Ecological assessment and conservation performance of the Wechiau Hippo Sanctuary: A differential assessment of protected and unprotected zones

• Published in: Journal for nature conservation 2024-12, Vol.82, p.126751, Article 126751
• Main Authors: Douti, Nang Biyogue, Amuah, Ebenezer Ebo Yahans, Ibrahim, Babang Bawa, Abanyie, Samuel Kojo, Kazapoe, Raymond Webrah, Kpiebaya, Prosper, Sodoke, Stephen, Anokye, Kwame
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Above- and Below-ground biomass production; biomass; conservation areas; ecotourism; forests; humans; Northwestern Ghana; Physico-chemical soil properties; soil; total nitrogen; Tree density; trees; Wechiau Hippo Sanctuary
• ISSN: 1617-1381
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jnc.2024.126751

•There is a gradual drift of human-induced effects from unprotected to protected areas.•No statistical significance in some nutrient levels was observed due to human impacts.•Reduction in tree density from the unprotected to protected zone threatens the hippos. Evaluating human impacts on the structural and functional dynamics of ecotourism sites is crucial for monitoring and managing natural ecosystems. This study assessed conservation performance in the Wechiau Hippo Sanctuary versus degradation in the adjacent unprotected forest, which is prone to human activities. Eighteen samples each of above-ground live biomass (AGL), litter, and root biomass, along with 36 soil samples (0–20 cm depth), were collected from 20 m × 20 m and 1 m × 1 m plots and subplots at both sites. The study found that the average tree density in the area was 210.00 whereas the above-ground live biomass had 524.30. Mean values for litter and root biomass, pH, N and P were 345.44 and 69.94. The protected site recorded a significantly higher (p