In Nigeria's Cross River National Park, a team of women rangers is on the front line protecting the critically endangered Cross River gorilla, with an estimated population of only 300 individuals left in the wild. The women, part of a community-based conservation initiative, patrol the forest to deter poachers and monitor the gorillas' habitat.
The Cross River gorilla, a subspecies of the western gorilla, is the most endangered great ape in Africa. Its population has been decimated by hunting, deforestation, and agricultural expansion. The women rangers, many of whom are from local communities, have taken on the role after traditional male-led efforts were deemed insufficient.
According to reports, the rangers use GPS devices and camera traps to track gorilla movements and identify threats. They also engage with local villages to promote sustainable livelihoods and reduce reliance on bushmeat. The initiative has been praised for empowering women and improving conservation outcomes.
Conservationists note that the women's presence has led to a decrease in poaching incidents in the park. However, challenges remain, including limited funding and the ongoing threat of habitat fragmentation. The Cross River gorilla is listed as critically endangered on the IUCN Red List.
