Abstract:
Information on how biotic factors influence delivery of ecosystem services (ES) in natural systems is important for holistic
landscape management. In this study, we assessed the perceived effects of elephants’ presence on ES supply in the Pendjari
Biosphere Reserve in West Africa. A total of 112 respondents, including riparian communities and reserve officials, were
interviewed. First, we used ranking techniques based on stakeholders’ perceptions to evaluate differences in perceived
importance of ES. Second, we assessed the perceived impact of elephants on ES supply from both direction and intensity
perspective. Third, we assessed the economic importance of threatened ESs and elephants’ damages related economic losses
incurred by households. Twenty-seven ES were enumerated, 13 provisioning ES, 12 cultural ES, and two from the regulating
and maintenance ES category. Provisioning ES were perceived as the most important although not significantly different from
other categories. PES were also found to be most affected negatively by elephants’ impacts. However, elephants’ presence
increased supply of cultural ES. The average cost of the losses due to elephants’ negative impacts ranged from $174.80 to
$586.05 per year and per victim household. These results were discussed in relation to management actions necessary to
facilitate coexistence between elephant and local populations.
Language:
English
Date of publication:
2019
Region Focus:
West Africa
University/affiliation:
Journal:
Volume:
12
Pagination:
1-13
Collection:
RUFORUM Journal Articles
Agris Subject Categories:
Additional keywords:
Licence conditions:
Open Access
Form:
Web resource
ISSN:
E_ISSN:
Edition: