Wildlife and traditional hunting systems
The findings presented are based on research works of different authors with different research methodologies. In a greater detail, the paper present a comprehensive picture of the rich wildlife species diversity of the Takamanda Forest Reserve, the different forms of traditional hunting practices in the area and the utilization of wildlife by the communities living around the Reserve. From the findings of the studies, it can be inferred that the TFR has a rich wildlife potential and represents a promising hotspot for the conservation of wildlife and biodiversity as a whole. Unfortunately, the uncontrolled/illegal hunting, commercialization and rapidly rising prices for bush meat have had serious effects on the status of certain species, and the endangered species like the Cross River gorilla, elephant, chimpanzee etc are hunted and also traded as live wildlife or as wildlife products within the area, violating the riparian rights granted to the local communities during the gazettment of the Reserve.
