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= Site characteristics =
= Site characteristics =


Marahoué National Park (IUCN category: II) was established in 1968 (UNEP-WCMC and IUCN 2019). It covers an area of 1010 km2 and is located in the central Côte d´Ivoire in the Bouafle region near Lake Kossou.  Marahoué NP is 275 km (170 miles) northwest of Abidjan. Marahoué NP is managed by the Office Ivoirien des Parcs et Réserves (OIPR). The park consists of two ecological zones: close forest in the south-west of the park and savanna in the north-eastern part. In a survey in 2007 signs of different mammal and bird species were found, including forest elephant (''Loxodonta africana''), pygmy hippopotamus (''Choeropsis liberiensis''), African buffalo (''Syncerus caffer''), and bushbuck (''Tragelaphus scriptus''). However, the park is strongly affected by illegal activities, especially forest clearing for cocoa plantations and poaching, and the current status of the biodiversity is unknown (Campbell et al. 2008, N’Goran et al. 2006, N’Goran et al. 2007, WCF 2012).
Marahoué National Park (IUCN category: II) was established in 1968 ([[#R01174|UNEP-WCMC and IUCN 2019]]). It covers an area of 1010 km2 and is located in the central Côte d´Ivoire in the Bouafle region near Lake Kossou.  Marahoué NP is 275 km (170 miles) northwest of Abidjan. Marahoué NP is managed by the Office Ivoirien des Parcs et Réserves (OIPR). The park consists of two ecological zones: close forest in the south-west of the park and savanna in the north-eastern part. In a survey in 2007 signs of different mammal and bird species were found, including forest elephant (''Loxodonta africana''), pygmy hippopotamus (''Choeropsis liberiensis''), African buffalo (''Syncerus caffer''), and bushbuck (''Tragelaphus scriptus''). However, the park is strongly affected by illegal activities, especially forest clearing for cocoa plantations and poaching, and the current status of the biodiversity is unknown ([[#R01168|Campbell et al. 2008]], [[#R01171|N’Goran et al. 2006, N’Goran et al. 2007]], [[#R01175|WCF 2012]]).


'''Table 1. Basic site information for Marahoué National Park'''
'''Table 1. Basic site information for Marahoué National Park'''
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= Ape status =
= Ape status =


The chimpanzee (''Pan troglodytes verus'') population in Marahoué National Park was first estimated at 1407 individuals by Marchesi et al. (1995). However, due to the relatively small number of transects surveyed, large uncertainties are associated with this estimate. In 2007, a survey that covered 167.5 km of systematically located transects across the entire park yielded a conservative population estimate of fewer than 50 individuals (N´Goran et al. 2007). In 2012, a rapid assessment was conducted by the Wild Chimpanzee Foundation [https://www.wildchimps.org  WCF] in collaboration with Afrique Nature, and no signs of chimpanzees were found.
The chimpanzee (''Pan troglodytes verus'') population in Marahoué National Park was first estimated at 1407 individuals by [[#R01170|Marchesi et al. (1995)]]. However, due to the relatively small number of transects surveyed, large uncertainties are associated with this estimate. In 2007, a survey that covered 167.5 km of systematically located transects across the entire park yielded a conservative population estimate of fewer than 50 individuals (N´Goran et al. 2007). In 2012, a rapid assessment was conducted by the Wild Chimpanzee Foundation [https://www.wildchimps.org  WCF] in collaboration with Afrique Nature, and no signs of chimpanzees were found.


'''Table 2. Ape population estimates reported for Marahoué National Park'''
'''Table 2. Ape population estimates reported for Marahoué National Park'''
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|-
|-
|''Pan troglodytes verus''
|''Pan troglodytes verus''
|1990
|2012
|
|0
|
|
|15.6
|0.0
|1.64
|1407.0
|Marahoué National Park
|Marahoué National Park
|Line transects
|Line transects
|
|
|Marchesi et al. 1995
|[[#R01175|WCF 2012]]
|Total survey effort: 15 km, abundance estimate for weaned individuals
|Total survey effort: 36.9 km
|
|
|-
|-
|''Pan troglodytes verus''
|''Pan troglodytes verus''
|2006
|2007
|
|0.03
|
|
|0.01
|
|
|50.0
|Marahoué National Park
|Marahoué National Park
|Line transects
|Line transects
|
|
|N’Goran et al. 2006
|[[#R01171|N’Goran et al. 2007]], [[#R01168|Campbell et al. 2008]]
|Total survey effort: 154.5 km, abundance estimate is a maximum
|Total survey effort: 167.5 km, abundance estimate is a maximum
|
|CIV0008, CIV0016<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" data-expandtext="+15 more" data-collapsetext="less">CIV0024, CIV0027, CIV0028, CIV0030, CIV0033, CIV0034, CIV0037, CIV0048, CIV0050, CIV0057, CIV0058, CIV0059, CIV0060, CIV0063, CIV0069</div>
|-
|-
|''Pan troglodytes verus''
|''Pan troglodytes verus''
|2007
|2006
|
|0.03
|
|
|0.01
|
|
|50.0
|Marahoué National Park
|Marahoué National Park
|Line transects
|Line transects
|
|
|N’Goran et al. 2007, Campbell et al. 2008
|N’Goran et al. 2006
|Total survey effort: 167.5 km, abundance estimate is a maximum
|Total survey effort: 154.5 km, abundance estimate is a maximum
|
|CIV0033
|-
|-
|''Pan troglodytes verus''
|''Pan troglodytes verus''
|2012
|1990
|
|
|0
|15.6
|
|1.64
|0.0
|1407.0
|Marahoué National Park
|Marahoué National Park
|Line transects
|Line transects
|
|
|WCF 2012
|[[#R01170|Marchesi et al. 1995]]
|Total survey effort: 36.9 km
|Total survey effort: 15 km, abundance estimate for weaned individuals
|
|CIV0061
|}
|}


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= Threats =
= Threats =


Marahoué National Park has lost 93% of its forest cover between 2002 and 2008, which may be directly linked to the civil unrest prevailing in the country since 2002 (Campbell et al. 2008). Deforestation was many driven clearing land for agriculture using fires, especially for cocoa plantations, and illegal logging (Campbell et al. 2008, N’Goran et al. 2006, N’Goran et al. 2007, WCF 2012). In addition, the presence of people in the park and illegal hunting of chimpanzees likely caused the extinction of chimpanzees in Marahoué NP (Struhsaker and Bakarr 1999, Denis 2015).
Marahoué National Park has lost 93% of its forest cover between 2002 and 2008, which may be directly linked to the civil unrest prevailing in the country since 2002 ([[#R01168|Campbell et al. 2008]]). Deforestation was many driven clearing land for agriculture using fires, especially for cocoa plantations, and illegal logging ([[#R01168|Campbell et al. 2008]], [[#R01171|N’Goran et al. 2006, N’Goran et al. 2007]], [[#R01175|WCF 2012]]). In addition, the presence of people in the park and illegal hunting of chimpanzees likely caused the extinction of chimpanzees in Marahoué NP ([[#R01173|Struhsaker and Bakarr 1999]], [[#R01169|Denis 2015]]).


'''Table 3. Threats to apes reported for Marahoué National Park'''
'''Table 3. Threats to apes reported for Marahoué National Park'''
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|1.1 Residential areas
|1.1 Residential areas
|High (more than 70% of population affected)
|High (more than 70% of population affected)
|Presence of people in the park, campsites and small villages  (WCF 2012).
|Presence of people in the park, campsites and small villages  ([[#R01175|WCF 2012]]).
|Ongoing (2012)
|Ongoing (2012)
|-
|-
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|2.1 Annual & perennial non-timber crops
|2.1 Annual & perennial non-timber crops
|High (more than 70% of population affected)
|High (more than 70% of population affected)
|Especially cocoa plantations (WCF 2012).
|Especially cocoa plantations ([[#R01175|WCF 2012]]).
|Ongoing (2012)
|Ongoing (2012)
|-
|-
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|2.3 Livestock farming & ranching
|2.3 Livestock farming & ranching
|Low (up to 30% of population affected)
|Low (up to 30% of population affected)
|Signs of cattle grazing (WCF 2012).
|Signs of cattle grazing ([[#R01175|WCF 2012]]).
|Ongoing (2012)
|Ongoing (2012)
|-
|-
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|4.1 Roads & railroads
|4.1 Roads & railroads
|Medium (30-70% of population affected)
|Medium (30-70% of population affected)
|Presence of illegal paths, roads and vehicles (WCF 2012).
|Presence of illegal paths, roads and vehicles ([[#R01175|WCF 2012]]).
|Ongoing (2012)
|Ongoing (2012)
|-
|-
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|5.1 Hunting & collecting terrestrial animals
|5.1 Hunting & collecting terrestrial animals
|High (more than 70% of population affected)
|High (more than 70% of population affected)
|Poaching widespread (WCF 2012).
|Poaching widespread ([[#R01175|WCF 2012]]).
|Ongoing (2012)
|Ongoing (2012)
|-
|-
|5 Biological resource use
|5 Biological resource use
|5.1.2 Unintentional effects (species is not the target)
|5.1.2 Unintentional effects
|Present (unknown severity)
|Present (unknown severity)
|Great apes getting injured by traps likely intended for other animals (Kouadio R. pers. comm. 2025).
|Great apes getting injured by traps likely intended for other animals (Kouadio R. pers. comm. 2025).
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= Challenges =
= Challenges =


Denis (2015) conducted a comprehensive study into why Marahoué National Park degraded.  The study was based on interviews with different stakeholders in Marahoué National Park and pointed out that already since its creation in 1968 farmers were present in the park and in 1990 13% of the park was occupied by people, and this percentage has grown steadily since (Denis 2015). Government support for maintaining the protective status of Marahoué was weak and inconsistent. There is also widespread corruption and a lack of technical means as well as human resources to ensure law enforcement (Denis 2015).
[[#R01169|Denis (2015)]] conducted a comprehensive study into why Marahoué National Park degraded.  The study was based on interviews with different stakeholders in Marahoué National Park and pointed out that already since its creation in 1968 farmers were present in the park and in 1990 13% of the park was occupied by people, and this percentage has grown steadily since ([[#R01169|Denis 2015]]). Government support for maintaining the protective status of Marahoué was weak and inconsistent. There is also widespread corruption and a lack of technical means as well as human resources to ensure law enforcement ([[#R01169|Denis 2015]]).


'''Table 5. Challenges reported for Marahoué National Park'''
'''Table 5. Challenges reported for Marahoué National Park'''
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|1 Site management
|1 Site management
|1.3 Corruption
|1.3 Corruption
|Denis 2015
|[[#R01169|Denis 2015]]
|
|
|-
|-
|4 Institutional support
|2 Resources and capacity
|4.2 Lack of government support
|2.1 Lack of capacity/training
|Denis 2015
|Kouadio R. pers. comm. 2025
|
|Ongoing (2025)
|-
|-
|2 Resources and capacity
|2 Resources and capacity
|2.2 Lack of staff
|2.2 Lack of staff
|Denis 2015
|[[#R01169|Denis 2015]]
|2015-Ongoing (2025)
|2015-Ongoing (2025)
|-
|-
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|-
|-
|2 Resources and capacity
|2 Resources and capacity
|2.1 Lack of capacity/training
|2.5 Lack of equipment/transportation
|Kouadio R. pers. comm. 2025
|[[#R01169|Denis 2015]]
|Ongoing (2025)
|
|-
|-
|4 Institutional support
|4 Institutional support
|4.1 Lack of law enforcement
|4.1 Lack of law enforcement
|Denis 2015
|[[#R01169|Denis 2015]]
|
|
|-
|-
|2 Resources and capacity
|4 Institutional support
|2.5 Lack of equipment/transportation
|4.2 Lack of government support
|Denis 2015
|[[#R01169|Denis 2015]]
|
|
|}
|}
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= Exposure to climate change impacts =
= Exposure to climate change impacts =


As part of a study on the exposure of African great ape sites to climate change impacts, Kiribou et al. subm. extracted climate data and data on projected extreme climate impact events for the site. Climatological characteristics were derived from observation-based climate data provided by the Inter-Sectoral Impact Model Intercomparison Project (ISIMIP, www.isimip.org). Parameters were calculated as the average across each 30-year period. For 1981-2010, the EWEMBI dataset from ISIMIP2a was used. For the two future periods (2021-2050 and 2071-2099) ISIMIP2b climate data based on four CMIP5 global climate models were used. For future projections, two Representative Concentration Pathways (RCP) were used. RCP 2.6 is a scenario with strong mitigation measures in which global temperatures would likely rise below 2C. RCP 6.0 is a scenario with medium emissions in which global temperatures would likely rise up to 3C by 2100. For the number of days with heavy precipitation events, the 98th percentile of all precipitation days (>1mm/d) was calculated for the 1979-2013 reference period as a threshold for a heavy precipitation event. Then, for each year, the number of days above that threshold was derived. The figures on temperature and precipitation anomaly show the deviation from the mean temperature and mean precipitation for the 1979-2013 reference period.
As part of a study on the exposure of African great ape sites to climate change impacts, [[#R02258|Kiribou et al. (2024)]] extracted climate data and data on projected extreme climate impact events for the site. Climatological characteristics were derived from observation-based climate data provided by the Inter-Sectoral Impact Model Intercomparison Project (ISIMIP, www.isimip.org). Parameters were calculated as the average across each 30-year period. For 1981-2010, the EWEMBI dataset from ISIMIP2a was used. For the two future periods (2021-2050 and 2071-2099) ISIMIP2b climate data based on four CMIP5 global climate models were used. For future projections, two Representative Concentration Pathways (RCP) were used. RCP 2.6 is a scenario with strong mitigation measures in which global temperatures would likely rise below 2C. RCP 6.0 is a scenario with medium emissions in which global temperatures would likely rise up to 3C by 2100. For the number of days with heavy precipitation events, the 98th percentile of all precipitation days (>1mm/d) was calculated for the 1979-2013 reference period as a threshold for a heavy precipitation event. Then, for each year, the number of days above that threshold was derived. The figures on temperature and precipitation anomaly show the deviation from the mean temperature and mean precipitation for the 1979-2013 reference period.


The estimated exposure to future extreme climate impact events (crop failure, drought, river flood, wildfire, tropical cyclone, and heatwave) is based on a published dataset by Lange et al. 2020 derived from ISIMIP2b data. The same global climate models and RCPs as described above were used. Within each 30-year period, the number of years with an extreme event and the average proportion of the site affected were calculated (see Kiribou et al. subm. for details).
The estimated exposure to future extreme climate impact events (crop failure, drought, river flood, wildfire, tropical cyclone, and heatwave) is based on a published dataset by Lange et al. 2020 derived from ISIMIP2b data. The same global climate models and RCPs as described above were used. Within each 30-year period, the number of years with an extreme event and the average proportion of the site affected were calculated ([[#R02258|Kiribou et al. 2024]]).


'''Table 8. Estimated past and projected climatological characteristics in Marahoué National Park'''
'''Table 8. Estimated past and projected climatological characteristics in Marahoué National Park'''
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= References =
= References =


Denis G. 2015. Le parc de la Marahoué : de la logique de conservation à la logique de prédation. European Scientific Journal March 11(8): 1857-7881
<span id="R01168"></span>Campbell, G., Kuehl, H., N'Goran Kouamé, P., & Boesch, C. (2008). Alarming decline of West African chimpanzees in Côte d'Ivoire. ''Current Biology'', 18(19), R903-R904. [https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cub.2008.08.015 doi:10.1016/j.cub.2008.08.015]
 
<span id="R01169"></span>Denis, G. (2015). Le parc de la Marahoué : De la logique de conservation à la logique de prédation. European Scientific Journal, 11(8), 1857–7881. [https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/aa34ecf010cb49119a44fb49ffb9e9337a6f07a0 link]


Campbell G et al. 2008. Alarming decline of West African chimpanzees in Côte d´Ivoire. Current Biology 18(19).
<span id="R01170"></span>Marchesi, P., Marchesi, N., Fruth, B., & Boesch, C. (1995). Census and distribution of chimpanzees in Côte D’Ivoire. ''Primates'', 36(4), 591-607. [https://doi.org/10.1007/bf02382880 doi:10.1007/bf02382880]


Marchesi P et al. 1995. Census and Distribution in Côte d’Ivoire. Primates 36(4): 591-607.
<span id="R01171"></span>N’Goran, K. P., et al. (2007). Résultats de la première phase du biomonitoring au Parc National de Marahoué (mai 2006 – décembre 2006). Unpublished report. WCF/OIPR. Online: https://www.wildchimps.org/reports/reports.html


N’Goran KP et al. 2007. Résultats de la première phase du biomonitoring au Parc National de Marahoué (mai 2006 – décembre 2006). Unpublished report. WCF/OIPR. Online: [https://www.wildchimps.org/reports/reports.html Wild Chimpanzee Foundation]
<span id="R01172"></span>N'Goran, P. (2008). Résultats importants des activités de biomonitoring au Parc National de la Marahoué (mai 2007 – novembre 2007). WCF/CSRS/Universite d'Abobo-Adjame.


N’Goran KP et al. 2008. Résultats importants des activités de biomonitoring au Parc National de la Marahoué (mai 2007 – novembre 2007). Unpublished report. WCF/OIPR. Online: [https://www.wildchimps.org/reports/reports.html Wild Chimpanzee Foundation]
<span id="R01173"></span>Struhsaker, T. T., & Bakarr, M. I. (1999). A rapid survey of primates and other large mammals in Parc National de la Marahoué, Côte d'Ivoire. In Schulenberg, T. S., Short, C. A., & Stephenson, P. J. (Eds.), ''A Biological Assessment of Parc National de la Marahoué, Côte d'Ivoire. RAP Working Papers 13'' (pp. 50-53). Washington, DC: Conservation International.


Struhsaker TT, Bakarr MI. 1999. A rapid survey of primates and other large mammals in Marahoue National Park, Cote d'Ivoire. In: Schulenberg TS et al. (eds.) Une Evaluation Biologique du Parc National de la Marahoué Park, Côte d’Ivoire. Conservation International.
<span id="R01174"></span>UNEP-WCMC, & IUCN. (2019). Protected Planet: The World Database on Protected Areas (WDPA). Cambridge, UK: UNEP-WCMC and IUCN. Online: https://www.protectedplanet.net/722 [https://web.archive.org/web/20200930170440/https://www.protectedplanet.net/country/GN link]


UNEP-WCMC, IUCN. 2019. Protected Planet: The World Database on Protected Areas (WDPA), Cambridge, UK: UNEP-WCMC and IUCN Online: [https://www.protectedplanet.net/722  www.protectedplanet.net]
<span id="R01175"></span>WCF. (2012). Annual report 2012 – Activities of the Wild Chimpanzee Foundation for improved conservation of chimpanzees and their habitat in West Africa. Online: https://www.wildchimps.org/reports/reports.html [https://web.archive.org/web/20241112052804/https://www.wildchimps.org/reports/reports.html link]


WCF. 2012. Annual report 2012 – activities of the Wild Chimpanzee Foundation for improved conservation of chimpanzees and their habitat in West Africa. Online: [https://www.wildchimps.org/reports/reports.html Wild Chimpanzee Foundation]
<span id="R02258"></span>Kiribou, R., Tehoda, P., Chukwu, O., Bempah, G., Kühl, H. S., Ferreira, J., …, & Heinicke, S. (2024). Exposure of African ape sites to climate change impacts. ''PLOS Climate'', 3(2), e0000345. [https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pclm.0000345 doi:10.1371/journal.pclm.0000345]




Latest revision as of 17:53, 15 October 2026

West Africa > Côte d'Ivoire > Marahoué National Park

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Summary

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  • Western chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes verus) might be extirpated in Marahoué National Park.
  • This site has a total size of 1,010 km².
  • Chimpanzees are extirpated due to hunting and large-scale deforestation driven by the expansion of agricultural areas.



Site characteristics

Marahoué National Park (IUCN category: II) was established in 1968 (UNEP-WCMC and IUCN 2019). It covers an area of 1010 km2 and is located in the central Côte d´Ivoire in the Bouafle region near Lake Kossou. Marahoué NP is 275 km (170 miles) northwest of Abidjan. Marahoué NP is managed by the Office Ivoirien des Parcs et Réserves (OIPR). The park consists of two ecological zones: close forest in the south-west of the park and savanna in the north-eastern part. In a survey in 2007 signs of different mammal and bird species were found, including forest elephant (Loxodonta africana), pygmy hippopotamus (Choeropsis liberiensis), African buffalo (Syncerus caffer), and bushbuck (Tragelaphus scriptus). However, the park is strongly affected by illegal activities, especially forest clearing for cocoa plantations and poaching, and the current status of the biodiversity is unknown (Campbell et al. 2008, N’Goran et al. 2006, N’Goran et al. 2007, WCF 2012).

Table 1. Basic site information for Marahoué National Park

Species Pan troglodytes verus
Area 1,010 km²
Coordinates Lat: 7.11 , Lon: -6.02
Type of site Protected area (National Park)
Habitat types Subtropical/tropical moist lowland forest, Savanna, Agricultural land
Type of governance Governance by government

Types of sites Governance types Habitat types

Ape status

The chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes verus) population in Marahoué National Park was first estimated at 1407 individuals by Marchesi et al. (1995). However, due to the relatively small number of transects surveyed, large uncertainties are associated with this estimate. In 2007, a survey that covered 167.5 km of systematically located transects across the entire park yielded a conservative population estimate of fewer than 50 individuals (N´Goran et al. 2007). In 2012, a rapid assessment was conducted by the Wild Chimpanzee Foundation WCF in collaboration with Afrique Nature, and no signs of chimpanzees were found.

Table 2. Ape population estimates reported for Marahoué National Park

Species Year Occurrence Encounter or vistation rate (nests/km; ind/day) Density estimate [ind./ km²] (95% CI) Abundance estimate (95% CI) Survey area Sampling method Analytical framework Source Comments A.P.E.S. database ID
Pan troglodytes verus 2012 0 0.0 Marahoué National Park Line transects WCF 2012 Total survey effort: 36.9 km
Pan troglodytes verus 2007 0.03 Marahoué National Park Line transects N’Goran et al. 2007, Campbell et al. 2008 Total survey effort: 167.5 km, abundance estimate is a maximum CIV0008, CIV0016
CIV0024, CIV0027, CIV0028, CIV0030, CIV0033, CIV0034, CIV0037, CIV0048, CIV0050, CIV0057, CIV0058, CIV0059, CIV0060, CIV0063, CIV0069
Pan troglodytes verus 2006 0.01 50.0 Marahoué National Park Line transects N’Goran et al. 2006 Total survey effort: 154.5 km, abundance estimate is a maximum CIV0033
Pan troglodytes verus 1990 15.6 1.64 1407.0 Marahoué National Park Line transects Marchesi et al. 1995 Total survey effort: 15 km, abundance estimate for weaned individuals CIV0061

Sampling methods Analytical frameworks

Threats

Marahoué National Park has lost 93% of its forest cover between 2002 and 2008, which may be directly linked to the civil unrest prevailing in the country since 2002 (Campbell et al. 2008). Deforestation was many driven clearing land for agriculture using fires, especially for cocoa plantations, and illegal logging (Campbell et al. 2008, N’Goran et al. 2006, N’Goran et al. 2007, WCF 2012). In addition, the presence of people in the park and illegal hunting of chimpanzees likely caused the extinction of chimpanzees in Marahoué NP (Struhsaker and Bakarr 1999, Denis 2015).

Table 3. Threats to apes reported for Marahoué National Park

Category Specific threats Threat level Description Year of threat
1 Residential & commercial development 1.1 Residential areas High (more than 70% of population affected) Presence of people in the park, campsites and small villages (WCF 2012). Ongoing (2012)
2 Agriculture & aquaculture 2.1 Annual & perennial non-timber crops High (more than 70% of population affected) Especially cocoa plantations (WCF 2012). Ongoing (2012)
2 Agriculture & aquaculture 2.3 Livestock farming & ranching Low (up to 30% of population affected) Signs of cattle grazing (WCF 2012). Ongoing (2012)
4 Transportation & service corridors 4.1 Roads & railroads Medium (30-70% of population affected) Presence of illegal paths, roads and vehicles (WCF 2012). Ongoing (2012)
5 Biological resource use 5.1 Hunting & collecting terrestrial animals High (more than 70% of population affected) Poaching widespread (WCF 2012). Ongoing (2012)
5 Biological resource use 5.1.2 Unintentional effects Present (unknown severity) Great apes getting injured by traps likely intended for other animals (Kouadio R. pers. comm. 2025). Ongoing (2025)
5 Biological resource use 5.1.5 Persecution/human wildlife conflict Present (unknown severity) Human wildlife conflict has been reported, involving people and great apes sharing water sources and wild natural resources such as forest fruits, encountering each other on paths or trails, and, in some cases, people killing great apes for trade or cultural reasons (Kouadio R. pers. comm. 2025). Ongoing (2025)
8 Invasive & other problematic species, genes & diseases 8.4 Pathogens Present (unknown severity) The potential risk of diseases trasmission between people and apes, or apes and people is reported (Kouadio R. pers. comm. 2025). Ongoing (2025)

Threats

Conservation activities

Table 4. Conservation activities reported for Marahoué National Park

Category Specific activity Description Implementing organization(s) Year of activity
2 Counter-wildlife crime 2.3 Conduct regular anti-poaching patrols Patrols and law enforcement actvities are conducted (Kouadio R. pers. comm. 2025). Ongoing (2025)
4 Education & awareness 4.1 Educate local communities about apes and sustainable use Awareness raising and educating local people about great apes (Kouadio R. pers. comm. 2025). Ongoing (2025)
4 Education & awareness 4.2 Involve local community in ape research and conservation management Local communities are involved in conservation programs (Kouadio R. pers. comm. 2025). Ongoing (2025)
5 Protection & restoration 5.6 Habitat restoration Forest rehabilitation and protection activities are reported (Kouadio R. pers. comm. 2025). Ongoing (2025)
7 Economic & other incentives 7.2 Provide non-monetary benefits to local communities for sustainably managing their forest and its wildlife (e.g., better education, infrastructure development) Ecotourism ventures and initiatives are being supported and developed, as well as other new income sources like selling local products (Kouadio R. pers. comm. 2025). Ongoing (2025)

Conservation activities

Challenges

Denis (2015) conducted a comprehensive study into why Marahoué National Park degraded. The study was based on interviews with different stakeholders in Marahoué National Park and pointed out that already since its creation in 1968 farmers were present in the park and in 1990 13% of the park was occupied by people, and this percentage has grown steadily since (Denis 2015). Government support for maintaining the protective status of Marahoué was weak and inconsistent. There is also widespread corruption and a lack of technical means as well as human resources to ensure law enforcement (Denis 2015).

Table 5. Challenges reported for Marahoué National Park

Challenges Specific challenges Source Year(s)
1 Site management 1.3 Corruption Denis 2015
2 Resources and capacity 2.1 Lack of capacity/training Kouadio R. pers. comm. 2025 Ongoing (2025)
2 Resources and capacity 2.2 Lack of staff Denis 2015 2015-Ongoing (2025)
2 Resources and capacity 2.3 General lack of funding Kouadio R. pers. comm. 2025 Ongoing (2025)
2 Resources and capacity 2.4 Lack of continuous/long-term funding Kouadio R. pers. comm. 2025 Ongoing (2025)
2 Resources and capacity 2.5 Lack of equipment/transportation Denis 2015
4 Institutional support 4.1 Lack of law enforcement Denis 2015
4 Institutional support 4.2 Lack of government support Denis 2015

Challenges

Enablers

Table 6. Enablers reported for Marahoué National Park

Enablers Specific enablers Source Year(s)
3 Engaged community 3.6 Local community engagement and support Kouadio R. pers. comm. 2025 Ongoing (2025)
1 Site management
2 Resources and capacity
4 Institutional support
5 Ecological context
6 Safety and stability

Enablers

Research activities

As chimpanzees might be extirpated from Marahoué National Park no research is conducted on chimpanzees.


Documented behaviours

Table 7. Behaviours documented for Marahoué National Park

Category Behavior Observation type Prevalence Observation dates Source Habituation Species Comment
Not reported

Behaviours

Exposure to climate change impacts

As part of a study on the exposure of African great ape sites to climate change impacts, Kiribou et al. (2024) extracted climate data and data on projected extreme climate impact events for the site. Climatological characteristics were derived from observation-based climate data provided by the Inter-Sectoral Impact Model Intercomparison Project (ISIMIP, www.isimip.org). Parameters were calculated as the average across each 30-year period. For 1981-2010, the EWEMBI dataset from ISIMIP2a was used. For the two future periods (2021-2050 and 2071-2099) ISIMIP2b climate data based on four CMIP5 global climate models were used. For future projections, two Representative Concentration Pathways (RCP) were used. RCP 2.6 is a scenario with strong mitigation measures in which global temperatures would likely rise below 2C. RCP 6.0 is a scenario with medium emissions in which global temperatures would likely rise up to 3C by 2100. For the number of days with heavy precipitation events, the 98th percentile of all precipitation days (>1mm/d) was calculated for the 1979-2013 reference period as a threshold for a heavy precipitation event. Then, for each year, the number of days above that threshold was derived. The figures on temperature and precipitation anomaly show the deviation from the mean temperature and mean precipitation for the 1979-2013 reference period.

The estimated exposure to future extreme climate impact events (crop failure, drought, river flood, wildfire, tropical cyclone, and heatwave) is based on a published dataset by Lange et al. 2020 derived from ISIMIP2b data. The same global climate models and RCPs as described above were used. Within each 30-year period, the number of years with an extreme event and the average proportion of the site affected were calculated (Kiribou et al. 2024).

Table 8. Estimated past and projected climatological characteristics in Marahoué National Park

Value 1981-2010 2021-2050, RCP 2.6 2021-2050, RCP 6.0 2071-2099, RCP 2.6 2071-2099, RCP 6.0
Mean temperature [C] 26.4 27.6 27.6 27.7 28.9
Annual precipitation [mm] 1251 1266 1321 1271 1343
Max no. consecutive dry days (per year) 35.6 34.8 36 35.1 33.7
No. days with heavy precipitation (per year) 5 6.4 6.4 6.7 8.1


Table 9. Projected exposure of apes to extreme climate impact events in Marahoué National Park

Type No. of years with event (2021-2050, RCP 2.6) % of site exposed (2021-2050, RCP 2.6) No. of years with event (2021-2050, RCP 6.0) % of site exposed (2021-2050, RCP 6.0) No. of years with event (2070-2099, RCP 2.6) % of site exposed (2070-2099, RCP 2.6) No. of years with event (2070-2099, RCP 6.0) % of site exposed (2070-2099, RCP 6.0)
Crop failure 4 2.98 2 2.98 4 2.98 5.5 2.98
Drought 0.25 25 0 0 0 0 0 0
Heatwave 4.5 100 5.5 100 3 100 6.5 100
River flood 1 0.14 1.5 1.61 2.25 2.97 4 2.23
Tropical cyclone 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Wildfire 30 0.61 30 0.61 29 0.63 29 0.6


  • Precipitation anomaly in Marahoué National Park
  • Temperature anomaly in Marahoué National Park

External links

References

Campbell, G., Kuehl, H., N'Goran Kouamé, P., & Boesch, C. (2008). Alarming decline of West African chimpanzees in Côte d'Ivoire. Current Biology, 18(19), R903-R904. doi:10.1016/j.cub.2008.08.015

Denis, G. (2015). Le parc de la Marahoué : De la logique de conservation à la logique de prédation. European Scientific Journal, 11(8), 1857–7881. link

Marchesi, P., Marchesi, N., Fruth, B., & Boesch, C. (1995). Census and distribution of chimpanzees in Côte D’Ivoire. Primates, 36(4), 591-607. doi:10.1007/bf02382880

N’Goran, K. P., et al. (2007). Résultats de la première phase du biomonitoring au Parc National de Marahoué (mai 2006 – décembre 2006). Unpublished report. WCF/OIPR. Online: https://www.wildchimps.org/reports/reports.html

N'Goran, P. (2008). Résultats importants des activités de biomonitoring au Parc National de la Marahoué (mai 2007 – novembre 2007). WCF/CSRS/Universite d'Abobo-Adjame.

Struhsaker, T. T., & Bakarr, M. I. (1999). A rapid survey of primates and other large mammals in Parc National de la Marahoué, Côte d'Ivoire. In Schulenberg, T. S., Short, C. A., & Stephenson, P. J. (Eds.), A Biological Assessment of Parc National de la Marahoué, Côte d'Ivoire. RAP Working Papers 13 (pp. 50-53). Washington, DC: Conservation International.

UNEP-WCMC, & IUCN. (2019). Protected Planet: The World Database on Protected Areas (WDPA). Cambridge, UK: UNEP-WCMC and IUCN. Online: https://www.protectedplanet.net/722 link

WCF. (2012). Annual report 2012 – Activities of the Wild Chimpanzee Foundation for improved conservation of chimpanzees and their habitat in West Africa. Online: https://www.wildchimps.org/reports/reports.html link

Kiribou, R., Tehoda, P., Chukwu, O., Bempah, G., Kühl, H. S., Ferreira, J., …, & Heinicke, S. (2024). Exposure of African ape sites to climate change impacts. PLOS Climate, 3(2), e0000345. doi:10.1371/journal.pclm.0000345


Page created by: APES Atlas Team Date: 2019-10-16

Page updated by: KOUADIO KOUASSI REMY Date: 2025-08-15

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