Assessment of Threat Status and Management Effectiveness in Kakamega Forest, Kenya

摘要: To counteract an increasing biodiversity decline, parks and protected areas have been established worldwide. However, many lack adequate management to address environmental degradation. improve strategies simple tools are needed for assessment of human impact effectiveness areas. This study quantifies the current threats in heavily fragmented degraded tropical rainforest Kakamega, western Kenya. We recorded seven disturbance parameters at 22 sites differently managed Kakamega Forest. Our data indicate a high level throughout forest with illegal logging being most widespread. Furthermore, levels appear reflect history effectiveness. From 1933 1986, Forest was under by Department number trees logged more than 20 years ago equally all sites. Since has two different organizations, i.e. Kenya Wildlife Service. The illegally last significantly lower Finally, within highly National Nature Reserves as compared less Reserves. Reflecting well protection status Forest, might therefore provide valuable quantitative indicator thus important tool conservation managers. Logging be other areas, too, however, such e.g. hunting also prove potential indicator.