Bergl, Richard

The Cameroon-Nigeria border region where the Cross River gorilla occurs is a biodiversity hotspot of global significance. The Cross River gorilla can therefore play a role as a 'flagship' species; the actions proposed in this plan ensure the survival of both this Critically Endangered ape and the region's immense biological wealth. This document represents the consensus of experts who met at a workshop in February 2012, in Limbe, South West Region, Cameroon. 

The Cross River gorilla (Gorilla gorilla diehli) is recognized by IUCN as Critically Endangered, and is the most threatened taxon of ape in Africa. Work during the last two decades has revealed that fewer than 300 Cross River gorillas may remain, spread across an area of about 12,000 km2. The outlook for these apes is far from hopeless, but a concerted and sustained effort will be required if their long-term survival is to be assured.