EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
A large mammal survey was carried out in Wonegizi from 21.11.-10.12.19 under FFI’s
Wonegizi REDD+ Project in order to provide baseline data against which biodiversity
objectives may be monitored, as well as to inform the project on the connectivity between
Ziama, Wonegizi and Wologizi PPAs for large mammals to understand how such species are
moving through the landscape and to provide recommendations for the establishment and
management of wildlife corridors.
The survey focused on 31 medium to large sized mammal species with an emphasis on
indicator species of global conservation concern. A combination of data collection methods
was used, including desk review, interview surveys, reconnaissance surveys, HCV-species
targeted surveys, as well as Forest Elephant and Pygmy Hippo dung sample collection. Field
surveys were carried out in two different study areas, one in central Wonegizi and one in the
northern part of the PPA. For the corridor assessment potential sites were identified per
satellite imagery and evaluated in the field through local information and ground-truthing of
forest cover, connectivity, extent of human impact and forest degradation.
The resident large mammal fauna of Wonegizi consists of 24 species, including the Western
Chimpanzee, seven monkey species, the Forest Elephant, Pygmy Hippo, Leopard, African
Golden Cat, Bongo, Bushbuck, five duiker species, the Water Chevrotain, Red River Hog,
Giant Ground Pangolin, Black-bellied and White-bellied Pangolin. Another four species, i.e.
the Putty-nosed Monkey, Green Monkey, Forest Buffalo and Zebra Duiker might be present
as well, but uncommon, i.e. either occur only occasionally and localized, or being very rare if
not already extinct today. The forest profile of Wonegizi generally is dominated by small to
medium sized trees and largely lacks a contiguous closed high canopy, hence it is not the
most suitable habitat for “High Forest”-dependent species such as the Red Colobus Monkey,
King Colobus and Diana Monkey, which appear to be rare and restricted to specific areas in
Wonegizi. The Jentink’s Duiker, another High Forest species, is absent from Wonegizi.