National park and equivalent reserve creation in French and British Africa

Abstract

Abstract Data and previous studies indicate that national park creation has differed between British and French Africa. More national parks have been established in British Africa, although French Africans have been more active in creating national parks since independence. Furthermore, biomes and biogeographical provinces have been treated differently with respect to national park creation in French and British Africa. Most notably, French Africans have been more active in creating national parks in the tropical forests, whereas British Africans have been more active in the savannas and highland areas. These differences are accounted for by differing approaches to land development in colonial Africa, differing attitudes toward nature among British and French colonials, and differing environmental opportunities in British and French Africa. Despite apparent differences, the similarities in application of national parks to French and British African landscapes are striking.