The need for information on Grey Parrot distribution and vegetation associations for informed management and policy decisions was the basis for this study. A nationwide survey of the Grey Parrot population and habitat status was carried out, using questionnaire and point count methods. From the results, the extent of the contemporary range of the parrots was restricted to Southern Cameroon, which harbours the rainforest. Regional parrot population means ranged from 3,487 parrots in the Littoral to 1,351,275 parrots in the East Regions. The extent of the contemporary range as a percentage of the whole country was 25.4% and as a percentage of the regions with rainforest was 44.5%. The historic range of the bird has been reduced by over 55.5%. Estimated percentage of forest lost per region ranged from 20.4% in the Centre to 57.1% in the East and South Regions. At a global level, Cameroon contributed 9% to the total extent of the range of the Grey Parrot in Africa. The range is increasingly fragmented, contracted, and lost through land-based socioeconomic activities. These degradation pressures on the range called for urgent conservation considerations for long-term survival of the parrot species and its associated biodiversity in Cameroon.
Purpose: This study aimed at analysing the perceptions of the local population and the impact of their activities on the conservation of vultures. Methodology: This study was conducted at the periphery of Manda National Park (MNP) in the province of Moyen-Chari, in southern Chad. Semi-structured questionnaires were administered in 24 villages and involving 300 people belonging to 7 different ethnic groups (Sara, Gouleye, Mbaye, Ndaye, Ngambaye, Peul and Sarakaba). A stratified random sampling was carried out for this purpose. Chi-square test was used to compare the different levels of local population perception. Findings: This study found that six (6) species of vultures were encountered in the study area, all belonging to the family Accipitridae, Order Accipitriformes with a predominance of Hooded Vulture, Necrosyrtes monachus (52.33%). Agricultural (70.32%), logging (24.4%) and pastoral (19.32%) practices were mainly prevalent in the local populations. The main threats to vulture populations in the study area include: food scarcity (95%), deforestation (57.33%), poaching (9.33%), use of vultures in the tradition (fetishes, cultural events) (7.66%) and the consumption of vultures (7%). Contribution to theory and practice: This study made it possible to show the attachment of the population bordering the MNP to certain species of vultures in particular the white-headed vulture, Trigonoceps occipitalis and N. monachus of the study area through the totem, the myths and other clan or religious prohibitions; a factor that contributes to good human-bird cohabitation. This study also made it possible to assess the impact of human activities on vultures and offers opportunities to improve vulture conservation methods by involving local populations in conservation plans. The local populations of the PNM should be sensitized by the authorities in charge of wildlife management, on the importance of vultures in cleaning the environment, essential for health, and on the ecological importance of this taxon.
The use of durable forest resources in urban areas has raised the question of link between conservation and usage patterns. Population growth in Cameroon urban areas has continued to trigger constant demand for forest resources notably for rattan resources. Owing to the thriving domestic use and trade indicators, it is observed that, the furniture processors have been experiencing considerable demand of rattan products. It was pathetic to observe that, though the whole chain of rattan dependable activities have become an integral part of livelihood strategy for many urban communities, it is without any regulatory rearmament. Such scenario has until recently been ostensibly clear that in Bamenda town is an epitome for non-awareness of the exact species used, ecological attitudes, post-harvest losses, innovative technologies and trade letdown. In the context of such lack of awareness, most socioeconomic and conservation benchmarks have remained trapped in inappropriate operations. It is in this light that, Bamenda town displays a range of concerns about the rattan resources management stakes and challenges. Thus, the main objective of this paper attempts to harness suitable socioeconomic and ecological strategies to ensure sustainability with significant potential for the rattan sources to the thriving investors’ livelihood. The study therefore, explores the stakeholders’ treasure on rattan resources derivatives and perceptions on conservation and socioeconomic standing in Bamenda town, which is a heavily dealing place. The study made use of primary and secondary sources to collect necessary data. The results indicate that, they are a chain of rattan resource investors, multiples sources of raw materials and local rattan workspaces. In addition, the paper established that, there are no conservation awareness and visions, no innovative technologies, insufficient basic knowledge about self-regulatory mechanism for informal trade on a sound rattan management as well as no veritable institutional support structures to strengthen the rattan sector. Therefore, imperiling this activity into a blur future given the gaps observed in the sector. Based on these challenges, the study has proposed pertinent concerns, which have some supportive regimented policies to awareness, sustainable conservation, production and trading trends management for livelihood of the rattan dealers in Bamenda town and beyond.
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