Edumanom Forest Reserve

The roots of Edumanom Forest Reserve trace back to 1970 when it was singled out as one of the proposed Forest Reserves by the Rivers State Government, a compilation encompassing 11 distinct regions. At that time, the Governor of Rivers State, acting under the authority vested by Section 28 of the Land Use Act, rescinded all prevailing Rights of Occupancy associated with the land enveloping Edumanom Forest Reserve. Subsequently, the Commissioner of Agriculture and Natural Resources, sanctioned by Section 8 of the Forestry Law Cap 55 of the Laws of Eastern Nigeria, 1963, officially labeled the region as a forest reserve. The forest reserve derives its name from the Edumanom family in Otuabagi (Ogbia LGA), the entity possessing the largest segment of the reserve.

Edumanom Forest Reserve holds significance as one of the last habitats for chimpanzees in Nigeria. It spans a portion of the former Nembe Kingdom, now partitioned into the Nembe and Brass local government areas within Bayelsa State. This forest reserve is accessible to both tourists and historians alike.

Covering an expanse of 9,324 hectares, Edumanom Forest Reserve is characterized by a freshwater swamp forest. Notably, it is the habitat for various species, including the endemic Sclater’s guenon, olive colobus, and Niger Delta red colobus. For nature enthusiasts, a visit to this forest reserve promises an enchanting experience. Access to the forest is facilitated through creeks and along oil pipelines. The forest is renowned for its diverse wildlife and the presence of exotic plant species.

The Edumanom Forest Reserve is an area in the Niger Delta region of South East Nigeria that is home to some of the last chimpanzees in Nigeria. It covers part of the old Nembe Kingdom, which is now divided into the Nembe and Brass local government areas, in Bayelsa State.

The Edumanom forest reserve is a freshwater swamp forest with an area of 9,324 hectares.

The habitat has been degraded by the oil industry and logging operations. Although there are relatively few roads in the region, hunters can gain access to the forest through the creeks and along oil pipelines. The forest is also under threat from the expansion of oil palm plantations. A proposed federal road from Ogbia to Nembe would run between two of the patches inhabited by chimpanzees in the Edumanom forest.

In 1995, hunter's reports suggested that there were 5-10 small chimpanzee groups in the general area, probably with no more than 50 individuals. Older hunters tended to avoid chimpanzee, but younger hunters boasted of killing them. Young chimps captured as a result of hunting typically are sold as pets or to zoos. A June 2008 report noted that the reserve was the last known site for chimpanzees in the Niger Delta.

The reserve also shelters the endemic Sclater's guenon and other IUCN Red List species olive colobus and Niger Delta red colobus. The Sclater's monkey was considered vulnerable but not endangered in 2008. It is hunted throughout the area, except in very few places where it is held sacred and is managing to survive. A 2005 report recommended that it be protected within the Edumanom and other reserves in Nigeria. There used to be red-capped mangabeys in the forest, but these are now thought to be extirpated. The Edumanom was since proposed as a forest reserve but essentially is used and managed as community forest land. The site is about 87km2.The area overlaps both Ogbia and Nembe Local Government Area in Bayelsa State and includes patches of forests utilized by the Emago-Kugbo community in Rivers State.