Wildlife Conservation In West Africa

"This book offers a timely, clear-headed, and uniquely important contribution to conservation, one that should be read by all bureaucrats, scientists, and others involved with development projects that supposedly benefit wildlife and wilderness."--George B. Schaller, author of Wildlife of the Tibetan Steppe

Wildlife Conservation in Africa: A Scientific Approach presents comprehensive management strategies for the consumptive and non-consumptive utilization of wildlife across Sub-Saharan Africa. It describes African economies that are currently dependent on wildlife resources and prescribes strategies for conserving biodiversity in both forests and animals in ecosystems across the continent. The book covers the history and current status of how Africa's culture, traditions, healthcare and food sources are woven intricately around the local wildlife and resources. It is a necessary resource for researchers and practitioners in wildlife and ecological conservation, but is also useful for administrators and managers of protected areas. Written by the world's leading expert on African wildlife conservation Uses over 45 years of research and knowledge on the topic Provides a detailed categorization of conservation areas across Sub-Saharan Africa Covers both in-situ and ex-situ conservation methods for wildlife

Though the pygmy hippopotamus has been designated as a flagship species of West African forests (meaning that by raising conservation efforts for a single species, an entire ecological region could benefit), very little research has been published on the animal. They are solitary, nocturnal, and highly evasive, and until recent developments in "camera trap" technology, they were considered the least-photographed large mammal species in the world. The information currently available on this endangered species is scattered, limited, redundant, and often inaccurate, and no major volume exists as a resource for those interested in the conservation effort for the species, until now. Phillip Robinson and his coauthors provide a treatment of the natural history, biology, and ecology of the pygmy hippo, along with a discussion of the rare animal's taxonomic niche and a summary of the research initiatives involving it up to this point. The authors show the ways in which the pygmy hippo has come into contact with people in West African countries, both in terms of ecological and cultural impact. This creature has been the subject of local folktales, and is treated as almost mythic in some regions. Information on issues related to captivity, breeding, and zoos is provided. The book is heavily illustrated with original photographs and anatomic drawings. The project should be of use to conservation biologists, zoologists and natural history readers, and will be the definitive single-volume account of an animal that the scientific community has designated to be ecologically significant to West Africa.

A fascinating and thought-provoking journey into West Africa through the eyes of the people who have dedicated their lives to helping preserve the natural habitat of West Africa. This book describes the work of individuals who have devoted their lives to preserving a richly diverse, beautiful, and prosperous world for future generations of West Africans. The book's purposes are to honour these dedicated conservationists and to offer them as inspirational role models for those considering joining the ranks of conservationists. By describing the places, the issues, and the challenges facing these individuals, this book presents a snapshot of West Africa conservation as we begin the twenty-first century. Eighteen different profiles cover a gamut of topics such as: Trees for Timbuktu, Forests for the Future, Championing Chimpanzees, Endangered Species, National Parks, and the Politics of Conservation. While the economy and politics of this great country keep changing you will feel an involvement in these conservation efforts right from the start of this book!