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Abstract: Introduction: The common hippopotamus Hippopotamus amphibius L. is a vulnerable species that requires efficient methods to monitor its populations for conservation purposes. Rapid evolution of civil drones provides new opportunities but survey protocols still need development. This study aims to determine the optimal flight parameters for accurate population estimates. A second objective is to evaluate the effects of three environmental factors: wind speed, sun reflection and cloud cover. Method: We estimated the population of two main hippo schools (Dungu and Wilibadi II) located in Garamba National Park in Democratic republic of Congo. Eight observers reviewed 252 photos taken over the Dungu school, representing a total of 2016 experimental units. A detection rate and a level of certainty were associated with each experimental unit, and five parameters were related to each count: flight height, three environmental parameters (sun reflection on water surface, cloud cover, and wind speed), and observers' experience. Results: Flight height reduced the observers' confidence in their detection ability, rather than the detection itself. For accurate counts of large groups an average height of 150 m was shown to be a good compromise between animal detection without zooming in and the area covered in one frame. Wind speed had little influence on the counts, but it affected the performance of the UAS. Sun reflection reduced the detection rate of hippos and increased level of certainty, while cloud cover reduced detection rates slightly. Therefore, we recommend flying when the sun is still low on the horizon and when there is little cloud, or when cloud cover is light and even. This last point reinforces our recommendation for flights early in the day. The counts also showed large differences between groups of inexperienced and experienced observers. Experienced observers achieved better detection rates and were generally more confident in their detection. Experienced observers detected 86.5% of the hippos on average (confidence interval = ±0.76%). When applied to data from the second site, the detection was 84.3% (confidence interval = ±1.84%). Two correction factors were then calculated, as the inverse of the detection rate, based on the estimated number of hippos present during one flight (Factor 1) or in the general population respectively (Factor 2). Factor 2 especially was consistent with previous studies using traditional aerial counts (1.22 vs 1.25). Factor 2 was found to be appropriate for use by experienced observers. These results confirm the use of correction factor 2 for hippo surveys, regardless of the study site, as it accounts for hippo behavior. Optimum counting and cost efficiency were achieved with two trained observers counting 7 pictures. Conclusion: This study is a promising approach for routine surveys of the hippopotamus which is a species usually ignored in wildlife counts. Drone technology is expected to improve rapidly; therefore UAS could become a very useful and affordable survey tool for other species requiring specific monitoring. © 2018 Linchant et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.
Source title: PLoS ONE
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0206413
Link: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85056655327&doi=10.1371%2fjournal.pone.0206413&partnerID=40&md5=78779b9d41a3c72010790938b4f7ec23
Correspondence Address:
Language of Original Document: English
Access Type: Review
Country: ; Democratic Republic of Congo ;
Protected area: Garamba
Main topic: Biodiversity
Subtopic: Animals ; Vertebrates ; Mammals ; Ungulates ; Survey / Monitoring ; Abundance ; Biology / Ecology

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Abstract: The relationship between livelihoods and forest use is one of the main challenges facing wildlife and habitat conservation in developing countries. Poor residents in forest-adjacent areas are typically perceived to be the main forest users, with use often deemed illegal. However, there is still a limited understanding of livelihood constraints of the poor, and how such constraints influence illegal forest use, particularly for poor residents in forest-adjacent communities. In this paper, we address this gap. First, the measures for livelihood constraints, including food access constraints and education constraints, and illegal forest use are proposed. Second, the developed measures are used in a structural equation model, to explore the relationship between livelihood constraints and illegal forest use, for poor residents in communities adjacent to Volcanoes National Park, in Rwanda. Food access constraints, a dimension of food security constraints, were found to be the strongest predicator of illegal forest use. However, food insecure residents around the park may not be the main driver of current levels of illegal forest use, supporting previous research questioning the narrative of poverty driven illegal forest use in developing countries. © 2018 Vasile.
Source title: Conservation and Society
DOI: 10.4103/cs.cs-14-83
Link: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85049853621&doi=10.4103%2fcs.cs-14-83&partnerID=40&md5=e81dc7350bcba89e5c9eab0b16a1e024
Correspondence Address:
Language of Original Document: English
Access Type: Article
Country: ; Rwanda ;
Protected area: Volcans
Main topic: Humans
Subtopic: Periphery / Management ; Hunting / Poaching ; Income-generating activities ; Perceptions / Behaviors

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Abstract: During a survey of the fishes in the region of the Wonga-Wongué Presidential Reserve, 14 new populations of the subgenus Chromaphyosemion Myers, 1924 were found. These observations extend the previously known distribution range of the subgenus 120 kilometres southward. None of these populations could be related to any described species. Based on the colouration of the males and females, together with a genetic marker (mitochondrial DNA cytochrome b sequences), the populations studied are grouped into six new species which are described in this article, all close to Aphyosemion alpha Huber, 1998 with which they share the presence of a black alpha-shaped mark on the pre-and post-opercular region. The group composed of A. alpha and the six new species is referred to here as the A. alpha species group. All the new species, A. aurantiacum Chirio, Legros & Agnèse sp. nov., A. barakoniense Chirio, Legros & Agnèse sp. nov., A. flammulatum Chirio, Legros & Agnèse sp. nov., A. flavocyaneum Chirio, Legros & Agnèse sp. nov., A. pusillum Chirio, Legros & Agnèse sp. nov. and A. rubrogaster Chirio, Legros & Agnèse sp. nov., are further unambiguously diagnosed by unique combinations of colour patterns, making it possible to generate an identification key for the A. alpha species group. It is likely that the coastal dunes of Wonga-Wongué that form a sandy relief, could haveled to the fragmentation and then isolation of the hydrographical networks that flow into the Atlantic Ocean, making possible a significant number of allopatric speciations. © 2018, Museum National d'Histoire Naturelle. All rights reserved.
Source title: European Journal of Taxonomy
DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2018.471
Link: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85056308953&doi=10.5852%2fejt.2018.471&partnerID=40&md5=8c15eb927075fee23b4af39995d2b073
Correspondence Address: Agnèse, J.-F.; ISEM, CNRS, Univ. Montpellier, IRD, EPHEFrance; email: jean-francois.agnese@ird.fr
Language of Original Document: English
Access Type: Article
Country: ; Gabon ;
Protected area: Wonga-Wongué
Main topic: Biodiversity
Subtopic: Animals ; Vertebrates ; Fish ; Survey / Monitoring ; Taxonomy ; Genetics ; Biology / Ecology

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Abstract: Objectives: Gorillas, along with chimpanzees and bonobos, are ubiquitously described as ‘knuckle-walkers.’ Consequently, knuckle-walking (KW) has been featured pre-eminently in hypotheses of the pre-bipedal locomotor behavior of hominins and in the evolution of locomotor behavior in apes. However, anecdotal and behavioral accounts suggest that mountain gorillas may utilize a more complex repertoire of hand postures, which could alter current interpretations of African ape locomotion and its role in the emergence of human bipedalism. Here we documented hand postures during terrestrial locomotion in wild mountain gorillas to investigate the frequency with which KW and other hand postures are utilized in the wild. Materials and methods: Multiple high-speed cameras were used to record bouts of terrestrial locomotion of 77 habituated mountain gorillas at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (Uganda) and Volcanoes National Park (Rwanda). Results: We captured high-speed video of hand contacts in 8% of the world's population of mountain gorillas. Our results reveal that nearly 40% of these gorillas used “non-KW” hand postures, and these hand postures constituted 15% of all hand contacts. Some of these “non-KW” hand postures have never been documented in gorillas, yet match hand postures previously identified in orangutans. Discussion: These results highlight a previously unrecognized level of hand postural diversity in gorillas, and perhaps great apes generally. Although present at lower frequencies than KW, we suggest that the possession of multiple, versatile hand postures present in wild mountain gorillas may represent a shared feature of the African ape and human clade (or even great ape clade) rather than KW per se. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Source title: American Journal of Physical Anthropology
DOI: 10.1002/ajpa.23404
Link: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85040744692&doi=10.1002%2fajpa.23404&partnerID=40&md5=f7031a4abc6ac4a1e1ab0329ceae0023
Correspondence Address: Thompson, N.E.; Department of Anatomy, NYIT College of Osteopathic Medicine, Northern Boulevard, United States; email: nthomp03@nyit.edu
Language of Original Document: English
Access Type: Article
Country: ; Rwanda ;
Protected area: Volcans
Main topic: Biodiversity
Subtopic: Animals ; Vertebrates ; Mammals ; Primates ; Biology / Ecology

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Abstract: Background: Wild mushrooms constitute an important non-timber forest product that provides diverse substances and services, especially food and income for local communities from many parts of the world. This study presents original ethnomycological documentation from the dense rainforests of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Methods: Ethnomycological surveys were made within local communities near the biosphere reserve of Yangambi and the Yoko forest reserve. The interviews involved 160 informants from six different ethnic communities (Bakumu, Turumbu, Topoke, Lokele, Ngelema, and Ngando). Specific reported use (RU), the relative importance (RI), and the cultural significance (CS) of wild edible fungi were calculated using quantitative data from enquiries. Results: The people from Tshopo use 73 species of wild mushrooms either for food (68 species), as medicine (9 species), in a recreational context (2 species), or related to myths and beliefs (7 species). Women are more involved in harvesting and are the main holders of cultural aspects related to fungi. The results show that knowledge of useful mushrooms differs between ethnic groups. The Ngando people have the highest ethnomycological expertise, which is expressed in their extensive cultural and practical use of fungi. Pleurotus tuber-regium is the most important species (MCSI=1.9 and p value <2.2e-16) as it is being used for food, as a medicine, and more. Daldinia eschscholtzii is the most important (MUI=0.86 and p value <2.2e-16) for medicinal applications, while Schizophyllum commune, Auricularia cornea, A. delicata, Marasmius buzungolo, and Lentinus squarrosulus are mostly appreciated for food. The latter five species are all wood-decaying saprotrophs. Conclusion: Despite the presence of edible ectomycorrhizal taxa in the dense rainforests of Tshopo, local people only seem to have an interest in saprotrophic taxa. Some mushroom pickers deliberately cut down host trees to promote the development of saprotrophic taxa. Inducing forest degradation is considered beneficial as it promotes the development of saprotrophic taxa. The domestication of locally appreciated saprotrophic lignicolous fungi is proposed as a mitigating measure against fellings. © 2018 The Author(s).
Source title: Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine
DOI: 10.1186/s13002-017-0203-6
Link: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85041950169&doi=10.1186%2fs13002-017-0203-6&partnerID=40&md5=580c83c3a6a18fcaa8e6697acc1f5cc6
Correspondence Address: Milenge Kamalebo, H.; Centre de Recherches Universitaires du Kivu (CERUKI-ISP), BP 854, Congo; email: kamaleboheritier@gmail.com
Language of Original Document: English
Access Type: Article
Country: ; Democratic Republic of Congo ;
Protected area: Yangambi ; Yoko
Main topic: Humans ; Biodiversity
Subtopic: Ethnoscience ; Income-generating activities ; Non-timber forest products ; Fungi

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Abstract: Camera trap surveys can be useful in characterising terrestrial larger-bodied mammal communities in Central Africa forests. Two 40-trap, minimum of 100 days, survey grids conducted in the Dja Faunal Reserve of southern Cameroon showed differences in the mammal communities of two sites 32 km apart. Mammal richness, diversity, guild structure, body-size patterns and relative abundance of taxa were measured by trapping rates and occupancy of the two mammal communities. One of the survey sites was (a) less rich in terrestrial mammal species; (b) missing disturbance-sensitive felids and white-bellied duiker (Cephalophus leucogaster, subsp, leucogaster, Gray, 1873); (c) greater in abundance of some disturbance-tolerant species; and (d) lower in abundance of larger-bodied species. Several indicators suggest a higher hunting pressure at this site, and this may be a contributing factor to these differences. © 2018 John Wiley & Sons Ltd
Source title: African Journal of Ecology
DOI: 10.1111/aje.12574
Link: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85057620209&doi=10.1111%2faje.12574&partnerID=40&md5=d2339769df1fd93aacfb71be17f235b6
Correspondence Address: Bruce, T.; Zoological Society of London – CameroonCameroon; email: tom.bruce@my.jcu.edu.au
Language of Original Document: English
Access Type: Article
Country: ; Cameroon ;
Protected area: Dja
Main topic: Biodiversity
Subtopic: Animals ; Vertebrates ; Mammals ; Survey / Monitoring ; Diversity ; Abundance ; Biology / Ecology

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Abstract: Vepris bali is the first known species of Vepris in WC Africa with opposite, trifoliolate leaves and is further unusual for its long petiolules. Known only from Bali Ngemba Forest Reserve, a remnant of submontane forest under great pressure of degradation in the Bamenda Highlands of Cameroon, it may already be extinct due to tree cutting and agricultural incursions. Here, V. bali is compared with other endemic cloud forest Vepris of the Cameroon Highlands and is described, illustrated, mapped and assessed as Critically Endangered (Possibly Extinct) using IUCN 2012 criteria. © 2018 Author(s).
Source title: Willdenowia
DOI: 10.3372/wi.48.48207
Link: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85052646199&doi=10.3372%2fwi.48.48207&partnerID=40&md5=e4a932e6c7ee429ca461cc22c8c8256e
Correspondence Address: Cheek, M.; Science Herbarium, Royal Botanic GardensUnited Kingdom; email: m.cheek@kew.org
Language of Original Document: English
Access Type: Article
Country: ; Cameroon ;
Protected area: Bali Ngemba
Main topic: Biodiversity
Subtopic: Plants ; Survey / Monitoring ; Diversity

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Abstract: Non-timber forest products are sources of income for rural populations. This is the case in Burundi for bamboo and until a few years ago for rattan. The latter is threatened by clearing of its habitats for agricultural purposes. This study presents an overview of rattan in Burundi. A mapping of the sites still hosting rattan and hosted it some six to thirty years ago was carried out and the areas covered were measured. In total, rattan covered, in 2015, an area of 1.04 ha on various sites in southern Burundi and mainly in the Kigwena Forest Natural Reserve. The analysis of the anatomical features of rattan stems from this forest confirmed that the species present in Burundi is Eremospatha haullevilleana De Wild. © KFRI (2018).
Source title: Journal of Bamboo and Rattan
DOI:
Link: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85089236543&partnerID=40&md5=5b4ca2790369b8ed2724465343262178
Correspondence Address: Weiner, G.; Expert on Wood, Rattan & BambooGermany; email: weiner-lieber@t-online.de
Language of Original Document: English
Access Type: Article
Country: ; Burundi ;
Protected area: Kigwena Forest
Main topic: Biodiversity ; Humans
Subtopic: Plants ; Non-timber forest products ; Income-generating activities

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Abstract: Wildlife conservation planning, funding and implementation often takes account of and sets priorities on the basis of wildlife numbers, biodiversity and species habitat, protected area status and their value in the bigger landscape picture, practicality and the chances of success—which reflect well on the funding body. Armed conflict is almost always seen as a negative factor and in the case of it arising, many organisations pull out. The Democratic Republic of Congo has been affected by several such conflicts but has also benefitted from the first project aimed specifically at maintaining biodiversity conservation during armed conflict. This paper takes Garamba National Park, DRC as a case study, presents population data of the main large mammals from 40 years of systematic aerial survey and relates trends to the specific effects of eight conflict crises and times of peace and the presence or absence of international support between 1960 and 2016. It draws lessons learned from first hand experience of the mechanisms and secondary effects of armed conflict and the approaches to maintaining conservation during such periods. © 2018, 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-s2.0-85064867370&partnerID=40&md5=aa4b6b36e70d968cbdcbe5bd0a1e375e
Correspondence Address: Smith, K.H.PO Box 15024, Kenya; email: akkessmith@gmail.com
Language of Original Document: English
Access Type: Article
Country: ; Democratic Republic of Congo ;
Protected area: Garamba
Main topic: Humans ; Biodiversity
Subtopic: Armed conflicts ; Hunting / Poaching ; Conservation initiatives ; Periphery / Management ; Animals ; Vertebrates ; Mammals ; Survey / Monitoring

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Abstract: Since 2009, the Gabonese government defends a program which would allow Gabon to become an emerging country: the "Green Plan". Actions are announced in diverse domains, as environment and ecotourism, with a network of national parks, created hi 2002 (30 000 sq. km, 11 % of the territory), including the one of Lope. These parks are presented as tools for territorial development policies. Yet, setting aside land for protection and heritage gives rise to constraints for local populations over practices and use of natural resources. The putting in tourism of nature, on foreigners' initiative, does not still benefit to the local populations, dependent on natural resources. Park managers' official discourse, echo of the "Green Gabon" policy, puts forward the implementation of joint co-management with the locals, the perspectives of development and economic diversification related to ecotourism. These policies question protected areas governance, local populations' marginalization and change their territories, practices and identities. Usage conflicts are recurring on practices and resources use. Some arrangements are possible, in particular when institutional means are lacking. We shall base this study an on-going research on Lope National Park.
Source title: Bulletin d'Association de Geographes Francais
DOI: 10.4000/bagf.1506
Link: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85027417569&doi=10.4000%2fbagf.1506&partnerID=40&md5=0ebadff9de996272ba1233ac762699ce
Correspondence Address:
Language of Original Document: French
Access Type: Article
Country: ; Gabon ;
Protected area: Lopé
Main topic: Humans
Subtopic: Governance / Policy ; Tourism ; Perceptions / Behaviors ; Conservation initiatives ; Periphery / Management

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Abstract: Forest vertical structure parameters are one of critical components for understanding of the global forest carbon storage and cycle, as well as climate changes. Polarimetric SAR Interferometry (Pol-InSAR) techniques and waveform lidar have been widely and successfully used for extracting 3D forest structure profiles by means of both SAR and lidar airborne systems, but individually. Therefore, fusing both data sets and developing new algorithms and models to understand forest structure are critical. We have used waveform lidar data acquired by NASA's LVIS (Land, Vegetation, and ICE sensor and SAR data acquired by various airborne and spaceborne SAR systems over mangrove forests in Pongara national park, Gabon. © 2017 IEEE.
Source title: International Geoscience and Remote Sensing Symposium (IGARSS)
DOI: 10.1109/IGARSS.2017.8127951
Link: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85041857997&doi=10.1109%2fIGARSS.2017.8127951&partnerID=40&md5=91f6a566d7c6edc6bd057bad23c56258
Correspondence Address:
Language of Original Document: English
Access Type: Conference Paper
Country: ; Gabon ;
Protected area: Pongara
Main topic: Biodiversity
Subtopic: Plants ; Structure / Biomass

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Abstract: Rhizochaete is a small genus of crust fungi that is closely related to Phanerochaete. A new species Rhizochaete belizensis is described, and three new combinations are proposed. Morphological studies and molecular sequence data from two nuclear ribosomal DNA regions (ITS and LSU) support the recognition of R. belizensis which is closely related to R. radicata. Analyses of sequence data also support the transfer of Phanerochaete flava to Rhizochaete. Phanerochaete percitrina from Cameroon and Peniophora rhizomorpho-sulphurea from India are transferred to Rhizochaete based on morphological studies of type specimens. Phanerochaete rubescens from Taiwan is placed in synonymy under R. borneensis. In addition, Phanerochaete mauiensis is redescribed and illustrated. A key to 13 accepted species of Rhizochaete and three morphologically similar species is presented. © 2017 Adac. Tous droits réservés.
Source title: Cryptogamie, Mycologie
DOI: 10.7872/crym/v38.iss1.2017.81
Link: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85018900901&doi=10.7872%2fcrym%2fv38.iss1.2017.81&partnerID=40&md5=a3cefb90bce7032327837b9592885638
Correspondence Address: Nakasone, K.K.; Center for Forest Mycology Research, Northern Research Station, U.S. Forest Service, One Gifford Pinchot Drive, United States; email: knakasone@fs.fed.us
Language of Original Document: English
Access Type: Article
Country: ; Cameroon ;
Protected area: Korup
Main topic: Biodiversity
Subtopic: Fungi ; Survey / Monitoring ; Diversity ; Taxonomy

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Abstract: The paper ‘Bird diversity in the savanna habitats of Akagera National Park, Rwanda, in the post-war recovery period’ by Gatali and Wallin (Ostrich 86(3): 267–276, 2015) makes several claims for new species records for Akagera National Park and Rwanda. We found that Gatali and Wallin recorded several species considered very rare in Rwanda and new discoveries; these findings often contradicted the existing literature. We doubt the validity of 34 species records and we aim to demonstrate that these claims are mostly the result of misidentification or human error and consider that future researchers should use their findings with caution. Some findings around more common species may be validated through further studies and we encourage others to conduct fieldwork in Akagera National Park. © 2017 NISC (Pty) Ltd.
Source title: Ostrich
DOI: 10.2989/00306525.2017.1290704
Link: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85014792588&doi=10.2989%2f00306525.2017.1290704&partnerID=40&md5=c0b2bcfe7049704025780a7a00f84e4d
Correspondence Address: Hogg, J.W.T.; Scarth Wood FarmUnited Kingdom; email: jwthogg@googlemail.com
Language of Original Document: English
Access Type: Note
Country: ; Rwanda ;
Protected area: Akagera
Main topic: Biodiversity
Subtopic: Animals ; Vertebrates ; Birds ; Survey / Monitoring ; Diversity

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Abstract: The Albert National Park in Belgian Congo was founded in 1925 on the initiative of a small but well-connected transnational network of naturalists, diplomats, and royals. Throughout the park's existence, this network discursively framed it as a place of scientific research and international collaboration, thus linking it with values of universalism and inclusiveness. The rhetoric of the park as a "world laboratory" facilitated the access of a global network of biologists and legitimized scientific management schemes to protect its so-called primitive character. While opened up to international scholars, the park was also closed off from unwanted human and nonhuman actors including the local population, tourists, and invasive species. After Congo's independence in 1960, the founding network lost its direct control over the country's national parks. But in the new geopolitical situation, the old rhetoric of universalism and internationalism was also useful to preserve its continued influence on the management of Congolese nature. © The Author 2017.
Source title: Environmental History
DOI: 10.1093/envhis/emx020
Link: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85021800054&doi=10.1093%2fenvhis%2femx020&partnerID=40&md5=30bf372439885259bde7d6570bac3d82
Correspondence Address: De Bont, R.; Maastricht UniversityNetherlands
Language of Original Document: English
Access Type: Review
Country: ; Democratic Republic of Congo ;
Protected area: Virunga
Main topic: Humans
Subtopic: Governance / Policy ; Perceptions / Behaviors ; Conservation initiatives

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Abstract: Quantitative attribution at the individual pixel level of the relative contributions of climate variability and human activities to vegetation productivity dynamics across Africa is generally lacking. This is because of the difficulty in establishing a baseline or potential vegetation against which the relative impacts of these factors can be assessed. This study addresses these gaps. First, annual potential net primary productivity (NPPP) for 2000–2014 was estimated for Africa using a model constructed from samples of NPP and environmental covariates from protected areas. Second, trends in NPPP, actual NPP (NPPA), and human-appropriated NPP (NPPH = NPPP ? NPPA) were estimated and used in quantifying the relative contributions of climate and human activities to NPP dynamics. Over 2000–2014, NPP improvement was largely concentrated in equatorial and northern Africa, while subequatorial Africa exhibited the most NPP decline. Parts of Mali, Burkina Faso, and the central Africa region are associated with the greatest influence of climate-driven NPP improvement. Areas where humans dominated NPP decline include parts of Ethiopia and South Africa. Climate had a stronger role in driving NPP decline in subequatorial Africa. Nonetheless, further work is required to validate the results of this study with high-resolution imagery and field information. © 2016 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.
Source title: International Journal of Digital Earth
DOI: 10.1080/17538947.2016.1265017
Link: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85002170097&doi=10.1080%2f17538947.2016.1265017&partnerID=40&md5=6d2f2cde0c9835c5ae61a76115f131d0
Correspondence Address: Ugbaje, S.U.; Faculty of Agriculture and Environment, The University of Sydney, Biomedical Building, 1 Central Avenue, ATP, Australia; email: sabastine.ugbaje@sydney.edu.au
Language of Original Document: English
Access Type: Article
Country: ; Central Africa ;
Protected area: Many
Main topic: Biodiversity ; Environment
Subtopic: Plants ; Biology / Ecology ; Climate ; Geology / Pedology

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Abstract: We recorded ground-foraging ant species in forest and savannah habitats along a 52-km-long road planned for upgrade in the buffer zone of the Moukalaba-Doudou National Park in south-west Gabon. Sixty stations were established with three sampling points on each side of the future road and baited with peanut butter to record the presence of invasive Wasmannia auropunctata (Roger, 1863). We documented 46 ant species including one genus and eight species not previously reported in Gabon, but no evidence of the presence of W. auropunctata. We also found species known to have an opportunistic behaviour such as Cardiocondyla emeryi (Forel, 1881), Tetramorium simillimum (Smith, 1851) and Trichomyrmex destructor (Jerdon, 1851). Species richness in forested stations was significantly higher than in savannah. Among the most common ant species in the area, we identified 13 associated with forests, eight associated with savannahs and one generalist. Four species were highly tolerant to human disturbance. Our study, even if biased towards stress-tolerant species, provides new insights about ant species associations with habitats and contributes to the establishment of a reference system to classify African ant species that could be used to monitor the success of restoration of areas impacted by human activities. © 2016 The Authors. African Journal of Ecology Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd
Source title: African Journal of Ecology
DOI: 10.1111/aje.12362
Link: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85007495685&doi=10.1111%2faje.12362&partnerID=40&md5=209b7ec761045d85a7506c426effb6e6
Correspondence Address: Vanthomme, H.; Center for Conservation and Sustainability, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, National Zoological Park, PO Box 37012, MRC 705, United States; email: Vanthommeh@si.edu
Language of Original Document: English
Access Type: Article
Country: ; Gabon ;
Protected area: Moukalaba-Doudou
Main topic: Biodiversity
Subtopic: Animals ; Invertebrates ; Survey / Monitoring ; Diversity

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Abstract: An assessment of local attitudes towards conservation can guide wildlife managers in the effective application of measurements to improve these perceptions. Here we conducted a quantitative questionnaire survey around a protected area in northern Congo surveying 314 households living in four villages around the Nouabalé-Ndoki National Park. We investigated the impact of the benefits of a conservation project (led by an international non-governmental organisation), the experience with human-elephant conflict and the respondents' socio-economic profile on local people's attitudes towards forest elephant conservation. Using multivariate analysis, we found overall positive attitudes towards elephant conservation with more positive answers in the village where a conservation project is based. Furthermore, people employed in the conservation project stated more positive attitudes compared to logging company employees famers, natural resource users and people conducting other jobs. Experience of human elephant conflict negatively impacted people's perceptions. Socio-economic variables, such as ethnic group, education level or salary category had relatively little impact on people's responses. Qualitative statements largely supported the questionnaire results. We discuss our results in the light of the limits of attitude surveys and suggest further investigations to identify the activities needed to foster positive attitudes for elephant conservation in all villages around the Nouabalé-Ndoki National Park in partnership with the logging company.
Source title: Conservation and Society
DOI: 10.4103/0972-4923.201394
Link: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85015008631&doi=10.4103%2f0972-4923.201394&partnerID=40&md5=f0e5ece2aff069fbb705e81bbd0b9c0e
Correspondence Address: Breuer, T.; Global Conservation Program, Wildlife Conservation SocietyUnited States; email: tbreuer@wcs.org
Language of Original Document: English
Access Type: Article
Country: ; Republic of Congo ;
Protected area: Nouabalé-Ndoki
Main topic: Humans ; Biodiversity
Subtopic: Perceptions / Behaviors ; Periphery / Management ; Conservation initiatives ; Human-wildlife conflicts ; Income-generating activities ; Demography ; Animals ; Vertebrates ; Mammals ; Ungulates ; Elephants

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Abstract: African forest elephants (Loxodonta cyclotis) occupy large ranges in dense tropical forests and often use far-reaching vocal signals to coordinate social behavior. Elephant populations in Central Africa are in crisis, having declined by more than 60% in the last decade. Methods currently used to monitor these populations are expensive and time-intensive, though acoustic monitoring technology may offer an effective alternative if signals of interest can be efficiently extracted from the sound stream. This paper proposes an automated elephant call detection algorithm that was tested on nearly 4000 h of field recordings collected from five forest clearings in Central Africa, including sites both inside protected areas and in logging concessions. Recordings were obtained in different seasons, years, and under diverse weather conditions. The detector achieved an 83.2% true positive rate when the false positive rate is 5.5% (approximately 20 false positives per hour). These results suggest that this algorithm can enable analysis of long-term recording datasets or facilitate near-real-time monitoring of elephants in a wide range of settings and conditions. © 2017 Acoustical Society of America.
Source title: Journal of the Acoustical Society of America
DOI: 10.1121/1.4979476
Link: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85018494580&doi=10.1121%2f1.4979476&partnerID=40&md5=a1aad977405aa663c61a54f2854da868
Correspondence Address:
Language of Original Document: English
Access Type: Article
Country: ; Central African Republic ;
Protected area: Dzanga-Sangha
Main topic: Biodiversity
Subtopic: Animals ; Vertebrates ; Mammals ; Ungulates ; Elephants ; Survey / Monitoring

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Abstract: After almost two decades of violent conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)-during which time the Virunga National Park was focused mainly on 'mere survival'-nature conservation practices in the Park began following strategies of re-enclosure in 2003. These practices are being contested by local population groups using a variety of different strategies. While local and trans-local elites employ more overt, explicit forms of (political) contestation, peasants resort to 'weapons of the weak', engaging in more covert, implicit forms of everyday resistance, whereby the customary mode of organising access to land works-among other functions-as a vehicle for resistance. This paper argues that this multi-dimensional resistance ties in with general conflict dynamics in eastern DRC, while at the same time reproducing them within the realm of nature conservation, tightly interwoven with global dynamics.
Source title: Conservation and Society
DOI: 10.4103/0972-4923.201397
Link: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85015048517&doi=10.4103%2f0972-4923.201397&partnerID=40&md5=ef12064cffb7c73dc196a5b31103f799
Correspondence Address: Hochleithner, S.; Department of Geography, University of ZürichSwitzerland; email: Stephan.Hochleithner@geo.uzh.ch
Language of Original Document: English
Access Type: Article
Country: ; Democratic Republic of Congo ;
Protected area: Virunga
Main topic: Humans
Subtopic: Armed conflicts ; Conservation initiatives ; Periphery / Management ; Governance / Policy ; Perceptions / Behaviors

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Abstract: Biodiversity conservation is one of the grand challenges facing society. Many people interested in biodiversity conservation have a background in wildlife biology. However, the diverse social, cultural, political, and historical factors that influence the lives of people and wildlife can be investigated fully only by incorporating social science methods, ideally within an interdisciplinary framework. Cultural hierarchies of knowledge and the hegemony of the natural sciences create a barrier to interdisciplinary understandings. Here, we review three different projects that confront this difficulty, integrating biological and ethnographic methods to study conservation problems. The first project involved wildlife foraging on crops around a newly established national park in Gabon. Biological methods revealed the extent of crop loss, the species responsible, and an effect of field isolation, while ethnography revealed institutional and social vulnerability to foraging wildlife. The second project concerned great ape tourism in the Central African Republic. Biological methods revealed that gorilla tourism poses risks to gorillas, while ethnography revealed why people seek close proximity to gorillas. The third project focused on humans and other primates living alongside one another in Morocco. Incorporating shepherds in the coproduction of ecological knowledge about primates built trust and altered attitudes to the primates. These three case studies demonstrate how the integration of biological and social methods can help us to understand the sustainability of human–wildlife interactions, and thus promote coexistence. In each case, an integrated biosocial approach incorporating ethnographic data produced results that would not otherwise have come to light. Research that transcends conventional academic boundaries requires the openness and flexibility to move beyond one’s comfort zone to understand and acknowledge the legitimacy of “other” kinds of knowledge. It is challenging but crucial if we are to address conservation problems effectively. © 2016, The Author(s).
Source title: International Journal of Primatology
DOI: 10.1007/s10764-016-9938-5
Link: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85006380312&doi=10.1007%2fs10764-016-9938-5&partnerID=40&md5=1cfebd3b9ddab9e2954b0a035b975d1d
Correspondence Address: Setchell, J.M.; Department of Anthropology, Durham UniversityUnited Kingdom; email: joanna.setchell@durham.ac.uk
Language of Original Document: English
Access Type: Article
Country: ; Gabon ; Central African Republic ;
Protected area: Loango ; Dzanga-Sangha
Main topic: Biodiversity ; Humans
Subtopic: Animals ; Vertebrates ; Mammals ; Primates ; Biology / Ecology ; Perceptions / Behaviors ; Human-wildlife conflicts ; Tourism ; Anthropology / Ethnoscience