Bushmeat Poaching and the Conservation Crisis in Kahuzi-Biega National Park, Democratic Republic of the Congo

Kahuzi-Biega National Park, Democratic Republic of the Congo, has experienced severe declines in its gorilla and elephant populations due to intensive bushmeat poaching. Over four years, the park lost more than 95% of its elephants and about 50% of its gorillas, driven by economic desperation, starvation, and the proliferation of small arms during political instability. While conservation efforts, including ecotourism promotion and community engagement, have reduced gorilla poaching since 1999, sporadic hunting persists amid ongoing civil conflict. The study highlights the urgent need for enhanced protection measures to safeguard the park's biodiversity.

Yamagiwa, J. (2020). Bushmeat Poaching and the Conservation Crisis in Kahuzi-Biega National Park, Democratic Republic of the Congo. War and Tropical Forests: Conservation in Areas of Armed Conflict, 115–135. https://doi.org/10.1201/9781003075219-6