Socio‐Demographic Status Affects Community Perceptions and Conservation Knowledge of the Eastern (…)

ABSTRACT

Understanding local perceptions of wildlife and conservation is essential for effective biodiversity management, particularly in human-modified landscapes such as Bénoué National Park (BNP) in Cameroon. This study examines how socio-demographic characteristics influence community knowledge, perceptions and engagement in conservation, with a specific focus on the Eastern Derby eland (Taurotragus derbianus gigas) classified as Vulnerable according to the IUCN Red List. Semi-structured questionnaire surveys were administered to 203 respondents from six villages, selected using snowball sampling. Multivariate analyses, including Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Principal Coordinates of Neighbour Matrices (PCNM), were used to assess the influence of socio-demographic and spatial factors on conservation perceptions. The results revealed clear socio-demographic gradients associated with age, education level, occupation, marital status and religion. Older respondents and individuals from larger households demonstrated deeper ecological knowledge, shaped by traditional land-use practices and a strong reliance on natural resources. Farmers and temporary workers expressed positive attitudes towards Eastern Derby eland conservation, whereas students and administrative staff tended to hold more negative perceptions. Although formal education was negatively correlated with traditional ecological knowledge, respondents without formal schooling exhibited a strong place-based understanding of the local environment. Overall, respondents expressed mixed but generally positive perceptions of conservation, acknowledging the benefits of the park while highlighting weak law enforcement and ongoing wildlife decline. Although most respondents were familiar with the Eastern Derby eland and reported frequent sightings, 87% perceived a decline in its population, attributing this trend primarily to poaching and habitat degradation. Spatial variation in perceptions was also evident among villages. These findings underscore the importance of integrating local ecological knowledge and socio-economic contexts into conservation planning. Strengthening participatory governance, improving benefit-sharing mechanisms and tailoring environmental education programs are crucial for aligning conservation objectives with community well-being in BNP.