Title
Long-term impacts of conservation interventions on landscape-level hunting dynamics in the African rainforest
Author(s)
Nguimdo Vouffo, Vianny Rodel; Abwe, Ekwoge E.; Morgan, Bethan J.; Ketchen, Marcel; Mfossa, Daniel; Abwe, Abwe; Ekole Betobe, Nelson; Maisels, Fiona; Whytock, Robin C.; Kamp, Johannes; Balkenhol, Niko; Waltert, Matthias; Soofi, Mahmood
Published
2023
Abstract
Bushmeat hunting is increasingly depleting African rainforest wildlife and conservationists are investing important resources to tackle it. However, the cryptic nature of hunting and the lack of long-term monitoring resources make it difficult to understand the effectiveness of conservation approaches. The Ebo landscape, Cameroon represents an ideal site to study the long-term effects of conservation interventions on hunting. It is unprotected despite its recognition as biodiversity hotspot and has driven conservation attention over the past decades aiming at initiating community-led conservation focusing on great apes. In this research, we used long-term landscape-wide hunting data collected over the past 15 years (2008-2022) along parallel reconnaissance lines placed 4 km apart. We overlaid 4×4 km² grid cells and used hierarchical modelling approaches to assess spatiotemporal changes in hunting intensity. We assessed how this affects wildlife (e.g., primates, duikers), and is influenced by conservation interventions in surrounding villages. Preliminary results suggest that hunting has occurred in the entire forest, using multiple techniques (wire snares and firearms), with no safe refuge left for wildlife. The prevalence of most wildlife species was negatively associated with indirect hunting signs, but increased with direct hunter encounters, suggesting that wildlife abundance drives hunters’ movement. Chimpanzees showed more resilience, since they are the focus of conservation programmes. There was a slight spatial variation in hunting pressure which can be due to uneven conservation interventions in surrounding communities. Sudden changes in hunting were observed, certainly related to changes in conservation strategies and economic conditions. Overall, hunting intensity increased during the period, reflecting the little importance of law enforcement in conservation strategies and increasing demand for bushmeat in neighbouring cities. This study provides evidence to improve conservation interventions and highlights the need for holistic approaches for hunting mitigation.
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