Hunting in North-West Cameroon: Misty Highlands, Montane Wildlife, and the Resilience of Tradition in a Region of Cultural Richness and Ecological Contrast

Highland forests, volcanic slopes, and ecological transitions The North-West Region of Cameroon is a land of dramatic elevation and striking contrasts — from the mist-covered hills of the Bamenda Highlands to the grassy escarpments near Mount Oku. Situated on the western edge of the Cameroon Volcanic Line, this region boasts a unique mixture of montane forests, savannah patches, and forest-savannah mosaics. The cooler climate and fertile volcanic soils create conditions for both dense biodiversity and agricultural abundance. Unlike the open plains of the north or the dense jungles of the south, hunting here often takes place along forested ridgelines, valleys, and transitional zones where highland species thrive in scattered pockets. Subsistence and symbolism: the enduring role of hunting in the highlands Hunting in North-West Cameroon has long been intertwined with local customs, subsistence strategies, and clan-based governance systems. Communities such as the Kom, Bafut, and Nso traditionally relied on hunting to complement farming, especially during dry seasons or ceremonial periods. Elders pass down intricate knowledge of animal behavior, weather patterns, and spiritual codes that guide hunting practices. While the use of traps, dogs, and locally made rifles is common, some communities still observe taboos around certain animals, and rituals are often performed before hunts to ensure success or protection. What makes the North-West a unique hunting region The North-West is one of the few regions in Cameroon where highland-adapted species are still hunted in the wild. The region’s elevation — reaching over 2,000 meters in some areas — supports fauna not found elsewhere in the country, including species associated with mountain habitats. Additionally, the region’s chieftaincy systems and traditional councils (fondoms) play a pivotal role in wildlife regulation, land use, and dispute resolution, giving hunting a uniquely local governance structure. This blend of cultural authority and ecological diversity sets the region apart. Wild species and hill-country hunting techniques Common game in the North-West includes bushbuck, duikers (notably the montane red duiker), civets, cane rats, porcupines, and various bird species such as francolins and turacos. The rare and elusive Bannerman’s turaco, found in the Mount Oku forest, is strictly protected. Hunting often involves stealthy movement through thick underbrush, the use of baited traps or pitfall traps near salt licks, and nighttime torch hunting. Some hunters train dogs to flush game from hillsides into trap zones, while others rely on seasonal burns to clear paths and attract animals to regrowth areas. Hunting seasons, customary rights, and national regulation While the national hunting season — typically from December to June — applies in the North-West, customary laws are often the primary regulators in rural areas. Fon councils may declare local hunting bans or seasonal openings based on observed animal behavior or spiritual signs. Law No. 94/01 still governs hunting nationally, and the North-West falls under Zone III, allowing regulated subsistence hunting. Species such as gorillas, chimpanzees, and certain birds are fully protected. However, political unrest and governance challenges have complicated enforcement in recent years, especially in remote rural communities. Environmental degradation, conflict, and hunting pressure The North-West has faced significant socio-political instability, leading to population displacement, weakened administrative presence, and increased pressure on natural resources. Forest reserves such as the Kilum-Ijim and Bafut-Ngemba are under threat from illegal logging, farmland encroachment, and uncontrolled hunting. Conservation initiatives, often led by NGOs, have tried to build local engagement through eco-guard programs, community forest management, and alternative protein sources. However, instability has made fieldwork difficult, and hunting often becomes a fallback survival strategy in times of scarcity. Law, fonship, and the informal management of wildlife In this region, legal enforcement is blended with traditional authority. Village elders and chiefs still play a vital role in resolving disputes, sanctioning poachers, or redistributing game meat. In some fonships, hunting rights are linked to social rank or inherited roles. Though the state mandates firearm registration and species quotas, compliance is inconsistent. Some communities maintain sacred forests where hunting is strictly forbidden — a form of conservation rooted in spiritual belief rather than formal law. Culture and the ceremonial fabric of hunting Among the Nso and other highland peoples, hunting is deeply symbolic. The first animal killed by a young hunter may be presented to a chief, shared at a feast, or offered at a shrine. Certain animal parts — such as horns, feathers, or hides — are used in regalia, masks, and drumming ceremonies. Hunting stories, songs, and praise chants are passed down orally, with legendary hunters celebrated in local lore. In times of conflict, hunters are sometimes viewed as protectors of the village, blurring the line between warrior and provider. Hidden narratives and local wisdom from the highlands In the hills of Oku, it’s said that animals “speak” through dream visions — a gift given only to chosen hunters. Some villagers believe that sudden fog is a sign of animal spirits warning intruders away. In Bafut, hunters still whisper the names of ancestors before entering the bush, asking for protection and guidance. In one remote village, hunters reportedly taught themselves to mimic the calls of turacos so precisely that birds approach out of curiosity — a skill now nearly lost.