Olabisi Tawakalt Atofarati
The Cross River Basin in Nigeria is a key biodiversity hotspot, harbouring one of Africa’s richest yet underexplored freshwater fish faunas. Despite its ecological significance, many native, endemic, and threatened fish species in the basin remain poorly studied and highly vulnerable due to overfishing, habitat degradation, pollution, and a lack of effective conservation measures.
Using a multidisciplinary approach, the project will combine environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding, traditional ecological assessments, and a social science approach with the aim of elucidating the patterns of species richness, historical trends in abundance, and the existing and potential threats to the focal species in the waterways of Cross River National Park. Areas exhibiting elevated threats and notable declines in species abundance will be identified as priority areas for conservation. These priority areas will guide the identification of critical zones for targeted conservation interventions.
The project focuses on six fish species from the Cross River Basin, all listed under various threatened categories by the IUCN. These include Fundulopanchax scheeli (Critically Endangered), Enteromius clauseni (Critically Endangered), Chrysichthys aluuensis (Endangered), Synodontis guttatus (Critically Endangered), Ctenopoma nebulosum (Endangered), and Fundulopanchax powelli (Critically Endangered). The expected outcomes of the project include the identification of distribution patterns and population trends of threatened, endemic, and native freshwater fish species; mapping of critical conservation priority areas; and the development of species-specific conservation action plans for the six threatened IUCN-listed fish species.
The project will also document indigenous knowledge, assess threats to fish habitats, and analyse socioeconomic factors influencing conservation. Community engagement will result in over 500 individuals being sensitised through at least five awareness events and three stakeholder workshops. Conservation-friendly practices will be promoted, and locally driven conservation plans will be co-developed with stakeholders. The key findings of the project and policy recommendations will be shared with Cross River National Park to guide future management and integration into freshwater conservation strategies.