Contribution à l’amélioration des statuts de conservation des carnivores dans les aires protégées de Fazao-Malfakassa et Djamdè

Contribution à l’amélioration des statuts de conservation des carnivores dans les aires protégées de Fazao-Malfakassa et Djamdè

Large carnivores like lions and leopards were present in Togo until the 1990s when protected areas (PAs) were ecologically viable but suffered degradation during the socio-political crisis of that period, leading to the decline of these species. From 2016 to 2018, anecdotal sightings of lions and leopards were reported around Fazao-Malfakassa National Park (FMNP). To scientifically confirm their presence, NGO AGBO-ZEGUE, with support from IUCN Save Our Species and the EU, launched a project in 2020 to establish their distribution and conserve habitats. The project aims to: (i) confirm the presence of lions and leopards in FMNP, (ii) identify and conserve their specific habitats, and (iii) promote findings for better conservation. Data on 37 mammal species were collected, enhancing understanding of FMNP’s biodiversity. The results enabled the improvement of PA management, boosted public interest, and strengthened conservation strategies in Togo.