Africa

This study focuses on livestock production systems in Africa, as African livestock owners are thought to be among the most vulnerable populations on earth. Yet, livestock also has potential to strengthen resilience to climate change, as livestock production systems tend to be more resilient than crop based systems. This scoping study is a welcome addition to the climate change adaptation literature as it addresses a dimension frequently ignored in climate change adaptation studies.

Throughout the world and over centuries, small-scale livestock keepers and pastoralists have developed animal breeds that are well suited to their local conditions. These breeds are hardy and disease-resistant; they can survive on little water and scant vegetation. They can continue producing meat and milk in areas where modern, imported breeds succumb without expensive housing, feed and veterinary care.

This report, compiled by 85 experts from across the world, reveals that nearly half of all primate species are now in danger of becoming extinct from destruction of tropical forests, illegal wildlife trade and commercial bushmeat hunting. The list includes five primate species from Madagascar, six from Africa, 11 from Asia, and three from Central and South America, all of which are the most in need of urgent conservation action.

The IUCN initiative “Strengthening Voices for Better Choices” (SVBC) is piloting improved forest governance arrangements, among others in the Democratic Republic of Congo. This study was conducted in the Equator Province to try to answer questions about good forest governance, accountability arrangements, and the potential of SVBC-established structures to improve forest governance, among others. It also provides recommendations for further action research on accountability arrangements.

This volume gives the most up-to-date information on the distributions and conservation status of species in all inland water ecosystems across mainland continental Africa and the reasons behind their declining status. This represents the most comprehensive assessment yet of freshwater biodiversity at the species level for an entire continent. For managers, this information will assist in designing and delivering targeted action to mitigate and minimise these threats.

Translocation has become routine in a number of African range states and has played a key role in increasing both white and black rhino numbers. Although less frequent in Asia, expertise and input was sought from many Asian rhino range states and has been incorporated into these guidelines.

Some of the most important decisions in wildlife management in Africa revolve around elephants. Where elephant densities increase the impact of elephants on their habitats and other species may also increase. Depending on local values and/or the land-use objectives, this impact is often seen as undesirable. Information about attempts to control wild populations of elephants is generally not readily accessible to the relevant managers and conservation authorities in Africa.