NGO trains 60 rangers to tackle forest encroachment

The Wildlife Conservative Society (WCS), A Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) has concluded the training of 60 rangers to tackle forest encroachment in Cross River.

The Country Director of WCS, Mr Andrew Dunn told newsmen on Monday that the training which lasted for 42 days was divided into two courses, each lasting 21 days.

He said rangers from the Afi Mountain Wildlife Sanctuary, Mbe Mountains, and Cross River National Parks benefitted from the training.

According to him, another batch of 60 forest rangers are billed to undergo a refresher training in early Jan. 2022.

He said that the training became necessary due to the weak law enforcement and rapid decline in forests wildlife in the state.

"The forests and important wildlife are under increasing threats from illegal logging, farm encroachment and poaching.

"Improving the protection of these protected areas is critical to halting the decline; more so, regular refresher ranger training is important to enhance rangers` performance and improve park protection.

"In addition to increasing their knowledge and skills, the training has raised the morale of the rangers to perform their duties and better protect forest and wildlife at their sites.

"The training which commenced on Nov. 3, 2021 covered physical fitness, first aid, patrol techniques, drill, discipline, human rights and self-defence.

"It is important to note that the training was sponsored by the European Union (EU), Rainforest Trust and JRS Biodiversity Foundation.

Supreme reports that Cross River is home to a number of rare and endangered wildlife which includes, gorillas Nigeria-Cameroon chimpanzees, forest elephants, and pangolins.