wildlife & Habitat
Introduction
Bakossi National Park is a biodiversity jewel of the Cameroon Highlands. Its dramatic altitude range from 300 m to 1,895 m above sea level creates a variety of ecosystems from lush Atlantic forests to expansive cloud forests, the largest in West and Central Africa. This diversity of habitats supports an astonishing array of flora and fauna, many of which are found nowhere else on Earth.
Habitats & Ecosystems
1. Sub-Montane Forests (300–1,000 m asl)
Characterized by semi-deciduous elements.
Rich in Caesalpiniaceae trees and lianas.
Provides food and shelter for primates and small mammals.
2. Atlantic North-West Forest
Unique because it is not dominated by Caesalpiniaceae, unlike other Atlantic forests.
Contains semi-deciduous plant species and a mix of tropical hardwoods.
Important refuge for amphibians like Astylosternus spp. and Conraua robusta.
3. Montane Cloud Forests (above 1,000 m asl)
The largest intact tract in West and Central Africa.
Constantly bathed in mist, home to mosses, orchids, ferns, and rare flowering plants.
Critical habitat for primates, birds, and endemic amphibians.
Mammals & Primates
Bakossi is a stronghold for some of Africa’s most endangered primates:
Drill (Mandrillus leucophaeus) – a globally endangered primate found in very few areas.
Chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes) – intelligent great apes, endangered and vital for forest ecology.
Preuss’s Monkey (Cercopithecus preussi) – restricted-range species.
Preuss’ Red Colobus (Piliocolobus pennanti preussi) – critically endangered, one of Africa’s rarest monkeys.
Red-eared Monkey (Cercopithecus erythrotis).
Putty-nosed Guenon (Cercopithecus nictitans).
Red-capped Mangabey (Cercocebus torquatus).
Mona Monkey (Cercopithecus mona).
Elephants have also been reported along the BNP–Banyang-Mbo corridor, especially near Lake Edip.
Amphibians & Reptiles
Bakossi’s streams and forests are home to remarkable amphibians, including:
Goliath Frog (Conraua goliath) – the largest frog in the world, hunted for food but iconic to the region.
Leptodactylodon wildi – an amphibian species endemic to Bakossi.
Conraua crassipes & Conraua robusta – river-dwelling frogs.
Trichobatrachus robustus (Hairy Frog) – noted for its unique spines and cultural uses.
Astylosternus spp., Xenopus amieti, Kassina decorata – all important regional species.
These species highlight the park’s global importance for amphibian conservation.
Flora
Over 2,440 vascular plant species recorded, with:
82 endemic species unique to the Bakossi–Kupe–Muanenguba area.
232 species classified as threatened (IUCN Red List).
Includes giant tropical trees, orchids, mosses, and plants with traditional medicinal uses.
Sacred groves and culturally important species tie the forest to Bakossi traditions.