Assessment of Threat Status and Management Effectiveness in Kakamega Forest, Kenya |
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Authors: | Bärbel Bleher Dana Uster Thomas Bergsdorf |
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Institution: | (1) Institute for Zoology, Department of Ecology, Johannes Gutenberg-University of Mainz, Becherweg 13, 55128 Mainz, Germany;(2) Department of Ornithology, National Museums of Kenya, Nairobi, Kenya |
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Abstract: | To counteract an increasing biodiversity decline, parks and protected areas have been established worldwide. However, many
parks lack adequate management to address environmental degradation. To improve management strategies simple tools are needed
for an assessment of human impact and management effectiveness of protected areas. This study quantifies the current threats
in the heavily fragmented and degraded tropical rainforest of Kakamega, western Kenya. We recorded seven disturbance parameters
at 22 sites in differently managed and protected areas of Kakamega Forest. Our data indicate a high level of human impact
throughout the forest with illegal logging being most widespread. Furthermore, logging levels appear to reflect management
history and effectiveness. From 1933 to 1986, Kakamega Forest was under management by the Forest Department and the number
of trees logged more than 20 years ago was equally high at all sites. Since 1986, management of Kakamega Forest has been under
two different organizations, i.e. Forest Department and Kenya Wildlife Service. The number of trees logged illegally in the
last 20 years was significantly lower at sites managed by the Kenya Wildlife Service. Finally, logging was lower within highly
protected National and Nature Reserves as compared to high logging within the less protected Forest Reserves. Reflecting management
effectiveness as well as protection status in Kakamega Forest, logging might therefore provide a valuable quantitative indicator
for human disturbance and thus an important tool for conservation managers. Logging might be a valuable indicator for other
protected areas, too, however, other human impact such as e.g. hunting might also prove to be a potential indicator. |
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