The interactions between humans and mammals in Africa in relation to conservation: a review

Abstract

Most human-mammal interactions are detrimental to wild mammals. In Africa, mammalian population numbers and the geographical distribution of many species have been reduced due to hunting, pastoralism, habitat modification and disease control. The importance of each of these factors depends on the species, its location and habitat, and density of the human population. In contrast, some small-and medium-sized species have benefited from human activities, and there has been an increase in the population numbers of some species in well-managed and well-protected conservation areas. There appears to be a strong negative correlation (at least for some well-studied species) between density of humans and density of mammals. Recently, several African countries, notably in southern Africa, have developed the principle of integrated rural development in which local people are involved in the planning and administration of their traditional lands. Managed conservation areas are an integral part of good land-use policies. Surveys indicate that most Africans living close to conservation areas, especially those with a higher level of education, understand and support the ideals of conservation; nevertheless it is important that the benefits of conservation and integrated development (such as money, jobs, and food) directly benefit the local people. Conservation of mammals (and all other species) in Africa in the future will only succeed if there is participation at the 'grass roots' level, better food production in designated agricultural areas, reduction in the rate of increase of human populations, stabilization of human densities, and active programmes of conservation education.

Effects of a hydropower plant on Coleopteran diversity and abundance in the Udzungwa Mountains, Tanzania

“…In Zambia, construction of the Itzehitezhi Hydroelectric Dam along the Kafue River resulted in a dramatic change in diversity and abundance of ungulates, insects and birds (Sheppe 1985;Happold 1995). Attwell (1970) reported a decrease in insect species along the Zambezi flood plain due to construction of the Kariba dam.…”

Protected Areas: Conservation Cornerstones or Paradoxes? Insights from Human-Wildlife Conflicts in Africa and Southeastern Europe

“…First, wildlife damage represents a very tangible threat to livelihoods in terms of personal injury, crop and livestock losses, property damage, and lost opportunity costs (Choudhury, 2004;Emerton, 2001;Happold, 1995;Hill, 2004;Graham et al, 2005;Linnell et al, 2010). Second, attitudes towards PAs are often influenced by real or perceived damage caused by wildlife (Anthony, 2007;de Boer & Baquete, 1998;Els, 1995;Hill, 2004).…”

Poised for engagement? Local communities and Măcin Mountains National Park, Romania

“…Consequently, greater participatory planning, including PA outreach programmes, and/or sustainable use of certain PA resources, is now believed to not only contribute to rural development but also alleviate conflicts between local people and park authorities by improving conservation attitudes and altering behaviour (MacKinnon et al 1986;Happold 1995;Studsrod and Wegge 1995;Heinen 1996;Hulme and Murphree 2001;Manfredo et al 2004). Although the theoretical connection between beliefs and attitudes is well established, the subsequent link between attitudes and behaviour has not been well demonstrated (McKenzie-Mohr et al 1995;Aipanjiguly and Jacobson 2002).…”