Urban Sprawl and the Effects on the Zoogeography of the Yaounde Metropolis, Cameroon

Abstract

Found at the pinnacle of the Tropical rain forest, the Yaounde metropolis epitomizes cities that allow little or no space for wildlife. Spotting the colonies of bats around the University Teaching Hospital (CHU), Mvog-Betsi and Bastos Quarters, gives an impression of a symbiosis of urbanization and wildlife conservation. The water fowls and snakes around the marshy valleys in the city would only re-iterate this fact which is debatable.

                Using a methodology that entailed field observation, analysis of questionnaires, the interpretations of topographical maps and aerial photographs, it was realized that there has been a rapid sprawl or expansion of the Yaoundé City. As a result of this situation, a great deal of animals has been pushed away by the advancing population into the fringes. The disappearance of forest just meant the no habitat for wildlife. Since there is no Government policy for protection and management of wildlife in the city except at the Mvog-Betsi Zoo, even the tiny moles, squirrels, hedgehogs amongst others that still thrive, are being poached and wiped out.

                The solutions that are proposed include preservation/conservation by more Zoos, Sensitization of the masses on how to cope with animals and then the control of poaching and to encourage the consumption of home reared species of animals.