ies, Laws, and Unique Traditions in This Vast Central Region Rolling highlands, grassy plateaus and forest corridors: the natural hunting landscape of Adamawa Adamawa, one of the largest regions of Cameroon, stretches across a vast plateau ranging between 1,000 and 1,500 meters above sea level. Its terrain is shaped by rolling savannahs, gallery forests, and scattered lakes. The climate is Sudanian tropical, with a long dry season and a distinct wet period, which influences wildlife migration and hunting patterns. The presence of the Mbéré Valley and the Benoué Basin makes Adamawa a crucial ecological corridor between the forest zones of the south and the arid savannahs of the north — a natural crossroads for big game. The hunters of Adamawa: nomads, locals, and the fading art of subsistence hunting In this region, hunting is deeply intertwined with the lifestyle of local communities, including the Fulani herders and sedentary farmers. Traditional hunting skills are passed down through generations, and many local hunters still use handmade traps, bows, or locally produced shotguns. Commercial hunting remains limited, but guided safaris occasionally take place in designated hunting zones. The region also faces challenges related to poaching and illegal cross-border hunting activities, especially near the Central African Republic. What sets Adamawa’s hunting scene apart from other regions of Cameroon Unlike the forest-heavy southern regions, Adamawa offers a more open, accessible terrain ideal for tracking medium to large game. The region’s remoteness and low population density mean that vast areas remain underexploited, attracting trophy hunters looking for unpressured wildlife. Adamawa is also notable for its transhumance corridors — seasonal livestock migration routes — which often overlap with wildlife movement, demanding careful wildlife management. Species found and types of hunting practiced in Adamawa Adamawa is home to a rich variety of game species, including Lord Derby eland (Taurotragus derbianus), roan antelope, bushbuck, hartebeest, oribi, buffalo, warthog, and various small carnivores. Birds such as francolins and guinea fowl are also commonly hunted. Most hunting here is either subsistence-based or part of sport hunting operated under concession zones. The terrain allows for stalking, tracking, and stand hunting near water sources or salt licks. Hunting seasons and official regulations The official hunting season in Adamawa typically runs from December to May, coinciding with the dry season when animals are more visible and concentrated around water. All hunting requires a permit, and certain species — including elephants, chimpanzees, and giraffes — are strictly protected. Hunting is regulated by the Ministry of Forestry and Wildlife (MINFOF), which also oversees hunting concessions (zones cynégétiques). Hunters must be accompanied by licensed guides when hunting in these concessions. Local associations and professional hunting concessions Though less densely organized than in southern regions, Adamawa is home to several traditional hunter groups that cooperate with authorities to curb poaching and monitor local wildlife. There are also a few established safari hunting concessions, such as those near the Mbéré Valley National Park, where regulated trophy hunting is conducted in line with conservation frameworks. Legal framework and enforcement in Adamawa The legal hunting framework is derived from Law No. 94/01 of 20 January 1994, governing wildlife and forest resources in Cameroon. Adamawa falls under Zone II of Cameroon’s hunting zoning, which allows sport hunting under strict regulation. Firearms and licenses must be approved, and hunting near settlements, water points, or with prohibited methods is punishable by law. Anti-poaching patrols are active near protected areas, but enforcement remains uneven in remote zones. Cultural elements of hunting in Adamawa Hunting has long held a ceremonial and symbolic place among the Fulani and Gbaya communities. Game meat is often shared in village feasts or religious celebrations. Certain animals — like the eland or buffalo — carry totemic value and are used in initiation rituals. Horns, hides, and bones are traditionally repurposed for tools, instruments, or symbolic objects, underlining the connection between hunting and everyday life. Fascinating facts and curiosities about hunting in Adamawa The Lord Derby eland, one of Africa’s largest antelopes, is a sought-after trophy species and only found in select regions like Adamawa and the North. Some remote villages still use traditional iron leg-traps passed down for centuries. Adamawa is a transition zone where both savannah and forest species coexist — making it one of Cameroon’s richest hunting zones by diversity.