Local Perceptions of Interactions Between Elephants and Borassus Aethiopum Mart. (Arecaceae) in the Pendjari National Park in Benin

A significant increase in elephant populations within the Pendjari National Park, part of the W-Arly-Pendjari Complex, has been linked to high poaching pressure in transboundary parks. This migration has led to substantial pressure on tree species, including Borassus aethiopum, a dioecious palm. The study, involving 53 respondents from different socio-professional categories, found consensus among administrators, ecoguards, and local professional hunters regarding the relationship between elephants and B. aethiopum. The research suggests that a regional approach to protect elephant populations could mitigate migration and its impacts on vegetation. Semi-structured interviews were used to gather perceptions on causes, damage, consequences, and management options.

Houndonougbo, J. S. H., Salako, V. K., Idohou, R., Azihou, F. A., Assogbadjo, A. E., & Glèlè Kakaï, R. (2017). LOCAL PERCEPTIONS OF INTERACTIONS BETWEEN ELEPHANTS AND BORASSUS AETHIOPUM MART. (ARECACEAE) IN THE PENDJARI NATIONAL PARK IN BENIN. BOIS & FORETS DES TROPIQUES, 331, 33–43. https://doi.org/10.19182/bft2017.331.a31324