Pub Date : 2024-09-14DOI: 10.1177/19400829241283712
Standly Nkemnyi Nkengbeza, Ngome Laura Mesame, Eric T. Ngansop, Rose Ngo Makak, Jennifer (Jenn) da Rosa, Precilia F. Tumenta, Ekwoge Enang Abwe, Eric Djomo Nana, Eric Bertrand Fokam
Background and Aim: Knowledge of population size is crucial for efficient conservation planning. Limited population survey data exist for the Endangered Preuss’s monkey in Cameroon’s Ebo forest, a stronghold for this species and several other IUCN RedList species. In this study, we assessed the population size of Preuss’s monkey in the Ebo forest. Methods: Ecological data on Preuss’s monkey and evidence of anthropogenic disturbances were collected based on recce surveys. Encounter Rate was used to assess abundance and distribution, and for comparing relative abundance among four survey sites. We employed ANOVA to test for significant differences in encounters with Preuss’s monkey across sites in the Ebo forest. We used regression analysis to identify possible relationships between encounters with Preuss’s monkey and anthropogenic activities recorded. Results: Based on direct sightings, we observed 66 individuals residing in 11 groups. This resulted in an encounter rate of 0.15_individuals/km, a sighting frequency of 0.024_groups/km, and an encounter frequency of 0.062_groups/km of Preuss’s monkeys. On average, an encounter rate of 2.4_signs of anthropogenic activities/km was documented. Our results revealed a negative and significant correlation between encounters of Preuss’s monkey and human activities such as hunting signs, logging signs, evidence of planted crops, collection of Non-Timber Forest Products, and fishing activity. Conclusion: Our investigation indicates that the population of Preuss’s monkey in the Ebo forest totals approximately 481 individuals, which is consistent with their Endangered status. Implications for Conservation: We recommend continued monitoring and research on this population to better determine the specific drivers of their population decline. We also advocate a community conservation approach to incentivize local communities to take a more active role in preserving the forest and protecting Preuss’s monkey. Equally important, are programs of conservation education and awareness, in an attempt to inspire local people to become involved in this species conservation.
{"title":"Effects of Human Disturbance on the Endangered Preuss’s Monkey (Allochrocebus preussi) in the Ebo Forest, Cameroon: Implications for Conservation","authors":"Standly Nkemnyi Nkengbeza, Ngome Laura Mesame, Eric T. Ngansop, Rose Ngo Makak, Jennifer (Jenn) da Rosa, Precilia F. Tumenta, Ekwoge Enang Abwe, Eric Djomo Nana, Eric Bertrand Fokam","doi":"10.1177/19400829241283712","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/19400829241283712","url":null,"abstract":"Background and Aim: Knowledge of population size is crucial for efficient conservation planning. Limited population survey data exist for the Endangered Preuss’s monkey in Cameroon’s Ebo forest, a stronghold for this species and several other IUCN RedList species. In this study, we assessed the population size of Preuss’s monkey in the Ebo forest. Methods: Ecological data on Preuss’s monkey and evidence of anthropogenic disturbances were collected based on recce surveys. Encounter Rate was used to assess abundance and distribution, and for comparing relative abundance among four survey sites. We employed ANOVA to test for significant differences in encounters with Preuss’s monkey across sites in the Ebo forest. We used regression analysis to identify possible relationships between encounters with Preuss’s monkey and anthropogenic activities recorded. Results: Based on direct sightings, we observed 66 individuals residing in 11 groups. This resulted in an encounter rate of 0.15_individuals/km, a sighting frequency of 0.024_groups/km, and an encounter frequency of 0.062_groups/km of Preuss’s monkeys. On average, an encounter rate of 2.4_signs of anthropogenic activities/km was documented. Our results revealed a negative and significant correlation between encounters of Preuss’s monkey and human activities such as hunting signs, logging signs, evidence of planted crops, collection of Non-Timber Forest Products, and fishing activity. Conclusion: Our investigation indicates that the population of Preuss’s monkey in the Ebo forest totals approximately 481 individuals, which is consistent with their Endangered status. Implications for Conservation: We recommend continued monitoring and research on this population to better determine the specific drivers of their population decline. We also advocate a community conservation approach to incentivize local communities to take a more active role in preserving the forest and protecting Preuss’s monkey. Equally important, are programs of conservation education and awareness, in an attempt to inspire local people to become involved in this species conservation.","PeriodicalId":49118,"journal":{"name":"Tropical Conservation Science","volume":"12 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2024-09-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142263972","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-08-09DOI: 10.1177/19400829241268454
Fifanou Vodouhe, Sedjro Gilles Armel Nago, Chabi A.M.S. Djagoun, Stanislas Zanvo, Ayidé A.A. Dossou, Joël Djagoun, Fortuné Azihou, Bruno A. Djossa, Achile E. Assogbadjo, Brice Sinsin, Philippe Gaubert
Background and Research Aims: The bushmeat trade is one of the main drivers of faunal extinction in tropical Africa. We assess the profitability of the bushmeat trade along the commodity chain in southern Benin and study the perceptions of the actors on the profitability of the trade. Methods: Data were collected through direct interviews. A total of 120 bushmeat trade actors were interviewed in southern Benin. Economic and financial indicators were estimated and compared using descriptive statistics. Factors affecting the actors’ perception of wild animal hunting, trading or supply sustainability were assessed using binary logit. Results and discussion: A total of 15 species were traded along the bushmeat commodity chain in southern Benin. During the dry season, hunters’ gross product is higher because of greater hunting effort, and traders earn more commercial margin. Throughout the chain of actors, bushmeat trade profitability is seen as positively affected by the number of hunters per household and the availability of large preys (hunters), household size (sellers) and monthly income (consumers); whereas negative factors affecting profitability are distance from hunting sites (hunters), supply issues (sellers) and the cost of the meat (consumers). Both hunters and consumers see hunting and trade regulation measures as negatively impacting bushmeat profitability. Conclusion and implications for conservation: The perception of profitability by bushmeat commodity chain actors in southern Benin is conditioned by a set of socio-economic factors that should be considered in national conservation policies and development programs to keep bushmeat hunting profitable and sustainable.
{"title":"Actors’ Perceptions of Profitability Along a Bushmeat Commodity Chain in West Africa (Southern Benin)","authors":"Fifanou Vodouhe, Sedjro Gilles Armel Nago, Chabi A.M.S. Djagoun, Stanislas Zanvo, Ayidé A.A. Dossou, Joël Djagoun, Fortuné Azihou, Bruno A. Djossa, Achile E. Assogbadjo, Brice Sinsin, Philippe Gaubert","doi":"10.1177/19400829241268454","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/19400829241268454","url":null,"abstract":"Background and Research Aims: The bushmeat trade is one of the main drivers of faunal extinction in tropical Africa. We assess the profitability of the bushmeat trade along the commodity chain in southern Benin and study the perceptions of the actors on the profitability of the trade. Methods: Data were collected through direct interviews. A total of 120 bushmeat trade actors were interviewed in southern Benin. Economic and financial indicators were estimated and compared using descriptive statistics. Factors affecting the actors’ perception of wild animal hunting, trading or supply sustainability were assessed using binary logit. Results and discussion: A total of 15 species were traded along the bushmeat commodity chain in southern Benin. During the dry season, hunters’ gross product is higher because of greater hunting effort, and traders earn more commercial margin. Throughout the chain of actors, bushmeat trade profitability is seen as positively affected by the number of hunters per household and the availability of large preys (hunters), household size (sellers) and monthly income (consumers); whereas negative factors affecting profitability are distance from hunting sites (hunters), supply issues (sellers) and the cost of the meat (consumers). Both hunters and consumers see hunting and trade regulation measures as negatively impacting bushmeat profitability. Conclusion and implications for conservation: The perception of profitability by bushmeat commodity chain actors in southern Benin is conditioned by a set of socio-economic factors that should be considered in national conservation policies and development programs to keep bushmeat hunting profitable and sustainable.","PeriodicalId":49118,"journal":{"name":"Tropical Conservation Science","volume":"23 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2024-08-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141949185","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-06-20DOI: 10.1177/19400829241265649
Eric Adjei Lawer, Mohammed Ishaq
Background and Aim: The native range of the African hippo has contracted significantly due to various anthropogenic threats such as poaching and habitat destruction, thus making the species highly prone to extinction. Protected areas can safeguard hippo populations through legal restrictions and other effective strategies. However, knowledge, perceived threats, and benefits of the species can influence local people’s attitudes towards their conservation. Yet, gaps in our understanding of what people know about hippos and their conservation persist, especially in Ghana, where their population is vulnerable, thus requiring urgent research. Methods: To improve this knowledge deficit, we employed a mixed-methods research approach to collect data from household heads in five communities in the Bui National Park (BNP) landscape for descriptive and regression-based statistical analyses. Results: Our findings revealed that respondent’s knowledge of hippos was significantly influenced by education and exposure to the species. Several respondents reported relatively stable or declining population patterns for hippos and attributed the causes to poaching and the construction of the hydropower dam in the BNP. Most respondents wanted hippo populations to increase in the future due to the potential benefits they could derive through tourism while the remaining respondents wanted their numbers to decline due to perceived conflict situations such as boat capsizing and crop damage. Conclusion: Local people’s knowledge of the hippo and its conservation is influenced by education and exposure to the species, and its population is perceived to be declining due to human activities. Implications for Conservation: Authentic and meaningful engagements among diverse stakeholders (e.g., farmers, fishermen, and park authorities) in the BNP landscape are critical to ensuring hippo conservation based on our findings. In particular, community-wide education to enhance hippo literacy, avoidance of farming along riverbank habitats, and adoption of sustainable livelihood approaches may benefit the aquatic environment, hippos, and local people.
{"title":"Knowledge and Perceptions of Local People Towards the Hippopotamus, Hippopotamus Amphibious and its Conservation: Insights from Ghana","authors":"Eric Adjei Lawer, Mohammed Ishaq","doi":"10.1177/19400829241265649","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/19400829241265649","url":null,"abstract":"Background and Aim: The native range of the African hippo has contracted significantly due to various anthropogenic threats such as poaching and habitat destruction, thus making the species highly prone to extinction. Protected areas can safeguard hippo populations through legal restrictions and other effective strategies. However, knowledge, perceived threats, and benefits of the species can influence local people’s attitudes towards their conservation. Yet, gaps in our understanding of what people know about hippos and their conservation persist, especially in Ghana, where their population is vulnerable, thus requiring urgent research. Methods: To improve this knowledge deficit, we employed a mixed-methods research approach to collect data from household heads in five communities in the Bui National Park (BNP) landscape for descriptive and regression-based statistical analyses. Results: Our findings revealed that respondent’s knowledge of hippos was significantly influenced by education and exposure to the species. Several respondents reported relatively stable or declining population patterns for hippos and attributed the causes to poaching and the construction of the hydropower dam in the BNP. Most respondents wanted hippo populations to increase in the future due to the potential benefits they could derive through tourism while the remaining respondents wanted their numbers to decline due to perceived conflict situations such as boat capsizing and crop damage. Conclusion: Local people’s knowledge of the hippo and its conservation is influenced by education and exposure to the species, and its population is perceived to be declining due to human activities. Implications for Conservation: Authentic and meaningful engagements among diverse stakeholders (e.g., farmers, fishermen, and park authorities) in the BNP landscape are critical to ensuring hippo conservation based on our findings. In particular, community-wide education to enhance hippo literacy, avoidance of farming along riverbank habitats, and adoption of sustainable livelihood approaches may benefit the aquatic environment, hippos, and local people.","PeriodicalId":49118,"journal":{"name":"Tropical Conservation Science","volume":"26 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2024-06-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141496170","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-05-31DOI: 10.1177/19400829241248304
Dhyene Rayne dos Santos Becker, Raírys Cravo Herrera, Tainá Teixeira Rocha, Delziane Araújo Bezerra, Fábio Miranda Leão, Alisson Rodrigo de Souza Reis, Roberto Cézar Lobo da Costa, Lenaldo Muniz de Oliveira, Marilza Neves do Nascimento
Bagassa guianensis Aubl. is a tree of high timber value (Moraceae family) native to the Amazon. In this study, we characterized the morphoanatomical and biochemical properties of Bagassa guianensis seeds at different levels of fruit control based on biometric, morphoanatomical, color and biochemical analyses. Four stages of seed development have been identified in the fruit of Bagassa guianensis. The seeds presented endosperm, being classified as albuminous. Seeds from fruits with 5 GY 4/4 colors and green pigmentation (stage I) presented fully formed embryos. According to PCA (principal component analysis) data, it was found that all stages of seed dominance had a significant effect and highly correlated with the biochemical properties of the seed. Despite the comparatively low biometric values, high levels of Total Soluble Sugars (3.58%), Total Soluble Proteins (2.12%) and Reducing Sugars (1.43%) were observed in seeds at this stage. On the other hand, the content of amino acids (0.87%) and starch (3.30%) was higher at late maturity. The highest amounts of starch were detected from stage II onwards (31.29 mg/g DM), when the seeds reached physiological maturity. Biochemical and morphological information from seeds are relevant for planning conservation, observation and restoration strategies, and this study on the species B. guianensis is essential.
{"title":"Morphoanatomical and Biochemical Changes in Seeds of Bagassa guianensis (Moraceae)","authors":"Dhyene Rayne dos Santos Becker, Raírys Cravo Herrera, Tainá Teixeira Rocha, Delziane Araújo Bezerra, Fábio Miranda Leão, Alisson Rodrigo de Souza Reis, Roberto Cézar Lobo da Costa, Lenaldo Muniz de Oliveira, Marilza Neves do Nascimento","doi":"10.1177/19400829241248304","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/19400829241248304","url":null,"abstract":"Bagassa guianensis Aubl. is a tree of high timber value (Moraceae family) native to the Amazon. In this study, we characterized the morphoanatomical and biochemical properties of Bagassa guianensis seeds at different levels of fruit control based on biometric, morphoanatomical, color and biochemical analyses. Four stages of seed development have been identified in the fruit of Bagassa guianensis. The seeds presented endosperm, being classified as albuminous. Seeds from fruits with 5 GY 4/4 colors and green pigmentation (stage I) presented fully formed embryos. According to PCA (principal component analysis) data, it was found that all stages of seed dominance had a significant effect and highly correlated with the biochemical properties of the seed. Despite the comparatively low biometric values, high levels of Total Soluble Sugars (3.58%), Total Soluble Proteins (2.12%) and Reducing Sugars (1.43%) were observed in seeds at this stage. On the other hand, the content of amino acids (0.87%) and starch (3.30%) was higher at late maturity. The highest amounts of starch were detected from stage II onwards (31.29 mg/g DM), when the seeds reached physiological maturity. Biochemical and morphological information from seeds are relevant for planning conservation, observation and restoration strategies, and this study on the species B. guianensis is essential.","PeriodicalId":49118,"journal":{"name":"Tropical Conservation Science","volume":"19 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2024-05-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141189123","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-05-13DOI: 10.1177/19400829241247798
Bonventure Mwanzi Obeka, Elisabeth Wacker, Halimu Shauri, Walter Timo de Vries
Background and Aims: The rising global population has increased land demand due to the increased need for agricultural and settlement spaces. Land ownership security tremendously impacts environmental sustainability because it influences ecological decisions. Kenya's land ownership and land use changes nexus has not received sufficient attention. Consequently, we explored this research gap in Mwatate Sub County, Taita County, Kenya. Methods: A sample size of 301 households was selected using stratified proportionate and simple random sampling techniques. A cross-sectional survey research design was used, while data was collected using semi-structured questionnaires. The Neo-Malthusian theory was adopted as a theoretical framework. Results: Results revealed that most (85.6%) households had insecure land ownership rights. Most (64.1%) households inherited land and had no Title deeds. Accordingly, findings reveal unsustainable land use practices, including deforestation, tree logging, high fuelwood use, bush clearance for human settlement and cultivation, poor farming methods, and overreliance on agriculture for livelihood. Using a 95% confidence level, Chi-square tests revealed a significant relationship between agricultural land use changes and land ownership security. Our findings concluded that insecure land ownership influenced agricultural expansion, deforestation, clearing of land for human settlement, and the type of farming techniques adopted by farmers. Implications for Conservation: Taita Taveta is a vital biodiversity hotspot that continues to be degraded by human activities. The correlation between land ownership and land use changes established by our study confirms the impending land degradation and threat to biodiversity loss. This is coupled with the concern that approximately 62% and 11% of the county are under a National Park and sisal estates, respectively, implying a growing threat to biodiversity loss and the need for enhanced conservation efforts in the area. This calls for the need to address the constant land issues in the area to incentivize sustainable land use practices.
{"title":"Influence of Land Ownership Security on Land Use Changes in Mwatate Sub-County, Taita Taveta County, Kenya","authors":"Bonventure Mwanzi Obeka, Elisabeth Wacker, Halimu Shauri, Walter Timo de Vries","doi":"10.1177/19400829241247798","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/19400829241247798","url":null,"abstract":"Background and Aims: The rising global population has increased land demand due to the increased need for agricultural and settlement spaces. Land ownership security tremendously impacts environmental sustainability because it influences ecological decisions. Kenya's land ownership and land use changes nexus has not received sufficient attention. Consequently, we explored this research gap in Mwatate Sub County, Taita County, Kenya. Methods: A sample size of 301 households was selected using stratified proportionate and simple random sampling techniques. A cross-sectional survey research design was used, while data was collected using semi-structured questionnaires. The Neo-Malthusian theory was adopted as a theoretical framework. Results: Results revealed that most (85.6%) households had insecure land ownership rights. Most (64.1%) households inherited land and had no Title deeds. Accordingly, findings reveal unsustainable land use practices, including deforestation, tree logging, high fuelwood use, bush clearance for human settlement and cultivation, poor farming methods, and overreliance on agriculture for livelihood. Using a 95% confidence level, Chi-square tests revealed a significant relationship between agricultural land use changes and land ownership security. Our findings concluded that insecure land ownership influenced agricultural expansion, deforestation, clearing of land for human settlement, and the type of farming techniques adopted by farmers. Implications for Conservation: Taita Taveta is a vital biodiversity hotspot that continues to be degraded by human activities. The correlation between land ownership and land use changes established by our study confirms the impending land degradation and threat to biodiversity loss. This is coupled with the concern that approximately 62% and 11% of the county are under a National Park and sisal estates, respectively, implying a growing threat to biodiversity loss and the need for enhanced conservation efforts in the area. This calls for the need to address the constant land issues in the area to incentivize sustainable land use practices.","PeriodicalId":49118,"journal":{"name":"Tropical Conservation Science","volume":"46 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2024-05-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140939798","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-04-10DOI: 10.1177/19400829241233479
Erin Buchholtz
Background & Research Aims: Understanding how people and wildlife coexist is crucial to informing conservation and management of biodiverse areas, supporting both wildlife conservation and human well-being. Yet, most studies of human-wildlife conflict and coexistence focus on a limited number of wildlife species. Methods: This study characterizes patterns of reported human-wildlife conflict in the Okavango region of Botswana based on records for all species from the Botswana Department of Wildlife and National Parks (2008 – 2016). Results: The reported incidents implicated a diverse range of wildlife species in conflict. The patterns indicated that for conflicts like crop and property damage, only a few main species were implicated, while livestock damage reports had more diversity of conflict species. Additionally, people in this region faced wildlife challenges throughout the year. Conclusion & Implications for Conservation: Having such variable types and timing of conflict, and from diverse species, may make it particularly difficult for people to mitigate costs and prevent further conflicts.
{"title":"People in a Biodiverse Region Experienced Varying Types and Timing of Conflict With Multiple Wildlife Species","authors":"Erin Buchholtz","doi":"10.1177/19400829241233479","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/19400829241233479","url":null,"abstract":"Background & Research Aims: Understanding how people and wildlife coexist is crucial to informing conservation and management of biodiverse areas, supporting both wildlife conservation and human well-being. Yet, most studies of human-wildlife conflict and coexistence focus on a limited number of wildlife species. Methods: This study characterizes patterns of reported human-wildlife conflict in the Okavango region of Botswana based on records for all species from the Botswana Department of Wildlife and National Parks (2008 – 2016). Results: The reported incidents implicated a diverse range of wildlife species in conflict. The patterns indicated that for conflicts like crop and property damage, only a few main species were implicated, while livestock damage reports had more diversity of conflict species. Additionally, people in this region faced wildlife challenges throughout the year. Conclusion & Implications for Conservation: Having such variable types and timing of conflict, and from diverse species, may make it particularly difficult for people to mitigate costs and prevent further conflicts.","PeriodicalId":49118,"journal":{"name":"Tropical Conservation Science","volume":"35 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2024-04-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140573116","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-04-04DOI: 10.1177/19400829241245353
Eduardo Aarón Chávez-Ramírez, Patricia Mussali-Galante, Efraín Tovar-Sánchez, Leticia M. Ochoa-Ochoa, Norman Mercado-Silva
Background and Research Aims: Morphological and physiological effects of anthropogenic metals have been the focus of several studies in the Sierra de Huautla Biosphere Reserve (REBIOSH, Mexico) but little is known about how they affect anurans in the area. We evaluated metal bioaccumulation in anurans from streams in the REBIOSH and examined anuran communities in five sites at different positions relative to abandoned mine tailings.Methods: Three and two sites were located upstream and downstream from mine tailings, respectively. We collected anuran community information and obtained sediment, water and liver samples for metal quantification from each site.Results: Concentrations of Cu, Pb, Zn and Mn in water, and Zn, Mn, Fe and Cr in sediment, were significantly different among sites. We found bioaccumulation of Pb, Zn and Fe in livers of Smilisca baudinii, Lithobates spectabilis, L. zweifeli and Rhinella horribilis, species with different life traits. We found similar among-site species richness and diversity. Communities were dominated by L. zweifeli, R. horribilis and S. baudinii. Dominance was highest in sites distant from mine tailings. Agalychnis dacnicolor, Tlalocohyla smithii and Hypopachus variolosus were only present in sites located closest to mine tailings.Conclusion: We did not detect an effect of metal bioacummulation on anuran communities, but our findings suggest a potential effect on certain species in the protected area. Our results form a baseline for future explorations of the impacts of metals in the region.Implications for Conservation: Toxic metal bioaccumulation has potential for reducing anuran genetic variability and altering sexual proportions and fecundity, potentially leading to anuran extirpations. We provide first evidence for metal bioaccumulation in anurans in the protected area, and one of few studies on its anuran communities. Our evidence can serve as guidance to ameliorate effects of legacy metal mining in this biodiversity hotspot.
{"title":"Metal Bioaccumulation and Assemblage Attributes for Anurans in the Sierra de Huautla Biosphere Reserve, Mexico","authors":"Eduardo Aarón Chávez-Ramírez, Patricia Mussali-Galante, Efraín Tovar-Sánchez, Leticia M. Ochoa-Ochoa, Norman Mercado-Silva","doi":"10.1177/19400829241245353","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/19400829241245353","url":null,"abstract":"Background and Research Aims: Morphological and physiological effects of anthropogenic metals have been the focus of several studies in the Sierra de Huautla Biosphere Reserve (REBIOSH, Mexico) but little is known about how they affect anurans in the area. We evaluated metal bioaccumulation in anurans from streams in the REBIOSH and examined anuran communities in five sites at different positions relative to abandoned mine tailings.Methods: Three and two sites were located upstream and downstream from mine tailings, respectively. We collected anuran community information and obtained sediment, water and liver samples for metal quantification from each site.Results: Concentrations of Cu, Pb, Zn and Mn in water, and Zn, Mn, Fe and Cr in sediment, were significantly different among sites. We found bioaccumulation of Pb, Zn and Fe in livers of Smilisca baudinii, Lithobates spectabilis, L. zweifeli and Rhinella horribilis, species with different life traits. We found similar among-site species richness and diversity. Communities were dominated by L. zweifeli, R. horribilis and S. baudinii. Dominance was highest in sites distant from mine tailings. Agalychnis dacnicolor, Tlalocohyla smithii and Hypopachus variolosus were only present in sites located closest to mine tailings.Conclusion: We did not detect an effect of metal bioacummulation on anuran communities, but our findings suggest a potential effect on certain species in the protected area. Our results form a baseline for future explorations of the impacts of metals in the region.Implications for Conservation: Toxic metal bioaccumulation has potential for reducing anuran genetic variability and altering sexual proportions and fecundity, potentially leading to anuran extirpations. We provide first evidence for metal bioaccumulation in anurans in the protected area, and one of few studies on its anuran communities. Our evidence can serve as guidance to ameliorate effects of legacy metal mining in this biodiversity hotspot.","PeriodicalId":49118,"journal":{"name":"Tropical Conservation Science","volume":"90 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2024-04-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140573261","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-03-26DOI: 10.1177/19400829241241457
Margaret N. Mosse, Wilfred O. Odadi, Grace W. Kibue
Background and Research AimsGlobally, crocodile ranching programs are intended to generate livelihood benefits for local communities and incentives for crocodile conservation. However, there is need for their contextual scientific evaluation in many human-dominated tropical landscapes. We investigated the anthropogenic threats to crocodiles, and examined the level and sociodemographic determinants of their utilization in lower River Tana basin, Kenya.MethodsWe conducted seven key informant interviews, four focus group discussions and a quantitative household survey involving 365 respondents randomly selected from local villages. We analyzed anthropogenic threats to crocodiles and other qualitative data thematically. We summarized quantitative data using descriptive statistics and used multinomial logistic regression to analyze the association between selected sociodemographic variables and crocodile utilization.ResultsThe main anthropogenic threats to crocodiles were agricultural expansion into their habitat, their retaliatory killing, and consumption of their meat and eggs. Only 5% of the respondents utilized crocodiles legally, whereas 32% utilized them illegally. Increasing age, increasing income, being male and being Christian all increased the likelihood of illegal crocodile utilization. Being male increased the likelihood of legal crocodile utilization, whereas increasing age decreased this likelihood.ConclusionsOur study demonstrates multiple anthropogenic threats to crocodiles in lower River Tana despite a long-term ranching program. Furthermore, local community participation in this program is marginal and markedly varies among sociodemographic groups. Taken together, our findings suggest that crocodile ranching, as practiced in this landscape, is largely ineffective in achieving its intended socioeconomic and conservation goals.Conservation ImplicationsTo enhance their effectiveness, crocodile ranching programs in such landscapes should be tailored for local socio-cultural contexts. We recommend capacity building and awareness raising initiatives tailored for specific groups to increase local community participation in sustainable crocodile utilization and minimize their engagement in practices that are detrimental to crocodiles.
{"title":"Anthropogenic Threats to Crocodiles, and the Level and Sociodemographic Determinants of their Utilization in Lower River Tana Basin, Kenya","authors":"Margaret N. Mosse, Wilfred O. Odadi, Grace W. Kibue","doi":"10.1177/19400829241241457","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/19400829241241457","url":null,"abstract":"Background and Research AimsGlobally, crocodile ranching programs are intended to generate livelihood benefits for local communities and incentives for crocodile conservation. However, there is need for their contextual scientific evaluation in many human-dominated tropical landscapes. We investigated the anthropogenic threats to crocodiles, and examined the level and sociodemographic determinants of their utilization in lower River Tana basin, Kenya.MethodsWe conducted seven key informant interviews, four focus group discussions and a quantitative household survey involving 365 respondents randomly selected from local villages. We analyzed anthropogenic threats to crocodiles and other qualitative data thematically. We summarized quantitative data using descriptive statistics and used multinomial logistic regression to analyze the association between selected sociodemographic variables and crocodile utilization.ResultsThe main anthropogenic threats to crocodiles were agricultural expansion into their habitat, their retaliatory killing, and consumption of their meat and eggs. Only 5% of the respondents utilized crocodiles legally, whereas 32% utilized them illegally. Increasing age, increasing income, being male and being Christian all increased the likelihood of illegal crocodile utilization. Being male increased the likelihood of legal crocodile utilization, whereas increasing age decreased this likelihood.ConclusionsOur study demonstrates multiple anthropogenic threats to crocodiles in lower River Tana despite a long-term ranching program. Furthermore, local community participation in this program is marginal and markedly varies among sociodemographic groups. Taken together, our findings suggest that crocodile ranching, as practiced in this landscape, is largely ineffective in achieving its intended socioeconomic and conservation goals.Conservation ImplicationsTo enhance their effectiveness, crocodile ranching programs in such landscapes should be tailored for local socio-cultural contexts. We recommend capacity building and awareness raising initiatives tailored for specific groups to increase local community participation in sustainable crocodile utilization and minimize their engagement in practices that are detrimental to crocodiles.","PeriodicalId":49118,"journal":{"name":"Tropical Conservation Science","volume":"12 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2024-03-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140302499","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Background and Research Aims: Little information exists on the breeding behavior of the Andean Condor ( Vultur gryphus). Its global population, estimated at 6700 adult individuals, is declining throughout its distribution range. With less than 150 condors, the Endangered condor population in Ecuador is of conservation concern. This study aimed to analyze the breeding behavior of wild-born Andean Condors in Ecuador. Methods: Between 2009 and 2021, we monitored 22 egg-laying attempts in eight Andean Condor nests, evaluated the parental care of three breeding pairs of condors and recorded the species' interactions with other raptors and mammals during the nestling-rearing season, and examined the breeding success of an Andean Condor pair during a decade of monitoring. Results: Our breeding records indicated that Andean Condor lay eggs throughout the year, and 16 nestlings spent between six and 10 months in the nest before making their first flights. We found differences in the length of time that the parents remain with the nestling, and described agonistic encounters between condors and other raptors and a Spectacled Bear ( Tremarctos ornatus) in the condor nesting areas. The breeding success of the monitored condor pair was 0.88 nestlings per clutch, and the female laid an egg on average every 15 months. Conclusion: Considering the small size of the Andean Condor population in Ecuador, studies on the breeding behavior of wild-born condors are a high research priority to assess population trends and prevent extinction. Specifically, we recommend further research on parental care, breeding success, nestling survivorship, and nesting phenology. Implications for Conservation: Beyond the importance of the protected area system, strategic planning of key areas for the maintenance of condor populations in the northern Andes must encompass the evaluation of new potential protected areas that offer direct benefits to these birds. These should include nesting sites in human-dominated landscapes such as rural Andean areas.
{"title":"Life History of the Andean Condor in Ecuador","authors":"Juan Sebastián Restrepo-Cardona, Fabricio Narváez, Sebastián Kohn, Rubén Pineida, Félix Hernán Vargas","doi":"10.1177/19400829241238005","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/19400829241238005","url":null,"abstract":"Background and Research Aims: Little information exists on the breeding behavior of the Andean Condor ( Vultur gryphus). Its global population, estimated at 6700 adult individuals, is declining throughout its distribution range. With less than 150 condors, the Endangered condor population in Ecuador is of conservation concern. This study aimed to analyze the breeding behavior of wild-born Andean Condors in Ecuador. Methods: Between 2009 and 2021, we monitored 22 egg-laying attempts in eight Andean Condor nests, evaluated the parental care of three breeding pairs of condors and recorded the species' interactions with other raptors and mammals during the nestling-rearing season, and examined the breeding success of an Andean Condor pair during a decade of monitoring. Results: Our breeding records indicated that Andean Condor lay eggs throughout the year, and 16 nestlings spent between six and 10 months in the nest before making their first flights. We found differences in the length of time that the parents remain with the nestling, and described agonistic encounters between condors and other raptors and a Spectacled Bear ( Tremarctos ornatus) in the condor nesting areas. The breeding success of the monitored condor pair was 0.88 nestlings per clutch, and the female laid an egg on average every 15 months. Conclusion: Considering the small size of the Andean Condor population in Ecuador, studies on the breeding behavior of wild-born condors are a high research priority to assess population trends and prevent extinction. Specifically, we recommend further research on parental care, breeding success, nestling survivorship, and nesting phenology. Implications for Conservation: Beyond the importance of the protected area system, strategic planning of key areas for the maintenance of condor populations in the northern Andes must encompass the evaluation of new potential protected areas that offer direct benefits to these birds. These should include nesting sites in human-dominated landscapes such as rural Andean areas.","PeriodicalId":49118,"journal":{"name":"Tropical Conservation Science","volume":"141 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2024-03-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140149928","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-03-14DOI: 10.1177/19400829241236311
Lalita Gomez, Khoo Min Sheng
Background and Research AimsPorcupines are frequently traded in Asia but evidence of this remains undocumented. This study was undertaken to address the dearth of information on porcupine trade dynamics using Malaysia as a case study.MethodsTo accomplish this, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) outlets throughout the country were surveyed, the existence of porcupine farms were determined and porcupine seizures in Malaysia from 2011 – 2019 were analysed.ResultsThe data revealed that porcupines are coveted predominantly for bezoars used in TCM and for breeding stock. Porcupine bezoars were found in 90% of TCM outlets surveyed though it is likely that the market consists of genuine and fake products. Porcupine farming appears to be gaining popularity and predominantly caters to a demand for breeding pairs. There were 47 seizures amounting to 110 porcupines of at least three species. Seizures included mostly live animals but also meat and quills.ConclusionThe harvesting and consumption of porcupines is legally permitted in Malaysia. However, it is evident that illegal hunting of porcupines is also occurring. Captive breeding is unlikely to reduce poaching of porcupines considering the high value associated with wild-sourced bezoars. Local use is also driving international trade of bezoars particularly from Indonesia.Implications for ConservationResearch on porcupine trade dynamics in Southeast Asia is limited. This is a conservation concern particularly as porcupines are valued as commercial commodities. As Asian porcupines face a multitude of synergistic threats ( i.e., habitat loss, human conflict and illegal hunting), understanding these cumulative impacts on wild populations is a conservation priority. More research on international trade dynamics is also warranted as it is currently occurring without any regulation or monitoring. Listing porcupines in the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) could potentially mitigate this.
{"title":"The Trade of Porcupines in Malaysia With International Trade Links","authors":"Lalita Gomez, Khoo Min Sheng","doi":"10.1177/19400829241236311","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/19400829241236311","url":null,"abstract":"Background and Research AimsPorcupines are frequently traded in Asia but evidence of this remains undocumented. This study was undertaken to address the dearth of information on porcupine trade dynamics using Malaysia as a case study.MethodsTo accomplish this, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) outlets throughout the country were surveyed, the existence of porcupine farms were determined and porcupine seizures in Malaysia from 2011 – 2019 were analysed.ResultsThe data revealed that porcupines are coveted predominantly for bezoars used in TCM and for breeding stock. Porcupine bezoars were found in 90% of TCM outlets surveyed though it is likely that the market consists of genuine and fake products. Porcupine farming appears to be gaining popularity and predominantly caters to a demand for breeding pairs. There were 47 seizures amounting to 110 porcupines of at least three species. Seizures included mostly live animals but also meat and quills.ConclusionThe harvesting and consumption of porcupines is legally permitted in Malaysia. However, it is evident that illegal hunting of porcupines is also occurring. Captive breeding is unlikely to reduce poaching of porcupines considering the high value associated with wild-sourced bezoars. Local use is also driving international trade of bezoars particularly from Indonesia.Implications for ConservationResearch on porcupine trade dynamics in Southeast Asia is limited. This is a conservation concern particularly as porcupines are valued as commercial commodities. As Asian porcupines face a multitude of synergistic threats ( i.e., habitat loss, human conflict and illegal hunting), understanding these cumulative impacts on wild populations is a conservation priority. More research on international trade dynamics is also warranted as it is currently occurring without any regulation or monitoring. Listing porcupines in the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) could potentially mitigate this.","PeriodicalId":49118,"journal":{"name":"Tropical Conservation Science","volume":"47 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2024-03-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140149575","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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