IUCN / SSC Cat Specialist Group - Digital Cat Library |
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| Leighton-Jones, P. | |
| Carnivore biodiversity and distribution in continental Africa: Implications for conservation | |
| Full Book | |
At present, conservationists face an unenviable task. As human populations exponentially grow, the negative impact they are having on the environment is rendering it ever more urgent to effectively map gloval biodiversity. The main problem face is generating capital and interset for the species under threat. The larger African carnivores have an advantage in this respect because they benefit from being 'popular' animals worldwide; however, lesser-known carnivores are not so lucky. Of utmost importance is the undertaking of a comprehensive study of carnivore behaviour and demographics; this will enable outdated information to be replaced with higher quality information. Carnivore biodiversity in Africa is highest in southeastern tropical scrub habitat and this is where scientists should concentrate their conservation efforts in the short term. However, the importance of biodiversity 'coldspots' cannot be underestimated as there areas may include endemic or rare populations of species that have as much right to be conserved as any other carnivores in sub-Saharan Africa. |
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(c) IUCN/SSC Cat Specialist Group ( IUCN - The World Conservation Union) |