Local Communities’ Interactions with Wildlife in the Ebo Forest Reserve, Littoral Region, Cameroon

Understanding how local communities interact with wildlife is essential for designing effective conservation strategies in biodiversity‑rich but vulnerable ecosystems. This study investigates the nature of human– wildlife interactions in the Ebo Forest Reserve, Littoral Region, Cameroon, a critical habitat for threatened species including primates and large mammals. Using a combination of household surveys and focus group discussions, community knowledge, perceptions, and attitudes toward wildlife, as well as the socio‑economic drivers influencing these interactions were assessed. Results reveal that local communities possess extensive traditional ecological knowledge about wildlife species and their habitats, yet their interactions are shaped by subsistence needs, cultural practices, and increasing anthropogenic pressures such as hunting, logging, and agricultural expansion. While some community members express positive attitudes toward conservation, others highlight conflicts arising from crop raiding, livestock predation, and restricted access to forest resources. These findings underscore the dual role of communities as both stewards and exploiters of biodiversity. The study concludes that fostering community‑based conservation initiatives, integrating local knowledge into management plans, and addressing livelihood concerns are crucial for promoting coexistence between people and wildlife in the Ebo Forest Reserve. By highlighting the socio‑ecological dynamics of human–wildlife interactions, this research contributes to broader discussions on sustainable conservation in tropical forest landscapes.

Keywords: Ebo Forest Reserve, Local Communities, Human–Wildlife Interactions, Traditional Ecological Knowledge, Anthropogenic Pressures, Community-Based Conservation.