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Cross River Overview

Cross River National Park, locally known as “Okomu Kukui National Park” in certain dialects, is one of Nigeria’s most important protected areas. Located in the southeastern part of the country, the park spans approximately 4,000 square kilometers (1,544 square miles) across Cross River State. Established in 1991, the park consists of two distinct divisions: the Oban Hills and the Okwangwo sectors. It is a critical biodiversity hotspot and one of the last remaining rainforests in Nigeria, playing a vital role in the conservation of endangered species and unique ecosystems.

The terrain of Cross River National Park is a captivating mix of rolling hills, rugged mountains, lowland rainforests, and freshwater swamps. The Oban Hills sector, the larger of the two divisions, is characterized by dense, pristine rainforests and steep escarpments, while the Okwangwo sector features montane forests and grasslands. Numerous rivers and streams crisscross the park, providing essential water sources and supporting its lush vegetation. The park’s location in a tropical region ensures high rainfall and year-round greenery, making it one of the most ecologically diverse areas in West Africa.

The park is home to an impressive array of wildlife, including some of Africa’s rarest and most endangered species. Primates are a highlight, with populations of Nigeria-Cameroon chimpanzees, drills, and the critically endangered Cross River gorilla. Other mammals include forest elephants, leopards, and pangolins. Birdlife is equally remarkable, with species such as the grey parrot, red-headed malimbe, and the bare-necked rockfowl (picathartes) drawing birdwatchers from around the world. Reptiles, amphibians, and countless insect species further enrich the park’s biodiversity. The diverse flora includes valuable hardwoods, medicinal plants, and an array of orchids and ferns.

Visitors to Cross River National Park can engage in various activities that showcase its natural and cultural wealth. Guided forest treks offer opportunities to observe wildlife and explore the park’s dense rainforests. Birdwatching is particularly rewarding, given the abundance of rare and colorful species. River tours allow visitors to experience the waterways and their surrounding ecosystems, while cultural visits to nearby communities provide insights into local traditions and their connection to the forest.

Despite its ecological importance, the park faces significant challenges. Logging, agricultural encroachment, and poaching threaten its delicate ecosystems, while limited infrastructure and funding hinder conservation efforts. Security concerns in certain regions have also impacted tourism. However, conservation initiatives led by the Nigeria National Park Service, alongside international organizations, aim to address these challenges. Efforts include anti-poaching patrols, community engagement programs, and awareness campaigns to promote sustainable resource use.

Cross River National Park is a treasure trove of biodiversity and cultural significance. Its dense rainforests, unique wildlife, and vital role in regional conservation make it a must-visit destination for eco-tourists and researchers. Protecting this park ensures the survival of its rare species and preserves one of Nigeria’s most precious natural landscapes for future generations.

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Park Map
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Cross River National Park Highlights

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Cross River National Park, located in southeastern Nigeria, is a biodiversity hotspot, featuring dense rainforests, rolling hills, and riverine habitats. It is home to an incredible variety of wildlife, including many endemic and endangered species.

Cross River Gorilla (Gorilla gorilla diehli)
This critically endangered subspecies is unique to the region. Cross River gorillas live in small, elusive groups and inhabit the park’s dense montane forests, feeding on fruits, leaves, and stems.

Forest Elephant (Loxodonta cyclotis)
Smaller than their savannah counterparts, forest elephants roam the park’s rainforests, where they feed on fruits, bark, and leaves, playing a critical role in seed dispersal.

Nigeria-Cameroon Chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes ellioti)
An endangered subspecies, these highly intelligent primates are known for their use of tools and complex social structures. They forage in the forest canopy, feeding on fruits, insects, and leaves.

Leopard (Panthera pardus)
Elusive and solitary, leopards inhabit the park’s forested areas, where they hunt for duikers, rodents, and other small mammals, relying on stealth and strength.

Drill (Mandrillus leucophaeus)
A rare primate closely related to baboons, the drill lives in the park’s lowland rainforests. It feeds on fruits, seeds, and insects, often forming small troops for foraging.

Forest Buffalo (Syncerus caffer nanus)
This smaller subspecies of the African buffalo thrives in the park’s dense vegetation, grazing on grasses and shrubs and occasionally browsing on leaves.

Pangolin (Smutsia spp.)
Pangolins are nocturnal and feed primarily on ants and termites. Covered in protective scales, these shy animals are among the park’s most unique residents.

Duiker (Cephalophinae spp.)
These small antelopes are common in the park’s undergrowth. They are shy and elusive, feeding on leaves, fruits, and shoots.

African Golden Cat (Caracal aurata)
This rare and secretive feline inhabits the park’s dense forests. It preys on small mammals and birds, relying on its agility and stealth for survival.

Red River Hog (Potamochoerus porcus)
This colorful wild pig is a common sight in the park’s rainforests. It forages for roots, tubers, and fruits, often moving in family groups.

Birds

Cross River National Park is a paradise for bird enthusiasts, with its lush rainforests and diverse habitats supporting a wide variety of avian species, including many that are rare and endemic to the region.

African Grey Parrot (Psittacus erithacus)
Known for its intelligence and mimicry, this parrot is a frequent sight in the park’s forests, where it feeds on fruits, seeds, and nuts.

Great Blue Turaco (Corythaeola cristata)
This large, colorful bird is often seen moving through the treetops. It feeds on fruits and is a striking symbol of the park’s rich biodiversity.

White-throated Bee-eater (Merops albicollis)
This elegant bird migrates to the park seasonally and is commonly seen hunting insects in open areas and along forest edges.

Yellow-casqued Hornbill (Ceratogymna elata)
A large and charismatic bird, the yellow-casqued hornbill is vital for seed dispersal in the park’s forests, feeding on fruits and small animals.

Standard-winged Nightjar (Macrodipteryx longipennis)
This nocturnal bird is notable for the male’s long, ribbon-like wing feathers during the breeding season. It is commonly found in open areas near the park.

Black-casqued Hornbill (Ceratogymna atrata)
Another large hornbill, this species is critical for seed dispersal and is often seen in the park’s dense forests.

Palm-nut Vulture (Gypohierax angolensis)
This unique vulture is frequently spotted near oil palms, feeding on palm nuts and occasionally small animals.

Blue-headed Wood Dove (Turtur brehmeri)
A shy and elusive bird, this dove is often heard before it is seen, with its soft cooing calls echoing through the forest.

Green Hylia (Hylia prasina)
This small, inconspicuous bird is a common resident of the park’s forest canopy, where it feeds on insects and fruit.

Brown-cheeked Hornbill (Bycanistes cylindricus)
This medium-sized hornbill is a regular sight in the park’s forests, feeding on fruits and playing a role in seed dispersal.

Engaging Cross River National Park

Exploring Cross River National Park through guided wildlife treks is one of the most popular ways to experience its remarkable biodiversity. These treks take visitors deep into the dense rainforests, where they can observe the park’s unique species in their natural habitats.

Led by experienced guides, treks often include opportunities to spot elusive animals such as the Cross River gorilla, Nigeria-Cameroon chimpanzee, and drill. Along the trails, visitors learn about the intricate relationships between the park’s flora and fauna, as well as the importance of conservation efforts to protect these endangered species.

The immersive experience allows participants to connect with nature at a slower pace, observing animal tracks, listening to the sounds of the forest, and appreciating the lush environment. Wildlife treks also provide excellent photography opportunities, capturing the park’s vibrant landscapes and its diverse inhabitants.

Canoeing along the park’s riverine habitats offers a serene yet adventurous way to engage with Cross River National Park. The rivers and streams wind through lush forests, providing a unique perspective on the park’s ecosystems.

Canoeing excursions often reveal sightings of forest elephants, red river hogs, and crocodiles along the water’s edge. Bird enthusiasts will enjoy observing species such as the African grey parrot and palm-nut vulture as they thrive in these riparian zones.

The calm pace of canoeing allows for a more intimate experience, perfect for photography and relaxation. Guides provide insights into the role of rivers in sustaining the park’s biodiversity and their significance to the surrounding communities.

Engaging with the local communities around Cross River National Park offers a cultural dimension to the visitor experience. These communities, which have coexisted with the park for generations, provide valuable insights into sustainable living and the challenges of wildlife conservation.

Visitors can participate in cultural tours that include traditional music, dancing, and storytelling, as well as demonstrations of local crafts such as weaving and carving. Some tours also include visits to community-led conservation projects, showcasing efforts to protect the park’s unique species while supporting local livelihoods.

These interactions foster a deeper appreciation for the relationship between people and the natural environment, emphasizing the importance of collaborative efforts in preserving Cross River National Park.