A rare species of gorilla has once again been spotted and captured on camera within a remote community in Cross River State, Nigeria. This sighting occurred in a mountainous region that lies along the international border between Nigeria and Cameroon, an area known for its rich but threatened biodiversity. This remarkable discovery comes just a few months after reports emerged of elephants wandering through the Boki Local Government Area (LGA) of Cross River State, where they reportedly damaged several farmlands during their passage. Such wildlife sightings have become increasingly rare in Nigeria due to environmental degradation and human encroachment on natural habitats. Confirming the gorilla sighting, Dr. Inaoyom Imong, a respected wildlife conservationist and expert in primate research, shared the news via his verified social media platform. Dr. Imong stated that the gorilla was caught by one of the strategically positioned forest camera traps used by conservationists in monitoring wildlife in the border areas between Nigeria and Cameroon. He emphasized that the Cross River gorillas, which are native to this region, are exceptionally rare and infrequently observed by humans. Much of the evidence of their continued survival primarily comes from their uniquely constructed nests — temporary structures built each night for sleeping — and from hidden camera traps installed across the forest landscape. Dr. Imong further explained that the Cross River gorilla is not only the most elusive but also the most endangered of the four recognized gorilla subspecies globally. It holds the grim classification of Critically Endangered according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species (source). He pointed out that these gorillas are confined to a very limited area, specifically within the rugged and mountainous headwaters of the Cross River. This restricted habitat range makes them highly vulnerable to numerous threats, including: Due to these compounded threats, the survival prospects of the Cross River gorilla remain bleak, with conservationists estimating that fewer than 300 individuals are left scattered across the Cross River landscape. This latest sighting has reignited discussions among conservation bodies, environmentalists, and policy makers about the urgent need to intensify efforts to protect Nigeria’s endangered species and their habitats. Such efforts could include stricter anti-poaching measures, reforestation initiatives, and increased community-based conservation awareness programs
