Duiker Populations Thrive When Hunting Targets Larger Species in Gabon

Duikers (Cephalophinae) play a key ecological and nutritional role in Central African forests, where they constitute a major source of bushmeat. This study assessed the effects of hunting on duiker densities in the area surrounding the village of Ndambi, a site exposed to continuous hunting pressure. These results were compared with those obtained from the Milole region, which was selected as a non-hunted control area. We hypothesized that duiker densities would be significantly lower in Ndambi than in Milole, mainly due to active hunting practices. The methodology was based on distance sampling line transects using indirect indices of duiker presence. By analyzing the decay rate, we obtained density estimates using detection functions selected with the Akaike information criterion. Contrary to expectations, the results showed that Ndambi (216.00 individuals/km2 ± 0.25) had a higher duiker population density than Milole (74.25 individuals/km2 ± 0.23). The results suggest that hunting activity in Ndambi may generate an ecological release dynamic that benefits duiker populations. This elevated duiker density in Ndambi can be explained by a dual mechanism. First, a compensatory effect driven by higher habitat quality (old secondary Maranthacea forest), which enhances resources availability and provides greater shelter. In addition, anthropogenic hunting pressure, selectively reduces larger species that would otherwise compete with or prey upon duikers, thereby creating a more favorable ecological context for their proliferation.