DOCSLIB.ORG

Kordofan Giraffe (Giraffa Camelopardalis Ssp

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Kordofan Giraffe (Giraffa Camelopardalis Ssp Kordofan Giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis ssp. antiquorum) Appendix 1. Historic and recent population size estimates of Kordofan Giraffe Historic In the 1980s and 1990s, numbers were estimated at more than 13,704 (1,757 in CAR; ca. 1,600 in Cameroon; 890 in Chad; 419 in DRC and 9,038 in South Sudan), whilst limited data are available for some areas within these countries. An estimated 1,000 Giraffe occurred in Cameroon in the late 1950s (Dagg 1962; Jeannin and Barthe 1958). East (1999) reported that Waza National Park protected an important and viable Giraffe population. From the early 1960s to the early 1990s, Giraffe in the park were generally estimated to number between 1,000 and 2,000 individuals (East 1999). Population trends show a decline in Giraffe numbers from 1962 to 1977. The Giraffe population of Waza National Park was estimated at approximately 2,000 individuals in 1962 (Flizot 1962). In January 1977, van Lavieren (1977) estimated approximately 1,091 Giraffe, while an aerial survey conducted in December 1977 estimated approximately 1,262 Giraffe (Esser and van Lavieren 1979). This apparent decline was likely due to the rinderpest outbreak of 1968 and the drought of 1972-1973 (Vanpraet 1976; Beauvilain 1989). After being stable between 1977 and 1980 (Ngog 1983), the Giraffe population of Waza National Park appeared to increase somewhat over the next decade. Aerial sample counts of the park carried out in 1991 estimated approximately 1,516 Giraffe (Tchamba and Elkan 1995). The first documented ground surveys of Benoue National Park was conducted in 1975 and estimated the Giraffe population at approximately 17 individuals (Stark 1977). An estimated 5,000 – 6,000 Giraffe occurred in Chad and the CAR in the late 1950s to early 1960s (Blancou 1963, 1958; Dagg 1962). Anecdotal records indicate that the Giraffe population in the CAR was decimated by illegal hunting in the following years (Happold 1969). According to Happold (1969), few Giraffe occurred in the Yata N'Gaya Reserve and the Andre Felix National Park in the north-east of the CAR by the late 1960s. Aerial counts carried out in the northern CAR in 1985 covering national parks, hunting reserves and community hunting areas, estimated the occurrence of some 1,757 Giraffe in the region (Douglas-Hamilton et al. 1985). Of these, 1,731 were estimated to occur in Manovo Gounda St. Floris National Park and 26 in the Vassako-Bolo Nature THE IUCN RED LIST OF THREATENED SPECIES™ Reserve in the heart of the Bamingui Bangoran National Park (Douglas-Hamilton et al. 1985). The main surviving Giraffe population in Chad occurs in and around Zakouma National Park in south eastern Chad (East 1999). Although East (1999) suggested that Giraffe populations elsewhere in the country are generally low and decreasing, knowledge regarding their occurrence and distribution remains limited. Prior to the 20th century, vast herds of Giraffe were found in central Chad (GIWA 2004). An estimated 5,000 – 6,000 Giraffe occurred in Chad and the Central African Republic (CAR) in the late 1950s to early 1960s (Blancou 1963, 1958; Dagg 1962). Although anecdotal records indicate that Giraffe were heavily hunted in the following years, subsequently reducing their numbers in northern CAR, Giraffe numbers were said to have increased in south eastern Chad (Happold 1969). Since the mid-1980s, wildlife censuses of Chad’s Zakouma National Park have been undertaken at irregular intervals and with different sampling rates across different times of the year, resulting in widely varying population estimates for Giraffe. However, the general trend indicates an increase in Giraffe numbers since the mid-1980s while numbers appeared to remain stable throughout the 1990s. The first aerial survey of Zakouma National Park was conducted in 1986 and estimated approximately 300 Giraffe (Bousquet 1986). In 1991, the Giraffe population was estimated at 890 individuals (Bousquet 1991), in 1995 at 800 Giraffe (Dejace et al. 1995), and East (1999) estimated the Giraffe population at approximately 839 individuals. In the 1950s, Giraffe were distributed throughout the Garamba National Park in DRC, but at somewhat lower density in the north-west, due to illegal hunting (Verschuren 1958). Verschuren estimated at least 300 Giraffe in the park and noted that counts by Cornet d’Elzius had observed at least 60 Giraffe in the Domaine de Chasse Gangala-na-Bodio to the south of the park (East 1999). The presence of a large elephant population has opened the habitat over the last few decades, resulting in Giraffe largely moving into the peripheries of the park and the adjacent reserves, where woodland density is higher (Amube et al. 2009; De Merode et al. 2000; East 1999). Recent Giraffe in Cameroon were largely restricted to protected areas by the late 1990s, when an estimated 1,360 individuals occurred in the country (East 1999). Waza National Park remained an important refuge for Giraffe, while the species occurred at lower densities in Bouba Ndjida, Benoue and Faro National Parks, and the adjoining hunting zones of the North Region (East 1999). Giraffe in Waza National Park showed a declining trend since the 1991 census. A wildlife survey of the Park conducted in 1994 estimated the Giraffe population at approximately 340 individuals (East 1999). However, as this census concentrated mostly on areas around the park's waterholes (East 1999), this could have been an undercount. During ground surveys of Benoue National Park and adjacent hunting zones one and four conducted in 1999, four Giraffe were observed in the park, while no Giraffe were recorded in the hunting zones (Gomse and Mahop 2000). Following a ground survey of the same area in 2004, Donfack and Tsakem (2004) reported insufficient observations of Giraffe. In 2007, eight Giraffe were observed during ground surveys of Benoue National Park, while no Giraffe were recorded in the two hunting zones (Tsakem et al. 2007). Trends in large mammalian density in the northern CAR from 1985 to 2011 showed a decline in Giraffe numbers of almost 70% (Bouché et al. 2011). Aerial counts carried out in 2005, covering national parks, hunting reserves and community hunting areas, estimated a total of 535 Giraffe remaining in the area (Bouché et al 2009). Of these, 254 individuals were estimated to occur in Manovo Gounda St. Floris National Park and 281 individuals in Bamingui Bangoran National Park, of which 12 occurred in the Vassako- Bolo Nature Reserve (Bouché et al. 2009; Renaud 2005). In the new millennium, an aerial survey estimated the Giraffe population of Zakouma National Park at approximately 800 individuals (Dejace et al. 2000). However, in the same year, Planton (2000) counted a mere 154 Giraffe inside the park, although, compared to the general trend throughout the years, this appeared to be an undercount. Mackie (2002) estimated the Giraffe population at approximately 942 individuals. This was however likely an overestimate as the majority of Mackie's observations was conducted in the north-eastern parts of Zakouma National Park, where Giraffe concentrate, and then extrapolated to the rest of the park (Fay et al. 2005, Potgieter et al. 2009). An aerial count of Zakouma National Park in 2005 estimated the Giraffe population at 292 individuals (Fay et al. 2005), while the estimated population count for 2006 estimated 383 Giraffe (Fay et al. 2006). A total of 612 Giraffe were counted during an aerial survey in 2009 (Potgieter et al. 2009). According to the survey report, the 2009 estimate could have been a slight undercount as the authors noted that Giraffe were particularly cryptic from the air when they take to the shade of large trees (Potgieter et al. 2009). Aerial survey counts for 2010 indicated the Giraffe population at approximately 572 individuals (Potgieter et al. 2010), while the estimated population count for 2011 estimated 753 Giraffe (Potgieter et al. 2011). Potgieter et al. (2011) suggested that this is likely to have been an undercount. The first systematic aerial census of Garamba National Park, DRC, carried out in 1976, estimated the Giraffe population at 350 individuals (Savidge et al. 1976). The same method was subsequently applied from 1983 to 2004. Throughout most of the 1980s and 1990s, surveys also included full coverage of the more wooded surrounding reserves, though visibility is sometimes limited. Systematic sample counting in Garamba National Park, even with high density stratification of the southern sector, yielded fairly high standard errors for species with low numbers and clumped distribution, including for Giraffe. As a result, fluctuations in numbers resulted, but no significant in reduction in numbers occurred until the effects of increased illegal hunting resulted during the civil unrest. Current aerial surveys are total counts over the southern sector and parts of the park, and this method gives only minimum numbers and likely more may be present than observed. See table below for aerial survey figures for Giraffe from Garamba National Park and reserves from 1976 to 2012. Year Garamba SE Reserves (DCS) Source NP 1976 350 ±250 Not surveyed Savidge et al. 1976 1983 175 ±163 20 Hillman et al. 1983 1984 237 ±144 0 in part DC Hillman Smith 1989 1986 153 ±140 13 Hillman Smith 1989 1991 346 ±203 46 Smith et al. 1993 1993 347 ±419 0 Smith et al. 1993 1995 178 ±210 52 Hillman Smith et al. 1995 1998 144 ±73 Not surveyed Hillman Smith et al. 2003b 2000 118 ±64 Not surveyed Smith and Hillman Smith 2000 2002 62 ±13 Not surveyed Hillman Smith et al. 2003b 2003 62 ±75 Not surveyed Hillman Smith et al. 2003b 2004 185 ±152 Not surveyed Hillman Smith 2004 Garamba NP (South) 2005 48 Not surveyed De Merode et al. 2005 2006 52 18 in parts of DCs Emslie et al.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Collaborative Management Models in Africa
    Collaborative Management Models in Africa Peter Lindsey Mujon Baghai Introduction to the context behind the development of and rationale for CMPs in Africa Africa’s PAs represent potentially priceless assets due to the environmental services they provide and for their potential economic value via tourism However, the resources allocated for management of PAs are far below what is needed in most countries to unlock their potential A study in progress indicates that of 22 countries assessed, half have average PA management budgets of <10% of what is needed for effective management (Lindsey et al. in prep) This means that many countries will lose their wildlife assets before ever really being able to benefit from them So why is there such under-investment? Two big reasons - a) competing needs and overall budget shortages; b) a high burden of PAs relative to wealth However, in some cases underinvestment may be due to: ● Misconceptions that PAs can pay for themselves on a park level ● Lack of appreciation among policy makers that PAs need investment to yield economic dividends This mistake has grave consequences… This means that in most countries, PA networks are not close to delivering their potential: • Economic value • Social value • Ecological value Africa’s PAs are under growing pressure from an array of threats Ed Sayer ProtectedInsights areas fromare becoming recent rapidly research depleted in many areas There is a case for elevated support for Africa’s PA network from African governments But also a case for greater investment from
    [Show full text]
  • African Parks 2 African Parks
    African Parks 2 African Parks African Parks is a non-profit conservation organisation that takes on the total responsibility for the rehabilitation and long-term management of national parks in partnership with governments and local communities. By adopting a business approach to conservation, supported by donor funding, we aim to rehabilitate each park making them ecologically, socially and financially sustainable in the long-term. Founded in 2000, African Parks currently has 15 parks under management in nine countries – Benin, Central African Republic, Chad, the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Republic of Congo, Malawi, Mozambique, Rwanda and Zambia. More than 10.5 million hectares are under our protection. We also maintain a strong focus on economic development and poverty alleviation in neighbouring communities, ensuring that they benefit from the park’s existence. Our goal is to manage 20 parks by 2020, and because of the geographic spread and representation of different ecosystems, this will be the largest and the most ecologically diverse portfolio of parks under management by any one organisation across Africa. Black lechwe in Bangweulu Wetlands in Zambia © Lorenz Fischer The Challenge The world’s wild and functioning ecosystems are fundamental to the survival of both people and wildlife. We are in the midst of a global conservation crisis resulting in the catastrophic loss of wildlife and wild places. Protected areas are facing a critical period where the number of well-managed parks is fast declining, and many are simply ‘paper parks’ – they exist on maps but in reality have disappeared. The driving forces of this conservation crisis is the human demand for: 1.
    [Show full text]
  • Transhumant Pastoralism in Africa's Sudano-Sahel
    U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Transhumant Pastoralism in Africa’s Sudano-Sahel The interface of conservation, security, and development Mbororo pastoralists illegally grazing cattle in Garamba National Park, Democratic Republic of the Congo. Credit: Naftali Honig/African Parks Africa’s Sudano-Sahel is a distinct bioclimatic and ecological zone made up of savanna and savanna-forest transition Program Priorities habitat that covers approximately 7.7 million square kilometers of the continent. Rich in species diversity, the • Increased data gathering and assessment of core Sudano-Sahel region represents one of the last remaining natural resource assets across the Sudano-Sahel region. intact wilderness areas in the world, and is a high priority • Efficient data-sharing, analysis, and dissemination for wildlife conservation. It is home to an array of antelope between relevant stakeholders spanning conservation, species such as giant eland and greater kudu, in addition to security, and development sectors, and in collaboration African wild dog, Kordofan giraffe, African elephant, African with rural agriculturalists and pastoralists. lion, leopard, and giant pangolin. • Enhancement and promotion of multi-level This region is also home to many rural communities who rely governance approaches to resolve conflict and stabilize on the landscape’s natural resources, including pastoralists, transhumance corridors. whose livelihoods and cultural identity are centered around • Continuation and expansion of strategic investments in strategic mobility to access seasonally available grazing the network of priority protected areas and their buffer resources and water. Instability, climate change, and zones across the Sudano-Sahel, in order to improve increasing pressures from unsustainable land use activities security for both wildlife and surrounding communities.
    [Show full text]
  • Central African Republic Giraffe Conservation Status Report February 2020
    Country Profile Central African Republic Giraffe Conservation Status Report February 2020 General statistics Size of country: 622,984 km² Size of protected areas / percentage protected area coverage: 13% Species and subspecies In 2016 the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) completed the first detailed assessment of the conservation status of giraffe, revealing that their numbers are in peril. This was further emphasised when the majority of the IUCN recognised subspecies where assessed in 2018 – some as Critically Endangered. While this update further confirms the real threat to one of Africa’s most charismatic megafauna, it also highlights a rather confusing aspect of giraffe conservation: how many species/subspecies of giraffe are there? The IUCN currently recognises one species (Giraffa camelopardalis) and nine subspecies of giraffe (Muller et al. 2016) historically based on outdated assessments of their morphological features and geographic ranges. The subspecies are thus divided: Angolan giraffe (G. c. angolensis), Kordofan giraffe (G. c. antiquorum), Masai giraffe (G. c. tippleskirchi), Nubian giraffe (G. c. camelopardalis), reticulated giraffe (G. c. reticulata), Rothschild’s giraffe (G. c. rothschildi), South African giraffe (G. c. giraffa), Thornicroft’s giraffe (G. c. thornicrofti) and West African giraffe (G. c. peralta). However, over the past decade GCF together with their partner Senckenberg Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre (BiK-F) have performed the first-ever comprehensive DNA sampling and analysis (genomic, nuclear and mitochondrial) from all major natural populations of giraffe throughout their range in Africa. As a result, an update to the traditional taxonomy now exists. This study revealed that there are four distinct species of giraffe and likely five subspecies (Fennessy et al.
    [Show full text]
  • WAR and PROTECTED AREAS AREAS and PROTECTED WAR Vol 14 No 1 Vol 14 Protected Areas Programme Areas Protected
    Protected Areas Programme Protected Areas Programme Vol 14 No 1 WAR AND PROTECTED AREAS 2004 Vol 14 No 1 WAR AND PROTECTED AREAS 2004 Parks Protected Areas Programme © 2004 IUCN, Gland, Switzerland Vol 14 No 1 WAR AND PROTECTED AREAS 2004 ISSN: 0960-233X Vol 14 No 1 WAR AND PROTECTED AREAS CONTENTS Editorial JEFFREY A. MCNEELY 1 Parks in the crossfire: strategies for effective conservation in areas of armed conflict JUDY OGLETHORPE, JAMES SHAMBAUGH AND REBECCA KORMOS 2 Supporting protected areas in a time of political turmoil: the case of World Heritage 2004 Sites in the Democratic Republic of Congo GUY DEBONNET AND KES HILLMAN-SMITH 9 Status of the Comoé National Park, Côte d’Ivoire and the effects of war FRAUKE FISCHER 17 Recovering from conflict: the case of Dinder and other national parks in Sudan WOUTER VAN HOVEN AND MUTASIM BASHIR NIMIR 26 Threats to Nepal’s protected areas PRALAD YONZON 35 Tayrona National Park, Colombia: international support for conflict resolution through tourism JENS BRÜGGEMANN AND EDGAR EMILIO RODRÍGUEZ 40 Establishing a transboundary peace park in the demilitarized zone on the Kuwaiti/Iraqi borders FOZIA ALSDIRAWI AND MUNA FARAJ 48 Résumés/Resumenes 56 Subscription/advertising details inside back cover Protected Areas Programme Vol 14 No 1 WAR AND PROTECTED AREAS 2004 ■ Each issue of Parks addresses a particular theme, in 2004 these are: Vol 14 No 1: War and protected areas Vol 14 No 2: Durban World Parks Congress Vol 14 No 3: Global change and protected areas ■ Parks is the leading global forum for information on issues relating to protected area establishment and management ■ Parks puts protected areas at the forefront of contemporary environmental issues, such as biodiversity conservation and ecologically The international journal for protected area managers sustainable development ISSN: 0960-233X Published three times a year by the World Commission on Protected Areas (WCPA) of IUCN – Subscribing to Parks The World Conservation Union.
    [Show full text]
  • Kordofan GIRAFFE Giraffe Population in the WBE Western Bénoué Ecosystem, Northern Cameroon
    CONSERVATION INITIATIVES KORDOFAN Long-term population monitoring Systematic surveys of the Kordofan GIRAFFE giraffe population in the WBE Western Bénoué Ecosystem, Northern Cameroon At the species level, giraffes are considered Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List; however, the population as a whole has dropped Human-wildlife coexistence substantially in recent decades with less than 80,000 individuals Understand the impact of cattle grazing, mining and poaching within the remaining across Africa. protected areas The subspecies of Kordofan giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis antiquorum) numbers less than 2000 individuals across West Central Africa and have recently been assessed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List. In addition to their diminishing population size, the Kordofan giraffe inhabits some of the most unstable regions in the world: southern Chad, the Central African Republic, northern Cameroon and northern Democratic Republic of Congo. Conservation of threatened species is difficult under the best of circumstances, but protecting species in areas with significant political and/or socio-economic challenges, or regions that lack enforced laws, is even more difficult. Building capacity The North Region of Cameroon is one of the last strongholds for the charismatic Train eco-guards in wildlife survey species of the Sudanian savanna woodland, including the Kordofan giraffe. In the techniques and use of new technologies heart of this area, the Western Bénoué Ecosystem (WBE) is composed of a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve (Bénoué National Park) and four neighbouring hunting zones. Despite its rich biodiversity, the WBE is faced with several threats, the most critical of which is uncontrolled pastoralism by non-local herders. Overgrazing by cattle can negatively impact large herbivore populations by reducing food abundance.
    [Show full text]
  • Kordofan Giraffe (Giraffa Camelopardalis Antiquorum), Garamba National Park, Democratic Republic of Congo
    Quarterly conservation update – Kordofan giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis antiquorum), Garamba National Park, Democratic Republic of Congo October-December 2016 Mathias D’haen Czech University of Life Sciences (CULS), Kamýcká 961/129, 165 21 Prague 6-Suchdol, Czech Republic Introduction Garamba National Park (GNP) in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) was first established in 1938 by virtue of its uniqueness, one of the first Parks in Africa. Throughout its long history the Park was initially made famous with the world’s only elephant domestication program, coupled with its high numbers of elephant and buffalo, and home to the world’s last northern white rhino (Ceratotherium simum cottoni) population. The Park was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1980 and on the List of World Heritage in Danger in 1996. Sadly, the Park’s infamy has increased through losing the last northern white rhino, and being plagued by numerous groups of rebels, in particular the Lord’s Resistance Army. In fact, the Park, being nestled in the far north-eastern corner of the country, is writing history every day again, not because of the countries’ own destabilised politics (the 2000km between the Park and the countries’ capital creates an efficient buffer), but because of its war against armed militia coming from within and neighbouring countries. GNP, and its adjacent Hunting Reserves, are also home to DRC’s only population of giraffe, historically named ‘Congo giraffe’ (Amube et al. 2009; De Merode et al. 2000; East 1999) but reclassified as they are genetically identical to other Kordofan giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis antiquorum) across Central Africa (Fennessy et al.
    [Show full text]
  • Deadly Profits: Illegal Wildlife Trafficking Through Uganda And
    Cover: The carcass of an elephant killed by militarized poachers. Garamba National Park, DRC, April 2016. Photo: African Parks Deadly Profits Illegal Wildlife Trafficking through Uganda and South Sudan By Ledio Cakaj and Sasha Lezhnev July 2017 Executive Summary Countries that act as transit hubs for international wildlife trafficking are a critical, highly profitable part of the illegal wildlife smuggling supply chain, but are frequently overlooked. While considerable attention is paid to stopping illegal poaching at the chain’s origins in national parks and changing end-user demand (e.g., in China), countries that act as midpoints in the supply chain are critical to stopping global wildlife trafficking. They are needed way stations for traffickers who generate considerable profits, thereby driving the market for poaching. This is starting to change, as U.S., European, and some African policymakers increasingly recognize the problem, but more is needed to combat these key trafficking hubs. In East and Central Africa, South Sudan and Uganda act as critical waypoints for elephant tusks, pangolin scales, hippo teeth, and other wildlife, as field research done for this report reveals. Kenya and Tanzania are also key hubs but have received more attention. The wildlife going through Uganda and South Sudan is largely illegally poached at alarming rates from Garamba National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo, South Sudan, points in West Africa, and to a lesser extent Uganda, as it makes its way mainly to East Asia. Worryingly, the elephant
    [Show full text]
  • Garamba National Park, DRC – Field Report
    Garamba National Park, DRC – Field Report February 2015 Julian Fennessy & Francois Deacon Garamba National Park (NP) in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) historically conjured up images of early explorers crossing large open plains, on the edge of the forest, teaming with elephant, buffalo, rhino, giraffe and predators. Nestled into the north east of the country bordering (South) Sudan, Garamba NP is a World Heritage Site which was once home to the last remaining population of Northern White Rhino and the previously assumed Congo giraffe. However, these were not exactly the images that first came to my mind when GCF was approached by African Parks Network (APN) together with the Congolese Institute for Nature Conservation (ICCN) to support an initiative to save the last giraffe in the DRC. I conjured images of the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA), Joseph Kony and child soldiers plundering communities and parks – images that have been splashed across the media for more than a decade. These images, understandably, had me thinking twice. But, we are all about giraffe conservation and if any giraffe population needs help, this definitely was one to look out for. With valuable financial support from the Mohammed bin Zayed Foundation Species Conservation Fund, it was only a matter of convincing (Dr to be) Francois Deacon from the University of Free Sate, South Africa to join me and help assess the situation for DRC’s last giraffe population. Once we had met up in Entebbe, Uganda in mid-February we chatted late into the night about the days ahead focussing on all things giraffe – and trying to have some perspective that this was not going to be Southern Africa, our home turf.
    [Show full text]
  • Biodiversity in Sub-Saharan Africa and Its Islands Conservation, Management and Sustainable Use
    Biodiversity in Sub-Saharan Africa and its Islands Conservation, Management and Sustainable Use Occasional Papers of the IUCN Species Survival Commission No. 6 IUCN - The World Conservation Union IUCN Species Survival Commission Role of the SSC The Species Survival Commission (SSC) is IUCN's primary source of the 4. To provide advice, information, and expertise to the Secretariat of the scientific and technical information required for the maintenance of biologi- Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna cal diversity through the conservation of endangered and vulnerable species and Flora (CITES) and other international agreements affecting conser- of fauna and flora, whilst recommending and promoting measures for their vation of species or biological diversity. conservation, and for the management of other species of conservation con- cern. Its objective is to mobilize action to prevent the extinction of species, 5. To carry out specific tasks on behalf of the Union, including: sub-species and discrete populations of fauna and flora, thereby not only maintaining biological diversity but improving the status of endangered and • coordination of a programme of activities for the conservation of bio- vulnerable species. logical diversity within the framework of the IUCN Conservation Programme. Objectives of the SSC • promotion of the maintenance of biological diversity by monitoring 1. To participate in the further development, promotion and implementation the status of species and populations of conservation concern. of the World Conservation Strategy; to advise on the development of IUCN's Conservation Programme; to support the implementation of the • development and review of conservation action plans and priorities Programme' and to assist in the development, screening, and monitoring for species and their populations.
    [Show full text]
  • Altech & Garamba National Park Provide Access to Energy to 6,500 Households in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)
    Altech & Garamba National Park provide access to energy to 6,500 households in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) Democratic Republic of the Congo (September 19, 2020) Garamba National Park and Altech, a leading distributor of renewable energy products in DRC, kicked off their partnership to provide access to energy to at least 6,500 households in northeastern DRC. The project, supported by African Parks, ICCN, and co - financed by the European Union, allows communities around the Garamba National Park to purchase a quality solar lantern or multi-light solar home system at a reduced price. Combining community development and biodiversity protection The project intends to contribute to an improved well-being and increased opportunities for the families that live around the park, and to further strengthen the partnership between Garamba National Park and the communities. The project is one of many of the park’s initiatives to foster local development, while reducing the pressure on its natural resources. “Together, let's protect nature and work for the development of the region! Garamba National Park improves access to energy for communities thanks to the financial support of European Union Funds”, said Thierry NORMAND, Director of Sustainable Development of Garamba National Park Quality solar products providing a more sustainable and affordable solution Altech was selected for its quality products, on-the-ground expertise, and local management. In the project, Altech will offer quality solar lanterns and pay-as-you-go solar lighting systems, a more sustainable and affordable solution compared to the kerosene lamps, candles and battery torches the majority of families in the region currently rely on.
    [Show full text]
  • Kordofan GIRAFFE Giraffe Population in the WBE Western Bénoué Ecosystem, Northern Cameroon
    CONSERVATION INITIATIVES KORDOFAN Long-term population monitoring Systematic surveys of the Kordofan GIRAFFE giraffe population in the WBE Western Bénoué Ecosystem, Northern Cameroon At the species level, giraffes are considered Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List; however, the population as a whole has dropped Human-wildlife coexistence substantially in recent decades with less than 80,000 individuals Understanding the impact of cattle remaining across Africa. grazing, mining and poaching within the protected areas The subspecies of Kordofan giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis antiquorum) numbers less than 2000 individuals across West Central Africa. In addition to their diminishing population size, the Kordofan giraffe inhabits some of the most unstable regions in the world: southern Chad, the Central African Republic, northern Cameroon and northern Democratic Republic of Congo. Conservation of threatened species is difficult under the best of circumstances, but protecting species in areas with significant political and/or socio-economic challenges, or regions that lack enforced laws, is even more difficult. The North Region of Cameroon is one of the last strongholds for the charismatic species Building capacity of the Sudanian savanna woodland, including the Kordofan giraffe. In the heart of Training eco-guards in wildlife this area, the Western Bénoué Ecosystem (WBE) is composed of a UNESCO Biosphere survey techniques and use of new Reserve (Bénoué National Park) and four neighbouring hunting zones. Despite its technologies rich biodiversity, the WBE is faced with several threats, the most critical of which is uncontrolled pastoralism by non-local herders. Overgrazing by cattle can negatively impact large herbivore populations by reducing food abundance. Our project will address the key problem of uncontrolled pastoralism inside protected areas.
    [Show full text]