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* The main conservation interventions include law enforcement and anti-poaching patrols, awareness-raising and outreach, epidemiological surveillance programs and non-monetary support.
* The main conservation interventions include law enforcement and anti-poaching patrols, awareness-raising and outreach, epidemiological surveillance programs and non-monetary support.
* The site is part of the Ecosystem and Relic Cultural Landscape of Lopé-Okanda, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
* The site is part of the Ecosystem and Relic Cultural Landscape of Lopé-Okanda, a UNESCO World Heritage site.


= Site characteristics =
= Site characteristics =
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!Description
!Description
!Year of threat
!Year of threat
|-
|1 Residential & commercial development
|1.1 Residential areas
|Present (unknown severity)
|Expansion of settlements along national roads leading to habitat degradation and disturbance ([[#R01112|IUCN/SSC 2014]]).
|Ongoing (2014)
|-
|4 Transportation & service corridors
|4.1 Roads & railroads
|Present (unknown severity)
|The increase in transport infrastructure projects is leading to greater access to wildlife habitats, opening new areas to hunters ([[#R01112|IUCN/SSC 2014]]).
|Ongoing (2014)
|-
|-
|5 Biological resource use
|5 Biological resource use
|5.1.3 Commercial bushmeat trade
|5.1.3 Commercial bushmeat trade
|Present (unknown severity)
|Present (unknown severity)
|Illegal hunting for bushmeat and ivory, opportunistic killing of apes, facilitated by roads and settlement access (IUCN/SSC 2014, UNESCO SOC 2016).
|Illegal hunting for bushmeat and ivory, opportunistic killing of apes, facilitated by roads and settlement access ([[#R01112|IUCN/SSC 2014]], UNESCO SOC 2016).
|1980-Ongoing (2016)
|1980-Ongoing (2016)
|-
|8 Invasive & other problematic species, genes & diseases
|8.4 Pathogens
|Present (unknown severity)
|Historic Ebola outbreak in the 1990s caused local ape population declines; other zoonotic risks persist (IUCN/SSC 2014, Bermejo et al. 2006, Frontiers 2022).
|1994-1996
|-
|-
|5 Biological resource use
|5 Biological resource use
|5.3.2 Commercial logging
|5.3.2 Commercial logging
|Present (unknown severity)
|Present (unknown severity)
|Uncertified logging concessions which leads to opening new areas to hunters (IUCN/SSC 2014). Habitat loss and fragmentation driven by heavy logging activities (White 1994).
|Uncertified logging concessions which leads to opening new areas to hunters ([[#R01112|IUCN/SSC 2014]]). Habitat loss and fragmentation driven by heavy logging activities ([[#R01120|White 1994]]).
|1994-Ongoing (2014)
|1994-Ongoing (2014)
|-
|-
|1 Residential & commercial development
|8 Invasive & other problematic species, genes & diseases
|1.1 Residential areas
|8.4 Pathogens
|Present (unknown severity)
|Present (unknown severity)
|Expansion of settlements along national roads leading to habitat degradation and disturbance (IUCN/SSC 2014).
|Historic Ebola outbreak in the 1990s caused local ape population declines; other zoonotic risks persist ([[#R01112|IUCN/SSC 2014]], [[#R01116|Bermejo et al. 2006]], Frontiers 2022).
|Ongoing (2014)
|1994-1996
|-
|4 Transportation & service corridors
|4.1 Roads & railroads
|Present (unknown severity)
|The increase in transport infrastructure projects is leading to greater access to wildlife habitats, opening new areas to hunters (IUCN/SSC 2014).
|Ongoing (2014)
|-
|-
|11 Climate change & severe weather
|11 Climate change & severe weather
|Other
|Other
|Present (unknown severity)
|Present (unknown severity)
|Less fruits in the ecosystem due to climate change will affect gorilla and chimpanzee populations (Bush et al. 2020).
|Less fruits in the ecosystem due to climate change will affect gorilla and chimpanzee populations ([[#R01108|Bush et al. 2020]]).
|Ongoing (2020)
|Ongoing (2020)
|}
|}
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|2 Counter-wildlife crime
|2 Counter-wildlife crime
|2.11 Implement monitoring surveillance strategies (e.g., SMART) or use monitoring data to improve effectiveness of patrols
|2.11 Implement monitoring surveillance strategies (e.g., SMART) or use monitoring data to improve effectiveness of patrols
|Ecological monitoring activities are enhanced through research and long-term field data collection (White 1994, Tutin et al. 1997).
|Ecological monitoring activities are enhanced through research and long-term field data collection ([[#R01120|White 1994]], [[#R01121|Tutin et al. 1997]]).
|
|
|1994-Ongoing (1997)
|1994-Ongoing (1997)
|-
|-
|5 Protection & restoration
|2 Counter-wildlife crime
|5.6 Habitat restoration
|2.3 Conduct regular anti-poaching patrols
|Forest and habitat rehabilitation through maintaining forest heterogeneity and restoring key food sources (Tutin et al. 1997).
|Recruitment, training, and deployment of ecoguards; reinforcement of anti-poaching patrols; judicial follow-up ([[#R01112|IUCN/SSC 2014]], UNESCO SOC 2016).
|
|Agence Nationale des Parcs Nationaux, WWF, USFWS, UNESCO, and local partners
|1994-Ongoing (1997)
|Ongoing (2014)
|-
|8 Permanent presence
|8.1 Run research project and ensure permanent human presence at site
|Feeding Ecology Research of gorilla diet, which imply a structured, long-term scientific research effort, focus on identifying keystone food species and will also help guide conservation priorities (White 1994, Tutin et al. 1997).
|
|1994-Ongoing (1997)
|-
|5 Protection & restoration
|5.2 Legally protect ape habitat
|Officially designated a national park on 30 August 2002.
|
|2002-Ongoing (2025)
|-
|-
|3 Species health
|3 Species health
|3.11 Implement continuous health monitoring/permanent vet on site
|3.11 Implement continuous health monitoring/permanent vet on site
|Protocols for health monitoring, prevention of human–ape disease transmission, and rapid response capacity (IUCN/SSC, 2014; CIRMF, 2020).
|Protocols for health monitoring, prevention of human–ape disease transmission, and rapid response capacity ([[#R01112|IUCN/SSC, 2014]]; [[#R01118|CIRMF, 2020]]).
|
|
|2014-Ongoing (2020)
|2014-Ongoing (2020)
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|3 Species health
|3 Species health
|3.13 Implement a health programme for local communities
|3.13 Implement a health programme for local communities
|Epidemiological surveillance in local communities and One Health programs (IUCN/SSC, 2014; CIRMF, 2020).
|Epidemiological surveillance in local communities and One Health programs ([[#R01112|IUCN/SSC, 2014]]; [[#R01118|CIRMF, 2020]]).
|Agence Nationale des Parcs Nationaux, CIRMF (Centre International de Recherches Médicales de Franceville)
|Agence Nationale des Parcs Nationaux, CIRMF (Centre International de Recherches Médicales de Franceville)
|2014-Ongoing (2020)
|2014-Ongoing (2020)
|-
|2 Counter-wildlife crime
|2.3 Conduct regular anti-poaching patrols
|Recruitment, training, and deployment of ecoguards; reinforcement of anti-poaching patrols; judicial follow-up (IUCN/SSC 2014, UNESCO SOC 2016).
|Agence Nationale des Parcs Nationaux, WWF, USFWS, UNESCO, and local partners
|Ongoing (2014)
|-
|-
|4 Education & awareness
|4 Education & awareness
|4.1 Educate local communities about apes and sustainable use
|4.1 Educate local communities about apes and sustainable use
|Awareness programs and outreach to teach local people about apes and wildlife (IUCN/SSC 2014, WWF 2015).
|Awareness programs and outreach to teach local people about apes and wildlife ([[#R01112|IUCN/SSC 2014]], [[#R01119|WWF 2015]]).
|
|
|Ongoing (2014)
|Ongoing (2014)
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|5 Protection & restoration
|5 Protection & restoration
|5.10 Use prescribed burning within the context of home range size and use
|5.10 Use prescribed burning within the context of home range size and use
|Fire management programme to maintain the diversity of forest/savanna habitats in the park (Jeffrey et al. 2014).
|Fire management programme to maintain the diversity of forest/savanna habitats in the park ([[#R01109|Jeffrey et al. 2014]]).
|
|
|Ongoing (2014)
|Ongoing (2014)
|-
|5 Protection & restoration
|5.2 Legally protect ape habitat
|Officially designated a national park on 30 August 2002.
|
|2002-Ongoing (2026)
|-
|5 Protection & restoration
|5.6 Habitat restoration
|Forest and habitat rehabilitation through maintaining forest heterogeneity and restoring key food sources ([[#R01121|Tutin et al. 1997]]).
|
|1994-Ongoing (1997)
|-
|-
|7 Economic & other incentives
|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)
|7.2 Provide non-monetary benefits to local communities for sustainably managing their forest and its wildlife (e.g., better education, infrastructure development)
|Supporting local people in development of alternative livelihoods to reduce hunting pressure (IUCN/SSC, 2014, WWF, 2015).
|Supporting local people in development of alternative livelihoods to reduce hunting pressure ([[#R01112|IUCN/SSC, 2014]], [[#R01119|WWF, 2015]]).
|
|
|Ongoing (2014)
|Ongoing (2014)
|-
|8 Permanent presence
|8.1 Run research project and ensure permanent human presence at site
|Feeding Ecology Research of gorilla diet, which imply a structured, long-term scientific research effort, focus on identifying keystone food species and will also help guide conservation priorities ([[#R01120|White 1994]], [[#R01121|Tutin et al. 1997]]).
|
|1994-Ongoing (1997)
|}
|}


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!Source
!Source
!Year(s)
!Year(s)
|-
|2 Resources and capacity
|2.6 External partnerships that add expertise or resources
|UNESCO SOC 2016
|Ongoing 2025
|-
|-
|1 Site management
|1 Site management
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|
|
|
|
|-
|2 Resources and capacity
|2.6 External partnerships that add expertise or resources
|UNESCO SOC 2016
|Ongoing 2025
|-
|-
|3 Engaged community
|3 Engaged community
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|
|
|
|
|University of Stirling 2020
|[[#R01110|University of Stirling 2020]]
|
|
|
|
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|
|
|
|
|University of Stirling 2020
|[[#R01110|University of Stirling 2020]]
|
|
|
|
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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, [[#R02250|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 ([[#R02250|Kiribou et al. 2024]]).


'''Table 8. Estimated past and projected climatological characteristics in Lopé National Park'''
'''Table 8. Estimated past and projected climatological characteristics in Lopé National Park'''
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<div><ul><li style="display: inline-block; vertical-align: top;"> [[File:PrecipAnomaly_Lope_NP.png| 450px | thumb| none | Precipitation anomaly inLopé National Park]] </li><li style="display: inline-block; vertical-align: top;"> [[File:TempAnomaly_Lope_NP.png | 450px | thumb| none | Temperature anomaly inLopé National Park]] </li></ul></div>
<div><ul><li style="display: inline-block; vertical-align: top;"> [[File:PrecipAnomaly_Lope_NP.png| 450px | thumb| none | Precipitation anomaly in Lopé National Park]] </li><li style="display: inline-block; vertical-align: top;"> [[File:TempAnomaly_Lope_NP.png | 450px | thumb| none | Temperature anomaly in Lopé National Park]] </li></ul></div>


= External links =
= External links =
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= References =
= References =


Bush, E. R., Whytock, R. C., Bahaa-el-din, L., Bourgeois, S., Bunnefeld, N., Cardoso, A. W., Dikangadissi, J. T., Dimbonda, P., Dimoto, E., Edzang Ndong, J., Jeffery, K. J., Lehmann, D., Makaga, L., Momboua, B., Momont, L. R. W., Tutin, C. E. G., White, L. J. T., Whittaker, A., & Abernethy, K. (2020). Long-term collapse in fruit availability threatens Central African forest megafauna. Science, eabc7791. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.abc7791
<span id="R01108"></span>Bush, E. R., Whytock, R. C., Bahaa-el-din, L., Bourgeois, S., Bunnefeld, N., Cardoso, A. W., …, & Abernethy, K. (2020). Long-term collapse in fruit availability threatens Central African forest megafauna. ''Science'', 370(6521), 1219-1222. [https://doi.org/10.1126/science.abc7791 doi:10.1126/science.abc7791]
 
<span id="R01109"></span>Jeffery, K. J., Korte, L., Palla, F., Walters, G., White, L. J. T., & Abernethy, K. A. (2014). Fire management in a changing landscape: a case study from Lopé National Park, Gabon. ''PARKS'', 20(1), 39-52. [https://doi.org/10.2305/iucn.ch.2014.parks-20-1.kjj.en doi:10.2305/iucn.ch.2014.parks-20-1.kjj.en]
 
<span id="R01110"></span>University of Stirling. (2020). Stirling expert informs new study on chimpanzee behaviour. Retrieved from: https://www.stir.ac.uk/news/2020/09/stirling-expert-informs-new-study-on-chimpanzee-behaviour/
 
<span id="R01111"></span>UNESCO. (n.d.). Ecosystem and Relict Cultural Landscape of Lopé-Okanda. Retrieved from: https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1147/
 
<span id="R01112"></span>IUCN - International Union for Conservation of Nature (2014). Regional Action Plan for the Conservation of Western Lowland Gorillas and Central Chimpanzees 2015–2025. International Union for Conservation of Nature. [https://doi.org/10.2305/iucn.ch.2005.ssc-rap.1.en doi:10.2305/iucn.ch.2005.ssc-rap.1.en]
 
<span id="R01113"></span>UNESCO World Heritage Committee. (2016–2018). State of Conservation reports for Ecosystem and Relict Cultural Landscape of Lopé-Okanda (Gabon). Paris: UNESCO. [https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1147/documents/ link]
 
<span id="R01114"></span>UNEP-WCMC. (2007). Lopé-Okanda World Heritage Site Datasheet. Cambridge: UNEP-WCMC. [https://worldheritageoutlook.iucn.org/ link]
 
<span id="R01115"></span>Station d’Études des Gorilles et Chimpanzés (SEGC) (2010). Research and Monitoring Reports for Lopé National Park.
 
<span id="R01116"></span>Bermejo, M., Rodríguez-Teijeiro, J. D., Illera, G., Barroso, A., Vilà, C., & Walsh, P. D. (2006). Ebola Outbreak Killed 5000 Gorillas. ''Science'', 314(5805), 1564-1564. [https://doi.org/10.1126/science.1133105 doi:10.1126/science.1133105]
 
<span id="R01117"></span>Kiyang, J. A., et al. (2022). Pathogen spillover risks to great apes in Gabon. Frontiers in Public Health, 10: 866723.


Jeffery, K. J., Korte, L., Palla, F., Walters, G., White, L. J. T., & Abernethy, K. A. (2014). Fire management in a changing landscape: A case study from Lopé National Park, Gabon. PARKS, 20(1), 39-52. https://doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.CH.2014.PARKS-20-1.KJJ.en
<span id="R01118"></span>Centre International de Recherches Médicales de Franceville (CIRMF) (2020). Annual Report on Zoonotic Surveillance in Gabon.


University of Stirling. (2020). Stirling expert informs new study on chimpanzee behaviour. Retrieved from: https://www.stir.ac.uk/news/2020/09/stirling-expert-informs-new-study-on-chimpanzee-behaviour/
<span id="R01119"></span>WWF. (2015). Community-based conservation initiatives in Gabon. Libreville: WWF-Gabon.


UNESCO. (n.d.). Ecosystem and Relict Cultural Landscape of Lopé-Okanda. Retrieved from: https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1147/
<span id="R01120"></span>White, L. J. T. (1994). Biomass of Rain Forest Mammals in the Lope Reserve, Gabon. ''The Journal of Animal Ecology'', 63(3), 499. [https://doi.org/10.2307/5217 doi:10.2307/5217]


IUCN SSC Primate Specialist Group. (2014). Regional Action Plan for the Conservation of Western Lowland Gorillas and Central Chimpanzees 2015–2025. IUCN, Gland, Switzerland. <br>
<span id="R01121"></span>Tutin, C. E. G., White, L. J. T., & Mackanga‐Missandzou, A. (1997). The Use by Rain Forest Mammals of Natural Forest Fragments in an Equatorial African Savanna. ''Conservation Biology'', 11(5), 1190-1203. [https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1523-1739.1997.96211.x doi:10.1046/j.1523-1739.1997.96211.x]
UNESCO World Heritage Committee. (2016–2018). State of Conservation reports for Ecosystem and Relict Cultural Landscape of Lopé-Okanda (Gabon). Paris: UNESCO. <br>
UNEP-WCMC. (2007). Lopé-Okanda World Heritage Site Datasheet. Cambridge: UNEP-WCMC.
Station d’Études des Gorilles et Chimpanzés (SEGC). (2010). Research and Monitoring Reports for Lopé National Park. Gabon. <br>
Bermejo, M. et al. (2006). Ebola outbreak killed 5000 gorillas. Science, 314(5805), 1564. <br>
Kiyang, J. A., et al. (2022). Pathogen spillover risks to great apes in Gabon. Frontiers in Public Health, 10: 866723. <br>
Centre International de Recherches Médicales de Franceville (CIRMF). (2020). Annual Report on Zoonotic Surveillance in Gabon. <br>
WWF. (2015). Community-based conservation initiatives in Gabon. Libreville: WWF-Gabon. <br>
White, L. J. T. (1994). Biomass of rainforest mammals and the effects of logging. In C. A. Peres & J. D. Abernethy (Eds.), Management of African rainforests and conservation of biodiversity (pp. 137–152). Wildlife Conservation International, New York Zoological Society. <br>
Tutin, C. E. G., White, L. J. T., & Mackanga-Missandzou, A. (1997). The use by rain forest mammals of natural forest fragments in an equatorial African savanna. Conservation Biology, 11(5), 1190–1203. https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1523-1739.1997.96222.x <br>


<span id="R02250"></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

Central Africa > Gabon > Lopé National Park

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Summary

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  • Central chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes troglodytes) & Western lowland gorillas (Gorilla gorilla gorilla) are present in Lopé National Park.
  • The population sizes are unknown.
  • The population trends are unknown.
  • The site has a total size of 4,910 km².
  • The main reported threats include commercial bushmeat hunting, logging, diseases, and residential encroachment.
  • The main conservation interventions include law enforcement and anti-poaching patrols, awareness-raising and outreach, epidemiological surveillance programs and non-monetary support.
  • The site is part of the Ecosystem and Relic Cultural Landscape of Lopé-Okanda, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Site characteristics

Situated in central Gabon, Lopé National Park is part of the Ecosystem and Relic Cultural Landscape of Lopé-Okanda, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The site contains a special interface between dense tropical rainforest and relict savanna. The diversity of habitat types present at the park has contributed to the high floral diversity; over 1,550 plant species have been documented, including 40 never recorded before in Gabon. It is thought that, with the completion of all the floristic surveys and research, the number of plant species could reach over 3,000 (UNESCO). Well-preserved rock carvings and evidence of iron-working have been discovered in the area; these and other archaeological findings reflect a major migration route of Bantu and other peoples along the River Ogooué valley (UNESCO).

Table 1. Basic site information for Lopé National Park

Species Pan troglodytes troglodytes, Gorilla gorilla gorilla
Area 4,910 km²
Coordinates Lat: -0.442447 , Lon: 11.524291
Type of site Protected area (National Park)
Habitat types Subtropical/tropical dry forest, Savanna
Type of governance Governance by government

Types of sites Governance types Habitat types

Ape status

Table 2. Ape population estimates reported for Lopé 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
Gorilla gorilla gorilla Lopé National Park
Pan troglodytes troglodytes Lopé National Park

Sampling methods Analytical frameworks

Threats

Table 3. Threats to apes reported for Lopé National Park

Category Specific threats Threat level Description Year of threat
1 Residential & commercial development 1.1 Residential areas Present (unknown severity) Expansion of settlements along national roads leading to habitat degradation and disturbance (IUCN/SSC 2014). Ongoing (2014)
4 Transportation & service corridors 4.1 Roads & railroads Present (unknown severity) The increase in transport infrastructure projects is leading to greater access to wildlife habitats, opening new areas to hunters (IUCN/SSC 2014). Ongoing (2014)
5 Biological resource use 5.1.3 Commercial bushmeat trade Present (unknown severity) Illegal hunting for bushmeat and ivory, opportunistic killing of apes, facilitated by roads and settlement access (IUCN/SSC 2014, UNESCO SOC 2016). 1980-Ongoing (2016)
5 Biological resource use 5.3.2 Commercial logging Present (unknown severity) Uncertified logging concessions which leads to opening new areas to hunters (IUCN/SSC 2014). Habitat loss and fragmentation driven by heavy logging activities (White 1994). 1994-Ongoing (2014)
8 Invasive & other problematic species, genes & diseases 8.4 Pathogens Present (unknown severity) Historic Ebola outbreak in the 1990s caused local ape population declines; other zoonotic risks persist (IUCN/SSC 2014, Bermejo et al. 2006, Frontiers 2022). 1994-1996
11 Climate change & severe weather Other Present (unknown severity) Less fruits in the ecosystem due to climate change will affect gorilla and chimpanzee populations (Bush et al. 2020). Ongoing (2020)

Threats

Conservation activities

Table 4. Conservation activities reported for Lopé National Park

Category Specific activity Description Implementing organization(s) Year of activity
2 Counter-wildlife crime 2.11 Implement monitoring surveillance strategies (e.g., SMART) or use monitoring data to improve effectiveness of patrols Ecological monitoring activities are enhanced through research and long-term field data collection (White 1994, Tutin et al. 1997). 1994-Ongoing (1997)
2 Counter-wildlife crime 2.3 Conduct regular anti-poaching patrols Recruitment, training, and deployment of ecoguards; reinforcement of anti-poaching patrols; judicial follow-up (IUCN/SSC 2014, UNESCO SOC 2016). Agence Nationale des Parcs Nationaux, WWF, USFWS, UNESCO, and local partners Ongoing (2014)
3 Species health 3.11 Implement continuous health monitoring/permanent vet on site Protocols for health monitoring, prevention of human–ape disease transmission, and rapid response capacity (IUCN/SSC, 2014; CIRMF, 2020). 2014-Ongoing (2020)
3 Species health 3.13 Implement a health programme for local communities Epidemiological surveillance in local communities and One Health programs (IUCN/SSC, 2014; CIRMF, 2020). Agence Nationale des Parcs Nationaux, CIRMF (Centre International de Recherches Médicales de Franceville) 2014-Ongoing (2020)
4 Education & awareness 4.1 Educate local communities about apes and sustainable use Awareness programs and outreach to teach local people about apes and wildlife (IUCN/SSC 2014, WWF 2015). Ongoing (2014)
5 Protection & restoration 5.10 Use prescribed burning within the context of home range size and use Fire management programme to maintain the diversity of forest/savanna habitats in the park (Jeffrey et al. 2014). Ongoing (2014)
5 Protection & restoration 5.2 Legally protect ape habitat Officially designated a national park on 30 August 2002. 2002-Ongoing (2026)
5 Protection & restoration 5.6 Habitat restoration Forest and habitat rehabilitation through maintaining forest heterogeneity and restoring key food sources (Tutin et al. 1997). 1994-Ongoing (1997)
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) Supporting local people in development of alternative livelihoods to reduce hunting pressure (IUCN/SSC, 2014, WWF, 2015). Ongoing (2014)
8 Permanent presence 8.1 Run research project and ensure permanent human presence at site Feeding Ecology Research of gorilla diet, which imply a structured, long-term scientific research effort, focus on identifying keystone food species and will also help guide conservation priorities (White 1994, Tutin et al. 1997). 1994-Ongoing (1997)

Conservation activities

Challenges

Table 5. Challenges reported for Lopé National Park

Challenges Specific challenges Source Year(s)
Not reported

Challenges

Enablers

Table 6. Enablers reported for Lopé National Park

Enablers Specific enablers Source Year(s)
2 Resources and capacity 2.6 External partnerships that add expertise or resources UNESCO SOC 2016 Ongoing 2025
1 Site management
3 Engaged community
4 Institutional support
5 Ecological context
6 Safety and stability

Enablers

Research activities

The Station d’Etudes des Gorilles et Chimpanzes (SEGC) was established in 1983. In collaboration with the University of Stirling and Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), the field site has developed one of the most valuable long-term ecological databases in the region. SEGC also supports the park management and guides conservation policy.The WCS also has a long-term project at the park doing mandrill research.


Documented behaviours

Table 7. Behaviours documented for Lopé National Park

Category Behavior Observation type Prevalence Observation dates Source Habituation Species Comment
Ant fishing University of Stirling 2020
Honey extraction with tools University of Stirling 2020

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 Lopé 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] 26.1 27.2 27.2 27.4 28.5
Annual precipitation [mm] 3579 3788 3754 3859 3855
Max no. consecutive dry days (per year) 42.2 24.8 22.1 23.8 20.5
No. days with heavy precipitation (per year) 6.1 8.5 7.8 7.7 9.6


Table 9. Projected exposure of apes to extreme climate impact events in Lopé 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 9 0.03 9 0.07 7.5 0.05 26 0.04
Drought 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Heatwave 15.5 100 16.5 100 14.5 100 23.5 100
River flood 1.5 0.63 3.25 1.49 1.5 2.62 3 2.37
Tropical cyclone 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Wildfire 30 0.4 30 0.37 29 0.39 29 0.36


  • Precipitation anomaly in Lopé National Park
  • Temperature anomaly in Lopé National Park

External links

Station d’Etudes des Gorilles et Chimpanzes

Lopé National Park WCS

Foraging profiles of sympatric lowland gorillas and chimpanzees in the Lopé Reserve, Gabon

No Evidence for Transmission of Antibiotic-Resistant Escherichia coli Strains from Humans to Wild Western Lowland Gorillas in Lopé National Park, Gabo

References

Bush, E. R., Whytock, R. C., Bahaa-el-din, L., Bourgeois, S., Bunnefeld, N., Cardoso, A. W., …, & Abernethy, K. (2020). Long-term collapse in fruit availability threatens Central African forest megafauna. Science, 370(6521), 1219-1222. doi:10.1126/science.abc7791

Jeffery, K. J., Korte, L., Palla, F., Walters, G., White, L. J. T., & Abernethy, K. A. (2014). Fire management in a changing landscape: a case study from Lopé National Park, Gabon. PARKS, 20(1), 39-52. doi:10.2305/iucn.ch.2014.parks-20-1.kjj.en

University of Stirling. (2020). Stirling expert informs new study on chimpanzee behaviour. Retrieved from: https://www.stir.ac.uk/news/2020/09/stirling-expert-informs-new-study-on-chimpanzee-behaviour/

UNESCO. (n.d.). Ecosystem and Relict Cultural Landscape of Lopé-Okanda. Retrieved from: https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1147/

IUCN - International Union for Conservation of Nature (2014). Regional Action Plan for the Conservation of Western Lowland Gorillas and Central Chimpanzees 2015–2025. International Union for Conservation of Nature. doi:10.2305/iucn.ch.2005.ssc-rap.1.en

UNESCO World Heritage Committee. (2016–2018). State of Conservation reports for Ecosystem and Relict Cultural Landscape of Lopé-Okanda (Gabon). Paris: UNESCO. link

UNEP-WCMC. (2007). Lopé-Okanda World Heritage Site Datasheet. Cambridge: UNEP-WCMC. link

Station d’Études des Gorilles et Chimpanzés (SEGC) (2010). Research and Monitoring Reports for Lopé National Park.

Bermejo, M., Rodríguez-Teijeiro, J. D., Illera, G., Barroso, A., Vilà, C., & Walsh, P. D. (2006). Ebola Outbreak Killed 5000 Gorillas. Science, 314(5805), 1564-1564. doi:10.1126/science.1133105

Kiyang, J. A., et al. (2022). Pathogen spillover risks to great apes in Gabon. Frontiers in Public Health, 10: 866723.

Centre International de Recherches Médicales de Franceville (CIRMF) (2020). Annual Report on Zoonotic Surveillance in Gabon.

WWF. (2015). Community-based conservation initiatives in Gabon. Libreville: WWF-Gabon.

White, L. J. T. (1994). Biomass of Rain Forest Mammals in the Lope Reserve, Gabon. The Journal of Animal Ecology, 63(3), 499. doi:10.2307/5217

Tutin, C. E. G., White, L. J. T., & Mackanga‐Missandzou, A. (1997). The Use by Rain Forest Mammals of Natural Forest Fragments in an Equatorial African Savanna. Conservation Biology, 11(5), 1190-1203. doi:10.1046/j.1523-1739.1997.96211.x

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: 2020-12-05

Page updated by: Aime Mizero Date: 2025-08-15

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