National Park Support

Photo: Cattle surrounded by branches

Photograph by Pricelia Tumenta epse Fobuzie

National Park Support

Grantee: Pricelia Tumenta epse Fobuzie, Ph.D.

About the Project

This project, led by Big Cats Initiative grantee Pricelia Tumenta epse Fobuzie, Ph.D., involves strengthening park management to better protect the Waza National Park and its resources as well as empowering communities to practice good conflict-mitigation methods. Particular focus is on the conservation of lions and the reduction of economic losses caused by the predator to the human communities that live around the park.

The main threat to the declining lion population in the park is conflict with humans. Lions are often killed in retaliation for taking livestock. This predation has serious financial repercussion for pastoralists in poor communities and thus on local development. On the other hand, retaliatory killings threaten the lion population and, in the case of poisoning, the entire carnivore guild. Carnivores as top predators play a key role in moderating and maintaining ecosystems.

It's envisaged that an increase in security patrols will substantially increase the effectiveness of conservation efforts. Educating all stakeholders involved in lion conservation on the economic and ecological contribution of the lion will add value to the animal and hence improve its conservation status. Wildlife conservation, which is generally of low priority to politicians and policymakers, will gain more attention. Policies for the conservation of lions and other wildlife species will be improved in Cameroon. The practical application of ideas and methods proposed in conflict mitigation strategy forums, which incorporate multi-stakeholder interventions, will considerably reduce livestock losses and the need to kill lions—thus benefiting both conservation and local livelihoods.

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