LAGOS, Nigeria, Sept. 18 (UPI) -- Environmental ministers from Nigeria and Cameroon have reached agreement to enhance protection for the endangered Cross River gorilla.
The Cross River is the world's rarest subspecies of gorilla with a mere 280 animals known to still exist, according to the Wildlife Conservation Society. The Cross River gorilla is only found in Cross River State in Nigeria and in western Cameroon.
The gorillas are threatened by poaching and habitat fragmentation and loss, the society said in a new report.
The two countries signed the agreement Thursday to create the trans-boundary protected area.
"This is a major conservation victory for Africa's rarest great ape, as well as an example of the spirit of trans-boundary collaboration that has since emerged ...," said David Hoyle, WCS conservationist for Cameroon and a delegate at the World Parks Congress.
"This is an avenue to diffuse tensions and bring the two countries closer together. This is a major political success."
