Each year, an area of tropical rainforest equivalent in size to England is lost. Every hectare destroyed is home to a wide range of plants and animals, many of which depend entirely on intact forest ecosystems to survive.

The primary cause of deforestation is human activity. Logging operations often remove trees at a rate far beyond what forests can naturally regenerate, resulting in widespread ecosystem destruction. Roads built deep into forest areas further accelerate damage by opening previously inaccessible habitats. As a result, many forest dependent species, including chimpanzees and gorillas, are now facing severe population declines and an increased risk of extinction.

Ape Action Africa works alongside the Cameroon government and other conservation organisations to address the scale of the challenge facing great apes in the wild. Protecting primate populations requires coordinated conservation efforts that tackle habitat loss, illegal activities, and long term environmental pressures.

Conservation is a complex social, economic, and political issue. Forests are not only vital habitats for wildlife, they also provide essential resources for people, including food, materials, and livelihoods. When forests are destroyed, communities may be forced to move elsewhere in search of work and resources, increasing poverty and social instability.

Working in partnership with local communities is essential to achieving lasting conservation solutions. Ape Action Africa’s education programme plays a vital role in raising awareness, supporting sustainable practices, and helping ensure a future where chimpanzees, gorillas, and people can continue to share Cameroon’s forests.