In the tranquil waters of Cameroon’s Lake Ossa, marine biologist Aristide Takoukam Kamla fights to protect the elusive African manatee.
These mysterious aquatic mammals, found along West Africa’s coastlines, are notoriously shy, revealing themselves only at dawn through bubbles and fleeting breaths.
Kamla’s fascination began over a decade ago when he, as a young researcher, spotted his first manatee after hours of rowing.
“Unlike the playful manatees of Florida, their African counterparts are reserved, hidden in Lake Ossa’s shadowy depths,” Kamla reflected.
His passion led to the creation of the African Marine Mammal Conservation Organisation (AMMCO), aiming to safeguard manatees and their fragile habitats.
Manatees in Lake Ossa face threats from poaching and pollution, with artisanal palm oil waste and fishing nets endangering their lives.
Years ago, manatee meat was a delicacy in local villages, but thanks to conservation laws, these animals are now protected.
Despite progress, tensions persist between conservationists and fishermen, who resist restrictions impacting their traditional livelihoods.
An environmental crisis three years ago brought these two groups together, when invasive Salvinia plants choked half the lake.
Scientists introduced a microscopic insect to combat the plant, enlisting fishermen to distribute the insect across the lake.
The collaboration worked wonders, restoring balance to the ecosystem and fostering trust between locals and conservationists.
Kamla sees this unity as vital, aiming to prevent “parachute science” and instead create lasting partnerships with local communities.
Eco-tourism could be a lifeline, Kamla says, transforming Lake Ossa into a hub for nature enthusiasts and conservation allies.
Douala-Edea National Park curator Gilbert Oum Ndjocka supports this vision, calling for collective action to protect Cameroon’s biodiversity.
The African manatee, once at risk of vanishing into obscurity, now has champions fighting for its survival in Cameroon’s heartland.