College of Arts & Sciences

Daouda Njie

College of Arts & Sciences

Biological

Sciences

Faculty Mentor: Dr. Mary Katherine Gonder

Biology

Dr. Dana Venditti Co-Mentor

The illegal wildlife trade has resulted in a decrease of biodiversity and threatens many fauna with extinction. Socioeconomic transformations in Central Africa intensify these pressures by increasing accessibility to previously undisturbed regions. In particular, hunting pressures effect the endangered Nigeria-Cameroon chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes ellioti). Chimpanzees can provide insights into the health of an ecosystem and can raise awareness of the illegal wildlife trade. Previous studies used wild chimpanzee genetic data from Cameroon to predict the origins of captured Chimpanzees. These findings, in conjunction with data on anthropogenic activities, can be used to predict regions of hunting susceptibility. Using a spatial distribution model, we have identified how varying socioeconomic factors impact the development of hunting hotspots in Cameroon and have determined which factors significantly influence patterns of predicted hunting. Results show that hunting hotspots coincide with protected areas and are impacted by factors associated with development. These results can be used to inform conservation strategies and management within Cameroon.