Evaluation des connaissances et de l’impact des pratiques des populations riveraines sur la conservation de l’avifaune de la Forêt de Burhinyi (Itombwe, Sud-Kivu, RD Congo)

Abstract

A l’instar de nombreuses autres forêts des montagnes non protégées, la forêt de Burhinyi, faisant partie du massif d’Itombwe, subit une forte pression due aux activités humaines qui impactent négativement la valeur globale du site. Nous avons évalué les connaissances et l’impact de certaines pratiques des populations riveraines de la forêt de Burhinyi sur la conservation de l’avifaune en vue d’obtenir les données de base susceptibles d’orienter les initiatives de conservation communautaire en cours. Un questionnaire d’enquête a été utilisé pour collecter les données auprès de 188 personnes issues des différents ménages choisis dans 6 villages. Cette étude révèle que les populations riveraines exercent un bon nombre d’activités ayant un effet néfaste sur la biodiversité forestière. Il s’agit notamment des techniques de chasse, des pratiques agricoles et de l’exploitation minière. Sur 22 taxons couramment abattus à Burhinyi, une moyenne de 4,6 oiseaux est tuée journalièrement. Six taxa (Aigles, Hiboux, Corbeaux, Buses montagnardes, Gonoleks et Touracos) sont exploités en médecine traditionnelle et comme ornement des tenues portées par les chefs locaux pendant les cérémonies coutumières. Les connaissances des populations riveraines sur l’avifaune sont larges. Toutefois, elles sont significativement variables selon le groupement d’origine mais pas selon le niveau d’études. L’importance de la conservation des oiseaux a été reconnue par 80,1% des enquêtés contre 14,5% qui s’y opposent et 0,5% d’indécis.Mots clés : Perception, communautés, protection, oiseaux, Rift Albertin.
 
 English Title: Assessment of knowledge and impact of practices by riparian populations of Burhinyi Forest (Itombwe, South-Kivu, DR Congo) on the conservation of avifauna
 Like many other unprotected mountain forests, the Burhinyi forest is under great pressure due to human activities, which negatively impact the global value of the site. We assessed the knowledge and impact of some practices within riparian populations around Burhinyi forest on the conservation of avifauna to obtain baseline data that could guide ongoing community conservation initiatives. A survey questionnaire was used to collect data from 188 people from households selected in 6 villages. This study shows that riparian populations are engaged in a number of activities that have a negative impact on forest biodiversity. These include hunting techniques, agricultural practices and mining. Of the 22 taxa commonly trapped in Burhinyi, an average of 4.6 birds are killed daily. Six taxa (Eagles, Owls, Ravens, Mountain Hawks, Gonoleks and Touracos) are used in traditional medicine and sources of ornaments of attires worn by local leaders during customary ceremonies. The knowledge of the riparian populations about the avifauna is broad. However, they vary significantly by area of origin and not by education level. The importance of bird conservation was recognized by 80.1% of respondents compared with 14.5% who opposed it and 0.5% who were undecided.Keywords : Perception, communities, protection, birds, Albertine Rift.

Assessment of cyanide intake through consumption of cassava‐based diets in the Democratic Republic of Congo

“…Burhinyi chiefdom is an integral part of the Bushi upland and is estimated to be 83 km southwest of Bukavu City, in South Kivu province, Eastern part of the DRC (Figure 1). Burhinyi is one of five chiefdoms that form the Mwenga territory (Lwindi, Basile, Wamuzimu, Luhwinja, and Burhinyi) 37 . The Mwana health zone is located in the Burhinyi chiefdom and includes the Mwana health zone and part of the Luhinja health zone 37 .…”

“…Burhinyi is one of five chiefdoms that form the Mwenga territory (Lwindi, Basile, Wamuzimu, Luhwinja, and Burhinyi) 37 . The Mwana health zone is located in the Burhinyi chiefdom and includes the Mwana health zone and part of the Luhinja health zone 37 . This study was carried out in the health zone of Mwana where konzo disease is present.…”

“…37 The Mwana health zone is located in the Burhinyi chiefdom and includes the Mwana health zone and part of the Luhinja health zone. 37 This study was carried out in the health zone of Mwana where konzo disease is present. The Burhinyi community, typically rural, covers an area of 328 km 2 and with an estimated population of 57,504 in 2011, population density of about 200 inhabitants/km 2 .…”

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“…The alteration of natural ecosystems is the greatest threat to biodiversity (Meffe and Caroll, 1994;N'Da et al, 2008;Murhabale et al, 2020). It can lead to the fragmentation of forest habitats in favour of forest fragments (Saunders et al, 1991).…”