Establishing a New Faunal Reserve for Bonobos and People
One of the greatest threats to wildlife in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is loss of habitat – habitat lost to land conversion, human encroachment, and logging. Establishing protected areas like national parks and reserves is one important step in helping to reverse this trend. After a 15 year effort, AWF has helped establish the Faunal Reserve of Lomako-Yokokala – a reserve of more than 3,600 square kilometers. This is a landmark achievement as it is the DRC’s first reserve that formally recognizes the local community in the development of its management plan.
One Protected Area Offers Protection for Many
As part of the process to identify an appropriate protected area, AWF conducted biological surveys. The surveys confirmed rich biodiversity, including the endangered bonobo. The data collected helped AWF to develop a map with proposed boundaries that would ensure the adequate protection of bonobos.
The established 3,625 square kilometer Faunal Reserve not only offers protection for the bonobos, but it also harbors critical populations of the endemic Congo peacock, golden cat, giant pangolin, ten species of primates and other key species.
Looking to the Future
Though gazetting this protected area is a huge accomplishment, AWF believes it is only the beginning. AWF is committed to helping implement a management plan that involves local people. AWF has already trained 285 local research assistants and four team leaders to help with biological surveys, detailed mapping, and recording human activity and bushmeat hunting. To ensure the most effective outcome possible, AWF also involved local communities when proposing boundaries for the new wildlife reserve. And we financed workshops and key meetings that helped make Lomako-Yokokala a reality. Eventually, the plan will include developing ecotourism as a major source of local income.
