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Abstract: Across the Congo Basin, human hunting pressure poses the biggest threat to small- and medium-bodied forest ungulates (genus Philantomba and Cephalophus, commonly known as duikers). The exploitation of these species has cascading effects on larger ecosystem processes, as well as on human subsistence practices. This study compares encounter rates and estimated population densities of duiker species, specifically Philantomba monticola (blue duiker) in the Dzanga-Sangha Protected Areas (APDS), Central African Republic (CAR). Data were collected using direct observations of individual animals during diurnal (135 km) and nocturnal (150 km) transects in the APDS, with abundance estimates produced using DISTANCE software. Transect data demonstrate that within hunted forests similar to APDS, nocturnal rather than diurnal transects yield more individual observations of ungulates. Despite hunting pressure in the region, estimates presented for APDS suggest some of the highest density estimates reported for blue duikers in western and central Africa (58.6 blue duikers per km2). This study directly contributes current regional data on the status of duiker populations at APDS and in the larger Sangha Trinational Landscape (TNS, UNESCO). More broadly, we highlight the potential importance of nocturnal transect data to the development of adaptive management regimes in hunted forests. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons Ltd
Source title: African Journal of Ecology
DOI: 10.1111/aje.12344
Link: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84978861870&doi=10.1111%2faje.12344&partnerID=40&md5=c7e2cdd5a3488e71ab23523d658d093d
Correspondence Address: Jost Robinson, C.A.; Department of Anthropology, University of North Carolina, Wilmington, 601 S. College Rd., United States; email: robinsonc@uncw.edu
Language of Original Document: English
Access Type: Article
Country: ; Central African Republic ;
Protected area: Dzanga-Sangha
Main topic: Biodiversity
Subtopic: Animals ; Vertebrates ; Mammals ; Ungulates ; Survey / Monitoring

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Abstract: Background: Although a high genetic diversity of Plasmodium spp. circulating in great apes has been revealed recently due to non-invasive methods enabling detection in faecal samples, little is known about the actual mechanisms underlying the presence of Plasmodium DNA in faeces. Great apes are commonly infected by strongylid nematodes, including hookworms, which cause intestinal bleeding. The impact of strongylid infections on the detection of Plasmodium DNA in faeces was assessed in wild, western, lowland gorillas from Dzanga Sangha Protected Areas, Central African Republic and eastern chimpanzees from Kalinzu Forest Reserve, Uganda. Methods: Fifty-one faecal samples from 22 habituated gorillas and 74 samples from 15 habituated chimpanzees were analysed using Cytochrome-b PCR assay and coprological methods. Results: Overall, 26.4% of the analysed samples were positive for both Plasmodium spp. and strongylids. However, the results showed no significant impact of intensity of infections of strongylids on detection of Plasmodium DNA in gorilla and chimpanzee faeces. Conclusion: Bleeding caused by strongylid nematode Necator spp. cannot explain the presence of Plasmodium DNA in ape faeces. © 2017 The Author(s).
Source title: Malaria Journal
DOI: 10.1186/s12936-017-1822-z
Link: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85018159766&doi=10.1186%2fs12936-017-1822-z&partnerID=40&md5=c88585598991001c1370b93ddbcbeafc
Correspondence Address: Paf?o, B.; Department of Pathology and Parasitology, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Palackého t?. 1946/1, Czech Republic; email: barafrikacar@gmail.com
Language of Original Document: English
Access Type: Article
Country: ; Central African Republic ;
Protected area: Dzanga-Sangha
Main topic: Health
Subtopic: Animal health

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Abstract: There has been an enduring interest in primate tool-use and manipulative abilities, most often with the goal of providing insight into the evolution of human manual dexterity, right-hand preference, and what behaviours make humans unique. Chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) are arguably the most well-studied tool-users amongst non-human primates, and are particularly well-known for their complex nut-cracking behaviour, which has been documented in several West African populations. However, their sister-taxon, the bonobos (Pan paniscus), rarely engage in even simple tool-use and are not known to nut-crack in the wild. Only a few studies have reported tool-use in captive bonobos, including their ability to crack nuts, but details of this complex tool-use behaviour have not been documented before. Here, we fill this gap with the first comprehensive analysis of bonobo nut-cracking in a natural environment at the Lola ya Bonobo sanctuary, Democratic Republic of the Congo. Eighteen bonobos were studied as they cracked oil palm nuts using stone hammers. Individual bonobos showed exclusive laterality for using the hammerstone and there was a significant group-level right-hand bias. The study revealed 15 hand grips for holding differently sized and weighted hammerstones, 10 of which had not been previously described in the literature. Our findings also demonstrated that bonobos select the most effective hammerstones when nut-cracking. Bonobos are efficient nut-crackers and not that different from the renowned nut-cracking chimpanzees of Bossou, Guinea, which also crack oil palm nuts using stones. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Source title: American Journal of Primatology
DOI: 10.1002/ajp.22589
Link: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84983535148&doi=10.1002%2fajp.22589&partnerID=40&md5=2bd9b77ab5622374f5165e4bd0192916
Correspondence Address: Neufuss, J.; Animal Postcranial Evolution Laboratory, Skeletal Biology Research Centre, School of Anthropology and Conservation, University of KentUnited Kingdom; email: jn259@kent.ac.uk
Language of Original Document: English
Access Type: Article
Country: ; Democratic Republic of Congo ;
Protected area: Lola ya Bonobo
Main topic: Biodiversity
Subtopic: Animals ; Vertebrates ; Mammals ; Primates ; Biology / Ecology

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Abstract: [No abstract available]
Source title: Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment
DOI: 10.1002/fee.1495
Link: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85019977784&doi=10.1002%2ffee.1495&partnerID=40&md5=ffc96463a45749498ba96104af084ed0
Correspondence Address: Astaras, C.; Wildlife Conservation Research Unit, Department of Zoology, University of OxfordUnited Kingdom; email: christos.astaras@fri.gr
Language of Original Document: English
Access Type: Article
Country: ; Cameroon ;
Protected area: Korup
Main topic: Humans
Subtopic: Hunting / Poaching ; Conservation initiatives

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Abstract: Elephant populations are in peril everywhere, but forest elephants in Central Africa have sustained alarming losses in the last decade [1]. Large, remote protected areas are thought to best safeguard forest elephants by supporting large populations buffered from habitat fragmentation, edge effects and human pressures. One such area, the Minkébé National Park (MNP), Gabon, was created chiefly for its reputation of harboring a large elephant population. MNP held the highest densities of elephants in Central Africa at the turn of the century, and was considered a critical sanctuary for forest elephants because of its relatively large size and isolation. We assessed population change in the park and its surroundings between 2004 and 2014. Using two independent modeling approaches, we estimated a 78–81% decline in elephant numbers over ten years — a loss of more than 25,000 elephants. While poaching occurs from within Gabon, cross-border poaching largely drove the precipitous drop in elephant numbers. With nearly 50% of forest elephants in Central Africa thought to reside in Gabon [1], their loss from the park is a considerable setback for the preservation of the species. © 2017 Elsevier Ltd
Source title: Current Biology
DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2017.01.023
Link: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85013278130&doi=10.1016%2fj.cub.2017.01.023&partnerID=40&md5=2003dbe103103eaeb6ebaf43f7af322a
Correspondence Address: Poulsen, J.R.; Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, P.O. Box 90328, United States; email: john.poulsen@duke.edu
Language of Original Document: English
Access Type: Letter
Country: ; Gabon ;
Protected area: Minkebe
Main topic: Biodiversity
Subtopic: Animals ; Vertebrates ; Mammals ; Ungulates ; Elephants ; Survey / Monitoring

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Abstract: A new species of the freshwater crab genus Potamonautes MacLeay, 1838, is described from Ivindo National Park in Sofala Province, Gabon, Central Africa. Potamonautes nheenae n. sp. is morphologically distinct from the other species of this genus found in Gabon and nearby countries in Central Africa, and is most closely related to P. paecilei (A. MilneEdwards, 1886) from the Lower Congo River basin in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The new species is recognised by a unique combination of morphological characters of the adult male first gonopod, anterior sternum, mouthparts, and major cheliped. Illustrations of P. nheenae n. sp. are provided and differences with congeners found in Central Africa are discussed. In addition, the male gonopods, pleon, and sternum of the unusual freshwater crab Erimetopus brazzae (A. Milne-Edwards, 1886), are illustrated for the first time since its description in 1886, following the discovery of the first known male specimen of this species in the collection of the Museum of Comparative Zoology at Harvard University. © 2017 Magnolia Press.
Source title: Zootaxa
DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4286.2.6
Link: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85021701765&doi=10.11646%2fzootaxa.4286.2.6&partnerID=40&md5=9e799a7a6bb53cbe1096598952af901b
Correspondence Address: Cumberlidge, N.; Department of Biology, Northern Michigan UniversityUnited States; email: ncumberl@nmu.edu
Language of Original Document: English
Access Type: Article
Country: ; Gabon ;
Protected area: Ivindo
Main topic: Biodiversity
Subtopic: Animals ; Invertebrates ; Taxonomy

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Abstract: Pseudagrion kamiranzovu sp. nov. is described from streams in the montane rainforest of Nyungwe National Park in western Rwanda. The species belongs to the Pseudagrion A-group and is similar to P. risi Schmidt in Ris 1936 and P. gamblesi Pinhey, 1978 but is characterized by its unique combination of colours, the lack of blue markings on the abdomen, the male appendages and the short pterostigmata. The body size makes it one of the largest members of the genus in continental Africa.
Source title: Odonatologica
DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.1040318
Link: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85037855832&doi=10.5281%2fzenodo.1040318&partnerID=40&md5=4e6ffcd5955dd67d0564de7e13a65d52
Correspondence Address:
Language of Original Document: English
Access Type: Article
Country: ; Rwanda ;
Protected area: Nyungwe
Main topic: Biodiversity
Subtopic: Animals ; Invertebrates ; Taxonomy

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Abstract: A rain-gauge network consisting of 13 stations was installed on the volcanic fields around Nyiragongo and Nyamulagira volcanoes, as well as in the surrounding villages and Goma city (DR Congo) from December 2013 to October 2015. The rain gauges were then sampled on a monthly basis in order to evaluate the influence of volcanic emissions on rain chemistry and rainwater quality. This is the first temporally distributed dataset of rain chemistry from this densely populated region, where the two Africa's most active volcanoes, 14 km apart, continuously eject gases and ash to the atmosphere and where rainwater represents an important water resource. The results revealed that volcanic emissions are the primary source of the dissolved loads. Wind-blown dust dissolution is in fact occasionally the dominant source of major cations at cities and villages that are remote with respect to the volcano summits. A few sites located in the forested Virunga National Park are neither significantly impacted by volcanic emissions nor wind-blown dust. The combined contribution of volcanic gases and the dissolution of volcanic ash and soil dust determined the pH of the rainwater. Thus, areas with limited volcanic impact showed higher pH values (up to 7.6), while those that experience major volcanic impact showed lower pH values (as low as 3.1), as a consequence of the continuous input of acidic volcanic gases. The chemical composition of rain varies according to location and was driven by changes in wind direction. Nearly all the sites showed prominent temporal variations in dissolved loads, which were essentially related to the variations in precipitation amount due to seasonal changes. The rain dissolved loads, the bulk atmospheric deposition fluxes (e.g., 0.5–24.6 t km?2 yr?1 for fluoride and 22.6–176.6 t km?2 yr?1 for total dissolved substances), and the spatial variations converged to show that localities to the west and southwest of Mt Nyiragongo are the most strongly impacted by volcanic emissions. These areas to the west and southwest, which experience higher rates of F deposition, also coincide with the locations of villages and small cities where endemic dental fluorosis occurs. Such a relationship is explained by the use of F-rich water in all domestic activities, including as drinking water, in the region. © 2017 Elsevier Ltd
Source title: Applied Geochemistry
DOI: 10.1016/j.apgeochem.2017.03.018
Link: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85017565114&doi=10.1016%2fj.apgeochem.2017.03.018&partnerID=40&md5=6d6ba08bc27d5bb8689029dde39df475
Correspondence Address: Balagizi, C.M.; Geochemistry and Environmental Department, Goma Volcano Observatory, 142, Av. Du Rond-point, Congo; email: balagizi.charles@gmail.com
Language of Original Document: English
Access Type: Article
Country: ; Democratic Republic of Congo ;
Protected area: Virunga
Main topic: Environment
Subtopic: Geology / Pedology ; Volcanism

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Abstract: Only five species of the genus Tetraconcha Karsch, 1890 have been previously known; they inhabit tropical forests of central and western Africa. Generally, specimens belonging to this genus are scarcely represented in museum collections, probably due to the difficulty in finding them, but also for the fragility of their body and legs. During some recent expeditions in the Central African Republic and Ivory Coast it was possible to put together an abundant amount of specimens. This allowed the present author to revise the genus and to find valid characters to distinguish different species. On the whole, ten new species were discovered and the total number now amounts to fifteen species. Interestingly, in the Dzanga-N’Doki National Park (Central African Republic) seven sister species, previously unknown, live together with T. smaragdina; it was possible to separate them by the shape and number of teeth of the stridulatory file under the left tegmen, and later other taxonomical characters were provided. This may be considered a case of evolutionary radiation; that is, Tetraconcha species in the Dzanga-N’Doki National Park evolved traits that primarily linked to sound communication. This radiation very probably occurred randomly, possibly driven by genetic drift.
Source title: Journal of Orthoptera Research
DOI: 10.3897/jor.26.21469
Link: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85038970852&doi=10.3897%2fjor.26.21469&partnerID=40&md5=aa20aed8cbbd1670330d943417c8f291
Correspondence Address: Massa, B.; Department of Agricultural, Food and Forest Sciences, University of Palermo, Viale Scienze Bd 4A, Italy; email: bruno.massa@unipa.it
Language of Original Document: English
Access Type: Article
Country: ; Central African Republic ;
Protected area: Dzanga-Ndoki
Main topic: Biodiversity
Subtopic: Animals ; Invertebrates ; Survey / Monitoring ; Taxonomy

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Abstract: Background and aims – There is increasing recognition that plant traits mediate environmental influence on species distribution, justifying non-random community assembly. We studied the influence of local scale edaphic factors on the distribution of functional traits in a tropical rainforest of Cameroon with the aim to find correlations between the main edaphic gradient and community functional trait metrics (weighted mean trait, functional divergence and intraspecific variation). Methods – Within the Korup Forest Dynamics Plot (50 ha), we randomly selected 44 quadrats of 0.04 ha each, collected soils and analysed 11 topography and soil variables. Leaves were harvested from all 98 tree species found in the quadrats to calculate community trait metrics [quadrat-level weighted mean (qk) and functional divergence (FDivk)] for leaf area (LA), specific leaf area (SLA), leaf phosphorus (LPC), leaf nitrogen concentration (LNC) and nitrogen to phosphorus ratio (N:P ratio). We examined relationships between the main edaphic gradient with qk, with FDivk and with intraspecific variation and interpreted correlations as the effects of abiotic filtering and competitive interaction. Key results – Soil fertility was the main edaphic gradient and was significantly correlated with qk for LPC, LNC and LA and with FDivk for LPC, N:P ratio, LA and SLA, confirming the influence of abiotic filtering and competitive interaction by the soil fertility gradient, respectively. For a given trait, quadrats were either over-dispersed or under-dispersed, accounting for 7–33 % of non-random trait distribution along the soil fertility gradient. Trends in intraspecific traits variation were consistently lower than quadrat-level mean traits along the soil fertility gradient. Conclusions – This study demonstrates the influence of soil fertility gradient on local scale community trait distribution and its contribution to non-random community assembly. © 2017 Botanic Garden Meise and Royal Botanical Society of Belgium.
Source title: Plant Ecology and Evolution
DOI: 10.5091/plecevo.2017.1318
Link: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85036667676&doi=10.5091%2fplecevo.2017.1318&partnerID=40&md5=38053bc4766e0341a5ca2f895e6d31b7
Correspondence Address: Libalah, M.B.; Plant Systematic and Ecology Laboratory (LaBosystE), Department of Biology, Higher Teachers’ Training College, University of Yaoundé I, P.O. Box 047, Cameroon; email: libalah_moses@yahoo.com
Language of Original Document: English
Access Type: Article
Country: ; Cameroon ;
Protected area: Korup
Main topic: Biodiversity ; Environment
Subtopic: Plants ; Survey / Monitoring ; Diversity ; Biology / Ecology ; Geology / Pedology

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Abstract: Rapidly developing countries contain both the bulk of intact natural areas and biodiversity, and the greatest untapped natural resource stocks, placing them at the forefront of "green" economic development opportunities. However, most lack scientific tools to create development plans that account for biodiversity and ecosystem services, diminishing the real potential to be sustainable. Existing methods focus on biodiversity and carbon priority areas across large geographies (e.g., countries, states/provinces), leaving out essential services associated with water supplies, among others. These hydrologic ecosystem services (HES) are especially absent from methods applied at large geographies and in data-limited contexts. Here, we present a novel, spatially explicit, and relatively simple methodology to identify countrywide HES priority areas. We applied our methodology to the Gabonese Republic, a country undergoing a major economic transformation under a governmental commitment to balance conservation and development goals. We present the first national-scale maps of HES priority areas across Gabon for erosion control, nutrient retention, and groundwater recharge. Priority sub-watersheds covered 44% of the country's extent. Only 3% of the country was identified as a priority area for all HES simultaneously, highlighting the need to conserve different areas for each different hydrologic service. While spatial tradeoffs occur amongst HES, we identified synergies with two other conservation values, given that 66% of HES priority areas intersect regions of above average area-weighted (by sub-watersheds) total forest carbon stocks and 38% intersect with terrestrial national parks. Considering implications for development, we identified HES priority areas overlapping current or proposed major roads, forestry concessions, and active mining concessions, highlighting the need for proactive planning for avoidance areas and compensatory offsets to mitigate potential conflicts. Collectively, our results provide insight into strategies to protect HES as part of Gabon's development strategy, while providing a replicable methodology for application to new scales, geographies, and policy contexts. © 2017 Goldstein 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.0179008
Link: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85020442864&doi=10.1371%2fjournal.pone.0179008&partnerID=40&md5=326dfe78a9492b3f93c4385b69508636
Correspondence Address: Goldstein, J.H.; Nature Conservancy, Office of the Chief Scientist, United States; email: jgoldstein@tnc.org
Language of Original Document: English
Access Type: Article
Country: ; Gabon ;
Protected area: Many
Main topic: Environment ; Humans
Subtopic: Land use / cover ; Ecosystem services

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Abstract: Objectives: Female bonobos (Pan paniscus) are characterized as highly affiliative and cooperative, but few studies have quantified the strength and stability of female intra-sexual relationships or explored how variation in social relationships influences cooperation. We measure female social preferences, identify causes of variation in preferences, and test whether variation in social preferences predicts food sharing or coalitionary support. Methods: Data were collected over 3 years from females in the Bompusa community at LuiKotale, DRC. We measured genetic relatedness and constructed social preference indices for party association, proximity, grooming, GG-rubbing and aggression. We identified preferred social partners based on permutation tests and measured stability using Mantel tests. We used factor analysis to identify inter-relationships between preference indices and used LMMs to test whether variation in social preferences was explained by relatedness, rank differences, having dependent young or co-residency time. We used GLMMs to test whether variation in social preferences predicted food sharing or coalitionary support. Results: All females had preferred non-kin partners for proximity, grooming or GG-rubbing, but only grooming preferences were stable across years. Association indices were higher among lactating females, and aggression was lower among females with longer co-residency times. The factor analysis identified one factor, representing proximity and GG-rubbing preferences, labeled behavioral coordination. Dyads with higher levels of behavioral coordination were more likely to share food. Conclusions: Female bonobos exhibit stable, differentiated grooming relationships outside of kinship and philopatry. Females also exhibit flexible proximity and GG-rubbing preferences that may facilitate cooperation with a wider range of social partners. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Source title: American Journal of Physical Anthropology
DOI: 10.1002/ajpa.23197
Link: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85014795360&doi=10.1002%2fajpa.23197&partnerID=40&md5=618f043018d9ba38c1e8f2e84e138de9
Correspondence Address: Moscovice, L.R.; Department of Primatology, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary AnthropologyGermany; email: Lmoscov@emory.edu
Language of Original Document: English
Access Type: Article
Country: ; Democratic Republic of Congo ;
Protected area: Salonga
Main topic: Biodiversity
Subtopic: Animals ; Vertebrates ; Mammals ; Primates ; Biology / Ecology

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Abstract: Three new species of Angraecum sect. Afrangraecum from Central Africa are here described and illustrated. They are morphologically similar to A. affine and A. cribbianum. Two of them, A. gereauanum and A. geerinckianum, are only known from Massif du Chaillu in Gabon and appear to be closely related based on morphological and preliminary molecular evidence. The third species, A. oliveirae, is endemic to São Tomé. A dichotomous key to all fourteen species of A. sect. Afrangraecum and a table with the distinguishing characters of the three new species and closely allied taxa are provided. A preliminary assessment of the conservation status of the new species is also presented, using the IUCN Red List categories and criteria. © 2017 Magnolia Press.
Source title: Phytotaxa
DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.323.2.3
Link: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85030314746&doi=10.11646%2fphytotaxa.323.2.3&partnerID=40&md5=afd322640d47baf9c67f6cb81f6d7993
Correspondence Address:
Language of Original Document: English
Access Type: Article
Country: ; São Tomé and Príncipe ;
Protected area: Parque Natural Obô de São Tomé
Main topic: Biodiversity
Subtopic: Plants ; Taxonomy

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Abstract: After ten years of implementation of the development plan of the Pare de la Benoue and the continued immigration of new farmers and herders, what were the evolutions of the territories and the power relations between, on the one hand, indigenous and non-natural users of natural resources, and, on the other hand, biodiversity conservation agents? The land issues revealed by the zoning of the national park in the context of exponential population growth lead to new alliances, notably with the previously marginalized traditional authorities, which reaffirm their territorial rights in the process of nature patrimonializatkm. We show how the local strategies at work are in keeping with the old cultural model of each of these communities, centered on the territory and not on the biodiversity it contains. Discussions on the recognition of local practices and knowledge, as well as on the complementarity between emblematic and ordinary biodiversity, do not find any echoes in this area overwhelmed by uncontrolled immigration directly linked to the context of regional insecurity.
Source title: Bulletin d'Association de Geographes Francais
DOI:
Link: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85027396336&partnerID=40&md5=cb6e45c069d183f6cdd3006a409d2c57
Correspondence Address:
Language of Original Document: French
Access Type: Article
Country: ; Cameroon ;
Protected area: Bénoué
Main topic: Humans
Subtopic: Periphery / Management ; Governance / Policy ; Conservation initiatives ; Demography ; Perceptions / Behaviors

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Abstract: Questions: Is there any theoretical model enabling predictions of the optimal tree size distribution in tropical communities? Can we use such a theoretical framework for quantifying the degree of disturbance?. Location: Reserve of Yangambi, northeast region of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Methods: We applied an allometric model based on the assumption that a virtually undisturbed forest uses all available resources. In this condition, the forest structure (e.g. the tree size distribution) is theoretically predictable from the scaling of the tree crown with tree height at an individual level. The degree of disturbance can be assessed through comparing the slopes of the tree size distribution curves in the observed and predicted conditions. We tested this tool in forest stands subjected to different degrees of disturbance. We inventoried trees >1.3 m in height by measuring the DBH in three plots of 1 ha each, and measured tree height, crown radius and crown length in a sub-sample of trees. Results: All tree species, independently of the site, shared the same exponents of allometric relationships: tree height vs tree diameter, crown radius vs tree height, crown length vs tree height and consequently crown volume vs tree height, suggesting that similar trajectories of biomass allocation have evolved irrespective of species. The observed tree size distributions appeared to be power laws (excluding the finite size effect) and, as predicted, the slope was steeper in the less disturbed forest (?2.34) compared to the most disturbed (?1.99). The difference in the slope compared to the theoretical fully functional forest (?2.65) represents the metric for assessing the degree of disturbance. Conclusions: We developed a simple tool for operationalizing the concept of ‘disturbance’ in tropical forests. This approach is species-independent, needs minimal theoretical assumptions, the measurement of only a few structural traits and requires a low investment in equipment, time and computer skills. Its simple implementation opens new perspectives for effectively addressing initiatives of forest protection and/or restoration. © 2017 International Association for Vegetation Science
Source title: Journal of Vegetation Science
DOI: 10.1111/jvs.12512
Link: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85013436971&doi=10.1111%2fjvs.12512&partnerID=40&md5=bae1a5cc294872d20925cdad18196065
Correspondence Address: Anfodillo, T.; Dipartimento Territorio e Sistemi Agro-Forestali, University of PadovaItaly; email: tommaso.anfodillo@unipd.it
Language of Original Document: English
Access Type: Article
Country: ; Democratic Republic of Congo ;
Protected area: Yangambi
Main topic: Biodiversity
Subtopic: Plants ; Structure / Biomass

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Abstract: Primary users of wildlife have only rarely been considered in determining the status of threatened species. There is no recent information on the status of Piliocolobus preussi (Critically Endangered) and Cercocebus torquatus (Vulnerable) in southwestern Cameroon. This study documents the status of both primates using data collected in Korup National Park (KNP), Banyang-Mbo Wildlife Sanctuary (BMWS), and Nkwende-Hills (NHFR), Nta-Ali (NAFR) and Rumpi-Hills (RHFR) forest reserves, referred to as the Korup region (KR). The study area is an important portion of both species' ranges in the West Africa Biodiversity Hotspot. We were specifically interested in confirming the presence/absence of each species per site, identifying threats, evaluating trends in abundance and, using the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) classification categories and criteria in assessing the conservation status for both species. We interviewed 178 hunters from 31 peripheral villages, and collected data on 286.9 km of recce walks in the Korup region. Statistical comparisons of mean perceptions of hunters showed P. preussi to be significantly present in KNP (88.9%), but not in NHFR (65.6%) and BMWS (57.7%), and C.Torquatus to be significantly present in NHFR (100%) and BMWS (96.7%), but not in KNP (77.8%). According to 54.9% and 53.9% of the hunters interviewed, poaching is the main threat to the respective species. Habitat loss is also important. Data from the last ten years shows a proportional decline in relative abundance of 83.4% and 53.4% for P. preussi and C.Torquatus, respectively. We suspect a decline in the extent of occurrence and/or habitat quality in the Korup Region. In order to ensure awareness of the needs for their conservation, we recommend that C.Torquatus be classified as Endangered (A2bc), and P. preussi be maintained as Critically Endangered (A2bc) because of the estimated declines of ?50% and 80%, respectively, based on encounter rate, and suspected decline in the extent of occurrence and habitat quality.
Source title: Primate Conservation
DOI:
Link: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85040316240&partnerID=40&md5=a05783d08676cb5f00cc66d3d8d103ba
Correspondence Address: Serge Bobo, K.; Department of Forestry, Faculty of Agronomy and Agricultural Sciences, University of Dschang, P.O. Box: 222, Cameroon; email: bobokadiris@yahoo.com
Language of Original Document: English
Access Type: Article
Country: ; Cameroon ;
Protected area: Korup ; Bayang-Mbo ; Rumpi Hills
Main topic: Biodiversity ; Humans
Subtopic: Animals ; Vertebrates ; Mammals ; Primates ; Survey / Monitoring ; Abundance ; Hunting / Poaching ; Perceptions / Behaviors

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Abstract: The studied forest is a protected area located in Southern Burundi, close to Bururi city and to agricultural villages. The effective protection of this forest started in 1980 but the protected area delimitation occurred in 2000. The forest spatial dynamic is analyzed to assess the effectiveness of this protection status. The study combines six Landsat multispectral satellite images analysis with field observations. Forest area and perimeter analysis highlights its dynamic in two phases: the first one is mainly characterised by deforestation and savannah development around agricultural lands but also by forest regrowth processes between 1986 and 2001. The second phase (2001-2011) of the forest dynamic is characterized by the increase of its surface and perimeter following the transformation of savannah zones. The anthropogenic effect limitation linked to the protected area delimitation, agricultural activities disturbance during socio-political instability period and to the increasing number of forest-rangers, would have influenced the surface and perimeter gain between 2001 and 2011. Local population implication in forest protection could further limit human pressure and promote degraded zones regeneration. Thus, agropastoral practices innovation in neighboring villages of the protected zone could contribute to limit these anthropogenic disturbances.
Source title: Tropicultura
DOI:
Link: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85030749496&partnerID=40&md5=e0c4f19875cba9b602b5de1c47f9a44c
Correspondence Address: Havyarimana, F.; Universite du Burundi, Faculte des Sciences, Departement de BiologieBurundi; email: francois.havyarimana@ub.edu.bi
Language of Original Document: English; French
Access Type: Article
Country: ; Burundi ;
Protected area: Bururi forest
Main topic: Environment
Subtopic: Land use / cover ; Forests ; Deforestation ; Savannas ; Crops

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Abstract: An intact forest landscape (IFL) is a seamless mosaic of forest and naturally treeless ecosystems with no remotely detected signs of human activity and a minimum area of 500 km2. IFLs are critical for stabilizing terrestrial carbon storage, harboring biodiversity, regulating hydrological regimes, and providing other ecosystem functions. Although the remaining IFLs comprise only 20% of tropical forest area, they account for 40% of the total aboveground tropical forest carbon. We show that global IFL extent has been reduced by 7.2% since the year 2000. An increasing rate of global IFL area reduction was found, largely driven by the tripling of IFL tropical forest loss in 2011–2013 compared to that in 2001–2003. Industrial logging, agricultural expansion, fire, and mining/resource extraction were the primary causes of IFL area reduction. Protected areas (International Union for Conservation of Nature categories I to III) were found to have a positive effect in slowing the reduction of IFL area from timber harvesting but were less effective in limiting agricultural expansion. The certification of logging concessions under responsible management had a negligible impact on slowing IFL fragmentation in the Congo Basin. Fragmentation of IFLs by logging and establishment of roads and other infrastructure initiates a cascade of changes that lead to landscape transformation and loss of conservation values. Given that only 12% of the global IFL area is protected, our results illustrate the need for planning and investment in carbon sequestration and biodiversity conservation efforts that target the most valuable remaining forests, as identified using the IFL approach. © 2017 The Authors. some rights reserved.
Source title: Science Advances
DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.1600821
Link: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85017004043&doi=10.1126%2fsciadv.1600821&partnerID=40&md5=3acb947c8c96299fda35d271fed59694
Correspondence Address: Potapov, P.; University of MarylandUnited States; email: potapov@umd.edu
Language of Original Document: English
Access Type: Article
Country: ; Central Africa ;
Protected area: Many
Main topic: Environment
Subtopic: Land use / cover ; Deforestation ; Forests ; Crops ; Mines

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Abstract: Mountain gorilla tourism has played an important role in the conservation of mountain gorillas in Rwanda. Significant revenue from mountain gorilla tourism has motivated the government of Rwanda to protect wildlife using strict protectionism measures to conservation. This approach however, amidst high human–wildlife conflicts among local residents’ neighboring parks, has not led to reduced wildlife threats such as poaching. The purpose of this study finds out whether mountain gorilla tourism has benefited communities around the park and generated the support needed for conservation. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews with both open-ended and closed-ended questions. Research findings revealed that mountain gorilla tourism through the tourism revenue sharing scheme has not directly benefited local communities and therefore has not addressed human-induced conservation threats. The limitations of mountain gorilla tourism opportunities at Volcanoes National Park to reduce wildlife threats and generate support for conservation were attributed to limited access to tourism benefits including the revenue sharing, high costs of living adjacent to the park, lack of community involvement and participation in the park management and decision-making process. © 2017 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group
Source title: Journal of Ecotourism
DOI: 10.1080/14724049.2017.1280043
Link: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85010704183&doi=10.1080%2f14724049.2017.1280043&partnerID=40&md5=9c7827b52b9108b0c522e3ce8e383e37
Correspondence Address: Sabuhoro, E.United States; email: esabuhoro@gmail.com
Language of Original Document: English
Access Type: Article in Press
Country: ; Rwanda ;
Protected area: Volcans
Main topic: Humans
Subtopic: Tourism ; Periphery / Management ; Conservation initiatives ; Human-wildlife conflicts ; Hunting / Poaching ; Perceptions / Behaviors ; Governance / Policy ; Income-generating activities

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Abstract: [No abstract available]
Source title: ORYX
DOI: 10.1017/S0030605317000801
Link: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85019077282&doi=10.1017%2fS0030605317000801&partnerID=40&md5=e70e15662b654d7ab8a967ede108a852
Correspondence Address:
Language of Original Document: English
Access Type: Article in Press
Country: ; Democratic Republic of Congo ;
Protected area: Kahuzi-Biega ; Itombwe
Main topic: Humans
Subtopic: Income-generating activities ; Hunting / Poaching ; Periphery / Management ; Mining