Africa’s large mammals are conserved for their aesthetic, scientific and
economic values. Many of these species face a gloomy future precipitated by a
combination of factors directly and indirectly influenced by the activities of
man, including habitat loss, overexploitation, poor management of designated
protected areas, and the vulnerability of small isolated populations.
Africa’s designated protected areas and biodiversity hotspots are also
under threat, highlighting the importance of embracing community participation
to address accelerating poverty and malnutrition. Innovative strategies are
required for the conservation of Africa’s mammals, such as the
integration of a wide range of species in the production landscape, including
the farming community. Transfrontier conservation areas (TFCAs) have been
established with the combined objectives of conserving biodiversity, creating
new jobs in the tourism and wildlife industry, and promoting a culture of
peace. These areas extend far beyond traditional national parks, providing
opportunities for integrating large mammals into sustainable land-use
practices, at the same time as addressing some of the continent’s more
pressing socioeconomic needs. Research on African mammals will inevitably have
to change direction to accommodate the growing threats and changed
circumstances. Priorities will include the identification of corridors
associated with TFCA establishment, the determination of the economic value of
certain species in consumptive use programmes, research on contraception as a
management option in restricted areas, and further work on the indirect use
value of species. There will also be worthwhile opportunities to be pursued
with ex situ conservation programmes, but these need to be focussed more
efficiently.
East African Mammals: an Atlas of Evolution in Africa, Volume III Part B (Large Mammals), by Jonathan Kingdon. Academic Press, London, £55.
