African forest elephant (Loxodonta cyclotis); Conservation strategies; Human-wildlife interactions; Socio-ecological systems; Central Africa; West Africa
Abstract :
[en] Introduction: Human-wildlife coexistence is an increasingly important challenge in multiple-use landscapes where conservation goals intersect closely with human development needs. In Central and West Africa, the range of forest elephants (Loxodonta cyclotis) extends beyond the boundaries of protected areas. This spatial overlap presents multifaceted challenges for both forest elephants and human communities. Methods: Through an extensive literature review, we synthesize current knowledge on human-forest elephant coexistence in Central and West Africa by assessing the spatial distribution of research efforts, identifying key challenges associated with human-forest elephant cohabitation, and analyzing the multi-dimensional factors that influence coexistence outcomes. The review highlights current science gaps and explores potential pathways toward improved coexistence strategies. Results: Based on data recorded at 46 research sites across nine forest elephant range countries, we identified four key coexistence challenges: challenges to elephant safety and conservation, competition for natural resources, agriculture-related conflicts, and human safety and health concerns. A dynamic interplay of environmental conditions, natural resource availability, anthropogenic disturbances, farming practices, biological aspects, socio-cultural dynamics, and institutional frameworks characterizes the coexistence of humans and forest elephants. Discussion: We propose a framework that integrates seven interrelated strategies to support coexistence: (a) understanding spatio-temporal availability of natural resources, (b) mapping key ecological features and prioritizing habitat connectivity, (c) mapping human land-use and limiting harmful anthropogenic disturbances, (d) limiting high-risk farming practices and promoting cooperative land-use strategies, (e) studying the behavior of conflict-prone elephants, (f) improving positive perceptions of forest elephants, and (g) strengthening law enforcement and institutions. Understanding and managing human-forest elephant interactions is essential to ensuring the long-term survival of forest elephants and supporting sustainable development of local communities.
Disciplines :
Environmental sciences & ecology
Author, co-author :
Broers, Justine ; Université de Liège - ULiège > Département GxABT > Gestion des ressources forestières
Vermeulen, Cédric ; Université de Liège - ULiège > TERRA Research Centre > Gestion des ressources forestières
Brittain, Stephanie; Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology, University of Kent, United Kingdom
Ngama, Steeve ; Université de Liège - ULiège > Département GxABT > Gestion des ressources forestières ; Institut de Recherches Agronomiques et Forestières, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique et Technologique (IRAF-CENAREST), Gabon
Lhoest, Simon ; Université de Liège - ULiège > TERRA Research Centre > Gestion des ressources forestières
Language :
English
Title :
Sharing space between humans and forest elephants: A comprehensive review
EU - European Union CIFOR - Center for International Forestry Research ULiège - University of Liège Nature+ FWB - Fédération Wallonie-Bruxelles Fonds Léopold III pour l'Exploration et la Conservation de la Nature
Funding number :
NDICI AFRICA/2024/455-048; EURU-1808
Funding text :
The authors thank the University of Liège for funding and supporting this research, as well as the Leopold III Fund, Nature+, and the Wallonia-Brussels Federation for their additional support. Many thanks to Adeline Fayolle for access to the map of tropical African biomes from Aleman et al. (2020). This document was produced with the financial support of the European Union. Its contents are the sole responsibility of the authors and can under no circumstances be regarded as reflecting the position of the European Union. This research was also made possible with the support of the Applied Research in Ecology and Social Sciences in Support of the Sustainable Management of Forest Ecosystems in Central Africa (RESSAC) program implemented by CIFOR-ICRAF, and with the financial assistance of the European Union.
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