Determinants of Local Attitudes and Knowledge toward Herbivorous Mammal Conservation in Coastal Cameroon: A Case Study of the Douala-Edéa National Park

Abstract

The Douala-Edéa National Park (DENP) is facing increasing anthropogenic pressure driven by coastal urbanization and the subsistence needs of neighboring communities. Herbivorous mammals are at the heart of this dynamic, serving as both flagship species and sources of conflict. This study explores the factors influencing local perceptions and community involvement in the conservation of these species. Data were collected from 150 households across 12 peripheral villages. Structured questionnaires and semi-structured interviews were employed to cross-reference socio-professional data with the participants' knowledge of species protection status and their attitudes toward conservation agents. Data analysis, conducted using R (version 4.1.0) and Microsoft Excel 2013, revealed several key determinants. Regarding knowledge levels, while 92.7% of residents correctly identify flagship species such as the elephant, fewer than 47.2% are aware of the specific legal restrictions associated with the site’s new status as a National Park. Economic factors emerged as the primary determinant; attitudes are predominantly negative among populations whose livelihoods depend exclusively on subsistence farming, hunting, and fishing, largely due to human-wildlife conflict. The study found a positive correlation between education levels and support for conservation programs, as more educated individuals are better able to perceive ecosystem benefits. Conversely, while indigenous populations possess a rich empirical knowledge of local fauna, they frequently feel disenfranchised by regulations that limit their customary land-use rights. The findings demonstrate that conservation cannot succeed through enforcement alone. To improve the status of herbivores, it is imperative to: Compensate for losses by implementing mechanisms to manage crop and gear damage. Conduct targeted environmental education, including translating legal texts into local languages and raising awareness about the ecological roles of herbivores. Promote inclusive governance by involving traditional chiefs in surveillance patrols and decision-making processes to restore trust between the Ministry of Forestry and Wildlife (MINFOF) and local communities.