.1 Roads & railroads Present (unknown severity) Development of the road network around the park facilitates illegal human activities in the park (Greengrass 2015). Ongoing (2015)
7 Natural system modifications Unknown
8 Invasive & other problematic species, genes & diseases Unknown
9 Pollution Unknown
11 Climate change & severe weather Unknown

IUCN Threats list

  • Illegal mining activity in Sapo © Ben Tally
  • Mining camp © Ben Tally
  • Illegal mining © Ben Tally
  • Illegal mining © Ben Tally

Conservation activities

The Forestry Development Authority of Liberia is responsible for the sustainable management of the forest sector and the protection of all natural resources. It runs the Sapo National Park in collaboration with Fauna & Flora International (FFI) and Wild Chimpanzee Foundation (WCF). Main activities at the national park level include anti-poaching, conservation education awareness, and bio-monitoring & scientific research. As of 2019, the main activities in the research area have been camera trappings (2019,2020, 2021) by FFI and FDA in the entire national park. eDNA (focusing on Pygmy hippopotamus) was conducted in 2022. The national park forms part of the Tai-Grebo-Sapo Forest Complex, which is a conservation priority in West Africa. Conservation efforts in Sapo National Park have mainly focused on law enforcement, conservation awareness, and bio-monitoring. The WCF has supported Community Watch Teams (CWT), which comprise members from surrounding communities, and regularly patrol and support FDA rangers (WCF 2019). CWTs have played an important role in the eviction of illegal miners from the national park (WCF 2019). In 2012, Fauna & Flora International established a long-term bio-monitoring program to follow the population trends for chimpanzees, pygmy hippopotamuses, elephants, as well as duikers, birds, reptiles, and amphibians (Tweh et al. 2018). Together with Liberia's Forestry Development Authority, permanent transects are surveyed twice a year as part of this long-term bio-monitoring program (Tweh et al. 2018).

Table 4. Conservation activities reported for Sapo National Park

Category Specific activity Description Implementing organization(s) Year of activity
2 Counter-wildlife crime 2.3 Conduct regular anti-poaching patrols Community Watch Teams supported by the WCF regularly patrol the site (WCF 2019) Ongoing (2019)
2 Counter-wildlife crime 2.8 Provide training to anti-poaching ranger patrols Members of the Community Watch Teams are trained in the use of equipment (GPS, compass, camera) and patrolling (WCF 2019) Ongoing (2019)
2 Counter-wildlife crime 2.11 Implement monitoring surveillance strategies (e.g., SMART) or use monitoring data to improve effectiveness of patrols Long-term bio-monitoring of chimpanzee population (Tweh et al. 2018) Ongoing (2019)
4 Education & awareness 4.2 Involve local community in ape research and conservation management As part of a long-term bio-monitoring program, staff of Liberia’s Forestry Development Authority and members of the local community are involved in the surveys (Tweh et al. 2018) Ongoing (2018)
5 Protection & restoration 5.9 Resettle illegal human communities (i.e., in a protected area) to another location Eviction of 18,000 illegal settlers in the park by the Liberia's government (Vogt 2011) 2010
5 Protection & restoration 5.2 Legally protect ape habitat The area is designated as National Park (N’Goran et al. 2010) Ongoing (2010)

Conservation activities list (Junker et al. 2017)

Challenges

The influx of local community dwellers inside the national park is hampering the SNP management to implement the protection of chimpanzees. Low manpower for conducting anti-poaching patrols in and outside the park has put chimpanzees under serious threat.

Table 5. Challenges reported for Sapo National Park

Challenges Specific challenges Source Year(s)
4 Institutional support 4.1 Lack of law enforcement Greengrass 2015, N'Goran et al. 2010
2 Resources and capacity 2.5 Lack of equipment/transportation Tweh et al. 2018
1 Site management 1.2 Need for improved coordination Waitkuwait 2003
1 Site management 1.4 Conflict on land tenure Tally, B. pers. comm. 2022


Enablers

Table 6. Enablers reported for Sapo National Park

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

Several surveys have been done in the park to monitor the chimpanzee population (e.g., N'Goran et al. 2010, Tweh et al. 2018), assess the impacts of conservation interventions (Tweh et al. 2018), investigate the behavior and ecology of chimpanzees in the park (Anderson et al. 1983), and investigate the impact of hunting pressure in the area (Greengrass 2015).


Documented behaviours

Table 7. Behaviours documented for Sapo National Park

Behavior Source
Nut cracking Anderson et al. 1983


Exposure to climate change impacts

External links

Relevant datasets

References

Tweh, C., Kouakou, C.Y., Chira, R., Freeman, B., Githaiga, J.M., Kerwillain, S., Molokwu-Odozi, M., Varney M. and Junker, J. 2018. Nest counts reveal a stable chimpanzee population in Sapo National Park, Liberia. Primate Conservation 2018 (32): 12 pp.

N’Goran, K. P., Kouakou, C.Y. and Herbinger I. 2010. Report on the Population Survey and Monitoring of Chimpanzee in Sapo National Park, Liberia (June–December 2009). Report. Wild Chimpanzee Foundation, Abidjan, Côted’Ivoire.

Anderson, R., Williamson, E.A., and Carter, J. 1983. Chimpanzees of Sapo Forest, Liberia: density, nests, tools and meat-eating. PRIMAaXS, 24(4): 594-601.

Waitkuwait, W.E. 2003. Report on the First Year of Operation of a Community-based Bio-monitoring Programme in and around Sapo National Park, Sinoe County, Liberia. Report. Fauna and Flora International.

Vogt, M. 2011. Results of Sapo National Park Bio-Monitoring Programme 2007-2009. Report. Fauna & Flora International, Monrovia, Liberia.

Greengrass, E. 2015. Commercial hunting to supply urban markets threatens mammalian biodiversity in Sapo National Park. Oryx 50(3), 397–404.

Collen, B., Howard, B., Konie, J., Daniel, O., and Rist, J. 2011. Field surveys for the endangered pygmy hippopotamus Choerpsis liberiensis in Sapo National Park, Liberia. Oryx, 45(1), 35–37.

Wild Chimpanzee Foundation. 2019. Activities of the Wild Chimpanzee Foundation for improved conservation of chimpanzees and their habitat in West Africa. Annual Report 2018.

Peal, A. L., & Kranz, K. R. (1990). Antelopes: GLobal Survey and Regional Action Plans, Part 3. West and

Central Africa. Gland, Switzerland: World Conservation Union.


Page created by: Ben Tally & A.P.E.S. Wiki Team Date: NA

Retrieved from "https://wiki.iucnapesportal.org/index.php?title=Sapo_National_Park&oldid=8287"