Investigating Wildlife Dynamics
Research currently being undertaken by WCS-Congo researchers will investigate the feasibility of spatial management and other management options for wildlife harvesting, by combining biological, theoretical, and anthropological approaches. Spatial management of hunting has been proposed as an alternative form of management. Spatial management consists of forming hunting and no-hunting zones on a landscape. No-hunting zones play two important functions. No-hunting areas serve as a refuge and protect populations within their borders from over hunting, while populations in no-hunting zones can disperse to replenish harvest in hunting zones.
The results of this research will increase our ecological knowledge of duikers, which are currently very poorly known, even if they constitute most of the hunted biomass. Anthropological research will generate increased insight into decision-making and preferences for natural resource management. This research will generate management recommendations for Kabo-Pokola-Toukoulaka-Loundoungou and wildlife management in forest concessions elsewhere in the Congo Basin.