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Abstract: A new species of Hyperolius is described from Nyungwe National Park in southern Rwanda. The new species differs from its congeners by a unique combination of morphological characters, including a light green dorsum and a transparent ventral skin resembling glass frogs of the Neotropical family Centrolenidae, blue-coloured bones, reduced toe webbing, relatively wide head, acuminate snout, small to medium size (SUL of adult males 18.8-23.2 mm), and the presence of nuptial pads. The advertisement call differs from all calls of other species of the genus that have been analyzed. Comparison of the mitochondrial 16S rRNA gene showed a relatively close relationship to H. castaneus, H. cystocandicans, H. discodactylus, H. frontalis, and H. lateralis. The 16S sequence of the new species differs by at least 4.5% in the uncorrected p-distance from all available sequences of other species of the genus. Copyright © 2012 · Magnolia Press.
Source title: Zootaxa
DOI:
Link: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84863903472&partnerID=40&md5=8de0c30bcbfb99021d3b81a164a7a768
Correspondence Address: Maximilian Dehling, J.; Institut für Integrierte Naturwissenschaften, Abteilung Biologie, AG Zoologie, Universität Koblenz-Landau, Universitätsstraße 1, 56070 Koblenz, Germany; email: dehling@uni-koblenz.de
Language of Original Document: English
Access Type: Article
Country: ; Rwanda ;
Protected area: Nyungwe
Main topic: Biodiversity
Subtopic: Animals ; Vertebrates ; Amphibians ; Taxonomy ; Biology / Ecology ; Genetics

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Abstract: Anthropogenic effects on rodent richness, diversity, abundance, and relative density were studied in 4 habitats of the Masako Reserve, situated in the northeastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. A primary forest dominated by Gilbertiodendron dewevrei as well as 3 anthropogenic habitats (secondary forest, fallow land, and the edge zone situated between the fallow land and the secondary forest) were sampled for rodents between May 2009 and April 2010. 1275 specimens (24 species and 5 families) were captured to quantify the differences in composition and abundance between the non disturbed habitat and the anthropogenic habitats, and between the edge zone and its adjacent habitats. Results indicated a non uniform rodent distribution across the four habitats. Richness and diversity were high in the edge habitat and low in the primary forest. Every habitat was characterized by a different relative density, of which the highest values were observed for the secondary forest and for the fallow habitat; the lowest value was observed for the primary forest. Edge zone characteristics differed from the adjacent habitats which suggested the existence of edge effects. Abundances differed significantly between habitats except between the secondary forest and the fallow land. The low evenness values observed in all habitats reflected the relative instability of the ecosystems at study. A chi-squared test confirmed the existence of seasonal effects on rodent abundance; the impact of anthropogenic activities on rodent presence was shown in the same way for the anthropogenic habitats but not for the primary forest habitat. © Léon Iyongo Waya Mongo, Marjolein Visser, Charles De Cannière, Erik Verheyen, Benjamin Dudu Akaibe, Joseph Ulyel Ali-Patho and Jan Bogaert.
Source title: Tropical Conservation Science
DOI: 10.1177/194008291200500304
Link: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84866553065&doi=10.1177%2f194008291200500304&partnerID=40&md5=86768a50683a39cbd26febc4edc724eb
Correspondence Address: Mongo, L. I. W.; Service d'Ecologie du Paysage et Systèmes de Production Végétale, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Av. Franklin Roosevelt 50, CP 169, Bruxelles 1050, Belgium; email: leon.iyongo.waya.mongo@ulb.ac.be
Language of Original Document: English; French
Access Type: Article
Country: ; Democratic Republic of Congo ;
Protected area: Réserve Forestière de Masako
Main topic: Biodiversity
Subtopic: Animals ; Vertebrates ; Mammals ; Rodents ; Survey / Monitoring ; Diversity ; Abundance ; Biology / Ecology

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Abstract: This is the first report to demonstrate that a large mixed-sex party of bonobos travelled a long distance to return to the location of a snare apparently to search for a member that had been caught in it. An adult male was caught in a metallic snare in a swamp forest at Wamba, Luo Scientific Reserve, Democratic Republic of the Congo. After he escaped from the snare by breaking a sapling to which the snare was attached, other members of his party assisted him by unfastening the snare from lianas in which it was caught and licked his wound and tried to remove the snare from his fingers. In the late afternoon, they left him in the place where he was stuck in the liana and travelled to the dry forest where they usually spend the night. The next morning, they travelled back 1. 8 km to revisit the location of the injured male. When they confirmed that he was no longer there, they returned to the dry forest to forage. This was unlike the usual ranging patterns of the party, suggesting that the bonobos travelled with the specific intention of searching for this injured individual who had been left behind. The incident described in this report likely occurred because bonobos usually range in a large mixed-sex party and try to maintain group cohesion as much as possible. © 2012 Japan Monkey Centre and Springer.
Source title: Primates
DOI: 10.1007/s10329-012-0298-2
Link: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84864300256&doi=10.1007%2fs10329-012-0298-2&partnerID=40&md5=c705b5b53391de4a3fe76b0b21a106ae
Correspondence Address: Furuichi, T.; Primate Research Institute, Kyoto University, Inuyama, Aichi 484-8506, Japan; email: furuichi@pri.kyoto-u.ac.jp
Language of Original Document: English
Access Type: Article
Country: ; Democratic Republic of Congo ;
Protected area: Luo Scientific Reserve
Main topic: Biodiversity
Subtopic: Animals ; Vertebrates ; Mammals ; Primates ; Biology / Ecology

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Abstract: Exploitation of wildlife for meat in the tropics ('bushmeat') is a critical threat for biodiversity, particularly in Africa. Here, we investigate the importance of protected areas (National Parks and other forest parks) as sources for the trade by exploring patterns in pricing and condition of bushmeat carcasses. We surveyed carcass prices in a large sample of trading points (87 markets surveyed, over a 35,000km 2 area) in Cameroon and Nigeria in the Cross-Sanaga region of West Africa. We assessed evidence for national parks as the source of animals traded as bushmeat. The study area included rural and urban centers (Calabar, Nigeria, and Douala, Cameroon) close to important protected areas: the Cross River National Park in Nigeria, and Korup National Park in Cameroon. Both parks host very high species diversity, including a range of endemics. Prices increased with distance from national park boundaries, particularly in Cameroon, where parks may be less depleted than in Nigeria. There was evidence that trading points closer to parks were more likely to function as wholesalers, with meat moving onto further trading points, rather than being sold to the end consumer. Carcasses were more often smoked (a treatment aimed at preservation) if they were not sold to their final consumers; smoking was also commoner at larger trading points. Prices were higher close to the road network, where opportunities for further trade were more available. We consider how wildlife harvests in and around protected areas may be managed to minimize depletion of animal populations, and if protected areas may, on the principle of marine no-take zones, be sustainable sources for regulated harvests. © 2011 Elsevier Ltd.
Source title: Biological Conservation
DOI: 10.1016/j.biocon.2011.12.018
Link: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84858159523&doi=10.1016%2fj.biocon.2011.12.018&partnerID=40&md5=ac2d4238e6f6a42922118ce4e7e425ec
Correspondence Address: Macdonald, D.W.; Wildlife Conservation Research Unit (WildCRU), Zoology Department, University of Oxford, The Recanati-Kaplan Centre, Tubney House, Abingdon OX13 5QL, United Kingdom; email: david.macdonald@zoo.ox.ac.uk
Language of Original Document: English
Access Type: Article
Country: ; Cameroon ;
Protected area: Korup
Main topic: Humans
Subtopic: Hunting / Poaching ; Income-generating activities ; Periphery / Management ; Governance / Policy

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Abstract: Quantitative and qualitative loss of tropical forests prompted international policy agendas to slow down forest loss through reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation (REDD)+, ensuring carbon offset payments to developing countries. So far, many African countries lack reliable forest carbon data and monitoring systems as required by REDD+. In this study, we estimate the carbon stocks of a naturally forested landscape unaffected by direct human impact. We used data collected from 34 plots randomly distributed across the Mount Birougou National Park (690 km 2) in southern Gabon. We used tree-level data on species, diameter, height, species-specific wood density and carbon fraction as well as site-level data on dead wood, soil and litter carbon to calculate carbon content in aboveground, belowground, dead wood, soil and litter as 146, 28, 14, 186 and 7 Mg ha -1, respectively. Results may serve as a benchmark to assess ecosystem carbon loss/gain for the Massif du Chaillu in Gabon and the Republic of Congo, provide field data for remote sensing and also may contribute to establish national monitoring systems. © 2012 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.
Source title: African Journal of Ecology
DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2028.2012.01337.x
Link: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84867741656&doi=10.1111%2fj.1365-2028.2012.01337.x&partnerID=40&md5=b9dbe7101be6b869fa9cfd908aefad75
Correspondence Address: Pietsch, S.A.; Institute of Silviculture, Department of Forest and Soil Sciences, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Peter Jordan Strasse 82, A-1190, Vienna, Austria; email: stephan.pietsch@boku.ac.at
Language of Original Document: English
Access Type: Article
Country: ; Gabon ;
Protected area: Monts Birougou
Main topic: Biodiversity ; Environment
Subtopic: Plants ; Structure / Biomass ; Survey / Monitoring ; Geology / Pedology ; Carbon

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Abstract: A survey on smallholder livestock production with emphasis on monogastric animals was conducted in 20 villages of seven so-called 'groupements' of South Kivu province in DR Congo, situated along a north to south-west axis with the town of Bukavu in the center. This land adjacent to Lake Kivu is located at elevations ranging around 900-1900 m asl, experiencing tropical highland climate. A diagnostic survey helped to rapidly obtain in-depth knowledge of constraints and opportunities in this environment. Correspondence analysis and multiple regression analysis were used to investigate the association of production constraints with particular livestock species and to understand the factors that govern the number of livestock that people owned (converted to tropical livestock units [TLU]), respectively. Responses of 112 informants demonstrated that livestock is an integral part of the region's mixed farming systems. Low livestock numbers per household at present reflect the poverty as a consequence of recent violent conflicts. Currently, farmers focus on small livestock, like poultry, swine, cavies (i. e., Guinea pigs) and rabbits. Families keep livestock to accumulate household reserves that are strongly invested in children's education. Major issues of animal husbandry were related to animal diseases and lack of feed resources, particularly in the dry season. Lack of feed or forages were unrelated to a particular livestock species. Livestock holdings depended on animal diversity, location, land size available and respondents' education level. The potential introduction of improved forages is challenged by their dry-season tolerance, compatibility with cropping on small farms; and people's readiness to cultivate forages. © 2012 The Author(s).
Source title: Tropical Animal Health and Production
DOI: 10.1007/s11250-011-0061-5
Link: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84862904055&doi=10.1007%2fs11250-011-0061-5&partnerID=40&md5=9f32b3e20439fb1b6513be8ccb81594b
Correspondence Address: Maass, B. L.; Tropical Forages Program, CIAT, PO Box 823-00621, Nairobi, Kenya; email: B.Maass@cgiar.org
Language of Original Document: English
Access Type: Article
Country: ; Democratic Republic of Congo ;
Protected area: Kahuzi-Biega
Main topic: Humans
Subtopic: Periphery / Management ; Agriculture ; Income-generating activities ; Armed conflicts

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Abstract: [No abstract available]
Source title: Herpetological Review
DOI:
Link: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84879350908&partnerID=40&md5=0b431892fed3044b92964d97f25015eb
Correspondence Address: Department of Biological Sciences, University of Texas at El Paso, 500 W. University Ave., El Paso, TX 79968, United States
Language of Original Document: English
Access Type: Article
Country: ; Democratic Republic of Congo ;
Protected area: Itombwe
Main topic: Biodiversity
Subtopic: Animals ; Vertebrates ; Amphibians ; Survey / Monitoring ; Diversity ; Biology / Ecology ; Genetics ; Taxonomy

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Abstract: Hunted wild animals (i.e., bushmeat) are a main source of protein for many rural populations in the tropics, and the unsustainable harvest of these animals puts both human food security and ecosystem functioning at risk. To understand the correlates of bushmeat consumption, we surveyed 1219 households in 121 rural villages near three newly established national parks in Gabon. Through the surveys we gathered information on bushmeat consumption, income, and material assests. In addition, we quantified land cover in a 5-km radius around the village center and distance of the village center to the nearest park boundary. Bushmeat was not a source of income for most households, but it was the primary animal protein consumed. Ninety-seven percent of households consumed bushmeat at least once during a survey period of 12 days. Income or wealth, land cover, distance of village to the nearest park boundary, and level of education of the head of the household were among the factors that significantly related to the likelihood of consuming any of the 10 most commonly consumed species of bushmeat. Household size was the predictor most strongly associated with quantities of bushmeat consumed and was negatively related to consumption. Total bushmeat consumption per adult male equivalent increased as household wealth increased and decreased as distance of villages to park boundaries increased. Bushmeat consumption at the household level was not related to unit values (i.e., price estimates for a good that typically does not have a market value; estimates derived from willingness to sell or trade the good for items of known price) of bushmeat or the price of chicken and fish as potential substitutes. The median consumption of bushmeat at the village level, however, was negatively related to village mean unit values of bushmeat across all species. Our results suggest that a lack of alternative protein sources motivated even the wealthiest among surveyed households to consume bushmeat. Providing affordable, alternative protein sources to all households would likely reduce unsustainable levels of bushmeat consumption in rural Gabon. © 2011 Society for Conservation Biology.
Source title: Conservation Biology
DOI: 10.1111/j.1523-1739.2011.01802.x
Link: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84858862490&doi=10.1111%2fj.1523-1739.2011.01802.x&partnerID=40&md5=08e3a5b08e4db060cc30e6da6a8a7054
Correspondence Address: Foerster, S.; Boston College, Office of the Provost and Dean of Faculties, Waul House, 270 Hammond Street, Chestnut Hill, MA 02467, United States; email: sf2041@columbia.edu
Language of Original Document: English
Access Type: Article
Country: ; Gabon ;
Protected area: Monts Birougou ; Ivindo ; Monts de Cristal
Main topic: Humans
Subtopic: Hunting / Poaching ; Income-generating activities ; Perceptions / Behaviors ; Periphery / Management

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Abstract: Generally, biodiversity is being threatened globally by climate change as well as human activities and this has aroused concerns about the conservation status. This study was designed with the aim of searching for existing, new and unrecorded plant species of the family Sapindaceae in West Africa so as to better understand the extent of diversity and distribution of the species in the family remaining in existence and conserve them for maximum use. The methodology employed include: field sampling, preservation of voucher specimens in secured repositories and DNA conservation of the collected samples. It was observed that the family Sapindaceae are represented by 26 genera and 104 species in western Africa. The most species rich regions are Nigeria (47 taxa), Cameroon (45 taxa) and Ghana (25 taxa). Southern highlands of Nigeria have the highest number of species followed by western river banks of Ghana. Taxa shared are highest between Nigeria and Ghana and endemism is highest in the western regions with 9 species endemic to the mountains and coasts. High quality genomic DNA were obtained and deposited in the DNA bank at the Royal Botanic gardens Kew. This research can be seen as a key step in the conservation of the family Sapindaceae as it reveals that most of the plants are endangered mainly due to deforestation and agricultural practices in forest reserves across West Africa. © 2012 Asian Network for Scientific Information.
Source title: International Journal of Botany
DOI: 10.3923/ijb.2012.31.37
Link: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84860288321&doi=10.3923%2fijb.2012.31.37&partnerID=40&md5=a93a16f9bc5c8417cc74be0e0df9bf7e
Correspondence Address: Adeyemi, T. O.; Molecular Systematics Laboratory, Department of Botany, University of Lagos, Akoka, Lagos, Nigeria
Language of Original Document: English
Access Type: Article
Country: ; Cameroon ; Gabon ;
Protected area: Many
Main topic: Biodiversity
Subtopic: Plants ; Survey / Monitoring ; Diversity ; Genetics

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Abstract: Background and aims Eighty per cent of Gabon's territory is covered by forest with most species inventory work focused on these areas. However, herbaceous open vegetation types are abundant in this country and can be found in savannas on the coast, in the centre and in the south, and on inselbergs. The species diversity patterns of these habitats remain largely unexplored yet are targeted for both conservation and development. Here, we evaluate the floristic diversity of savannas in Gabon, their affinities with the inselberg open vegetation, and their contribution to the national park system in Gabon, which is currently undergoing a gap analysis. We then use a case study from the Batéké Plateaux to demonstrate species rarity in a single savanna. Materials and methods Species presence in the grassy formations of the savannas in Loango, Lopé, Pongara, and Plateaux Batéké national parks and in Kum inselberg is compared using ordination and clustering based on a similarity matrix (Sørensen index). For the Batéké Plateaux savannas, the species rarity and distributions are assessed using Star ratings. Key results The species in the open herbaceous vegetation in Gabon account for at least 11% of the total flora of the country (508 species out of 4,710). Except for the coastal savannas, all sites are highly dissimilar in floristic composition (Sørensen index 0.065-0.26) and no dominant savanna type occurs within the dataset. The inselberg site is the most dissimilar and constitutes a separate vegetation unit. Most savanna species of the Batéké Plateaux area are widely distributed, but not weedy. A few are extremely rare and are linked with moist habitats, substrate, and fire occurrence. Our results show the diversity and the conservation value of open, herbaceous habitats. Currently, the Gabonese National Park network is partly protecting the savanna and inselberg vegetation. However, several areas remain un-assessed and merit further exploration. © 2012 National Botanic Garden of Belgium and Royal Botanical Society of Belgium.
Source title: Plant Ecology and Evolution
DOI: 10.5091/plecevo.2012.606
Link: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84862303064&doi=10.5091%2fplecevo.2012.606&partnerID=40&md5=ec64972efece7a1e7576c3adde2c49a7
Correspondence Address: Walters, G.; University College London, Department of Anthropology, Gower Street, WC1E 6BT, London, England, United Kingdom; email: ucsagwa@ucl.ac.uk
Language of Original Document: English
Access Type: Article
Country: ; Gabon ;
Protected area: Loango ; Lopé ; Pongara ; Plateaux Batéké
Main topic: Biodiversity
Subtopic: Plants ; Survey / Monitoring ; Diversity

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Abstract: Purpose - This study addresses the great apes' fatal situation in the wild by integrating perspectives from conservation biology, conflict research, and bioethics. Design/methodology/approach - We introduce the great apes' red list status and describe habitat destruction and bushmeat commerce as main threats to their survival. We analyze the complex context in which great ape extinction takes place in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and thereby focus on a threatening factor that is interlinked with habitat destruction and bushmeat commerce: armed conflict. Findings - The study shows that some characteristics of so-called ''New Wars'' are apparent in the DRC and that they directly or indirectly impact the great apes' situation. Because the human role in the animals' extinction is so severe and so obvious, ethical consequences become apparent. Animal ethics (the welfare as well as the rights approach) has to acknowledge the severity of the situation of the great apes in the wild. Implications for the human-animal relationship and the human identity come into play. After all, we have to ask ourselves what it means for us and for coming generations if our nearest relatives are going to be extinct one day. Practical implications - It is argued that conservation policy has to include insights from conflict research. Likewise, peacemaking has to address ecological consequences of warfare. Originality/value - Our findings promote an interdisciplinary approach. Armed conflict as a threatening factor to great ape survival has so far largely been neglected within the literature on conservation biology as well as in conflict research. © 2012 by Emerald Group Publishing Limited.
Source title: Research in Biopolitics
DOI: 10.1108/S2042-9940(2012)0000010009
Link: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84888324538&doi=10.1108%2fS2042-9940%282012%290000010009&partnerID=40&md5=cfd77284db61cb56c782fa28b03c636a
Correspondence Address: Unit of Ethics and Human-Animal Studies, Messerli Research Institute, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
Language of Original Document: English
Access Type: Article
Country: ; Democratic Republic of Congo ;
Protected area: Virunga
Main topic: Biodiversity ; Humans
Subtopic: Animals ; Vertebrates ; Mammals ; Primates ; Conservation initiatives ; Armed conflicts ; Hunting / Poaching ; Anthropology / Ethnoscience ; Governance / Policy ; Perceptions / Behaviors

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Abstract: This is the first account of earthworms from the Gamba Complex of Protected Areas, a highly biodiverse coastal area of equatorial Africa. We describe five new species of Dichogaster Beddard, 1888: Dichogaster (Diplothecodrilus) moussavoui sp. nov., D. (Diplothecodrilus) tchignoumbai sp. nov., D. (Diplothecodrilus) tobii sp. nov., D. (Diplothecodrilus) alonsoi sp. nov., and D. (Dichogaster) gambaensis sp. nov.; report several more taxa for which the material was not adequate to serve as the basis for new species descriptions, and present new records of several exotic species. Coastal Gamba is now known to have ten indigenous species and four introduced species, some of which are known invasives. Characteristics shared by several Gamba Dichogaster conflict with characters used to define subgenera of Dichogaster, indicating that additional data are needed to resolve relationships within this large taxon. Copyright © 2012 Magnolia Press.
Source title: Zootaxa
DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.3458.1.7
Link: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84866335461&doi=10.11646%2fzootaxa.3458.1.7&partnerID=40&md5=30ecf52dfea2a02a6f195675f0f69943
Correspondence Address: James, S.W.; Department of Biology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, United States; email: samuel-james@uiowa.edu
Language of Original Document: English
Access Type: Article
Country: ; Gabon ;
Protected area: Loango ; Moukalaba-Doudou
Main topic: Biodiversity
Subtopic: Animals ; Invertebrates ; Survey / Monitoring ; Diversity ; Biology / Ecology ; Taxonomy

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Abstract: Agricultural and pastoral communities must frequently use the same spaces in southwestern Chad's savannahs, which could lead to conflict. Our study focused on Peul camps in a region close to a protected area, the "Forêt classée de Yamba Berté," and revealed that the two activities have not been integrated in a mixed model of production From the beginning. The distinction is higher with regard to the utilization of space, where the agricultural use structures the space (more than 80%) and rangelands dedicated to animals are entirely subordinated to it. Even if farmers today are more used to raising cattle, space management does not take pastoral activities into account and it is becoming difficult for the herders to move with their animals. This phenomenon is increased by the proximity of a protected area, and we often observe animals' incursions into agricultural fields, sources of conflict which can be violent. Territorial and social integration of the pastoralism in these savannah zones needs a regional planning scheme and an adapted legal and administrative system to facilitate pastoral mobility founded on principles of negotiation with all the stakeholders.
Source title: Science et Changements Planetaires - Secheresse
DOI: 10.1684/sec.2012.0366
Link: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84871856636&doi=10.1684%2fsec.2012.0366&partnerID=40&md5=b7bd25aa70e19cea202faae7842e222a
Correspondence Address: Sougnabé, P.; Laboratoire de Recherches Vétérinaires et Zootechniques (LRVZ) de Farcha, BP 433, Ndjamena, Chad; email: sougnabe2@yahoo.fr
Language of Original Document: French
Access Type: Article
Country: ; Chad ;
Protected area: Yamba Berté
Main topic: Humans
Subtopic: Periphery / Management ; Agriculture ; Income-generating activities ; Human-wildlife conflicts ; Governance / Policy ; Perceptions / Behaviors

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Abstract: Forest duikers (Cephalophinae) are important targets of the bushmeat trade but a reliable and efficient assessment of these shy animals is often regarded as problematic. Using a power analysis approach, we assessed the performance of three established methods (diurnal, nocturnal and indirect dung surveys) in producing density estimates for the blue and the Ogilby's duiker (Cephalophus monticola, Cephalophus ogilbyi ogilbyi) in a 16 km2 section of primary forest, systematically sampled using line transects. Direct survey methods (diurnal and nocturnal) yielded density estimates between 8.3 and 6.8 (blue duiker) and 6.5 and 4.3 animals/km2 (Ogilby's). The coefficients of variation of density estimates implied a resolution of 44% density change detectable in diurnal surveys but only of 140% in nocturnal surveys. Density estimates derived from the dung survey were lower than those of direct surveys (1.5 animals/km2 and 1.4 animals/km2, respectively). Associated coefficients of variation imply a resolution of change in density estimates detectable for changes far larger than 100%. However, dung pile density was susceptible to variation in key parameters (decay and production rates) and difficulties in data acquisition lead us to reject the dung survey as a suitable method in our particular setting. Our results suggest that diurnal direct surveying from line transects can be reliable and effective even for shy forest ungulates under (some) hunting pressure.
Source title: African Journal of Wildlife Research
DOI: 10.3957/056.042.0110
Link: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84863708526&doi=10.3957%2f056.042.0110&partnerID=40&md5=dbbd0d461e33929ba0d7b3fe247beb62
Correspondence Address: Viquerat, S.M.A.; Department of Conservation Biology, Georg-August-Universitt Gttingen, Von-Siebold-Strasse 2, 37075 Gttingen, Germany; email: sacha.vsop@googlemail.com
Language of Original Document: English
Access Type: Review
Country: ; Cameroon ;
Protected area: Korup
Main topic: Biodiversity
Subtopic: Animals ; Vertebrates ; Mammals ; Ungulates ; Survey / Monitoring ; Abundance

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Abstract: The wildlife populations of northern Central African Republic (CAR) have long suffered intense uncontrolled hunting. Socio-political turmoil in northern CAR that started in 2002 resulted in a rebellion in 2006. An aerial sample count was carried out in northern CAR after the ceasefire to assess the impact of this troubled period on wildlife. The survey was flown at the end of the dry season in February-March 2010. It covered a landscape complex of 95,000 km2 comprising national parks, hunting reserves and community hunting areas. Comparison with earlier surveys revealed a dramatic decline of wildlife: the numbers of large mammals fell by 94% in 30 years, probably due to poaching, loss of habitat and diseases brought by illegal movements of cattle. Elephant (Loxodonta africana), Reduncinae and topi (Damaliscus lunatus) populations showed the greatest decline (each over 90%). Other species declined by 70-80% during the same period. The future of wildlife in this area is dark without a strong commitment to provide adequate funding and quickly implement of determined field management. Reinforced cooperation with neighbouring Chad and Sudan is required since they are facing similar problems. © 2011 Springer Science+Business Media B.V.
Source title: Environmental Monitoring and Assessment
DOI: 10.1007/s10661-011-2475-y
Link: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84867579045&doi=10.1007%2fs10661-011-2475-y&partnerID=40&md5=848f39ddede99427b742aadc8392182d
Correspondence Address: Bouché, P.; Unité de Gestion des Ressources Forestières et des Milieux Naturels, Université de Liège, Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech, Passage des Déportés, 2, B-5030 Gembloux, Belgium; email: ph_bouche@yahoo.com
Language of Original Document: English
Access Type: Article
Country: ; Central African Republic ;
Protected area: Bamingui-Bangoran ; Manovo-Gounda-Saint Floris ; Vassako-Bolo
Main topic: Biodiversity
Subtopic: Animals ; Vertebrates ; Mammals ; Ungulates ; Elephants ; Survey / Monitoring ; Abundance

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Abstract: Many primate populations currently live in forest fragments. These populations are often unhabituated, elusive, and contain few individuals, making them difficult to study through direct observation. Noninvasive genetic methods are useful for surveying these unhabituated populations to infer the number and sex of individuals and the genetic diversity of the population. We conducted genetic analysis on 70 fecal samples from eastern chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes schweinfurthii) in Gishwati Forest Reserve, a forest fragment in western Rwanda. We genotyped all but two of these samples using 12 autosomal and 13 Y-chromosome microsatellite markers previously used in analyses of other chimpanzee populations. The genetic data show that these samples represent a minimum of 19 individuals (7 females, 12 males). However, because we may not have sampled all individuals in the population, we also performed mark-recapture analysis with the genetic data and found that the entire population likely numbers between 19 and 29 individuals. These results are consistent with opportunistic observations of at least 19 individual chimpanzees. Levels of variation at the Y-chromosome microsatellites were similar to those observed in other chimpanzee communities, suggesting that the chimpanzees in this forest are members of a single community. These results provide a baseline count of the number of male and female chimpanzees in the Gishwati Forest Reserve, and the data provide the potential for follow-up studies aimed at tracking individuals over time, thus aiding conservation management of this unhabituated population. © 2012 Springer Science+Business Media, LLC.
Source title: International Journal of Primatology
DOI: 10.1007/s10764-012-9591-6
Link: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84858781865&doi=10.1007%2fs10764-012-9591-6&partnerID=40&md5=4375b588f86aaa838094fe31d1ca1b83
Correspondence Address: Chancellor, R. L.; Department of Anthropology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA 95616, United States; email: rlchancellor@ucdavis.edu
Language of Original Document: English
Access Type: Article
Country: ; Rwanda ;
Protected area: Gishwati-Mukura
Main topic: Biodiversity
Subtopic: Animals ; Vertebrates ; Mammals ; Primates ; Genetics

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Abstract: Summary: The tree species Gilbertiodendron newberyi Burgt (Leguminosae: Caesalpinioideae) is described and illustrated. The new species is related to G. ogoouense (Pellegr.) J. Léonard s. s. Trees of G. newberyi can grow to 51 m high and 197 cm trunk diam. The new species is ectomycorrhizal, grows gregariously, and presents ballistic seed dispersal. G. newberyi is endemic to Korup National Park in Cameroon, and is assessed as Endangered D under the criteria of IUCN. © 2012 The Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Source title: Kew Bulletin
DOI: 10.1007/s12225-012-9345-9
Link: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84862225109&doi=10.1007%2fs12225-012-9345-9&partnerID=40&md5=6da0bf2a4480413a1b19ce7bfcc5ca05
Correspondence Address: van der Burgt, X. M.; Herbarium, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Richmond, Surrey TW9 3AB, United Kingdom; email: x.van.der.burgt@kew.org
Language of Original Document: English
Access Type: Article
Country: ; Cameroon ;
Protected area: Korup
Main topic: Biodiversity
Subtopic: Plants ; Taxonomy ; Biology / Ecology

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Abstract: In this study the average consumption and cash incomes of households living in villages adjoining the Lobeke National Park in Southeast of Cameroon were analysed with particular focus on the extent to which households in the region were dependent on forest products and services. Possible reasons for the dependency of households on forests were identified and tested using logistic regression. A total of eight income portfolios were found to be contributing to the household annual incomes in the studied villages. The contribution of forest products to household income and consumption ranged between 0.10 to 0.82 (mean = 0.49 and sd = 0.18). Forest income contributed 44.44% to the total income of all the households surveyed. The annual average forest income per household was US$ 239.3. A major recommendation was that conservation policies need to be overhauled to take into consideration the importance of forest products in the livelihoods of forest-dependent people.
Source title: International Forestry Review
DOI: 10.1505/146554812800923426
Link: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84863112566&doi=10.1505%2f146554812800923426&partnerID=40&md5=fa77a0d168f85e55c84e5202b208ac80
Correspondence Address: Tieguhong, J.C.; Beyond Timber Project in Congo Basin, Biovesity International, P.O. Box 2008 Messa, Yaounde, Cameroon; email: chupezi@yahoo.co.uk
Language of Original Document: English
Access Type: Review
Country: ; Cameroon ;
Protected area: Lobéké
Main topic: Humans
Subtopic: Income-generating activities ; Non-timber forest products ; Periphery / Management ; Governance / Policy ; Anthropology / Ethnoscience ; Perceptions / Behaviors

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Abstract: Crop raiding by African elephants threatens human livelihoods and elephants, yet studies of long-term changes in crop raiding and effects on attitudes are lacking. The scope of perceived crop damage in three communities and local attitudes toward elephants and protected areas were surveyed in the Bénoué Wildlife Conservation Area, Cameroon in 2010. Temporal changes in attitudes and perceived crop damage were estimated using previous work. The percent of households reporting elephant crop raiding increased since 1997 (58% vs. 40%). Attitudes toward Bénoué National Park were positive and did not change over time, although more people today were positive toward the hunting concessions. Crop damage by elephants did not significantly influence attitudes toward the species, yet 52% reported no benefit to elephant presence in the area. Immigration likely contributed to increased reported elephant damages, hence, land use planning and the prevention of further encroachment is central to reducing human-elephant conflict. © 2012 Copyright Taylor and Francis Group, LLC.
Source title: Human Dimensions of Wildlife
DOI: 10.1080/10871209.2012.639133
Link: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84859585577&doi=10.1080%2f10871209.2012.639133&partnerID=40&md5=aab9cc6f6b512f7f3daed3f50432f6bd
Correspondence Address: Weladji, R. B.; Department of Biology, Concordia University, 7141 Sherbrooke St W, Montreal, QC H4B 1R6, Canada; email: rweladji@alcor.concordia.ca
Language of Original Document: English
Access Type: Article
Country: ; Cameroon ;
Protected area: Bénoué
Main topic: Humans ; Biodiversity
Subtopic: Human-wildlife conflicts ; Periphery / Management ; Perceptions / Behaviors ; Conservation initiatives ; Hunting / Poaching ; Income-generating activities ; Animals ; Vertebrates ; Mammals ; Ungulates ; Elephants ; Biology / Ecology

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Abstract: Monitoring programs are essential for an adequate management of large mammal populations. Within Central Africa data on abundance of important bushmeat species, such as duikers and primates are often lacking. Relative densities [(encounter rates (ERs)] are often the only available data, but there is little knowledge on the factors affecting ERs and detection of these animals. Here we investigate how different environmental factors and observers influence large mammal ERs in a pristine rainforest in the Nouabalé-Ndoki National Park, Republic of Congo. Our results show large daily and monthly variation in ERs of duikers and primates. ERs varied between habitat types, seasons and observers? ability to detect animals. Season and rainfall had a strong effect on understory visibility and duiker detection, respectively. Detection of duikers often happened by sound instead of visual observations. Our study shows that the use of ER is a poor monitoring approach and more robust methods need to be used to evaluate rates of population change reliably. © 2012 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.
Source title: African Journal of Ecology
DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2028.2012.01331.x
Link: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84864389740&doi=10.1111%2fj.1365-2028.2012.01331.x&partnerID=40&md5=dc6e83a2d37d51abc79db598b294a5b2
Correspondence Address: Breuer, T.; Mbeli Bai Study/Nouabalé-Ndoki Project, Wildlife Conservation Society, Avenue Charles de Gaulle 151 B.P. 14537, Brazzaville, Congo; email: tbreuer@wcs.org
Language of Original Document: English
Access Type: Article
Country: ; Republic of Congo ;
Protected area: Nouabalé-Ndoki
Main topic: Biodiversity
Subtopic: Animals ; Vertebrates ; Mammals ; Ungulates ; Primates ; Survey / Monitoring ; Abundance ; Biology / Ecology