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Pandrillus / Afi Mountain

Pandrillus founders Liza Gadsby & Peter Jenkins have worked in Nigeria & Cameroon since 1988 to save the highly endangered drill monkey Mandrillus /eucophaeus from extinction. Pandrillus projects use a multi-faceted approach, combining in situ and ex situ activities, including: habitat protection, captive care and breeding, research, training, small scale development schemes, and positive advocacy, all aimed at promoting the drill as a species and wildlife conservation generally. Projects collaborate with state and national governments, communities, traditional rulers, other international and local NGOs, zoos, advisory groups, and the private sector to achieve these goals.

Pandrillus works in both Nigeria and Cameroon in its capacity as a Nigerian-registered non-profit company. Pandrillus Foundation is registered in the USA as a 501 c 3 non-profit organization.

 

THE DRILL MONKEY

 

Drills are among Africa’s most endangered mammals, and are listed by the IUCN as the highest conservation priority of all African primates. They are semi-terrestrial monkeys, exhibiting extreme sexual dimorphism with males weighing up to 40 kg -  three times the size of females. They are semi- nomadic seasonally and little is known of their behavior or ecology in the wild. Their closest relative is the mandrill Mandri/lus sphinx. Drills are found only in Cross River State, Nigeria; southwestern Cameroon, and on Bioko Island, Equatorial Guinea. Their entire world range is less than 40,000 km2, smaller than Switzerland. Drill numbers have been declining in all known habitat areas for decades as a result of illegal commercial hunting, habitat destruction, and human development: as few as 3,000 drills may remain in the wild, and fewer than 500 on Bioko as the most endangered form. Drills have also been declining in zoos internationally.

 

Drills are fully protected by law in Nigeria and Cameroon and portions of their habitat are technically safeguarded, however little real protection exists for drills or other endangered species that share their habitat. Drills will only survive the present and into the long term by the grace of their human neighbors, and the will and commitment of their host governments to enforce existing laws. As habitats shrink and become increasingly fragmented, the interactive management of wild and captive populations may play a crucial role.

 

INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION

The regional focus of Pandrillus is drill habitat, spanning the international boundary from the Cross

River east to the Sanaga River. By working with federal government agencies and NGOs in both

countries, Pandrillus is well-positioned to facilitate activities and initiatives between Cameroon and

Nigeria. Training of Pandrillus staff in both countries is enhanced.

 

For example, in 2003 Pandrillus carried out the repatriation of 2 adolescent female gorillas smuggled into Nigeria from Cameroon and later seized by federal authorities. The event was a landmark for official collaboration between the 2 governments with respect to wildlife smuggling and coordination on environment issues, and was widely featured in local and international media. The gorillas’ successful repatriation brought positive reinforcement to the relatively new spirit of transboundary cooperation for wildlife protection. The gorillas reside at Limbe Wildlife Center.

 

 

CONTACT:

 

 

PANDRILLUS NIGERIA

Drill Rehab & Breeding Center

H.E.P.O. Box 826

Calabar, NIGERIA

drill@hyperia.com

+234-87-234-310

 

PANDRILLUS CAMEROON

Limbe Wildlife Center

P.O. Box  878

Limbe, SW Province, CAMEROON

Iwc@limbewildlife.org

+237-998-2503

 

PANDRILLUS FOUNDATION

P.O. Box 10082

Portland, Oregon 97296

USA

pandrillus@earthlink.net

+1-503-984-4109

 

 

 

VISITOR INFORMATION FOR:

DRILL RANCH

KACHE BANO CANOPY WALK-A-WAY

AND

AFI MOUNTAIN WILDLIFE SANCTUARY

BOKI L.G.A., CROSS RIVER STATE

WELCOME TO DRILL RANCH
AT AFI MOUNTAIN!!

Drills are one of Africa’s most endangered primates, and here is the only place in the world to see natural-sized drill groups in captivity.  The drills were recovered as orphans after their nursing mothers were illegally shot for bushmeat.  We have rehabilitated over 70 lone drills into 6 social groups, now bearing a new generation – over 20 drills have been born at the project.  Release of drills back to the wild is planned in future.  Drill Ranch also provides a lifelong home for orphan chimpanzees in Nigeria, and our busy chimpanzee group can be seen in their forest enclosure.

 

When visiting the drill & chimpanzee groups at their respective enclosures, please follow instructions from staff closely.  Extreme caution must be taken along the high voltage fences and children cannot move around Drill Ranch unsupervised.  You may photograph the animals for non-commercial purposes.  Please do not feed the animals and do not throw anything or spit inside or near the fences.

 

The Kache Bano Walk-a-Way installed nearby by the Cross River State Tourism Bureau, is a world class rainforest canopy experience. It is an easy hike from Drill Ranch camp, as are the beautiful and refreshing waterfalls and pools on the Bano Stream. Our demonstration tree nursery illustrates agroforestry techniques, and various native & fruit tree seedlings are for sale.

The Afi Mountain Wildlife sanctuary was created in May 2000 and is managed by the Cross River State Forestry Commission. Protection and research are sponsored by a partnership of NGOs with government. After generations of hunting, Afi’s gorillas, chimpanzees, drills and other endangered species are extremely shy and need many more years of good protection before they will be easily seen. Afi’s gorillas belong to the most endangered subspecies -  the Cross River Gorilla.

Afi Mountain is listed as an ‘lmportant Bird Area’ for Nigeria, and the migratory swallow roost at Boje is one of the largest in Africa. Bird-watchers are welcome, but mist-netting is not permitted except by special arrangement with the state wildlife authority.

 


MINIMUM FEE SCHEDULE:

Fees current as OF May 2006 (subject to change without notice). Fees are negotiable for student groups.

100% of your accommodation fees support staff salaries, operations & animal feeding at Drill Ranch.

 

Vehicle surcharGe (for ongoing bridge & road works)

per overland tourist truck                                                                                                                        N 2,000

per private vehicle                                                                                                                                                                                   500

per private motorcycle                                                                                                                                                                            250

 

Overnight accommodation or camping at Drill Ranch –                                                                                                  per person

accommodation (cabin & bedding, shower, etc.)            per night                                                                                         N 3,500

children under age 10 sharing cabin with parents           per night                                                                                             2,500

un-assisted camping (water, shower only)                        per night                                                                                             1,000

 

Guide for hikes                                                                             per day                                                                                           N 1,000

 

Afi Mountain Community Development Fund                 per person per night                                                                        N 250

 



HELP CONSERVATION BENEFIT PEOPLE TO HELP THEM PROTECT THEIR FORESTS & WILDLIFE

For further information, please contact Drill Ranch Calabar, H.E.P.O. Box 826, Calabar, Nigeria

Or visit at Nsefik Eyo Layout, Marian Rd. at Atekong Drive, Calabar, Cross River State

Telephone:  +234 (087) 234-310 or (0803) 592-1262 E-mail: drill@hyperia.com

 

 

 

HOW DO WE GET TO DRILL RANCH AT AFI MOUNTAIN?

Depending on the season, you may need 4-wheel drive, but camp can usually be accessed if your vehicle has enough power, good tires & clearance. Weight limit on bridges & culverts is 3 tons per axle.

 

From the south, go right at “Four Corners” in Ikom onto the Obudu Road. Drive 56 km north to a dirt road on your left (10 km after Abo Ogbagante), with a sign reading: “Cross River State Forestry Commission - Afi Mountain Wildlife Sanctuary”. If you get to Kanyang, you’ve gone too far. Drive 6 km west to Katabang village, crossing the Afi River. Turn right at the T-junction in Katabang and continue north 6.5 km to the marked left turn into Drill Ranch (overland trucks park here & walk in). If you’re on foot, take a taxi to the village of Abo Ogbagante or Kanyang #1, and hire motorcycles.

 

If coming from the north, go south from Obudu Town on the Ikom Road 59.7 km, or 55 km south from the Obudu Cattle Ranch and Bebi Airstrip turn-off. About 4 km after Kanyang #1 village, find the track to Katabang on your right heading west.

 

Whichever direction you come from, take care you DO NOT GO TO OGOJA, you need to be on the Ikorn-Obudu Road to find our turn.

 

WHAT DO WE NEED TO BRING?

Food     Everyone must provide their own food. Onions, beans, rice, salt & cooking oil may be available in nearby villages. Camp has cooking facility and utensils.

 

Drinks   Our borehole water is only semi-potable, and groups are advised to bring water or purification method. Warm soft drinks & beer can be ordered from the villages but the cost is premium.  Refrigeration is limited but negotiable!

 

Supplies              Kerosene, soap, cigarettes, batteries & other basics are usually available in nearby villages. The nearest petrol & diesel is at lkom or Obudu towns so be sure to fill up.

 

Sleeping              Our new screened luxury cabins are typically booked on holiday weekends, so please contact Drill Ranch Calabar in advance. Bedding and towels are provided. For ‘un-assisted’ camping rates, bring your tent, camping pads and/or mosquito nets - the more equipment you bring, the more comfortable you will be. Everyone should bring a flashlight or torch.

 

Clothing              Long-sleeved shirts, trousers, socks, and shoes are the attire; we strongly advise against shorts, sandals, and T-shirts, especially for children. Pack a swimsuit for the Bano waterfalls pool! You will want rain gear in rainy season.

 

THE AFI MOUNTAIN AREA - BOKI LOCAL GOVERNMENT

Afi Mountain lies in the land of the Boki people, and Drill Ranch works to make wildlife conservation benefit Boki - we are the area’s largest private employer. We provide tools and employ youths to improve and maintain roads and bridges -  your vehicle surcharge helps this essential work. We buy produce from local farmers to feed the animals. Your N250 daily tariff is paid directly to Afi area communities as an eco-tourism revenue to help them meet their development objectives. Your fees thus support better livelihoods in this part of Boki.

 

VISITING AFI MOUNTAIN WILDLIFE SANCTUARY

You must be well equipped to go up Afi Mountain with hiking boots, backpack, canteen, food, something to sleep on, and a compass if you have it. A tent is not totally necessary but you may want a mosquito net. A guide is compulsory and we strongly advise hiring a porter -  it’s very rugged. Special arrangements and permission is required from the Forestry Commission. Please contact Drill Ranch in Calabar in advance, or the Forestry Commission in Calabar or Boje for further details.