Pilot project to reintroduce chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes verus) into the reserve in the area west of the Freetown Peninsula in Sierra Leone and the conservation of its natural habitat

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Main researcher: Rosa Maria Garriga (Tacugama Friends Association)

Description:
This is a pilot project to develop an innovative protocol to reintroduce captive chimpanzees into the forest reserve of the area west of the Freetown Peninsula in Sierra Leone and the conservation of their natural habitat.

The project proposes the reintroduction of young chimpanzees into a forest area frequented by a group of wild chimpanzees. The release will follow a gentle process for easy re-entry and adaptation to the environment. The objectives are to:

1. Design and implement a protocol for the reintroduction of captive chimpanzees into WAPFR using a soft re-entry of young animals.
2. Return captive chimpanzees to their natural habitat.
3. Assist the survival of the species in the WAPFR and increase the total density of the current population and its genetic diversity.
4. Contribute to the protection of the WAPFR and work with GOSL and other NGOs to strengthen the laws against illegal activities that harm the environment and biodiversity.
5. Train staff and promote jobs in areas such as handling chimpanzees, post-release monitoring, forestry control and education and awareness-raising activities.

The method to follow includes: selection of chimpanzees, medical examinations, a period of socialisation, adaptation and monitored release.

This project will be a model for other reintroductions of chimpanzees that are to be carried out either in other areas of Sierra Leone or in other African countries. It will also help prevent the extinction of indigenous populations and will contribute to conservation and habitat protection.

Sponsors of Research and preservation of the Zoo: