lions caught on a camera trap within the chinko landscape | thierry aebischer despite the challenges . Our work together , with the support of our generous donors , has so far resulted in 3,329 protected acres with 1,217 acres underway . The project is securing a wildlife corridor vital to the survival of Sumatran Elephants . Safety of the rare , highly coveted species thriving here is maintained by our partner and the government working together to employ the largest trained and locally managed force of rangers in any landscape in Indonesia .
Chinko : A Vast Wilderness for Lions , Chimps , Elephants … and Wild Dogs
The Chinko landscape in eastern Central African Republic is one of the largest intact and remote wilderness areas left on Earth . It encompasses a rare combination of lowland rainforest and savanna that sustains an incredible diversity of species . To protect this critical unprotected landscape ,
agricultural and cattle ranching operations . But many positive signs indicate that imperiled species are beginning to come back .
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A pack of Endangered African Wild Dogs has been observed , and the presence of younger animals indicates this is a healthy and reproductive pack . This is the largest protected population of the species in Central Western Africa , with about 10 packs of approximately 8-10 wild dogs per pack in Chinko . Wild dogs need between 50,000-500,000 acres of territory to survive long term . Chinko is one of the only places left on the African continent that offers such a vast area for them .
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Two young adult African Lions ( also known as Northern Lions , photo above ) of around two years old were observed in Chinko . Chinko ’ s Northern Lion is of crucial importance as this is the only large , well-protected and growing population in Western and Central Africa .
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The Chinko team had the chance to observe a group of 21 Bongo antelopes in the area . Research and monitoring studies show Chinko might host the largest protected population of bongos in the world . With its many rivers , intertwined ecosystems and plentiful forest edges , Chinko is an ideal habitat for species like the Bongo . african wild dogs | bayazed
Rainforest Trust , our donors and our local partner , African Parks , are working together towards the official designation of 5.7 million acres as the Chinko National Park .
Threatened species here experienced drastic population reductions over past decades , exacerbated by political instability and civil conflict in the region that set the stage for exploitation by illegal logging , mining , poaching , and bongo antelope in the chinko landscape | thierry aebischer
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