Jonathan Kingdon, born in Tanzania in 1935 of English parents (his mother was a professional artist and teacher, and his father was then serving the British protectorate as a District Commissioner), is one of the foremost authorities on the study of the diversity and evolution of African mammals. He is also an extraordinary artist, most known for his illustrations of animals that have been placed firmly within the tradition of anatomical drawing finding its origins in Leonardo da Vinci. I have had the privilege of working with Jonathan over the past decade, and I am honoured to offer a tribute to his unparalleled work. I will primarily focus on Kingdon as an extraordinary scientist and illustrator of African mammals, the reach of his message as a source of inspiration and learning for generations, and his ultimate and pervasive call for the wisdom of modern societies to protect and maintain such incredible diversity of species against the alarming risk of extinction. He often brings up a very compelling and yet philosophical reason for this call, among the several others that would be equally well justified: “We became human in a very specific setting—within rich communities of African animals and plants. To destroy these communities is to detach ourselves, irrevocably, from our biological, even our intellectual past. To drift, senseless of our origins, is to impoverish science and medicine, to mythologise and trivialise our culture and to diminish us as descendants of countless generations of intelligent African mammals.” 2 The essence and significance of Kingdon’s work as a zoologist and evolutionary biologist stands, in my view, on two complementary sides of his investigation: the unprecedented production of a progressively augmented portrait of the diversity of African mammals, where each of the over 1100 species finds a space in the grand scheme, and the theoretical, synthetic research into the patterns of evolution of this extraordinary diversity that happened uniquely in Africa. This blend of scientific production, and its diffusion to the general public through several books, among which are the beautifully illustrated field guides to African mammals, is indeed without peer. It first entered the public domain with the seven volumes
{"title":"A Tribute to Jonathan Kingdon: ‘Thinking Mammals’: Kingdon'S Research on Mammals in Our Mother Continent","authors":"F. Rovero","doi":"10.2982/028.104.0103","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2982/028.104.0103","url":null,"abstract":"Jonathan Kingdon, born in Tanzania in 1935 of English parents (his mother was a professional artist and teacher, and his father was then serving the British protectorate as a District Commissioner), is one of the foremost authorities on the study of the diversity and evolution of African mammals. He is also an extraordinary artist, most known for his illustrations of animals that have been placed firmly within the tradition of anatomical drawing finding its origins in Leonardo da Vinci. I have had the privilege of working with Jonathan over the past decade, and I am honoured to offer a tribute to his unparalleled work. I will primarily focus on Kingdon as an extraordinary scientist and illustrator of African mammals, the reach of his message as a source of inspiration and learning for generations, and his ultimate and pervasive call for the wisdom of modern societies to protect and maintain such incredible diversity of species against the alarming risk of extinction. He often brings up a very compelling and yet philosophical reason for this call, among the several others that would be equally well justified: “We became human in a very specific setting—within rich communities of African animals and plants. To destroy these communities is to detach ourselves, irrevocably, from our biological, even our intellectual past. To drift, senseless of our origins, is to impoverish science and medicine, to mythologise and trivialise our culture and to diminish us as descendants of countless generations of intelligent African mammals.” 2 The essence and significance of Kingdon’s work as a zoologist and evolutionary biologist stands, in my view, on two complementary sides of his investigation: the unprecedented production of a progressively augmented portrait of the diversity of African mammals, where each of the over 1100 species finds a space in the grand scheme, and the theoretical, synthetic research into the patterns of evolution of this extraordinary diversity that happened uniquely in Africa. This blend of scientific production, and its diffusion to the general public through several books, among which are the beautifully illustrated field guides to African mammals, is indeed without peer. It first entered the public domain with the seven volumes","PeriodicalId":143820,"journal":{"name":"Journal of East African Natural History","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2015-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"123213543","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
ABSTRACT Small mammals were sampled in Ruaha National Park in 2011. Forty-three species of small mammals (three species of Soricomorpha, 23 species of Chiroptera, 17 species of Rodentia) were documented. An additional three species of bat were documented from specimens found independently of this survey. Identifications and natural history data are presented for each of the species encountered. Particular attention was paid to the Isunkaviola Plateau, a forest habitat at higher altitudes within the Park, which had no previous study of small mammals. The fauna of Isunkaviola Plateau bears little resemblance to that of the Eastern Arc Mountains or the Southern Highlands.
{"title":"Preliminary Results of a Survey of Small Mammals in Ruaha National Park, Tanzania","authors":"W. Stanley, M. Rogers, P. Kihaule","doi":"10.2982/028.104.0113","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2982/028.104.0113","url":null,"abstract":"ABSTRACT Small mammals were sampled in Ruaha National Park in 2011. Forty-three species of small mammals (three species of Soricomorpha, 23 species of Chiroptera, 17 species of Rodentia) were documented. An additional three species of bat were documented from specimens found independently of this survey. Identifications and natural history data are presented for each of the species encountered. Particular attention was paid to the Isunkaviola Plateau, a forest habitat at higher altitudes within the Park, which had no previous study of small mammals. The fauna of Isunkaviola Plateau bears little resemblance to that of the Eastern Arc Mountains or the Southern Highlands.","PeriodicalId":143820,"journal":{"name":"Journal of East African Natural History","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2015-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"128557038","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
R. Amin, T. Wacher, A. Bowkett, B. Ogwoka, Mike Morris, B. Agwanda
ABSTRACT In comparison to other ecosystems in east Africa, the biodiversity of the coastal forests of Kenya's northern coastline is poorly documented, even in the case of large terrestrial mammals. In response to this, we undertook a systematic survey of the Boni-Dodori forests using four camera trap grids with camera spacing of 2 km covering 300 km2 over 7020 camera trap days. We recorded 37 mammal species and derived camera trap rates and estimated occupancy for 31 medium-to-large terrestrial species, some of which represent range extensions. Remarkably, the critically endangered Aders' duiker was the most frequently recorded species. A distinctive form of giant sengi and the vulnerable Sokoke bushy-tailed mongoose were also widely distributed and relatively abundant. Other significant records of threatened species included African wild dog, African lion and Pousargues's monkey. Species richness and relative abundance of all species were higher than that recorded for Arabuko-Sokoke Forest, Kenya's only other large coastal forest, using the same camera trap survey protocol.
{"title":"Africa's Forgotten Forests: The Conservation Value of Kenya's Northern Coastal Forests for Large Mammals","authors":"R. Amin, T. Wacher, A. Bowkett, B. Ogwoka, Mike Morris, B. Agwanda","doi":"10.2982/028.107.0203","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2982/028.107.0203","url":null,"abstract":"ABSTRACT In comparison to other ecosystems in east Africa, the biodiversity of the coastal forests of Kenya's northern coastline is poorly documented, even in the case of large terrestrial mammals. In response to this, we undertook a systematic survey of the Boni-Dodori forests using four camera trap grids with camera spacing of 2 km covering 300 km2 over 7020 camera trap days. We recorded 37 mammal species and derived camera trap rates and estimated occupancy for 31 medium-to-large terrestrial species, some of which represent range extensions. Remarkably, the critically endangered Aders' duiker was the most frequently recorded species. A distinctive form of giant sengi and the vulnerable Sokoke bushy-tailed mongoose were also widely distributed and relatively abundant. Other significant records of threatened species included African wild dog, African lion and Pousargues's monkey. Species richness and relative abundance of all species were higher than that recorded for Arabuko-Sokoke Forest, Kenya's only other large coastal forest, using the same camera trap survey protocol.","PeriodicalId":143820,"journal":{"name":"Journal of East African Natural History","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"1900-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"114413885","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
ABSTRACT Maned rat Lophiomys imhausi is a highly unusual, but very little known rodent that is endemic to East Africa. A population from the highlands of central Kenya was studied through analysis of owl pellets and prey remains, including one incidental observation. Over 28 months, 40 individual rats were documented, of which two were juveniles. The mean length of time between discovery of rat remains in any one owl territory was once every 5.3 months, and the maximum number of rats found in any single owl territory over one year was five. Maned rat density was low and was estimated at 1 rat/km2. Their lower altitudinal limit in Kenya is c. 1900 m, and eagle owls and humans are important predators. Maned rats are not uncommon in highly altered habitats and they may require poisonous plants in addition to Acokanthera spp. for anti-predator defense.
{"title":"Insights Into the Natural History of the Little Known Maned Rat Lophiomys imhausi through Examination of Owl Pellets and Prey Remains","authors":"D. Ogada","doi":"10.2982/028.107.0701","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2982/028.107.0701","url":null,"abstract":"ABSTRACT Maned rat Lophiomys imhausi is a highly unusual, but very little known rodent that is endemic to East Africa. A population from the highlands of central Kenya was studied through analysis of owl pellets and prey remains, including one incidental observation. Over 28 months, 40 individual rats were documented, of which two were juveniles. The mean length of time between discovery of rat remains in any one owl territory was once every 5.3 months, and the maximum number of rats found in any single owl territory over one year was five. Maned rat density was low and was estimated at 1 rat/km2. Their lower altitudinal limit in Kenya is c. 1900 m, and eagle owls and humans are important predators. Maned rats are not uncommon in highly altered habitats and they may require poisonous plants in addition to Acokanthera spp. for anti-predator defense.","PeriodicalId":143820,"journal":{"name":"Journal of East African Natural History","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"1900-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"129574963","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
ABSTRACT Kakamega Forest is a small remnant of Guineo-Congolian rainforest in Kenya. Along with direct observation, we used an automatic camera to sample the nocturnal and crepuscular mammalian fauna within 1.5 km of the Kakamega Forest Station near Isecheno. We detected 11 indigenous species belonging to 10 genera, as well as domestic cats and dogs. We directly observed pottos and African palm civets. Additionally, we photographed giant pouched rats, African civets, white-tailed mongooses, a marsh mongoose, a tree pangolin, servaline genets, blotched genets, side-striped jackals, and what appears to be an African wildcat. We found both whitetailed and black-tailed morphs of the white-tailed mongooses. Similarly, we recorded side-striped jackals with and without white-tipped tails. Our findings offer insight about the seldom studied nocturnal and crepuscular mammals of Kakamega Forest, including which species are persisting there, their various morphs, and some bait preferences, thus adding to and reaffirming previous reports.
{"title":"Some Nocturnal and Crepuscular Mammals of Kakamega Forest: Photographic Evidence","authors":"Allison M. Roth, M. Cords","doi":"10.2982/028.104.0114","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2982/028.104.0114","url":null,"abstract":"ABSTRACT \u0000 Kakamega Forest is a small remnant of Guineo-Congolian rainforest in Kenya. Along with direct observation, we used an automatic camera to sample the nocturnal and crepuscular mammalian fauna within 1.5 km of the Kakamega Forest Station near Isecheno. We detected 11 indigenous species belonging to 10 genera, as well as domestic cats and dogs. We directly observed pottos and African palm civets. Additionally, we photographed giant pouched rats, African civets, white-tailed mongooses, a marsh mongoose, a tree pangolin, servaline genets, blotched genets, side-striped jackals, and what appears to be an African wildcat. We found both whitetailed and black-tailed morphs of the white-tailed mongooses. Similarly, we recorded side-striped jackals with and without white-tipped tails. Our findings offer insight about the seldom studied nocturnal and crepuscular mammals of Kakamega Forest, including which species are persisting there, their various morphs, and some bait preferences, thus adding to and reaffirming previous reports.","PeriodicalId":143820,"journal":{"name":"Journal of East African Natural History","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"1900-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"116215295","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Professor Ensermu Kelbessa","authors":"","doi":"10.2982/028.105.0201","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2982/028.105.0201","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":143820,"journal":{"name":"Journal of East African Natural History","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"1900-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"114659726","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
On 20 April 2017 in Edinburgh, Scotland, Africa lost one of its foremost botanists and University teachers of botany after a brief illness. Brian James Harris was born on 27 August 1929 in Neath, South Wales. By 1949 he had obtained his BSc in Agricultural Botany from the University College of Wales, Aberystwyth and in 1953, he earned a PhD from the University of Wales. Soon after obtaining his PhD, he was appointed as a Lecturer in the Botany Department of the University of Ghana (at the time the University College of the Gold Coast.) and continued in that post until 1965. From 1965 he was appointed Reader in Botany and Head of Department, University of Dar es Salaam. Brian developed an interest in field courses for students, and was a firm believer in the importance of students knowing how to identify plants and how to prepare and use herbarium specimens for research.
{"title":"Africa Loses an Excellent Botanist and Teacher, Professor Brian Harris","authors":"K. Howell","doi":"10.2982/028.106.0102","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2982/028.106.0102","url":null,"abstract":"On 20 April 2017 in Edinburgh, Scotland, Africa lost one of its foremost botanists and University teachers of botany after a brief illness. Brian James Harris was born on 27 August 1929 in Neath, South Wales. By 1949 he had obtained his BSc in Agricultural Botany from the University College of Wales, Aberystwyth and in 1953, he earned a PhD from the University of Wales. Soon after obtaining his PhD, he was appointed as a Lecturer in the Botany Department of the University of Ghana (at the time the University College of the Gold Coast.) and continued in that post until 1965. From 1965 he was appointed Reader in Botany and Head of Department, University of Dar es Salaam. Brian developed an interest in field courses for students, and was a firm believer in the importance of students knowing how to identify plants and how to prepare and use herbarium specimens for research.","PeriodicalId":143820,"journal":{"name":"Journal of East African Natural History","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"1900-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"122628572","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"In Memoriam: Patrick Nthusi Muthoka","authors":"","doi":"10.2982/028.107.0201","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2982/028.107.0201","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":143820,"journal":{"name":"Journal of East African Natural History","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"1900-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"116461890","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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