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Abstract: Foragers in transitioning economies are at an increased risk of negative health outcomes as they undergo changes in subsistence patterns and diet. Here, we provide anthropometric data and examine the nutrition and health of adult BaAka foragers in relationship to declining wildlife and economic change in the Dzanga Sangha Protected Areas (APDS), Central African Republic. From June to August 2012, we collected biological data and dietary recall surveys from individuals in Mossapoula (MS) and Yandoumbé (YDBE) villages using standard anthropometric techniques and a single capillary blood finger prick. In our analysis, we identified variation in anthropometric measurements and hemoglobin levels by village (MS = 66, YDBE = 75) and gender (64 men, 77 women). Immigration, increased gun hunting and wildlife trades have reduced forager reliance on forest resources. These changes are evidenced in the marginal health of contemporary BaAka foragers of APDS. Although anthropometric measures of nutritional status do not significantly differ between communities, hemoglobin data highlight inequities in access to forest products between villages with different proximity to community hunting zones. Further, poor dietary diversity and low frequency of purchased foods in the diet indicate that the transition to a market economy has not been fully realized and diets are impoverished. Economic changes appear to have had the most impact at MS village, where forest use is most restricted and consumption of meat and forest products was reduced. This work highlights the nutritional and health needs of foragers in rapidly transitioning economies; especially those impacted by conservation management and zoning policies. Am J Phys Anthropol 154:365-375, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Source title: American Journal of Physical Anthropology
DOI: 10.1002/ajpa.22521
Link: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84902549275&doi=10.1002%2fajpa.22521&partnerID=40&md5=36bb71d406f36737f3783676190c90f6
Correspondence Address: Remis, M.J.; Department of Anthropology, Purdue University, 700 W. State Street, West Lafayette, IN 47907, United States; email: remis@purdue.edu
Language of Original Document: English
Access Type: Article
Country: ; Central African Republic ;
Protected area: Dzanga-Sangha
Main topic: Health
Subtopic: Human health

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Abstract: Spatial patterns of relatedness within animal populations are important in the evolution of mating and social systems, and have the potential to reveal information on species that are difficult to observe in the wild. This study examines the fine-scale genetic structure and connectivity of groups within African forest elephants, Loxodonta cyclotis, which are often difficult to observe due to forest habitat. We tested the hypothesis that genetic similarity will decline with increasing geographic distance, as we expect kin to be in closer proximity, using spatial autocorrelation analyses and Tau Kr tests. Associations between individuals were investigated through a non-invasive genetic capture-recapture approach using network models, and were predicted to be more extensive than the small groups found in observational studies, similar to fission-fusion sociality found in African savanna (Loxodonta africana) and Asian (Elephas maximus) species. Dung samples were collected in Lopé National Park, Gabon in 2008 and 2010 and genotyped at 10 microsatellite loci, genetically sexed, and sequenced at the mitochondrial DNA control region. We conducted analyses on samples collected at three different temporal scales: a day, within six-day sampling sessions, and within each year. Spatial autocorrelation and Tau Kr tests revealed genetic structure, but results were weak and inconsistent between sampling sessions. Positive spatial autocorrelation was found in distance classes of 0-5 km, and was strongest for the single day session. Despite weak genetic structure, individuals within groups were significantly more related to each other than to individuals between groups. Social networks revealed some components to have large, extensive groups of up to 22 individuals, and most groups were composed of individuals of the same matriline. Although fine-scale population genetic structure was weak, forest elephants are typically found in groups consisting of kin and based on matrilines, with some individuals having more associates than observed from group sizes alone. © 2014 Schuttler et al.
Source title: PLoS ONE
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0088074
Link: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84895547586&doi=10.1371%2fjournal.pone.0088074&partnerID=40&md5=8457ad5fae3a8cec9c8e0cff4a2c3b7e
Correspondence Address:
Language of Original Document: English
Access Type: Article
Country: ; Gabon ;
Protected area: Lopé
Main topic: Biodiversity
Subtopic: Animals ; Vertebrates ; Mammals ; Ungulates ; Elephants ; Genetics

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Abstract: A key management goal in Lopé National Park, Gabon, is to protect regionally-rare savannah ecosystems within the continuous rainforest block. In order to evaluate the impact of existing protection efforts, data on burning season environmental conditions, burning effort and current woody values for savannahs were examined between 1995 and 2008. Results showed (a) spatial heterogeneity in woody values to be correlated with grassy vegetation type (b) a negative relationship between woody vegetation and fire return frequency over the study, suggesting that decreased fire return frequency may favour savannah thickening and (c) that inconsistent burn effort by Park staff, and burns designed for reduced heat, may limit the efficiency of fire to prevent savannah thickening or forest expansion. Optimal humidity and fuel moisture conditions for burning are identified and recommendations made for improving the existing fire plan to achieve the management goal. Modifications will require significant investment of resources and training and require urgent experimental work to disentangle the direct impacts of fire from other processes of vegetation change. Lopé’s fire policy should ultimately be a dynamic response to change in the local landscape driven by direct fire impacts or by global climate change. © 2014, IUCN - International Union for the Conservation of Nature. All rights reserved.
Source title: Parks
DOI: 10.2305/IUCN.CH.2014.PARKS-20-1.KJJ.en
Link: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85063707009&doi=10.2305%2fIUCN.CH.2014.PARKS-20-1.KJJ.en&partnerID=40&md5=d766fb06f0c5d887dcf3c945cad827b6
Correspondence Address: Jeffery, K.J.; Agence Nationale des Parcs Nationaux, BP20379, Gabon; email: kjeffery@parcsgabon.ga
Language of Original Document: English
Access Type: Article
Country: ; Gabon ;
Protected area: Lopé
Main topic: Environment ; Humans
Subtopic: Land use / cover ; Forests ; Savannas ; Conservation initiatives ; Periphery / Management

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Abstract: Tropical forest tree communities exhibit heterogeneity at multiple spatial scales, with important implications for animals relying on these resources. However, different organisms may perceive heterogeneity in the floristic community in very different ways. Here, we characterize the overall extent of heterogeneity in the floristic community at Ngogo, in Kibale National Park, Uganda. Also, using information from studies on the diet of chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) inhabiting Ngogo, we quantify the extent to which the habitat is likely perceived as heterogeneous by this species. The forest as a whole is slightly more diverse than comparable sites in the Congo Basin, but this diversity is driven by a relatively high proportion of rare species represented by few individuals. From the perspective of chimpanzees, the forest is, unsurprisingly, even more heterogeneous. Species that provide fruit for chimpanzees during times of low overall fruit abundance and that display interindividual synchrony in fruiting were the most common chimpanzee resource in our sample, whereas species that provide fruit during times of low overall fruit abundance and that display asynchronous fruiting were the least common. We discuss the implications of the differences in density and distribution of various classes of resources for chimpanzee habitat use and foraging efficiency. © 2014 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Source title: African Journal of Ecology
DOI: 10.1111/aje.12137
Link: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84939262902&doi=10.1111%2faje.12137&partnerID=40&md5=252e49cb6c40234ff5575a59a260849b
Correspondence Address: Potts, K.B.; Department of Biology, Augsburg College, 2211 Riverside Ave, United States
Language of Original Document: English
Access Type: Article
Country: ; Central African Republic ;
Protected area: Dzanga-Sangha
Main topic: Health
Subtopic: Human & animal health

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Abstract: Set as a reserve in 1938 by the general governor of French Equatorial Africa (AEF), the Patte dOie forest covered originally 240 ha of which deforestation now isolates three statements for a total area of 95 ha, thus less than 39% of the original area. Originally a perish-urban forest, it has now become intra-urban, and shelters three statements of natural forests, administrative buildings, plantations of Pinus sp. and Eucalyptus sp., an arboretum dedicated to the wet dense forests of the Congo Basin, the sporting and university installations and a zoological park. The Patte dOie forest and the four others which completely disappeared (the Tsiémé, the Corniche, the Glaciere and the Tchad) from urban space, these four forest statements have not been the object of an in-depth study. Before this study, the phytoecological data on the three forest statements were partial and generalized from studies carried on less than 1000 m2. Moreover, they do not make any difference between the natural forest and the plantations. The floristic inventory of the forest statements reveals pauciflorous ecosystems (with 79.5 ± 5.5 species per statement) compared to the wet dense forests of the Congo Basin. The floristic composition is sub-identic in the three statements forest and it is dominated by the Guineo-Congolese species (30 to 37.8%), in particular those belonging to the endemism sub-centre of the Low-Guinean (22 to 24%). The predominance of the sarcochores indicates that the principal mode of dissemination is the sarcochory (zoochory). However, the proportion of the anemochores dominated by pterochores (6 to 19%) and the good representativeness of heliophilous species are obvious signals of the disturbance of these ecosystems. The relative diversity of the families varies from 0.5 to 19.4% in the forest statements; the most represented are Rubiaceae, Fabaceae, Euphorbiaceae and Dioscoreaceae. The relative frequency of taxa varies between 0.5 and 2.7%, whereas the relative density varies from 0.03 to 37.6%. The most abundant species are Rothmannia octomera, Rhabdophyllum arnoldianum, Markhamia tomentosa, Caloncoba welwitschii and Chaetocarpus africanus. Within this flora, the phanerophytes are dominating over the geophytes and the chamephytes. Finally, from a phytoecological standpoint, the three stands fall within the same ecological group. The analysis of the underwood flora reveals that only introduced species are represented by large trees, whereas the indigenous woody flora is represented by the shrubby species (Bosqueiopsis gilletii, Dracaena arborea, Voacanga chalotiana, Strychnos variabilis, Millettia eetveldeana and Markhamia tomentosa). The relative frequencies and the densities indicate that, except for Markhamia tomentosa, all the ligneous species characterising these ecosystems are disseminated. The consequence, induced by this space distribution of the ligneous species, is an insufficient installation of sowings, thus a poor natural regeneration. Moreover, the immigrant taxa have a good representativeness, in general, in the underwood forest stands. By associating remarkably density and interspecific competition, these species should characterise in the future the three stands of the Patte dOie forest. © 2014 Société botanique de France.
Source title: Acta Botanica Gallica
DOI: 10.1080/12538078.2013.870048
Link: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84897579442&doi=10.1080%2f12538078.2013.870048&partnerID=40&md5=77a286a93dfbbc25a46932c8f1695663
Correspondence Address: Kimpouni, V.; École Normale Supérieure, Université Marien Ngouabi, BP 237, Brazzaville, Congo; email: vkimpouni@yahoo.com
Language of Original Document: French
Access Type: Article
Country: ; Republic of Congo ;
Protected area: Patte d'Oie
Main topic: Biodiversity
Subtopic: Plants ; Survey / Monitoring ; Diversity

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Abstract: In this paper, I describe the food-dropping behavior of western lowland gorillas observed in Moukalaba-Doudou National Park, Gabon. I collected observational data of gorillas eating in trees, and recorded whether any individuals were positioned under the same tree. In 22 of the 24 cases of individuals being present under a tree, I observed the gorilla in a tree dropping food to the individual below. In most cases, the recipient was a silverback or an elder half-sibling of the dropper. The dropper's elder full-sibling was never a recipient. The food-dropping behavior of Moukalaba western lowland gorillas is likely due to a combination of factors: their frugivory, arboreality, large body size, and the scarcity of terrestrial herbs. It is difficult for multiple gorillas to simultaneously feed in the same tree. Under such limitations, younger gorillas face difficulties in defending their feeding patches from older individuals. Nearly 90 % of the recipients were older than the food droppers. Furthermore, food droppers were significantly younger than non-food droppers who simultaneously fed on the same tree, and most-food recipients were significantly older than least-food recipients on the ground. Food dropping may, therefore, be a tactic employed by younger gorillas to defend a feeding site from older individuals. This study suggests that food dropping may reduce feeding contest competition in a gorilla group in Moukalaba. This is a preliminary study that indicates that food dropping may be intentionally used as a way to reduce feeding competition; nevertheless, further studies are needed. © 2014 Japan Monkey Centre and Springer Japan.
Source title: Primates
DOI: 10.1007/s10329-014-0417-3
Link: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84903879580&doi=10.1007%2fs10329-014-0417-3&partnerID=40&md5=9c07cff16e7708595d8bd12fc9671e6e
Correspondence Address: Iwata, Y.; Chubu-Gakuin University, 30-1 Naka-Oitacho, Kakamigahara, Gifu, 504-0837, Japan; email: iwata@chubu-gu.ac.jp
Language of Original Document: English
Access Type: Article
Country: ; Gabon ;
Protected area: Moukalaba-Doudou
Main topic: Biodiversity
Subtopic: Animals ; Vertebrates ; Mammals ; Primates ; Biology / Ecology

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Abstract: Dispersal and grouping patterns form the foundations of social interactions in group-living mammals and are the outcomes of a complex interplay between inbreeding avoidance, kin cooperation and competition, predation pressure and food resource distribution. In species where both sexes disperse, the potential for kin-biased associations would seem limited. In one such species, the western lowland gorilla (WLG), short-term data suggest that female kin associations may be present due to directed local dispersal decisions, but monitoring of groups over longer timescales is needed to better elucidate this pattern. Using autosomal genotyping of 419 faecal samples representing 85 unhabituated gorillas collected non-invasively over 5 years in a 132 km2 section of Loango National Park, Gabon, we investigated the dynamics of WLG group composition, social structure and patterns of dispersal. By revealing two group dissolutions, one group formation and the movement of 13 gorillas between groups, this study demonstrates the utility of genetic analysis as a way to track individuals, groups and population dynamics on a larger scale than when monitoring the behaviour of a limited number of habituated groups or through one-time genetic sampling. Furthermore, we find that females are found in groups containing their female kin more often than expected by chance, suggesting that dispersal may not impede female kin associations in WLGs. © Author(s) 2014.
Source title: Primate Biology
DOI: 10.5194/pb-1-29-2014
Link: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85044652269&doi=10.5194%2fpb-1-29-2014&partnerID=40&md5=6b960bb05977892c2f04c4faed8ee60d
Correspondence Address: Arandjelovic, M.; Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Deutscher Platz 6, Germany; email: arandjel@eva.mpg.de
Language of Original Document: English
Access Type: Article
Country: ; Gabon ;
Protected area: Loango
Main topic: Biodiversity
Subtopic: Animals ; Vertebrates ; Mammals ; Primates ; Biology / Ecology ; Genetics

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Abstract: Mountain gorillas (Gorilla beringei beringei) are critically endangered primates surviving in two isolated populations in protected areas within the Virunga Massif of Rwanda, Uganda, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda. Mountain gorillas face intense ecologic pressures due to their proximity to humans. Human communities outside the national parks, and numerous human activities within the national parks (including research, tourism, illegal hunting, and anti-poaching patrols), lead to a high degree of contact between mountain gorillas and wildlife, domestic animals, and humans. To assess the pathogen transmission potential between wildlife and livestock, feces of mountain gorillas, forest buffalo (Syncerus caffer nanus), and domestic cattle (Bos taurus) in Rwanda were examined for the parasites Giardia and Cryptosporidium. Giardia was found in 9% of mountain gorillas, 6% of cattle, and 2% of forest buffalo. Our study represents the first report of Giardia prevalence in forest buffalo. Cryptosporidium-like particles were also observed in all three species. Molecular characterization of Giardia isolates identified zoonotic genotype assemblage B in the gorilla samples and assemblage E in the cattle samples. Significant spatial clustering of Giardiapositive samples was observed in one sector of the park. Although we did not find evidence for transmission of protozoa from forest buffalo to mountain gorillas, the genotypes of Giardia samples isolated from gorillas have been reported in humans, suggesting that the importance of humans in this ecosystem should be more closely evaluated. © Wildlife Disease Association 2014.
Source title: Journal of Wildlife Diseases
DOI: 10.7589/2012-09-229
Link: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84887071838&doi=10.7589%2f2012-09-229&partnerID=40&md5=dbac215aa74884771234f059099fb25b
Correspondence Address: Gilardi, K. V. K.; Wildlife Health Center, University of California, Davis, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA 95616, United States; email: kvgilardi@ucdavis.edu
Language of Original Document: English
Access Type: Article
Country: ; Rwanda ;
Protected area: Volcans
Main topic: Health
Subtopic: Animal health

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Abstract: Monetary valuation of ecosystem services (ES) is gaining growing interest in scientific papers, policies and awareness-raising documents for its potential as a communication tool illustrating the societal importance of biodiversity. However, simultaneously, its limitations are increasingly discussed in the literature. In this paper we argue that monetary valuation of ES should be seen as representing only one component of ES valuations. We provide basic standards to ensure integrated approaches to ES valuation that can effectively contribute to preserving cultural and biological diversity by acknowledging boundaries to resource exploitation and by building on the various interests and socio-cultural values of involved stakeholders. We base our discussion on a recent study that assesses the economic value of the world-famous Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo, home to some of the last mountain gorillas (Gorilla beringei beringei). We alert against some ES monetary valuation that narrowly frames biodiversity conservation in terms of economic calculus and argue that subjugating conservation efforts to profit logics downplays the importance of intrinsic, symbolic and other non-economic values of biodiversity. We conclude by providing principles and methodological guidelines to enhance ES valuation as a tool to promote awareness rising for biodiversity conservation through the understanding the overall importance of biodiversity for human societies. © 2014, Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht.
Source title: Biodiversity and Conservation
DOI: 10.1007/s10531-014-0796-1
Link: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84920853886&doi=10.1007%2fs10531-014-0796-1&partnerID=40&md5=101f531919aaddc183027e206a0c5baa
Correspondence Address: Fanny, B.; Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech, Unity Biodiversity and Landscapes, University of Liege, Passage des Déportés 2, Belgium
Language of Original Document: English
Access Type: Article
Country: ; Democratic Republic of Congo ;
Protected area: Virunga
Main topic: Humans ; Biodiversity
Subtopic: Ecosystem services ; Animals ; Vertebrates ; Mammals ; Primates

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Abstract: War and civil conflict have been shown to contribute directly to increased wildlife poaching and environmental degradation, especially in developing countries. The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) suffered heightened political instability that intensified during its first (1996-1997) and second (1998-2003) civil wars. Ground-based observations reported severe impacts on wildlife from increased human reliance on bushmeat as well as evidence of human populations moving deeper into interior forests to escape conflict. Both were observed in the study area comprised of forests in and around Luo Scientific Reserve located in northern DRC, where studies on wild bonobos (. Pan paniscus) have been conducted since 1973. Using Landsat TM and ETM. +. satellite imagery, we employed an automated classification tree algorithm developed specifically for Central Africa to monitor wartime patterns of human migration and resource use in the study area. We analyzed and compared primary forest loss and degradation rates across two decades (1990-2010). Annual rates of primary forest loss occurring during the 1990-2000 decade were over double the rates of the mainly post-war 2000-2010 decade, indicating higher human pressure on the forests during wartime. Maps and analyses of peripheral forests occurring around the edges of forest clearings illustrated an increased prevalence of small, scattered clearings during the war. We also found evidence showing there was likely less human pressure on interior forests after the wars ended. We demonstrate the utility of satellite-based remote sensing techniques for monitoring human access in interior forests and examining wartime links to observed declines in wildlife. © 2014.
Source title: Biological Conservation
DOI: 10.1016/j.biocon.2013.12.033
Link: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84896696425&doi=10.1016%2fj.biocon.2013.12.033&partnerID=40&md5=329f177705addd4159045edccc52cb77
Correspondence Address: Nackoney, J.; Department of Geographical Sciences, University of Maryland, 2181 LeFrak Hall, College Park, MD 20742, United States; email: jnackone@umd.edu
Language of Original Document: English
Access Type: Article
Country: ; Democratic Republic of Congo ;
Protected area: Luo Scientific Reserve
Main topic: Environment ; Humans
Subtopic: Land use / cover ; Deforestation ; Armed conflicts ; Demography ; Hunting / Poaching ; Income-generating activities ; Periphery / Management ; Governance / Policy

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Abstract: This study was conduct at the Centre de Recherche en Sciences Naturelles de Lwiro to evaluate the anthelmitic activity of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Viscum congolensis and Galiniera coffeoides, two plants collected in Kahuzi-Biega National Park. The objective was to assess their activity against earthworms Alma emini. The results revealed that the plants contained organic natural substances which have anthelmitic effect such as tannins, flavonoids, steroids, alkaloids and quinines. The aqueous extracts are efficacy than ethanolic extracts. Their concentrations varied between 2 and 0.2 mg/mL. These results were compared to positives control (Mebendazole, Albendazole and Decaris) and negative one (water). The detailed are necessary for the isolation, characterization and evaluation of the substances responsible of anthelmitic activity and the action mode of the substance identified. © 2014, International Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemical Research. All rights reserved.
Source title: International Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemical Research
DOI:
Link: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84918786131&partnerID=40&md5=cae67882f43878dc3684394c7ba48fb0
Correspondence Address: Bahizire, K.; Département de Biologie, Centre de Recherche en Sciences NaturellesCongo
Language of Original Document: English
Access Type: Article
Country: ; Democratic Republic of Congo ;
Protected area: Kahuzi-Biega
Main topic: Biodiversity
Subtopic: Plants ; Biology / Ecology ; Animals ; Invertebrates

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Abstract: Four strains of Gram-staining-positive, anaerobic rods were isolated from the faeces of western lowland gorillas (Gorilla gorilla gorilla). Three strains, KZ01T, KZ02 and KZ03, were isolated at the Kyoto City Zoo, Japan, and one strain, GG02, was isolated in the Moukalaba-Doudou National Park, Gabon. These strains were investigated taxonomically. These strains belonged to theLactobacillus reuteri phylogenetic group according to phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences and specific phenotypic characteristics. Phylogenetic analysis of their 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that strains KZ01T, KZ02, KZ03 and GG02 formed a single monophyletic cluster and had a distinct line of descent. Based on sequence similarity of the 16S rRNA gene,Lactobacillus fermentum JCM 1173T (96.6 %) was the closest neighbour to these novel strains, although it was clear that these strains belonged to a different species. Partial pheS sequences also supported these relationships. DNA–DNA relatedness between strain KZ01T and L. fermentum JCM 1173T was less than 22 % and the DNA G+C content of strain KZ01T was 50.7 mol%. The cell-wall peptidoglycan type was A4? (L-Orn–D-Asp) and the major fatty acids were C16: 0, C18: 1?9c and C19: 1 cyclo 9,10. Therefore, based on phylogenetic, phenotypic and physiological evidence, these strains represent a novel species of the genus Lactobacillus, for which the name Lactobacillus gorillae sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is KZ01T (= JCM 19575T = DSM 28356T). © 2014 IUMS.
Source title: International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology
DOI: 10.1099/ijs.0.068429-0
Link: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84916225247&doi=10.1099%2fijs.0.068429-0&partnerID=40&md5=46c2bd3f58b1680c520382a3b7347e3c
Correspondence Address: Ushida, K.; Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Kyoto Prefectural UniversityJapan
Language of Original Document: English
Access Type: Article
Country: ; Gabon ;
Protected area: Moukalaba-Doudou
Main topic: Biodiversity
Subtopic: Microorganisms ; Taxonomy ; Biology / Ecology ; Animals ; Vertebrates ; Mammals ; Primates

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Abstract: Bushmeat markets exist in many countries in West and Central Africa, and data on species sold can be used to detect patterns of wildlife trade in a region. We surveyed 89 markets within the Cross-Sanaga rivers region, West Africa. In each market, we counted the number of carcasses of each taxon sold. During a 6-month period (7594 market days), 44 mammal species were traded. Thirteen species were on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List or protected under national legislation, and at least 1 threatened species was traded in 88 of the 89 markets. We used these data to identify market groups that traded similar species assemblages. Using cluster analyses, we detected 8 market groups that were also geographically distinct. Market groups differed in the diversity of species, evenness of species, and dominant, prevalent, and characteristic species traded. We mapped the distribution of number of threatened species traded across the study region. Most threatened species were sold in markets nearest 2 national parks, Korup National Park in Cameroon and Cross River in Nigeria. To assess whether the threatened-species trade hotspots coincided with the known ranges of these species, we mapped the overlap of all threatened species traded. Markets selling more threatened species overlapped with those regions that had higher numbers of these. Our study can provide wildlife managers in the region with better tools to discern zones within which to focus policing efforts and reduce threats to species that are threatened by the bushmeat trade. © 2013 Society for Conservation Biology.
Source title: Conservation Biology
DOI: 10.1111/cobi.12151
Link: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84893684498&doi=10.1111%2fcobi.12151&partnerID=40&md5=bb37b3588e85b53907e0bd1d3428bd85
Correspondence Address: Fa, J.E.; Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust, Les Augrès Manor, Jersey JE3 5BP, Trinity, United Kingdom; email: jfa@durrell.org
Language of Original Document: English
Access Type: Article
Country: ; Cameroon ;
Protected area: Korup ; Bayang-Mbo
Main topic: Humans ; Biodiversity
Subtopic: Hunting / Poaching ; Income-generating activities ; Periphery / Management ; Animals ; Vertebrates ; Mammals ; Survey / Monitoring ; Abundance ; Diversity

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Abstract: The marine biodiversity of Gabon, West Africa has not been well studied and is largely unknown. Our examination of marine communities associated with oil platforms in Gabon is the first scientific investigation of these structures and highlights the unique ecosystems associated with them. A number of species previously unknown to Gabonese waters were recorded during our surveys on these platforms. Clear distinctions in benthic communities were observed between older, larger platforms in the north and newer platforms to the south or closer to shore. The former were dominated by a solitary cup coral, Tubastraea sp., whereas the latter were dominated by the barnacle Megabalanus tintinnabulum, but with more diverse benthic assemblages compared to the northerly platforms. Previous work documented the presence of limited zooxanthellated scleractinian corals on natural rocky substrate in Gabon but none were recorded on platforms. Total estimated fish biomass on these platforms exceeded one ton at some locations and was dominated by barracuda (Sphyraena spp.), jacks (Carangids), and rainbow runner (Elagatis bipinnulata). Thirty-four percent of fish species observed on these platforms are new records for Gabon and 6% are new to tropical West Africa. Fish assemblages closely associated with platforms had distinct amphi-Atlantic affinities and platforms likely extend the distribution of these species into coastal West Africa. At least one potential invasive species, the snowflake coral (Carijoa riisei), was observed on the platforms. Oil platforms may act as stepping stones, increasing regional biodiversity and production but they may also be vectors for invasive species. Gabon is a world leader in terrestrial conservation with a network of protected areas covering >10% of the country. Oil exploration and biodiversity conservation currently co-exist in terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems in Gabon. Efforts to increase marine protection in Gabon may benefit by including oil platforms in the marine protected area design process. © 2014 Friedlander et al.
Source title: PLoS ONE
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0103709
Link: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84905369106&doi=10.1371%2fjournal.pone.0103709&partnerID=40&md5=4153dce0a45f11a9b90a6e887beea1c8
Correspondence Address:
Language of Original Document: English
Access Type: Article
Country: ; Gabon ;
Protected area: Akanda ; Mayumba ; Pongara
Main topic: Biodiversity
Subtopic: Animals ; Vertebrates ; Fish ; Invertebrates ; Survey / Monitoring ; Diversity ; Biology / Ecology ; Algae

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Abstract: There is currently a considerable effort to evaluate the performance of Payments for Ecosystem Services as an environmental management tool. The research presented here contributes to this work by using an experimental design to evaluate Payments for Ecosystem Services as a tool for supporting biodiversity conservation in the context of an African protected area. The trial employed a 'before and after' and 'with and without' design. We present the results of social and ecological surveys to investigate the impacts of the trial in terms of its effectiveness, efficiency and equity. We find the scheme to be effective at bringing about additional conservation outcomes. However, we also found that increased monitoring is similarly effective in the short term, at lower cost. The major difference - and arguably the significant contribution of the Payments for Ecosystem Services - was that it changed the motives for protecting the park and improved local perceptions both of the park and its authority. We discuss the implications of these results for conservation efficiency, arguing that efficiency should not be defined in terms of short-term cost-effectiveness, but also in terms of the sustainability of behavioral motives in the long term. This insight helps us to resolve the apparent trade-off between goals of equity and efficiency in Payments for Ecosystem Services. © 2014 The Authors.
Source title: Global Environmental Change
DOI: 10.1016/j.gloenvcha.2014.07.003
Link: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84922346447&doi=10.1016%2fj.gloenvcha.2014.07.003&partnerID=40&md5=4c765864f8e6c37aa26b4826cd56c89d
Correspondence Address: Martin, A.; University of East Anglia, School of International DevelopmentUnited Kingdom
Language of Original Document: English
Access Type: Article
Country: ; Rwanda ;
Protected area: Nyungwe
Main topic: Humans
Subtopic: Ecosystem services ; Conservation initiatives ; Periphery / Management ; Governance / Policy ; Perceptions / Behaviors

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Abstract: Since the 1980s, the Virunga mountain gorilla population has almost doubled, now reaching 480 individuals living in a 430-km2 protected area. Analysis of the gorillas' ranging patterns can provide critical information on the extent and possible effects of competition for food and space. We analyzed 12 years of daily ranging data and inter-group encounter data collected on 11 gorilla groups monitored by the Karisoke Research Center in Rwanda. During that period, the study population increased in size by almost 50% and the number of groups tripled. Groups had small yearly home ranges compared to other known gorilla populations, with an average 90% kernel density estimate of 8.07km2 and large between-group variations (3.17-23.59km2). Most groups had consistent home range location over the course of the study but for some, we observed gradual range shifts of up to 4km. Neighboring groups displayed high home range overlap, which increased dramatically after the formation of new groups. On average, each group used only 28.6% of its 90% kernel home range exclusively, and in some areas up to six different groups had overlapping home ranges with little or no exclusive areas. We found a significant intra-group positive relationship between the number of weaned individuals in a group and the home range size, but the fitted models only explained 17.5% and 13.7% of the variance in 50% and 90% kernel home range size estimates, respectively. This suggests that despite the increase in size, the study population is not yet experiencing marked effects of feeding competition. However, the increase in home range overlap resulting from the formation of new groups led to a sixfold increase in the frequency of inter-group encounters, which exposes the population to elevated risks of fight-related injuries and infanticide. Am. J. Primatol. 76:730-746, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Source title: American Journal of Primatology
DOI: 10.1002/ajp.22265
Link: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84904576698&doi=10.1002%2fajp.22265&partnerID=40&md5=04a09eb242e5ccee8c8da9598da341b8
Correspondence Address: Caillaud, D.; The Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International, 800 Cherokee Avenue, Atlanta, GA 30315, United States; email: dcaillaud@gorillafund.org
Language of Original Document: English
Access Type: Article
Country: ; Rwanda ; Democratic Republic of Congo ;
Protected area: Volcans ; Virunga
Main topic: Biodiversity
Subtopic: Animals ; Vertebrates ; Mammals ; Primates ; Survey / Monitoring ; Abundance

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Abstract: Nest predation is the leading cause of reproductive failure in birds and thus it shapes their life history strategies. Intensities of nest predation appear to differ among nest locations and types in both temperate and tropical regions. However, there is limited knowledge of factors influencing susceptibility of avian nests to predation in Africa. The aim of our study was to investigate artificial nest predation rates of different ground and shrub nests located at different heights in the rainforest undergrowth. We placed artificial avian nests within a homogeneous lowland forest interior with sparse forest undergrowth in the Mount Cameroon National Park, Cameroon. We exposed three sets of nests: 50 bare-ground, 50 cup-ground and 50 cup-shrub nests, for 10 d. Predation was higher for cup-ground nests compared to cup-shrub nests, and bare-ground nests were more depredated than cup-ground nests. We concluded that the presence of a cup as well as higher nest position significantly increased probability of artificial nest survival. The results of this study suggest a potential selection pressure on nest type and placement in lowland forest birds for a poorly known tropical region. © 2014 Copyright NISC (Pty) Ltd.
Source title: Ostrich
DOI: 10.2989/00306525.2014.900830
Link: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84900801760&doi=10.2989%2f00306525.2014.900830&partnerID=40&md5=5c82f5cf71ecdbc4a1aca2935481d53e
Correspondence Address: Djomo Nana, E.; Department of Ecology, Charles University in Prague, Praha, Czech Republic; email: nanae@natur.cuni.cz
Language of Original Document: English
Access Type: Article
Country: ; Cameroon ;
Protected area: Mont Cameroun
Main topic: Biodiversity
Subtopic: Animals ; Vertebrates ; Birds ; Carnivores ; Biology / Ecology

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Abstract: The swallowing of entire leaves by apes across Africa without chewing has been observed for over 40 plant species. Here we add evidence for (a) a new site, LuiKotale where leaf-swallowing of Manniophyton fulvum (Euphorbiaceae) is observed in bonobos, (b) a so far unreported ingestion of unchewed stemstrips of M. fulvum, we name stemstrip-swallowing; and (c) a test of some of the requirements put forward by Huffman for the assessment of plants ingested for medical purpose. As ecological correlates we analyzed M. fulvum phenological data and examined 1,094 dung piles collected between 2002 and 2009. By that we assessed availability and choice of leaves. In addition, we provide the first full description of the behavior related to this plant species' use by chimpanzees or bonobos using 56 bouts of M. fulvum ingestion observed between October 2007 and February 2010. With these data we tested and met 4 of the 6 requirements given by Huffman, supporting ingestion of this species as self-medication. Despite species' year-round availability and abundance, M. fulvum was ingested only at specific times, in very small amounts, and by a small proportion of individuals per party. In the absence of our own parasitological data, we used M. fulvum swallowing as evidence for parasite infestation, and seasonality as a proxy for stressors underlying seasonal fluctuation and impacting immune responses. Using these indirect factors available, we investigated conditions for a parasite to develop to its infective stage as well as conditions for the host to cope with infections. Both rain and temperature were good predictors for M. fulvum ingestion. We discuss the use of M. fulvum with respect to its hispidity and subsequent purging properties and provide insight into its ethnomedicinal uses by humans, stimulating speculations about potentially additional pharmacological effects. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Source title: American Journal of Primatology
DOI: 10.1002/ajp.22217
Link: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84891837134&doi=10.1002%2fajp.22217&partnerID=40&md5=d62a2e7907e5f7f185f1f7ef2449aca4
Correspondence Address: Fruth, B.; Department of Primatology, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Deutscher Platz 6, D-04103 Leipzig, Germany; email: fruth@eva.mpg.de
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 ; Plants ; Biology / Ecology

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Abstract: The feeding ecology of sympatric great ape species yields valuable information for palaeodietary reconstructions in sympatric early hominin species. However, no isotopic references on sympatrically living apes and their feeding ecology are currently available. Here we present the first isotopic study on sympatric great apes, namely western lowland gorillas (Gorilla gorilla gorilla) and central chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes troglodytes) from Loango National Park, Gabon. We successfully analyzed the stable carbon and nitrogen isotope ratios in a selection of food plants (n=31) and hair samples (n=30) retrieved from sleeping nests to test whether niche partitioning among sympatric chimpanzees and gorillas is detectable using isotope analysis of hair. Ape hair strands with roots were sectioned into sequential segments (n=100) to investigate temporal isotopic variation related to seasonal variations in food resources. We found significant ?13C differences between herbaceous plants and fruits, most likely due to canopy effects. While the ?13C values of chimpanzees indicate the consumption of fruit, the low ?13C values in gorilla hair indicate folivory, most likely the consumption of 13C-depleted herbaceous vegetation. Our isotopic data also confirmed dietary overlap between chimpanzees and gorillas, which varied by season. Gorillas showed significant variation in ?13C values in response to season due to shifting proportions of herbaceous plants versus fruits. In chimpanzees, significant seasonal variation in ?15N was likely related to the seasonal availability of fruit species with particularly high ?15N values. In summary, we found isotopic evidence for niche partitioning and seasonal dietary variation among sympatric great apes at Loango. These findings provide a valuable reference for palaeodietary research on fossil hominins using ?13C analyses, particularly for studies focusing on sympatric taxa and on temporal isotopic variation within incremental tissues such as tooth enamel. © 2013 Elsevier Ltd.
Source title: Journal of Human Evolution
DOI: 10.1016/j.jhevol.2013.10.003
Link: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84891651477&doi=10.1016%2fj.jhevol.2013.10.003&partnerID=40&md5=2d5988d469dae95babb450f629ac75dd
Correspondence Address: Oelze, V.M.; Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Department of Primatology, Deutscher Platz 6, 04103 Leipzig, Germany; email: viktoria_oelze@eva.mpg.de
Language of Original Document: English
Access Type: Article
Country: ; Gabon ;
Protected area: Loango
Main topic: Biodiversity
Subtopic: Animals ; Vertebrates ; Mammals ; Primates ; Biology / Ecology

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Abstract: Background: African trypanosomiasis is a parasitic infection sporadically imported to Europe by tourists or immigrants returning from endemic areas. We present the first and an unusual case of East African trypanosomiasis imported to Poland by a patient returning from a tourist trip to Uganda and Rwanda, which was successfully treated with pentamidine.Case presentation: A 61-year-old Polish man was admitted to the Department because of high-grade fever and multi-organ dysfunction after a tourist trip to East Africa. He experienced a single tsetse fly bite during a safari trip to the Queen Elizabeth National Park in Uganda. On admission, his clinical status was severe, with high fever of 41oC, preceded by chills, bleeding from the gums and oral mucosa, haemorrhages at the sites of venipuncture, numerous ecchymoses, fine-spotted skin rash, tachycardia, hepatosplenomegaly, dehydration, jaundice, dyspnoea, hypoxaemia, generalised oedema and oliguria. There was a typical non-painful trypanosomal chancre with central necrosis and peripheral erythema on his left arm. Laboratory investigations showed leucopenia, thrombocytopenia, haemolytic anaemia, hyperbilirubinaemia, hypoglycaemia, elevated creatinine and urea, high activity of aminotransferases, elevated levels of inflammatory markers, hypoproteinaemia, proteinuria, abnormal clotting and bleeding times, low fibrinogen level, metabolic acidosis, and electrolyte disturbances. A peripheral blood smear showed numerous Trypanosoma brucei trypomastigotes with a massive parasitaemia of 100,000/?l. T. brucei rhodesiense subspecies was finally identified on the basis of the characteristic serum resistance-associated gene using a polymerase chain reaction, and a seroconversion of specific immunoglobulin M and G antibodies in the peripheral blood by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Serological tests for T. brucei gambiense subspecies were negative. A severe clinical course of acute rhodesiense trypanosomiasis with renal failure, respiratory distress, disseminated intravascular coagulation syndrome, haemolysis, liver insufficiency and myocarditis was confirmed. Intensive anti-parasitic and symptomatic treatment was immediately instituted, including intravenous pentamidine, plasmaphereses, oxygen therapy, blood transfusion, catecholamine administration, and fluid infusions, as well as haemostatic, hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, antipyretic and diuretic drugs. The final outcome was a full recovery with no late sequelae.Conclusion: Sleeping sickness should always be considered in the differential diagnosis of fever in people returning from safari trips to the national parks or nature reserves of sub-Saharan Africa. © 2014 Paul et al.; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.
Source title: BMC Infectious Diseases
DOI: 10.1186/1471-2334-14-111
Link: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84895177318&doi=10.1186%2f1471-2334-14-111&partnerID=40&md5=49c70bf2e75eec97eeda26ef8a121ca9
Correspondence Address: Paul, M.; Department and Clinic of Tropical and Parasitic Diseases, University of Medical Sciences, Przybyszewskiego 49, Pozna?, Poland; email: mpaul@ump.edu.pl
Language of Original Document: English
Access Type: Article
Country: ; Rwanda ;
Protected area: Many
Main topic: Health
Subtopic: Human health