PhD Student in Zoology with specialisation in Primatology at University of Dschang, Cameroon

Research focus: ecology and evolutionary biology, conservation of biodiversity

Nigerian-Cameroon chimpanzees are cited as a critically endangered species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and are known as the subspecies with the smallest population size (3.000–9.000 individuals) as well as distribution (restricted to Cameroon and Nigeria) among all chimpanzees known across Africa. Indeed, more investigation needs to be done in order to promote conservation of this species as their behavioural ecology is not well understood in Cameroon where illegal activities are prominent. In the past, Ernest studied the behavioural ecology of a western lowland gorilla group in Cameroon; his current study aims at assessing a community of these chimpanzees living in a forest-savanna environment that has not been previously studied and at promoting long-term research as well as conservation activities in this area.

CV as submitted for the Green Talents award (2019):

University of Dschang, Cameroon

Research focus: ecology and evolutionary biology, conservation of biodiversity

The western lowland gorilla and Nigerian chimpanzee are between Central Africa's critically endangered species and are a key species for conservation of their natural habitat. In the past, Ernest studied the behavioural ecology of a western lowland gorilla group under habituation to human presence for ecotourism in Campo’o Ma’an National Park. Now, he is studying feeding ecology of Nigerian chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes ellioti) in Mpem and Djim National Park (MNDP) and his main interest lies in the feeding and nesting habits of this apes within their home range in MNDP.

We know very little about the most endangered subspecies of chimpanzee, Pan troglodytes ellioti commonly called the Nigerian chimpanzee, due to its recent classification and lack of research in their range: Nigeria and Cameroon. The goal of Ernest‘s project is to assess a community of these chimpanzees living in a forest-savanna environment in Central Cameroon in the Mpem and Djim National Park (MDNP) that has not been previously studied. This assessment will ultimately examine the chimpanzee population demographics, density, and ranging patterns, human activity in and around the chimpanzee habitat as well as determine the possible impact of competitors, predators, and human encroachment and poaching. Additionally, the data will help investigators ascertain the viability of the area as a long-term research site and deciding to continue ecological methods or also incorporating habituation of chimpanzees for behavioral data collection for the future. The use of video camera traps will not only provide the above information, but also allow for observation of social behaviors, such as termite fishing and grooming, that may aid in understanding this subspecies more than previous research. Ernest’s research aims to help Cameroon’s wildlife authorities to better monitor and protect the country’s critically endangered chimpanzee as well as to develop sustainable strategies for management of this area and to save a viable population of  chimpanzees in their natural environment.

The jury was impressed by Ernest’s publications and by his research supporting the conservation of a threatened key species. Apart from his research, he is involved with NGOs and plans to support young Cameroonians interested in conservation of biodiversity and wildlife.