She focuses on understanding human impacts on the Ebo Forest ecosystem in Cameroon, with a focus on the vulnerable Yellow-Casqued Hornbill. Through meticulous data collection and analysis, she seeks innovative solutions to safeguard these majestic creatures and preserve this iconic African bird species.
Research conducted in Cameroon reveals that hornbills of the genus Ceratogymna disseminate large proportions of fruit trees that comprise 22% of our Forests. However, the populations of yellow-casqued hornbills (hereafter, ‘YCH’) in the Ebo-Forest are declining owning to poaching, habitat loss and fragmentation. To ensure sustainability of the Ebo-Forest and protect the YCH, conservation practitioners need to be informed about the impacts of anthropogenic pressures on YCH’s abundance and distribution. This research therefore aims at; 1) conducting interviews with villagers to document local knowledge on uses of YCH; 2) conducting point counts for YCH sightings, surveying wet and dry seasons to determine YCH’s abundance and distribution, while assessing YCH habitats preferences; 3) conducting traditional forest surveys to note any signs of anthropogenic pressures. Following these objectives, baseline data would be established important to guide conservation efforts towards preserving YCH populations in the Ebo-Forest.