First Birds, Amphibians Sanctuary in Cameroon; a Big Win!

By Ndimuh B. Shancho

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In Kupe-Muanenguba Division of the South West Region and the Moungo Division of the Littoral Region of Cameroon lie Cameroon’s first sanctuary for the conservation of amphibians, reptiles and birds dubbed the Mount Muanenguba Herpeto-ornithological Sanctuary. The sanctuary has a surface area of 696 hectares and is host to about 100 species of amphibians, 89 species of reptiles and 270 bird species with up to 60% of them said to be endemic to the area. Up to 13 species of mammals including drills, duikers and pangolins, have also been recorded in the area.

The Mount Muanenguba Herpeto-ornithological Sanctuary came to life on February 21, 2023, following a decree signed by the Prime Minister of Cameroon, Chief Dr. Joseph Dion Ngute. The  Prime Ministerial Decree came at a time when the biodiversity hot spot is threatened by  habitat loss for agriculture, grazing and commercial purposes, and hunting of amphibian and reptile species for pet trade, household consumption and cultural purposes. Many conservationists and environmental actors across Cameroon say the creation of the Mount Muanenguba Herpeto-ornithological Sanctuary is a big win to amphibians, reptiles, birds and other biodiversity species in the mountain landscape, and the adjacent communities.

“This protection status will enable us to better manage and protect the biodiversity species in the ear-marked area. It will also be easy for us to involve community members and all stakeholders in the area to participate in the conservation and protection of the biodiversity of the Area,” Madam Ikome Delphine, South West Regional Delegate of the Ministry of Forestry and Wildlife (MINFOF).

“Though one of Cameroon’s popular eco-touristic attractions, many people have not known the uniqueness of this landscape especially in terms of amphibians, reptiles and birds endemism. This move by the government will enhance the visibility of the area as a unique habitats for Amphibians, Reptiles and Birds to the benefit of the fringe-forest communities in the area and for conservation,” said Tansi Godwill, Executive Director of  the Environment and Community Development Association (ECoDAs).

Beside these, the creation of this sanctuary will undoubtedly enhance the protection of  local water catchments, cultural and sacred sites, and the Manengouba lakes, while also promoting ecotourism and the wellbeing of adjacent communities.

What Next?

With the Mount Muanenguba Herpeto-ornithological Sanctuary now a reality, the Minister of Forestry and Wildlife is expected appoint a conservator to the protected area, and transfer staff who will support the conservator in the management of the biodiversity hot spot. A series of sensitization meetings are expected to be organized involving all the relevant stakeholders concerned with management of this protected area like local authorities, traditional rulers, community members, and local support organization carrying out activities in the area.  There is also the urgent need to materialize the limit of the sanctuary to ensure that the community members do not encroach. For a better management of the new Sanctuary, management and business plans will have to be developed as well.