The Ise Forest Conservation Area (IFCA) was established in February 2021 to protect the remnant population of chimpanzees in Southwest Nigeria. Spanning 3,300 hectares, it was created through a co-management agreement between the Ekiti State Government and the SW/Niger Delta Forest Project.
Before its establishment, the area faced severe threats from illegal timber extraction, armed marijuana cultivation, and hunting, leading to habitat degradation. Since its formation, significant progress has been made in reducing deforestation and hunting, resulting in wildlife recovery and forest regeneration. However, challenges persist, particularly due to armed gangs and socio-economic pressures.
Established and run by 2021 Tusk Award for Conservation in Africa finalist Rachel Ikemeh, the SW/Niger Delta Forest Project works to restore the habitat and monitor both the wildlife and the threats to it, while also promoting community engagement through workshops, social initiatives and domestic tourism development.
Species Protected: Monkeys | Chimpanzee
SW Niger Delta Forest Ikemeh schoolchildren engaged in treeplanting
SW Niger Delta Forest Camera trapping © SW Niger Delta Forest Project
SW Nigeria Ise forest before conservation intervention
How Tusk works with Our Project Partners
We provide critical funding to enable our project partners to grow and increase their impact on habitat and wildlife, while also enabling, nurturing and supporting collaboration between them, for greater synergy and impact.
We help to increase awareness and wider support for our partners’ efforts, while also sharing important conservation messages, from the vital and varied roles of wildlife rangers, to the benefits of community-driven conservation, both within Africa and internationally.
SW/Niger Delta Forest Project has been a Tusk partner since 2021.
This Project Makes a Difference Through…
Endangered Species Protection
Habitat Protection
Local Population Employed: 62
Area Protected: 3,300 ha
