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Status of large carnivores in Bouba Ndjida National Park, Cameroon
Author(s) -
Bauer Hans
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
african journal of ecology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.499
H-Index - 54
eISSN - 1365-2028
pISSN - 0141-6707
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2028.2006.00751.x
Subject(s) - citation , library science , geography , computer science
Large carnivores present a special challenge in conservation science, because of their large ranges, low densities and propensity for conflict with livestock (Woodroe, 2001). Lion (Panthera leo, L.), cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus, Schreber), wild dog (Lycaon pictus, Temminck) and possibly other carnivore populations are small and fragmented in West and Central Africa (Nowell & Jackson, 1996; Breuer, 2003; Bauer & Van Der Merwe, 2004). This article is a contribution to fill the information gap on large carnivores in the sub-region. In April 2004, we surveyed the Bouba Ndjida National Park (BNNP) with the use of calling stations (Ogutu & Dublin, 1998). BNNP is a 2200 km savannah area in the Benoue catchment in Cameroon, on the border with Chad (see Fig. 1). The southern sector, covering roughly 2/3 of the park, is relatively well protected, but the northern sector is infested with poachers, cattle and migrant fisherfolk. Very little research has been performed in this area, the only published information is by Van Lavieren & Bosch (1977) and Van Lavieren & Esser (1980).