Zecchini, A., 1999. Le rhinoceros noir au Cameroun doit survivre. Courrier de la Nature 179: 34-39, figs. 1-4, map 1
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| Location: |
Africa - Western Africa - Cameroon |
| Subject: |
Distribution - Records |
| Species: |
Black Rhino |
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There was a conservation plan established by Pierre Pfeffer under WWF in 1980, which however was not followed by financial decisions needed for its implementation. There were also several projects of IUCN and of the French ministry of Cooperation, including the project of Philippe Chardonnet, which have not been inititated. Still two programs may be mentioned. First is that of IUCN on the biodiversity in Cameroon, which is partly a consrvation of the ecosystem of the savannah, including the conservation of the black rhino. That important program comprising 10 millio dollar, was agreed in 1994. The funds should have been released now, but the program is not yet operational. The other initiative, parallel to the first, is the project FAC/Biodiversit? du Nord of the Ministry of cooperation. Started in 1995, it will finish in 1999. It also has a component for the rhinoceros. But no results have come forward due to tensions with the cameroon government. The person responsible, Hubert Planton, has however completed some field studies.
In Feb 1998, a new impulsion was given under the aegis of the French Ministry of Cooperation in assocation with the French branch of IUCN and WWF, the CIRAD-EMVT, the Ministere de l'Am?nagement du Territoire et de l'Environnment, ONC, the Fonds Francais pour l'Environment Mondial, the Fondation international pour la sauvegarde de la faune, the Conseil international de la chasse. Among the possible options, one strategy seems to have preference: to regroup the animals in one, or several, areas of several thousands of hectares. That poses several problems. The capture of rhinos is risky; one does not know the parentage of the animals; the sex ratio is unknown. Another point is discussed: should one de-horn the animals? In Zimbabwe a large number of dehorned rhinos is killed because even the small horn is still valuable. The dehorning needs to be repeated regularly. Despite this, this technique is presneted by some as the operation of the last chance.
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Le rhinoceros noir au Cameroun doit survivre
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