Hunting in Centre, Cameroon: Explore Dense Rainforests, Unique Wildlife, Traditional Practices, and Regulatory Frameworks in Cameroon’s Heartland

Lush equatorial forests and rich biodiversity: the wild hunting landscape of Centre The Centre Region of Cameroon, home to the bustling capital Yaoundé, also boasts vast stretches of pristine rainforest that extend far beyond its urban heart. This equatorial zone is characterized by humid, evergreen forests, winding rivers, and thick undergrowth, creating ideal conditions for elusive forest species. Unlike the savannahs of the north, the Centre’s dense canopies demand a completely different approach to hunting, one based on patience, silence, and deep knowledge of forest paths. The Sanaga River, the longest in Cameroon, cuts through the region, acting both as a geographical landmark and a vital corridor for wildlife. From subsistence to survival: the role of hunting in forest communities Across rural parts of the Centre, especially in departments like Nyong-et-Mfoumou and Lekié, hunting remains an essential activity for subsistence. Local Bantu-speaking farmers and semi-nomadic groups, including some pygmy communities, rely on bushmeat for protein and cultural rituals. Traditional techniques such as snares, pitfall traps, and silent crossbows made of wood and vine are still widely used. Despite growing urbanization, hunting is often a way of life handed down through generations. In some areas, hunting is also tied to seasonal forest clearing, as wildlife disturbs crops and requires active management. What makes Centre Region a distinctive hunting zone in Cameroon While many hunters focus on Cameroon’s north or east for big game, Centre offers something unique: an intimate and immersive rainforest hunting experience. The lack of large-scale safari concessions has preserved much of the local hunting culture, making it more traditional and community-based. Additionally, Centre’s proximity to protected zones like the Mpem and Djim National Park and the Lékié Wildlife Reserve increases the region’s biodiversity and serves as a buffer against wildlife depletion. This juxtaposition of protected and hunted areas requires tight monitoring, but it also creates natural migration corridors. Game species and forest-style hunting methods The thick forests of Centre are home to several iconic forest species. Duikers (red and blue), sitatungas, bush pigs, giant pangolins, and forest buffalo are among the commonly hunted animals. Occasionally, encounters with rarer species like the bongo or African golden cat occur, though these are strictly protected. Birdlife is also rich, with hornbills, turacos, and guinea fowl being common game. Hunting here involves still-hunting techniques, where the hunter moves slowly through dense vegetation, or setting traps near salt licks and water holes. Due to limited visibility, the success often depends on deep knowledge of animal behavior and territory. Seasonal rhythms and government control The hunting season in Centre typically extends from December to June, coinciding with the drier months when animal movement increases. All forms of hunting require permits issued by MINFOF, and the region falls under Zone III of Cameroon’s hunting classifications — primarily reserved for community hunting and limited sport hunting under local guides. Species such as gorillas, chimpanzees, and elephants are completely protected, with heavy penalties for illegal pursuit. Permits are also harder to obtain for certain species due to proximity to protected parks. Local structures, cooperation, and conservation challenges While not as commercially developed as other regions, Centre does host a growing number of local hunting associations, often informal but influential. These groups work with eco-guards and forestry officials to regulate hunting, manage bushmeat sales, and curb poaching. However, challenges remain — especially with urban demand for bushmeat, habitat encroachment, and occasional illegal hunting within park buffer zones. Conservation NGOs active in the region aim to balance traditional practices with ecological preservation, often through awareness campaigns and alternative livelihoods. The legal background of hunting in Centre Like the rest of Cameroon, the Centre operates under Law No. 94/01 of 20 January 1994. This legislation governs wildlife and forest resources, distinguishing between total protection, partial protection, and game species. The dense forests of Centre are patrolled by MINFOF agents, particularly around reserves. Hunters are required to register their weapons, respect quotas, and follow approved hunting methods. Hunting in proximity to schools, roads, or water catchments is strictly forbidden, though enforcement can be sporadic in deeper rural zones. Cultural ties and forest traditions among Centre’s communities Hunting carries deep cultural significance across the region’s rural societies. In several Beti and Bassa communities, certain animal parts are used in healing practices or initiation ceremonies. Game meat is central to festivals and family gatherings, often smoked or dried for preservation. Skins, bones, and teeth serve as decorative or spiritual objects. In some villages, storytelling around the fire still revolves around legendary hunters and animal spirits, highlighting the symbolic weight of the hunter’s role. Rare insights and little-known facts about Centre Region’s hunting culture In the darkest parts of the forest, some hunters still claim to use moonlight-based navigation techniques, guided by ancestral rituals. The elusive bongo, one of Africa’s most majestic antelopes, is said to bring great luck if spotted — but equally great misfortune if killed improperly. The Mpem and Djim park, while protected, is bordered by community forests where sustainable hunting coexists with ecotourism projects — an emerging model for conservation in Cameroon’s heartland.