Conservation status and distribution of large non-arboreal mammals in tai national park (South-west, cote d ivoire)

The availability of accurate information on biological diversity and spatio-temporal distribution within a protected area is essential for informed management and conservation decision-making. The Taï National Park (TNP) is a World Heritage Site and one of the best-preserved protected areas in Côte d'Ivoire. However, information on the spatial distribution and local conservation status of many animal species remains limited. In the light of this information deficit, the present study aimed to characterize the community of large non-arboreal mammals in the TNP, by camera trapping. A total of 87 camera traps were deployed within the park, following a systematic system, for 120 days. Our observations indicate the presence of 20 species of large non-arboreal mammals, divided into 13 fully protected species, three partially protected species and four species with rapid population growth, on a national scale. Eight of these species are said to be internationally threatened, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature's Red List. This study also reveals that almost the entire surface of the park has a high diversity of large non-arboreal mammals, with particularly diverse areas such as the east of the Ecology Research Center. In view of its results, the study suggests an improvement in the biomonitoring method to adopt camera trapping.