African Journal of Ecology最新文献

{"title":"Evaluating the Accuracy of Owner-Reported Sex Determination of Pet African Grey Parrots (Psittacus erithacus) From Urban Households Through DNA Analysis and Implications for Conservation","authors":"Antoinette Aluoch Miyunga,&nbsp;Winfridah Bwari Onyari,&nbsp;Bernard Rono,&nbsp;Khadija Rajab,&nbsp;Kepha Ouru,&nbsp;Mukami Ruoro,&nbsp;Jemima Ngari,&nbsp;Moses Yongo Otiende,&nbsp;Rawlynce Cheruiyot Bett,&nbsp;Joel Winyo Ochieng","doi":"10.1111/aje.70237","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/aje.70237","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Sex determination in parrots based on external morphology remains challenging, particularly in African grey parrots (<i>Psittacus erithacus</i>), which lack pronounced sexual dimorphism. In this study, we evaluated the accuracy of morphological sex assignment in pet African grey parrots by comparing owner-reported phenotypic sex with molecular genotyping of the sex-linked chromohelicase-DNA-binding gene. Among 715 individuals sampled during a national registration exercise, 44.6% were found to be misdiagnosed based on morphology, while 9% could not be assigned a sex by owners using morphology. Females were more frequently misclassified as males, likely due to the absence of egg-laying behaviour as a visual cue. Morphometric analysis revealed no significant differences between males and females in the traits measured. These findings highlight widespread inaccuracies in phenotypic sex assignment across captive populations. We discuss these findings and possible implications for breeding management, community-based conservation efforts and potential species reintroduction programmes.</p>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":7844,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Ecology","volume":"64 7","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2026-10-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149205623","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}

{"title":"Effects of Neltuma juliflora (Sw.) DC. Invasion on Soil Health: A Case Study of Areas Bordering the Nyumba Ya Mungu Reservoir, Northern Tanzania","authors":"Juma Ayoub Tegeje,&nbsp;Msafiri Yusuph Mkonda,&nbsp;Zarah Pattison,&nbsp;Charles Joseph Kilawe","doi":"10.1111/aje.70236","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/aje.70236","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 <p>African drylands face growing pressures from land use change, climate change and non-native plant invasions. Invasive tree species can alter soil functioning by modifying physical, chemical and biological indicators of soil health, but quantitative evidence of these impacts remains limited. This study assessed the effects of <i>Neltuma juliflora</i> (formerly <i>Prosopis juliflora</i>) invasion on physical, chemical and biological indicators of soil health in the drylands of northern Tanzania. To compare soil health indicators, 50 paired invaded–uninvaded (20 × 20 m) plots were surveyed and data analysed using generalized linear mixed models. Response variables included soil organic carbon, carbon dioxide efflux, bulk density, soil pH, total nitrogen, available phosphorus, the C:N ratio, soil moisture and soil temperature, with invasion status (1 = invaded, 0 = uninvaded) as the predictor variable. Results showed that <i>N. juliflora</i> invasion was associated with significant (<i>p</i> &lt; 0.001) increases in soil organic carbon and total nitrogen, suggesting enhanced soil nutrient status. Soil organic carbon increased from 0.30% to 0.75% and total nitrogen from 0.04% to 0.09%. Carbon dioxide efflux increased from 5.53 to 12.34 g m⁻² day⁻¹, suggesting soil carbon loss through soil respiration, while bulk density increased from 1.54 to 1.62 g cm⁻³, and soil pH from 6.8 to 7.4, reflecting deterioration of physical soil condition through compaction and alkalinization, respectively. However, available phosphorus, soil moisture, soil temperature and the C:N ratio did not differ significantly <i>(p</i> &gt; 0.05) between invaded and uninvaded areas. These findings highlight that <i>N. juliflora</i> invasion creates an ecological trade-off, improving some soil health indicators while leaving others unchanged or negatively affected. The impacts of <i>N. juliflora</i> invasion are therefore multifaceted and require balanced consideration in dryland ecosystem management.</p>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":7844,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Ecology","volume":"64 7","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2026-10-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149146079","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}

{"title":"Does Fine Fuel Accumulate Over Time in Fire-Free Areas of the Guinea Savanna?","authors":"Aoussou Doumbia,&nbsp;Aya Brigitte N'Dri,&nbsp;Aka Jean-Noël Kpre","doi":"10.1111/aje.70233","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/aje.70233","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Following fires, fine fuel accumulation (standing grass and fallen leaves from grasses and trees) is generally considered a factor that may enhance the likelihood of subsequent fire. However, the influence of the duration of fire exclusion on fine fuel accumulation remains uncertain. In protected areas of the Guinea savanna, woody encroachment (WE) is increasingly occurring. In certain years, WE prevents fire from penetrating the encroached zones, it is therefore necessary to study fine fuel dynamics. This study investigated fuel accumulation in unburnt plots over ten successive years. It was conducted at three distinct sites, each including two plots: a plot subjected to annual prescribed burning in mid-dry season (BU) and an unburnt plot (UNB). Overall, grass biomass which is the main component of fuel, did not vary significantly between the two fire treatments after 10 years. A significantly greater litter biomass was observed in UNB plots. This litter followed a biennial cycle in UNB plots: it increased for two successive years due to the falling of standing grass, then decreased in the third year before beginning a new phase of accumulation. Total fine fuel load did not differ significantly between the two fire treatments after 10 years (1.00 ± 0.09 vs. 1.18 ± 0.12 kg m⁻² for BU and UNB, respectively). The decrease in grass density over the years, combined with a likely high rate of litter decomposition and termite activity, maintained the total fine fuel load of UNB plots at a relatively stable level. Our study highlights that the total fine fuel load does not accumulate continuously in unburnt sites.</p>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":7844,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Ecology","volume":"64 7","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2026-10-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149146080","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}

{"title":"Environmental Factors' Effect on Alpha and Beta Diversity of Butterflies in North-East Algerian Forests","authors":"Zineb Fafa,&nbsp;Nora Talmat-Chaouchi,&nbsp;Riadh Moulai,&nbsp;Mohammed Fafa,&nbsp;Mohammed El Arbi Mayache","doi":"10.1111/aje.70226","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/aje.70226","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 <p>The specific factors determining butterfly alpha and beta diversity in Algerian forests remain insufficiently understood; not a single study has yet addressed this issue. Most previous studies in the region have exclusively focused on richness and abundance without evaluating how environmental variables shape community diversity. To address this knowledge gap, we conducted a field survey from May 2019 to March 2021 across three forest massifs in North-east Algeria. Each forest comprised three distinct habitat types: a garrigue, Cork oak stands (COS) and Zean oak stands (ZOS). Canopy cover, vegetation and microclimate were considered as the main drivers of alpha and beta diversity. We quantified two autoecological traits of butterflies: larval host specificity and habitat specialization. Butterflies were counted along fixed transects using a hand net. We recorded 4879 individuals, representing 61 species of butterflies belonging to six families. Out of these, 13% are North African endemic species. More than 22% are forest specialists and 26% are monophagous. Across the structural vegetation gradient from open garrigues to closed COS and ZOS, alpha diversity for total butterflies declined. In contrast, forest specialists and monophagous species generally thrived in ZOS. Beta diversity was higher in ZOS and COS, whereas butterfly communities in garrigues exhibited a more homogeneous composition. Alpha diversity was mainly shaped by microclimate, canopy cover, season, habitat type, as well as shrub and herb cover percentage. Conversely, beta diversity was primarily influenced by canopy cover, microclimate and vegetation. Finally, we identified 9 indicator species, suitable for long-term ecosystem monitoring programs in Algerian forests.</p>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":7844,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Ecology","volume":"64 7","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2026-10-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149145952","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}

{"title":"Diversity Patterns and Land Snail Assemblage Structure in the Forest-Savannah Mosaic of Lamto Reserve, Central Côte d'Ivoire","authors":"Pokou Konan Pacôme,&nbsp;N'Dri Amani Saint-Clair,&nbsp;Kouassi Kouadio Daniel,&nbsp;Sika Nygblé Angèle","doi":"10.1111/aje.70234","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/aje.70234","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 <p>This study assessed the diversity and structure of land snail assemblages in the forest-savannah mosaic of the Lamto Reserve. Snails were sampled monthly for 1 year using direct search and litter sieving across eight plots (4 plots of 400 m² per habitat type). A total of 749 individuals belonging to 18 species and 8 families were recorded. Abundance, species richness, Shannon diversity and evenness were higher in the forest island than in the annually burned savannah, whereas the Berger–Parker index was higher in the savannah, reflecting stronger dominance by few species. Community composition differed significantly between habitats. Two species were identified as indicators of the forest island, while none were associated with the annually burned savannah. Community structure was primarily associated with canopy cover, soil calcium, and pH. These findings highlight the combined role of vegetation structure, microclimatic conditions and soil properties in shaping terrestrial gastropod assemblages and identify forest islands as important biodiversity refugia for land snails within fire-maintained savannah landscapes.</p>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":7844,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Ecology","volume":"64 7","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2026-10-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149145655","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}

{"title":"Root Colonization and Plant Growth Promotion of the Coastal Dune Legume Retama monosperma (L.) Boiss. by Pseudomonas sp. PK31","authors":"Nassima Draou,&nbsp;Hassiba Bokhari,&nbsp;Cheikh Bergane,&nbsp;Norelhouda Kraifi,&nbsp;Nawel Selami,&nbsp;Abderezzak Djabeur","doi":"10.1111/aje.70235","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/aje.70235","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Non-rhizobial endophytes constitute a diverse and significant component of the microbial communities associated with legume nodules. However, their colonization patterns within native host tissues and their contribution to plant growth promotion remain poorly understood. This study investigated the plant growth-promoting potential and root colonization behaviour of <i>Pseudomonas</i> sp. PK31, a non-rhizobial endophyte isolated from surface-sterilized root nodules of <i>Retama monosperma</i> collected from coastal dunes in northwestern Algeria. Strain PK31 was identified through 16S rRNA gene sequencing and phylogenetic analysis. <i>R. monosperma</i> seedlings were grown under nitrogen-free hydroponic conditions with or without PK31 inoculation. Root colonization was examined 10 days post-inoculation using bright-field microscopy and histological analysis. Plant growth parameters were assessed 30 days after inoculation. PK31 significantly increased shoot length (+36.9%, adjusted <i>p</i> = 0.022) and shoot fresh mass (+46.7%, adjusted <i>p</i> = 0.014). Histological observations revealed preferential bacterial colonization of the elongation and root-hair zones, with bacterial cells present in the epidermis and outer cortex, forming discrete intra- and intercellular pockets accompanied by localized cortical cell divisions. This study provides the first description of the epi–endophytic colonization behaviour of <i>Pseudomonas</i> sp. PK31 in its native host, demonstrating that root colonization is associated with enhanced seedling growth under nitrogen-free conditions. These findings suggest that PK31 is a promising candidate for further evaluation as a bioinoculant for low-input agriculture and ecosystem restoration in semi-arid environments.</p>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":7844,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Ecology","volume":"64 7","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2026-10-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149145657","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}

{"title":"Complementarity of Camera Traps and Ranger Patrols Shapes Rhino Detection Patterns in Matobo National Park, Zimbabwe","authors":"Diana Marewangepo,&nbsp;Blessing Kavhu","doi":"10.1111/aje.70229","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/aje.70229","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Poaching remains a critical threat to African rhinoceros' populations, necessitating monitoring systems that are both ecologically informative and operationally effective. However, detection data are shaped not only by animal distribution but also by how monitoring design interacts with the environment. We evaluated how camera traps and ranger patrols differ in their environmental detection signatures and spatial coverage for rhino monitoring in Matobo National Park, Zimbabwe. We modelled rhino detections using 19 bioclimatic variables, Normalised Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), and distances to roads and water sources. We built separate Random Forest models for patrol-only, camera trap-only, and combined datasets. We found that camera trap detections were most strongly associated with NDVI and proximity to water, whereas patrol detections were primarily structured by proximity to roads. Precipitation-related variables contributed more strongly than temperature variables across models, indicating that rainfall gradients play an important role in structuring detection patterns. Model performance improved substantially when datasets were combined (AUC = 0.92) relative to patrol-only (AUC = 0.84) or camera-only (AUC = 0.76) models, and the integrated model predicted the largest spatial detection extent. Our findings demonstrate that monitoring outputs reflect both ecological processes and sampling design. Camera traps and patrols capture complementary components of rhino space use, and integrating both methods reduces method-specific bias. Effective rhino conservation therefore requires explicitly aligning monitoring strategies with ecological objectives while maintaining broad spatial security coverage.</p>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":7844,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Ecology","volume":"64 7","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2026-10-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149145546","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}

{"title":"Comparative Analysis of Woody Species Diversity and Community Structure in the Core and Buffer Zones of a Tropical Moist Afromontane Forest","authors":"Damena Edae Daba,&nbsp;Bikila Workineh Dullo,&nbsp;Teshome Soromessa,&nbsp;Samuel Taye Galu","doi":"10.1111/aje.70232","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/aje.70232","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 <p>The effectiveness of Biosphere Reserves in conserving biodiversity, especially in tropical regions under anthropogenic pressure, requires periodic evaluation. This study was aimed to examine the effectiveness of Yayu Forest-Coffee Biosphere Reserve in southwestern Ethiopia in preserving woody plant diversity, considering the impacts of coffee plant intensification within the buffer zone. The vegetation and environmental data were collected systematically from 100 quadrats (52 in the core zone, 48 in the buffer zone) across topographic gradients. In the Biosphere Reserve, 78 woody plant species were recorded. The Shannon-Wiener diversity index (H′) was significantly higher in quadrats of the core zone (2.04 ± 0.05) than in the buffer zone (1.72 ± 0.06). <i>Coffea arabica</i> L. abundance explained 47.17% of H′ variation in the buffer zone. A total of three distinct plant communities were identified. The H′ values for the three identified communities were 2.74, 3.28, and 3.41 in the core zone and 2.89, 3.30, and 3.64 within the buffer zone. The findings suggest that intensive management of <i>Coffea arabica</i> may have a negative effect on woody species diversity within the buffer zone of the Biosphere Reserve. The study indicates the need for conservation and management plans in the buffer zone that align with biodiversity conservation goals while supporting community livelihoods.</p>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":7844,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Ecology","volume":"64 7","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2026-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149145767","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}

{"title":"Extensive Use of Ageing Fence Poles in a Protected Area in South Africa by Reptiles and Birds","authors":"Robert Kyle,&nbsp;Kirsty J. Kyle,&nbsp;Colleen T. Downs","doi":"10.1111/aje.70231","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/aje.70231","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Formal protected area management often requires fences and roads, and these can have negative impacts on animals. During many visits to Ndumo Game Reserve, in northwestern KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, the authors noticed substantial numbers of several species of reptiles and birds using the older fence posts along the southern boundary road for various purposes, including shelter, nesting, and possibly as vantage points for feeding. We postulate that, far from being detrimental to all species, these older poles can provide important ‘services’ to some animals.</p>","PeriodicalId":7844,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Ecology","volume":"64 7","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2026-09-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/aje.70231","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149146953","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Beyond Park Boundaries: Pastoral Rangelands as Functional Habitat for Migratory Herbivores in the Serengeti Ecosystem","authors":"Fred Ledidi,&nbsp;Kelvin Shoo,&nbsp;Isa Naline Noor,&nbsp;A. W. Kisingo,&nbsp;Han Olff","doi":"10.1111/aje.70223","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/aje.70223","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Communal rangelands outside core protected areas are vital for biodiversity conservation and pastoral livelihoods. The Serengeti–Mara Ecosystem (SME) in Tanzania and Kenya includes both protected areas and communal areas that border the parks. The communal areas provide seasonal habitats for migratory and resident wildlife while also supporting livestock grazing by Masai pastoralists. This study assessed the distribution and seasonal use of communal rangelands in Loliondo by wildlife and livestock to facilitate sustainable rangeland management and land-use planning. Fourteen 4 km transects were established across three sites: the Loliondo Plains (365 km²), Sukenya Plains (71 km²), and Enashiva Nature Reserve (40 km²), and surveys were conducted during wet and dry seasons from February 2023 to October 2025. We found that wildlife abundance was highest in the Loliondo Plains, particularly during the wet season. Population estimates for wildebeest, zebra, and Thomson's gazelle ranged from 50,000 to 100,000 animals, with calves indicating the area's importance as a key calving area. Livestock densities were greatest in the Sukenya Plains, especially during the dry season. Loliondo Plains and Enashiva Nature Reserve supported very high wet-season wildlife and juvenile densities (100–300 individuals/km² for each species), much higher than those in the Sukenya Plains, indicating their importance as breeding and seasonal grazing habitats. Rainfall variability strongly influenced the spatial and seasonal distribution of both wildlife and livestock; in the wet year 2024, the species remained on the plains for much longer. These findings highlight the ecological significance of communal rangelands outside protected areas in sustaining migratory connectivity and pastoral livelihoods. We recommend participatory land-use planning to balance livestock production, wildlife conservation, and sustainable resource use in the eastern SME.</p>","PeriodicalId":7844,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Ecology","volume":"64 7","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2026-09-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/aje.70223","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149048545","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}