Protecting Endangered Primates in the Cape Three Points Key Biodiversity Area

The Cape Three Points Forest reserve (CTPFR) is designated as a Key Biodiversity Area (KBA), a Globally Significant Biodiversity Area (GSBA) and Important Bird Area (IBA) due to its exceptional high levels of biodiversity. The reserve is situated within the habitat range of two highly threatened primate species: The Critically Endangered Roloway monkey and the endangered white-naped mangabey. However, the unsustainable levels of exploitation of primates and wildlife in recent times may lead to significant reduction in species recruitment and abundance, and potential extinction of critically endangered species.

This project seeks to enhance the protection of the primate population of the Cape Three Points KBA by strengthening community-based structures for effective forest patrol and monitoring, restoring degraded primate habitat around the CTPFR and adjoining wetlands and support forest-dependent households with ecosystem-based livelihood innovations.

The project leverages on past and ongoing projects in the landscape as well as the existing community resources management area (CREMA), and relation with the Forest Services Division (FSD) to establish a robust spatial monitoring and reporting (SMART) system to protect the CTPFR from primate poaching and the destruction of primate habitat. It is envisioned that by the end of the project, the CTPFR will become a safe haven for endangered primate species and other wildlife.

The Project seeks to; 

1. Reduce poaching of primates within the Cape Three Points forest reserve by 50% by the end of the project.
2. Restore 120 hectares of primate habitat around the Cape Three Points Forest reserve and adjoining wetland with native tree species by May 2022
3. Support 160 forest dependent households with ecosystem-based livelihood innovations by May 2022

The project is funded by the French Embassy to Ghana: “PISCCA” Programme 2021

For more information, Contact:

Justice Camillus-Mensah (Project Manager)                                                                                                                                                                                          jmensah@henmpoano.org