As part of the drive to enhance civil aviation safety in Cameroon, the Cameroon Civil Aviation Authority (CCAA) recently published the results of an unprecedented wildlife survey of Douala and Yaoundé-Nsimalen international airports. This initiative follows recommendations made at the last meeting of the National Committee for Avian and Animal Risk Prevention.

The main objective of the study was to identify bird species likely to pose a threat to aircraft. The study was carried out by a team of CCAA biologists, in collaboration with the consultant France Aviation Civile Services. It took place over a one-year period, from June 2022 to May 2023, and covered all seasons. Field observations enabled us to record the bird species frequenting airports and their surroundings, as well as precise data on the behavior and population of the various species.

The study revealed the presence of 80 bird species at Douala International Airport and 94 species at Yaoundé-Nsimalen. A classification was drawn up based on the size, behavior and frequency of the species to assess their level of danger to aircraft.

For the Douala airport, the species of greatest concern include :

cattle egret

Window swallow

Melanocephalus heron

Black kite

Bronze-naped pigeon

In Yaoundé-Nsimalen, the species identified as the most dangerous are :

Eurasian crested eagle

African buzzard

Long-billed hornbill

Pied crow

African gymnogen

Black kite

Collared dove

African palmetto

This study represents a major step forward in wildlife hazard management in Cameroon. The data collected will enable airport managers to develop effective strategies for preventing and mitigating the risk of bird-aircraft collisions.

In addition, as part of this initiative, similar studies will be carried out at other airports with regular commercial traffic to improve safety throughout the Cameroon airport network. This approach demonstrates Cameroon's commitment to ensuring the safety of its airport network while preserving biodiversity/

Trans: MKG-CEA/CRP 

Attachments:

first wildlife survey report on the Douala and Yaoundé-Nsimalen airports