Hunting in South Cameroon: Primeval Rainforests, Endangered Species, and Deep Cultural Ties in the Country’s Wildest and Most Biodiverse Region

Immense forest blocks, secretive wildlife, and ecological treasure troves The South Region of Cameroon is a haven for tropical biodiversity, cloaked in vast expanses of evergreen rainforest, interspersed with rivers, swamps, and sacred groves. Bordering Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, and the Republic of the Congo, this region forms part of the great Congo Basin — the second largest rainforest on Earth. Towering hardwood trees, dense understory, and constant humidity create an environment that’s both breathtakingly beautiful and difficult to navigate. The Dja Faunal Reserve, Campo Ma’an National Park, and the Nyong River basin are just a few of the natural landmarks that define the South’s untamed character. It is a region where nature still speaks louder than man. Forest heritage and the lifeblood of indigenous communities In the deep forests of the South, especially near Djoum, Ebolowa, and Kribi’s inland areas, hunting remains an integral part of daily survival for many indigenous groups, including the Baka and Bagyeli pygmies. These communities have coexisted with the forest for centuries, guided by oral traditions, totemic laws, and a spiritual connection to the land. Blowpipes with poisoned darts, silent snares, and basket traps are still widely used. Hunting is not merely utilitarian here — it is a rite of passage, a cultural marker, and a sacred dialogue with the forest spirits. What makes the South an unmatched hunting zone in Cameroon South Cameroon is one of the richest ecological zones in Central Africa, both in species diversity and habitat complexity. Unlike the northern savannahs or coastal wetlands, this region hosts elusive forest megafauna and a dense web of flora and fauna interactions. While hunting safaris are fewer here compared to the East, the South offers a truly immersive rainforest hunting experience — one that relies on tracking by ear, smell, and subtle signs of passage. The remote nature of many areas means that vast stretches remain untouched by modern development, attracting researchers, trophy hunters, and poachers alike. Species of interest and traditional forest hunting styles The region shelters some of Cameroon’s most iconic forest species: forest elephants, gorillas, chimpanzees (all strictly protected), bongos, sitatungas, blue and red duikers, bush pigs, giant pangolins, and dwarf crocodiles. Hunting in the South involves stealth over speed — moving silently, often barefoot, through dense vegetation. Hunters use salt licks, fruiting trees, and mineral-rich streams to track game, often combining tracking with spiritual rituals. Bird species like hornbills, turacos, and forest doves are hunted with slings or shotguns for local consumption. Hunting regulations and a sensitive conservation environment The South is categorized as Zone III under Cameroon’s wildlife law, which prioritizes community-based and subsistence hunting while protecting endangered species and national parks. The hunting season typically aligns with the dry months from December to June. However, given the remoteness of many villages and lack of formal infrastructure, enforcement is inconsistent. The Ministry of Forestry and Wildlife (MINFOF) issues permits for hunting, but many traditional hunters are not formally registered. Law No. 94/01 provides the overarching legal framework, but its application depends heavily on local realities and enforcement capacity. National parks, poaching, and fragile forest corridors The presence of major protected areas like Campo Ma’an National Park and the Dja Faunal Reserve creates both opportunity and friction. While these areas serve as vital refuges for endangered species, their borders are frequently encroached upon by both subsistence and commercial hunters. Poaching remains a serious concern, especially for ivory, bushmeat, and rare animals used in traditional medicine. NGOs and eco-guards patrol the buffer zones, but the sheer size of the forest makes surveillance difficult. Some pilot programs involve local hunters in wildlife monitoring to bridge conservation and cultural needs. Law, land rights, and indigenous voices In the South, legal authority often overlaps with customary forest rights. Baka and Bagyeli communities argue for recognition of ancestral hunting zones, some of which now lie within or near conservation areas. Attempts at formalizing community forests have had mixed results, depending on how well they integrate local knowledge and traditions. The 1994 wildlife law recognizes the existence of community use zones, but actual implementation is uneven. There is growing momentum to involve indigenous groups in conservation planning, especially through participatory mapping and alternative livelihood training. Cultural weight and spiritual meaning of the hunt For the forest peoples of the South, hunting is a form of communion with the unseen. Certain animals — such as bongos or crocodiles — are considered messengers or incarnations of forest spirits. A successful hunt is often followed by specific rituals: meat is smoked and distributed according to age and gender hierarchies, and trophies such as skulls or skins may be placed on shrines. Storytelling around the hunt, mimicking animal calls, or dreaming of a specific animal the night before a hunt are all parts of a living spiritual ecosystem. Rare insights and untold practices from Cameroon’s deep south Some Baka hunters claim to follow elephants by interpreting vibrations in the ground or shifts in bird calls. In certain forest patches, hunters avoid entering when particular flowers bloom — seen as a sign of the forest being closed. Along the Nyong River, elders whisper that the crocodiles of old once guided hunters across treacherous waters, and that only those who offered tobacco or kola nuts could safely return.