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|''Pan troglodytes troglodytes''
|2008
|Present
|1.50 (0.33)
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|La Belgique
|Line transects
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|Tagg et al. 2015
|Line transect nest count surveys (150 transects, each 600 m and spaced 600 m apart) were conducted across all habitat types, recording individual nests with builder identity confirmed by associated signs such as footprints and dung.
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|''Gorilla gorilla gorilla''
|''Gorilla gorilla gorilla''
|2008
|2009-2010
|Present
|Present
|0.48 (0.18)
|2.57
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|0.09 (0.04-0.21)
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|La Belgique
|La Belgique
|Line transects
|Line transects
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|Distance sampling with survey specific decay time
|Tagg et al. 2015
|Tagg & Willlie, 2013
|Line transect nest count surveys (150 transects, each 600 m and spaced 600 m apart) were conducted across all habitat types, recording individual nests with builder identity confirmed by associated signs such as footprints and dung.
|Estimate from old transects; however, estimate from new transects higher: 0.15 [0.04-0.59]. In 2009 surveys, the marginal mean number of gorilla nests per transect was 0.31 on old transects and 2.57 on new transects.
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|Tagg & Willlie, 2013
|Tagg & Willlie, 2013
|Estimate from old transects; however, estimate from new transects higher: 0.32 [0.25-0.41]. In 2009 surveys, the marginal mean number of chimpanzee nests per transect was 1.91 on old transects and 28.51 on new transects.
|Estimate from old transects; however, estimate from new transects higher: 0.32 [0.25-0.41]. In 2009 surveys, the marginal mean number of chimpanzee nests per transect was 1.91 on old transects and 28.51 on new transects.
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|''Pan troglodytes troglodytes''
|2008
|Present
|1.50 (0.33)
|
|
|La Belgique
|Line transects
|
|Tagg et al. 2015
|Line transect nest count surveys (150 transects, each 600 m and spaced 600 m apart) were conducted across all habitat types, recording individual nests with builder identity confirmed by associated signs such as footprints and dung.
|
|
|-
|-
|''Gorilla gorilla gorilla''
|''Gorilla gorilla gorilla''
|2009-2010
|2008
|Present
|Present
|2.57
|0.48 (0.18)
|0.09 (0.04-0.21)
|
|
|
|La Belgique
|La Belgique
|Line transects
|Line transects
|Distance sampling with survey specific decay time
|
|Tagg & Willlie, 2013
|Tagg et al. 2015
|Estimate from old transects; however, estimate from new transects higher: 0.15 [0.04-0.59]. In 2009 surveys, the marginal mean number of gorilla nests per transect was 0.31 on old transects and 2.57 on new transects.
|Line transect nest count surveys (150 transects, each 600 m and spaced 600 m apart) were conducted across all habitat types, recording individual nests with builder identity confirmed by associated signs such as footprints and dung.
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Revision as of 05:43, 14 July 2026

Central Africa > Cameroon > La Belgique

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Summary

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  • Central chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes troglodytes) & western lowland gorillas (Gorilla gorilla gorilla) are present in La Belgique.
  • The population size is unknown.
  • The population trend is unknown.
  • The total area of the site is 32.4 km².
  • The major reported threats include bushmeat hunting and the gathering of non-timber forest products.
  • The main conservation activities include education and awareness-raising, providing monetary benefits to the local community, and conducting research and tourism projects.

Site characteristics

Table 1. Basic site information for La Belgique

Species Pan troglodytes troglodytes, Gorilla gorilla gorilla
Area 32.4 km²
Coordinates Lat: 3.560550 , Lon: 13.298692
Type of site Non-protected area
Habitat types Subtropical/tropical dry forest, Subtropical/tropical moist lowland forest, Wetlands (lakes, rivers, streams, bogs, marshes)
Type of governance Shared governance

Types of sites Governance types Habitat types

Ape status

Table 2. Ape population estimates reported for La Belgique

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
Gorilla gorilla gorilla 2009-2010 Present 2.57 0.09 (0.04-0.21) La Belgique Line transects Distance sampling with survey specific decay time Tagg & Willlie, 2013 Estimate from old transects; however, estimate from new transects higher: 0.15 [0.04-0.59]. In 2009 surveys, the marginal mean number of gorilla nests per transect was 0.31 on old transects and 2.57 on new transects.
Pan troglodytes troglodytes 2009-2010 Present 28.51 0.13 (0.07-0.24) La Belgique Line transects Distance sampling with survey specific decay time Tagg & Willlie, 2013 Estimate from old transects; however, estimate from new transects higher: 0.32 [0.25-0.41]. In 2009 surveys, the marginal mean number of chimpanzee nests per transect was 1.91 on old transects and 28.51 on new transects.
Pan troglodytes troglodytes 2008 Present 1.50 (0.33) La Belgique Line transects Tagg et al. 2015 Line transect nest count surveys (150 transects, each 600 m and spaced 600 m apart) were conducted across all habitat types, recording individual nests with builder identity confirmed by associated signs such as footprints and dung.
Gorilla gorilla gorilla 2008 Present 0.48 (0.18) La Belgique Line transects Tagg et al. 2015 Line transect nest count surveys (150 transects, each 600 m and spaced 600 m apart) were conducted across all habitat types, recording individual nests with builder identity confirmed by associated signs such as footprints and dung.
Pan troglodytes troglodytes 2015-2016 Present 4.97 (4.5) Forest management unit 10048 Line transects Tedonzong et al. 2017
Gorilla gorilla gorilla 2015-2016 Present 3.48 (4.7) Forest management unit 10049 Line transects Tedonzong et al. 2017
Pan troglodytes troglodytes 2021 Present 0.47 La Belgique Line transects Willie, pers. comm. 2025
Gorilla gorilla gorilla 2021 Present 0.23 La Belgique Line transects Willie, pers. comm. 2025

Sampling methods Analytical frameworks

Threats

Table 3. Threats to apes reported for La Belgique

Category Specific threats Threat level Description Year of threat
5 Biological resource use 5.1.1 Subsistence bushmeat hunting Low (up to 30% of population affected) Signs of human presence (e.g. signs of hunting) reduced density of apes (Tagg & Willie, 2013). 2009-Ongoing (2025)
5 Biological resource use 5.1.5 Persecution/human wildlife conflict Present (unknown severity) Conflicts between humans and great apes occurs due to feelings of insecurity among people, aggressive interactions initiated by apes, competition over shared water sources and natural resources like forest fruits, accidental meetings on trails, and cases where apes are killed for cultural practices or commercial purposes (D. Mbohli & N. Tagg. pers. comm. 2025). Ongoing (2025)
5 Biological resource use 5.2 Gathering terrestrial plants Low (up to 30% of population affected) Collection of non-timber forest products for local use on a small magnitute (Tagg & Willies, 2013) 2009-Ongoing (2025)
8 Invasive & other problematic species, genes & diseases 8.4 Pathogens Present (unknown severity) Potential risk of disease transmission between humans and apes, in both directions (D. Mbohli & N. Tagg. pers. comm. 2025). Ongoing (2025)

Threats

Conservation activities

La Belgique is a research station located in the forest, approximately 15 km from the nearest village. While the station itself is situated in the forest, conservation activities primarily take place in the surrounding villages, which rely on this forest tract for hunting, gathering, and passage (N. Tagg. pers. comm. 2025). Since 2001, the site was managed by Projet Grands Singes (PGS) with support from Antwerp Zoo’s Centre for Research and Conservation (CRC). Their work concluded in December 2021, after which the local partner, Association pour la Protection des Grands Singes (APGS) has continued operations with support from the Born Free Foundation (BFF), since April 2022 (N. Tagg. pers. comm. 2025). Conservation activities - including education and awareness, economic and other incentives, and countering wildlife crime, were secondary priorities for PGS and Antwerp Zoo’s CRC (Zoo Science 2024) until December 2021. From April 2022, these activities, together with habitat restoration have become the primary focus of APGS and funder BFF (N. Tagg. pers. comm. 2025).

Table 4. Conservation activities reported for La Belgique

Category Specific activity Description Implementing organization(s) Year of activity
2 Counter-wildlife crime 2.3 Conduct regular anti-poaching patrols Anti-poaching patrols, Great Ape Guardians, and law enforcement operations are aimed at controlling illegal activities. With the current support of BFF, these patrols have become more regular, resulting in a significantly positive impact on the environment (D. Mbohli & N. Tagg. pers. comm. 2025, Guardians of Dja - Born Free). Association pour la Protection de Grands Singes (APGS), Born Free Foundation (BFF) 2022-Ongoing (2025)
4 Education & awareness 4.1 Educate local communities about apes and sustainable use Until 2021, raising awareness and educating local communities about great apes was only a secondary activity of Projet Grands Singes (Zoo Science 2024). Projet Grands Singes (PGS), Antwerp Zoo's Center for Research and Conservation


2001-2021
4 Education & awareness 4.1 Educate local communities about apes and sustainable use Since 2022, this work has become a primary focus for APGS and BFF (D. Mbohli & N. Tagg. pers. comm. 2025). APGS and BFF currently support teachers and the operation of the local primary school, help develop conservation lesson plans for classroom use, and provide teacher training (N. Tagg. pers. comm. 2025, Guardians of Dja - Born Free). Association pour la Protection des Grands Singes (APGS) & Born Free Foundation (BFF)


2022-Ongoing (2025)
4 Education & awareness 4.2 Involve local community in ape research and conservation management Local communities are involved in conservation programmes. Under the work of PGS and Antwerp Zoo’s CRC, local people were previously hired to work in conservation activities. However, this programme ended in 2021 (N. Tagg. pers. comm. 2025). Projet Grands Singes (PGS), Antwerp Zoo's Center for Research and Conservation 2001-2021
4 Education & awareness 4.2 Involve local community in ape research and conservation management Since 2022, APGS and BFF have continued the conservation work, engaging community members through outreach initiatives in nearby villages. Regular events and awareness sessions are organised to promote understanding of wildlife and conservation issues (D. Mbohli & N. Tagg. pers. comm. 2025, Guardians of Dja - Born Free). Association pour la Protection des Grands Singes (APGS), and Born Free Foundation (BFF), Local communities 2022-Ongoing (2025)
5 Protection & restoration 5.6 Habitat restoration Protecting and restoring forests activities reported (D. Mbohli & N. Tagg. pers. comm. 2025, Guardians of Dja - Born Free). Born Free Foundation (BFF), Association pour la Protection de Grands Singes (APGS) 2022-Ongoing (2025)
7 Economic & other incentives 7.1 Provide monetary benefits to local communities for sustainably managing their forest and its wildlife (e.g., REDD, alternative income, employment) During the period of management by PGS and Antwerp Zoo’s CRC, local people were employed in conservation programs as research guides, assistants, and in related roles. However, this program ended in 2021 (D. Mbohli & N. Tagg, pers. comm., 2025). In addition as a secondary conservation activity, Projet Grands Singes (PGS) implemented “Reciprocal Environmental Agreements” with community members to reduce poaching by providing alternative sources of income and technical support (Zoo Science 2024). Projet Grands Singes (PGS), Antwerp Zoo's Center for Research and Conservation 2001-2021
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) Since 2022, APGS and BFF have supported local people through skills training and the local agroforestry school, providing them with tools and equipment to establish reliable and sustainable trades such as cocoa or pepper cultivation (D. Mbohli & N. Tagg. pers. comm. 2025, Guardians of Dja - Born Free). Association pour la Protection des Grands Singes (APGS) & the Born Free Foundation (BFF) 2022-Ongoing (2025)
8 Permanent presence 8.1 Run research project and ensure permanent human presence at site The conservation and development project 'Projet Grands Singes' (PGS), an initiative of Antwerp Zoo’s Centre for Research and Conservation, started research activities in 2001 to protect endangered species and help local communities in sustainable natural resource management (Zoo Science 2024). Projet Grands Singes (PGS), Antwerp Zoo's Center for Research and Conservation 2001-2021
8 Permanent presence 8.2 Run tourist projects and ensure permanent human presence at site A secondary conservation activity of 'Projet Grands Singes' (Zoo Science 2024). Projet Grands Singes (PGS), Antwerp Zoo's Center for Research and Conservation 2001-2021

Conservation activities

Challenges

Table 5. Challenges reported for La Belgique

Challenges Specific challenges Source Year(s)
2 Resources and capacity 2.1 Lack of capacity/training D. Mbohli & N. Tagg. pers. comm. 2025 2022-Ongoing (2025)
2 Resources and capacity 2.2 Lack of staff D. Mbohli & N. Tagg. pers. comm. 2025 2022-Ongoing (2025)
2 Resources and capacity 2.3 General lack of funding D. Mbohli & N. Tagg. pers. comm. 2025 2022-Ongoing (2025)
3 Engaged community 3.2 Lack of youth engagement Zoo Science 2024 2001-2021
3 Engaged community 3.5 Anticipated disadvantages/costs created by conservation activities (e.g., restricted access/resource use) Zoo Science 2024 2001-2021
4 Institutional support 4.3 Lack of protected area status Ongoing (2025)

Challenges

Enablers

Table 6. Enablers reported for La Belgique

Enablers Specific enablers Source Year(s)
2 Resources and capacity 2.6 External partnerships that add expertise or resources D. Mbohli & N. Tagg. pers. comm. 2025, Guardians of Dja - Born Free 2001-2021, 2022-Ongoing (2025)
3 Engaged community 3.5 Positive past experience/associations with conservation (e.g. positive image of conservation) Tagg et al. 2015, Zoo Science 2024 2001-2021
3 Engaged community 3.6 Local community engagement and support Tagg et al. 2015, Zoo Science 2024, Guardians of Dja - Born Free 2001-2021, 2022-Ongoing (2025)

Enablers

Research activities

Projet Grands Singes' (PGS) has been managing the research site 'La Belgique' is since 2001 supported by Antwerp Zoo’s Centre for Research and Conservation (Tagg et al., 2015). Focus of the research program is great ape socio-ecology and surveys. In addition, there are several PhD studies that have taken place in La Belgique (D. Mbohli, N. Tagg, & J. Willie. pers. comm. 2025). the details are listed below:

  • Isra Deblauwe (2008)

PhD Project: Comparative study of insectivory in sympatric western lowland gorillas and chimpanzees in the lowland rainforests of southeast Cameroon.

  • Eric Arnhem (2008)

PhD Project: Eco-ethological responses of great apes and other rainforest mammals to selective logging in Cameroon.

  • Jacob Willie (2012)

PhD Project: Herbaceous plant community structure in southeast Cameroon: ecological drivers and usage by western lowland gorillas. Notes: Thesis available.

  • Charles-Albert Petre (2016)

PhD Project: Effectiveness of western lowland gorilla (Gorilla gorilla gorilla) seed dispersal and plant–gorilla mutualism in southeast Cameroon. Notes: Thesis available.

  • Mélodie Dieudonné (2016)

PhD Project: La viande des uns, la faune des autres. Anthropological analysis of wildlife conservation practices in three Badjoué villages in the forest zone of Eastern Cameroon. Notes: Thesis available.

  • Luc Tedonzong (2019)

PhD Project: Ecological and anthropogenic drivers shaping the distribution and abundance of two Afrotropical rainforest mammals. Notes: Thesis available.

  • Jacques Kuenbou (2024)

PhD Project: Linking reciprocal environmental agreements to wildlife community structure, poverty alleviation, and livelihoods in southeast Cameroon. Notes: Thesis available.

Documented behaviours

Table 7. Behaviours documented for La Belgique

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

Behaviours

Exposure to climate change impacts

External links

Guardians of Dja - Born Free
Zoo Science

References

Tagg, N., & Willie, J. (2013). The influence of transect use by local people and reuse of transects for repeated surveys on nesting in western lowland gorillas (Gorilla gorilla gorilla) and central chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes troglodyte s) in southeast Cameroon. International Journal of Primatology, 34(3), 554-570.

Tagg, N., Willie, J., Duarte, J., Petre, C.-A., & Fa, J.E. (2015). Conservation research presence protects: a case study of great ape abundance in the Dja region, Cameroon. Animal Conservation, 18, 489–498. DOI: 10.1111/acv.12212

Tédonzong, L.R.D., Willie, J., Keuko, A.M.P., Kuenbou, J.K., Njotah, G., Tchamba, M.N., Tagg, N., & Lens, L. (2017). Using abundance and habitat variables to identify high conservation value areas for threatened mammals. Biodiversity and Conservation, 27(5), 1115–1137. DOI: 10.1007/s10531-017-1483-9.


Page created by: Winnie Eckardt Date: 2024-11-30 09:34:00

Page updated by: Dr Nikki Tagg, Donald Mbohli, Dr Jacob Willie Date: 2025-12-01

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