Nigerian Montane Forest Project

Annual Report 2011 (PDF 1.0 MB)

2011 has been an extraordinary year, and has had both its highs and its lows, including:

The re-election of His Excellency Danbaba Suntai as Governor of Taraba State was celebrated by the NMFP. During his first term in office Suntai truly supported forest conservation and the NMFP. For this we are extremely grateful. We wish Suntai the best for his next term.
The devastating earthquake in Christchurch on February 22nd, followed by many significant aftershocks (which are ongoing) was not good for NMFP. Students who were in Christchurch at the time suffered severe disruption to study and consequently theses are a couple of months behind schedule.
2011 has seen hurdles with funding and visa’s finally overcome, allowing Charles Nsor (Gombe State University) and Ralph Adewoye (Forest Research Institute, Ibadan) to enrol at UC with projects based at Ngel Nyaki.
Misa Zubairu –(Project Coordinator) – with the help of Danladi Umar (Manager) have been exemplary in organising the building of the new research block, kitchen and ‘wet’ lab, and supervising the installation of the improved satellite communications system.
The new term of the State Government saw our extremely supportive Commissioner of the Environment, The Honorable Gebon T. Kataps Esq. transferred to the position of State Attorney General. He is missed by the NMFP. However in August it was my pleasure to meet the new Commissioner of the Environment, The Honorable Kwetaka A. D. Already Kwetaka has demonstrated his enthusiasm for the Taraba State forests. We are looking forward to working with him and to introducing him to Ngel Nyaki and the Project later this year, when we will discuss the problems facing the Reserve and potential solutions.

Download the 2011 Annual Report (PDF 1.0 MB) to find out about all that has been achieved this year by the members of the Project.

2011 Calendar (2.5mb pdf)

The annual NMFP calendar has been produced and is now available online for free. You are welcome to download and print it. The images show different aspects of the project work and all images are taken by staff, students and visitors associated with the research and education happening in and around the field station at Ngel Nyaki forest Reserve.

Weather Station Data

The British High Commission in Nigeria through the European Union 'Low Carbon High Growth Strategic Programme Fund' has funded the construction of automated weather station for the Nigerian Montane Forest Project. Thanks also to DHL Nigeria for logistical support. Data available includes temperature, relative humidity and precipitation.
View weather station graphs and data

Why Does UC Support Nigerian Forests?

Nigerian montane forests (forests above +/-1500 m) are globally important because they represent one of the most threatened habitats in Africa. They are satellite populations of many species of plants and animals restricted to African mountains and harbour over 24 IUCN endangered tree species, are rich in wildlife, especially primates, and are an Important Bird Area.

Puttynose Ngel Nyaki forest is an impressive stand of rare dry type montane to sub-montane forest and is the only forest of its type left on the heavily populated Mambilla plateau. Ngel Nyaki is home to a population of the rare and endangered Nigerian chimpanzee, Pan troglodytes subsp. villerosus and other primates including Putty-nosed, Mona and Tantalus monkeys. Birds such as turacos, the Cameroon olive pigeon, double toothed barbet and green bulbul are common. This forest is rich in Cow biodiversity value and under threat.

Immense pressure is being put on this forest ecosystem by Nigeria’s burgeoning population. Unless immediate action is taken animal populations will be hunted to extinction and the forests replaced by subsistence farming.

The Nigerian Montane Forest Project’s mission is to promote national and international commitment to the conservation of Nigeria’s montane forests by inspiring excellence in research by postgraduate students and empowering local communities through employment and education.

Biodiversity at Ngel Nyaki

We are currently creating a list of species from the local area. Currently online are butterflies, fish, reptiles and amphibians. The list will continue to grow as species are identified.