Hunting for Bushmeat Threatens the Rich Wildlife of Korup National Park in Cameroon

Abstract

Studied bushmeat hunting in the southwest (cluster E) of the Korup National Park (KNP) to identify the various poaching methods, quantify bushmeat, and identify the various hunting routes and to elucidate the key factors of poaching within this protected area. To achieve this task, purposeful and random sampling methods were used for the selection of target communities and respondents for questionnaires administration. Socio-economic surveys that included interviews, focus group discussions, guided questionnaires, and biological survey methods were used to estimate the quantity of bush meat harvested, species preferences, different bush meat routes and poaching methods. A total of 2,252 animals has been recorded with the most hunted species in the group of mammals being (pangolin) Phataginus sp. (150), (putty-nosed monkey) Cercopithecus nictitans (111), (great blue turaco) Corythaeola cristata (134), and (dwarf crocodile) Osteolaemus tetraspis (70). The main poaching tools in order of importance were shotguns (36.2%) followed by wire snares (31.7%). The main bush meat route identified was between the southwestern area of KNP and Nigeria through Ekong Anaku village. The main poaching factors were the inadequate source of income generating activities and high demand for bush meat in neighboring Nigeria. In parallel to the socio-economic benefits of this sector and its impact on rural population, the sustainable management of these threats in this area needs to be managed so as to guarantee the food security of local populations. For this, the successful monitoring and management of bushmeat extraction and trade in this park is to necessitate a collaboration approach with Cross River National Park to ensure a full control. It also requires the development of the alternatives sources of income to communities around the park.