FSC-certified forest management reduces negative impacts on large mammals compared to non-FSC management. A study using 1.3 million camera-trap photos from 14 logging concessions in western equatorial Africa found higher mammal encounter rates in FSC-certified concessions. The effect was most pronounced for species over 10 kg and high conservation priority species like the forest elephant and western lowland gorilla. Non-FSC concessions had proportionally more small species. FSC-certified concessions had fewer hunting signs and higher faunal biomass. The study suggests FSC-certified management is less damaging to mammal communities than non-FSC management. FSC certification reduces hunting pressure by limiting access, prohibiting wild meat transport, and enabling alternative meat sources. FSC-certified forests support more large and threatened species than non-FSC forests. The study highlights the importance of FSC certification in protecting biodiversity and reducing the risk of half-empty forests dominated by small species. FSC-certified forests can contribute to biodiversity conservation and sustainable development goals. The study calls for wider adoption of FSC certification to ensure responsible forest management and protect wildlife.FSC-certified forest management reduces negative impacts on large mammals compared to non-FSC management. A study using 1.3 million camera-trap photos from 14 logging concessions in western equatorial Africa found higher mammal encounter rates in FSC-certified concessions. The effect was most pronounced for species over 10 kg and high conservation priority species like the forest elephant and western lowland gorilla. Non-FSC concessions had proportionally more small species. FSC-certified concessions had fewer hunting signs and higher faunal biomass. The study suggests FSC-certified management is less damaging to mammal communities than non-FSC management. FSC certification reduces hunting pressure by limiting access, prohibiting wild meat transport, and enabling alternative meat sources. FSC-certified forests support more large and threatened species than non-FSC forests. The study highlights the importance of FSC certification in protecting biodiversity and reducing the risk of half-empty forests dominated by small species. FSC-certified forests can contribute to biodiversity conservation and sustainable development goals. The study calls for wider adoption of FSC certification to ensure responsible forest management and protect wildlife.