An Endemic shy Bird in Cameroon
When I started working for Voice of Nature in July 2023 as Biodiversity conservation program assistant, I had never known or heard of the mount Cameroon francolin. It was in th head office in Buea that I learned of this emblematic bird species from posters where I then went into reading more about the species.
Pternistis camerunensis is a very shy bird species found mainly in the Eastern slopes of the mount Cameroon national Park where it constantly faces threats from anthropogenic activities and natural disaster. It has a very small range and is however endemic to the region. It is an endangered bird species with fewer than 700 individuals in the wild. This population has not been estimated but has be quantified . Several research has focused on the ecology and range with very few efforts on the population. Studies on the population have however failed to identify an individual, but past surveys has shown patches of nest, ehh shells, feathers and bones from forest fires.
Having enrolled in my Graduate degree program in 2023 in Wildlife Resource management in the University of Bamenda, I am currently interested in studying the population of the mount Cameroon francolin and also ascertaining the Avi fauna of the Eastern slopes of the mount Cameroon national Park. I see this research to have a positive impact on the conservation of the mount Cameroon francolin and also inform conservation measures within the Protected area.
This research proper will begin in February and I'm hoping to secure funds for this piece of work. If you have funders who fund mainly for birds in Africa or biodiversity in general, or individuals who are willing to assist this work are highly welcome.
You can get me via Email:seangansey18@gmail.com
Tell: +237651276931
Gansey Sean Penyit is an early-career Cameroonian conservation scientist, biodiversity specialist, and wildlife resource manager based in Bamenda, Northwest Region, Cameroon. He is highly recognized for his dedicated community-led fieldwork aimed at protecting unique and critically endangered species within Cameroon's rich biodiversity hotspots.
PhD Fellow: Pursuing a PhD program in Wildlife Ecology and Management at The University of Bamenda.
Master of Science: Graduated with First Class Honors in Wildlife Resource Management from the University of Bamenda (2023–2025).
Bachelor of Science: Earned his undergraduate degree in Forestry and Wildlife Resource Technology from the College of Technology (COLTECH) at the University of Bamenda.
He leads a prominent project through the Rufford Foundation focused on the community-led conservation of the critically endangered Lake Oku Clawed Frog (Xenopus longipes) by promoting habitat protection around the Kilum-Ijim montane forest.
Species Conservation Officer: Actively serves at the Green Globe Organization (since February 2025).
Community Officer & Grants Administrator: Worked with the Global Visionaries Network (Visnet), where he managed compliance tracking and community outreach.
