TITLE:
Diversity and Threats to Large and Medium-Sized Mammals in the Northeastern Part of the Mbangassina Council Forest, Centre Cameroon
AUTHORS:
Serge Alexis Kamgang, Ervis Manfothang Dongmo, Guy Herman Zanguim Tchoutezou, Steve Tassiamba Nanfack, Martin Tchamba Ngankam
KEYWORDS:
Inventory, Mammals, Anthropogenic Activities, KAI, Mbangassina Council
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Ecology,
Vol.15 No.4,
April
21,
2025
ABSTRACT: The purpose of this study was to assess the diversity, abundance, and major threats to large- and medium-sized mammal species in the Mbangassina Council Forest in Centre region of Cameroon. The purpose was to assist the municipality in implementing its local strategy for sustainable development. The data were collected between March 6 and April 22, 2022, using the line-transects distance sampling method and reconnaissance walks (recce). A total of 33 transects were covered, for a completion rate of 97.45% in the study area. The results of the study confirm the presence of nine species of large and medium mammals belonging to four orders, four families dominated by Artiodactyles. The large- and medium-sized mammals recorded during our surveys included the black-backed duiker (Cephalophus dorsalis), yellow-backed duiker (Cephalophus silvicultor), pangolin (Manis sp.), moustached monkey (Cercopithecus cephus), sitatunga (Tragelphus spekii), civet (Civettictis civetta), blue duiker (Philantomba monticola), and red-flanked duiker (Cephalophus rufilatus). The diversity index was 0.99 for a total mammal Kilometric Abundance Index (KAI) of 0.51 indices/km. However, the study area recorded a total KAI of 0.31 individuals per kilometer for 21 indices of human presence. The high value of the observed diversity index reflects the ecological importance of this ecological entity for the Municipality of Mbangassina, and the authorities must intensify their protection effort to reduce illegal activities in these areas.