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Abstract: Dietary overlap of sympatric apes is complex and understudied, but its examination is essential to further our understanding of species distribution, abundance, and community ecology. Over 3 yr we studied food availability and dietary composition of central chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes troglodytes) and western gorillas (Gorilla gorilla gorilla) in Loango National Park, Gabon. We predicted that living in a habitat dominated by mature forest with sparse terrestrial herbaceous vegetation would lead to an increase in frugivory by gorillas, resulting in increased dietary overlap between the 2 ape species vs. other sites, but that chimpanzees would remain more frugivorous than gorillas. Through fecal analysis we measured overlap in fruit consumption between the 2 species on a bimonthly basis using the Renkonens method. Mean overlap was 27.5% but varied greatly seasonally, ranging between 0.3% and 69%, indicating that when examined on a finer scale, the degree of overlap appears much lower than at other study sites. In contrast to studies elsewhere, there was not a positive correlation between rainfall and fruit availability in Loango, and the long dry season was a period of high fruit production. As observed elsewhere, we found a positive correlation between fruit consumption and fruit availability for both chimpanzees and gorillas and we found that chimpanzees were more frugivorous than gorillas. A very low availability of herbs did not lead to increased frugivory by gorillas nor increased overlap between the 2 ape species vs. other field sites. We conclude that forest composition, fruit availability, and dietary variability of sympatric species can vary greatly between locations, and that chimpanzees and gorillas can adapt to primary forest with little undergrowth, where they concentrate their diet on fruit and leaves. © 2011 Springer Science+Business Media, LLC.
Source title: International Journal of Primatology
DOI: 10.1007/s10764-011-9499-6
Link: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-79955533407&doi=10.1007%2fs10764-011-9499-6&partnerID=40&md5=ddbaac8b0d95f0a256700607110fd0fd
Correspondence Address: Head, J. S.; Department of Primatology, Max-Planck-Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, 04103 Leipzig, Germany; email: head@eva.mpg.de
Language of Original Document: English
Access Type: Article
Country: ; Gabon ;
Protected area: Loango
Main topic: Biodiversity
Subtopic: Animals ; Vertebrates ; Mammals ; Primates ; Biology / Ecology

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Abstract: Aims - It is important to know the contribution of a protected area to global conservation. A new method called 'Relative Floristic Resemblance' that uses databased and georeferenced herbarium specimens, is introduced. Its usefulness and applicability to assess the conservation value of protected areas is addressed. Method - This is tested using the collection database of the National Herbarium of The Netherlands (NHN) and species checklists of Gabon and of five national parks in Gabon and the Central African Republic. Results - The method proved to be a valuable instrument for revealing this conservation value, and can even, though with caution, be used for areas where a species list is still incomplete. We conclude that the four Gabonese parks are well chosen and each clearly conserve a different and comparatively unique flora. The Dzanga-Sangha Reserve captures a flora that ranges across a considerable part of the Congo Basin. © 2011 National Botanic Garden of Belgium and Royal Botanical Society of Belgium.
Source title: Plant Ecology and Evolution
DOI: 10.5091/plecevo.2011.588
Link: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-82455199016&doi=10.5091%2fplecevo.2011.588&partnerID=40&md5=29f26192134a0d587014d2ed1a29c456
Correspondence Address: Wieringa, J. J.; Netherlands Centre for Biodiversity Naturalis (section NHN), Herbarium Vadense (WAG), Biosystematics Group, Wageningen University, Generaal Foulkesweg 37, NL-6703 BL Wageningen, Netherlands; email: Jan.Wieringa@wur.nl
Language of Original Document: English
Access Type: Article
Country: ; Gabon ; Central African Republic ;
Protected area: Minkebe ; Monts de Cristal ; Loango ; Plateaux Batéké ; Dzanga-Sangha
Main topic: Biodiversity
Subtopic: Plants ; Survey / Monitoring ; Diversity

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Abstract: Most African wildlife conservation projects clearly aim at integrating local communities in the environmental governance. However, on the edge of African protected areas, these community- based projects assessment is globally rather negative. In protected areas buffer zones, local residents ' participation remains extremely passive. It does not lead to partnership for natural resources management. Our hypothesis is that a better understanding and consideration of the local territories management patterns and land tenure issues is necessary to implement community based projects. We illustrate it through the land management plan which was implemented by EU at the edge of Zakouma national park (Chad).
Source title: Bulletin d'Association de Geographes Francais
DOI: 10.3406/bagf.2011.8236
Link: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84855588579&doi=10.3406%2fbagf.2011.8236&partnerID=40&md5=413f910fd70f92923c5c8beed2d280c6
Correspondence Address: Binot-Herder, A.; CIRAD Montpellier, UPR 22 - AGIRsFrance; email: asrnews@hotmail.com
Language of Original Document: French
Access Type: Article
Country: ; Chad ;
Protected area: Zakouma
Main topic: Humans
Subtopic: Periphery / Management ; Governance / Policy ; Perceptions / Behaviors ; Conservation initiatives

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Abstract: In West and Central Africa large carnivores have become increasingly rare as a consequence of rapid habitat destruction and lack of resources for protected area management. The Bénoué Complex (23,394km 2) in northern Cameroon is a regionally critical area for large mammal conservation. In the complex lions (Panthera leo), leopards (Panthera pardus) and spotted hyenas (Crocuta crocuta) are formally protected in three national parks and 28 hunting zones. Over-hunting may be having a strong additive effect precipitating declines in large carnivore numbers across the complex. We used a coarse level track index method to estimate the relative abundance of these three species both in hunting zones and national parks. The results were interpreted with respect to ungulate abundance, and hunting impact. There was no significant difference between the densities of medium to larger species of ungulates in the hunting zones and the national parks, and no difference in leopard and spotted hyena densities in the respective areas. However, lions occurred at significantly lower densities in the hunting zones, and even in the national parks occurred at significantly lower densities than prey biomass would predict. © 2011 Elsevier Ltd.
Source title: Biological Conservation
DOI: 10.1016/j.biocon.2011.09.013
Link: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-83555164966&doi=10.1016%2fj.biocon.2011.09.013&partnerID=40&md5=cd5614e0719bd1fb263c8938c25cf895
Correspondence Address: de Iongh, H.H.; Institute of Environmental Sciences (CML), Leiden University, PO Box 9518, 2300 RA Leiden, Netherlands; email: ionghc@cml.leidenuniv.nl
Language of Original Document: English
Access Type: Article
Country: ; Cameroon ;
Protected area: Bénoué ; Faro ; Bouba Ndjida
Main topic: Biodiversity ; Humans
Subtopic: Animals ; Vertebrates ; Mammals ; Carnivores ; Survey / Monitoring ; Abundance ; Hunting / Poaching

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Abstract: This article highlights the social impacts of sport hunting on the livelihoods of local people using a case study around Bénoué National Park, Northern Cameroon. Sport hunting is a way for local people to receive economic benefits from wildlife resources concerning community conservation. However, social impacts on local people, including displacement and restriction of access to natural resources, have rarely been considered. Nineteen months of fieldwork, mainly based on interviews and observations in one village, showed that sport hunting in Northern Cameroon generated tax revenues of about US$1.2 million in 2008 and also provided profit sharing and employment opportunities to local communities. However, this figure is less than that in other African countries such as Tanzania, as both employment opportunities and profit sharing are inequitable in this community. Simultaneously, locals' rights over natural resource use, especially hunting rights, even for their livelihoods, were regulated. © 2011 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.
Source title: Society and Natural Resources
DOI: 10.1080/08941920.2010.486394
Link: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-79960678567&doi=10.1080%2f08941920.2010.486394&partnerID=40&md5=394eb71182fb239c68db83c31e45e9c0
Correspondence Address: Yasuda, A.; The Japan Society for the Promotion of Science/Graduate School of Frontier Science, The University of Tokyo, Department of Socio-Cultural Environmental Studies, Kashiwanoha, Kashiwa-shi, Chiba, 2778563, Japan; email: yasudakeyaki@gmail.com
Language of Original Document: English
Access Type: Article
Country: ; Cameroon ;
Protected area: Bénoué
Main topic: Humans
Subtopic: Hunting / Poaching ; Income-generating activities ; Conservation initiatives ; Perceptions / Behaviors ; Periphery / Management ; Tourism ; Governance / Policy

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Abstract: In order to further understanding of the links between biological and cultural diversity, this study examined the role of forest species and biodiversity in the livelihoods of indigenous Bakweri villagers and migrants to the Mount Cameroon region. Surveys of resources consumed and sold by 118 households were undertaken in five villages over the course of one year. The contributions of different habitats and management systems (compounds, farms, fallow, forest) and species (native and introduced; cultivated and wild-harvested) to local livelihoods were evaluated. The study showed that indigenous households depend to a much greater extent upon a range of habitats and species than migrant households, particularly for subsistence. Indigenous resource management systems grow from historical relationships between people and place, and promote resilience, well-being and adaptation in an area long characterized by environmental, social, political, and economic uncertainty. The managed landscapes of indigenous villages can contribute to broader conservation efforts in the region, including those associated with the newly established Mount Cameroon National Park.
Source title: International Forestry Review
DOI: 10.1505/146554811798293890
Link: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-81255143430&doi=10.1505%2f146554811798293890&partnerID=40&md5=5f268c8a0fb57821dead31e8736cb031
Correspondence Address: Laird, S.A.; People and Plants International, PO Box 251, Bristol, VT 05443, United States; email: sarahlaird@aol.com
Language of Original Document: English
Access Type: Article
Country: ; Cameroon ;
Protected area: Mont Cameroun
Main topic: Humans
Subtopic: Demography ; Income-generating activities ; Perceptions / Behaviors ; Agriculture ; Non-timber forest products ; Conservation initiatives ; Anthropology / Ethnoscience

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Abstract: Trough its extraordinary biodiversity, was the Kahuzi - Biega National Park recognized in 1980 as UNESCO world heritage. Today, because of depredations, the Park is seriously undervalued. Remote sensing analysis allows to estimate the landscape evolution during the last 20 years in the high altitude area. It appears that the damages caused are only due to anthropic activities. Very strict measures are essential for restoring that very useful forest environment.
Source title: Geo-Eco-Trop
DOI:
Link: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84861989000&partnerID=40&md5=cd7b12dc07143e77658d4f75f798fb60
Correspondence Address: Kabonyi Nzabandora, C.; Université Officielle de Bukavu (R.D.Congo)Congo
Language of Original Document: French
Access Type: Review
Country: ; Democratic Republic of Congo ;
Protected area: Kahuzi-Biega
Main topic: Environment
Subtopic: Land use / cover

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Abstract: The increasing demand in natural resources for various reasons has driven humanity to unsustainable consumption of natural capital. Meanwhile, the emerging concept of 'sustainability', which emphasises on the intersection and balance between economy, society and environment, is becoming a gospel. The Brundtland report defines sustainable development as "development, which meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs" (Brundtland, 1987). Hence, two ethical elements have been drawn: the intra-generational justice or equity and the inter-generational justice. The latter element of the inter-generational justice, which links with the concern for future generations, is a key point in international environmental law. Therefore, this study will cover the overexploitation and illegal trade of Prunus africana in Virunga and Kahuzi-Biega national parks in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the legal framework which regulates the preservation and trade of wild flora and fauna under the convention on International trade in endangered species of wild flora and fauna (CITES) from 1996-2009. Copyright © 2011 Inderscience Enterprises Ltd.
Source title: International Journal of Green Economics
DOI: 10.1504/IJGE.2011.039730
Link: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-79954612166&doi=10.1504%2fIJGE.2011.039730&partnerID=40&md5=60a207d33e2c1f5d4aebd3b1af0b4d2e
Correspondence Address: Shamwana, F. T.13 Colburn Crescent, Guildford, Surrey, GU 47YZ, United Kingdom; email: fshamwana@yahoo.com
Language of Original Document: English
Access Type: Article
Country: ; Democratic Republic of Congo ;
Protected area: Virunga ; Kahuzi-Biega
Main topic: Biodiversity ; Humans
Subtopic: Plants ; Biology / Ecology ; Non-timber forest products ; Income-generating activities ; Periphery / Management ; Governance / Policy

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Abstract: This article investigates the significance and importance of transport and other service or nontransport (accommodation) infrastructure as important factors in the development of Cameroon as a future competitive eco/nature tourism destination. Based on the results of primary data collected in Cameroon, the article examines and sheds light on the evolution in Cameroon's service infrastructure since independence in 1960 with particular emphasis on the transport and accommodation infrastructure into and within Cameroon's natural parks, reserves, and other tourist attractions. Through an analysis of a tourist satisfaction survey, field observations, and discussions with tour operators, the article points out the sensitivity of tourists visiting the country to the service infrastructure especially with regards to the transport and accommodation infrastructure and how these services impacted on their general holiday experience and the image it portrays of Cameroon-an eco/nature tourism holiday destination. It also examines the current state of the transport system and infrastructure both into and within the country as well as its accommodation infrastructure, and in the process highlights shortcomings that are to be found in Cameroon's transport and other service infrastructure. The concluding section of the article proposes a way forward in alleviating some of the concerns raised after analyzing data from the survey, discussions, and field observation. Recommendations that should be taken into consideration by all stakeholders responsible for the conception, development, and implementation of policies dealing with transport, accommodation, and other service infrastructure to and within sites that attract tourists, nature lovers in particular, and Cameroon in general, thereby enhancing the image of the country as a favorable eco/nature tourism destination are proposed. © 2011 Cognizant Comm. Corp.
Source title: Tourism Analysis
DOI: 10.3727/108354211X13014081270323
Link: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-81155160288&doi=10.3727%2f108354211X13014081270323&partnerID=40&md5=21510252091247c3eaeef61eef656fdf
Correspondence Address: Kimbu, A.; School of Hospitality and Tourism Management, University of SurreyUnited Kingdom
Language of Original Document: English
Access Type: Article
Country: ; Cameroon ;
Protected area: Many
Main topic: Humans
Subtopic: Tourism ; Perceptions / Behaviors ; Governance / Policy ; Periphery / Management

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Abstract: In many previously remote regions in the world, increasing and often unregulated access is leading to dramatic increases in hunting pressure and declines in the densities of prey species, sometimes to the point of local extinction. Not surprisingly, numerous studies have found a correlation between the distance to the closest access point and prey densities. Here we hypothesized that, for many wide-ranging species, local abundances are reduced by hunting associated with multiple access points as opposed to just the closest access points. We also hypothesized that the distribution of hunter access determines both patterns of occupancy and abundance in occupied areas and that these two patterns (occupancy and abundance) respond to access at different spatial scales. Using data on the distribution of abundances of African forest elephant (Loxodonta africana cyclotis) in and around five national parks in Central Africa, we tested these hypotheses using a model comparison framework. We found that models including an index based on the distance to multiple roads outperformed models including other access-based covariates, including a model based on distance to the closest road only. We also found that models that allowed us to model occupancy and abundance separately outperformed simpler models. Occupancy responds to access at the same scale as previous estimates of average maximum displacement in the subspecies, while the scale of the response of abundance is more ambiguous, but appears to be greater. Lastly, we show that incorporating indices based on multiple access points and modeling abundance and occupancy has important practical consequences for our understanding of overall regional abundances and the distribution of abundances within regions. © 2011 by the Ecological Society of America.
Source title: Ecological Applications
DOI: 10.1890/09-1099.1
Link: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-79958845128&doi=10.1890%2f09-1099.1&partnerID=40&md5=1c042bdfcd324a23b6ec0e8a1dfa81a6
Correspondence Address: Yackulic, C. B.; Department of Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Biology, 10th floor Schermerhorn Extension, 1200 Amsterdam Avenue, New York, NY 10027, United States; email: c_yackulic@yahoo.com
Language of Original Document: English
Access Type: Article
Country: ; Cameroon ; Central African Republic ; Gabon ; Republic of Congo ; Democratic Republic of Congo ;
Protected area: Boumba Bek ; Dzanga-Sangha ; Dzanga-Ndoki ; Minkebe ; Nouabalé-Ndoki ; Salonga
Main topic: Biodiversity ; Humans
Subtopic: Animals ; Vertebrates ; Mammals ; Ungulates ; Elephants ; Survey / Monitoring ; Abundance ; Biology / Ecology ; Hunting / Poaching

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Abstract: A raft of recent studies has highlighted a major decline in large mammal populations in many of Africa's protected areas. A recent continent-wide assessment represented a major step forward also in terms of quantifying the decline on a regional basis, but fell short in its sampling and analysis. In this paper, a way out of the "black box" of large mammal declines in Africa's protected areas is formulated, with the aim of assisting in the preparation of further assessments in the future. First, large mammal assessments are categorized, highlighting the importance of using and sometimes juxtaposing peer-reviewed sources. The importance of the length of time series of large mammal counts is stressed, allowing one to distinguish between natural variation (especially rainfall) and human-induced changes. Setting reference dates, such as 1970, often gives biased results, showing the need to interpret large mammal population assessments in a historic context as well. This holds true particularly for West-Central Africa, which has experienced a considerable decline in rainfall since 1970. Building on a framework that connects herbivore physiology and behavior with environmental gradients, examples are given to explain some striking observed changes. The declines in Africa's protected areas are not limited to large mammals, but have also been observed for large birds of prey. Assessments of large mammal populations should be accompanied by the identification of proximate drivers of change, for which a framework is suggested in this paper. To conclude, some suggestions for countering the declines in large mammal populations are presented. © Paul Scholte.
Source title: Tropical Conservation Science
DOI: 10.1177/194008291100400102
Link: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-79953678683&doi=10.1177%2f194008291100400102&partnerID=40&md5=c81ad8db90e8577c6757563cade62bff
Correspondence Address: Scholte, P.; Kitabi College of Conservation and Environmental Management, P.O. Box 330, Huye, Rwanda; email: Pault.Scholte@gmail.com
Language of Original Document: English
Access Type: Article
Country: ; Central Africa ;
Protected area: Many
Main topic: Biodiversity
Subtopic: Animals ; Vertebrates ; Mammals ; Birds ; Survey / Monitoring ; Abundance ; Biology / Ecology

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Abstract: Changes in permanent sample plots in the lowland, submontane and montane forests on Mount Cameroon (4,095 m above sea level), an active volcano, are described for 15 years from 1989 to 2004. Throughout the study period, the stocking level of trees with a diameter at breast height (DBH) ? 10 cm in the three forests were lower than in pan-tropical stands suggesting a significant impact of volcanic and human-related activities on the vegetation communities on the mountain. Annual mortality rates in the submontane and montane forests were consistent with those reported for comparable altitudinal ranges in the Blue Mountains of Jamaica. The annual mortality rate was higher in the lowland forest than other lowland sites included. Divergence between recruitment and mortality rates was large suggesting that the three vegetation communities have not reached their climax. The seven-year difference in half-life of large trees (with a DBH ? 50 cm) in the submontane and montane forests suggests an altitudinal effect on turnover of larger trees that in turn contributes to the frequent small stature of high altitude forests. There was little evidence of an altitudinal effect on species turnover and growth rate. This finding supports generalizations about the zero effect of growth on the stature of high altitude trees. Understanding forest dynamics is crucially important in the management of tropical montane environments and in this instance particularly so given the recent creation of the Mount Cameroon National Park. © 2011 Science Press, Institute of Mountain Hazards and Environment, CAS and Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.
Source title: Journal of Mountain Science
DOI: 10.1007/s11629-011-2031-9
Link: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-79960576727&doi=10.1007%2fs11629-011-2031-9&partnerID=40&md5=cb4fb9b62361ef5cd08d7cfe31e44ea7
Correspondence Address: Sunderland, T. C. H.; Centre for International Forestry Research (CIFOR), P O Box 0113 BOBCD, Bogor, Indonesia; email: t.sunderland@cgiar.org
Language of Original Document: English
Access Type: Article
Country: ; Cameroon ;
Protected area: Mont Cameroun
Main topic: Biodiversity
Subtopic: Plants ; Survey / Monitoring ; Structure / Biomass ; Biology / Ecology

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Abstract: We examine five forested landscapes in Africa (Cameroon, Madagascar, and Tanzania) and Asia (Indonesia and Laos) at different stages of landscape change. In all five areas, forest cover (outside of protected areas) continues to decrease despite local people's recognition of the importance of forest products and services. After forest conversion, agroforestry systems and fallows provide multiple functions and valued products, and retain significant biodiversity. But there are indications that such land use is transitory, with gradual simplification and loss of complex agroforests and fallows as land use becomes increasingly individualistic and profit driven. In Indonesia and Tanzania, farmers favor monocultures (rubber and oil palm, and sugarcane, respectively) for their high financial returns, with these systems replacing existing complex agroforests. In the study sites in Madagascar and Laos, investments in agroforests and new crops remain rare, despite government attempts to eradicate swidden systems and their multifunctional fallows. We discuss approaches to assessing local values related to landscape cover and associated goods and services. We highlight discrepancies between individual and collective responses in characterizing land use tendencies, and discuss the effects of accessibility on land management. We conclude that a combination of social, economic, and spatially explicit assessment methods is necessary to inform land use planning. Furthermore, any efforts to modify current trends will require clear incentives, such as through carbon finance. We speculate on the nature of such incentive schemes and the possibility of rewarding the provision of ecosystem services at a landscape scale and in a socially equitable manner. © 2011 The Author(s).
Source title: Environmental Management
DOI: 10.1007/s00267-011-9689-1
Link: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-79960958492&doi=10.1007%2fs00267-011-9689-1&partnerID=40&md5=7424cc071a48e54e3187dd5f231a86e3
Correspondence Address: Pfund, J.-L.; CIFOR, JL CIFOR Situ Gede, Bogor 16000, Indonesia; email: j.pfund@cgiar.org
Language of Original Document: English
Access Type: Article
Country: ; Cameroon ;
Protected area: Takamanda
Main topic: Environment ; Humans
Subtopic: Land use / cover ; Forests ; Deforestation ; Perceptions / Behaviors ; Ecosystem services ; Agriculture ; Income-generating activities ; Governance / Policy ; Periphery / Management

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Abstract: This article contributes to our understanding of transboundary environmental management regimes through the application of an analytical framework that facilitates an exploration of the co-existence of conflict and cooperation. Rather than framing conflict and cooperation as mutually exclusive states at opposite ends of a spectrum, we seek to understand the ways in which cooperation can exist at the same time as conflict. We apply this framework to a study of conservation management in a transboundary area at the intersection of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda and Uganda. We identify two actual and one hypothetical phase of conflict-cooperation relations, in a landscape notorious for some of the worst violence of the last two decades. We map the evolution of phases of transboundary protected area management against the evolving security context, and we find that this approach has greater explanatory power than previous approaches that polarize conflict and cooperation. In particular, it helps us to understand the drivers of environmental cooperation, including the evolving characteristics of that cooperation. This new way of understanding the relationship between environmental management and security also enables us to reconsider the potential for environmental management to be instrumental in working towards interstate security objectives, for example through peace parks. We don't find that the 'low politics' of environmental management should be seen as a predictable and manageable determinant of international relations. But an understanding of the coexistence of conflict and cooperation does also point to a more complex, non-linear relationship between low and high politics. © The Author(s) 2011.
Source title: Journal of Peace Research
DOI: 10.1177/0022343311412410
Link: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-80053045691&doi=10.1177%2f0022343311412410&partnerID=40&md5=f4fe6026c102d1d62368fbd73e1e03c5
Correspondence Address: Martin, A.; University of East AngliaUnited Kingdom; email: adrian.martin@uea.ac.uk
Language of Original Document: English
Access Type: Article
Country: ; Democratic Republic of Congo ; Rwanda ;
Protected area: Virunga ; Volcans
Main topic: Humans
Subtopic: Armed conflicts ; Conservation initiatives ; Periphery / Management ; Governance / Policy ; Perceptions / Behaviors

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Abstract: Tractable conservation measures for long-lived species require the intersection between protection of biologically relevant life history stages and a socioeconomically feasible setting. To protect breeding adults, we require knowledge of animal movements, how movement relates to political boundaries, and our confidence in spatial analyses of movement. We used satellite tracking and a switching state-space model to determine the internesting movements of olive ridley sea turtles (Lepidochelys olivacea) (n = 18) in Central Africa during two breeding seasons (2007-08, 2008-09). These movements were analyzed in relation to current park boundaries and a proposed transboundary park between Gabon and the Republic of Congo, both created to reduce unintentional bycatch of sea turtles in marine fisheries. We additionally determined confidence intervals surrounding home range calculations. Turtles remained largely within a 30 km radius from the original nesting site before departing for distant foraging grounds. Only 44.6 percent of high-density areas were found within the current park but the proposed transboundary park would incorporate 97.6 percent of high-density areas. Though tagged individuals originated in Gabon, turtles were found in Congolese waters during greater than half of the internesting period (53.7 percent), highlighting the need for international cooperation and offering scientific support for a proposed transboundary park. This is the first comprehensive study on the internesting movements of solitary nesting olive ridley sea turtles, and it suggests the opportunity for tractable conservation measures for female nesting olive ridleys at this and other solitary nesting sites around the world. We draw from our results a framework for cost-effective protection of long-lived species using satellite telemetry as a primary tool. © 2011 Maxwell et al.
Source title: PLoS ONE
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0019905
Link: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-79955905912&doi=10.1371%2fjournal.pone.0019905&partnerID=40&md5=81213d8a3c639555ffe221723d264a5d
Correspondence Address: Maxwell, S. M.; Ocean Sciences Department, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, United States; email: smaxwell@ucsc.edu
Language of Original Document: English
Access Type: Article
Country: ; Gabon ;
Protected area: Mayumba
Main topic: Biodiversity
Subtopic: Animals ; Vertebrates ; Reptiles ; Biology / Ecology

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Abstract: A vagrant adult male Subantarctic fur seal Arctocephalus tropicalis was seen and photographed on the beach in Mayumba National Park in the Gabonese Republic. This is the northern most sighting on record for the species. The likely source of the vagrant is the population at Gough Island, South Atlantic.
Source title: African Zoology
DOI: 10.3377/004.046.0111
Link: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-79956064733&doi=10.3377%2f004.046.0111&partnerID=40&md5=da78b507c148338d804e6195ab2c68de
Correspondence Address: Bester, M. N.; Mammal Research Institute, Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa; email: mnbester@zoology.up.ac.za
Language of Original Document: English
Access Type: Article
Country: ; Gabon ;
Protected area: Mayumba
Main topic: Biodiversity
Subtopic: Animals ; Vertebrates ; Mammals ; Marine mammals ; Survey / Monitoring

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Abstract: This study identified actual and potential resource-use conflicts around the Mbam and Djerem National Park, Cameroon and elucidated ways of mitigating them. Informal interviews were conducted and questionnaires were administered to 263 households from 11 communities. Ninety-one percent of respondents had experienced crop depredation from wildlife over the past two years. A negative relationship was found between distance to park border and the percentage of respondents reporting crop damages by wildlife. Sixty-four percent of respondents reported a positive relationship with conservation authorities, and 38% perceived benefits from the park. More than 95% of respondents in villages closer to the South and West limits of the park reported to perform traditional rituals in the park, although this is currently illegal. Conservation staff reported encroachment into the park by seasonal livestock herders. A participatory zoning plan, strategies for crop compensation, and a conflict management agency should be established at a local level. © 2011 Copyright Taylor and Francis Group, LLC.
Source title: Human Dimensions of Wildlife
DOI: 10.1080/10871209.2011.608219
Link: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84859097162&doi=10.1080%2f10871209.2011.608219&partnerID=40&md5=14aa4e8167468d1d20cb3f0aa3de4f18
Correspondence Address: Bobo, K. S.; Department of Forestry, University of Dschang, PO Box 222, Dschang, Cameroon; email: bobokadiris@yahoo.com
Language of Original Document: English
Access Type: Article
Country: ; Cameroon ;
Protected area: Mbam Djerem
Main topic: Humans
Subtopic: Perceptions / Behaviors ; Human-wildlife conflicts ; Periphery / Management ; Conservation initiatives ; Agriculture ; Governance / Policy ; Income-generating activities

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Abstract: Precipitous declines in Africa's native fauna and flora are recognized, but few comprehensive records of these changes have been compiled. Here, we present population trends for African elephants in the 6,213,000 km2 Sudano-Sahelian range of West and Central Africa assessed through the analysis of aerial and ground surveys conducted over the past 4 decades. These surveys are focused on the best protected areas in the region, and therefore represent the best case scenario for the northern savanna elephants. A minimum of 7,745 elephants currently inhabit the entire region, representing a minimum decline of 50% from estimates four decades ago for these protected areas. Most of the historic range is now devoid of elephants and, therefore, was not surveyed. Of the 23 surveyed elephant populations, half are estimated to number less than 200 individuals. Historically, most populations numbering less than 200 individuals in the region were extirpated within a few decades. Declines differed by region, with Central African populations experiencing much higher declines (-76%) than those in West Africa (-33%). As a result, elephants in West Africa now account for 86% of the total surveyed. Range wide, two refuge zones retain elephants, one in West and the other in Central Africa. These zones are separated by a large distance (~900 km) of high density human land use, suggesting connectivity between the regions is permanently cut. Within each zone, however, sporadic contacts between populations remain. Retaining such connectivity should be a high priority for conservation of elephants in this region. Specific corridors designed to reduce the isolation of the surveyed populations are proposed. The strong commitment of governments, effective law enforcement to control the illegal ivory trade and the involvement of local communities and private partners are all critical to securing the future of elephants inhabiting Africa's northern savannas. © 2011 Bouché et al.
Source title: PLoS ONE
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0020619
Link: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-79959416405&doi=10.1371%2fjournal.pone.0020619&partnerID=40&md5=3d55cd2d8560885555a46f714db4cb9c
Correspondence Address: Bouché, P.; Unité de Gestion des Ressources Forestières et des Milieux Naturels, Université de Liège Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech, Gembloux, Belgium; email: ph_bouche@yahoo.com
Language of Original Document: English
Access Type: Article
Country: ; Cameroon ; Central African Republic ; Chad ;
Protected area: Many
Main topic: Biodiversity
Subtopic: Animals ; Vertebrates ; Mammals ; Ungulates ; Elephants ; Survey / Monitoring ; Abundance ; Biology / Ecology

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Abstract: Rwanda is one of the most highly populated countries in East and Central Africa. Due to population pressure, most of the natural vegetation has been cleared in favor of agriculture and artificial plantations. However, besides the three major conservation areas of Volcanoes, Nyungwe and Akagera National Parks, there are still pockets of remnant natural forests in some parts of the country. One of these remnant natural vegetations is the Ibanda-Makera forest protected and monitored by ISAR (Agricultural Research Institute of Rwanda). A survey of woody species was conducted in this tiny natural forest of 74 ha. The results revealed that its richness is outstanding with more than sixty four woody species distributed in 36 families. The average stem diameter at breast height (1.3m) was estimated to 11.5 cm while the average height was about 10 m. Most of the woody species inventoried in Ibanda-Makera are valuable for several purposes including medicinal, forage, food (edible fruits) and ornamental uses. But, unfortunately they have disappeared from neighboring landscapes and remain only restricted to this tiny gallery forest. The conservation of such remnant forests in countries with high population pressure like Rwanda is recommended as they can serve as gene pools for regenerating valuable plant species. © 2011 IJED (CESER Publications).
Source title: International Journal of Ecology and Development
DOI:
Link: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-79956349109&partnerID=40&md5=ea9cd2adba95112968f6793e62076587
Correspondence Address: Nduwamungu, J.; National University of Rwanda, P.O.Box 117, Butare, Rwanda; email: jnduwamungu@nur.ac.rw
Language of Original Document: English
Access Type: Article
Country: ; Rwanda ;
Protected area: Ibanda-Makera
Main topic: Biodiversity
Subtopic: Plants ; Survey / Monitoring ; Diversity ; Structure / Biomass ; Biology / Ecology