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What future for primates? Conservation struggles in the forests  of Cross River State, Nigeria

Endangered drills (Mandrillus leucophaeus) in an animal rescue center in Cross River State (Nigeria). Photo by Torsten Krause

What future for primates? Conservation struggles in the forests of Cross River State, Nigeria

Human induced faunal loss - defaunation - has been greatly overlooked when it comes to forest conservation and management. This recent study by Focali-members Torsten Krause, Tobias Nielsen and Fariborz Zelli with colleagues, analyzes the impacts of defaunation and associated multi-level governance gaps using Nigeria´s Cross River State forests as a case.

Abstract

While deforestation and forest degradation have gained attention in recent years not least at the UN climate negotiations, a third “de”, i.e., defaunation, has to a great extent been overlooked. Human-induced faunal loss does not only reduce tree species diversity, but also significantly erodes key ecosystem services and functions and further disadvantages local communities. In this article, we analyze these impacts, and the associated multi-level governance gaps, through a case study of Nigeria’s Cross River State and make suggestions for more encompassing conservation approaches that take defaunation into account. To this end, we analyze the interplay between current forest governance and REDD+ in Cross River State and local hunting of forest fauna. Drawing on Ostrom’s social-ecological systems framework and a mixed-methods approach, we identify shortcomings and gaps of international and domestic forest governance, for instance, the ongoing expansion of agriculture in forest areas, a lack of collective action on forest fauna conservation at the local level, as well as conflicts amongst key actors at the sub-national level. Current REDD+ governance in Cross River State largely fails to address fauna loss and local hunting practices, but also affect allocation and access of environmental benefits and burdens for local people.

 

Endangered drills (Mandrillus leucophaeus) in an animal rescue center in Cross River State (Nigeria).

Endangered drills (Mandrillus leucophaeus) in an animal rescue center in Cross River State (Nigeria). Photo by Torsten Krause

 

 

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