Assessing the Human Dimensions of Great Ape Conservation through Socio-Economic Surveys in the Deng Deng and Lobeke National Parks of East Cameroon

Background and Objective: Integrating ecological preservation with the reality of local livelihoods is necessary for the sustainable conservation of biodiversity in tropical forest ecosystems. This study focused on 12 forest-dependent communities near Deng Deng and Lobéké National Parks in Cameroon, examining associations between household socioeconomic characteristics, local ecological knowledge, and conservation attitudes toward the western lowland gorilla (Gorilla gorilla gorilla) and the Nigeria-Cameroon chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes ellioti). Materials and Methods: A mixed-method approach was used, combining household surveys (n = 132) and more than 50 focus group discussions across 12 villages within two conservation zones. In villages with fewer than 25 households, full-coverage surveys were conducted; in larger villages, structured sampling and group discussions were applied. To assess species recognition, respondents were shown laminated photographs of chimpanzees, gorillas, and local monkey species, to confirm they could distinguish great apes from other primates. Questions were designed to evaluate knowledge of species, perceived threats, attitudes, and behaviours during encounters. Data were analysed using SPSS and Pearson Chi-square tests to assess relationships between socio-demographic variables and conservation perceptions (p≤0.05). Results: Results revealed high ecological awareness, with 99.2% of respondents confirming the presence of great apes and acknowledging their endangered status. Positive attitudes toward conservation were widespread (85%), and 91.7% supported coexistence. Nevertheless, forest resource reliance remained high, with 67.4% depending on bushmeat and forest products and 57.6% admitting involvement in great ape hunting. Human-great ape conflict was reported by 69.7% of respondents, mainly through crop destruction (47%). Socioeconomic variables such as age (χ² = 17.064, p = 0.029) significantly influenced conservation perceptions and behaviors. Household status significantly affected perceived changes in great ape populations (χ² = 31.699, p<0.001), conservation discussions within families (χ² = 25.860, p = 0.001), bushmeat dependence (χ² = 23.688, p = 0.003), and the likelihood of having a hunter in the household (χ² = 25.750, p<0.001). Conclusion: These findings provide a foundation for productive collaboration between forest-dependent communities, forestry stakeholders, and legislators. Community-based forest management and rural development initiatives can be designed to mitigate biodiversity loss and slow the decline of great ape populations.