Marcelle Mbadjoun Nzike
The Bangoulap Sacred Forests are considered the only remaining witnesses of forest elements in areas where agricultural exploitation is increasing (Kokou & Caballé, 2000). Nevertheless, they are now subjected to intense human pressure, which could lead to their complete disappearance. This constitutes the main threat to wingless species, such as our key species in this study, Parapterotiltus minimoides, which has a very restricted distribution. This species is flightless, with very low dispersal ability, and is specialised to forest habitats exclusively (bioindicators).
Unfortunately, due to the accelerated rate of deforestation, the population of this target species could increasingly become fragmented and decline at an alarming rate; this situation may easily lead to the extinction of the latter. Given the threats faced by this species, it is crucial to urgently plan conservation strategies within its distribution range. Effective conservation measures require a good understanding of the ecological requirements and threats faced by the target species. Unfortunately, such information is lacking for our target species.
This project is intended to provide baseline data to establish the conservation status and programme management plan for Parapterotiltus minimoides in the Bangoulap Sacred Forests. Specifically, we intend to (1) Estimate the population size and occurrence of the target species using the capture-mark-recapture method; (2) Characterise the vegetation formations of the survey area to determine P. minimoides habitat preferences; (3) Assess the distribution range of the target species based on GPS coordinates recorded; (4) Identify all the threats associated with this species in the study area; and
(5) Raise awareness campaigns to promote P. minimoides conservation importance in local communities surrounding the Bangoulap Sacred Forests.