Evaluating patterns and drivers of mammal space use and richness in the Angolan savannah woodlands of the Kavango-Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area

Abstract

Large transboundary protected areas such as the Kavango-Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area (KAZA-TFCA), improve mammal conservation by addressing biodiversity threats on regional and international levels, but an adequate understanding of mammal space use and richness within protected areas is critical for effective management planning. This information has however been missing from the Angolan component of the KAZA-TFCA, such as areas of Luengue-Luiana National Park (LLNP), especially compared with neighbouring countries. We used camera trap data from 2021 to 2023 to investigate species richness of medium- and large-sized mammals in two hotspot areas of LLNP, as well as assess the space use patterns of 9 carnivore and 16 herbivore species. A total of 48 species were recorded over 10,781 camera trapping nights, with African elephant (Loxodonta africana) and small antelope (e.g. common duiker Sylvicapra grimmia and steenbok Raphicerus campestris) being the most common. Species composition differed significantly between sites, with 21 species more relatively abundant at Ndunjuru, including cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) and African wild dog (Lycaon pictus), and eight species more relatively abundant at Bico, including lion (Panthera leo) and hippopotamus (Hippopotamus amphibius). The detection probability of 22 species were affected by one or more ecological (e.g. proximity to rivers) or anthropogenic (e.g. human settlement) covariate. These results are intended to act as a baseline to monitor conservation effort and aid habitat management in LLNP, as well as similar protected areas within the KAZA-TFCA and elsewhere.