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Habitat fragmentation increases genetic distance between fruit bat subpopulations Afr. J. Ecol. (IF 1.0) Pub Date : 2024-03-13 Mohamed Thani Ibouroi, Véronique Arnal, Claudine Montgelard, Aurélien Besnard
Livingstone's fruit bat (Pteropus livingstonii) is among the most threatened bats worldwide. As the species is an important pollinator and seed disperser of Comoros plants with a crucial role in forest regeneration, it is critical to understand how human‐induced habitat disturbance impacts genetic structure at fine spatial scales in order to define conservation strategies. In this study, we assessed
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Taxonomic patterns of host plants and its impact on honey properties by two sympatric Afrotropical stingless bee species in Zanzibar (Tanzania) Afr. J. Ecol. (IF 1.0) Pub Date : 2024-03-06 Nelly Ndungu, Pierre Noiset, Mary Chege, Jacqueline Wahura Waweru, Nassor Sharifu, Nicolas J. Vereecken, Nkoba Kiatoko
Stingless bees are important pollinators and producers of honey used in folk medicine. We investigate the nectar sources for two Afrotropical stingless bee species, Hypotrigona araujoi and Meliponula ferruginea. Pollen was extracted and processed using next‐generation sequencing (NGS) methods, DNA metabarcoding. Results show that stingless bees visited 32 plant genera. Wild plants were the major nectar
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The utility of Global Positioning System collars in inventorying the diet of lions and its shifts following an anthrax outbreak Afr. J. Ecol. (IF 1.0) Pub Date : 2024-02-24 Allan Tarugara, Bruce W. Clegg, Sarah B. Clegg
Lions (Panthera leo) are a keystone species of many wildlife areas and, as such, understanding their dietary ecology is important for holistic wildlife management. Knowledge of lion feeding ecology enables researchers and wildlife managers to better understand predator–prey dynamics and ecological limits governing their local contexts. Where kill sites can be physically located in the field, they can
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Transcending borders: Remarkable genetic homogeneity among Barred mudskipper (Periophthalmus argentilineatus) populations in the southwestern Indian Ocean Afr. J. Ecol. (IF 1.0) Pub Date : 2024-02-24 Cyrus Rumisha
In the past 24 years, the Southwestern Indian Ocean (SWIO) region has lost about 4% of its mangroves due to unsustainable extraction, land clearance for agriculture and climate change impacts. Since this loss risks fragmenting mangrove fauna, this study analysed 179 D‐loop sequences (329 base pairs) of Barred mudskipper (Periophthalmus argentilineatus) sampled from estuarine mangroves in the SWIO to
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Diurnal activity budgets for the giraffe, Giraffa camelopardalis giraffa, in the Kalahari region of southern Africa Afr. J. Ecol. (IF 1.0) Pub Date : 2024-02-16 Francois Deacon, Gert Nicolaas Smit, Andri Grobbelaar
The diurnal activity budgets of giraffes were effectively studied from June 2012 until August 2013, in the Kalahari Region of southern Africa. Direct field observations identified how the daily activity budgets varied amongst the different subgroups of giraffes and the effects of seasonal changes and the time of the day. Feeding was the highest-performed activity whilst non-feeding activities were
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Influence of water physico-chemical parameters on the spatio-temporal activity variations of west African waterbirds (fam. Ardeidae) Afr. J. Ecol. (IF 1.0) Pub Date : 2024-02-13 Donald Sèwanou Sossou, Jacques Boco Adjakpa, Emile Didier Fiogbé
Variations in physico-chemical parameters of water as abiotic factors affect the spatio-temporal distributions of the organisms that live in it. The present study aims to determine the influence of physico-chemical properties on Ardeidae spatio-temporal variations in the wetland of Ramsar site 1018 in Benin. To reach this goal, transect enumeration techniques and stationary counts lasting 15–30 min
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Searching priorities for a species at the brink of extinction: Threats analysis on the critically endangered Nubian Flapshell Turtle (Cyclanorbis elegans) Afr. J. Ecol. (IF 1.0) Pub Date : 2024-02-14 Luca Luiselli, Gift Simon Demaya, John Sebit Benansio, Stephanie N. Ajong, Mathias Behangana, Letizia Marsili, Pietro Giovacchini, Daniele Dendi, Julia E. Fa, Andrew D. Walde, Corrado Battisti
The Critically Endangered Nubian Flapshell Turtle (Cyclanorbis elegans) is found in the White Nile River system in South Sudan and northern Uganda. Over the past few decades, its populations have sharply declined, primarily due to human-induced threats, leading to its near-extinction across almost its entire range. In this paper, we present the results of a comprehensive threat analysis undertaken
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Natural forest regeneration over a fallow age chronosequence in central African moist forests Afr. J. Ecol. (IF 1.0) Pub Date : 2024-02-13 Grace Jopaul Loubota Panzou, François Mankessi, Floriane Célia Tsiba Ngambou, Chauvelin Douh, Saint Fédriche Ndzai, Donatien Nzala, Félix Koubouana
A better understanding of the natural regeneration in tropical forests could help develop more effective restoration strategies. This study examined relationships in structural and diversity attributes of natural regeneration in five forest fallow ages after slash-and-burn agriculture (6 months, 2 years, 5 years, 10 years, and 15 years) in the Republic of Congo. For each fallow age, all stems with
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Pregnancy complications in wild vervet monkeys in an urban mosaic landscape Afr. J. Ecol. (IF 1.0) Pub Date : 2024-01-28 Kerushka R. Pillay, Colleen T. Downs
Vervet monkeys (Chlorocebus pygerythrus) are a widespread, typically seasonally breeding African primate. We report pregnancy complications in wild females in the urban mosaic landscape of Durban, South Africa, that required admittance to a wildlife rehabilitation centre. We found pregnancy complications in 13 female vervet monkey adults and subadults, with most cases (69.2%) in spring. Dystocia (difficult
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Preliminary population estimate of Kordofan giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis antiquorum) in two areas of the Benoué complex, Cameroon Afr. J. Ecol. (IF 1.0) Pub Date : 2023-12-29 Connor Parks, Samuel Penny, Achile Mengamenya Goue, Denis Nyugha, Tiwa T. Pauline, Xavier Vannier, Caspian Johnson
The Kordofan giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis antiquorum) is a critically endangered subspecies. To manage and conserve this taxon, up-to-date population estimates are crucial. We provide a population assessment of Kordofan giraffe in Bénoué National Park (BeNP) and nearby Hunting Zone 18 (HZ18), in northern Cameroon, using individual identification techniques from images captured in the field from
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Does Ficus species fruit mastication and ingestion by Wahlberg's epauletted fruit bats enhance seed germination and seedling emergence? Afr. J. Ecol. (IF 1.0) Pub Date : 2023-12-29 Islamiat Abidemi Raji, Colleen Thelma Downs
Seed passage through frugivorous bats' gastrointestinal tracts is important in seed dispersal, germination and seedling emergence. We investigated the ingestion and effects of Wahlberg's epauletted fruit bats, Epomophorus wahlbergi, on the germination and seedling emergence of four Ficus species in separate laboratory feeding trials in KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa. We observed seedling emergence
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Zoogeographic regionalisation of terrestrial vertebrates of Mozambique Afr. J. Ecol. (IF 1.0) Pub Date : 2023-12-27 Carlos M. Bento, Paulo E. Cardoso, Richard D. Beilfuss, Christian T. Chimimba
During the formative years of science-based biodiversity conservation and planning, Mozambique was undergoing a prolonged post-colonial liberation struggle (1964–1974) and subsequent civil war (1976–1992), resulting in a profound gap in biodiversity knowledge and conservation planning relative to other countries in the region. This study represents Mozambique's first post-war (1992 to the present)
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An occupancy analysis of the factors affecting the presence of carnivores at the national park-human community interface in Rwanda Afr. J. Ecol. (IF 1.0) Pub Date : 2023-12-25 Eustrate Uzabaho, Noel Kwizera, Jennifer Frances Moore, Donat Nsabimana
People, livestock and carnivores are constantly interacting especially at the interface between community and protected areas. The carnivore guild category in Volcanoes National Park is important, and if well studied, could lead to additional research opportunities for improved wildlife management. We used single season occupancy models with multi-species data, to understand the factors affecting species
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Movement and space use in three sympatric lacertid lizards (Acanthodactylus): Inter- and intraspecific comparisons Afr. J. Ecol. (IF 1.0) Pub Date : 2023-12-25 Douglas A. Eifler, Maria A. Eifler, Makenna Orton, Kaera L. Utsumi, Mohsen Jarray, Ali Zaidi, Mohsen Chammem
Competition can be keen within and between closely related species but can be reduced when sympatric individuals differ in resource use. To determine how sympatric, closely related species coexist, we examined movement and activity of foraging individuals, developing detailed profiles for males of three species (Acanthodactylus boskianus, A. dumerilii and A. scutellatus) and for female A. boskianus
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Physiological stress in eastern black rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis michaeli) as influenced by their density, climatological variables and sexes Afr. J. Ecol. (IF 1.0) Pub Date : 2023-12-20 Benson Okita-Ouma, Gerrit Gort, Joshua J. Millspaugh, Herbert H. T. Prins
It is important to understand the physiological stressors in animals especially for threatened species or intensively managed to improve their conservation and optimise their reproduction. We sought to understand changes in stress hormones (faecal glucocorticoid metabolites) in black rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis michaeli) in relation to population density and sex (intrinsic factors) and plant minerals
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Sitatunga (Tragelaphus spekii) food sources and habitat use in Marsh–Savannah-cultivation mosaics Afr. J. Ecol. (IF 1.0) Pub Date : 2023-12-17 Peter Happy Murwanyi, Robert Kityo, Enock Ssekuubwa, Mnason Tweheyo
Wetland conversion threatens wetland specialists by reducing their core habitat. The sitatunga is a wetland specialist with declining populations. However, knowledge of sitatunga ecology and threats is limited, particularly outside protected areas. We examined sitatunga food sources, and habitat use in undisturbed Marshes and Marsh–Savannah transition blocks, and a Cultivated (disturbed) block in River
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Anthropogenic effects of habitat modification on anuran species diversity in a swamp forest area, Kenya Afr. J. Ecol. (IF 1.0) Pub Date : 2023-12-19 Joseph Musonda Kabanze, Johnstone Kimanzi, Patrick Kinyatta Malonza, Lucas Pius Rutina
Anuran species are some of the good environmental indicators of habitat quality and condition in ecosystems. This is due to their amphibious life modes and sensitivity to environmental change caused by rapid expansion of agricultural activities, advancement of forest destruction, climate change and emerging infectious diseases. Understanding their diversity and distribution patterns is crucial for
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Population size and conservation status of large terrestrial mammals in a West African protected area Afr. J. Ecol. (IF 1.0) Pub Date : 2023-12-19 Umar Lawal Mohammed, Shahrul Anuar Mohd Sah
Terrestrial large mammals are threatened in West and Central Africa due to trade and consumption. The species population size was estimated using diurnal distance sampling in Old Oyo National Park, Nigeria. Mean species abundance and density ranged from 631 ± 281 to 3320 ± 1163 individuals and 2.0661 ± 1.356 to 6.7525 ± 3.0376 individuals km−2 between sub-habitat types, and from 258 ± 125 to 2671 ± 867
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Pine plantations and native forest fragments adjacent to intact forests provide surrogate habitats for birds in an Afrotropical forest landscape Afr. J. Ecol. (IF 1.0) Pub Date : 2023-12-19 Simon Peter Ogola, Enock Ssekuubwa
Tropical forests harbour 72% of the world's bird species. The changing land uses have fragmented natural forests or replaced them with plantation forests. This sets in an argument as to whether forest fragments and plantations can support birds. We assessed birds in a plantation, fragment and an intact (continuous) Budongo forest, Uganda. We compared bird species composition, diversity and functional
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Habituation of large mammals to passing vehicles Afr. J. Ecol. (IF 1.0) Pub Date : 2023-12-14 Derek Pomeroy, Benard Matovu, Micheal Kibuule
Over a period of 2 years, we noted that many large mammals in the Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda, remained fairly close to the road—rather than running away—as we drove past at a relatively slow speed, of about 20–25 kph. We consider that over recent years, many of these animals have become habituated to tourist vehicles passing nearby and we recorded the minimum distances at which nine common
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Habitat use by impala (Aepyceros melampus) breeding herds in an elephant-impacted woodland along the Chobe Riverfront, Botswana Afr. J. Ecol. (IF 1.0) Pub Date : 2023-12-14 Lucas P. Rutina
Elephants have been structuring woodlands along the Chobe Riverfront, changing them to shrublands. Along with the loss of woodland cover, impala populations seem to be increasing along the Chobe Riverfront. We tested the prediction that elephant-induced loss in woodland cover has increased preferred habitats for impalas along the Chobe Riverfront. We found that home range sizes of impala breeding herds
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Seasonal changes in herd size and time budget of springbok (Antidorcas marsupialis) in southern Namibia Afr. J. Ecol. (IF 1.0) Pub Date : 2023-12-18 Peter Low Cunningham, Peter Low Cunningham
Springbok (Antidorcas marsupialis) is an understudied species with a dearth of scientific work having been conducted, especially so for the Nama-Karoo vegetation type, in southern Namibia. We studied variations in herd composition and time budget of springbok by direct observations during a dry and wet season in southern Namibia and found significant differences (p < 0.001) in mean herd size between
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Preliminary study of Dent's monkey (Cercopithecus denti) living in a forest fragment in Rwanda, highlighting dietary flexibility in guenons Afr. J. Ecol. (IF 1.0) Pub Date : 2023-12-18 Ambrosine Clark, Beth A. Kaplin
Cercopithecus monkeys are a species-rich genus generally considered arboreal frugivores with widespread distribution in sub-Saharan African forests. We studied a largely undocumented species threatened by habitat fragmentation, Cercopithecus denti, during 3 months in 2017 in a small forest fragment of Nyungwe National Park, Rwanda. C. denti's diet was composed of about 58% leaves and 18% fruits. They
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Space use by African savannah elephants in an arid protected area dominated by a mosaic of different vegetation Afr. J. Ecol. (IF 1.0) Pub Date : 2023-12-18 Nobert Tafadzwa Mukomberanwa, Phillip Taru, Beaven Utete
The African savannah elephant (Loxodonta Africana) migrate in response to limiting environmental factors in arid areas. Using global positioning systems (GPS) telemetry data, we determined: (i) the dominant vegetation types used by African savannah elephants and (ii) the differences in the area occupied by dominant vegetation types in Gonarezhou National Park (GNP) in Zimbabwe. Significant spatiotemporal
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The spatio-temporal influences of habitat heterogeneity on the community structure of avian feeding guilds in human-dominated landscapes of the East African miombo woodlands Afr. J. Ecol. (IF 1.0) Pub Date : 2023-12-03 David J. Kavana, Nsajigwa Mbije, Tecla M. Sirilo, Happiness C. Bupamba
Habitat heterogeneity plays a vital ecological role in influencing community ecology dynamics. We evaluated the relationship between habitat heterogeneity and land-use cover with avian community structure in the human-dominated landscape of the Katavi-Rukwa ecosystem in Tanzania. We used the fixed-radius point count method to record birds in different habitats. We calculated the relative abundances
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Elevational patterns of species richness and community structure of understorey birds in an East African montane forest Afr. J. Ecol. (IF 1.0) Pub Date : 2023-12-01 Geoffrey M. Wambugu, Bernard Amakobe, Çağan H. Şekercioğlu, Mwangi Githiru
Mt. Kasigau is the northeastern most of the Eastern Arc Mountains global hotspot and harbours some endemic and threatened species, but little is known about bird community changes along its elevational gradient. We assessed the relationship between bird biodiversity metrics, season, human disturbance, elevation and temperature using mist-netting data collected bi-annually over a 10-year period. Birds
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An assessment of South African small mammal barcode sequence libraries: Implications for future carnivore diet analyses by DNA Afr. J. Ecol. (IF 1.0) Pub Date : 2023-11-27 Vimbai I. Siziba, Sandi Willows-Munro
DNA metabarcoding requires reference libraries that link DNA sequences to species. Mitochondrial gene regions cytochrome c oxidase I (COI), 12S ribosomal RNA (12S rRNA), 16S ribosomal RNA (16S rRNA), cytochrome b (cyt b) and the hypervariable control region (D-loop) are routinely used in studies that measure genetic diversity in animal species. This study aimed to review the state of DNA reference
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The migration of aquatic macrocrustaceans over an artificial barrier in the uThukela river, South Africa Afr. J. Ecol. (IF 1.0) Pub Date : 2023-11-27 Matthew J. Burnett, Bradley Van Zyl, Colleen T. Downs
Diadromous macrocrustaceans need connectivity between the ocean, estuary and river to complete their life cycle. Instream barriers in lower reaches of rivers threaten upstream migrations of diadromous macrocrustaceans. Varuna litterata migrate upstream after a spawning event out at sea. These migration events have been poorly documented. We documented the presence V. litterata and Macrobrachium spp
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Interviews in ecology and conservation biology: A hidden treasure for the African ecologist Afr. J. Ecol. (IF 1.0) Pub Date : 2023-11-21 Luca Luiselli
1 A HISTORICAL PROLOGUE Scientific exploration of the African continent, particularly during the 1700s and 1800s, was greatly supported by often unrecognised but essential contributions of native hunters, guides, translators, and cultural intermediaries. Their invaluable expertise in facilitating the integration of foreign naturalists into local communities, their capacity to share profound knowledge
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Habitat selection by Grevy's zebra (Equus grevyi): Conservation implications Afr. J. Ecol. (IF 1.0) Pub Date : 2023-11-20 Joseph Nderitu Kirathe, John Maina Githaiga, Robert Mutugi Chira, Daniel I. Rubenstein
Understanding the spatial dynamics of landscape use by free-ranging herbivores is essential for species management and conservation in its natural environment. We used Ivelv’s selection index, binary logistic regression analyses and stepwise regression to understand how environmental factors shape habitat selection by the Grevy’s zebra (Equus greyvi). We measured biotic, abiotic and human factors that
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Large carnivore distribution, conflicts and threats in the east of the Somali region, Ethiopia Afr. J. Ecol. (IF 1.0) Pub Date : 2023-11-10 Fedlu Abdella, Abiot Hailu, Shibru Tilahun, Paul J. Johnson, Hans Bauer
Large carnivore distribution in Ethiopia is not well documented; we did 108 interviews and 12 focus group discussions in six districts of the Somali Region to gather basic information. The Region is not listed as resident range for big cats, but our results indicate widespread presence of cheetah, and possible remnants of lion and leopard occurrence. Spotted and striped hyaena, plus many smaller species
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An AI-based platform to investigate African large carnivore dispersal and demography across broad landscapes: A case study and future directions using African wild dogs Afr. J. Ecol. (IF 1.0) Pub Date : 2023-11-06 Gabriele Cozzi, Maureen Reilly, Daniela Abegg, Dominik M. Behr, Peter Brack, Megan J. Claase, Jason Holmberg, David D. Hofmann, Paul Kalil, Sichelesile Ndlovu, John Neelo, John Weldon McNutt
Understanding dispersal patterns and demographic processes is crucial for the development of evidence-based conservation practices. Obtaining such information relies on the ability to identify and track individuals across spatial and temporal scales relevant to the life-history events under investigation. This knowledge can be achieved by combining photographic and sighting data collected by various
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Population size and social structure of lions in a west African protected area Afr. J. Ecol. (IF 1.0) Pub Date : 2023-11-06 Malle Gueye, Raoul Pellaton, Dorien Van Cauteren, Lisa Mengual, Stefan Van Dongen, Herwig Leirs, Laura D. Bertola, Papa Mor Faye, Babacar Diop, Maniang Mamadoune Diop, Abdoulaye Kanté, Hans de Iongh
To inform the conservation of the Regionally Critically Endangered West African lion, we studied lion population size and social structure in Niokolo Koba National Park (NKNP), Senegal. Calling station and camera trap surveys were conducted and opportunistic lion observations were documented from 2015 to 2020. The average lion density was calculated as 0.50 lion/100 km2 and the population size was
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Population structure and conservation of Cola nitida and Garcinia kola in a West African rainforest area Afr. J. Ecol. (IF 1.0) Pub Date : 2023-11-01 Onyebuchi Patrick Agwu, Adama Bakayoko, Saka Oladunni Jimoh, Friday Nwabueze Ogana, Chidozie Kanu, Porembski Stefan
Native multi-purpose tree species in West Africa, Cola nitida and Garcinia kola have the potential to advance agroforestry practices in the sub-region. There is limited information on the ecology of both species which are currently characterised by low yield (fruit). This study investigated the influences of vegetation type on the population structure and floral association of both species in Nigeria
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Modelling the potential distribution of the common impala (Aepyceros melampus melampus) across Africa's changing climate Afr. J. Ecol. (IF 1.0) Pub Date : 2023-10-27 Simbai Mutematemi, Henry Ndaimani, Justice Muvengwi
The common impala (Aepyceros melampus melampus), a medium-sized herbivore in Eastern and Southern African savannahs, faces challenges from climate change. Using a species distribution model, we found temperature of the driest quarter (30.32%) and wettest month precipitation (20.36%) as the most influential factors. Surprisingly, land cover change had less impact (0.25%). Projections suggest a significant
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Non-fatal removal of ground pangolin (Smutsia temminckii Smuts, 1832) tracking devices by predators Afr. J. Ecol. (IF 1.0) Pub Date : 2023-10-25 Daire Carroll, Jessica Harvey-Carroll, Cara-Marie Trivella, Ellen Connelly
The ground pangolin (Smutsia temminckii Smuts 1832) is vulnerable to extinction due to poaching and trafficking. Recovery of pangolins from the trade and subsequent rehabilitation and release form a core component of pangolin conservation. Post-release monitoring of rehabilitated pangolins through the attachment of very high frequency (VHF) transmitters and satellite devices is carried out to determine
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Evaluating patterns and drivers of mammal space use and richness in the Angolan savannah woodlands of the Kavango-Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area Afr. J. Ecol. (IF 1.0) Pub Date : 2023-10-25 Willem A. Nieman, Alexander E. Botha
Large transboundary protected areas such as the Kavango-Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area (KAZA-TFCA), improve mammal conservation by addressing biodiversity threats on regional and international levels, but an adequate understanding of mammal space use and richness within protected areas is critical for effective management planning. This information has however been missing from the Angolan
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Dynamics and determinants of human–hyaena conflicts in the surroundings of a protected area Afr. J. Ecol. (IF 1.0) Pub Date : 2023-10-25 Prudence Gonhi, Gladman Chibememe, Beaven Utete, Innocent Mahakata, Honest Madamombe
Human–wildlife conflicts (HWC) predominate in areas proximal to wildlife rich protected zones. Whereas herbivore driven HWC is easy to detect, the stealth, nocturnal and predacious nature of carnivores leads to human injury and fatality, livestock depredation and loss of livelihoods in communities proximal to Sengwa Wildlife Research Area (SWRA) in northwest Zimbabwe. This study aimed to: (1) determine
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Intraspecific variation in fruit production of African mahogany (Khaya anthotheca) in a semi-deciduous East African rainforest Afr. J. Ecol. (IF 1.0) Pub Date : 2023-10-25 John Paul Okimat, Fred Babweteera, Martin Ehbrecht
Restoring valuable timber trees is a necessary part of regaining many ecosystem services and products provided by degraded tropical forests. However, knowledge of seed production, a regeneration prerequisite, is limited for many tropical timber tree species. We studied the fruit production of African mahogany (Khaya anthotheca) in a semi-deciduous rainforest in East Africa, to provide information for
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Low redundancy among caddisflies sharing a mid-mountain stream Afr. J. Ecol. (IF 1.0) Pub Date : 2023-10-17 Nic Pacini, Emanuele Travagliante, Stephen Wanjiku Methu, Bruna Gumiero, Mauro Brilli, David Malcolm Harper
In fast-flowing streams, caddisfly larvae are responsible for processes that collectively determine the efficiency with which the detritivore community is able to decompose autochthonous and allochthonous detritus. This ecosystem function ensures high water quality and represents a precious service for resident rural communities. The analysis of δ13C and δ15N in eight caddisfly taxa from a mid-mountain
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Perceptions of farmers towards carnivores in an Ethiopian protected area Afr. J. Ecol. (IF 1.0) Pub Date : 2023-10-14 Simon Shibru, Abraham Tolcha, Meseretu Melese, Belayneh Ayechew, Genaye Tsegaye, Shetie Gatew
We explored farmers' perceptions of the causes and consequences of human-carnivore conflict in Maze National Park, Ethiopia. We selected 225 household heads randomly from five villages for interview using survey questionnaires. We identified the five villages randomly from the 16 that border the park. The majority (75.1%) of the respondents had a negative perception towards the park and the carnivores
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Monitoring spatiotemporal dynamics of large herbivores across an African rangeland using hierarchical multi-species distance sampling Afr. J. Ecol. (IF 1.0) Pub Date : 2023-10-13 Ramiro D. Crego, Harry B. M. Wells, Grant Connette, Jared A. Stabach, Naitareu Soit, Stewart Thompson
A relative lack of standardised long-term monitoring data often limits the ability of African conservancies to quantify their efficacy to protect wildlife. In this study, we combined eight 2-km long transects surveyed monthly between October 2017 and March 2020 (total 240 transects sampled) with a hierarchical multi-species and multi-season distance sampling modelling framework to: (1) estimate monthly
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Seasonal variation in giraffe population density and abundance in the Tsavo landscape, Kenya Afr. J. Ecol. (IF 1.0) Pub Date : 2023-10-08 John Kabue Njueini, Evans Mungai Mwangi, Robert A. Montgomery
The giraffe population is thought to vary seasonally in the Tsavo landscape of Kenya, but little data exists to establish if there indeed exists any variability. This study examined the impact of seasonal variation on the giraffe population in the Tsavo landscape. We conducted road transect counts and found 2683 and 3295 giraffes during the wet and dry seasons, with mean KAI and density of 0.19 ± 0
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Community knowledge on factors behind extirpation of lion Panthera leo in Comoé National Park, Côte d'Ivoire (West Africa) Afr. J. Ecol. (IF 1.0) Pub Date : 2023-10-02 Janvier Aglissi, Etotépé A. Sogbohossou, Jamie Bolam, Hans Bauer
A rise in human disturbance in Comoé National Park (CNP) has led to lion (Panthera leo) extirpation. After the crisis, there have been numerous efforts to restore this ecosystem and CNP's management authority is considering reintroducing lions. This ideally requires an understanding of the earlier process of lion extirpation. We assessed the causes of lion extirpation through semi-structured questionnaires
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Predictors of West African urban bird species richness and composition Afr. J. Ecol. (IF 1.0) Pub Date : 2023-09-26 Festus O. Adegbola, Ibukunoluwa Augustine Ayodele, Soladoye B. Iwajomo, Taiye A. Adeyanju
Urbanisation and its associated habitat loss and fragmentation are considered a major threat to wildlife. In this study, we assessed the predictors of bird species abundance, richness and composition within 70 cells of 500 m by 500 m spread across the five urban areas constituting Ibadan metropolis. A total of 4167 individuals of 55 species belonging to 30 families were recorded. We report that Laughing
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Epi-parasitic mistletoes don't parasitise their host's host and this supports the immunity hypothesis for host choice Afr. J. Ecol. (IF 1.0) Pub Date : 2023-09-14 Jeremy Midgley
Mistletoes have much higher transpiration rates than their hosts. This is the basis for the ecological “compatibility hypothesis” for host choice. The inability of mistletoes to penetrate a host and connect to its vascular system is the competing “immunity hypothesis”. Epi-parasites would have to transpire faster than their host mistletoe, which must transpire faster than its host. Therefore, epi-parasites
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Eco-parcel: An approach to identify and describe attractions to support adapting nature-based tourism destinations to climate-change impacts Afr. J. Ecol. (IF 1.0) Pub Date : 2023-09-11 Halima Kilungu, Pantaleo K. Munishi
Informing climate-change adaptation measures for nature-based tourism destinations is contingent on understanding how individual attractions respond to the impact of climate change. There is, however, no evidence of the existence of specific approaches for linking individual attractions to climate change. The eco-parcel approach is therefore devised to address the gap. The approach follows three simple
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Identification, location and characterisation of spawning grounds and nurseries in the littoral zone of Lake Kivu (eastern DR Congo) Afr. J. Ecol. (IF 1.0) Pub Date : 2023-09-07 Jacques Lutete Mazambi, Jean-Claude Micha, Boniface Mwenyemali Kaningini, Emilie Kaningini Bahati, Wilondja Alimasi, Jacques Walumona Riziki, Gaspard Ntakimazi, Pascal Mulungula Masilya
Worldwide biodiversity is on the brink of extinction following the complete disappearance of many forest and freshwater vertebrates. This disappearance is closely linked to the reduction and disturbance of habitats, which should instead benefit from special conservation. In the case of lake ecosystems, fish spawning grounds remain the most vulnerable. This study aims to identify, characterise and locate
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Evidence for resident African wild dog (Lycaon pictus) populations in Luengue-Luiana National Park, Angola Afr. J. Ecol. (IF 1.0) Pub Date : 2023-09-04 Willem A. Nieman
This study aims to fill the knowledge gap and provide evidence of resident African wild dog (Lycaon pictus) populations in the northeast of Luengue-Luiana National Park (LLNP) in Angola. Camera traps and direct observations were used to collect data between 2021 and 2023. The results confirm the presence of multiple distinct groups of resident wild dogs within LLNP, with 26–28 individuals identified
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Do you see what I see? Variation in detection, identification and enumeration of mammals during transect surveys Afr. J. Ecol. (IF 1.0) Pub Date : 2023-09-01 Anne E. Goodenough, Danielle L. Berry, William S. Carpenter, Melissa Dawson, Natasha Furlong, Rachel J. Lamb, Lynne MacTavish, Niall O'Reilly, Hannah Toms, Lauren H. Whitehead, Adam G. Hart
Effective monitoring, management and conservation of wildlife axiomatically depend on accurate data but causes of variation, including inter-observer variation, are rarely explicitly quantified. Here, under controlled conditions, we demonstrate considerable variation in detection, identification and enumeration of (theoretically) readily identifiable African mammals at a reserve with a known species
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Varied plant species' responses to climate and environmental change on Mount Kenya after 40 years Afr. J. Ecol. (IF 1.0) Pub Date : 2023-08-20 Timothy A. Downing, Daniel O. Olago, Tobias O. Nyumba, Mary M. Peacock, Truman P. Young
Tropical alpine areas are some of the most vulnerable areas in the world to climate change. Their plant communities have narrow thermal niches and have limited geographic areas to expand. Here we examine changes in plant species' abundance and distribution in the Teleki Valley (3900–4500 m asl) of Mount Kenya using a spatially explicit vegetation survey from 1980. Vascular plant species were re-sampled
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Climatic factors affecting seasonal movements of giraffes (Giraffa camelopardalis) in a semi-arid region of South Africa Afr. J. Ecol. (IF 1.0) Pub Date : 2023-08-20 Francois Deacon, Gert Nicolaas Smit, Andri Grobbelaar
To the modern-day conservationist, knowledge on giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis) movement patterns is crucial for the effective management of this increasingly threatened species. The aim of this study was to determine the seasonal distances travelled by giraffes in a highly seasonal semi-arid savanna area and to investigate how specific climatic factors influence their spatial distribution. Distributed
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Cover Image Afr. J. Ecol. (IF 1.0) Pub Date : 2023-08-16
Cover caption: Abissinian roller (Coracias abyssinicus), Mole National Park, Ghana. Photo: Massimiliano Di Vittorio.
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Fence-related mortalities of Temminck's pangolin (Smutsia temminckii) in South Africa quantified through a citizen science approach Afr. J. Ecol. (IF 1.0) Pub Date : 2023-08-17 Leandra Stracquadanio, Samuel Penny, André Ganswindt, Niall Burnside, Bryony Tolhurst
Fence mortalities threaten Temminck's pangolin (Smutsia temminckii) in South Africa. Temminck's pangolins are bipedal, which leads to contact between their unprotected abdomens and electrified wires. We report findings of an online survey of landowners, managers and conservationists to investigate associations between mortalities, fence type and fence perimeter-area ratio, and between mortalities and
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Impact of mechanical shrub removal on encroached mountain rangelands in Lesotho, southern Africa Afr. J. Ecol. (IF 1.0) Pub Date : 2023-08-17 Nkuebe Lerotholi, Lerato Seleteng-Kose, William Odenya, Peter Chatanga, Botle Mapeshoane, Makoala V. Marake
Although rangelands are among the most socio-economically valuable ecosystems, their degradation remains a world-wide problem, especially in sub-Saharan Africa. Lesotho montane rangelands are no exception and are characterised by shrub encroachment and deterioration. As a result, the Lesotho Government has invested heavily on a programme of uprooting the shrubs across the country. Although the programme
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Rapid development of individual identification and presence systems for a critically endangered antelope, the Mountain bongo Afr. J. Ecol. (IF 1.0) Pub Date : 2023-08-13 Tommy Sandri, Donald Bunge, Fred Omengo, Bradley Cain, Martin Jones, W. Edwin Harris
Monitoring of species, particularly remnant populations requiring urgent conservation is often hampered by the lack of reliable tools for individual identification (using images or their spoor). Here, we develop rapid monitoring tools for individual animals of the Mountain bongo (Tragelaphus eurycerus isaaci), a critically endangered subspecies of the bongo only found in Kenya. We developed and tested
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Dynamics of land use land cover change in an East African inland valley wetland Afr. J. Ecol. (IF 1.0) Pub Date : 2023-08-13 Rebecca Gimbo, John Bosco Mukundi, David Mwehia Mburu, John Stephen Balirwa
The dynamics of inland valley wetlands landuse landcover (LULC) changes are of ecological and economical significance hence necessitating up-to-date datasets of resource status. Nalwekomba inland valley wetland is highly agriculturally utilised yet ecologically important wetland threatened with conversion. Historical LULC data sets as bench marks justifying wetland conservation are lacking. Therefore
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Assessing protected area effectiveness in western Tanzania: Insights from repeated line transect surveys Afr. J. Ecol. (IF 1.0) Pub Date : 2023-08-07 Christian Kiffner, Richard A. Giliba, Pascal Fust, Jacqueline Loos, Matthias Waltert
In many parts of East Africa, wildlife populations have declined over the past decades. Given these trends, site-based studies are needed to assess how protected areas with differing management strategies enable the effective conservation of wildlife populations. In Tanzania, game reserves are managed for tourist hunting, while national parks are managed for non-consumptive wildlife-based tourism.
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Seedling growth and spinescence of three Vachellia species' populations in valleys formed by tectonic uplift Afr. J. Ecol. (IF 1.0) Pub Date : 2023-08-03 Peter F. Scogings, Ntuthuko R. Mkhize
The Southeastern Coastal Hinterland geomorphic province of South Africa is dissected by deep valleys created by tectonic uplift in the early Miocene and late Miocene/early Pliocene. We hypothesised that seedlings of Vachellia nilotica, V. tortilis and V. karroo grown from seeds from different valleys would differ in growth and spinescence because of geographical separation. Ninety seedlings (30 per