# Hunting indicators for community-led wildlife management in tropical Africa

## TL;DR

This study identifies useful indicators for tracking wildlife degradation in tropical Africa through community-based hunting data.

## Contribution

The study introduces practical offtake indicators for monitoring faunal degradation in community-led wildlife management.

## Key findings

- The rodents:ungulates ratio in offtake is a robust indicator of faunal degradation.
- Mean body mass of total offtake reflects the status of wildlife degradation effectively.
- Community involvement enhances sustainable wildlife use and conservation outcomes.

## Abstract

Engaging local communities is pivotal for wildlife conservation beyond protected areas, aligning with the 30 × 30 target of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. We assessed the effectiveness of 33 offtake indicators, derived from hunter declarations, in monitoring the status and extent of degradation of hunted wildlife sourced from camera trap surveys and faunal composition analysis. The rodents:ungulates ratio in offtake and the mean body mass of total offtake emerged as practical and robust indicators of faunal degradation within hunting systems, with significant potential for broader application in similar tropical forest environments. Our findings provide a blueprint for managing and conserving natural resources in tropical regions through community-based initiatives. Involving local stakeholders ensures sustainable wildlife use and fosters ownership and responsibility. This study advances conservation efforts, bridging scientific rigor with community engagement for effective biodiversity preservation.