Skip to main content
Download PDF
Download ePub

Wildlife use and the role of taboos in the conservation of wildlife around the Nkwende Hills Forest Reserve; South-west Cameroon

Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine volume 11, Article number: 2 (2015) Cite this article

Abstract

Background

Cameroon is known as Africa in miniature because of its multitude of ecosystems and associated biodiversity, cultures and traditions. The country also harbors very ancient human populations whose relationship with nature is very intimate and where animals play important roles for their livelihood. Located in the South-west region of Cameroon, the Nkwende Hills Forest Reserve (NHFR) represents an important wildlife conservation site because of its strategic position at the periphery of Korup National Park (KNP). The periphery of NHFR is inhabited by several ethnic groups amongst which are the Obang and Ngunnchang clans who share particular relationships with wildlife. The present paper studies these relationships and contributes to the growing trend of scientific ethnozoological studies across Africa.

Method

From August to December 2011, a questionnaire survey was addressed to 126 randomly chosen household respondents (HRs) in seven villages at the Northwest periphery of NHFR. In households, preference was given to parents, and to the eldest child in case the parents were absent. Questions related to the uses and local taboos on wildlife species were asked to HRs.

Results

Both communities have accumulated knowledge on the use of 51 wildlife species of which 50.9% represent mammals, 21.6% birds, 15.7% reptiles, 7.8% fish and 3.9% invertebrates. Four main use categories of wildlife by both communities were identified, namely (1) Food, medicine and sales values (41.2%), (2) Ethnomusical animals and parts used as trophy (29.2%), (3) Decoration and jewelry making values (21.9%) and (4) Magico-religious and multipurpose values (7.8%). Regarding local taboos, species specific taboos (generation totems and acquired totems), habitat taboos (sacred forests), method and segment taboos still persist but are rarely respected among the youth mainly because of the scarcity of wildlife (65.3% of HRs).

Conclusion

Like other communities living around forest areas, the studied communities use wildlife in their culture and tradition. Wildlife is not only used for consumption, but also for traditional medicines, craft materials and spiritual purposes. But, threats to wildlife and their traditional uses are real and acculturation seems to be the main driver. High priority should be given to the reconciling conservation of species with high values for local communities and human needs.

Background

Tropical evergreen forests are the most species-rich ecological ecosystems and are highly endangered all over the world [1]. According to [2–5], Cameroon forests are primordial for the conservation of African biodiversity, but continue to face alarming threats. Some of these threats are closely related to people’s dependency on Non Timber Forest Products for their livelihoods [6–8]. Taking into account the importance of biodiversity in our communities today [9], integrated conservation measures for sustainable management seems to be the best solution [10, 11]. The adoption of such measures requires knowledge from local populations who are the principal indicators of the changes observed in their area [12]. Ethnobiology helps adapt a link between natural resources and local populations and requires two basic components i.e. the knowledge on biodiversity and its uses (mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians) and a comprehension of the culture [13, 14]. It has been demonstrated that these uses are generally guided by laws and restrictions important for conservation [15, 16]. Several studies have shown how these uses, cultures and traditions lead to wildlife conservation [13, 17, 18]. Also, the culture and tradition regulate the use of certain species especially those of nutritional and medicinal importance [19–22]. Ethnozoological studies can be a valuable asset to increase our understanding of the economic, cultural, social, and traditional roles played by animals and reconcile human and conservation needs. In this context, they have a central role in conservation and management [23]. Increased consideration for traditional uses of wildlife will help solve important conservation problems related to human-wildlife conflicts [24]. Therefore, to secure a future for animal populations, conservationists must understand not only the ecological, but also the cultural and economic interactions that link ecological and social systems [25]. Furthermore, there is a great need for ethnobiological studies in Cameroon given the increasing relevance of this science across Africa. The present paper documents traditional uses and cultural values of wildlife for local populations, and the contribution of taboos to wildlife conservation around the NHFR.

Methods

Study area

The present study was carried out in seven villages (Abat, Mgbegati, Bayib-ossing, Osselle, Okoroba, Mbinda-Tabo and Bakogo) situated in the support zone of KNP, specifically between the Northwestern part of NHFR and Northeastern part of KNP, in the Southwest region of Cameroon (Figure 1). The name “Nkwende” in Ejagham tribe, meaning “a water source for animals”, was given to those hills in 1960. The Nkwende hills lie to the Northwest of Nguti town and to the West of Nguti-Mamfe road. The highest peak is about 737 m asl around Bayib-Ossing village [26]. Part of NHFR extends to Okoroba village recognisable by rock faces commonly called by the locals “chimpanzee stone”, alleged to be a refuge for chimpanzees. The forest at present is a secondary forest in the surrounding villages due to logging and agricultural activities. Intact primary forests still exist in higher altitudes where no suitable timber trees were found or where the sloppy nature of the hills made forest exploitation impossible [26].

Figure 1
figure 1

The study area in the map of Cameroon, showing the studied villages.

Full size image

Due to its proximity to KNP, the study area shares similar climatic, fauna and flora characteristics. The rainfall is about 5000 mm per year and the mean annual temperature is about 25°C [27]. The large mammal fauna of KNP consists of 33 families with 161 species. KNP contains one quarter of all Africa’s primate species and represents an important site for primate conservation. It contains species with restricted distribution including a number of endemics such as the giant otter shrew Potamogale velox, Calabar angwantibo Arctocebus calabarensis, drill Mandrillus leucophaeus, and Preuss’s red colobus Procolobus preussi. Concerning small mammals, Korup contains as many as 55 species of bats and 47 species of rodents. Here, the presence of three shrews (Crocidura crenata, C. grandiceps and C. lamottei) were recorded for the first time in Cameroon and a new species was discovered Sylvisorex pluvialis [28]. In ornithological terms, KNP is reputedly the most diverse lowland site in Africa with a total of 420 bird species recorded so far in 53 families [29–31]. Four species found in the area are considered to be ‘rare’ including Green-breasted bush-shrike Malaconotus gladiator, White-throated mountain-babbler Lioptilis gilberti, Red-headed rockfowl Picathartes oreas and Yellow-footed honeyguide Melignomon eisentrauti. The African grey parrot Psittacus erithacus is heavily hunted for export trade. In addition, Korup contains 82 reptile and 92 amphibian species, a number of them being endemic to the area. They include three caecilian species, 89 species of frog and toad, two species of tortoises, two species of aquatic turtles, 15 species of lizards, five species of chameleons, three species of crocodiles and 55 species of snakes. Amphibians listed as endangered or vulnerable include Amietophrynus superciliaris and Nectophryne afra [32, 33]. Finally, regarding fish, rivers draining Korup and Nkwende are not uniform in their taxonomic composition and diversity. Peculiar to this zone are colonies of sting-rays, typically marine snappers Lutjanus sp.; and a jack Trachinotus goreensis, all living over 300 km from the sea. About 130 species of fish are known from the area [34].

Socio-economically speaking, the social organisation of the village around the NHFR is made of a chief, regent chief (traditional) and other community-based structures. Although important decisions are usually taken in consultation with the traditional council and regent chief, the juju society locally called “Ekpe”, remains the most important social institution and governing body in all villages of the support zone of KNP [35–38]. Community based institutions for the management of natural resources, such as Forest Management Committee (FMC) and other village development associations, exist in the study area. The inhabitants are the Lower Oban people, precisely the Ngunnchang and Obang clans. The common communication language is Pidgin English and the traditional spoken language is the Ejagham.

Socioeconomic profile of Household Respondents (HRs)

Distribution of HRs per gender and age

HRs were dominantly males of the age group 20 to 40 years old (Figure 2). This represents the active age group. Females were less represented because during interviews, preference was given to males who were considered to be the head of the household, originating from the village, principal hunters and having more knowledge concerning culture and traditions in relation to wildlife.

Figure 2
figure 2

Distribution of HRs per gender and age.

Full size image

Distribution of HR by level of education

About 94% of HRs went to school. Among these, 53% have attained the First School Living Certificate (FSLC) at the end of their primary education. This high proportion of HRs with the FSLC is explained by the absence of secondary schools in the area [39, 40]. About 11% of HRs have gone to university, i.e. having more than the General Certificate of Education - Advance Level (>ADV), and 6% were “Illiterates” i.e. have not gone to school at all (Figure 3).

Figure 3
figure 3

Distribution of HRs by level of education. Notes: FSLC refers to HRs who are holders of the First School Leaving Certificate; ADV refers to HRs who are holders of a General Certificate of Education - Advanced Level and ILLITERATES refers to HRs who have not been to school; FSLC < X < ADV refers to HRs who attended secondary education but did not obtain the ADV; <FSLC refers to HRs who attended primary education but did not obtain a FSLC; >ADV refers to HRs who attended higher education after the ADV.

Full size image

Religion of HRs

About 85% of HRs are Christians. Among these, 55% are Presbyterian Christians (Figure 4). These religions greatly influence the uses of wildlife in the culture and tradition. For example, Jehovah witnesses do not use wildlife because it is prohibited by their religion. On the other hand, non Christians continue to practice traditional rights and respect their tradition. Irrespective of the religious affiliation, HRs use wildlife for traditional purposes in the study area.

Figure 4
figure 4

Distribution of HRs per religion.

Full size image

Economic activities

In Cameroon, agriculture represents the primary production sector and it is the main source of employment. It contributes significantly to the Gross Domestic Product of the nation [41]. In the study area, 43% of HRs practiced only agriculture. Main agricultural products in the study area are cocoa Theobroma cacao, plantain Musa spp.; oil palm Elaeis guineensis, cocoyam Colocasia esculentum, cassava Mahinot spp.; groundnut Arachis hypogea and maize Zea mays. Livestock production is poor in the study area and few goats, chickens, pigs and cattle constitute the main livestock products (as in [37]). People practicing other activities in association with agriculture (“Others”) represent 8% of HRs. About 13% and 10% of HRs are students and hunters respectively (Figure 5).

Figure 5
figure 5

Distribution of HRs per economic activity.

Full size image

Data collection

A questionnaire survey was carried out in 126 randomly chosen households from the seven studied villages. Households were chosen by simple random sampling based on the size of the village. It consisted in counting the number of households in each of the seven studied villages, producing a sketch map with the positions and numbers of each household, then numbering them on papers, and then proceeding in a draw without replacement. For villages with households between 0 and 20, a 100% sampling was performed, between 21 and 50, a 50% sampling was performed, and greater than 50, a 25% sampling was performed. Globally, the sampled households in the studied villages ranged between 25% and 57.1%. HRs were any of the parents or eldest child met at home. Within a household, preference was given to the family head who was considered to be the eldest, the principal hunter, originating from the village, and then supposed to know more concerning the culture and traditions of the village in relation to wildlife. In case of his absence, preference was given to the mother. If both parents were absent, the eldest child was interviewed. In each household, questions were asked to assess their awareness about wildlife used in their culture and as local taboos. Furthermore, self observation and discussions with villagers of all age and sex during meetings, community works and football occasions helped for cross checking. Wildlife species were identified thanks to local names given by HRs, and with reference to the field guide of African mammals [42].

Prior to the realisation of the study, the Chief of the village and the head of the family were consulted and their verbal approval was obtained before any interview. They are aware of the possibility of writing any publication from the data collected and wish to receive a copy of the publication when ready.

Results and discussions

Traditional uses of wildlife

Like in other areas of Central Africa, the primary use of wildlife in the study area is for consumption. This is because many people depend on bushmeat as a means to survive during time of hardship (e.g. unemployment and crop failure), or to gain additional income for special needs (e.g. school fees, festivals and funerals) [43]. This ‘safety net’ is often more important for the more vulnerable members of the community [15]. Traditional hunting of wildlife in Cameroon for subsistence purposes is not prohibited, though the wildlife law addresses restrictions on the class of species to be harvested, places of harvest, harvest methods, type of weapons and quantity/final use of product [44]. As concerns consumptive uses of wildlife, the most consumed mammal species are Brush-tailed porcupine Atherurus africanus, Blue duiker Cephalophus monticola, Ogilby’s duiker Cephalophus ogilbyi, Pangolin Uranamis tetradactyla and monkeys Cercopithecus spp.; (see also [40, 45–47]). Consumed reptiles are African rock python Python sebae and Rhinoceros horned viper Bitis nasicornis. The birds consumed are generally large in size such as hornbills Tockus spp.; African grey parrot Psittacus erithacus and Black guineafowl Ageslates niger. As concerns amphibians, toads Bufo spp.; is the most consumed. Lastly, the most consumed fish species are Tilapia Tilapia spp.;, Sarotherodon sp.; and mudfish Heterobranchus sp;.

Apart from their consumptive uses, 99.7% of HRs in the study area recognised the effective use of wildlife in their culture and traditions. It was found that 26 mammal species (Table 1, Figures 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16), 11 bird species (Table 2, Figures 17, 18, 19), eight reptile species (Table 3, Figures 20, 21, 22), four fish species (Table 4) and two invertebrates (Table 5), representing respectively 50.9%, 21.6%, 15.7%, 7.8% and 3.9% of all animal groups, are used in various ways for cultural and traditional purposes.

Table 1 Mammals parts used and reasons
Full size table
Figure 6
figure 6

The horn of an African forest buffalo.

Full size image
Figure 7
figure 7

Skin of the blue duiker.

Full size image
Figure 8
figure 8

Skin of an African civet.

Full size image
Figure 9
figure 9

Skin of the flying squirrel.

Full size image
Figure 10
figure 10

Skin of an African palm civet.

Full size image
Figure 11
figure 11

Tail of an African palm civet.

Full size image
Figure 12
figure 12

Spine of the brush tailed porcupine.

Full size image
Figure 13
figure 13

Tooth of a red river hog and red tail feather of an African grey parrot. Notes: Both are used in combination to decorate caps of chiefs and elders of sacred societies. Depending on the position of the feather on the cap, it denotes hierarchy between members of sacred societies.

Full size image
Figure 14
figure 14

Tsinabup leaf. Notes: Unidentified herb important for mixtures of medicine.

Full size image
Figure 15
figure 15

Ntemaker leaf. Notes: Unidentified herb important for mixtures of medicines.

Full size image
Figure 16
figure 16

Osselleayong leaf. Notes: Unidentified herb important for mixtures of medicines.

Full size image
Table 2 Birds parts used and reasons
Full size table
Figure 17
figure 17

The head of a hornbill.

Full size image
Figure 18
figure 18

The feathers of a palmnut vulture.

Full size image
Figure 19
figure 19

The feathers of a great blue turaco.

Full size image
Table 3 Reptile parts used and reasons
Full size table
Figure 20
figure 20

Fats extracted from the African rock pythons skin.

Full size image
Figure 21
figure 21

The shells of tortoises.

Full size image
Figure 22
figure 22

The skin of a Nile monitor.

Full size image
Table 4 Fish parts used and reasons
Full size table
Table 5 Invertebrates parts used and reasons
Full size table

Some of the uses concerning mammals and reptiles correspond to those described by [49] at the periphery of Rumpi hills forest reserve, and by [18] in the Korup area for mammals only. Some of the uses concerning some of the birds species described in this paper were also identified in [18, 50]. Some of the uses concerning fish and invertebrates correspond to those described in [51].

Adapted from [22], we classified the above uses of wildlife in the study area in four categories namely:

Animals with food, medicinal and sales values

This category represented 41.2% of all uses of wildlife in the study area. This group contains animals like Ogilby’s duiker, blue duiker, flying squirrel, potto, chimpanzees (Table 1), African grey parrot, hornbills (Table 2), African rock python, rhinoceros horned viper (Table 3) and all fish (Table 4). According to [19–21]; [48–51], the overlapping of food and medicinal uses is a common finding from India and other parts of the world. Such animals with dual role are important for healing and providing nourishing food items to boost up the immune system [22]. In the present paper they were also considered as a source of income. It should also be noted that the culture regulates the use of species especially those of nutritional and medicinal importance [19–22].

Ethnomusical animals and parts used as trophy

This category represented 29.2% of all uses of wildlife in the study area. The skin is the main part used for making drums. Animals whose skins are elastic, resistant, durable and non fatty are preferred. Species like blue duiker, Ogilby’s duiker, bay duiker (Table 1), African rock python, dwarf crocodiles and Nile monitor (Table 3) are cherished (see also [18]).

Animals used in decoration and jewelry making

This category represented 21.9% of all uses of wildlife in the study area. The main parts used are the teeth, feathers of birds and skins. Parts of African civet, leopard, Red river hog (Table 1), African grey parrot, crowned eagle, palmnut vulture (Table 2), African rock python and tortoise (Table 3) are preferred.

Magico-religious and multipurpose animals

This category represented 7.8% of all uses of wildlife by both communities. These animals are generally used to communicate with ancestors. Species like Ogilby’s duiker, leopard, African civet (Table 1), and crowned eagles (Table 2) are preferred. This category is also represented by animals whose parts serve in various ways such as the buffalo and elephant. Like the Tamang community in Central Nepal, the populations of the study area maintain not only material level relationships with animals but also spiritual relationships [22]. This has been reported in different parts of the world [52, 53].

Cultural taboos

With respect to wildlife use, four types of taboos were identified. These are habitat, species specific, method and segment taboos (see also [54–56]). Among taboo species we found totems that differ according to their origin. On one hand, we found totems which are acquired at birth known as inborn or generation totems, e.g. red river hog, drill, forest elephant and chimpanzee. On the other hand, we found voluntary acquired totems or personal totems such as red-capped mangabey, African rock python and owls. These personal totems are purchased in spiritual markets with the aid of native doctors. These totems play great roles in the conservation of certain species because it is believed that when a totem is killed, a person will die in the village or neighboring village. As concerns habitat taboos, sacred forests exist in the study area. According to [13] they are crucial conservation sites characterised by high biodiversity. They varied between one and four sites per village. The four locally identified sacred forests are Ekpe, Mawooh, Obhon and Amgbu sacred forests. Habitat taboo was the most common in the study area and seems to be the most known and respected form of taboo in Africa [55]. The restriction to use gamaline and toxic products for fishing by the village traditional councils was the main method taboo. Segment taboos are manifested by the restriction of women and children from consuming certain animals such as Red river hog (according to 15.6% of HRs), Snakes (according to 8.5% of HRs) and most primates. It is however important to note that threats to wildlife is real. An evaluation of the perceptions of HRs on the use level of wildlife showed that, wildlife use for cultural and traditional purposes is disappearing progressively (according to 96.7% of HRs). This trend was mainly because of the scarcity of wildlife (65.3% of HRs) and the loss of culture among the youths (12.5% of HRs).

Conclusion

Literature on efficacy of indigenous knowledge offers huge hopes to conservation success [57–60]. Like other indigenous populations, the Obang and Ngunnchang populations possess rich ethnozoological knowledge. They have accumulated knowledge on the uses of several species of wildlife which were classified into animals with “food, medicinal and sales values”, “ethnomusical animals and parts used as trophy”, animals used in “decoration and jewelry making” and “magico-religious and multipurpose animals” based on the method of use and the reason attributed by HRs (see also [22]). Body parts such as the skin are used in making musical instruments such as drums. Flesh cooked with plantains and palm oil is used for liberation ceremonies and communication with ancestors. Bones are used for strengthening; feathers are used to denote hierarchy between members of sacred societies and many others are used for medicines. Plants like Ageratum cornisoides, Aframomum melegueta and Elaeis guineensis happen to be very important for mixtures of medicines and thus play important medicinal roles (see also [50]). Both communities believe in species specific, habitat, method and segment taboos which, if respected duly, are great conservation measures. They are traditional practices known to have promising potential for enhancing sustainable resource use (see also [61]). To evaluate the level of respect of the culture in other to ascertain the role played by traditional knowledge and taboos in conservation, it is imperative to know the level of loss of the culture (acculturation) as the conservation of not only biodiversity but also cultural diversity is necessary for development [22]. Strategies to fight against threats to wildlife should thus be defined taking also into consideration traditional knowledge and taboos. High priority should be given to reconciling conservation of species with high values for local communities and human needs.

References

  1. Naughton-Treves L, Weber W: Human dimensions of the African rainforest. In African rainforest ecology and conservation. Edited by: Weber W, White LJT, Vedder A, Naughton-Treves L. New Haven: Yale University press; 2001:30–43.

    Google Scholar 

  2. Stuart SN, Adams RJ, Jenkins MD: Biodiversity in sub-saharan Africa and its islands: conservation, management and sustainable use. IUCN occasional papers 6. Gland, Switzerland 1990.

    Google Scholar 

  3. Doumenge C: Atlas pour la conservation des forêts d’Afrique. UICN, France editions Jean Pières de Monza Paris 1996, 310.

    Google Scholar 

  4. Doumenge C: Forest diversity, distribution and dynamics in the Itombwe mountains, South – kivu. Congo Democratic Repub Mt Resour Dev 1998,18(3):249–264.

    Google Scholar 

  5. Doumenge C, Garcia JE, Gartlan S, Langrand O, Ndinga A: Conservation de la biodiversité forestière en Afrique centrale Atlantique: Le réseau d’aires protégées est –il adéquat? Bois Forêts Tropiques 2001, 268:5–27.

    Google Scholar 

  6. Wilkie DS, Carpenter JF: Bushmeat hunting in the Congo Basin: an assessment of impacts and options for mitigation. Biodiv Conserv 1999, 8:927–955. 10.1023/A:1008877309871

    Article  Google Scholar 

  7. Food and Agricultural Organisation: Resources assessment of Non Timber Products experience and biometric principles. 2001, 109.

    Google Scholar 

  8. Mbolo M: La collecte et l’analyse des données statistiques sur les produits forestiers non ligneux: Une étude pilote au Cameroun. 2002, 137.

    Google Scholar 

  9. Robinson JG, Bennett EL: Carrying capacity limits to sustainable hunting in tropical forests. In Hunting for sustainability in tropical forests. Edited by: Robinson JG, Bennett EL. New York: Columbia University Press; 2000:13–30.

    Google Scholar 

  10. World Conservation Monitoring Centre: United Nations list of national parks and protected areas. Gland: IUCN; I994.

    Google Scholar 

  11. Adams WM: Green development: environment and sustainability in the third world. London: Routledge; 2001.

    Google Scholar 

  12. Sillitoe P, Alshawi LAA, Al-Amir HAK: Challenges to conservation: land use change and local participation in the AlReem Biosphere Reserve, West Qatar. J Ethnobiol Ethnomed 2010, 6:28. http://www.ethnobiomed.com/content/6/1/28 10.1186/1746-4269-6-28

    Article  PubMed Central  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  13. Duncan WT, McCauley JT, Bromley WA, Mbenchum FT: Korup ethnobotany survey. Final report. Weyside park, Godalming Surrey: WWF Panda house; 1989:154.

    Google Scholar 

  14. de Merode E, Homewood K, Cowlishaw G: Wild resources and livelihoods of poor households in Democratic Republic of Congo. ODI Wildlife Policy Briefing No.1 2003.

    Google Scholar 

  15. Kideghesho JR: Co-existence between the traditional societies and wildlife in western Serengeti, Tanzania: its relevancy in contemporary wildlife conservation efforts. Biodiver Conserv 2008., 21:

    Google Scholar 

  16. Hobbs JJ: Guidelines for the involvement of nomadic pastoralists in conservation and development. In Nomadic societies in the Middle East and North Africa: entering the 21st century. Edited by: Chatty D. Leiden: Brill Publishers; 2006:785–799.

    Google Scholar 

  17. Mwihomeke ST, Msangi TH, Mabula CK, Ylhäisi J, Mndeme KCH: Traditionally protected forests and nature conservation in the North Pare mountains and Handeni district, Tanzania. J East Afr Nat Hist 1998,87(1 and 2):279–290.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  18. Bobo KS, Ntumwel CB: Mammals and birds for cultural purposes and related conservation practices in the Korup area, Cameroon. Life Sci Leaflets 2010, 9:226–233.

    Google Scholar 

  19. Kakati LN, Doulo V: Indigenous knowledge system of zootherapeutic use by Chakhesang tribe of Nagaland, India. J Hum Ecol 2002, 13:419–423.

    Google Scholar 

  20. Solovan A, Paulmurugan R, Wilsanand V, Singh RAJA: Traditional therapeutic uses of animals among tribal populations of Timil Nadu. Ind J Trad Know 2004, 3:198–205.

    Google Scholar 

  21. Jamir NS, Lal P: Ethnozoological practices among Naga tribes. Ind J Trad Know 2005, 4:100–104.

    Google Scholar 

  22. Lohani U: Man-animal relationships in Central Nepal. J Ethnobiol Ethnomed 2010, 6:31. 10.1186/1746-4269-6-31

    Article  PubMed Central  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  23. Alves RRN: Relationships between fauna and people and the role of ethnozoology in animal conservation. Ethnobiol Conserv 2012,1(2):1–69.

    Google Scholar 

  24. Bobo KS, Weladji RB: Wildlife and land use conflicts in the Mbam and Djerem conservation region, Cameroon: status and mitigation measures. Hum Dimen Wild 2011,16(6):445–457. 10.1080/10871209.2011.608219

    Article  Google Scholar 

  25. Alves RRN, Albuquerque UP: Ethnobiology and conservation: why do we need a new journal? Ethnobiol Conserv 2012, 1:1–3.

    Google Scholar 

  26. Ndeh ADR, Mbah B, Dzikouk G: Ornithological surveys of Nkwende Hills, Bakossi Mt. UFA (11–001 and 11–002); for biodiversity conservation and priority settings in the Cameroon-Nigeria Transboundary. Birdlife Int 2002., 44:

    Google Scholar 

  27. Zimmermann L: A comparative study of growth and mortality of trees in Ceasalp dominated lowland African rainforest at Korup, Cameroon. 2000.

    Google Scholar 

  28. Hotterer RE, Schlitter DA: Shrews of Korup National Park, Cameroon, with the description of a new Sylvorex (Mammalia: Soricidae). 1991.

    Google Scholar 

  29. Rodewald PG, Dejaifve PA, Green AA: The birds of Korup National Park and Korup project area, South West Province, Cameroon. Bird Conserv Intern 1994, 4:1–68. 10.1017/S095927090000263X

    Article  Google Scholar 

  30. Bobo KS, Waltert M, Fichtler M, Mühlenberg M: New bird records for the Korup project area, Southwest Cameroon. Malimbus 2005, 27:13–18.

    Google Scholar 

  31. Bobo KS, Njie FM, Mbeng SE, Mühlenberg M, Waltert M: Baumann’s Greenbul Phyllastrephus baumanni , new to Cameroon. Short Notes. Malimbus 2007, 29:130–132.

    Google Scholar 

  32. Lawson DP: Inventory and status of Herpetofauna of Korup Rainforest National Park, Cameroon. Report to the Korup Project 1992.

    Google Scholar 

  33. Lawson DP: The reptiles and amphibians of the Korup National Park project, Cameroon. Herpetol Nat Hist 1993, 1:27–90.

    Google Scholar 

  34. Reid GM: The living waters of Korup rainforest: a biological survey report and recommendations with emphasis on fish and fisheries. In WWF report 3206-A8:1. Gland: World Wildlife Fund; 1989.

    Google Scholar 

  35. Devitt P: The people of Korup project area: report on phase one of the socio-economic survey. WWF-UK; 1988.

    Google Scholar 

  36. Butcher C: Village information database: a survey of the villages in the support zone of Korup project. Korup project, Cameroon 1997.

    Google Scholar 

  37. Vabi M: Socio-economic surveys of human use inside and within 3 km of Korup National Park. WWF-CPO Activities Report 1999.

    Google Scholar 

  38. Malleson R: Forest livelihoods in SW Province, Cameroon: an evaluation of the Korup experience. University College London; 2000. Submitted for the Degree of Ph.D. Department of Anthropology

    Google Scholar 

  39. Ngalim OY: Revenue components and conflicts in the use of natural resources in the peripheral zone North-east of the Korup National Park. Memoire FASA/UDs 2011, 93.

    Google Scholar 

  40. Ntumwel BC: Contribution of dung decay rates to the estimation of densities of duikers and the ethnobiology of mammals and birds in the Korup National Park. Internship report/FASA/UDs 2010, 49.

    Google Scholar 

  41. Dewbre J, BorotdeBattisti A: Agricultural progress in Cameroon, Ghana and Mali: why it happened and how to sustain it. OECD Food Agric Fish Working Papers 2008, 9:60.

    Google Scholar 

  42. Kingdon J: The Kingdon field guide to African mammals. San diego: Academic Press; 1997:496.

    Google Scholar 

  43. Fa JE, Brown D: Impacts of hunting on mammals in African tropical moist forests: a review and synthesis. Mammal Rev 2009, 39:231–264. 10.1111/j.1365-2907.2009.00149.x

    Article  Google Scholar 

  44. Djeukam R: The wildlife law as a tool for protecting threatened species in Cameroon. A report to MINFOF, Cameroon 2007, 34.

    Google Scholar 

  45. Kamgaing TOW: Chasse villageoise et contribution a l’élaboration d’un modèle de prélèvement durable pour Cephalophus monticola en périphérie nord-est du parc national de Korup, sud-ouest Cameroun. Mémoire F.A.S.A/Uds 2011, 119.

    Google Scholar 

  46. Moute A: Contribution à l’élaboration des stratégies pour une gestion durable de la faune mammalienne sauvage en périphérie nord-est du Parc National de Korup, Sud-ouest Cameroun. Mémoire FASA/Uds 2010, 83.

    Google Scholar 

  47. Ndengue MLS: Evaluation du statut de conservation des primates diurnes à la périphérie nord-est du Parc National de Korup, Sud-ouest Cameroun. Mémoire F.A.S.A/Uds 2011.

    Google Scholar 

  48. Brown MW: The roles of wild animals in rural households of the Korup National Park support zone: Women perspectives. Report to the Korup project 1996, 13.

    Google Scholar 

  49. Lauren E: Wildlife utilization survey of villages surrounding the Rumpi hills forest reserve. Report to the Korup project 1992, 59.

    Google Scholar 

  50. Bobo KS, Ntumwel BC, Nganmegne FN, Fosso LC, Mekontchou CG: Sacred plants and animals in the Batoufam and Bansoa communities in west Cameroon. Life Sci Leaflets 2011, 18:684–689.

    Google Scholar 

  51. Reid GM: The living waters of Korup rainforest: a hydrobiological survey report and recommendations, with emphasis on fish and fisheries. Report to the Korup project 1989, 72.

    Google Scholar 

  52. Alves RRN, Léo Neto NAL, Santana GG, Vieira WLS, Almeida WO: Reptiles used for medicinal and magic religious purposes in Brazil. Appl Herpetol 2009, 6:257–274. 10.1163/157075409X432913

    Article  Google Scholar 

  53. Solanki GS, Chutia P: Ethnozoological and sociocultural aspects of Monpas of Arunachal Pradesh. J Hum Ecol 2004, 15:251–254.

    Google Scholar 

  54. Colding J, Folke C: The relations among threatened species, their protection and taboos. Conserv Ecol (Online) 1997, 1:6.

    Google Scholar 

  55. Colding J, Folke C: Social taboos: “invisible” systems of local resource management and biological conservation. Ecol Appl 2001, 11:584–600.

    Google Scholar 

  56. Azah MM: A socio-economic study on the feasibility of a community wildlife management concept in the periphery zone northeast of the Korup National Park. Memoire FASA UDs 2010, 75.

    Google Scholar 

  57. Berkes F, Colding J, Folke C: Rediscovery of traditional ecological knowledge as adaptive management. Ecol Appl 2000,10(5):1251–1262. 10.1890/1051-0761(2000)010[1251:ROTEKA]2.0.CO;2

    Article  Google Scholar 

  58. Berkes F: Rethinking community-based conservation. Conserv Biol 2003,18(3):621–630.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  59. Becker CD, Ghimire K: Synergy between traditional ecological knowledge and conservation science supports forest preservation in Ecuador. Conserv Ecol 2003,8(1):1. (Online) URL: [http://www.ecologyandsociety.org/vol8/iss1/art1/]

    Google Scholar 

  60. Moller H, Berkes F, Lyver PO, Kislalioglu M: Combining science and traditional ecological knowledge: monitoring populations for co-management. Ecol Soc 2004.,9(3): [online]. Accessed 22 May 2006

  61. Kideghesho JR: The potentials of traditional African cultural practices in mitigating overexploitation of wildlife species and habitat loss: experience of Tanzania. Int J Biodivers Sci Ecosyst Serv Manage 2009, 5:83–94. 10.1080/17451590903065579

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgements

The study was carried out thanks to the financial support from the VolkswagenFoundation, under the “Africa initiative - Knowledge for Tomorrow: Cooperative Research Projects in Sub-Saharan Africa”, through the project «Managing Forest wildlife for Human Livelihoods in the Korup-Oban Hills region, West-Central Africa». Special thanks to the population of the studied villages for their hospitality and valuable contribution to the research.

Author information

Affiliations

  1. Department of Forestry, Faculty of Agronomy and Agricultural Sciences, University of Dschang, P.O. Box: 222, Dschang, Cameroon

    Kadiri Serge Bobo, Fodjou Florence Mariam Aghomo & Bonito Chia Ntumwel

  2. School for the Training of Wildlife Specialists Garoua, Ministry of Forestry and Wildlife, P.O. Box: 271, Garoua, Cameroon

    Kadiri Serge Bobo

Authors
  1. Kadiri Serge Bobo
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Fodjou Florence Mariam Aghomo
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Bonito Chia Ntumwel
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Kadiri Serge Bobo.

Additional information

Competing interests

The authors declare that they have no competing interests.

Authors’ contributions

All authors conceived the study. KSB drafted and revised the manuscript. FFMA and BCN conducted the field study, performed the data analysis and drafted the manuscript. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.

Rights and permissions

This article is published under license to BioMed Central Ltd. This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly credited. The Creative Commons Public Domain Dedication waiver (http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/) applies to the data made available in this article, unless otherwise stated.

Reprints and Permissions

About this article

Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Bobo, K.S., Aghomo, F.F.M. & Ntumwel, B.C. Wildlife use and the role of taboos in the conservation of wildlife around the Nkwende Hills Forest Reserve; South-west Cameroon. J Ethnobiology Ethnomedicine 11, 2 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1186/1746-4269-11-2

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/1746-4269-11-2

Keywords

  • Cameroon
  • Culture
  • Ngunnchang and Obang communities
  • Nkwende hill forest reserve
  • Taboos
  • Traditional ecological knowledge
  • Wildlife

Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine

ISSN: 1746-4269

Contact us