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[[Central Africa]] > [[Cameroon]] > [[Dja Biosphere (or Faunal) Reserve]]

[[Central Africa]] > [[Cameroon]] > [[Dja Biosphere Reserve]]

= Summary = <!-- An overview of the site, with one sentence for each section. May include a site map -->

= Summary = <!-- An overview of the site, with one sentence for each section. May include a site map -->

* Central chimpanzees (''Pan troglodytes troglodytes'') and western lowland gorillas (''Gorilla gorilla gorilla'') are present in Dja Biosphere Reserve.

* Central chimpanzees (''Pan troglodytes troglodytes'') and western lowland gorillas (''Gorilla gorilla gorilla'') are present in Dja Biosphere Reserve.

* It has been estimated that XXXXX (CI: XXXX-XXXX) individuals occur in the site.

* It has been estimated that 1,258 (95% CI: 779–2,031) gorillas and 2,313 (95% CI: 1,568–3,411) chimpanzees inhabit the site.

* The great ape population trend is decreasing.

* The great ape population trend is decreasing.

* The site has a total size of XXXX km².

* The site has a total size of 5,260 km².

* Key threats to SPECIES NAME are XXXXX.

* Key threats to great apes are poaching, livestock farming, land conversion, forestry and mining activities.

* Conservation activities have focused on XXXXXX.

* Conservation activities have focused on poaching patrols, law enforcement, and programs that support local communities .

* OPTIONAL: SPECIAL CHARACTERISTICS

* The site was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987. It is one of the largest and best protected African rainforests, with approximately 90% of its area remaining undisturbed.

= Site characteristics = <!-- A paragraph summary of physical and geographic aspects of the site, and a table of key information -->

= Site characteristics = <!-- A paragraph summary of physical and geographic aspects of the site, and a table of key information -->

The Dja Biosphere Reserve includes the formal Dja Faunal Reserve and its buffer zone which comprise logging concessions (also known in Cameroon as Forestry Management Units - FMUs), settlements, and community forests. Rubber plantations and a hydroelectric dam with a reservoir on the Dja River in the western buffer zone, are also present (Bruce et al. 2018). Approximately 80% of the reserve is surrounded by the Dja River, providing a natural barrier and some limited protection to the reserve (Nguiffo 2001).

The Dja Biosphere Reserve includes the formal Dja Faunal Reserve and its buffer zone, which comprise logging concessions (also known in Cameroon as Forestry Management Units - FMUs), settlements, and community forests. Rubber plantations and a hydroelectric dam with a reservoir on the Dja River in the western buffer zone are also present (Bruce et al. 2018). Approximately 80% of the reserve is surrounded by the Dja River, providing a natural barrier and some limited protection to the reserve (Nguiffo 2001).

The reserve is a relatively flat plateau of round-topped hills (UNESCO 2015) and ranges in altitude from 600-800 masl. The topography is mainly shallow valleys on either side of a ridgeline that cuts through the reserve east to west (MINFOF & IUCN 2015). In the floors of the valleys, swamp habitat becomes more common and tributaries throughout the reserve flow into the Dja River (UNESCO 2010, MINFOF & IUCN 2015). The three major types of forest in the reserve are mixed-species forest terra firma, monodominant forest where ''Gilbertiodendron dewevrei'' is the most abundant species, and periodically flooded forest (Djuikouo et al. 2010).

The reserve is a relatively flat plateau of round-topped hills (UNESCO 2015). The topography is mainly shallow valleys on either side of a ridgeline that cuts through the reserve east to west (MINFOF & IUCN 2015). In the floors of the valleys, swamp habitat becomes more common and tributaries throughout the reserve flow into the Dja River (UNESCO 2010, MINFOF & IUCN 2015). The three major types of forest in the reserve are mixed-species forest terra firma, monodominant forest where ''Gilbertiodendron dewevrei'' is the most abundant species, and periodically flooded forest (Djuikouo et al. 2010).

The area comprises mainly dense evergreen Congo rainforest and is known to have a wide range of primate species. As the exploitation of timber resources increases, the Dja forest remains an important refuge for many plants and animal species, such as the moabi tree, ''Baillonella toxisperma'' (UNESCO 2015).

The area comprises mainly dense evergreen Congo rainforest and is known to have a wide range of primate species. As the exploitation of timber resources increases, the Dja forest remains an important refuge for many plants and animal species, such as the moabi tree, ''Baillonella toxisperma'' (UNESCO 2015).

The Dja Biosphere Reserve is home Western lowland gorilla, Central chimpanzee, Bongo (''Tragelaphus eurycerus''), giant pangolin (''Manis gigantea''), elephant (''Loxodonta Africana cyclotis''), mantled guereza (''Colobus guereza''), leopard (''Panthera pardus''), and many other species of wildlife (UNESCO 2015, Bruce et al. 2018). The reserve hosts a rich diversity of fauna including 109 mammal species, 360 bird species, and 61 fish species. It is also home to the world’s most important colony of grey-necked rockfowl (''Picathartes oreas'') with 50 active nests on the same rocky cliff (UNESCO 2015).

The Dja Biosphere Reserve is home Western lowland gorilla, Central chimpanzee, Bongo (''Tragelaphus eurycerus''), giant pangolin (''Manis gigantea''), elephant (''Loxodonta Africana cyclotis''), mantled guereza (''Colobus guereza''), leopard (''Panthera pardus''), and many other species of wildlife (UNESCO 2015, Bruce et al. 2018). The reserve hosts a rich diversity of fauna including 109 mammal species, 360 bird species, and 61 fish species. It is also home to the world’s most important colony of grey-necked rockfowl (''Picathartes oreas'') with 50 active nests on the same rocky cliff (UNESCO 2015).

= Ape status = <!--An overview of ape population status (population sizes, trends, etc.), followed by a table of specific surveys and results -->

= Ape status = <!--An overview of ape population status (population sizes, trends, etc.), followed by a table of specific surveys and results -->

Between 1995 and 2018, there is a declining trend in estimates of density for forest elephants and great apes. Western lowland gorillas showed a roughly five-fold decrease in estimated densities between the two surveys. However, methodological differences in survey practice and analysis may be magnifying these apparent sharp declines between the 2015 and 2018 inventories. This is supported by the fact that great ape and forest elephant population estimates from surveys completed prior to the 2015 inventory are more in line with a more gradual decline in numbers for great apes and forest elephants (for example, N’Goran et al. 2017).

Between 1995 and 2018, there was a declining trend in estimates of density for forest elephants and great apes. Western lowland gorillas showed a roughly five-fold decrease in estimated densities between the two surveys. However, methodological differences in survey practice and analysis may be magnifying these apparent sharp declines between the 2015 and 2018 inventories. This is supported by the fact that great ape and forest elephant population estimates from surveys completed prior to the 2015 inventory are more in line with a more gradual decline in numbers for great apes and forest elephants (for example, N’Goran et al. 2017).

Using the DFR western lowland gorilla densities estimated by Williamson and Usongo (1995), we can estimate 8,971 gorillas in 1995. The 2018 population estimate for western lowland gorillas in the DFR is 1,371, suggesting a decline of approximately 83% in numbers since 1995. However, both Williamson and Usongo (1995) and Latour (2010) population estimates were based only on the north-east sector of the reserve. For central chimpanzees, the 1995 estimate would be 4,155 individuals with a decline of roughly 30% in 2018.

Using the DFR western lowland gorilla densities estimated by Williamson and Usongo (1995), we can estimate 8,971 gorillas in 1995. The 2018 population estimate for western lowland gorillas in the DFR is 1,371, suggesting a decline of approximately 83% in numbers since 1995. However, both Williamson and Usongo (1995) and Latour (2010) population estimates were based only on the north-east sector of the reserve. For central chimpanzees, the 1995 estimate would be 4,155 individuals with a decline of roughly 30% in 2018.

= Threats =    <!-- a text overview of threats, followed by a table of key threats -->

= Threats =    <!-- a text overview of threats, followed by a table of key threats -->

Dja’s unique ecosystem and wildlife are in crisis due to high levels of poaching, the expansion of extractive industries and a lack of capacity and support for the Cameroonian Government’s Conservation Service which manages the Reserve ([https://www.zsl.org/conservation/regions/africa/dja-conservation-complex ZSL]). Commercial logging, mining, agriculture, and infrastructure development contribute to habitat loss and fragmentation in Dja ([https://www.awf.org/blog/sustainable-cocoa-turns-cameroons-farmers-conservation-champions AWF.org]). Recent human population growth has increased deforestation and also exacerbated the impacts of poaching and the illegal bushmeat trade. The populations of forest elephant, western lowland gorilla, and central chimpanzee within the Dja Faunal Reserve are relatively low compared to what the landscape and habitat could theoretically support. These populations are declining compared to prior surveys. Hunting for the illegal wildlife trade and bushmeat are likely the primary driver of the declines (Bruce et al. 2018).

Dja’s unique ecosystem and wildlife are in crisis due to high levels of poaching, the expansion of extractive industries, and a lack of capacity and support for the Cameroonian Government’s Conservation Service, which manages the Reserve ([https://www.zsl.org/conservation/regions/africa/dja-conservation-complex ZSL]). Commercial logging, mining, agriculture, and infrastructure development contribute to habitat loss and fragmentation in Dja (Kubania 2019). Recent human population growth has increased deforestation and exacerbated the impacts of poaching and the illegal bushmeat trade. The populations of forest elephant, western lowland gorilla, and central chimpanzee within the Dja Faunal Reserve are relatively low compared to what the landscape and habitat could theoretically support. These populations are declining compared to prior surveys. Hunting for the illegal wildlife trade and bushmeat are likely the primary driver of the declines (Bruce et al. 2018).

Indicators of human activity within the reserve are highest in the north-west and lowest in the southern sector towards the centre. The most frequently encountered sign of human activity were trails, machete cuts, and signs of human passage. Areas within the reserve that have few signs of human activity are uncommon (Bruce et al. 2018).

Indicators of human activity within the reserve are highest in the north-west and lowest in the southern sector towards the centre. The most frequently encountered sign of human activity were trails, machete cuts, and signs of human passage. Areas within the reserve that have few signs of human activity are uncommon (Bruce et al. 2018).

Most human signs were recorded in the north-west of the reserve. The low encounter rates of wildlife in this area other than around Bouamir Research Station suggest that human activity continues to impact wildlife within the reserve. The wildlife hotspots were (1) the area around Bouamir Research Station (a hotspot for the elephant population), (2) the north-east corner of the reserve where great apes were most frequently encountered, and (3) the habitat around the Bali Bai and the east of the Southern Sector that has lower levels of human sign and where disturbance-sensitive species, such as leopard, golden cat and white-bellied duiker, most commonly occur (Bruce et al. 2018).

Most human signs were recorded in the north-west of the reserve. The low encounter rates of wildlife in this area other than around Bouamir Research Station suggest that human activity continues to impact wildlife within the reserve. The wildlife hotspots were (1) the area around Bouamir Research Station (a hotspot for the elephant population), (2) the north-east corner of the reserve where great apes were most frequently encountered, and (3) the habitat around the Bali Bai and the east of the Southern Sector that has lower levels of human sign and where disturbance-sensitive species, such as leopard, golden cat and white-bellied duiker, most commonly occur (Bruce et al. 2018).

|Unknown

|Unknown

|

|

|Expansion of land for agriculture.

|Expansion of land for agriculture ([https://whc.unesco.org/en/soc/4202 UNESCO 2021]).

|Ongoing

|Ongoing (2021)

|-

|-

|3. Energy production & mining

|3. Energy production & mining

|

|

|Unknown

|Mining activities in the periphery ([https://whc.unesco.org/en/soc/4202 UNESCO 2021]).

|Ongoing (2021)

|

|-

|-

|4. Transportation & service corridors

|4. Transportation & service corridors

|5.1 Hunting & collecting terrestrial animals

|5.1 Hunting & collecting terrestrial animals

|High

|High

|Very high in the Northwest of the DBR, ca. 25% of the area

|Very high in the Northwest of the reserve, ca. 25% of the area

|Intensity of signs of human activity in the northwest area of the reserve and low encounter rates of great ape nests and forest elephant dung in this area (apart from around Bouamir Research Station), suggests that human perturbation continues to influence the distribution of wildlife within the DFR (Bruce et al. 2018).

|Intensity of signs of human activity in the northwest area of the reserve and low encounter rates of great ape nests and forest elephant dung in this area (apart from around Bouamir Research Station), suggests that human perturbation continues to influence the distribution of wildlife within the DFR (Bruce et al. 2018).

|Ongoing (2018)

|Ongoing (2018)

|Present, but threat severity is unknown

|Present, but threat severity is unknown

|

|

|

|Water infrastructure and Mekin hydroelectric dam ([https://whc.unesco.org/en/soc/4202 UNESCO 2021]).

|Ongoing (2018)

|Ongoing (2021)

|-

|-

|8. Invasive & other problematic species, genes, diseases

|8. Invasive & other problematic species, genes, diseases

= Conservation activities =      <!-- A summary of the conservation activities, followed by a table of key activities -->

= Conservation activities =      <!-- A summary of the conservation activities, followed by a table of key activities -->

Conservation activities including the monitoring of biodiversity through wildlife surveys, improving law enforcement to combat wildlife crimes, anti-poaching patrols, and empowerment of local communities in and around the Dja Biosphere Reserve are conducted in the DBR by the Cameroon Ministry of Forest and Wildlife, the Zoological Society of London ([https://www.zsl.org/ ZSL]) and the African Wildlife Foundation ([https://www.awf.org/ AWF]). During 2018, ZSL supported MINFOF eco-guards to carry out patrols throughout all four sectors of the Dja Biosphere Reserve using the Spatial Monitoring and Reporting Tool (SMART) approach. A total of 68 patrols were completed in all sectors of the Dja covering a distance of 7,769km and 93% of the Reserve. During these patrols, 14 arms were seized, along with 131 pieces of ammunition, and a total of 9 people were arrested on charges of poaching (ZSL 2018). Between January and December 2017, the AWF anti-poaching units conducted 559 patrols and destroyed 52 active hunting camps, seizing 82 kg of pangolin scale, as well as traditional guns, ammunition, and motorbikes. They also removed 264 traps and snares (AWF 2017).

Conservation activities including the monitoring of biodiversity through wildlife surveys, improving law enforcement to combat wildlife crimes, anti-poaching patrols, and empowerment of local communities in and around the Dja Biosphere Reserve are conducted in the DBR by the Cameroon Ministry of Forest and Wildlife, the Zoological Society of London ([https://www.zsl.org/ ZSL]) and the African Wildlife Foundation ([https://www.awf.org/ AWF]). During 2018, ZSL supported MINFOF eco-guards to carry out patrols throughout all four sectors of the Dja Biosphere Reserve using the Spatial Monitoring and Reporting Tool (SMART) approach. A total of 68 patrols were completed in all sectors of the Dja covering a distance of 7,769km and 93% of the Reserve. During these patrols, 14 arms were seized, along with 131 pieces of ammunition, and a total of 9 people were arrested on charges of poaching (ZSL 2018). Between January and December 2017, the AWF anti-poaching units conducted 559 patrols and destroyed 52 active hunting camps, seizing 82 kg of pangolin scale, as well as traditional guns, ammunition, and motorbikes. They also removed 264 traps and snares.

'''Table 4. Conservation activities in Dja Biosphere Reserve'''

'''Table 4. Conservation activities in Dja Biosphere Reserve'''

|-

|-

|1. Residential & commercial development

|1. Residential & commercial development

|Specific activity OR Not reported

|Not reported

|Description

|

|Year of activity

|

|-

|-

|2. Agriculture & aquaculture

|2. Agriculture & aquaculture

|9. Pollution

|9. Pollution

|Not reported

|Not reported

|

|

|

|

|10. Education & Awareness  

|10. Education & Awareness  

|10.2. Involve local community in primate research and conservation management

|10.2. Involve local community in primate research and conservation management

|

|Community surveillance networks that allow forest community members to collect and report information on illegal activities such as poaching, illegal mining and logging, as well as monitor law enforcement activities (in partnership with the University College of London’s Extreme Citizen Science (ExCiteS) programme).

|

|Ongoing

|-

|-

|11. Habitat Protection

|11. Habitat Protection

|11.2. Legally protect primate habitat

|11.2. Legally protect primate habitat

|The site was declared a Biosphere Reserve in 1981.

|The reserve was created in 1950 and in 1987 became a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

|Ongoing

|Ongoing (2021)

|-

|-

|12. Species Management

|12. Species Management

|-

|-

|13. Livelihood; Economic & Other Incentives  

|13. Livelihood; Economic & Other Incentives  

|Not reported

|13.1. Provide monetary benefits to local communities for sustainably managing their forest and its wildlife (e.g. REDD, employment)

|

|Village Savings and Loans Associations (VSLA) were established to help individuals from partner communities save and access small amounts of money for sustainable livelihood initiatives developed by the communities themselves ([https://www.zsl.org/conservation/regions/africa/dja-conservation-complex ZSL]).

|

|Ongoing

|-

|-

|}

|}

=External links=

=External links=

[https://en.unesco.org/biosphere/africa/dja UNESCO Dja Biosphere Reserve]

[https://whc.unesco.org/en/soc/4202 UNESCO Dja Biosphere Reserve]

===Relevant datasets===

===Relevant datasets===

= References =

= References =

Djuikouo, M.N.K., Doucet, J.‐L., Nguembou, C.K., Lewis, S.L. and Sonké, B. (2010), Diversity and aboveground biomass in three tropical forest types in the Dja Biosphere Reserve, Cameroon. African Journal of Ecology, 48: 1053-1063. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2028.2010.01212.x <br>

Djuikouo, M.N.K., Doucet, J.‐L., Nguembou, C.K., Lewis, S.L. and Sonké, B. (2010). Diversity and aboveground biomass in three tropical forest types in the Dja Biosphere Reserve, Cameroon. African Journal of Ecology, 48: 1053-1063. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2028.2010.01212.x <br>

MINFOF/UICN. (2015). Caractérisation de la population de grands et moyens mammifères dans la Reserve de Faune du Dja : Potentiel et menaces. Ministry of Forests and Wildlife, IUCN, Yaoundé, Cameroon. 31 pp.<br>

MINFOF/IUCN. (2015). Caractérisation de la population de grands et moyens mammifères dans la Reserve de Faune du Dja : Potentiel et menaces. Ministry of Forests and Wildlife, IUCN, Yaoundé, Cameroon. 31 pp.<br>

Bruce T., Ndjassi, C., Fowler, A., Ndimbe, M., Fankem,O., Tabue Mbobda, R.B, Kobla,A.S., Wabo Puemo, F.A., Amin, R., Wacher, T., Grange-Chamfray,S.,& Olson, D. (2018). Faunal Inventory of the Dja Faunal Reserve, Cameroon – 2018. Ministry of Forests and Wildlife (MINFOF), Zoological Society of London – Cameroon Country Programme, African Wildlife Foundation, Yaoundé, Cameroon.<br>

Bruce T., Ndjassi, C., Fowler, A., Ndimbe, M., Fankem,O., Tabue Mbobda, R.B, Kobla,A.S., Wabo Puemo, F.A., Amin, R., Wacher, T., Grange-Chamfray,S.,& Olson, D. (2018). Faunal Inventory of the Dja Faunal Reserve, Cameroon – 2018. Ministry of Forests and Wildlife (MINFOF), Zoological Society of London – Cameroon Country Programme, African Wildlife Foundation, Yaoundé, Cameroon.<br>

Latour, S. (2010). Reserve de Faune du Dja: Evaluation du Statut de grands singes. Rapport de BRL Ingenierie, GFA consulting, et DFS.<br>

Latour, S. (2010). Reserve de Faune du Dja: Evaluation du Statut de grands singes. Rapport de BRL Ingenierie, GFA consulting, et DFS.<br>

UNESCO (2015). http://www.unesco.org/new/fileadmin/MULTIMEDIA/HQ/SC/pdf/sc_mab_BR_Dja_EN.pdf (Accessed on 18.01.2021)<br>

UNESCO (2015). http://www.unesco.org/new/fileadmin/MULTIMEDIA/HQ/SC/pdf/sc_mab_BR_Dja_EN.pdf (Accessed on 18.01.2021)<br>

Williamson, E. & Usongo, L. (1995). Réserve de faune du Dja: recensement des populations de primates et inventaire des grands mammifères. ECOFAC, Bruxelles.<br>

Williamson, E. & Usongo, L. (1995). Réserve de faune du Dja: recensement des populations de primates et inventaire des grands mammifères. ECOFAC, Bruxelles.<br>

ZSL (2018).ZSL Cameroon Annual Report 2018 (https://admin.zsl.org/sites/default/files/Cameroon%20Annual%20Report%202018.pdf?_ga=2.24277757.615129097.1610992413-860504531.1610992413)<br>

ZSL (2018). ZSL Cameroon Annual Report 2018 (https://admin.zsl.org/sites/default/files/Cameroon%20Annual%20Report%202018.pdf?_ga=2.24277757.615129097.1610992413-860504531.1610992413)<br>

 

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