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de Iongh, H.H.; Croes, B.; Rasmussen, G.; Buij, R.; Funston, P.
The status of cheetah and African wild dog in the B‚nou‚ Ecosystem, North Cameroon
2011  Cat News (55): 29-31

Here we present the results of a research programme on large carnivores implemented in the B‚nou‚ Ecosystem of North Cameroon. The area comprises three national parks (B‚nou‚, Bouba-Ndjidda and Faro, with a total surface of 7,300 km2) and a large area comprising 28 hunting zones (with a total surface of 15,700 km2) that is contiguous and surrounds all three parks. Three years of surveys (2007-2010) covered 4,200 km of spoor transects, 1,200 camera-trap days, 109 interviews with local villagers, and direct observations. From these data we conclude that cheetahs _Acinonyx jubatus_ and African wild dogs _Lycaon pictus_ are functionally extinct in the B‚nou‚ Ecosystem and probably also in other areas of the country. Spotted hyenas _Crocuta crocuta_ and leopards_ Panthera pardus_ were found in hunting zones and national parks in similar densities, but lion_ Panthera leo_ densities were significantly lower in hunting concessions than in national parks. Our immediate recommendation is that local authorities drastically improve management strategies in both national parks and hunting concessions, to facilitate restoration of wild dog and cheetah populations by immigration from neighbouring countries Central African Republic and Chad. 

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