Impact of Anthropogenic Activities and Soil Properties on Carbon Stocks, Woody Species Abundance and Conservation Status of Protected Areas within the Forest- Savannah Transition Zone of Ghana

Abstract

Protected areas are fundamental for conserving biodiversity, yet they face increasing threats from human activities. This study assessed the impact of anthropogenic disturbance on carbon stocks, soil properties influencing woody species abundance, conservation status and local conservation practices in two protected areas in Ghana: Boabeng-Fiema Monkey Sanctuary (BFMS) and Kogyae Strict Nature Reserve (KSNR). Land Use and Land Cover Classes (LULCCs) were analysed using satellite imagery for 1992, 2010 and 2023, classifying landscapes into six categories. Tree inventory data were collected using a nested plot design and carbon stocks were estimated using allometric models and remote sensing. Soil samples (0-15 cm) were analysed for physicochemical properties, with eight properties retained for multivariate analysis. Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA) was used to evaluate the relationship between soil properties and woody species abundance. The conservation status was assessed using the Genetic Heat Index (GHI) and Red List Index (RLI). Community conservation data were gathered through questionnaires and analysed using SPSS. The results showed significant carbon losses due to anthropogenic activities: -40,236 Mg C in BFMS and -272,109 Mg C in KSNR. Soil properties explained 40.27% and 34.41% of species abundance variation in BFMS and KSNR, respectively. The conservation assessment showed high conservation value for BFMS (GHI = 134.24) and KSNR (GHI = 105.41). BFMS had an RLI of 0.21, while KSNR had a negative RLI (-1.55) due to the prevalence of Pterocarpus erinaceus, an endangered woody species. Key conservation strategies included wildfire protection in BFMS and increased staffing in KSNR. This study highlights the importance of nature-based solutions for climate change mitigation and biodiversity conservation, emphasising the need for enhanced protection measures.