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Abstract: Many integrated conservation and development projects use road construction to induce a shift in income activities, since road access can reduce both poverty and environmental degradation. There is, however, little empirical evidence on the effects of road access on income patterns. We contribute to existing literature by analyzing the effects of road access on income activity choice in Korup National Park, Cameroon using a difference-in-difference approach. Road access led to a rise in total household income by 38% due to higher household participation in self-employment and wage labor. We neither found an effect on income from crop farming nor on participation in hunting activities. The effects of road access can be diverse and unforeseeable. Road construction in protected areas should thus be carefully considered and planned and only be implemented when other options are not feasible. © 2019 by the authors.
Source title: Sustainability (Switzerland)
DOI: 10.3390/su10023368
Link: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85069761915&doi=10.3390%2fsu10023368&partnerID=40&md5=3004c9429f5072a32f80b1463e02f508
Correspondence Address: Spey, I.-K.; Department of Conservation Biology/Workgroup on Endangered Species, Georg-August Universität Göttingen, Bürgerstrasse 50, Germany; email: inakathrin.spey@gmail.com
Language of Original Document: English
Access Type: Article
Country: ; Cameroon ;
Protected area: Korup
Main topic: Humans
Subtopic: Income-generating activities ; Periphery / Management ; Agriculture ; Hunting / Poaching ; Conservation initiatives

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Abstract: This historical note records the demise of Uganda’s northern white rhino (Ceratotherium simum cottoni) population for the scientific record. Ceratotherium simum was distributed in Africa between the Mahgreb and the southern Cape, wherever there was suitable grazing (though not necessarily in all places at the same time), until after the appearance of Homo sapiens on the continent. By the eighteenth century this extensive range had contracted into two widely separated and taxonomically distinct populations, one Sudanic and the other southern African. The Sudanic population of northern white rhino (NWR) were scientifically recognised in 1907 as (Ceratotherium simum cottoni) taxonomically separate from C.s.simum. The NWR previously occurred in Uganda but is currently believed to be extinct in the country. Given low human densities and the inaccessibility of much of the Central African Republic and Southern Sudan, it is possible that a few undetected individuals still exist in remote places. For example, while extinct in the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s Garamba National Park, a few may possibly remain in the contiguous ‘domain de chasse’. © 2019, International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources. All rights reserved.
Source title: Pachyderm
DOI:
Link: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85075573094&partnerID=40&md5=65a92a53123dfbbeedac336179c66c97
Correspondence Address: Wheater, R.J.; 17KirklandsUnited Kingdom; email: rogerwheater@gmail.com
Language of Original Document: English
Access Type: Article
Country: ; Democratic Republic of Congo ;
Protected area: Garamba
Main topic: Biodiversity
Subtopic: Animals ; Vertebrates ; Mammals ; Ungulates ; Taxonomy

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Abstract: The Saddle-billed Stork Ephippiorhynchus senegalensis exemplifies a case in conservation research in which a species is assessed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List and the resulting consideration of low conservation priority has precluded proper scientific study. As a first step in understanding this stork’s true status, we collated all available data to develop a distribution map and then investigated range-wide patterns of occurrence. The updated map greatly improves on past knowledge of the stork’s distribution and helps to identify regions where range contractions have occurred, particularly in Central Africa and parts of West Africa. We found that the stork’s distribution closely overlaps with protected areas and that there has been an overall increase in surface water (largely manmade water bodies)—a proxy for habitat—across the species’ extent of occurrence in recent decades. While this research represents a valuable contribution to our understanding of the Saddle-billed Stork, it also highlights the need for unbiased empirical data, especially from areas that are poorly surveyed, for developing a science-based conservation status assessment. © 2019, © 2019 NISC (Pty) Ltd.
Source title: Ostrich
DOI: 10.2989/00306525.2019.1696900
Link: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85076405176&doi=10.2989%2f00306525.2019.1696900&partnerID=40&md5=82d30828150ee06ef9ed5ad7687e1e51
Correspondence Address: Gula, J.; Department of Biology, Texas State UniversityUnited States; email: jonah.gula@yahoo.com
Language of Original Document: English
Access Type: Article
Country: ; Central Africa ;
Protected area: Many
Main topic: Biodiversity
Subtopic: Animals ; Vertebrates ; Birds ; Survey / Monitoring ; Biology / Ecology

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Abstract: The UNESCO Biosphere reserves of Yangambi (235 000 ha) and Luki (33 000 ha) are both situated within the semi-deciduous moist forests of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. These forests are part of the second largest tropical rainforest belt in the world and signify still a persistent carbon sink, rich in biodiversity and an essential provider of ecosystem services, including natural resources for economic development. Luki and Yangambi offer, thanks to the concept of Biosphere Reserve, an appealing opportunity to develop activities of research, training and education and serve, as such, as potential models for the reconciliation of nature conservation, economy and welfare. Both Yangambi and Luki have a particularly rich history of research. They can be considered as the cradle for investigations in Central-African botany, forest ecology, tree physiology, climatology, tropical agronomy and sylviculture. The archives, databases and scientific reference collections (curated both locally and in natural history collections in Belgium) related to these reserves are a treasure trove for actual research needs in the domains of global change (evaluations of carbon fluxes) and forest resilience. Some experimental plots are still present after their establishment, 70 years ago, and offer unique research material, in a region where there is a dire need for long term observations of vegetation dynamics and environmental fluctuations. We give an overview of ongoing research projects relevant to the topics of carbon fluxes and forest resilience, all including wood analysis in a context of vegetation history, tree physiology and forest ecology. We show how this is relevant for designing biodiversity management and we demonstrate how the MAB reserves of Luki and Yangambi are key research sites to document the debates on global changes and resilience of rainforests. © 2019 IOP Publishing Ltd. All rights reserved.
Source title: IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science
DOI: 10.1088/1755-1315/298/1/012009
Link: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85070647633&doi=10.1088%2f1755-1315%2f298%2f1%2f012009&partnerID=40&md5=d3881987ed8d344a6c954d3c8a793fe3
Correspondence Address: Beeckman, H.; Service of Wood Biology, Royal Museum for Central Africa, Leuvense steenweg 13, Belgium; email: hans.beeckman@africamuseum.be
Language of Original Document: English
Access Type: Conference Paper
Country: ; Democratic Republic of Congo ;
Protected area: Yangambi ; Luki
Main topic: Biodiversity ; Humans ; Environment
Subtopic: Plants ; Diversity ; Structure / Biomass ; Biology / Ecology ; Ecosystem services ; Perceptions / Behaviors ; Conservation initiatives ; Income-generating activities ; Agriculture ; Climate

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Abstract: Despite decades of continuous research highlighting the biological success of mountain gorilla conservation in the Virunga-Bwindi Massif, there is little knowledge of whether people living near the mountain gorilla parks perceive benefits from protected areas (PAs). This paper is the first study in the region to use the sustainable livelihoods framework to understand drivers of local perceptions of PA benefits. We used a logit regression to examine the relationship between household socioeconomic characteristics and the costs and benefits that 752 men and women living near mountain gorilla PAs reported. Integrated conservation and development projects (ICDPs) in the Virunga-Bwindi Massif have improved perceptions of mountain gorilla PAs, but they need to prioritize projects that improve human and social capital. The frustration voiced about inequitable benefit distribution highlights the need for further social equity research to ensure ICDPs, including revenue-sharing schemes, are managed transparently and equitably. © 2018 Foundation for Environmental Conservation.
Source title: Environmental Conservation
DOI: 10.1017/S0376892918000309
Link: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85053724360&doi=10.1017%2fS0376892918000309&partnerID=40&md5=25e3191b4bbb253e06ced3816dd1e284
Correspondence Address: Tolbert, S.; Yale School of Forestry and Environmental StudiesUnited States; email: sarah.a.tolbert@gmail.com
Language of Original Document: English
Access Type: Article
Country: ; Democratic Republic of Congo ;
Protected area: Virunga
Main topic: Humans
Subtopic: Perceptions / Behaviors ; Periphery / Management ; Income-generating activities ; Tourism ; Demography ; Conservation initiatives ; Governance / Policy

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Abstract: Apart from floral morphology and colours perceived by the human eye, ultraviolet (UV) reflectance acts as an important visual advertisement of numerous flowering plant species for pollinators. However, the effect of UV signalling on attracting pollinators of particular plant species is still insufficiently studied, especially in the Afrotropics. Therefore, we studied the pollination system of Hypoxis camerooniana in montane grasslands of Mount Cameroon, West/Central Africa. We focused mainly on the effects of the flowers' UV reflectance on its visitors. We experimentally removed UV reflection from petals either completely or partially. Thereafter, flower visitors were recorded and pistils were collected post-flowering to quantify germinated pollen tubes per treatments. The most important visitors were bees, followed by flies. Due to their contacts with reproductive organs bees are considered as the primary pollinators. Visitation rates were lower when UV reflectance was completely removed, whereas the decrease of frequency on half-treated flowers did not differ significantly from control treatments. The complete removal of UV also affected bees' landing behaviour, but not that of flies. We showed that the presence of UV reflectance is more important than UV pattern for bees visiting flowers of H. camerooniana. We hypothesize that exploiting all flowers irrespective of their pattern can be more efficient for pollinators in the open grasslands of high altitudes to spot these relatively scarce flowers by their UV reflectance. Furthermore, we highlight the necessity of both experimental and natural controls in similar studies to control for additional effects of the used UV manipulations. Many plants advertise their flowers with UV reflectance visible to their insect visitors. By manipulating the UV reflectance and pattern of Hypoxis camerooniana in the Afromontane grasslands of Mount Cameroon, we have shown how crucial it is for the predominant visitor, bees. Both bees' preferences for flowers and their behaviour during visits are influenced by changes in UV reflectance. However, the presence of some UV signal is more important than the specific pattern. Especially in montane grasslands with higher UV irradiation, the UV floral colours are important for recognition of flowers by potential pollinators. © 2019 The Author(s) 2019. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Annals of Botany Company.
Source title: AoB PLANTS
DOI: 10.1093/aobpla/plz057
Link: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85083509454&doi=10.1093%2faobpla%2fplz057&partnerID=40&md5=3d75d30312b84fca319938d149b60634
Correspondence Address: Klomberg, Y.; Department of Ecology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Vini?ná 7, Czech Republic; email: yannickklomberg@gmail.com
Language of Original Document: English
Access Type: Article
Country: ; Cameroon ;
Protected area: Mont Cameroun
Main topic: Biodiversity
Subtopic: Plants ; Animals ; Invertebrates ; Biology / Ecology

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Abstract: In the Democratic Republic of Congo artisanal and small-scale mining is estimated to provide a source of livelihood for 14-16% of the population, or 8-10 million people. In the eastern part of the country it is one of the main threats to large mammal species and their habitats, including forest elephants Loxodonta cyclotis and great apes, such as the Critically Endangered Grauer's gorilla Gorilla beringei graueri and the Endangered eastern chimpanzee Pan troglodytes schweinfurthii. We used semi-structured questionnaires to survey mining communities in and around Kahuzi-Biega National Park and the Itombwe Nature Reserve to understand better the socio-economics of artisanal mining in the region, as well as the impacts of mining on bushmeat hunting. Minerals exploited at the sites surveyed included cassiterite, gold, coltan and wolframite, and most mines were controlled by armed groups. On average, miners earned significantly higher revenue than non-miners. However, mining was seen as a short-term activity and most miners were in favour of leaving the sector for better opportunities. Almost all respondents stated openly that they consumed bushmeat regularly because of the lack of alternatives and believed that bushmeat hunting had caused declines and local extinctions of some large mammal populations, including great apes. Respondents stated they would reduce their consumption of bushmeat if domestic meats became more available. We recommend that future interventions should target mine sites to address bushmeat hunting, by improving access to sustainable meat sources, establishing micro-financing mechanisms to help miners leave the mining sector, and working towards de-militarizing these sites to facilitate law enforcement. © 2017 Fauna and Flora International.
Source title: ORYX
DOI: 10.1017/S003060531600171X
Link: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85017465684&doi=10.1017%2fS003060531600171X&partnerID=40&md5=ed6ef0a2bbd2684b55d797eb4b2b2cec
Correspondence Address: Spira, C.; Wildlife Conservation Society, 2300 Southern Boulevard, United States; email: cspira@wcs.org
Language of Original Document: English
Access Type: Article
Country: ; Democratic Republic of Congo ;
Protected area: Kahuzi-Biega ; Itombwe
Main topic: Humans
Subtopic: Income-generating activities ; Mining ; Hunting / Poaching ; Periphery / Management ; Perceptions / Behaviors ; Governance / Policy

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Abstract: A total of nine families of Trichoptera were identified from material collected in Malaise and light traps in the western part of Nyungwe National Park, southwestern Rwanda, late October 2018. Included in the material was an undescribed species of Pisuliidae which is described herein as Silvatares laetae Ngirinshuti & Johanson sp. nov. The new species adds to the six Pisuliidae species previously recorded for the East African region, five endemic to Tanzania and one to Uganda. This study portrays the first results of an ongoing survey on the Trichoptera fauna of Rwanda. © 2019, Museum National d'Histoire Naturelle. All rights reserved.
Source title: European Journal of Taxonomy
DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2019.576
Link: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85075322218&doi=10.5852%2fejt.2019.576&partnerID=40&md5=1b748379fc49048f9b7c834203950d86
Correspondence Address: Johanson, K.A.; Zoology Department, Swedish Museum of Natural History, Box 50007, Sweden; email: kjell.arne.johanson@nrm.se
Language of Original Document: English
Access Type: Article
Country: ; Rwanda ;
Protected area: Nyungwe
Main topic: Biodiversity
Subtopic: Animals ; Invertebrates ; Diversity ; Taxonomy ; Survey / Monitoring

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Abstract: [No abstract available]
Source title: Pachyderm
DOI:
Link: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85074750378&partnerID=40&md5=916abe74b78846311a29af17b3211963
Correspondence Address: Kitio, W.C/o IUCN, PO Box 68200-00200, Kenya; email: winnie.kitio@gmail.com
Language of Original Document: French
Access Type: Note
Country: ; Chad ;
Protected area: Sena Oura
Main topic: Biodiversity
Subtopic: Animals ; Vertebrates ; Mammals ; Ungulates ; Elephants ; Biology / Ecology ; Survey / Monitoring

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Abstract: Rangers in the Democratic Republic of the Congo are working to conserve some of the largest remaining blocks of tropical rainforest, along with iconic species that are being targeted by poachers for subsistence or commercial purposes. During 2015-2016 we surveyed 72% of Kahuzi-Biega National Park rangers to assess their level of job satisfaction, why they chose to become rangers, what they liked and disliked about their job, and what affected their motivation to conduct their work. We used a cumulative link model to assess how various factors affected their self-reported level of job satisfaction. The rangers surveyed had been working in the Park for 16 years on average and most chose this occupation to earn a salary, to conserve wildlife or to serve their country. Overall, ranger job satisfaction was low; however, our findings highlight numerous ways in which this could be improved. These include higher salaries, more promotion opportunities, better recognition from the Congolese wildlife authority and other state services, positive performance incentives, better security, improved living conditions in remote patrol posts, and more support from the judicial system. Ranger patrol assignment (i.e. type of patrol and Park sector to patrol), receiving free housing at the Park headquarters, age, and length of service were statistically significant predictors of job satisfaction. It is likely that increasing ranger job satisfaction would result in a higher commitment to protecting wildlife, improved performance, and positive outcomes for wildlife conservation. © Copyright Fauna & Flora International 2019.
Source title: ORYX
DOI: 10.1017/S0030605318000856
Link: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85060184825&doi=10.1017%2fS0030605318000856&partnerID=40&md5=579fb5acb28d72a55f832f874fd1289f
Correspondence Address: Spira, C.; Wildlife Conservation Society, 61 avenue du Gouverneur, Congo; email: cspira@wcs.org
Language of Original Document: English
Access Type: Article
Country: ; Democratic Republic of Congo ;
Protected area: Kahuzi-Biega
Main topic: Humans
Subtopic: Perceptions / Behaviors ; Periphery / Management ; Governance / Policy ; Conservation initiatives ; Hunting / Poaching

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Abstract: Marine biodiversity is under extreme pressure from anthropogenic activity globally, leading to calls to protect at least 10% of the world’s oceans within marine protected areas (MPAs) and other effective area-based conservation measures. Fulfilling such commitments, however, requires a detailed understanding of the distribution of potentially detrimental human activities, and their predicted impacts. One such approach that is being increasingly used to strengthen our understanding of human impacts is cumulative impact mapping; as it can help identify economic sectors with the greatest potential impact on species and ecosystems in order to prioritize conservation management strategies, providing clear direction for intervention. In this paper, we present the first local cumulative utilization impact mapping exercise for the Bioko-Corisco-Continental area of Equatorial Guinea’s Exclusive Economic Zone – situated in the Gulf of Guinea, one of the most important and least studied marine regions in the Eastern Central Atlantic. This study examines the potential impact of ten direct anthropogenic activities on a suite of key marine megafauna species and reveals that the most suitable habitats for these species, located on the continental shelf, are subject to the highest threat scores. However, in some coastal areas, the persistence of highly suitable habitat subject to lower threat scores suggests that there are still several strategic areas that are less impacted by human activity that may be suitable sites for protected area expansion. Highlighting both the areas with potentially the highest impact, and those with lower impact levels, as well as particularly damaging activities can inform the direction of future conservation initiatives in the region. © Copyright © 2019 Trew, Grantham, Barrientos, Collins, Doherty, Formia, Godley, Maxwell, Parnell, Pikesley, Tilley, Witt and Metcalfe.
Source title: Frontiers in Marine Science
DOI: 10.3389/fmars.2019.00717
Link: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85076681023&doi=10.3389%2ffmars.2019.00717&partnerID=40&md5=22de746562bcd98513675bd97026efdc
Correspondence Address: Metcalfe, K.; Centre for Ecology and Conservation, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Penryn Campus, United Kingdom; email: kristian.metcalfe@exeter.ac.uk
Language of Original Document: English
Access Type: Article
Country: ; Equatorial Guinea ;
Protected area: Many
Main topic: Biodiversity ; Humans
Subtopic: Animals ; Vertebrates ; Mammals ; Reptiles ; Biology / Ecology ; Conservation initiatives ; Income-generating activities

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Abstract: To date, knowledge about the herpetological diversity and the species distribution in the Democratic Republic of the Congo remains largely incomplete. In order to fill this gap, we carried out long-term and large-scale herpetological surveys to improve the knowledge about the herpetofauna occurrence and species composition data. Site scanning, visual encounter, transect and quadrat methods were used along with call recordings for identifying and locating amphibians on each survey site. Additional data were gathered from literature reviews and museum collections. The herpetological diversity was assessed on twenty-eight survey sites located in both Congo Basin and Albertine Rift ecoregions. All surveyed localities and sites were georeferenced in order to generate distribution maps by using QGIS 2.14.0 software. Herpetological diversity indices were generated using the PAST software. Using morphological characters and information provided by DNA analysis, species lists were produced per site and on national level. The results show that the rich Congolese herpetofauna is composed of 605 species, including 247 (40.83%) amphibians and 358 (59.17%) reptiles. There are 57 endemic amphibian species (23.1%) and of these, 19 (32.7%) are located in Protected Areas. There are 38 endemic reptile species (10.6%) and of these, twelve (31.5%) are found in Protected Areas. Furthermore, there are nine and seventeen threatened amphibian and reptile species respectively; but only 20% of these have been detected inside of national parks. Concerning this situation, it appears that, if no action is undertaken for fighting against the human pressure on habitat, there will be a decline in populations and species in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Based on relevant indices, including species richness, rarity, diversity, endemism, and presence of threatened species, and other objective criteria in respect to international standards, the following ten sites were identified as sites of priority for conservation: Marungu, Kabobo, Itombwe, Ituri, Tshopo, Mai Ndombe Tumba, Lualaba, Lukaya, Sankuru, and Ubangi Uele. These sites are proposed as new Protected Areas for reaching the government’s national conservation targets of land preservation necessary for conserving the rich biodiversity. © 2019, Fund for Support and Development of Protected Areas "Bear Land". All rights reserved.
Source title: Nature Conservation Research
DOI: 10.24189/ncr.2019.035
Link: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85073285148&doi=10.24189%2fncr.2019.035&partnerID=40&md5=a96b925de911a7da7a269d2113ad3768
Correspondence Address: Chifundera, K.Z.; Research Center in Natural SciencesCongo; email: chifkusamba@gmail.com
Language of Original Document: English
Access Type: Article
Country: ; Democratic Republic of Congo ;
Protected area: Many
Main topic: Biodiversity
Subtopic: Animals ; Vertebrates ; Reptiles ; Amphibians ; Diversity ; Survey / Monitoring ; Genetics

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Abstract: Background: Understanding the variation in distribution and abundance of non-timber forest products (NTFP) species is a crucial step in achieving their conservation and sustainable use. At the northern periphery of the Boumba-Bek National Park in Southeast Cameroon, little is known about which habitat type contain the highest abundance of NTFP species. In this study, we assessed habitat diversity and variation in the abundance of eight priority NTFP species comprising: Afrostyrax lepidophyllus, Baillonella toxisperma, Irvingia gabonensis, Panda oleosa, Pentaclethra macrophylla, Ricinodendron heudelotii, Scorodophloeus zenkeri and Tetrapleura tetraptera. The inventory was done along 16 linear transects of 5000 m × 20 m, and all the individuals, from juveniles (DBH < 5 cm) to mature trees (DBH > 5 cm) of the eight NTFPs were recorded. Habitat types were characterized along transects following basic forest classification system used in ecology and then measured. Results: In total, 13 different habitat types were identified with young secondary forests and periodically flooded forests representing 32.70% and 26.31% respectively. The least represented habitat was young fallows with Chromolaena odorata (0.08%). Seven NTFPs (A. lepidophyllus, B. toxisperma, I. gabonensis, P. oleosa, P. macrophylla, R. heudelotii and T. tetraptera) were predominantly represented in young secondary forests whereas S. zenkeri was more abundant in young Marantaceae secondary forests. The different types of young secondary forests identified seem to be favourable for the growth of the eight NTFPs. Conclusions: This study demonstrated that habitat fragmentation driven by human activities such as industrial logging and shifting cultivation destroy the forest ecosystems and has a strong influence on the sustainability of the major NTFPs in the locality. © 2019 The Author(s).
Source title: BMC Ecology
DOI: 10.1186/s12898-019-0219-y
Link: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85060306646&doi=10.1186%2fs12898-019-0219-y&partnerID=40&md5=3bd770bdc3a3ac43ea7d0354b7452359
Correspondence Address: Ngansop, T.M.; University of Yaoundé I, Department of Plant Biology, Faculty of Science, P.O. Box: 812, Cameroon; email: ngansop_77@yahoo.fr
Language of Original Document: English
Access Type: Article
Country: ; Cameroon ;
Protected area: Boumba Bek
Main topic: Biodiversity ; Humans
Subtopic: Plants ; Survey / Monitoring ; Diversity ; Abundance ; Structure / Biomass ; Biology / Ecology ; Income-generating activities ; Non-timber forest products ; Agriculture ; Timber

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Abstract: Background: The Rumpi Hills Forest Reserve (RHFR) is a montane forest area in southwestern Cameroon. Although RHFR is presumed to be rich in biodiversity and vegetation types, little information exists regarding its floristic composition and vegetation patterns. Objectives: Our goal was to characterise vegetation patterns in the reserve and to understand how elevation influences distributions and diversity of species. We aimed to provide a first detailed plant species inventory for this important forest area, as well as basic information on forest structure. Method: We characterised floristic composition and vegetation patterns of the reserve in 25 1-ha plots along an elevational gradient from 50 m to 1778 m. In each plot, trees and lianas of diameter at breast height (dbh) ? 10 cm were measured; shrubs < 10 cm were measured in nested plots of 0.01 ha. Results: In all, 16 761 trees, shrubs and lianas with dbh ? 1 cm were censused, representing 71 families, 279 genera and 617 morphospecies. Floristic composition ranged from 94 to 132 species, with a mean of 117.5 species per hectare in lowland forest (50 m – 200 m) and 36–41 species, with a mean of 38.5 species per hectare in montane cloud forest (1600 m – 1778 m) near the summit of Mount Rata. Two-way indicator species analysis classified the 25 plots into six vegetation types corresponding to lowland evergreen rainforest, lowland evergreen rainforest on basalt rocks, middle-elevation evergreen forest, submontane forest, transitional submontane forest and montane cloud forest. In all, 0.006% of the reserve was included in our sample plots. Detrended correspondence analysis highlighted the importance of elevation in shaping vegetation patterns. Conclusion: The RHFR is composed of different vegetation types, which show impressive variation in terms of structure, species composition and diversity. The detailed, fine-scale inventory data obtained in this study could be useful in planning efficient management of this and other montane tropical forests. © 2019. The Authors.
Source title: Bothalia
DOI: 10.4102/abc.v49i1.2270
Link: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85061137071&doi=10.4102%2fabc.v49i1.2270&partnerID=40&md5=9e1a4dd426caeaabf751e360077c3957
Correspondence Address: Nchu, F.; Department of Horticultural Sciences, Cape Peninsula University of TechnologySouth Africa; email: felixnchu@gmail.com
Language of Original Document: English
Access Type: Article
Country: ; Cameroon ;
Protected area: Rumpi Hills
Main topic: Biodiversity
Subtopic: Plants ; Diversity ; Structure / Biomass ; Biology / Ecology ; Survey / Monitoring

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Abstract: Chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes), one of humankinds’ closest living relatives, are known to hunt and consume the meat of various animal taxa. Although some researchers have presented indirect evidence that chimpanzees may also prey on tortoises, until now, direct observations of this behaviour did not exist. Here, we provide systematic descriptions of the first observations of chimpanzee predation on tortoises (Kinixys erosa). We made these unprecedented observations on newly habituated chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes troglodytes) of the Rekambo community, living in the Loango National Park, Gabon. The behaviour qualified as customary, that is occurring in most or all adult males, involved a distinct smashing technique, and resulted frequently in food sharing with other group members. Our observations shed new light on the hitherto little understood percussive technology of chimpanzees, and expand our current knowledge on chimpanzees’ dietary and predatory repertoires with respect to reptiles. We also report a case of food storage and discuss it in the context of future-oriented cognition. Our findings suggest the need for more nuanced interpretations of chimpanzees’ cognitive skills in combination with an in-depth understanding of their unique socio-ecological niches. They further emphasize the importance of nonhuman primate field observations to inform theories of hominin evolution. © 2019, The Author(s).
Source title: Scientific Reports
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-43301-8
Link: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85066879609&doi=10.1038%2fs41598-019-43301-8&partnerID=40&md5=917bab3c48bfb6503691a60388a42e45
Correspondence Address: Pika, S.; University of Osnabrück, Institute of Cognitive Science, Comparative BioCognition, Artilleriestrasse 34, 49076Germany; email: spika@uos.de
Language of Original Document: English
Access Type: Article
Country: ; Gabon ;
Protected area: Loango
Main topic: Biodiversity
Subtopic: Animals ; Vertebrates ; Mammals ; Primates ; Reptiles ; Biology / Ecology

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Abstract: Monitoring populations in areas of ecological transition is crucial to understanding species distributions, but also a critical conservation tool. We used camera trapping to investigate the forest mammal community in the Batéké Plateau National Park (BPNP) in Gabon, a transitional landscape that experiences severe poaching. We compiled a species inventory, investigated group sizes and activity patterns of observed species, and conducted an initial test to evaluate whether ecological gradients within this landscape influence species occurrence. Based on 6612 images and videos recorded at 40 locations during 5,902 camera days, we identified 31 mammal species, including eight classified as threatened according to the IUCN. We detected lion (Panthera leo, Linnaeus), which was thought to be extinct in Gabon, and mandrill (Mandrillus sphinx, Linnaeus), for which BPNP was thought to be outside of their natural range. Our findings suggest that BPNP supports a low species richness compared to more forested protected areas. We found no changes in species composition of the forest mammal community with increasing distance from the continuous Gabonese rainforest, but a potential decrease in abundance for some species. Continued survey efforts need to be combined with detailed ecological data collection and effective law enforcement in the region. © 2018 John Wiley & Sons Ltd
Source title: African Journal of Ecology
DOI: 10.1111/aje.12497
Link: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85041373741&doi=10.1111%2faje.12497&partnerID=40&md5=b75d47baf1600fe9633291e63e20624e
Correspondence Address: Hedwig, D.; Elephant Listening Project, Bioacoustics Research Program, Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Cornell UniversityUnited States; email: dh646@cornell.edu
Language of Original Document: English
Access Type: Article
Country: ; Gabon ;
Protected area: Plateaux Batéké
Main topic: Biodiversity
Subtopic: Animals ; Vertebrates ; Mammals ; Carnivores ; Primates ; Survey / Monitoring ; Abundance ; Biology / Ecology ; Diversity

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Abstract: In recent years, there has been a trend for African states to delegate protected area management to private partners. Central Africa is confronted with rapidly declining wildlife populations, with scarce funding and poor incentives as root causes. This raises the question as to whether management delegation can counter this trend. However, our understanding of the efficiency of such partnerships and how they need to be handled is poor. Based on hands-on experiences and external evaluations, we developed best practices of delegated management partnerships in Central Africa. This triggered the development of the here presented Central African perspective, enriching a debate that is biased toward other parts of the continent and dominated by private conservation partners. In particular, we emphasize that in Central Africa, (a) protected areas with delegated management are among the most prestigious ones, albeit with serious management challenges; (b) it is the importance of the protected area that justifies its inclusion in formal development cooperation agreements—the dominant source of funding; (c) lack of legal provisions has been an obstacle to initiate delegated management partnerships for some countries and its wider use in others; (d) increasingly, foundations are being created as implementing national entities; and (e) raising national capacities in handling delegated management should be at the forefront of partnerships. We conclude by highlighting the importance of the new regional best practices that are based on the four stages: identification, preparation, negotiation, and implementation, of which the first three have often been neglected by Central African governments. © The Author(s) 2018.
Source title: Tropical Conservation Science
DOI: 10.1177/1940082918796621
Link: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85072732262&doi=10.1177%2f1940082918796621&partnerID=40&md5=933f11219111fc58eca9adff574957d4
Correspondence Address: Scholte, P.; Programme Gestion Durable des Forêts dans le Bassin du Congo (COMIFAC), Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale ZusammenarbeitCameroon; email: PaulT.Scholte@gmail.com
Language of Original Document: English
Access Type: Article
Country: ; Central Africa ;
Protected area: Many
Main topic: Humans
Subtopic: Conservation initiatives ; Governance / Policy ; Periphery / Management

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Abstract: Land use monitoring by remote sensing techniques has been developing rapidly, thanks to much easier access, often free of charge, to (very) high-resolution images, and to the development of specific Web applications for land use monitoring. However, access to these applications depends on the existence of a reliable internet connection, which is still lacking in some regions of the world. This study describes a land-use monitoring method based on point-by-point photo-interpretation of very high-resolution images acquired by small drones. The method requires the integration of an application (PINT, for Photo-INTerpretation) into QGIS Open source software. The areas occupied by different land uses are derived from the estimated proportions of the points allocated to each land-use class, based on a systematic grid. To illustrate the advantages of the tool, this study investigated the land-use statistics for two villages in the Greater Garamba Complex of protected areas, in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The results obtained were compared with those of a reference map, on the basis of exhaustive photo-interpretation after segmentation of the images. The differences between the areas estimated by sampling and the reference areas vary from 0.2% to 6.1% for the main land uses (forests and savannas, clearings, fallows, human settlements and crops). Larger differences (17.4% and 13.4%) were recorded for the "isolated trees" class. Implementing the method takes about 1 hour per operator for 60 ha. Using the PINT plugin with drone images appears to be a relevant solution to estimate land-use statistics in Web-isolated regions, for areas of a few to a few dozen km2. © 2018, Bois et Forêts des Tropiques.
Source title: Bois et Forets des Tropiques
DOI: 10.19182/bft2018.335.a31497
Link: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85044832068&doi=10.19182%2fbft2018.335.a31497&partnerID=40&md5=ed2cbbcba0602f5a49ef894c44d99cf5
Correspondence Address: Ngabinzeke, J.S.; Université de Kisangani, Faculté de Gestion des Ressources Naturelles Renouvelables, Département des Eaux et Forêts, BP 2012, Congo; email: jeansemeki@gmail.com
Language of Original Document: French
Access Type: Article
Country: ; Democratic Republic of Congo ;
Protected area: Garamba
Main topic: Environment
Subtopic: Land use / cover ; Forests ; Savannas ; Crops

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Abstract: A new species of blind snake in the genus Letheobia is described from Akagera National Park in eastern Rwanda. The new species is most similar to species of the L. gracilis complex, particularly L. gracilis and L. graueri. It differs from all other species of the genus by a unique combination of morphological characters, including the highest number of middorsal scale rows (834) and the most extreme elongation (total-length/midbody-width ratio 131) of all species in the genus and of any species of snake in the world; 22-22-22 longitudinal scale rows; snout in dorsal profile rounded, in lateral profile bluntly rounded with an angular horizontal edge ventrally; rostral broad, posteriorly rounded; eyes invisible; supralabial imbrication pattern T-0; tail short (1.3 percent of total length) with an apical spine; and a pink life colouration. The holotype of the new species was collected in gallery forest at a lake shore surrounded by savanna at 1300 m elevation. We produced scanning electron microscope images of the heads of the investigated specimens applying a liquid-substitution preparation procedure which does not require coating or drying and thus does not irreversibly damage the investigated samples. The obtained images allow an easy and more accurate examination of the scalation. © 2018 Magnolia Press
Source title: Zootaxa
DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4378.4.2
Link: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85041953751&doi=10.11646%2fzootaxa.4378.4.2&partnerID=40&md5=83615219032d9f6da84d2aea769ac822
Correspondence Address: Dehling, J.M.; Institute of Integrated Natural Sciences, Department of Biology, University of Koblenz-Landau, Universitätsstraße 1, Germany; email: dehling@uni-koblenz.de
Language of Original Document: English
Access Type: Article
Country: ; Rwanda ;
Protected area: Akagera
Main topic: Biodiversity
Subtopic: Animals ; Vertebrates ; Reptiles ; Taxonomy

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Abstract: The praying mantis subgenus Syngalepsus Beier, 1954 occurs in sub-Saharan region and represents the least diverse subgenus of Galepsus in Africa (Ehrmann 2002). All species included within the subgenus Syngalepsus are comprehensively revised with a distribution stretching from North of Congo Basin to South Africa. Two new species of Galepsus (Syngalepsus) Beier, 1954 (Mantodea, Tarachodidae) from the Central African Republic (CAR) and Malawi are described. Among several Galepsus specimens collected during scientific expeditions of SANGHA, Biodiversité en Terre Pygmée, in CAR’s Dzanga-Ndoki National Park, a specimen differed by genitalia conformation and other morphological characters. Two specimens collected in Malawi proved to differ by genitalia morphology. Galepsus (Syngalepsus) bucheti sp. n. and Galepsus (Syngalepsus) dudleyi sp. n. are described. An identification key for the six species of the subgenus is provided. © Nicolas Moulin.
Source title: ZooKeys
DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.802.26622
Link: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85063046913&doi=10.3897%2fzookeys.802.26622&partnerID=40&md5=8846f09538382a092997733b72b31ee6
Correspondence Address: Moulin, N.82, route de l’école, France; email: nmentomo@gmail.com
Language of Original Document: English
Access Type: Article
Country: ; Central African Republic ;
Protected area: Dzanga-Ndoki
Main topic: Biodiversity
Subtopic: Animals ; Invertebrates ; Taxonomy