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Theme: THE DEGRADATION OF WETLANDS AND ITS SOCIO ECONOMIC AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPLICATIONS IN NDOP CENTRAL SUBDIVISION, NORTH WEST PROVINCE CAMEROON
Page 48
The situation with mammals is totally out of control. Of the 18 species for which information was available, 14 species had been long extinct, even before the 1990s. Most mammal species still existing in the area are now close to extinction. This is evident from interviews which show that it is becoming rare to find them among hunted game.
Analysing closely, it can be understood that the large mammal’s e.g. elephants, buffaloes, monkeys, water bugs, otter shrew etc., are mammal species which were first extinct from the area. These were over hunted as game or as a means to show the bravery of a hunter. Other reasons will be examined in detail in the next section of the chapter. These mammals are mostly known by the old people of the area because the new generation hardly saw any of them in existence. Today, only small mammals especially rodents like squirrels, rats, moles and cane rats can be found in this region. Their situation is however precarious. This is manifested by a rarity in their occurrence.
Amphibians like the slippery edible frog and reptiles like the python are almost inexistent in the region.
IUCN(2001) characteristics used in determining the red list category within which each species fall at a particular decade are hard to apply in this study due to a non existence of data on the actual population of each species at a given time. Nevertheless, the classification of some animal species under the category, Extinct (Ex) is easily justifiable even if their exact populations are unknown.
2.1.3. Change in water flow patterns and water quality within the wetlands of Ndop Central Subdivision
The degradation of wetlands is also manifested in this are by a change in water flow patterns and quality (in terms of turbidity and chemical content). From observations on the field, the wetlands of Ndop Central Subdivision have been highly influenced in terms of the water flow patterns. These started as early as the 1970s with land development schemes launched by the U.N.V.D.A. as well as the construction of the dam at Bamendjin. Under the U.N.V.D.A., small dykes and canals (see photo 4) were constructed to regulate the flow of water within the wetlands.
These dykes are permanent constructions which regulate the flow of water that is released into the wetlands. The canals then channel the water into precise locations, at precise periods; depending on the need for water. Roads and bridges were equally put in place.
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