Support the protection of loma mountains national park's endangered chimpanzees by: (1) conducting surveys to estimate chimpanzee abundance, understand population dynamics, and identify cultural…

The Pan African Sanctuary Alliance (PASA) will receive $460,436 under a three-year Project Grant from the U.S. Department of the Interior Fish and Wildlife Service Region 9 Headquarters. The grant is part of the Great Apes Conservation Fund program (CFDA 15.629), which supports projects focused on long-term conservation of great apes and their habitats.

PASA will conduct surveys, fecal analysis, botanical surveys, habitat mapping, and reforestation efforts to support protection of endangered chimpanzees in Sierra Leone's Loma Mountains National Park. Specific activities include estimating chimpanzee population abundance and dynamics, determining dietary habits and resource needs, mapping chimpanzee habitat, and restoring that habitat through tree planting. PASA will also improve biomonitoring, expand environmental education programs, conduct socioeconomic research and land use planning, and promote more sustainable livelihoods. The project aims to enhance conservation of chimpanzees in the park over the three-year period of performance from June 2022 to June 2025.

Support the protection of loma mountains national park's endangered chimpanzees by: (1) conducting surveys to estimate chimpanzee abundance, understand population dynamics, and identify cultural traits; (2) conducting fecal analysis and botanical surveys to determine chimpanzee dietary habits, and resource needs and use; (3) using botanical surveys, satellite imagery and ground-truthing to map chimpanzee habitat; (4) restoring that habitat through reforestation with key tree species; (5) improving biomonitoring through increasing the number of community monitors and expanding their training; (6) conducting environmental education in 14 schools and introducing a roots & shoots program for regional youth; (7) improving understanding of local economies through a socioeconomic study and land use planning; and promoting a shift to more environmentally friendly livelihoods.