This publication proposes a framework for assessing management effectiveness, recognising the need for a variety of responses depending on needs and resources. It aims to help all those who wish to assess protected areas, both in suggesting what needs to be done and in providing some guidelines. It includes six practical case studies from Australia, the Congo Basin, Central America, South America and the USA

Evaluating effectiveness : a framework for assessing the management of protected areas (Chinese version)

1 Niger Delta Ecology and Biodiversity Conservation Unit, Department of Applied and Environmental Biology, Rivers State University of Science and Technology, PMB 5080, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria. E-mails: lucamlu@tin.it, gakanina2000@yahoo.com 2 IDECC – Institute for Development, Ecology, Conservation and Cooperation, via G. Tomasi di Lampedusa 33, 00144 Rome, Italy. E-mails: l.luiselli@ideccngo.org, d.dendi@ideccngo.org 3 Ecologia Applicata Italia, via Edoardo Jenner 70, 00151 Rome, Italy. E-mails: fapetrozzi@gmail.com, divittoriomassimiliano@gmail.com 4 CNR – Institute for Ecosystem Studies, viale Università 32, 00152 Rome, Italy. E-mail: giovanni.amori@uniroma1.it 5 Department of Forestry and Wildlife, University of Uyo, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. E-mail: e.eniang@ideccngo.org

Rehashing bushmeat – interview campaigns reveal some controversial issues about the bushmeat trade dynamics in Nigeria

Reliable population estimates are lacking for many South Asian primate species, including the golden langur (Trachypithecus geei), which is endangered and restricted to Bhutan and northeast India. Although well studied in India, few studies exist on this species in Bhutan. In November 2017, we undertook a nationwide survey of golden langurs in Bhutan using double observers along trail-based transects in 17 blocks within its habitat, and modeled its distribution using MaxEnt. A total of 2439 golden langurs in 222 groups were collectively encountered by 17 teams of double observers, from which, an overall population of 2516 ± SE 363 individuals and 236 ± SE 9 groups were estimated. Group sizes varied from 2 to 35 individuals with a mean of 11 ± SD 0.38 individuals. A total of 468 adult males (19%), 924 adult females (38%), 649 juveniles (27%), and 398 infants (16%) were counted. Adult male-to-female sex ratio was 1:1.97 and adult female-to-infant ratio was 1:0.43. We determined 2848 km2 of suitable area for golden langurs in Bhutan and estimated a density of 0.88 individuals/km2. Our population estimate of golden langurs in Bhutan is much lower than the current IUCN estimate of 4000 individuals for Bhutan, necessitating a reassessment of its current conservation status due to threats from road kills, electrocution, and development activities like road construction, hydropower, and electrical transmission lines. We further recommend our refined double-observer survey method to reliably estimate primate populations in rugged terrain.

Population abundance and distribution of the endangered golden langur (Trachypithecus geei, Khajuria 1956) in Bhutan

Protected areas are areas of high ecological diversity, often associated with environmental, social and economic benefits at both local and global scales. To date, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) framework has been applied to manage protected areas. In Nigeria, there are over a thousand protected areas. However, most of these areas are continuously managed without considering the aspect of local communities, which result in ineffective management. Poorly motivated managers/rangers of protected areas have also affected the quality of management. Therefore, the research is aimed at extending the IUCN framework for protected area management by collaborating with the local communities and enhancing the role of managers. Using mixed method research design, questionnaires were administered to 191 managers/rangers from 3 protected areas namely Yankari, Lame-Burra and Sumu; 300 respondents from six communities located close to the protected areas; interview with 5 key informants; and field observation. Structural Equation Modelling was used in analysing data collected from managers/rangers; while differences in viewpoint of the communities were determined using Chi-Square. The overall perception of managers/rangers of the protected areas indicate that, collaboration has direct and significant influence, while motivation has direct but insignificant influence on protected area management. Communities that benefited from the establishment of the protected areas tend to have more interest in the management of the protected areas, and willing to accept management responsibilities. Based on the identified variables, the research developed a model for effective management of protected areas, and a framework within which local communities can be incorporated in management of the protected areas. The research further recommends the use of this empirical evidence by decision-makers in re-aligning management policies, and implementation of management programmes.

Incorporating collaboration and motivation for effective management of protected areas in Nigeria

Global declines in large mammals are well recognised and threaten the well-being of ecological and human communities. Most African large mammals are endemic to Africa with many listed as either endangered and/or vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) due to declines across their range owed in part to anthropogenic activities. In view of the effect of anthropogenic threats on large mammal populations, research was conducted in the Old Oyo National Park (OONP), the third largest national park in Nigeria, with the aim to investigate the status of large mammals and to examine the types and the extent of the threats associated with the large mammal populations in the park.
 
In this thesis, the species composition and the first baseline estimates of large mammals within the OONP are provided to inform future management. A multidisciplinary approach that combines camera trapping, distance sampling line transects and questionnaire surveys of local villagers and Rangers (stakeholders) were applied to derive data on the status of large mammals in the park. The camera trap survey covers 199 stations deployed for 2,786 trap-nights. The distance sampling comprised 45 line transects totalling 306Km across the park. A total of 800 villagers neighbouring the park and 100 Rangers in the protection unit of the park was surveyed between January 2015 and August 2015. Important is the estimate of illegal activities provided for the first time in the park, emphasizing the need for effective conservation planning using the data from the camera trap and the villagers questionnaire (Randomized Response Techniques (RRT) and direct questioning) and identify the predictors of the highest occurring illegal activities in the park.
 
Twenty four out of 28 historical occurring large mammal species were detected using field based surveys (cameras and transects). Apart from the top predators, elephant buffalo and oribi, the evidence of other wild species occurrence was provided across the field based surveys and the perception of the stakeholders (Villagers and Rangers). There are similarities in the perception of Villagers and Rangers to mammal declines and the low occupancy estimates of large mammals derived from the camera trapping survey. Over 70% of the stakeholders (Villagers and Rangers) perceived that most species have declined in the park. Similarly, a single species occupancy model applied to camera trap data indicated a low probability of occurrence for most species. An estimate of site occupancy as low as ψ 0.18 for rodents such as grasscutter (Thryonomys gregorianus) while higher estimates (ψ ≥ 0.79) were derived only for bush buck (Tragelaphus scriptus), civet (Civettictis civetta), giant rat (Cricetomys) and kob (Kobus kob). However, the occupancy estimates for illegal activities are higher than any of the wild animal species. Results from the field based surveys and perception of the stakeholders supported the conclusion that many species have declined and six are extirpated from the park. The field studies recorded four new species never previously detected in the Park.
 
All methods detected evidence of illegal anthropogenic activities in the park, principally in the form of poaching and illegal grazing. The highest occurring activity identified was the illegal hunting of wild animals with an estimate of site occupancy of ψ 0.97, followed by the illegal grazing (ψ = 0.68). The density of illegal grazing (85.3 cattle/Km2) was higher compared to any other wild species in the park.
 
The drivers of illegal hunting activity (the highest occurring activity) of the villagers show that occupation was the key factor that could influence illegal hunting activities. The individuals who engaged in seasonal employment such as crop farming, mixed IV farming and other types of occupation tended to engage in illegal hunting activity. Although, bushmeat consumption did not significantly predict illegal hunting activities, it was significantly associated with illegal hunting. Moreover, the bushmeat consumption is influenced by education and occupation. These two factors influenced consumption of bushmeat among the villagers, leading to a high level of illegal hunting and placing the large mammals in the park under threat.
 
This study provides the first empirical evidence of low occupancy of native large mammal species, high levels of illegal activity and low abilities to persecute and apprehend the offenders. The data serve as a baseline for the park authorities to monitor the species protected and the effectiveness of conservation efforts deployed. The findings imply that the threat of illegal hunting and domestic cattle grazing activities to large mammals should be highly considered when planning future conservation measures. This research has confirmed the ability of camera trapping methods to detect species of different traits and illegal activities, and the RRT to elucidate information on the rule breaking behaviour of local villagers which are important for the designing and implementation of management strategies.

Status and determinants of large mammal occupancy in a Nigerian protected area

Regular evaluation of protected area operations can enable policy makers develop strategic responses to pervasive management problems. Pressures and threats in seven National Parks of the National Park Service (NPS) were therefore assessed using the Rapid Assessment and Prioritization of Protected Area Management (RAPPAM) methodology. The parks were Cross River National Park (CRNP), Okomu National Park (ONP), Old Oyo National Park (OONP), Gashaka –Gumti National Park (GGNP), Kainji Lake National Park (KLNP), Chad Basin National Park (CBNP) and Kamuku National Park (KNP). Quantitative data was collected from 207 rangers and 49 senior staff including park records. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Spearman correlation. The parks had professionals (1.06%), technical staff 33 (2.19%), rangers 1094 (72.55%), and administrative staff 266 (17.64%). Personnel cost (19.6%), administrative operations (36.9%) and conservation of park resources (3.4%) were significantly (p<0.05) different. The greatest threats facing the parks were Grazing (57.76%), Hunting (24.17%), Logging (6.17%) and Fishing (5.06%). Threats and pressures were positively and significantly correlated (r=0.75, P<0.05) with vulnerability. The staff profile and inappropriate budgetary allocation to conservation activities might be responsible for the overall pressures and threats recorded in the parks during the study. KEYWORDS: Threats, Pressures, Protected Areas, National Park, Management

https://www.ajol.info/index.php/gjass/article/download/85691/75605

Rapid Assessment of Protected area Pressures and Threats in Nigeria National Parks

Ecological buffer zones are very crucial in minimizing the impact of land use practices close to protected areas, though there is no consensus surrounding their objectives, location, area and the level of their permitted use This study therefore assessed the challenges of buffer zone management in some (adjacent) support zone communities in Oban Division of Cross River National Park, Nigeria Data were obtained through questionnaire interviews and reconnaissance survey and subjected to descriptive and inferential statistical analysis Results showed that a high percentage (6868%) of the respondents in the division were not aware of the existence of the buffer zone and the policies governing it 7442% believed that the Park has left them poorer Only 1121% accepted that they have enjoyed tremendous benefits as a result of the establishment of Park and its buffer zone A chi-square analysis showed that the people were not aware of the existence, creation and policy governing buffer zone management and were therefore not in favour of its operations These developments might be adduced to the low level of awareness of Park laws and buffer zone management policies by these communities It is therefore recommended that public enlightenment campaigns should be stepped up to educate the populace on the need to abide by the laws and policies governing the Park and its buffer zone Social amenities including classroom blocks, health centers, roads, water and electricity should be provided by the management of the park including training in a number of livelihood options like beekeeping and non timber forest product farming This is expected to reduce the pressure by the local communities on the resources of the park and its buffer zone

/pdf/challenges-of-buffer-zone-management-in-cross-river-national-4lqtyoot7s.pdf

Challenges of Buffer Zone Management in Cross River National Park, South Eastern Nigeria

Although not categorized as threatened on the IUCN Red List, the African forest buffalo Syncerus caffer nanus is declining across its range. In Nigeria its distribution, abundance and status are virtually unknown. We conducted interviews with experienced hunters, and field surveys (linear and recce transects), to study the buffalo's distribution and ecology in the montane forests of Cross River State. General linear modelling indicated that the number of individuals varied significantly across survey areas and habitat types but not with the survey period, and there was no study area × study period interaction. Buffalo were found most commonly in mature and secondary forests. Given the species’ scattered distribution, fragmentation of its habitat, and the relatively low numbers observed, Nigerian populations require a separate, regional categorization on the IUCN Red List.

/pdf/distribution-and-status-of-the-african-forest-buffalo-32aouh9qrq.pdf

Distribution and status of the African forest buffalo Syncerus caffer nanus in south-eastern Nigeria

A survey of White-Throated Monkey (Cercopithecus erythrogaster) in Afi Mountain Wildlife Sanctuary (AMWS), Cross River State, Nigeria, was conducted to determine its status, ecology and population density. Line transect method of wildlife population determination was used. Ten transects were randomly selected for the study. Transect length of 2.0km and widths of 0.02km were systematically established, 1.0km from each other. Each transect was covered by an observer and census was done simultaneously in all the ten selected transects. The census started simultaneously at an agreed time, dates and places, this lasted for six weeks with data collected weekly. During the census, each observer was equipped with a binocular for easy observation and field notebook to record the information. Direct method of animal sighting was used. Mean population density of White-Throated Monkeys in Afi Mountain Wildlife Sanctuary was 0/km2, implying that the species was not sighted during the survey even though fecal matter and footprints suspected to be that of White-throated monkey were observed. The vegetation assessment revealed the study area to be composed of tropical rainforest plants species. Dominant species include: Pycnantus angolensis, Bailonella toxisperma, Tetrapleura tetraptera, Clapacca standtiiand Cola spp. Observation also revealed that serious anthropogenic activities were on-going. Therefore, it is recommended that more population surveys of white-throated monkey be carried out in AMWS possibly using methods other than direct sighting. There is also need to carry out research on the ecological requirement and biology of the numerous species, especially the endangered Cross River Gorilla and the Drill Monkey in the study area.

/pdf/population-ecology-of-the-white-throated-monkey-3jbbj5wtom.pdf

Population Ecology of the White-Throated Monkey ( Cercopithecus erythrogaster ) in Afi Mountain Wildlife Sanctuary (AMWS), Cross River State, Nigeria

The need for qualitative animal protein in human diets cannot be over-emphasized; hence this study investigates comparative advantages of bushmeats to conventional meats of similar (taxonomical) breed. The study made use of secondary data from published articles on proximate composition of the selected bushmeats and conventional meat types. Conventional meats are generally higher in percentage moisture content except in Red River Hog (72.6%) as compared with Pig meat (Pork at 65.9%). Also percentage fat content is found to be higher in conventional meats except in the comparison of Bush buck (10.9%) with Sheep (Mutton at 2.9%). Investigations also show that bushmeats have comparative advantages of higher percentage protein and ash. In addition, bushmeats are higher in percentage calcium and iron content while conventional meats are higher in percentage energy and phosphorus content in all instances. Implications of these findings were discussed and policy recommendations made.

A A Nchor

Papers

Rapid Assessment of Protected area Pressures and Threats in Nigeria National Parks

Challenges of Buffer Zone Management in Cross River National Park, South Eastern Nigeria

Distribution and status of the African forest buffalo Syncerus caffer nanus in south-eastern Nigeria

Population Ecology of the White-Throated Monkey ( Cercopithecus erythrogaster ) in Afi Mountain Wildlife Sanctuary (AMWS), Cross River State, Nigeria

Comparative Advantages of Selected Bushmeats to Conventional Meat Types: A Review