· Forests in the Hills
· Special Features
· Did You Know?
· Wild Side
· Cause for Concern
· Looking Ahead

Global 200 Snapshot

The mountainous terrain of this ecoregion contains many endemic species of plants and birds. This Global 200 ecoregion is made up of these terrestrial ecoregions: Mount Cameroon and Bioko montane forests; Cameroonian Highlands forests

Forests in the Hills

The Cameroonian Highlands are comprised of a chain of recently formed volcanoes that extends from Nigeria and Cameroon to Bioko. Although many volcanoes of this chain are extinct, Mount Cameroon remains active. The soils of these old volcanoes are fertile, contributing to the high human population density and the use of many areas for farmland. Mount Cameroon rises more than two and a half miles and is the highest mountain in West Africa. It has one of the largest numbers of vegetation zones found in Africa, with nine vegetation types. The only other place that has a greater altitudinal range and number of vegetation types in one geographic location is Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. As a result, this mountain chain holds a dazzling array of rare plants and animals.

Special Features

Mount Cameroon’s volcanic activity was first observed in the 5th century B.C., and it still erupts around every 20 years. As the mountain has risen up, new habitats have been created on it. Many endemic species of plants have evolved here in response to these changing conditions.

	Like a chipmunk, Preuss’s monkey can carry its food around in cheek pouches.

Wild Side

The steep, wet terrain of this ecoregion supports a large number of unusual creatures, many of which are found only in a few sites or along a narrow altitudinal band. Reptiles and rare frogs, such as the Mubebgue, snap up insects from their perches on tree limbs and logs. Preuss's monkeys swing through the canopy, pausing to eat seeds, fruits, and flowers. Other local species include Cooper’s green squirrel and Ursula’s sunbird.

Cause for Concern

Many people live in and around the Cameroonian Highland Forest, struggling to sustain their families and themselves. Unfortunately, many of their activities--including cutting trees for fuelwood, grazing their livestock in the forests, and cutting and burning trees to make room for farms and ranches--are threatening the forest and its wild inhabitants.

Looking Ahead

There are a number of designated protected areas here. Cooperation between governments and local international organizations needs to continue in order to protect the montane areas. Efforts are being made to develop land-use practices that conserve the forests and support the livelihoods of the local people.