SPECIES RICHNESS, SPATIAL DISTRIBUTIONS AND DENSITIES OF LARGE- AND MEDIUM-SIZED MAMMALS IN THE NORTHERN PERIPHERY OF BOUMBA-BEK NATIONAL PARK, SOUTHEASTERN CAMEROON

This study provides basic data on the species richness, spatial distributions, and densities of large- and medium-sized mammals in two Community Hunting Zones (CHZs 13 and 14) located in the northern periphery of Boumba-Bek National Park, southeastern Cameroon. The survey was conducted along 126 2-km transects and 101 recce walkways between transects, over a total of 398 km. A total of 31 species, or groups of species, of large- and medium-sized mammals were observed. The highest encounter rates (ERs) were recorded for red duikers (8.74 signs/km), blue duiker (6.12), and brush-tailed porcupine (4.42). Relatively high ERs (0.5 or more) were observed for elephant, red river hog, tree pangolin, yellow-backed duiker, and gorilla. Human activities including hunting and snaring were widely observed in the study area. Spatial distribution analysis revealed that different species were affected differently by human activities. In CHZ 13, an area more populated by humans, populations of red duikers and red river hog, important game animals for the local people, appeared to have decreased. In contrast, duikers and red river hog remained in CHZ 14 at similar levels as in the neighboring national parks. These results suggest that areas neighboring the park can exist in different stages of animal deterioration; therefore, the situation should be examined carefully to elaborate an effective wildlife management model that contributes not only to the conservation of biodiversity but also to the sustainable use of bushmeat by local people.