The decline of large carnivores in Africa and opportunities for change

Abstract

Large carnivore populations are in decline across the globe due to the destruction of their natural habitat and targeted persecution by the human species. Africa is home to one of the last remaining intact guilds of terrestrial mega-carnivore taxa and includes species that occupy a unique role in ecosystem function and in human evolutionary history. The rapid disappearance of large carnivores from the African landscape is therefore particularly alarming and several species are predicted to soon be extirpated outside of protected areas. Developing solutions addressing the drivers of decline are complex due to Africa's rapid human population growth and land use patterns, cultural and traditional values among rural communities, and regulations governing lethal control programs and the trophy hunting industry. There is also a critical need to consider the intrinsic value of the carnivore guild in the discourse as having a value beyond that which benefits humans. Lessons can be learned from a few programs that combine good governance and regulation, effective law enforcement, strong community participation and sustainable funding mechanisms to conserve carnivores at landscape scales. Integrating these criteria into a workable model and employing an evidence-based and adaptive approach is central to implementing long-term solutions for carnivore-human coexistence. Africa can become a global leader in the conservation of biodiversity by demonstrating resilience, collaboration and ingenuity to reverse the current trend, and restore and protect these charismatic carnivore species for the benefit of the planet as a whole.