Publications
Batwa return to their Eden? Intricacies of violence and resistance in eastern DRCongo’s Kahuzi-Biega National Park
Indigenous Batwa communities' violent reoccupation of Kahuzi-Biega National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in eastern DRCongo, stems from the failure of peaceful resistance strategies, escalating threats, and new alliances. The study reveals how slow violence can transition into overt resistance, highlighting the complex interplay between conservation efforts and indigenous rights. Researchers analyzed these dynamics through qualitative methods, focusing on three key factors: the inefficacy of non-violent resistance, increasing external pressures on the Batwa, and emerging opportunities for collaboration with other stakeholders. This work contributes to broader debates on territorialization in conservation, emphasizing the need for inclusive approaches that address both ecological goals and human rights.
An annotated checklist of the fish fauna of the river systems draining the Kahuzi‐Biega National Park (Upper Congo: Eastern DR Congo)
A comprehensive annotated checklist of the fish fauna in Kahuzi-Biega National Park (KBNP), Eastern DR Congo, reveals 118 species across its river systems, with five cichlid introductions. The Lowa basin dominates with 30 Cyprinidae species (25% of diversity), followed by Mormyridae and Alestidae. Seven new species were discovered, and 11 are endemic to the Lowa system, highlighting KBNP's ecological significance but also its limited coverage of the region's fish diversity. The study combined museum collections with recent fieldwork (2013–2017) from the Lowa River and Lake Kivu affluents.
Understanding ranger motivation and job satisfaction to improve wildlife protection in Kahuzi–Biega National Park, eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo
Ranger job satisfaction is low but can be significantly improved through higher salaries, better promotion opportunities, and enhanced support from authorities. A 2015–2016 survey of 72% of rangers in Kahuzi-Biega National Park revealed that while most chose this profession to conserve wildlife or serve their country, factors like patrol assignment, housing at headquarters, age, and tenure influenced satisfaction levels. Improving these conditions could boost ranger commitment, performance, and conservation outcomes.
The socio-economics of artisanal mining and bushmeat hunting around protected areas: Kahuzi–Biega National Park and Itombwe Nature Reserve, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo
Artisanal mining in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo significantly threatens large mammal species, including Critically Endangered Grauer's gorillas and Endangered eastern chimpanzees, while providing short-term economic gains for miners. A survey of 14–16% of the population—8–10 million people—revealed that miners earned higher revenues than non-miners but preferred transitioning to other sectors due to instability and risks, often linked to armed groups controlling mines. Bushmeat hunting, driven by lack of alternative protein sources, was widely acknowledged as a major cause of wildlife declines. Respondents indicated they would reduce bushmeat consumption if sustainable meat alternatives were accessible. The study recommends targeted interventions, including improving access to domestic meats, micro-financing for miners transitioning out of the sector, and demilitarizing mine sites to enhance law enforcement effectiveness in protected areas like Kahuzi-Biega National Park.
Estimation of chimpanzee community size and genetic diversity in Kahuzi‐Biega National Park, Democratic Republic of Congo
A study estimates the chimpanzee community size in Kahuzi-Biega National Park, Democratic Republic of Congo, to be 36 individuals (range: 32–42), using genetic mark-recapture analysis on 279 fecal samples. The research reveals a relatively high genetic diversity and outbreeding pattern, suggesting recent reproductive contact with neighboring chimpanzee communities. Genetic analysis also indicates a female-biased dispersal pattern typical of chimpanzees. The study highlights the importance of nest site sharing data in population studies of unhabituated chimpanzees and underscores the conservation significance of Kahuzi-Biega's montane forest, which is connected to lowland forests but faces human encroachment.
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