Evaluation des connaissances et de l’impact des pratiques des populations riveraines sur la conservation de l’avifaune de la Forêt de Burhinyi (Itombwe, Sud-Kivu, RD Congo)

A l’instar de nombreuses autres forets des montagnes non protegees, la foret de Burhinyi, faisant partie du massif d’Itombwe, subit une forte pression due aux activites humaines qui impactent negativement la valeur globale du site. Nous avons evalue les connaissances et l’impact de certaines pratiques des populations riveraines de la foret de Burhinyi sur la conservation de l’avifaune en vue d’obtenir les donnees de base susceptibles d’orienter les initiatives de conservation communautaire en cours. Un questionnaire d’enquete a ete utilise pour collecter les donnees aupres de 188 personnes issues des differents menages choisis dans 6 villages. Cette etude revele que les populations riveraines exercent un bon nombre d’activites ayant un effet nefaste sur la biodiversite forestiere. Il s’agit notamment des techniques de chasse, des pratiques agricoles et de l’exploitation miniere. Sur 22 taxons couramment abattus a Burhinyi, une moyenne de 4,6 oiseaux est tuee journalierement. Six taxa (Aigles, Hiboux, Corbeaux, Buses montagnardes, Gonoleks et Touracos) sont exploites en medecine traditionnelle et comme ornement des tenues portees par les chefs locaux pendant les ceremonies coutumieres. Les connaissances des populations riveraines sur l’avifaune sont larges. Toutefois, elles sont significativement variables selon le groupement d’origine mais pas selon le niveau d’etudes. L’importance de la conservation des oiseaux a ete reconnue par 80,1% des enquetes contre 14,5% qui s’y opposent et 0,5% d’indecis.Mots cles : Perception, communautes, protection, oiseaux, Rift Albertin.   English Title: Assessment of knowledge and impact of practices by riparian populations of Burhinyi Forest (Itombwe, South-Kivu, DR Congo) on the conservation of avifauna Like many other unprotected mountain forests, the Burhinyi forest is under great pressure due to human activities, which negatively impact the global value of the site. We assessed the knowledge and impact of some practices within riparian populations around Burhinyi forest on the conservation of avifauna to obtain baseline data that could guide ongoing community conservation initiatives. A survey questionnaire was used to collect data from 188 people from households selected in 6 villages. This study shows that riparian populations are engaged in a number of activities that have a negative impact on forest biodiversity. These include hunting techniques, agricultural practices and mining. Of the 22 taxa commonly trapped in Burhinyi, an average of 4.6 birds are killed daily. Six taxa (Eagles, Owls, Ravens, Mountain Hawks, Gonoleks and Touracos) are used in traditional medicine and sources of ornaments of attires worn by local leaders during customary ceremonies. The knowledge of the riparian populations about the avifauna is broad. However, they vary significantly by area of origin and not by education level. The importance of bird conservation was recognized by 80.1% of respondents compared with 14.5% who opposed it and 0.5% who were undecided.Keywords : Perception, communities, protection, birds, Albertine Rift.