Abundance and distribution of large mammals in the Bakossi landscape area, Cameroon.

Abstract

A survey was conducted in the Bakossi landscape area during the wet season to determine the species richness and distribution of large mammals within the three conservation sites.Results show that 10 species of large mammals (Red duikers, Blue duikers, Red river hog, Chimpanzees, Drill, Putty-nosed monkey, Mona monkey, Black-fronted duikers, Bushbuck and Sitatunga) were present in the Bakossi landscape. Of these, two species are considered to be threatened on the IUCN Red list (1990): chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes)and drill (Mandrillus leucophaeus) (http://www.iucnredlist.org/). The results also suggested that the indigenous people depend on the forest for their survival since the forest is highly valued as a source of food (51.66%), medicine and building materials (39.40%), fuel wood and household items (9%). Key words: Large mammals, Bakossi landscape area, national park, conservation, human activity.