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Abstract: The distribution of resources is a crucial determinant of animals' space use (e.g., daily travel distance, monthly home range size, and revisitation patterns). We examined how variation in ecological parameters affected variability in space use patterns of western lowland gorillas, Gorilla gorilla gorilla. They are an interesting species for investigating this topic because key components of their diet are nonfruit items (herbaceous vegetation and tree leaves) that occur at low density and are sparsely distributed, and fruits, which show high spatiotemporal variation in availability. We estimated how availability of nonfruit foods and fruit, frugivory (proportion of feeding time consuming fruit), and swamps in areas used by the gorillas influenced daily travel distance, monthly home range size, and revisit frequency to grid cells in the home range of one habituated gorilla group in Loango National Park, Gabon. Using location data from 2015 to 2018, we found that the gorillas decreased their daily travel distance as both the density of nonfruit foods and the proportion of swamps in areas used increased. Daily travel distances were shorter when both frugivory and availability of fruit were higher, yet, daily travel distances were longer when availability of fruit was low but frugivory was still high. Furthermore, monthly home range size increased as frugivory increased and monthly revisit frequencies to an area increased as fruit availability of an area increased. In conclusion, the availability of both nonfruit and fruit influenced the gorillas' space use patterns. Gorillas decreased foraging effort when food availability was high but were willing to incur increasing foraging costs to feed on fruit when availability was low. This study highlights how animals have to adjust their space use with changing resource availability and it emphasizes the value of examining multiple parameters of space use. © 2020 The Authors. American Journal of Primatology Published by Wiley Periodicals LLC
Source title: American Journal of Primatology
DOI: 10.1002/ajp.23168
Link: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85087147474&doi=10.1002%2fajp.23168&partnerID=40&md5=f84db4f734c762c055372620eb7970cb
Correspondence Address: Robbins, M.M.; Department of Primatology, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary AnthropologyGermany; email: robbins@eva.mpg.de
Language of Original Document: English
Access Type: Article
Country: ; Gabon ;
Protected area: Loango
Main topic: Biodiversity
Subtopic: Animals ; Vertebrates ; Mammals ; Primates ; Survey / Monitoring ; Biology / Ecology

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Abstract: In the tropics, mountain forests provide numerous benefits to surrounding communities. Our participatory research investigates how different ethnic groups including Twa hunter gatherers and farmers of Bantu origin use and value mountain forests in Kibira National Park, Burundi. We carried out an ecosystem service (ES) assessment through 25 focus-group discussions, including Twa (n = 10) and farmers (n = 15). The Twa identify a greater number of forest ES than farmers, and rank wild vegetables as most important forest ES. They also show strong place dependence and identity to the forest, which they call ‘home’. Farmers rank microclimate regulation as most important forest ES, and also show place dependence to the forest. Both groups identified numerous plants for provisioning services, but the Twa identified more food-provisioning plants and medicinal plants for humans. Our findings help understand why the Twa continue to enter this park daily. Our results also help suggest some livelihood strategies for the Twa which consider their strengths rather than their weaknesses. Protected areas are the most important tool we have for species’ and habitats’ conservation, but to ensure their effectiveness -and sustainability- surrounding communities’ needs and cultures should be considered. © 2020 Elsevier B.V.
Source title: Ecosystem Services
DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoser.2020.101171
Link: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85089273622&doi=10.1016%2fj.ecoser.2020.101171&partnerID=40&md5=16662c808e99c84529e8c7cfd5504ad6
Correspondence Address: Cuni-Sanchez, A.; York Institute for Tropical Ecosystems, Department of Environment and Geography, Wentworth Way, University of York, United Kingdom; email: a.cunisanchez@york.ac.uk
Language of Original Document: English
Access Type: Article
Country: ; Burundi ;
Protected area: Kibira
Main topic: Humans
Subtopic: Ecosystem services ; Perceptions / Behaviors ; Periphery / Management ; Income-generating activities ; Agriculture ; Non-timber forest products ; Anthropology / Ethnoscience

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Abstract: This study supplements spatial panel econometrics techniques with qualitative GIS to analyse spatio-temporal changes in the distribution of integrated conservation-development projects relative to poaching activity and unauthorized resource use in Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda. Cluster and spatial regression analyses were performed on data from ranger monitoring containing > 35,000 combined observations of illegal activities in Volcanoes National Park, against tourism revenue sharing and conservation NGO funding data for 2006-2015. Results were enriched with qualitative GIS analysis from key informant interviews. We found a statistically significant negative linear effect of overall integrated conservation-development investments on unauthorized resource use in Volcanoes National Park. However, individually, funding from Rwanda's tourism revenue sharing policy did not have an effect in contrast to the significant negative effect of conservation NGO funding. In another contrast between NGO funding and tourism revenue sharing funding, spatial analysis revealed significant gaps in revenue sharing funding relative to the hotspots of illegal activities, but these gaps were not present for NGO funding. Insight from qualitative GIS analysis suggests that incongruity in prioritization by decision makers at least partly explains the differences between the effects of revenue sharing and conservation NGO investment. Although the overall results are encouraging for integrated conservation-development projects, we recommend increased spatial alignment of project funding with clusters of illegal activities, which can make investment decision-making more data-driven and projects more effective for conservation. Copyright © Fauna & Flora International 2020.
Source title: ORYX
DOI: 10.1017/S0030605319000735
Link: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85095441688&doi=10.1017%2fS0030605319000735&partnerID=40&md5=5760ad134197e322e4611b6b6f8bf167
Correspondence Address: Bernhard, K.P.; Department of Geography and Environment, United Kingdom; email: katiepbernhard@gmail.com
Language of Original Document: English
Access Type: Article
Country: ; Rwanda ;
Protected area: Volcans
Main topic: Humans
Subtopic: Conservation initiatives ; Income-generating activities ; Periphery / Management ; Hunting / Poaching ; Tourism ; Perceptions / Behaviors ; Governance / Policy

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Abstract: A new minnow species, Enteromius thespesios, is described from the south-eastern part of the upper Congo River; that is, the Kalule Nord, the Luvilombo and the Chambeshi Rivers. Enteromius thespesios belongs to the group of the soft-rayed species of Enteromius from the Congo Basin; that is, those with a weakly ossified, flexible last unbranched dorsal-fin ray that lacks serrations along its posterior edge. Within this group, E. thespesios is most similar to E. humeralis, from which it is distinguished by a higher number of circumpeduncular scales and shorter anterior and posterior barbels. Enteromius thespesios is a rheophilic and territorial species. It exhibits a marked sexual dimorphism, with males having: a red band towards the distal edge of dorsal, caudal and, to a lesser degree, anal fin; nuptial tubercles; a longer snout; longer pectoral fins; a shorter anal fin. This study gives extensive consideration to sexual shape differences for a species of Enteromius and also briefly reviews the current knowledge of sexual dimorphism in the species of Enteromius from the Congo Basin. Some conservation issues related to the new species are also highlighted. © 2019 The Fisheries Society of the British Isles
Source title: Journal of Fish Biology
DOI: 10.1111/jfb.14108
Link: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85074166084&doi=10.1111%2fjfb.14108&partnerID=40&md5=2ac0ae14a8fe7a5ab6a604e2e6e9679b
Correspondence Address: Vreven, E.; Section Vertebrates, Ichthyology, Royal Museum for Central AfricaBelgium; email: emmanuel.vreven@africamuseum.be
Language of Original Document: English
Access Type: Article
Country: ; Democratic Republic of Congo ;
Protected area: Upemba
Main topic: Biodiversity
Subtopic: Animals ; Vertebrates ; Fish ; Taxonomy ; Biology / Ecology

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Abstract: The review of biodiversity management by people living in vicinity of the Virunga National Park between lakes Kivu and Edouard is based on data collected on the field over the period 2015-2017. These data combined with the exploitation of the contents of the archives of the Institute of National Parks of the Belgian Congo and the results of the consultations that we carried out with various stakeholders, including local NGOs, make it possible to underline the exceptionally diversified abiotic framework as well as the related ecosystems and the enormous biodiversity they contain. A short presentation of the widespread ancestral practices of the conservation of nature of which agroforestry is given, with regards to trees utility recognized from generations to generations. Without being exhaustive, a review of the involvement of local actors in the creation and management of PNVi is focused on the roles of people whose action remains very significant. Finally, this article stresses that the effective pacification of eastern DR Congo is a major condition for the conservation of the park's biodiversity which sustainability also remains highly dependent on a better valorization of ecosystem services, so that this enormous potential can generate substantial income to be used for poverty alleviation. This concerns particularly the sectors of hydropower, ecotourism, non-timber forest products including beekeeping and myciculture. This one is presented in the context of its evolution relying upon scientific synergies that we have much contributed to build. © 2020 Geo-Eco-Trop. All rights reserved.
Source title: Geo-Eco-Trop
DOI:
Link: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85096554447&partnerID=40&md5=29c0631d2c55fa74dfa06f6ee348e984
Correspondence Address:
Language of Original Document: French
Access Type: Article
Country: ; Democratic Republic of Congo ;
Protected area: Virunga
Main topic: Humans
Subtopic: Perceptions / Behaviors ; Periphery / Management ; Governance / Policy ; Anthropology / Ethnoscience ; Conservation initiatives ; Armed conflicts ; Ecosystem services ; Income-generating activities ; Tourism ; Energy ; Non-timber forest products

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Abstract: Background: This study is the first step of a project addressing the under-researched human-nonhuman primate competition for forest resources. Methods: Ethnobotanical surveys conducted in Lukafu and Mulenga, two villages adjacent to the Kundelungu National Park (K.N.P.), Democratic Republic of Congo, involved 139 purposively selected informants. With a particular emphasis on baboon (Papio kindae Lönnberg)-edible fruit trees, we collected and analyzed information on the most utilized indigenous trees of the area. These included used parts, types of utilizations, acquisition, and perceptions of availability. Results: A total of 26 indigenous tree species, nine of which are baboon-edible, were utilized the most by respondents. Tree products are collected from surrounding miombo woodlands of the K.N.P. mainly for energy (firewood and charcoal) supply and medicinal purposes. Of the nine baboon-edible species, four are used for two or more purposes and three do not have alternative resources. Conclusions: We conclude that the local people: (i) depend on indigenous trees, mainly for energy supply and medicinal uses, and (ii) observe a multipurpose and indispensable character, as well as decreasing tendencies in the main fleshy-fruited trees of food interest for baboons. Therefore, tackling tree cover losses in such a context implies the improvement of access to both non-wood renewable energy sources and quality health services. Towards the alleviation of the anthropogenic pressure on forests resources at the periphery of the K.N.P., two species of both multipurpose status for humans and high food interest for Kinda baboons deserve a particular attention. As an alternative to wild fruits collection, the domestication of the Wild loquat tree Uapaca kirkiana and the Monkey orange tree Strychnos cocculoides will not only improve households’ livelihoods, but also contribute to mitigating the competition for forest resources between humans and baboons. © 2020, Ilia State University, Institute of Botany, Department of Ethnobotany. All rights reserved.
Source title: Ethnobotany Research and Applications
DOI: 10.32859/era.19.08.1-11
Link: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85084263010&doi=10.32859%2fera.19.08.1-11&partnerID=40&md5=73459a0be3579604dcf2d9e69b5ee8a8
Correspondence Address: Kazaba, P.K.; Unité de Recherche en Ecologie, Restauration écologique et Paysage (EREP), Département de Gestion des Ressources naturelles renouvelables, Faculté des Sciences Agronomiques, Université de Lubumbashi. Route Kasapa, Campus de l’Université de Lubumbashi, BP 1825Congo; email: paulkazaba@gmail.com
Language of Original Document: English
Access Type: Article
Country: ; Democratic Republic of Congo ;
Protected area: Kundelungu
Main topic: Humans ; Biodiversity
Subtopic: Ethnoscience ; Human-wildlife conflicts ; Anthropology / Ethnoscience ; Non-timber forest products ; Timber ; Income-generating activities ; Animals ; Vertebrates ; Mammals ; Primates ; Biology / Ecology

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Abstract: Background: Forest inhabitants worldwide, and indigenous people especially, have depended for generations on plants and animals harvested in these ecosystems. A number of Baka hunter-gatherer populations in south-eastern Cameroon became sedentarised in the 1950s, but still rely on hunting and gathering to meet their basic needs. The use of wild edible plants (WEP) by these communities remains largely undocumented. In this study, we record the diversity of WEP used by Baka people in dense rainforests in the Mintom region. The area still contains relatively undisturbed forest expanses, just south of the Dja Biosphere Reserve, one of the most important protected areas in the Congo Basin. Methods: We conducted two ethnobotanical surveys in 2019 in four villages on the Mintom road. In the first survey, we interviewed a total of 73 individuals to determine WEP usage. In our second survey, we specifically quantified WEP harvested and consumed daily in a number of households over a 2-week period during the major rainy season, when use of forest products is highest. Specimens of all recorded plants were collected and identified at the National Herbarium of Cameroon. Results: We documented 88 plant species and 119 unique species/plant organ/recipes in 1519 different citations. A total of 61 genera and 43 families were noted. Excluding 14 unidentified wild yam species, 17 WEP species had not been reported in previous ethnobotanical surveys of the Baka. Our results showed that cultivated starchy plant foods make up a significant proportion of our study population’s daily nutritional intake. Conclusions: A high diversity of WEP is consumed by the studied Baka communities. The study area is likely to be significant in terms of WEP diversity since 18 out of the 30 “key” non-timber forest products, NTFP, in Cameroon were mentioned. Documentation of the use of WEP by indigenous communities is vital to ensure the continuity of traditional knowledge and future food security. © 2020, The Author(s).
Source title: Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine
DOI: 10.1186/s13002-020-00413-0
Link: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85093826939&doi=10.1186%2fs13002-020-00413-0&partnerID=40&md5=12fbbdb50a011e756e7bb6e7172094a5
Correspondence Address: Funk, S.M.; Nature Heritage, St. Lawrence, United Kingdom; email: smf@natureheritage.org
Language of Original Document: English
Access Type: Article
Country: ; Cameroon ;
Protected area: Dja
Main topic: Humans ; Biodiversity
Subtopic: Ethnoscience ; Perceptions / Behaviors ; Non-timber forest products ; Plants ; Diversity

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Abstract: Several studies investigate the human dimension of human-wildlife con icts, but human attitudes towards forest-dependent animals such as primates in the context of competition for forest resources are still under-researched. We used a semi-structured questionnaire and conducted ethnozoological surveys in order to identify the uses of Kinda baboons (Papio kindae Lonnberg) and the main factors associated with local people's attitudes towards this frugivorous primate, at the periphery of the Kundelungu National Park, Democratic Republic of Congo. This study indicates that Kinda baboons are important to community members, essentially for consumptive uses, namely as bushmeat and medicinal animals. The association between local peoples' anti-conservation attitudes towards these baboons and observation of the depletion of co-used indigenous trees has been confirmed statistically, suggesting the perception of baboons as competitors. Also, even though the majority of respondents recognized the vulnerability of baboons to the depletion of co-used indigenous trees, against our hypothesis, most of them were not inclined to use these resources sustainably. However, an association between the frequency of encounters with Kinda baboons and park-adjacent dwellers' willingness to conserve baboon-edible trees has been established. We therefore support the view that improving the availability of co-used trees through reforestation or agroforestry is likely to alleviate the prevalence of negative attitudes towards tree-dependent animals. Also, in order to gain community support to protected areas and wildlife, pro-conservation campaigns in similar settings should not merely highlight the vulnerability of animals to the depletion of their resources, but also promote the responsible acc ess of local people to protected areas. © 2020 Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco.
Source title: Ethnobiology and Conservation
DOI: 10.15451/EC2020-08-9.33-1-9
Link: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85090292151&doi=10.15451%2fEC2020-08-9.33-1-9&partnerID=40&md5=9908f29a7ebc8ea169812a8569ee065d
Correspondence Address: Kazaba, P.K.; Unité de Recherche en Ecologie, Restauration écologique et Paysage (EREP), Département de Gestion des Ressources naturelles renouvelables. Faculté des Sciences Agronomiques, Université de Lubumbashi, Route Kasapa, Campus de l'Université de Lubum-bashi, Congo; email: paulkazaba@gmail.com
Language of Original Document: English
Access Type: Article
Country: ; Democratic Republic of Congo ;
Protected area: Kundelungu
Main topic: Humans ; Biodiversity
Subtopic: Ethnoscience ; Human-wildlife conflicts ; Perceptions / Behaviors ; Anthropology / Ethnoscience ; Non-timber forest products ; Hunting / Poaching ; Conservation initiatives ; Income-generating activities ; Animals ; Vertebrates ; Mammals ; Primates ; Biology / Ecology

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Abstract: This article analyzes not only the role of both Belgian colonisation and different governments that took power after the independance on the planning and management of protected areas policies in Rwanda, but also the effects of these policies on the ecological and socio-economic aspects related to them. Finally, it discusses the effects of community conservation as a new approach for the sustainable planning and management of protected areas in Rwanda. Despite the coercive methods that characterized the Belgian era, the study recognizes the important role of Belgians in establishing a good network of protected areas across the country. The study has also shown some failures and success stories in managing the colonial ecological heritage, but also the negative consequences from the dark period of Rwandan history (1990-1994). Finally, the study has shown at what extent the current government put a lot of efforts to address the situation. © 2020 Geo-Eco-Trop. All rights reserved.
Source title: Geo-Eco-Trop
DOI:
Link: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85096544223&partnerID=40&md5=88c982f7aa7b680519e6f63e5a86ce1c
Correspondence Address:
Language of Original Document: French
Access Type: Article
Country: ; Rwanda ;
Protected area: Many
Main topic: Humans
Subtopic: Periphery / Management ; Governance / Policy ; Conservation initiatives ; Armed conflicts ; Perceptions / Behaviors

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Abstract: This study conducted around three provinces of Gabon (Estuaire, Ngounié, and Nyanga) aims at exploring gender dynamics, economics, and vulnerability perceptions in the bush mango value chain by analyzing male-female roles and relationships. Interviews were randomly conducted with 174 actors as follows: 132 (Estuaire), 12 (Ngounié), and 30 (Nyanga) provinces using a semi-structured questionnaire and field observations. Women headed households dominate harvesting (21.8%), processing/trading (10.3%) and trading stages (55.2%) compared to men harvesting (7.5%), processing/trading (0.6%) and trading (4.6%). Women tend to generate relatively higher annual gross average income (1.4 million FCFA per annum), which is 1.7 times higher than that of men. Poor management of resources, the lack of harvesting norms, logging-driven deforestation, and slash-and-burn agriculture are among the perceived factors threatening the value chain. Targeted policy and actions on a gender perspective are suggested to reduce income inequality between men and women along the value chain. A long-term ecological study to monitor changes over forest resources use is crucial before carrying out any mitigating measures based on cultivation and domestication in the study areas. HIGHLIGHTS The paper provides pertinent results on the importance of gender sensitivity in the bush mango (Irvingia gabonensis) value chain in three provinces of Gabon. Bush mango represents an important income source for women and men with women earning 1.7 times more than their male counterparts. Bush mango has been solicited as an alternative livelihood portfolio for local people living around protected areas. The value chain is perceived as vulnerable because of several threats such as logging-related deforestation, absence of harvesting norms, and lack of regeneration protocols. Making gender-sensitive decisions for targeted interventions to strengthen the bush mango value chain requires the provision of sound sex-segregated data to policymakers and development planners. © 2020 Commonwealth Forestry Association. All rights reserved.
Source title: International Forestry Review
DOI: 10.1505/146554820830405654
Link: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85096395752&doi=10.1505%2f146554820830405654&partnerID=40&md5=abf2eaf330165dec53b1c45497438a30
Correspondence Address:
Language of Original Document: English
Access Type: Article
Country: ; Gabon ;
Protected area: Many
Main topic: Humans ; Biodiversity
Subtopic: Income-generating activities ; Non-timber forest products ; Perceptions / Behaviors ; Demography ; Periphery / Management ; Governance / Policy ; Timber ; Agriculture ; Plants ; Survey / Monitoring ; Abundance

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Abstract: Competition for food is often a cost associated with living in a group, and can occur in an indirect (scramble) or direct (contest) form. We investigated feeding competition in a supergroup of Rwenzori black-and-white colobus monkeys (Colobus angolensis ruwenzorii) in Rwanda, with the aim of establishing whether freedom from scramble competition allows these monkeys to form supergroups. We used the patch depletion method, measuring intake rate coupled with movement rate, to assess if food patches become depleted over the occupancy period. Resource depletion was evident when the colobus fed on young leaves, but not when feeding on mature leaves. Scramble competition was inferred from a negative correlation between group size and change in intake rate over patch occupancy. Between-group contest competition was inferred from displacement from patches. Although feeding competition exists for select resources, limited competition for mature leaves may enable Rwenzori colobus to live in a supergroup of hundreds of individuals in this montane forest. © Koninklijke Brill NV, Leiden, 2020
Source title: Behaviour
DOI: 10.1163/1568539X-bja10022
Link: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85091907267&doi=10.1163%2f1568539X-bja10022&partnerID=40&md5=5bf6058952bc5e7d395bc9d3aaa492ed
Correspondence Address: Miller, A.; School of Human Sciences, Australia; email: alexandra.miller58@gmail.com
Language of Original Document: English
Access Type: Article
Country: ; Rwanda ;
Protected area: Nyungwe
Main topic: Biodiversity
Subtopic: Animals ; Vertebrates ; Mammals ; Primates ; Biology / Ecology ; Survey / Monitoring

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Abstract: [No abstract available]
Source title: African Journal of Ecology
DOI: 10.1111/aje.12725
Link: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85089440803&doi=10.1111%2faje.12725&partnerID=40&md5=8e6f13f20420fc2b3cbf8ace30a10685
Correspondence Address: Maputla, N.; African Wildlife Foundation, AWF Conservation CentreKenya; email: nmaputla@awf.org
Language of Original Document: English
Access Type: Note
Country: ; Democratic Republic of Congo ;
Protected area: Lomako-Yokokala
Main topic: Biodiversity
Subtopic: Animals ; Vertebrates ; Mammals ; Ungulates ; Elephants ; Survey / Monitoring ; Biology / Ecology

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Abstract: [No abstract available]
Source title: Herpetology Notes
DOI:
Link: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85098078942&partnerID=40&md5=f9bac3c121ea3db62b1730c772d1ce4e
Correspondence Address: Twahirwa, J.C.; Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International Karisoke Research Center, Musanze, Rwanda; email: jtwahirwa@gorillafund.org
Language of Original Document: English
Access Type: Note
Country: ; Rwanda ;
Protected area: Volcans
Main topic: Biodiversity
Subtopic: Animals ; Vertebrates ; Amphibians ; Survey / Monitoring

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Abstract: Carbon is continuously being removed from the atmosphere by photosynthesis and stored in carbon pools (live, dead, and soil carbon) of forest ecosystems. However, carbon stock in dead wood and of trees with diameters at breast height (dbh) between 5 and 10 cm is often not considered in many studies carried out in the Congo Basin Forest. The relationship between tree diversity, life-forms and carbon stocks has received little attention. This study was carried out on the outskirts of Deng Deng National Park (DDNP) to determine tree diversity (dominant families, species richness and Shannon index), assess carbon stocks in the five carbon compartments (living tree, understory, fine roots, dead wood and litter) as well as to analyze the relationship between (1) carbon stocks and tree diversity; and, (2) between carbon stock and life-forms. The Shannon index of trees ? 10 cm dbh ranged from 2.6 in riparian forest to 4.3 in secondary forest; and for the tree between 5 and 10 cm, it ranged to 1.56 in riparian forest to 3.68 in the secondary forest. The study site housed 16 species, 7 genera and 3 families which are only found in trees of dbh between 5 and 10 cm. The average total carbon stock of the five compartments varied from 200.1 t ha?1 in forest residues to 439.1 t ha?1 in secondary forest. Dead wood carbon stock varied from 1.2 t ha?1 in riparian forests to 12.51t ha?1 in agroforests. The above ground carbon stocks for trees with diameter between 5 and 10 cm varied from 0.7 t ha?1 in young fallow fields to 5.02 t ha?1 in old secondary forests. This study reveals a low but positive correlation between species richness and total carbon stocks, as well as a significant positive relationship between life-forms and total carbon stocks. The findings highlight the need for more data concerning carbon content of dead wood, carbon of trees ? 5 cm < 10 cm dbh and the relationship between carbon stocks and tree diversity from other areas of the Congo Basin for a good understanding of the contribution of tropical forests to climate change mitigation. © 2018, Northeast Forestry University and Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.
Source title: Journal of Forestry Research
DOI: 10.1007/s11676-018-0839-7
Link: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85056664401&doi=10.1007%2fs11676-018-0839-7&partnerID=40&md5=ae864438a125d6774b57ed3a0dbe0506
Correspondence Address: Kabelong Banoho, L.P.R.; Organisation pour la Conservation et le Développement (OCD)Cameroon; email: rogerbanoho@yahoo.fr
Language of Original Document: English
Access Type: Article
Country: ; Cameroon ;
Protected area: Deng Deng
Main topic: Biodiversity
Subtopic: Plants ; Survey / Monitoring ; Diversity ; Structure / Biomass ; Biology / Ecology

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Abstract: Many of the national parks in East Africa are equally as famous for their iconic landforms as they are for their diversity and concentrations of fauna and flora. The newly formed Ngorongoro-Lengai Geopark in northern Tanzania is the first geopark to be established in the region, but there is remarkable potential for geotourism in the majority of the national parks. The most spectacular landforms have been shaped by the East African Rift System. Formation of the two major rifts in the region, the Albertine Rift (or western branch) and the Gregory Rift (or eastern branch), was accompanied, or in some cases preceded, by extensive alkaline volcanism. The rifting and volcanism are primarily Late Cenozoic phenomenon that dissected and overprinted the older regional plateaus. Rifting impacted the regional drainage and captured major rivers, including the Victoria Nile. Chains of ribbon lakes formed in the rift valleys. The Albertine Rift consists of a sequence of sedimentary basins with deep freshwater lakes, but the shallow soda lakes of the Gregory Rift are associated with mostly volcanic terrains. Plateau-style volcanic outpourings smoothed out the older land surfaces, created near-lunar landscapes in parts of the rift valley, and built up rift shoulders to tremendous elevations. Magma erupted from central conduits formed giant stratovolcanoes which reveal evidence of explosive, Plinian-style volcanic activity. East Africa includes some of the largest and best preserved calderas on Earth. The Ngorongoro Caldera is a world heritage site. The ice-capped peaks of the two largest volcanoes in the region, Kilimanjaro and Mount Kenya, are among the highest free-standing mountains on Earth. The region includes active volcanoes, several of which are potentially hazardous as they are located near urban centres. Examples include Longonot-Hells Gate (Kenya), Mount Meru (Tanzania) and Nyiragongo (Democratic Republic of Congo). East Africa is renowned for the unusual rapidity of Darwinian evolution during the past thirty million years, including evolution of primates and hominins, and it is not a coincidence that significant palaeoanthropological discoveries have been unearthed from the Oldupai Gorge and Laetoli sites in northern Tanzania. The evolutionary period coincides with the onset and persistence of rifting and volcanism. Speciation is following an island-style pattern in East Africa, despite the continental setting, as regional plateaus are being dissected by the ongoing rifting and volcanism into smaller and smaller geological terrains. This is illustrated by restriction of the endangered Mountain gorilla to regions where afromontane forests developed in rift-related uplands isolated by extensive savannah grasslands. © 2020, The Author(s).
Source title: Geoheritage
DOI: 10.1007/s12371-020-00486-z
Link: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85087843197&doi=10.1007%2fs12371-020-00486-z&partnerID=40&md5=b3c8300ffb5730f3154dff5cef9c473d
Correspondence Address: Scoon, R.N.; Department of Geology, Rhodes UniversitySouth Africa; email: rnscoon@iafrica.com
Language of Original Document: English
Access Type: Review
Country: ; Democratic Republic of Congo ;
Protected area: Virunga
Main topic: Environment
Subtopic: Geology / Pedology ; Volcanism

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Abstract: This study employs in-depth qualitative and quantitative research methods including survey and other ethnographic methods, concept mapping and informal qualitative observations to investigate community interaction in the village of Fabe near the Korup National Park in Cameroon, in relation to the reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation (REDD+) program. It is argued that community integration is a function of three structures: geographical, social and hierarchical. In order to establish hierarchy, the authors applied differentiation along three categorical variables, age (young vs. old), gender (male vs. female) and place of origin (locals vs. non-locals). It was found that diversity exists within the sample in terms of education, age, gender, occupation, religion, land tenure and place of origin. Youth had greater levels of education compared to older population members, and women had lower education levels than men. Integration may be affected by group membership, but women and strangers were less involved in decision-making. Strangers had additional barriers to accessing institutional processes, as well as forestlands and their resources. However, because integration does not vary between demographic groups, there is potential for individuals to generalize their interests as being synonymous with those of others in the community, which could aid in improving collective action, especially through educating community members about risks, opportunities, and their rights in relation to the REDD+ program if it becomes operational. © 2019, Steve Harrison, John Herbohn.
Source title: Small-scale Forestry
DOI: 10.1007/s11842-019-09428-2
Link: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85075888636&doi=10.1007%2fs11842-019-09428-2&partnerID=40&md5=6435e9b69cb3991c2d127dab3d816e01
Correspondence Address: Mbatu, R.; College of Arts and Sciences, University of South Florida St. Petersburg, 140 Seventh Ave South, United States; email: mbatu@mail.usf.edu
Language of Original Document: English
Access Type: Article
Country: ; Cameroon ;
Protected area: Korup
Main topic: Humans
Subtopic: Periphery / Management ; Governance / Policy ; Anthropology / Ethnoscience ; Perceptions / Behaviors ; Demography ; Conservation initiatives

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Abstract: New collections from the Yangambi Biosphere Reserve (YBR) and Okapi Wildlife Reserve (OWR) revealed the presence of two groups of specimens similar to, but different from Marcusenius moorii. To study both these groups, an integrated morphological and genetic (mtDNA, cytb) approach was used. This study revealed that one of the two groups is conspecific with Marcusenius lambouri, a junior synonym of M. moorii, which is herein revalidated, with M. moorii longulus as its junior synonym. Marcusenius lambouri differs from M. moorii by a higher number of lateral line scales (44–46 vs. 40–43), a shorter pectoral-fin length (14.6–19.9 vs. 20.3–25.2% standard length; LS) and a more elongated body due to a usually shallower middle body depth (19.8–26.5 vs. 26.3–35.9% LS). The other group revealed to be a new species for science, Marcusenius verheyenorum, which can be distinguished from its congeners with eight circumpeduncular scales by the following unique combination of characters: a rounded head with a terminal mouth; a short and deep caudal peduncle (middle caudal-peduncle depth, 44.9–54.6% caudal-peduncle length; LCP), a deep body (middle body depth, 27.7–34.2% LS), 38–43 scales on the lateral line, 40–41 vertebrae, 20–21 dorsal-fin rays and 26 anal-fin rays. Some specimens previously attributed to M. moorii were examined and reassigned to M. lambouri or M. verheyenorum. As a result, M. moorii and M. lambouri occur in sympatry in the middle Congo Basin, with the distribution area of M. moorii still further extending into the lower Congo Basin. Instead, the distribution of M. verheyenorum is limited to some right bank tributaries of the upstream part of the middle Congo Basin. Two museum records from the Lilanda River (YBR), collected in the 1950s and previously identified as M. moorii, were re-identified as belonging to the new species, M. verheyenorum. However, the species now seems locally extinct in that region, which reflects the significant anthropogenic effects even within this reserve. © 2019 The Fisheries Society of the British Isles
Source title: Journal of Fish Biology
DOI: 10.1111/jfb.14226
Link: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85079702539&doi=10.1111%2fjfb.14226&partnerID=40&md5=f93fa226ffec39f622a17f35da9a5684
Correspondence Address: Vreven, E.; Vertebrate Section, Ichthyology, Royal Museum for Central Africa (RMCA)Belgium; email: emmanuel.vreven@africamuseum.be
Language of Original Document: English
Access Type: Article
Country: ; Democratic Republic of Congo ;
Protected area: Yangambi ; Okapis
Main topic: Biodiversity
Subtopic: Animals ; Vertebrates ; Fish ; Diversity ; Taxonomy ; Genetics ; Biology / Ecology

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Abstract: This study aims to (1) estimate the effect of Sericostachys scandens density on the species richness of woody species development stages, and (2) evaluate the variation in floristic composition of woody species development stages according to S. scandens density within the Kibira National Park (KNP) in Burundi. The abundance of this liana and other woody species (regeneration, juvenile and adult trees) was measured in 100 plots of 50 m × 50 m each, evenly distributed in invaded and non-invaded areas. A negative binomial regression was performed to test the effect of liana density on the species richness of each development stage of woody plant species. A multivariate analysis of the variance on dissimilarity matrix (ADONIS) was performed to test the variation of the floristic composition of woody communities according to the density of the invading liana. Liana density negatively affects regeneration (t = ?10.170; p < 0.0001), juvenile (t = ?4.346; p < 0.0001) and adult trees (t = ?7.740; p < 0.0001). The invasion by S. scandens causes variation in the floristic composition of juvenile (p = 0.02) and adult trees (p = 0.01). Future studies should identify the woody species having the highest local extirpation probability owing to the expansion of S. scandens. © 2019, © 2019 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.
Source title: International Journal of Environmental Studies
DOI: 10.1080/00207233.2019.1568757
Link: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85060941797&doi=10.1080%2f00207233.2019.1568757&partnerID=40&md5=2a294ca6df253ccf5bcfbf1604621d2d
Correspondence Address: Habonayo, R.; Laboratoire de Botanique et Ecologie Végétale, Faculté des Sciences et Techniques, Université d’Abomey-CalaviBenin; email: habonayorichard@gmail.com
Language of Original Document: English
Access Type: Article
Country: ; Burundi ;
Protected area: Kibira
Main topic: Biodiversity
Subtopic: Plants ; Structure / Biomass ; Diversity ; Survey / Monitoring ; Biology / Ecology ; Abundance

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Abstract: Group-living animals face a number of threats from extragroup conspecifics: from individuals seeking mating opportunities to rival groups attempting to access limited resources. The consequences of intergroup interactions can therefore include loss of mates, increased energy expenditure, and injury or death. There is increasing evidence that aggressive intergroup interactions can affect subsequent intragroup behavior, and that such post-conflict behavior may be directly related to the threats posed by different opponent groups (e.g., familiar vs. unfamiliar). However, empirical evidence for changes in intragroup behavior following intergroup conflict in social animals is limited. We compared the proximity and behavior of group members before and after 84 aggressive intergroup interactions involving 14 study groups of wild, habituated mountain gorillas (Gorilla beringei beringei) in Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda. Intergroup conflict affected subsequent intragroup behavior in several ways. We found that immediate movement away from the opponent following intergroup conflict was less likely between familiar groups compared to unfamiliar groups. However, both winning and losing groups spent twice as much time moving post-conflict, and losing groups spent less time resting. There was an increase in female intragroup affiliative interactions and a decrease in male intragroup agonistic interactions post-conflict. These results demonstrate that such intergroup contests can influence intragroup dynamics beyond the immediate period of interaction. © 2020, Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.
Source title: International Journal of Primatology
DOI: 10.1007/s10764-020-00130-1
Link: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85079378773&doi=10.1007%2fs10764-020-00130-1&partnerID=40&md5=acb56ae14ebb600d1acbe8e3da664f9d
Correspondence Address: Mirville, M.O.; The University of Western AustraliaAustralia; email: melaniemirville@gmail.com
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: Anthropologists sometimes ask what flexible practices mean when used in instances of land use and access among protected area regimes which control the land and the indigenous or local people who claim rights to the land. In the Mount Cameroon National Park (MCNP), West Africa, this question comes with urgency because of the historical disputes associated with defining access and user-rights to land within this park. In this case, we present an ethnographic study using a transect walk with a native Bakweri hunter to map and analyze his opinions about land use and access into the park. The findings show that, despite State prohibitions for this park, customary practices still occur for mutual reasons, whereas, in situations of disputes, other practices continue on the land unnoticed. We conclude that this flexibility is indicative of reciprocal negotiations and cultural resilience that preserve not only the biodiversity of the park but also the culturally relevant needs of people. © 2020 by the authors.
Source title: Forests
DOI: 10.3390/F11040481
Link: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85084665899&doi=10.3390%2fF11040481&partnerID=40&md5=1dd32f956798ae043f99b544d4cf9f0d
Correspondence Address: Nebasifu, A.A.; Anthropology Research Team, Arctic Centre, University of Lapland, P.O. Box 122, Finland; email: aayonghe@ulapland.fi
Language of Original Document: English
Access Type: Article
Country: ; Cameroon ;
Protected area: Mont Cameroun
Main topic: Humans
Subtopic: Hunting / Poaching ; Anthropology / Ethnoscience ; Governance / Policy ; Periphery / Management ; Perceptions / Behaviors