Protection status and national socio‐economic context shape land conversion in and around a key transboundary protected area complex in West Africa

A key transboundary protected area complex in West Africa, the W-Arly-Pendjari Complex, shows significant spatial heterogeneity in anthropogenic pressure, with high protection status areas more effective at preventing land conversion. The study, using a novel methodology to compare land cover change across large remote areas, found widespread agricultural expansion outside protected areas over 13 years. Differences in cropland expansion rates between countries suggest a link to rural population growth. These findings highlight the need for comprehensive assessments that leverage remote sensing data to better understand and monitor the ecological outcomes of transboundary conservation efforts.

Schulte to Bühne, H., Wegmann, M., Durant, S. M., Ransom, C., de Ornellas, P., Grange, S., Beatty, H., & Pettorelli, N. (2017). Protection status and national socio‐economic context shape land conversion in and around a key transboundary protected area complex in West Africa. Remote Sensing in Ecology and Conservation, 3(4). Portico. https://doi.org/10.1002/rse2.47