Game over! Wildlife collapse in northern Central African Republic

The wildlife populations of northern Central African Republic (CAR) have long suffered intense uncontrolled hunting. Socio-political turmoil in northern CAR that started in 2002 resulted in a rebellion in 2006. An aerial sample count was carried out in northern CAR after the cease-fire to assess the impact of this troubled period on wildlife. The survey was flown at the end of the dry season in February-March 2010. It covered a landscape complex of 95 000 km² comprising national parks, hunting reserves and community hunting areas. Comparison with earlier surveys reveal a dramatic decline of wildlife: the numbers of large mammals fell by 94% in 30 years, probably due to poaching, loss of habitat and diseases brought by illegal movements of cattle. Elephant (Loxodonta africana), reduncini and topi (Damaliscus lunatus) populations showed the greatest decline (each over 90%). Other species declined by 70 to 80% during the same period. The future of the rest of the wildlife in this area is dark without a strong commitment to provide adequate funding and quickly implement determined field management. Reinforced cooperation with neighbouring Chad and Sudan is required since they are facing similar problems.