Vol. 6, Issue 1, Part A (2024)

This study assessed the effects of anthropogenic activities of Okwangwo people on the survival of Cross River Gorilla (Gorilla gorilla diehli). Data were collected through questionnaires and participatory rural appraisal techniques. Percentage and student Chi-square were used in data analysis. The results obtained showed that majority (88%) of the respondents are males, 60% fell within the age group of 25-30 years. The results further showed that majority of the respondents (60%) are farmers while 32% are hunters. These suggest that farming within the gorilla range posed serious threat to this species survival because its habitat and foods are destroyed, thereby exposing them to danger of hunting and extinction. The major reasons why people engaged in these activities that are detrimental to species survival were identified to be; food, income/revenue, shelter as well as for medicinal purposes. To reduce the pressure on these animals and their habitats, conservation education and enlightenment campaign, job creation as well as creation of alternative sustainable livelihoods to the people of Okwangwo are recommended.