IUCN / SSC Cat Specialist Group - Digital Cat Library |
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| Burton, C.; Balangtaa, C.; Sam, M.; Brashares, J. | |
| Conservation Status of Felids in Mole National Park, Ghana | |
| 2007 Conference Proceeding | |
The conservation of wild felids in West Africa represents a critical challenge, as populations are poorly known but suspected to have severely declined. Mole National Park (MNP) in northern Ghana is considered important to the long-term survival of felids such as lion, leopard and serval in West Africa. Nevertheless, no previous assessment has been undertaken in the park. We used camera traps, spoor surveys and local knowledge to assess the status of felids and other mammals in and around MNP. Fifty camera traps were deployed over 1283 camera-trap nights and >60 km of transects and 36 village questionnaires have been completed. Results confirm the presence of two felids, leopard (6.1 photos/100 trap nights) and caracal (1.4), along with 29 other mammal species. Lion and serval have not been detected, but patrol records and questionnaires suggest they are present. Other carnivores detected include spotted hyena, African civet, and side-striped jackal. Among prey species, bushbuck, warthog and waterbuck are relatively abundant, while larger ungulates (e.g. buffalo, hartebeest) appear to be rare. Results indicate that hunting pressure is high in MNP, and that felids are killed for skins and as threats to livestock. More effort is needed to protect these regionally significant populations. |
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