s, and the Living Echoes of Tradition in a Region of Biodiversity and Complexity From mangrove swamps to cloud forests: a land of vertical wilderness The South-West Region of Cameroon is a geographical mosaic, ranging from Atlantic mangrove wetlands and lowland tropical forests to the misty slopes of Mount Cameroon and the Bakossi Highlands. This extreme topographic variation has created a rich array of ecological niches, making the region one of the country’s most biologically diverse. Rivers like the Mungo and Ndian cut through dense forests teeming with wildlife, while volcanic soil and heavy rainfall sustain vibrant ecosystems. Hunting in the South-West unfolds across steep mountain paths, coastal marshes, and deep forest corridors — all shaped by both natural forces and centuries of cultural practice. Hunting as heritage: forest peoples, farmers, and ancestral balance In rural areas such as Manyu, Meme, and Ndian divisions, hunting has long been a pillar of cultural identity. Communities like the Oroko, Bakweri, and Ejagham rely on hunting to supplement fishing and farming, especially during dry periods. The forest also supports smaller pygmy communities, who use snares, crossbows, and hand-crafted traps rooted in millennia-old tradition. For many, hunting is more than survival — it is a ceremonial act, a test of wisdom, and a sacred exchange with the forest. Knowledge of hunting zones, animal habits, and taboos is often transmitted orally, guarded by elder hunters and traditional councils. What sets the South-West region apart in Cameroon’s hunting map South-West Cameroon offers one of the country’s most varied hunting environments — from lowland wildlife near coastal rivers to montane species on forested plateaus. Its proximity to Nigeria, Equatorial Guinea, and protected areas like Korup National Park and Mount Cameroon National Park makes it a hotspot for both ecological research and conservation pressure. While large-scale trophy hunting is rare, subsistence and cultural hunting remain active in community zones. The cross-border nature of wildlife corridors and the mixture of marine, montane, and rainforest species create a hunting dynamic unique in both scale and diversity. Local game species and the topography of pursuit The game hunted in South-West includes red and blue duikers, bush pigs, cane rats, brush-tailed porcupines, and the elusive sitatunga — found in swampy areas near mangrove margins. Civets, genets, monitor lizards, and various primates (many protected) are also present. Birds such as hornbills, turacos, and francolins are commonly hunted. Hunting styles range from ground-level stalking in thick underbrush to elevated ambushes on mountain ridges. In some coastal zones, hunters use dugout canoes to reach island thickets or wetland paths. Traps, locally produced firearms, and smoke trails remain common tools. Seasonal hunting, state law, and customary rule The hunting season aligns with Cameroon’s national framework, generally from December to June. The South-West falls under Zone III, which allows subsistence and community-based hunting within limits. Law No. 94/01 applies, designating strict protection for species like gorillas, chimpanzees, forest elephants, and drills. However, enforcement is inconsistent, particularly in conflict-affected areas or regions far from administrative centers. Many villages rely more on traditional authority than government law, with chiefs or “ngumba” societies determining hunting boundaries, sacred species, or prohibited times. Conservation clashes and political instability Since 2017, the South-West has been affected by socio-political unrest, which has disrupted governance, displaced populations, and placed additional pressure on forest resources. Areas near protected parks like Korup and Mount Cameroon have seen spikes in illegal hunting, logging, and bushmeat trade due to weakened monitoring. International conservation groups continue to work with local communities, but access challenges have reduced the reach of patrols and environmental education. Still, grassroots resilience remains — with local hunters volunteering as forest monitors and youth participating in reforestation efforts. Customary systems and forest protection through tradition In many South-West communities, traditional rule is more than symbolic. Chiefs or secret societies have long enforced seasonal hunting bans, taboo zones, or inter-clan agreements on wildlife use. Some forests are considered sacred and completely off-limits for hunting, while others are reserved for rituals or healing practices. Hunters often recite ancestral blessings before entering the bush, and specific animals — such as the drill or the horned chameleon — may be considered “uncatchable” due to spiritual beliefs. These cultural safeguards provide a hidden layer of conservation, sometimes more effective than legal restrictions. Spiritual ties and ceremonies of the hunt The hunt is deeply embedded in the spiritual life of many South-West communities. Hunters often carry talismans blessed by village elders, believed to protect them or attract certain species. Meat from a successful hunt may be shared in healing ceremonies, weddings, or initiation rites. Drumming and dance often accompany the retelling of a hunt, with performances blending myth and reality. The skull of a duiker or the feathers of a hornbill may be placed on household altars, connecting the living to the forest and the spirits that dwell within it. Curious customs and lesser-known forest lore In the mangrove belts of Ndian, some hunters believe that sitatungas vanish into the water and reappear days later in a different forest — a mystery that makes them symbols of the unseen world. Around Mount Cameroon, hunters time their expeditions by observing rare flower blooms believed to signal animal movement.