Community Perception and Pangolins (Manis spp.) Conservation in the Kimbi-Fungom National Park, North West Cameroon

Abstract

This study was undertaken in 2017 with the aim to bring out community perception that can contribute to the conservation of pangolins in the Kimbi-Fungom National Park (K-FNP). A survey was used for data collection with questionnaires administered, semi-structured interviews and focused group discussions. Results showed that, 58% of respondents reported Smutsia gigantea as the most abundant pangolin species followed by Phataginus tricuspis (27%) and Phatagimus tetradactyla (15%). Hunters’ interviews revealed that 35% of hunted animal species in the Park were pangolins and about 1664 pangolins were killed annually in the seven villages surveyed. An average small pangolin in K-FNP area costs 2,500CFA. This showed a low cost-value of pangolins in the K-FNP compared with 550,000 to 625,000CFA (1100-1250USD) in countries like China. This probably explains the high poaching and the unwillingness of the good number of respondents (55%, n=117) who expressed negative attitudes towards Pangolins conservation with some stating that they have no means to alternative sources of livelihood. This means that, effective support for domestication of animals and frequent sensitization campaign should be actively undertaken around the K-FNP to divert the minds of the villagers from illegal hunting of pangolins toward their conservation.