2. PAGE 2 CERCOPAN 2010 ANNUAL REPORT
ABOUT CERCOPAN
Founded in 1995, CERCOPAN is a U.K. Approximately 70% of rainforest
registered environmental conservation community inhabitants are entirely
charity and a founding member of the reliant on the forest for their
Pan African Sanctuary Alliance (PASA), a livelihoods, food, shelter and medicines.
US 501(c) charitable organization. We The threat to their future is no less than
operate in Cross River State, South‐ for wildlife. Unless strategies are put in
eastern Nigeria, the location of the place to educate the public on the
oldest and most biodiverse rainforest importance and advantages of
block in Africa. conservation, build the capacity of those
CERCOPAN exists to protect Nigeria’s charged with protecting the
environment, and find financially viable
FROM THE DIRECTOR rainforests and in particular its primate
inhabitants, through community alternatives to forest exploitation, the
Conservation of the forests of South‐ survival potential of the Cross River
partnerships, education and research.
eastern Nigeria and their wildlife State rainforest in the next thirty years
inhabitants, especially its richly diverse We have offices in the UK and Nigeria
which are staffed by 38 Nigerians and 6 is extremely low.
primate populations, is by no means an
easy task. The list of stakeholders expatriate volunteers, overseen by a With our expertise in environmental
involved, from Federal, State, and local Director and a board of 7 trustees. We conservation, specialisation in primates,
institutions, is long and their needs and
have established MOU’s with the State and proven track record, we are leading
interactions complex.
Forestry Department and Cross River the effort to ensure that the forests of
Just on its own, Primate Care, a vital
National Park, and raise funds in the Cross River are conserved into the
educational means of enforcing
protection laws (in addition to its order of $150‐$300k a year, including future for its people and its primates.
compassionate grounding), is a highly multi‐year donors and support from the
professional and intense operation. I Cross River State Government.
also have to address an ever‐present
tension between the recognition by Our work is vital. Over 60% of the
funders of the global importance of country’s endangered plant and animal
Cross River State’s biodiversity and species occur only in Cross River . Most
their concerns regarding infrastructure, importantly for our work, Cross River
capacity, and sustainability. has the highest diversity of primates (14
Amongst many highlights in this year’s species) recorded anywhere in Africa.
Report, three stand out for me. Our
However, Nigeria has the world’s
Alternative Livelihoods programme,
which reduces pressure on forest highest rate of deforestation of primary
exploitation while offering enhanced forests, proceeding at more than 3% per
income for community inhabitants, year according to FAO. If environmental
exceeded its targets. Secondly the Land degradation in Nigeria continues at this
Use Management Plan in our host pace, the consequences will be
village moved from theory to practice
disastrous for its unique wildlife.
as the community itself gained the
practical capability to monitor the
zoning of their forested areas.
Finally our strong financial position at
CERCOPAN NIGERIA
year‐end reflects the belief amongst
4 Ishie Lane
our sponsors that CERCOPAN continues
to be at the forefront of operators in H.E.P.O. Box 826 Tel.: +234 (0) 806 360 3360
Cross River who can deliver effective Calabar, Cross River State
Email: info@cercopan.org
conservation results. Nigeria
Website: www.cercopan.org
3. CERCOPAN 2010 ANNUAL REPORT PAGE 3
PROGRAMMES
COMMUNITY driving, snail farming, bee‐keeping, egg
production, and baking. These projects
DEVELOPMENT AND focussed mainly on women and youths.
FOREST PROTECTION Additionally, a training programme to
increase cocoa farming yields was
In June 2010, Director Claire Coulson was
conducted. This proved to be highly
invited to an IUCN‐sponsored forum in
successful, with participants reporting
Burkina Faso to present CERCOPAN’s
increased production in excess of 50%.
work in Iko Esai as a case study of
community‐based conservation success. At year‐end we conducted a household
Our work promotes practical sustainable survey, providing complete demographic
forest management practices. information for Iko Esai for the first time. Pig farming by youths in Iko Esai
Alternative Livelihoods REDD
Our alternatives livelihoods programme In 2010 Nigeria made an application to
grew to its present state of 120 people the United Nations to upgrade from
active. In addition to Iko Esai, we started Observer status to Pilot status within the
projects for the first time in the Reducing Emissions from Deforestation
neighbouring village of Agoi. Funding and forest Degradation (REDD) initiative.
from CIDA was motivated by climate The programme provides large‐scale
change and the need to develop funding to developing nations to protect
adaptation strategies that will provide their forests. The Nigerian proposal
continuing income when existing means includes a multi‐community project that
of livelihood are impacted. The IUCN embraces Iko Esai’s forest. CERCOPAN
grant, and that of Toronto Zoo, focussed hosted visits from a variety of
on finding alternatives for those whose intermediaries during the year, including
present activities directly threaten the members of the diplomatic missions of
survival of the forest and its fauna. Norway and Sweden. We also hosted
group visits from our three neighbouring
An abattoir project involving local
villages to observe the community‐based
hunters was identified as a priority
conservation programme in Iko Esai. We
option based on the community’s
signed an MOU with the State Forestry
demand for fresh meat on a regular basis
Commission, and hosted their
(currently met by hunting). The building
secondees. At year‐end we submitted Egg production in Agoi Igbami
and a sales area were constructed, and a
grant proposals that would allow us to
fridge and generator provided. A micro‐
build capacity in all four communities for
credit scheme initiated the project.
a collaborative REDD response to a UN
Further projects included pig farming, pilot project in the area.
TRUSTEES
CERCOPAN UK
Chief Assam Assam
Oaklands Farm Mr. John Barker
Haveringland Tel.: +44 (0) 1603 870 663 Mr. Robert Baxter
Norwich, Norfolk Mr. Tunde Marakinyo
Email: administrator@cercopan.org
Mr. Chris Ransom
NR10 4PN
Blog: http://cercopan.wildlifedirect.org Mrs. Zena Tooze
Mr. Chris Wright
Registered Charity No. 1116955
4. PAGE 4 CERCOPAN 2010 ANNUAL REPORT
PROGRAMMES ...CONTINUED
Iko Esai Community Action by neighbouring communities through
an educational programme.
The Community Conservation and
Development Committee (CCDC) in Iko Community Centre and
Esai is continuing to function very Ecotourism
effectively on behalf of the village. They
Progress on completing the Community
established Surveillance, Water &
Centre was slower than we hoped. The
Sanitation, Project Implementation
state‐wide ban on logging, which we
(PIC), Education, and Town Planning
actively support, led to an acute scarcity
sub‐committees. The PIC provides
of timber. But the structural
quality control of development projects,
components are now complete,
including the Livelihoods programme.
The CCDC Surveillance Team taking GPS including a sturdy roof of ‘long‐span
readings They project‐managed renovations to
zinc’. Following plumbing, electrics,
the secondary school in the village (for
windows and plastering, we look
which the CCDC gained grant funds),
forward to inauguration at last in 2011.
and they are presently providing similar
oversight on a bridge‐building project. We upgraded our tourist huts with the
same new roofing material, and
The work of the Surveillance Team has
expanded further with ‘luxury’
been even more impressive. Iko Esai’s
accommodation which incorporates its
Land Use Management Plan (LUMP) has
own kitchen, shower, and solar power.
been in place since 2003. It zones the
We also upgraded the solar power
community forest for specific uses in a
system in our field office thanks to a
manner that promotes sustainable
grant from Tusk Trust, and this provides
management of the resources. The
greater reliability for our own staff,
LUMP has brought about a notable
visitors, and volunteers.
change in practices for zones like the
Research Area where the boundaries
(paths, rivers) are readily understood.
PRIMATE CONSERVATION
However, the boundaries for the
farming zones are not based on natural AND REHABILITATION
landmarks. To remedy this, the The hunting of monkeys is banned by
Luxury accommodation including solar power
added to the Eco‐tourism offering Surveillance Team mapped the law in Nigeria. Orphaned monkeys
boundaries of all existing farms using
whose parents have been killed for
GPS technology ‐ an extremely arduous bush‐meat become pets, more often
task. The limits were then overlain on
than not kept in appalling conditions. To
the LUMP map. It is now possible to further discourage the hunting of
endorse, or reject, all potential new primates, the keeping of monkeys as
farming locations relative to the pets is also illegal. However,
intentions of the LUMP. enforcement agencies have no incentive
In further support of the LUMP, we to uphold these rules without both
doubled our number of patrol staff direct encouragement and an option of
which allowed us to conduct a far sanctuary for confiscated animals.
greater number of patrols into the CERCOPAN provides both of these
remoter parts of the forest than support elements to great effect in
previously, including mapping the Cross River. As a result we are able to
routes in detail. These excursions led to work side by side with the State
a clear plan to address noted incursions
Registered Charity No. 1116955
5. CERCOPAN 2010 ANNUAL REPORT PAGE 5
authorities to make confiscations and to each other was fortuitous and provided
drive home the message of compliance an excellent start to their recovery.
with the law, thereby reducing hunting Sadly in the case of Jumper, an older
pressures on primates. Moreover, the Patas monkey brought to us in October,
primates in our care are a huge visitor even the best of care was insufficient to
attraction and consequently provide a recover the situation after a lifetime of
vital environmental conservation inattention. Jumper arrived dirty,
education possibility that we take full terrified and very weak. He refused to
advantage of. These elements mean eat or drink, but was eventually coaxed
that the animals in our care have a very into taking small amounts of food, with
significant positive impact on protection the simple but effective trick of
of primates in the wild in Cross River. smearing the food onto his hands which
In addition they receive the highest he instinctively tried to clean. With
possible standards of care, in round the clock attention he clung on to
accordance with our membership of life. Sadly, however, his body was
PASA. Furthermore, we have options riddled throughout with abscesses that Ekun a newly‐arrived Red‐capped
(for appropriate candidates) to conduct were already too far advanced for us mangabey juvenile
scientifically monitored reintroductions ultimately to save him.
back into the wild (see below). The year ended with the arrival of
Rescued in 2010 Whisky, an 18‐month old mona female.
Thin and dirty and with rope wounds
We rescued 13 primates during 2010;
around her waist, she nonetheless
two more than in 2009. A typical
displayed a strong spirit and recovered
example was Robotta, a female red‐
quickly. An abnormally strong interest in
eared guenon who was so dehydrated
grooming has returned to normal levels
when she came to us that she was
in the presence of companions.
unable to stand for long. She refused to
drink water or milk, preferring her own There were six births during the year. It
urine. With immense care she was is our normal practice to impose
rehydrated with a few millilitres of contraceptive measures within the
water from a syringe every hour over groups in order to avoid a life‐time of
two long days and nights. It was several captivity for the newly born. However, Chelsea joined a growing crèche in July
weeks before she was able to enjoy the in the case of rare species, especially
full variety of foods required for a when re‐introduction into protected
healthy diet, and months before the forest is a real possibility, we make
robotic motions she displayed (which exceptions. In July we enjoyed the first
led to her name) were replaced by the birth in the world of a Sclater’s guenon
normal actions of a healthy monkey. in captivity. The thriving youngster is
pictured on our front cover.
The arrivals of Bingo (a putty‐nosed
guenon) in June, and Casper (a mona) Our veterinary function benefited from
was a much happier story. Although the donation of an autoclave, a NIGERIA CONTACT
both were desperate for affection centrifuge, materials and drugs, two
following the loss of their parents, they microscopes, and financial support from CERCOPAN
were nonetheless in good condition. Columbus Zoo. We built two enclosures 4 Ishie Lane
Fortunately our educational message to a new design that offers the potential
H.E.P.O. Box 826
Calabar, Cross River State
had reached their owners early enough of portability to a new location should
Nigeria
to bring them quickly to our gates for the requirement arise, thanks to IPS.
Tel.: +234 (0) 806 360 3360
expert care. Juveniles, even of different Gary Young provided engineering
species, make the firmest of friends, expertise, materials, and labour. IPPL
Email: info@cercopan.org
and their arrivals within a short space of provided valuable primate care funds.
Registered Charity No. 1116955
6. PAGE 6 CERCOPAN 2010 ANNUAL REPORT
PROGRAMMES ...CONTINUED
Mona Research quantity, and manipulation techniques)
have been carried out by our long‐term,
Our experience with the first mona
and expert, member of national staff.
release in 2007, led us to believe that
Information on these subjects has
the groups of other monas housed near
helped us to narrow down the possible
the entrance to the forest could divert a
release candidates. Although further
newly‐released group to that area,
decisions need to be made, several
lending risk to a second reintroduction.
older females have been omitted from
We therefore took steps during 2010 to
the candidates and now implanted with
re‐site these captive monas to two
contraception to prevent further births.
enclosures deep within the forest.
This continued research will monitor
In January repairs to the enclosure used juveniles as they progress in to
Putty‐nosed guenons in Rhoko are slowly for the first release were completed, adulthood and highlight those who will
adjusting to human presence
and one of the captive groups make proficient leaders for the group.
transferred to their new home. In
December we rebuilt this enclosure due
Putty Nosed Guenon
to its age, necessitating a further set of Wild putty‐nosed and red‐eared
moves for the group. A second new guenons present within the Core Area
enclosure was constructed in March. (around 25‐30 in total) offer a potential
One of the females in the second group enhancement to mona release
was pregnant (and gave birth in May), ambitions since all three naturally form
so to allow the pregnancy to run to term polyspecific groups. But our
and provide time for bonding requirements to monitor the release
movement was deferred until June. mean that unless we can habituate the
In July the future release group was wild groups in time, the benefits of the
transferred from Calabar to Rhoko to a formation of mixed‐species associations
third enclosure within the forest. The could be lost.
second half of 2010 was used as a The research assistants at Rhoko have
rehabilitation period, and the research sought out the wild groups throughout
assistants were trained in individual the year to demonstrate that human
recognition and observation of this new interactions are non‐threatening. To
group. We are currently waiting for date the data suggests increased but
virology results of further release still limited confidence in the presence
candidates in Calabar ‐ this research is of humans. For the release this may
Joe Brophy studying butterflies high up
being conducted in partnership with necessitate more remote observation
Fabian Schmidt at Cambridge University. relying on radio‐tracking.
A bonding period will be necessary
Butterflies
before the release itself.
The butterfly survey has identified 529
Mangabey Research species in Rhoko to date. Tree‐climbing
Mangabey data collection has continued specialist Joe Brophy ascended 140’ to
this year in preparation for the the forest canopy and confirmed,
proposed release. Behavioural amongst other high‐flying species, the
observations indicating social presence of Liptena eketi, a butterfly
relationships between individuals, that has only been seen twice before
dominance ranking of individuals, and anywhere. By analysis of the data in
feeding ecology (food preferences, hand we can now predict with
Registered Charity No. 1116955
7. CERCOPAN 2010 ANNUAL REPORT PAGE 7
confidence a total of in excess of 800 EDUCATION
species, which would be the highest
number in Africa for a single location. Calabar
This is strong evidence in support of the 17, 823 visitors took an educational tour
belief that Rhoko and its contiguous of our Calabar headquarters in 2010
forest is the most biodiverse in Africa. comprising 7,167 new visitors and
Phenology 10,656 people who had visited before.
We also received 31 large groups of
The Phenology study at Rhoko which
visitors for environmental education
records the pattern and diversity of
lessons including nurseries, primary
fruiting and flowering, especially in
schools, secondary schools, and
relation to the diet of mona guenons,
religious and other groups.
has now passed its fourth year. When a
new flower or fruit is presented to a In June the students of the University of
mona, they can readily discriminate as Calabar (UNICAL) presented CERCOPAN Phenology: flowering at Rhoko
to whether it is edible or not, and with an Award of Excellence to
indeed have perfect recall if they have recognise the support we provide,
seen it before. We now have records of especially with our annual field
202 species of trees, climbers and seminars. This year we also welcomed
shrubs producing fruits or flowers students from the Cross River University
edible to monas. Analysis of the data of Technology (CRUTECH) who took a
provides important information to month of accelerated learning in
enhance viability and success of future applied conservation from our staff. We
releases of mona groups into the forest. closed the year publishing a complete
Fruit abundance increases in the Rainy nine‐lecture series ‘Introduction to
Season, while flowering increases in the Climate Change’ for inclusion in the
Dry Season. Monas have a preference UNICAL curriculum, and this is available
for fruit over flowers and therefore the on our website for download.
Dry Season is one of relative food Conservation Clubs
scarcity, requiring dietary flexibility.
Our education officers have continued
Our research and forest conservation to foster over 20 conservation clubs
programmes got a huge boost at year‐ formed in urban and rural schools for
end from the donation of a new 4WD children to develop their interest in the
Hilux truck from Prins Bernhard environment out of school hours. Two
Schoolchildren from the neighbouring village of
Natuurfonds. Tusk Trust provided funds additional villages (Ifumpka and Iko Ekperem enjoying a day out in Rhoko
for upgrades to our GPS, radios, and Uyanga), located close to the National
solar equipment (complemented by the Park were incorporated into the
private donation of a fridge), and, programme, and over 100 children in
together with IPS, salaries for additional five separate groups were hosted at
patrol staff. Rhoko camp to receive conservation
The latter allowed us also to conduct lectures and to undertake practical
wildlife surveys in the remoter forest, conservation work in the forest
with good evidence noted of reduced
Outreach
hunting pressures and encouraging
sightings of primates, including Red‐ Our Outreach programme expands
capped mangabeys and Drills. An every year and continues to be very
education programme and visits by the popular. This year’s theme was ‘The
Hunters’ groups to Rhoko from each of effect of Climate Change‘. Education
the three neighbouring villages was Officers Abakum Owai and Mike Ekpe,
undoubtedly contributory. and Education Assistant Martina Ezama,
8. PAGE 8 CERCOPAN 2010 ANNUAL REPORT
PROGRAMMES ...CONTINUED
attended 59 schools giving a one‐hour nature. Chiefs and opinion makers from
talk covering deforestation, pollution the rural communities, and national
and their consequences. They also set up media, were present to hear the keynote
competitions to maintain interest over speech from The Governor, Liyel Imoke,
the following months, and handed out who used the occasion to announce an
20,000 educational leaflets for the ambitious tree‐planting programme
children to share with their families. within the State. Dramas from the
competition finalists on the theme
World Environment Day
‘Biodiversity: our survival depends on it’
Our Outreach programme reached its were of the highest quality, and we
climax on World Environment Day on closed the day with prizes for the
June 5th with a spectacular carnival rally cleanest school and best parade mascot
of the State’s schoolchildren parading to complete the process that brought
through the centre of Calabar to the importance of Biodiversity to 8,000
One of the school drama team finalists on
World Environment Day proclaim the importance of Cross River’s young minds throughout the year.
STAFF & VOLUNTEERS
CERCOPAN TEAM We took on a new keeper, Mike Uki, in
Calabar, and in May we hired a driver
after three years of invaluable service.
Sylvain Lemoine dependably took over
CALABAR for the first time. Motorbike taxis the role in an acting capacity. He will
Claire Coulson, Director
Amy Baxter, Administration and Operations Manager (’okadas’) were an every‐day part of our return to his mona research work once
Graham Brown, Veterinary business, ferrying our staff to collect we have a permanent replacement.
Austin Igbebor, Veterinary Nurse
Egu Arikpo, Head Keeper supplies, but they are now banned in We were strengthened by the arrival of
Abakum Bassey Owai, Education Officer
Calabar. Human Resources training Dallas Buleziuk in June as a Construction
Martina Ezama, Education Assistant
Etan Bernard Egoborim, Admin. Assistant continued under the expert tutelage of volunteer to tackle the endless
Glory Ajah, Primate Quarantine Care Staff
Mathew Etim Ankpor, Primate Care Staff consultant Zia Paul‐Birabi. At year‐end requirements for maintenance and new
Mercy Effiong Ononokpono, House Assistant, our numbers stood at 34 National staff building that our programme requires. In
Bassey John Bassey, Security
Oliver Samuel Oju (Dr.), Driver and 6 long‐term expatriate volunteers. July, we took on a full‐time veterinarian
Emmanuel Ndubusi Adiele, Security
Abraham Enya Utuma, Security There was more change amongst our in Graham Brown.
Mike Uki, Primate Care Staff long‐term volunteers. In February Rachel We benefited from the skills of short‐
Edet Ekpe Bassey, Primate Care Staff
Hemingway took over the role of term volunteers throughout the year,
RHOKO Community Conservation Manager in Iko including students, a vet, a tree surgeon
Sylvain Lemoine, Rhoko Acting Manager
Obio Owai Obio, Assistant Operations Manager Esai. The biggest change in the year, (twice), and a primate sanctuary
Mary Abakum Owai, Primate Care Staff though, was when we said goodbye to maintenance specialist.
Gabriel Aidam, Primate Care Staff
Akposi Esira Abakum, Research Assistant Richard Carroll our Rhoko Manager,
Usor Arong, Research Assistant
Ayitu Obeten, Research Assistant
Etan Akpor, Research Assistant
Obun Obun Ankpo, Forest Patrol
Osam Oyira Osam, Forest Patrol
Chief Elijah Okom Obun, Security COULD YOU BE A VOLUNTEER?
Isaac O. Amos, Security
Isoyip Aidam Eyo, Security Our website www.cercopan.org has all the information you need to apply for our
Mathew Aidam, Groundskeeper
Otum Ubi Ofem, Groundskeeper exciting short term volunteer programme or working holiday programme
Onyoh A. Etan, Groundskeeper
Charity Enwa, Camp Assistant
Michael Ekpe, Education and Community Officer
Victor Arong Mbang, Primate Care Staff
Rachel Hemingway, Community Conservation Mgr.
Dallas Buleziuk, Construction Volunteer
9. CERCOPAN 2010 ANNUAL REPORT PAGE 9
FINANCES
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR
YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2010
UK NIGERIA UK & NIGERIA
UK STERLING NIGERIAN NAIRA EQ. UK STERLING*
PROGRAMME FUNDS CARRIED
15,063.57 7,191,900.26 45,471.88
FORWARD FROM 2009
RECEIPTS
Grants 70,631.01 2,828,422.20 82,589.95
Donations 2,380.38 20,703,499.77 89,917.52
Earned/Other Income 7,633.06 656,470.00 10,408.70
Sent to Nigeria/ received from UK ‐48,180.00 11,395,102.17 0.00
TOTAL NET RECEIPTS 32,464.45 35,583,494.14 182,916.17 Sylvain Lemoine & Zena Tooze gave a
paper at the Compassionate Conservation
symposium in Oxford in August
PAYMENTS
Programme Activities
Research
1,190.80 320,905.00 2,547.63
Education
504.95 2,447,773.93 10,854.46
Primate Care & Rehabilitation
1,220.92 11,177,923.00 48,482.66
Forest Conservation
3,270.22 4,505,356.00 22,319.47
Community Development
1,911.60 5,437,786.05 24,903.28
Core Activities
Rent, Equipment & Maintenance 0.00 560,107.90 2,368.21
Overhead Salaries and Benefits 4,431.20 1,935,992.00 12,616.83
Travel 0.00 467,995.00 1,978.74
Administration 189.14 1,438,666.89 6,272.01
Fund Raising & Publicity 1,492.47 97,800.00 1,905.98
Loans In/ Loans Out 350.67 387,862.00 1,990.60
TOTAL PAYMENTS 14,561.98 28,778,167.77 136,239.88
PROGRAMME FUNDS CARRIED
32,966.04 13,997,226.63 92,148.17
FORWARD FROM 2010 Bingo: rescued in 2010
The full UK financial report can be viewed on the *Effective average exchange rate
Charities Commission website £1 = 236.51 Naira
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