Afi Mountain Wildlife Sanctuary in Cross River State, Nigeria is a vital stronghold for some of Africa’s most endangered wildlife. Established in 2000 from part of the Afi River Forest Reserve, the sanctuary protects roughly 100 km² of lowland and sub-montane rainforest and rocky peaks rising up to about 1,300 m. It was created to safeguard critically endangered species such as the Cross River gorilla, the Nigeria-Cameroon chimpanzee, the drill, and the grey-necked rockfowl from habitat loss and hunting.

Despite rugged terrain that has helped resist widespread logging, Afi faces persistent threats including dry-season bush fires, illegal agriculture, and snares set for small animals that can entrap larger wildlife. The sanctuary is surrounded by sixteen communities whose livelihoods and land uses affect conservation.

A remarkable ecological feature is the western grasslands of Afi, which host one of Africa’s largest wintering roosts of European barn swallows, sometimes numbering millions.

Conservation efforts involve enhanced patrols using SMART-based monitoring, ranger training, and community-engagement programs to reduce poaching and promote coexistence. Research collaborations aim to better understand gorilla populations and disease dynamics. Afi remains a biodiversity hotspot and a symbol of both the challenges and successes in protecting West African rainforests.