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Establishment of protected areas is thought to be one of the best strategies to safeguard biological diversity. However, no protected area exists in a vacuum: size of the area, condition of the surrounding landscape, as well as type of boundary, are all important in determining how successful a reserve is in preserving local biodiversity. In this study, led by A. Massey, we utilized nightly wildlife observation data collected over a timespan of almost 50 years to evaluate the effectiveness of Aberdares NP, one Africa’s premier national parks, in conserving the resident mammal communities. While several key species disappeared from the reserve, presumably because their populations were not big enough to survive in the long term, a few new species also appeared in our records – their appearance was likely the result of deliberate introductions.
Approx. 20 years ago the national park was fenced in, with the intent to protect local farmers from mammals foraging outside the reserve, and also to shield local wildlife from poaching. The first aim appears to have been largely met, but while human activities such as logging and poaching temporarily declined after the establishment of the fence, they then rose again as the result of insufficient enforcement and ineffectual community outreach. Our results suggest that while fencing can be a useful tool in reducing human-wildlife conflict it needs to be accompanied by appropriate public education programs (see Massey et al. 2014).
Waterbuck (Kobus ellipsiprymnus) are one of the key large ungulates in the national park.
The border of Aberdares NP can be recognized from a distance due to differences in vegetation condition.
Graph of the aggregate wild animal populations at the two sites surveyed in Aberdares NP. Wildlife populations have been in long-term decline at the site near the edge of the park (Treetops-blue) where illegal killing and other human activities are affecting the local environment. The establishment of a fence around 1990 temporarily reversed this decline, but ineffective enforcement and resumed poaching have since led to further declines. Wildlife populations at the second site (The Ark-red), which is located further away from the edge of the NP, have remained remarkably stable across >40years.
Summary of changes in the Aberdare NP mammal communities. Some species that were once consistently recorded and are now no longer observed are considered extinct (light blue - left). Core species (blue - center) are defined as taxa that have been recorded consistently throughout the duration of this study. Six species (dark blue - right) have colonized the NP over the duration of the study. Most colonizers were either exotic invasives (e.g., coypu) or were large game intentionally released for tourist viewing purposes (e.g., eland, impala).
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