Forest duiker (Cephalophus spp.) abundance and hunting activities in the Kakum conservation area, Ghana

Abstract

The abundance of forest duikers (Cephalophus spp.) was compared to the incidence of hunting activities in the Kakum conservation area, Ghana. Transect surveys indicated that four duiker species were present: Maxwell’s duiker (Cephalophus maxwellii), Bay duiker(Cephalophus dorsalis), Black duiker (Cephalophus niger), and Yellow-backed duiker(Cephalophus silvicultor). The indicators of hunting activities included the presence ofempty cartridges, snares, gunshots, carbide powder, poacher’s camps and arrest of poachers. Season’s fluctuations and hunting activities appear to have effect on duiker abundance; the study could have strong evidence to establish it. A long term duiker population monitoring program is required in the area in order to come out with strong factors affecting duiker populations and their implications on conservation of wildlife resources. Key words: Forest duikers, hunting activities, abundance, conservation, Kakum conservation area.