**2.1. Study area description**

The study was conducted in the adjacent communities of the THWS, located in the Lebialemhighlands, Southwest Region of Cameroon (**Figure 1**). The THWS is located specifically between 5037′ and 5042′ latitude and 9053′–9058′ longitude covers approximately 15,000 ha. The area ranges from 230 to 2400 m above sea level. This forest area range is known to contain 84% of African primates, 64% of African passerine birds and 66% of known African butterflies [19]. The THWS forest is home to 26 species of large mammals including some of Africa's most threatened primates species; the critically endangered Cross River gorilla (*G. gorilla diehli*) and the endangered Nigeria-Cameroon chimpanzee (*Pan troglodytes vellerosus*) [20]. The forest equally harbours endemic birds including the Bannerman's turaco, Banded-wattled eye, Bangwa forest warbler and the Bannerman's weaver as well as many endemic plants [21]. The THWS is surrounded by 10 main communities (Fossimondi, M'mock mbin, Bamumbu, Folepi, Bechati, Banti, Igumbo, Besali, Bangang and Nkong). The population of the THWS is estimated to be about 7000 inhabitant [22].
