Population Trends of Large Carnivores in the Benoue Ecosystem, a Savannah Landscape of Central (…)

ABSTRACT

Large carnivores play a vital role in ecosystem functioning, yet their populations are increasingly threatened by habitat loss, human–wildlife conflict and declining prey availability. The Benoue ecosystem in Cameroon, one of the last strongholds for lions (Panthera leo), leopards (Panthera pardus) and spotted hyaenas (Crocuta crocuta) in Central Africa, is experiencing significant conservation challenges. This study assessed spatiotemporal trends in large carnivore encounter rates in the Benoue ecosystem, Cameroon, from 2014 to 2023. We used repeated spoor counts as a proxy for inferring population trends and assessing the impacts of land cover changes. We found significant declines across species and blocks. Lion declines were similar between blocks (substrates are similar and detection therefore unlikely to be affected by this source of bias). Spoor encounter rates were significantly higher in the National Park (NP) compared with the surrounding Hunting Zones (HZ) in the Bouba Ndjidda block, whereas the reverse was true in the Benoue block; there was no significant effect in the Faro block. Leopard spoor encounter rates were highest in the Bouba Ndjidda block and in the NP within the block. Spotted hyaena spoor encounter rates decreased over time across the ecosystem (and were lowest in the Benoue block). These trends can be linked to trends in vegetation dynamics across the three blocks, with the highest habitat loss recorded in the Benoue block, compared to the more stable habitat conditions in Bouba Ndjidda and Faro. These differences are likely influenced by variations in conservation investments, habitat degradation, and anthropogenic pressures, which were not fully assessed during the study. The findings emphasise the urgent need for increased conservation efforts in the Benoue block to mitigate further population declines and habitat fragmentation. Effective management strategies, including enhanced anti-poaching efforts and habitat restoration, are likely to be crucial for maintaining viable carnivore populations in the region.