Gashaka Gumti National Park has some of the highest rates of biodiversity and endemism on the continent, and is a stronghold for many threatened West African species. However, the park's ecosystems have become seriously degraded and wildlife populations have declined dramatically. While poaching remains a serious threat to wildlife, other causes of the declines include competition for resources with cattle and deforestation due to logging, cattle grazing, and lack of structured fire management. ANI is working to preserve Africa's stunning natural heritage and foster resilient, intact, functioning ecosystems in the park. Active management of the park’s habitats and wildlife are critical for the protection and restoration of Gashaka Gumti.
Landscape Management
ANI aims to improve the management of landscapes as a whole, including creating a fire management strategy and cooperating with cattle grazers to develop alternative grazing reserves to reduce the number of cattle in the park. Using these management techniques, we can promote the regeneration of indigenous species and forests.
Species Reintroduction
The ranges of many species throughout Africa have declined significantly from what they once were, including in Gashaka Gumti. ANI plans to reintroduce wildlife populations to the places that they should be, bringing back key species to their native environments. These populations help stabilize habitats and reduce the risk of extinction.
Invasive Species Management
Non-native species can negatively impact indigenous ones while degrading habitats. Gashaka Gumti contains several invasive species that have thrived in overgrazed and heavily-impacted ecosystems, including Gmelina arborea in the south of the park and Calopogonium mucunoides in the north. Targeted research will determine how damaging these species are and inform strategies for elimination of these species from the park.
Transboundary Conservation
Wildlife doesn't adhere to the same boundaries that humans set. Gashaka Gumti is located close to Faro National Park and the proposed Tchabal Mbabo National Park, both across the border in Cameroon. Through collaborating across borders, we hope to create a transboundary corridor that promotes wildlife migration between protected areas.
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Catholic Mission Street, Lagos, Nigeria
Tel: +234 907 732 7123
E-mail: info@ani-nigeria.org