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Abstract: Background:An assessment of population size and structure is an important first step in devising conservation and management plans for endangered species. Many threatened animals are elusive, rare and live in habitats that prohibit directly counting individuals. For example, a well-founded estimate of the number of great apes currently living in the wild is lacking. Developing methods to obtain accurate population estimates for these species is a priority for their conservation management. Genotyping non-invasively collected faecal samples is an effective way of evaluating a species' population size without disruption, and can also reveal details concerning population structure.Methodology/Principal Findings:We opportunistically collected wild chimpanzee faecal samples for genetic capture-recapture analyses over a four-year period in a 132 km2 area of Loango National Park, Gabon. Of the 444 samples, 46% yielded sufficient quantities of DNA for genotyping analysis and the consequent identification of 121 individuals. Using genetic capture-recapture, we estimate that 283 chimpanzees (range: 208-316) inhabited the research area between February 2005 and July 2008. Since chimpanzee males are patrilocal and territorial, we genotyped samples from males using variable Y-chromosome microsatellite markers and could infer that seven chimpanzee groups are present in the area. Genetic information, in combination with field data, also suggested the occurrence of repeated cases of intergroup violence and a probable group extinction.Conclusions/Significance:The poor amplification success rate resulted in a limited number of recaptures and hence only moderate precision (38%, measured as the entire width of the 95% confidence interval), but this was still similar to the best results obtained using intensive nest count surveys of apes (40% to 63%). Genetic capture-recapture methods applied to apes can provide a considerable amount of novel information on chimpanzee population size and structure with minimal disturbance to the animals and represent a powerful complement to traditional field-based methods. © 2011 Arandjelovic et al.
Source title: PLoS ONE
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0014761
Link: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-79952685703&doi=10.1371%2fjournal.pone.0014761&partnerID=40&md5=7593a964aace5381a94d154610b62f13
Correspondence Address: Arandjelovic, M.; Department of Primatology, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Leipzig, 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 ; Survey / Monitoring ; Genetics ; Abundance ; Biology / Ecology

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Abstract: We studied the utilization pattern of wild plant species by elephants in relation to their nutritive values in order to provide insight into crop raiding events by the animal in the Waza region. Elephants were selective for food plants in the wilderness. Out of 45 recorded plant species, only 20 plant species were found to be utilized either fully or partially as evident by branch breaking, debarking, and uprooting. Among the plants consumed by the elephants, Acacia seyal was the most utilized (34.4% n= 212) followed by Piliostigma reticulatum (22.5% n = 128). The barks of Mitragymna innermis (11% n = 45) and Anogeisus leiocarpus (8% n = 41) were moderately utilized. All other recorded plants were utilized below 5%. Crude protein content in utilized plants varied from 2.97 (Lannea humilis) to 12.76% (Capparis tomentosa). NDF content ranged from 41.58 (Feretia apodanthera) to 7.93% (Acacia ataxacantha). ADF content ranged from 32.26 (F. apodanthera) to 56.27% (Ziziphus mauritiana). In vitro digestibility also varied among the utilized plants. Elephants foraged more on nutritionally rich plants, and because of the generally poor nutritional value of natural fodder, the elephants in Waza National Park frequently break out to feed on nutritive richer agricultural crops. © 2011 Academic Journals.
Source title: Scientific Research and Essays
DOI: 10.5897/sre09.500
Link: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-80052401521&doi=10.5897%2fsre09.500&partnerID=40&md5=7501b29a45bcd9cf2b5688b6e7a9401f
Correspondence Address: Foguekem, D.; WWF Cameroon Program Office, P. O. Box, 6776, Yaoundé, Cameroon; email: d_fogke@yahoo.fr
Language of Original Document: English
Access Type: Article
Country: ; Cameroon ;
Protected area: Waza
Main topic: Biodiversity
Subtopic: Plants ; Biology / Ecology ; Animals ; Vertebrates ; Mammals ; Ungulates ; Elephants ; Biology / Ecology

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Abstract: Seeds were collected from Carapa grandiflora, Carapa procera, Cardiospermum halicacabum, Maesopsis eminii, Millettia dura, Myrianthus arboreus, Myrianthus holstii, Pentaclethra macrophylla, Podocarpus usambarensis, Tephrosia vogelii and Treculia africana from Kahuzi-Biega National Park and the surrounding areas in D.R. Congo. Oils were extracted using ethyl ether in Soxhlet extractor. Physicochemical characteristics were determined using the methods of the American Oil Chemists Society. The seed oil content obtained ranged from 17.2 to 64.4%; the highest was obtained from P. usambarensis and the lowest from T. vogelii. The oil specific gravity varied from 0.8050 to 0.9854; the oils melting point ranged from -12 to 32°C; the oil saponification values from 182.5 to 260.9 mg KOH/g; the oil acidity index from 1.74 to 5.31 mg KOH/g and the unsaponifiable matter from 0.54 to 2.25%. The plant seed oils content reported in this study are comparatively higher than some food crop plants such as soybean and olive. Five of these oils have oil melting range as that of edible oils. C. grandiflora, C. halicacabum, M. eminii and the two species of Myrianthus are in the range of common cooking oils by their specific gravity values. P. usambarensis seed oil with its relatively high unsaponifiable matter content can have efficacy as cosmetic. © 2011 Academic Journals.
Source title: African Journal of Biotechnology
DOI:
Link: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-79251526215&partnerID=40&md5=f385dd82fac9f31ac5729b607d05a0fd
Correspondence Address: Minzangi, K.; Laboratory of Phytochemistry, Department of Biology, CRSN/Lwiro, Bukavu, Congo; email: minzangi@yahoo.fr
Language of Original Document: English
Access Type: Article
Country: ; Democratic Republic of Congo ;
Protected area: Kahuzi-Biega
Main topic: Biodiversity ; Humans
Subtopic: Plants ; Biology / Ecology ; Non-timber forest products ; Income-generating activities

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Abstract: Phyllanthus kidna, the only tree species of Phyllanthus from Cameroon, is described and analysed. Its combination of bilocular berries and two connate stamens indicate no clear affiliation with any known species or infrageneric group within Phyllanthus. Molecular phylogenetic analyses place it as sister to the Indian and East African species Phyllanthus pinnatus and it is also closely related to the New World species of P. acidus and P. chacoensis. Only five individuals are currently known and the species is assessed as critically endangered. The proposed Mefou National Park near Yaounde could save this species from extinction. © Copyright 2011 by the American Society of Plant Taxonomists.
Source title: Systematic Botany
DOI: 10.1600/036364411X604949
Link: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-81855180617&doi=10.1600%2f036364411X604949&partnerID=40&md5=2718f76efcb0e24921d1f18f456fcf73
Correspondence Address: Challen, G.; Herbarium, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Richmond Surrey TW9 3AB, United Kingdom; email: g.challen@kew.org
Language of Original Document: English
Access Type: Article
Country: ; Cameroon ;
Protected area: Mefou
Main topic: Biodiversity
Subtopic: Plants ; Taxonomy ; Biology / Ecology ; Genetics

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Abstract: Protected Areas (PAs) form a core component of efforts to conserve biodiversity, but are designated for a variety of reasons. We assessed the effectiveness of PAs in covering the ranges of 157 globally threatened terrestrial bird species in mainland Africa and Madagascar. To reduce commission errors, rather than using Extent of Occurrence (EOO) as a measure of distribution, we estimated the Extent of potentially Suitable Habitat (ESH) for each species within its EOO, using data on habitat preferences and land cover. On average, 14% of species' ESH fell within PAs, with negligible coverage of Critically Endangered species. By contrast, an average of 30% of species' ESH fell within Important Bird Areas (IBAs), a network of sites identified using globally standardized criteria as critical for bird conservation. IBAs that overlapped or fell within PAs were significantly less effective at covering the ESH of threatened birds than those falling outside the PA network, and for IBAs partly overlapping with PAs, coverage of threatened birds was significantly greater in the unprotected part. Expansion of the PA (and IBA) networks in parts of Madagascar, the Albertine Rift, Cameroon Highlands, Eastern Arc and eastern Kenya would benefit globally threatened bird species conservation. © 2010 The Authors. Animal Conservation © 2010 The Zoological Society of London.
Source title: Animal Conservation
DOI: 10.1111/j.1469-1795.2010.00398.x
Link: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-79952121026&doi=10.1111%2fj.1469-1795.2010.00398.x&partnerID=40&md5=116ef59187986a14c60d1ca8b75a969b
Correspondence Address: Beresford, A.E.; Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, The Lodge, Sandy, Bedfordshire SG 19 2DL, United Kingdom; email: alison.beresford@rspb.org.uk
Language of Original Document: English
Access Type: Article
Country: ; Central Africa ;
Protected area: Many
Main topic: Biodiversity
Subtopic: Animals ; Vertebrates ; Birds ; Survey / Monitoring ; Diversity ; Biology / Ecology

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Abstract: Phellinus gabonensis sp. nov. is described and illustrated on the basis of several collections made in three protected areas of primary rain forest in the western edge of the Guineo-Congolian center of endemism, in Gabon. The species is characterized by resupinate, perennial basidiomes, numerous, straight to commonly apically hooked hymenial setae, and ellipsoid to broadly ellipsoid, thin- to thick-walled, hyaline to yellowish basidiospores. Both the morphology and the phylogenetic inferences based on partial nuc-LSU relate this species to Ph. caribaeo-quercicolus. © 2010 German Mycological Society and Springer.
Source title: Mycological Progress
DOI: 10.1007/s11557-010-0708-z
Link: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-79960316772&doi=10.1007%2fs11557-010-0708-z&partnerID=40&md5=c7de8ba8d0d643875d019a2070a8ac66
Correspondence Address: Decock, C.; Mycothèque de l'Université catholique de Louvain (BCCM/MUCL), Earth and Life Institute - Mycology, Université catholique de Louvain, Croix du Sud 3, 1348 Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium; email: decock@mbla.ucl.ac.be
Language of Original Document: English
Access Type: Article
Country: ; Gabon ;
Protected area: Réserve naturelle intégrale d'Ipassa-Makokou ; Monts de Cristal ; Mondah ; Waka
Main topic: Biodiversity
Subtopic: Fungi ; Taxonomy ; Biology / Ecology ; Genetics

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Abstract: Aim To map changes in the abundance of African wetland birds using remotely derived habitat data. We show that abundance-occupancy relationships can be coupled with habitat association models to map changes in abundance. As conservation resources are more easily allocated when spatial and temporal patterns of abundance are known, our method provides guidance for conservation planning. Location Papyrus, Cyperus papyrus, swamps in east central Africa. Methods Presence/absence surveys of six bird species in 93 wetlands were used to construct models predicting probability of occurrence from habitat characteristics. Densities were then determined from surveys in 23 additional wetlands and modelled as functions of occurrence probability. We then used satellite imagery to derive habitat characteristics remotely in two time periods (1984-87 and 2000-03) and used the modelled relationships between (1) habitat and occupancy and (2) occupancy and density, to infer changes in abundance in all c.30,000 wetlands within the study area. Results Wetlands within the region declined by 8.6% between the two time periods, but by >75% in regions of high human population density. Bird densities were also highest in these regions, which comprised wetlands subject to high levels of disturbance. The geographical coincidence of high densities and habitat loss and the existence of positive associations between bird density and occurrence meant that birds declined by much more than the average rate of their habitat. Main conclusions Targeting conservation efforts in areas with high drainage would protect a high proportion of the bird populations. Encouraging people to derive income from disturbance to which the birds are tolerant, rather than drainage, is likely to be an effective strategy. Because habitat characteristics are a key driver of abundance-occupancy relationships, we conclude that there is wide-scale scope to couple abundance-occupancy relationships with remote habitat mapping to efficiently inform conservation planning. © 2011 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.
Source title: Diversity and Distributions
DOI: 10.1111/j.1472-4642.2011.00756.x
Link: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-79953804219&doi=10.1111%2fj.1472-4642.2011.00756.x&partnerID=40&md5=729506e698b79976843a6f470377587b
Correspondence Address: Maclean, I.M.D.; Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter, Cornwall Campus, Penryn TR10 9EZ, United Kingdom; email: i.m.d.maclean@exeter.ac.uk
Language of Original Document: English
Access Type: Article
Country: ; Democratic Republic of Congo ; Rwanda ;
Protected area: Virunga ; Volcans ; Akagera
Main topic: Biodiversity
Subtopic: Animals ; Vertebrates ; Birds ; Survey / Monitoring ; Abundance ; Biology / Ecology

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Abstract: Predictive distribution models generally use data from multiple individuals each associated with a unique observation location, coupled with environmental parameters, to define the overall suitable area where the species could occur. Whether the use of multiple locations from few individuals is similarly efficient to model species distribution is not yet known. If so, the method could bring valuable inputs to identify priority conservation areas for rare or elusive species, especially those large vertebrates tracked with telemetry. Satellite tracking of long-distance migrants often produces numerous locations of surveyed individuals across their wintering ranges. We examined such wintering tracks to test if the wintering locations obtained from few tracked individuals could be useful to model the full species wintering range, using habitat suitability models. We aimed at predicting the wintering distribution of West European Black Storks Ciconia nigra. We used tracks of 9 storks, retaining one location per winter day per individual for a total of 972 different locations. Combined with bioclimatic and land cover data in habitat suitability modelling within an ensemble forecast framework, we obtained a probabilistic distribution which largely matched the previously reported wintering range of the species in western and central Africa. Using tracks of the six individuals with more than 100 locations each, we obtained a distribution range closely matching the nine-bird range. A range similar to the nine-bird range could be predicted by models using data from less numerous individuals and by considering a lower threshold value. Habitat suitability models using wintering record locations of satellite-tracked migrant birds can therefore help to get a better picture of the wintering distribution range, and hence provide more accurate information for conservation planning on African wintering grounds. © 2010 Dt. Ornithologen-Gesellschaft e.V.
Source title: Journal of Ornithology
DOI: 10.1007/s10336-010-0555-3
Link: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-78650747053&doi=10.1007%2fs10336-010-0555-3&partnerID=40&md5=8577901a3fef3cdeeb3ae83910e39902
Correspondence Address: Jiguet, F.; Conservation des Espèces, Restauration et Suivi des Populations, UMR 7204 MNHN-CNRS-UPMC, CP 51, 55 Rue Buffon, 75005 Paris, France; email: fjiguet@mnhn.fr
Language of Original Document: English
Access Type: Article
Country: ; Central Africa ;
Protected area: Many
Main topic: Biodiversity
Subtopic: Animals ; Vertebrates ; Birds ; Survey / Monitoring ; Biology / Ecology

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Abstract: The Congo Basin contains a stunning array of cultural and biotic diversity housed in some of the largest undeveloped tracts of rain forest in the world. Although the origins of these unique environments and their populations are a topic of great interest, palaeoenvironmental and archaeological records from the central forest block are underrepresented in the academic literature. This dearth of evidence limits our ability to evaluate the influence of prehistoric populations on Guineo-Congolian forest structure and composition. Understanding prehistoric human-environment dynamics may yield important clues about the process of prehistoric cultural and demographic changes in the region, as changes in technology and subsistence may be linked with shifts in vegetation cover visible in palaeoenvironmental records. Analysis of pollen, microscopic charcoal, and carbon isotopes from two Late Holocene sedimentary records collected in the Ngotto Forest Reserve, Central African Republic shows clear shifts in Late Holocene climates and human impacts. This record is unique because it captures a fine-grained record of Late Holocene environmental change and complements archaeological survey in the region. Documenting forest change through the Holocene provides a crucial context for understanding long-term ecological responses to climate change in addition to clarifying hypotheses regarding population and culture change in the Congo Basin.
Source title: Before Farming: The Archaeology and Anthropology of Hunter-Gatherers
DOI:
Link: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84877616821&partnerID=40&md5=f18ee5ce0db1c7cf10e1a88ff92baf96
Correspondence Address: Department of Anthropology, Washington State University, PO Box 644190, Pullman, WA, 99164-4910, United States
Language of Original Document: English
Access Type: Article
Country: ; Central African Republic ;
Protected area: Ngotto
Main topic: Humans ; Biodiversity ; Environment
Subtopic: Anthropology / Ethnoscience ; Demography ; Agriculture ; Plants ; Diversity ; Structure / Biomass ; Biology / Ecology ; Climate

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Abstract: This study examines the abundance of key mammal species at the Dzanga-Sangha Reserve (RDS) in the Central African Republic with respect to conservation zoning and human activities in the reserve. RDS has been funded as an integrated conservation and development project since the mid-1980s. This study illustrates distinct wildlife responses to logging and hunting in RDS sectors that vary in protection and enforcement levels and the erosion of some critical animal communities across the RDS in the face of challenges of increasing human populations and flows of arms and ammunitions there. Our results show elephants (Loxodonta africana cyclotis) to be appreciably absent close to human settlements, and increasingly vulnerable to hunting in the more integrally protected sectors far from town. We have found that duikers (Cephalophus sp.) and western lowland gorillas (Gorilla g. gorilla) make use of recently logged areas but are vulnerable to hunting there. These species are now most abundant farthest from human settlements. Our results have implications for the formulation of adaptive management plans that would benefit from the inclusion of nuanced understandings of site-specific and species-specific responses to microhabitats and the particular kinds of human extractive activities and challenges in the region. +Résumé: Cette étude examine l'abondance d'espèces clés de mammifères dans la Réserve de Dzanga-Sangha (RDS), en République centrafricaine, en fonction du zonage de la conservation et des activités humaines dans la réserve. La RDS est financée comme un projet de conservation et de développement intégré (PCDI) depuis le milieu des années 1980. Cette étude illustre diverses réponses de la faune sauvage aux coupes d'arbres et à la chasse dans des secteurs de la RDS où le niveau de protection et de maintien de la loi varie, ainsi que l'érosion de certaines communautés animales critiques dans toute la RDS face aux défis que représentent l'augmentation des populations humaines et l'afflux d'armes et de munitions. Nos résultats montrent que l'éléphant (Loxodonta africana cyclotis) est significativement absent à proximité des installations humaines, et de plus en plus vulnérable à la chasse dans les secteurs mieux protégés loin des localités. Nous avons découvert que les céphalophes (Cephalophus sp.) et les gorilles des plaines de l'Ouest (Gorilla g. gorilla) fréquentent les zones fraîchement exploitées mais qu'ils y sont vulnérables à la chasse. Ces espèces sont désormais plus abondantes loin des installations humaines. Nos résultats ont des implications pour la conception de plans de gestion adaptative, qui auraient tout à gagner à inclure appréhension nuancée des réponses spécifiques des espèces et des sites aux conditions de microhabitats et aux types particuliers d'activités extractives humaines et de défis dans la région. © 2010 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.
Source title: African Journal of Ecology
DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2028.2010.01229.x
Link: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-79551671095&doi=10.1111%2fj.1365-2028.2010.01229.x&partnerID=40&md5=f38bf23e40b9f46a11952e8c5482fea5
Correspondence Address: Remis, M.J.; Department of Anthropology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907-2059, United States; email: remis@purdue.edu
Language of Original Document: English
Access Type: Article
Country: ; Central African Republic ;
Protected area: Dzanga-Sangha
Main topic: Biodiversity ; Humans
Subtopic: Animals ; Vertebrates ; Mammals ; Primates ; Ungulates ; Elephants ; Survey / Monitoring ; Abundance ; Biology / Ecology ; Timber ; Hunting / Poaching ; Conservation initiatives ; Demography ; Armed conflicts ; Periphery / Management

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Abstract: The consumption of wildlife meat is an important source of animal protein for rural and urban population in Congo. A survey on bushmeat trade was undertaken in 21 municipal markets during four weeks, in Brazzaville. The objective of this study was to define the traders' profile and to evaluate the quantities of games and meat merchandised on the municipal markets. The study methodology combined two approaches: a quantitative one using a questionnaire as principal tool for collecting data, and a qualitative one associating informal survey methods via individual or group interviews. The results showed that women were the most involved in this trade (52%). Markets trader's monthly income was estimated at 210,428 (US$420) ± 49,128 (US$98,256) FCFA. On average, the bushmeat traders' were 39 ± 10 years old and 69% of them attended the two levels of secondary education. During four weeks, 3,711 animal carcasses were recorded on the 21 surveyed markets, representing almost 35,790 kg of biomass. Overall, 35 animal species were identified, including 9 the hunting of which was prohibited. The mammals constituted 93.8% of total number of hunted animals, with three dominant orders as the artiodactyls (49.2%), the rodents (22.6%) and the primates (17.7%), of which the Cephalophus, the Potamochoerus, the Atherurus and the Cercopithecus were the most represented. It was also noticed that trapping, an activity which leads to great losses, becomes very important, followed by be helpful alternatives to meet Congolese demand for bushmeat. For a sustainable management of the Congo's faunic resources, this study suggests the introduction gun-hunting. The Congo-Ocean Railway and the National Road n°2 were used regularly in the transportation of game, to a 72% level. The district of Niari, Lekoumou, Sangha and Pool were the main sources of supply. At the present time, the meat quantities offered in Brazzaville markets don't seem to be reduced because hunting areas extend always further, often to the detriment of protected areas. Despite the fact that such business squarely growths and shows evidence of overexploitation, activities promoting game farming and breeding of domestic species, in Brazzaville suburbs, are needed to mitigate the impact of bushmeat trade. © 2011 Roger Albert Mbete, Henri Banga-Mboko, Christophe Ngokaka, Quevin Farège Bouckacka III, Innocent Nganga, Jean-Luc Hornick, Pascal Leroy, and Cédric Vermeulen.
Source title: Tropical Conservation Science
DOI: 10.1177/194008291100400208
Link: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84880622162&doi=10.1177%2f194008291100400208&partnerID=40&md5=3fffb8fa066f949db8b8bd0998e7b57c
Correspondence Address: Hornick, J.-L.; Université de Liège, Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire. Institut Vétérinaire Tropical, 20 Bd Colonster, B43 Sart Tilman, Belgium; email: jlhornick@ulg.ac.be
Language of Original Document: French
Access Type: Article
Country: ; Republic of Congo ;
Protected area: Many
Main topic: Humans ; Biodiversity
Subtopic: Hunting / Poaching ; Income-generating activities ; Perceptions / Behaviors ; Animals ; Vertebrates ; Mammals ; Ungulates ; Rodents ; Primates

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Abstract: The consumption of wildlife meat is an important source of animal protein for rural and urban population in Congo. A survey on bushmeat trade was undertaken in 21 municipal markets during four weeks, in Brazzaville. The objective of this study was to define the traders' profile and to evaluate the quantities of games and meat merchandised on the municipal markets. The study methodology combined two approaches: a quantitative one using a questionnaire as principal tool for collecting data, and a qualitative one associating informal survey methods via individual or group interviews. The results showed that women were the most involved in this trade (52%). Markets trader's monthly income was estimated at 210,428 (US$420) ± 49,128 (US$98,256) FCFA. On average, the bushmeat traders' were 39 ± 10 years old and 69% of them attended the two levels of secondary education. During four weeks, 3,711 animal carcasses were recorded on the 21 surveyed markets, representing almost 35,790 kg of biomass. Overall, 35 animal species were identified, including 9 the hunting of which was prohibited. The mammals constituted 93.8% of total number of hunted animals, with three dominant orders as the artiodactyls (49.2%), the rodents (22.6%) and the primates (17.7%), of which the Cephalophus, the Potamochoerus, the Atherurus and the Cercopithecus were the most represented. It was also noticed that trapping, an activity which leads to great losses, becomes very important, followed by be helpful alternatives to meet Congolese demand for bushmeat. For a sustainable management of the Congo's faunic resources, this study suggests the introduction gun-hunting. The Congo-Ocean Railway and the National Road n°2 were used regularly in the transportation of game, to a 72% level. The district of Niari, Lekoumou, Sangha and Pool were the main sources of supply. At the present time, the meat quantities offered in Brazzaville markets don't seem to be reduced because hunting areas extend always further, often to the detriment of protected areas. Despite the fact that such business squarely growths and shows evidence of overexploitation, activities promoting game farming and breeding of domestic species, in Brazzaville suburbs, are needed to mitigate the impact of bushmeat trade. © Roger Albert Mbete, Henri Banga-Mboko, Christophe Ngokaka, Quevin Farège Bouckacka III, Innocent Nganga, Jean-Luc Hornick, Pascal Leroy, and Cédric Vermeulen.
Source title: Tropical Conservation Science
DOI:
Link: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-79959877835&partnerID=40&md5=89a4375b5941cd7d57bad076bcb50d9d
Correspondence Address: Hornick, J. L.; Université de Liège, Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire, Institut Vétérinaire Tropical, 20 Bd Colonster, B43 Sart Tilman 4000 Liège, Belgique, United States; email: jlhornick@ulg.ac.be
Language of Original Document: French
Access Type: Article
Country: ; Republic of Congo ;
Protected area: Many
Main topic: Humans ; Biodiversity
Subtopic: Hunting / Poaching ; Income-generating activities ; Perceptions / Behaviors ; Animals ; Vertebrates ; Mammals ; Ungulates ; Rodents ; Primates

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Abstract: Human conflict generally has substantial negative impacts on wildlife and conservation. The recent civil war (1995-2006) in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) resulted in a significant loss of wildlife, including elephants, due to institutional collapse, lawlessness and unbridled exploitation of natural resources such as minerals, wood, ivory and bushmeat. We used data from distance sampling surveys conducted before and after the war in a protected forest, the Okapi Faunal Reserve, to document changes in elephant abundance and distribution. We employed Generalized Additive Models to relate changes in elephant distribution to human and environmental factors. Populations declined by nearly fifty percent coinciding with a major increase in elephant poaching as indicated by reports of ivory trade during the war. Our results suggest that humans influenced elephant distribution far more than habitat, both before and after the war, but post-war models explained more of the variation. Elephant abundance declined more, closer to the park boundary and to areas of intense human activity. After the war, elephant densities were relatively higher in the centre of the park where they were better protected, suggesting that this area may have acted as a refuge. In other sites in Eastern DRC, where no protection was provided, elephants were even more decimated. Post-war dynamics, such as weakened institutions, human movements and availability of weapons, continue to affect elephants. Survival of remaining populations and recovery will be determined by these persistent factors and by new threats associated with growing human populations and exploitation of natural resources. Prioritizing wildlife protection, curbing illegal trade in ivory and bushmeat, and strengthening national institutions and organizations in charge of conservation will be crucial to counter these threats. © 2011 Beyers et al.
Source title: PLoS ONE
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0027129
Link: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-80655132037&doi=10.1371%2fjournal.pone.0027129&partnerID=40&md5=7737de381c5b7c9bf3de2830d95481d1
Correspondence Address: Beyers, R. L.; Beatty Biodiversity Centre, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada; email: beyers@zoology.ubc.ca
Language of Original Document: English
Access Type: Article
Country: ; Democratic Republic of Congo ;
Protected area: Okapis
Main topic: Humans ; Biodiversity
Subtopic: Animals ; Vertebrates ; Mammals ; Ungulates ; Elephants ; Survey / Monitoring ; Abundance ; Armed conflicts ; Hunting / Poaching ; Periphery / Management ; Demography ; Conservation initiatives

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Abstract: Catherine Clabby reviews the book 'Bonobo Handshake: A Memoir of Love and Adventure in the Congo,' by Vanessa Woods. Woods candidly talk about her insecurities, pettiness, jealousies and fears. Somehow she manages to be both funny and illuminating on topics as serious as political corruption and the study of primate behavior. Early in the book, Woods, a young journalist from Australia who has a passion for chimpanzees, meets primatologist Brian Hare at a chimpanzee sanctuary in Uganda. One of the poorest countries in the world, the war-torn nation has an ugly legacy of brutal violence in its battle zones. Indigenous only to Congo, they evolved in settings with abundant food and no competition from other primates. Woods finds a hero in the woman who founded the sanctuary, conservationist Claudine André. André is battling illegal trade in bonobos and working toward establishing a way for the bonobos from the sanctuary to be safely released into the wild.
Source title: American Scientist
DOI:
Link: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-79952959404&partnerID=40&md5=30fec20423953dd8f7c930e5609c5ddc
Correspondence Address: Woods, V.
Language of Original Document: English
Access Type: Review
Country: ; Democratic Republic of Congo ;
Protected area: Lola ya Bonobo
Main topic: Humans ; Biodiversity
Subtopic: Armed conflicts ; Governance / Policy ; Conservation initiatives ; Hunting / Poaching ; Animals ; Vertebrates ; Mammals ; Primates ; Biology / Ecology

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Abstract: How the effects of biotic factors are moderated by abiotic factors, and their consequences for species interactions, is generally understudied in ecology. A key abiotic feature of forests is regular canopy disturbances that create temporary patches, or ''gaps,'' of above-average light availability. Co-occurring in lowland primary forest of Korup National Park (Cameroon), Microberlinia bisulcata and Tetraberlinia bifoliolata are locally dominant, ectomycorrhizal trees whose seeds share predator guilds in masting years. Here, we experimentally tested the impact of small mammal predators upon seedling abundance, growth, and survivorship. In 2007, we added a fixed density of seeds of each species to exclosures at 48 gap-understory locations across 82.5 ha within a large Microberlinia grove, and at 15 locations outside it. For both species, small mammals removed more seeds in gaps than in understory, whereas this was reversed for seeds killed by invertebrates. Nonetheless, Microberlinia lost twice as many seeds to small mammals, and more to invertebrates in exclosures, than Tetraberlinia, which was more prone to a pathogenic white fungus. After six weeks, both species had greater seedling establishment in gaps than understory, and in exclosures outside compared to exclosures inside the grove. In the subsequent two-year period, seedling growth and survivorship peaked in exclosures in gaps, but Microberlinia had more seedlings' stems clipped by animals than Tetraberlinia, and more than twice the percentage of leaf area damaged. Whereas Microberlinia seedling performance in gaps was inferior to Tetraberlinia inside the grove, outside it Microberlinia had reduced leaf damage, grew taller, and had many more leaves than Tetraberlinia. No evidence was found for ''apparent mutualism'' in the understory as seedling establishment of both species increased away from (>25 m) large stems of either species, pointing to ''apparent competition'' instead. In gaps, Microberlinia seedling establishment was lower near Tetraberlinia than conspecific adults because of context-dependent small mammal satiation. Stage-matrix analysis suggested that protecting Microberlinia from small mammals could increase its population growth rate by 0.06. In the light of prior research we conclude that small mammals and canopy gaps play an important role in promoting species coexistence in this forest, and that their strong interaction contributes to Microberlinia's currently very poor regeneration. © 2011 by the Ecological Society of America.
Source title: Ecological Monographs
DOI: 10.1890/10-2268.1
Link: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-80051538352&doi=10.1890%2f10-2268.1&partnerID=40&md5=27e5076eab31c4eaaf25e060b91eb437
Correspondence Address: Norghauer, J.M.; Institute of Plant Sciences, University of Bern, 21 Altenbergrain, 3013, Bern, Switzerland; email: julian.norghauer@ips.unibe.ch
Language of Original Document: English
Access Type: Article
Country: ; Cameroon ;
Protected area: Korup
Main topic: Biodiversity
Subtopic: Plants ; Survey / Monitoring ; Biology / Ecology ; Animals ; Vertebrates ; Mammals ; Invertebrates ; Fungi

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Abstract: We compared the feeding ecology of the Hali-Hali community of bonobos (Pan paniscus) at Kokolopori, a new field site in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, between two periods 5 months apart. During the first study period (SP1), bonobos relied heavily on the dry seeds of Guibourtia (Caesalpiniaceae), mostly eaten from the ground. The second period (SP2) was characterized by high consumption of ripe tree fruit. Terrestrial herbaceous vegetation (THV) contributed little to the diet in either study period. The low amount of ripe fruit and the high reliance on seeds in the diet during SP1 were associated with high cortisol production and low levels of urinary C-peptide in females, suggesting nutritional stress. However, female gregariousness was not constrained during the fruit-poor period, probably because high seed abundance on the ground ameliorated scramble feeding competition. This is the first description of extensive seed predation by bonobos. It suggests that bonobo feeding ecology may be more similar to that of chimpanzees than previously recognized. © 2011 Japan Monkey Centre and Springer.
Source title: Primates
DOI: 10.1007/s10329-011-0256-4
Link: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-80053924605&doi=10.1007%2fs10329-011-0256-4&partnerID=40&md5=015697d03c93b5dcd51e39eb51bec2d2
Correspondence Address: Georgiev, A. V.; Department of Human Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University, Peabody Museum, 11 Divinity Ave, Cambridge, MA 02138, United States; email: georgiev@fas.harvard.edu
Language of Original Document: English
Access Type: Article
Country: ; Democratic Republic of Congo ;
Protected area: Kokolopori Bonobo Reserve
Main topic: Biodiversity
Subtopic: Animals ; Vertebrates ; Mammals ; Primates ; Plants ; Biology / Ecology

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Abstract: The elusive, Vulnerable owl-faced monkey Cercopithecus hamlyni is a rare and little studied species and one of the least known of the African Cercopithecidae. This study describes the distribution and relative abundance of the only known population in East Africa, in Nyungwe National Park, Rwanda. This species is restricted to a small (32 km 2) area of bamboo and bamboo-forest mix in the southern sector of the Park, close to the international border with Burundi. We present the first empirical data of its abundance in the bamboo forests of Nyungwe. A total length of 185 km of transect were surveyed to estimate relative abundance of diurnal primates. Encounter rates with the owl-faced monkey were 0.081 groups km -1 (n = 15). Mean group size was 3.6 individuals. Eight independent photographs of C. hamlyni were obtained from five camera traps during 182 camera-days. Four other species of primates occur in the bamboo forest: eastern chimpanzee Pan troglodytes schweinfurthii, Angola colobus Colobus angolensis, L'Hoest's monkey Cercopithecus l'hoesti and blue monkey Cercopithecus mitis. The main threats to the bamboo forest are from the illegal harvesting of bamboo, trapping and tree-cutting. These threats originate from both Rwanda and Burundi. There is an urgent need for conservation action to halt the destruction and degradation of the bamboo forest and to ensure the long-term survival of the owl-faced monkey in Rwanda. © 2011 Fauna & Flora International.
Source title: ORYX
DOI: 10.1017/S0030605310001468
Link: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-80155214186&doi=10.1017%2fS0030605310001468&partnerID=40&md5=658d7d863209a8dadbf0c575f4ea3fed
Correspondence Address: Easton, J.; Wildlife Conservation Society-Rwanda, P.O. Box 1699, Kigali, Rwanda; email: juleseaston@yahoo.co.uk
Language of Original Document: English
Access Type: Article
Country: ; Rwanda ;
Protected area: Nyungwe
Main topic: Biodiversity
Subtopic: Animals ; Vertebrates ; Mammals ; Primates ; Survey / Monitoring ; Abundance

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Abstract: Background and aims - The Lopé National Park in Gabon, recently added to the UNESCO world heritage list, presents a mosaic of forest and savanna that dynamically changes. Conserving this landscape requires an understanding of the forest dynamics. This study aims at defining a forest typology at Lopé in relation with its dynamics. Methods - Floristic and structural characteristics for 265 tree species belonging to 55 families were measured in 258 sampling plots in the Lopé National Park. Multivariate analysis of these data was used to partition the sampling plots into groups on the basis of their floristic or structural characteristics. Key results - Five structural forest types and six floristic forest types were identified. This typology showed that the forests in the forest-savanna mosaic of Lopé organize themselves along a gradient of forest recovery, from young forests to mature forests. Typical pioneer species are associated with the youngest forest stages. The gradient on the species also corresponds to a geographical gradient on the sampling plots, associated with features like altitude, rocks, or hydrography. Conclusions - Five forest types were defined on the basis of species abundances. The snapshot of forest types characterizes a dynamic process of forest regeneration. © 2011 National Botanic Garden of Belgium and Royal Botanical Society of Belgium.
Source title: Plant Ecology and Evolution
DOI: 10.5091/plecevo.2011.478
Link: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-82455163990&doi=10.5091%2fplecevo.2011.478&partnerID=40&md5=27061359ac437fe8da686242bc5512d3
Correspondence Address: Palla, F.; UPMC, Paris VI, BP 14 533, Libreville, United Kingdom; email: pallaflorence@hotmail.com
Language of Original Document: English
Access Type: Article
Country: ; Gabon ;
Protected area: Lopé
Main topic: Biodiversity
Subtopic: Plants ; Survey / Monitoring ; Structure / Biomass ; Biology / Ecology ; Diversity

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Abstract: Background and aims - The Polypores of central Africa (or in biogeographical terms, the Guineo-Congolian phytogeographic region) are still poorly investigated. As part of an ongoing survey of the Polypores in this region, an undescribed species of Perenniporia was collected in the Dja Biosphere Reserve, in south-eastern Cameroon. Methods - Species are described using morphology-based methods. Key results - Perenniporia alboferruginea sp. nov. is proposed, described and illustrated. Several new collections of poorly known species are reported, and an identification key for the Perenniporia species occurring in the Dja Biosphere Reserve and neighbouring areas is presented. Conclusion - About ten years ago, two Perenniporia species were recorded from the Dja Biosphere Reserve. Nowadays, seven species are known from the area, of which four were described based on material originating from this locality. © 2011 National Botanic Garden of Belgium and Royal Botanical Society of Belgium.
Source title: Plant Ecology and Evolution
DOI: 10.5091/plecevo.2011.509
Link: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-79961164964&doi=10.5091%2fplecevo.2011.509&partnerID=40&md5=5c7f560a13e65deff390dead192443dd
Correspondence Address: Decock, C.; Mycothèque de l'Université catholique de Louvain (MUCL), Earth and Life Institute - Mycology, Université catholique de Louvain, Croix du Sud 3, BE-1348 Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium; email: cony.decock@uclouvain.be
Language of Original Document: English
Access Type: Article
Country: ; Cameroon ;
Protected area: Dja
Main topic: Biodiversity
Subtopic: Fungi ; Taxonomy ; Biology / Ecology ; Diversity

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Abstract: In the frame of an ongoing survey of the genus Perenniporia sensu Ryvarden & Johansen (1980) (Basidiomycota) in sub-Saharan Africa, the status of some collections from high elevation, cloud forest of Obô National Park, São Tomé, and their relation to Perenniporia sensu stricto and Truncospora have been analyzed. The genus Trimcospora is redefined and a new species, Truncospora oboensis is proposed. The new combination Truncospora detrito is also proposed. In sub-Saharan Africa, Truncospora is now represented by two species: Truncospora ochroleuca sensu Ryvarden & Johansen (1980) occurring mainly in open woodlands and Truncospora oboensis, known from high altitude cloud forest of São Tomé. © 2011 Adac. Tous droits réservés.
Source title: Cryptogamie, Mycologie
DOI: 10.7872/crym.v32.iss4.2011.383
Link: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84856425210&doi=10.7872%2fcrym.v32.iss4.2011.383&partnerID=40&md5=d40d0bf1e88dc29900c80e220d6679b4
Correspondence Address: Decock, C.; Mycothèque de l'Université Catholique de Louvain (MUCL, BCCM TM), Earth and Life Institute - Microbiology (ELIM) - Mycology, Université Catholique de Louvain, Croix du Sud 2 bte L7.05.25, B-1348 Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium; email: cony.decock@uclouvain.be
Language of Original Document: English
Access Type: Article
Country: ; São Tomé and Príncipe ;
Protected area: Parque Natural Obô de São Tomé
Main topic: Biodiversity
Subtopic: Plants ; Survey / Monitoring ; Taxonomy ; Biology / Ecology