African Journal of Ecology最新文献

Unravelling the Influence of Coastal Pollution on Sea Turtle Habitat Use in Delta State, Nigeria 揭示海岸污染对尼日利亚三角洲州海龟栖息地利用的影响

IF 1.1 4区环境科学与生态学

African Journal of Ecology Pub Date : 2025-09-29 DOI: 10.1111/aje.70109

Francis Ofurum Arimoro, Edike Adewumi Kaine, Robert Bemigho Ikomi, Kate Isioma Iloba, Augustine Ovie Edegbene

{"title":"Unravelling the Influence of Coastal Pollution on Sea Turtle Habitat Use in Delta State, Nigeria","authors":"Francis Ofurum Arimoro, Edike Adewumi Kaine, Robert Bemigho Ikomi, Kate Isioma Iloba, Augustine Ovie Edegbene","doi":"10.1111/aje.70109","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/aje.70109","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 Sea turtle populations around the world are seriously threatened by coastal pollution, which jeopardises their survival, habitats and health. This study examines the impact of coastal pollution on sea turtle habitat use in Delta State, Nigeria, a region characterised by intense oil and gas operations. During an intensive study spanning for 21 months between November 2019 and August 2021 along the river mouths of the Benin, Escravos and Forcados estuaries, three sea turtle species were recorded: Dermochelys coriacea, Chelonia mydas and Lepidochelys olivacea, with L. olivacea being the most preponderant, accounting for 59.5% of the total sightings. Other important findings include poor health conditions and uneven species diversity. Others include alarming trends in the erosion of the coastline (approximately 462 m between 2006 and 2021), which threatens the long-term survival of these iconic species. To assess the vulnerability of sea turtle habitats to pollution, we employed a Habitat Sensitivity Index (HSI). Our results show that sea turtle habitats in the study area are highly sensitive to pollution, with HSI scores ranging between 0.6 and 0.9. The main parameters influencing habitat sensitivity were identified as total hydrocarbon, dissolved oxygen and conductivity. Our research provides important highlights on how sea turtle distribution patterns relate to coastal pollution, emphasising the critical need for conservation and management measures to save these vulnerable creatures. The study's findings have significant ramifications for stakeholders, conservationists and legislators working to save the area's sea turtle populations.\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":7844,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Ecology","volume":"63 7","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2025-09-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145224159","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}

引用次数: 0

Spatial and Seasonal Patterns of African Savannah Elephant (Loxodonta africana) Habitat Use in an East African Multiuse Landscape 东非多用途景观中非洲大草原象生境利用的空间和季节格局

IF 1.1 4区环境科学与生态学

African Journal of Ecology Pub Date : 2025-09-26 DOI: 10.1111/aje.70105

Muteti Zacharia Mutinda, Lydia Natalie Tiller, George Gatere Ndiritu, Lucy King, Duncan Kimuyu

{"title":"Spatial and Seasonal Patterns of African Savannah Elephant (Loxodonta africana) Habitat Use in an East African Multiuse Landscape","authors":"Muteti Zacharia Mutinda, Lydia Natalie Tiller, George Gatere Ndiritu, Lucy King, Duncan Kimuyu","doi":"10.1111/aje.70105","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/aje.70105","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 Understanding the spatial and seasonal distribution of African savannah elephants (Loxodonta africana) is critical for conservation and human–elephant conflict (HEC) mitigation in multiuse landscapes. This study assessed African savannah elephant habitat use around Lake Jipe in southern Kenya, across protected and unprotected areas. Using dung density as an index of African savannah elephant presence, systematic quadrant surveys were conducted in three habitat zones during both wet and dry seasons. Environmental variables, including vegetation structure and forage quality, were also evaluated to explore ecological drivers of distribution. Dung densities were consistently higher in protected areas, suggesting a preference for secure habitats. Fewer dung piles were recorded in the dry season than in the wet season, indicating possible seasonal dispersal. African savannah elephant presence declined with increasing distance from the lake, suggesting a strong attraction to lake-associated habitats. Vegetation structure differed across zones; protected areas supported higher grass cover, while unprotected areas showed greater woody species diversity, likely reflecting varied land use. However, no distinct ecological separation was found between zones, indicating localised or anthropogenic factors may influence habitat use. These findings highlight the ecological importance of both land types and suggest that effective management may benefit from spatially adaptive, seasonally informed strategies.\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":7844,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Ecology","volume":"63 7","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2025-09-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145172038","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}

引用次数: 0

Estimating the Taxonomic Richness and Functional Structure of Ant Communities in Olive Groves of Kabylia, Algeria 阿尔及利亚卡比利亚橄榄林蚂蚁群落的分类丰富度和功能结构估算

IF 1.1 4区环境科学与生态学

African Journal of Ecology Pub Date : 2025-09-26 DOI: 10.1111/aje.70106

Lidya Hamecha, Ghania Barech, Djamila Ali Ahmed, Mourad Khaldi, Enrico Schifani, Rumsais Blatrix, Henri Cagniant

{"title":"Estimating the Taxonomic Richness and Functional Structure of Ant Communities in Olive Groves of Kabylia, Algeria","authors":"Lidya Hamecha, Ghania Barech, Djamila Ali Ahmed, Mourad Khaldi, Enrico Schifani, Rumsais Blatrix, Henri Cagniant","doi":"10.1111/aje.70106","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/aje.70106","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 Ants are indicators of habitat disturbance and key providers of ecological services and disservices to agricultural activities. We assessed species richness and functional structure of ant communities in olive groves of the Kabylia region, in northern Algeria. We compared three sampling methods (pitfall traps, hand capture, and bait traps) in four orchards with different elevations. We identified 53 ant species belonging to 17 genera and four subfamilies: Dorylinae, Dolichoderinae, Formicinae, and Myrmicinae. Species richness varied among orchards from 24 to 30, with species accumulation curves suggesting satisfactory coverage at all sites. Hand capture had the highest success per effort, while baits performed the worst. Overall, Kabylia's olive groves were richer in species than many Mediterranean agricultural and even some natural habitats documented in the literature, revealing relatively high ant diversity. Ants were classified into eight functional groups, with an overall composition comparable to similar studies conducted in southern Europe. Hot Climate Specialists, Generalised Myrmicinae, and Opportunists dominated, highlighting the role of thermal stress on the functional composition of the ant communities in the study sites. Many detected species may contribute to key ecological services, including soil enrichment and biological control of weeds and insects.\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":7844,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Ecology","volume":"63 7","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2025-09-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145172039","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}

引用次数: 0

Understanding Biodiversity in Togo: Unravelling Species Richness and Distribution Patterns in Tropical Ecosystems 了解多哥的生物多样性：揭示热带生态系统的物种丰富度和分布模式

IF 1.1 4区环境科学与生态学

African Journal of Ecology Pub Date : 2025-09-22 DOI: 10.1111/aje.70107

Demirel Maza-esso Bawa, Bilouktime Badjaré, Fousséni Foléga, Liu Weiguo, Jasmina Šinžar-Sekulić, Wala Kperkouma, Batawila Komlan

{"title":"Understanding Biodiversity in Togo: Unravelling Species Richness and Distribution Patterns in Tropical Ecosystems","authors":"Demirel Maza-esso Bawa, Bilouktime Badjaré, Fousséni Foléga, Liu Weiguo, Jasmina Šinžar-Sekulić, Wala Kperkouma, Batawila Komlan","doi":"10.1111/aje.70107","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/aje.70107","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 This study investigates the latitudinal patterns of species richness in tropical forests of Togo, focusing on the roles of species abundance distribution (SAD), total abundance (N) and spatial aggregation (AGG). By analysing biodiversity metrics along a latitudinal gradient, we aim to elucidate the key factors influencing species diversity in this region. Our findings reveal distinct differences between tree and herbaceous species, with tree species exhibiting a positive correlation between richness and total abundance, while herbaceous species show a negative relationship, indicating higher sensitivity to sampling effort. The study highlights the importance of SAD and AGG in shaping biodiversity patterns, with tree species benefiting from a more balanced abundance distribution compared to herbaceous species. Additionally, the research underscores the need for a comprehensive understanding of biodiversity dynamics, considering both ecological and anthropogenic influences. Despite limitations related to geographical scope and sampling methodologies, this study contributes valuable insights into the mechanisms driving biodiversity in tropical ecosystems. The results have significant implications for conservation strategies, emphasising the necessity of preserving diverse habitats to maintain ecological balance and resilience in the face of climate change and human impacts.\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":7844,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Ecology","volume":"63 7","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2025-09-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145110725","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}

引用次数: 0

Willingness to Pay for Forest Restoration in Togo: Comparison of Estimates From Choice Experiment, Contingent Valuation and Travel Cost Methods 多哥森林恢复的支付意愿：选择实验、条件评估和旅行成本方法估算的比较

IF 1.1 4区环境科学与生态学

African Journal of Ecology Pub Date : 2025-09-16 DOI: 10.1111/aje.70102

Kpanoga Kolombia, Koffi Yovo

引用次数: 0

Influence of the False Umbrella Thorn (Vachellia reficiens) on Native Tree Species Composition and Diversity in East African Rangelands 假伞刺对东非草原原生树种组成和多样性的影响

IF 1.1 4区环境科学与生态学

African Journal of Ecology Pub Date : 2025-09-16 DOI: 10.1111/aje.70104

Michael S. Mosha, Vedasto G. Ndibalema, Geofrey E. Soka

{"title":"Influence of the False Umbrella Thorn (Vachellia reficiens) on Native Tree Species Composition and Diversity in East African Rangelands","authors":"Michael S. Mosha, Vedasto G. Ndibalema, Geofrey E. Soka","doi":"10.1111/aje.70104","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/aje.70104","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 Invasive species are known to disrupt native biodiversity, altering plant community composition and ecosystem dynamics. This study examined the influence of Vachellia reficiens, an invasive species, on native plant communities in the Maasai rangelands of Tanzania. Ecological data were collected from 40 paired plots (20 invaded and 20 non-invaded) randomly placed across the landscape, with each plot measuring 50 × 50 m and separated by 50 m to control for environmental conditions. In each plot, all vascular tree species were identified and tree stem counts recorded, with elevation included as an environmental parameter. Species composition and diversity were compared between invaded and non-invaded plots using Shannon-Weiner and Simpson diversity indices. Non-metric multidimensional scaling (NMDS) and Bray–Curtis dissimilarity revealed significant differences in species composition between invaded and non-invaded plots (ANOSIM, R = 0.239, p = 0.001). Indicator species analysis identified several native species, such as V. tortilis (p = 0.001), C. Africana (p = 0.002), V. mellifera (p = 0.004) and S. persica (p = 0.007), as significantly associated with non-invaded plots, indicating their vulnerability to invasion. Diversity indices, species richness (p = 0.011), Shannon-Weiner (p = 0.010) and Simpson (p = 0.015) were significantly lower in invaded areas, suggesting reduced diversity. Although elevation had a lesser influence, it slightly improved model fit. The results suggest that V. reficiens reduces spatial heterogeneity; hence, it homogenises plant communities and lowers native species diversity. Management efforts should prioritise controlling the spread of V. reficiens to protect the biodiversity and ecological health of the rangelands.\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":7844,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Ecology","volume":"63 7","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2025-09-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145101543","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}

引用次数: 0

Economic Growth, Governance and Endangered Species Conservation in Africa 非洲的经济增长、治理和濒危物种保护

IF 1.1 4区环境科学与生态学

African Journal of Ecology Pub Date : 2025-09-16 DOI: 10.1111/aje.70103

Didier Tatoutchoup, Imbe Ayman Louguet

引用次数: 0

Population Patterns and Environmental Determinants of Warburgia ugandensis (Sprague) in Northern Tanzania 坦桑尼亚北部乌干达瓦布贾种群格局及环境决定因素

IF 1.1 4区环境科学与生态学

African Journal of Ecology Pub Date : 2025-09-15 DOI: 10.1111/aje.70101

Letan K. Mollel, Linus K. Munishi, Richard A. Giliba

{"title":"Population Patterns and Environmental Determinants of Warburgia ugandensis (Sprague) in Northern Tanzania","authors":"Letan K. Mollel, Linus K. Munishi, Richard A. Giliba","doi":"10.1111/aje.70101","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/aje.70101","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 Warburgia ugandensis is a valuable medicinal tree native to East Africa, yet its populations are declining due to unsustainable harvesting and habitat degradation. Despite its ecological and socio-economic importance, there is limited information on its current population status and the environmental factors shaping its distribution across different landscapes in northern Tanzania. This study assessed the population density and distribution patterns of W. ugandensis across selected mountainous regions (Mt. Kilimanjaro, Mt. Ketumbeine, Mt. Monduli, Mt. Gelai, and Mt. Longido) in northern Tanzania, and determined how these are affected by land use, elevation gradients, and environmental factors. Data collection involved stratified random sampling across elevation ranges (1000–2500 m a.s.l), encompassing diverse land-use types (national parks, forest reserves, croplands, grazing lands, and settlements). Population density significantly varied among land-use types, with forest reserves showing the highest densities (6.485 ± 1.628 stems/ha), significantly higher than grazing lands (1.833 ± 1.369 stems/ha). Elevation positively correlated with density, where the highest elevations (2001–2500 m a.s.l) supported the greatest density (6.937 ± 1.837 stems/ha). GLM analysis highlighted that elevation, temperature, soil organic carbon, soil pH, and nitrogen significantly influenced W. ugandensis densities. Spatial mapping revealed population hotspots around Mt. Kitumbeine and Mt. Kilimanjaro, highlighting these as priority areas for conservation. Management strategies should prioritise high-elevation forest reserves, considering the critical environmental and soil parameters influencing W. ugandensis distribution.\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":7844,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Ecology","volume":"63 7","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2025-09-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145101056","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}

引用次数: 0

Range Size and Body Size Variation in Afrotropical Montane Millipedes: Test of Ecogeographical Rules 热带山地千足虫的活动范围和体型变化：生态地理规律的检验

IF 1.1 4区环境科学与生态学

African Journal of Ecology Pub Date : 2025-09-10 DOI: 10.1111/aje.70100

Mbenoun Masse Paul Serge, Samuel Didier Makon, Woubassi Wuibe Ulrich Sidoine, Bilong Bilong Charles Felix

{"title":"Range Size and Body Size Variation in Afrotropical Montane Millipedes: Test of Ecogeographical Rules","authors":"Mbenoun Masse Paul Serge, Samuel Didier Makon, Woubassi Wuibe Ulrich Sidoine, Bilong Bilong Charles Felix","doi":"10.1111/aje.70100","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/aje.70100","url":null,"abstract":"Several environmental factors influence geographic variation in body size, range size, and distribution of animals along an altitudinal gradient. In this study, we investigated the effects of altitude and temperature on two morphometric characteristics: body length and trunk width. We evaluated also the species distribution and tested several ecogeographical rules in millipede populations collected across three elevation bands (0–400 m, 401–800 m, and 801–1200 m above sea level). Our results revealed a negative correlation between temperature and altitude, with mean body length and mean trunk width of millipede populations exhibiting an increase from lower to higher altitudes, both of which were negatively correlated with temperature. Additionally, many specialist species occurred at higher elevations while generalist species had a broader distribution range. Species richness increased from lower elevations to mid-elevations and peaked at higher elevations. These patterns underscore that both body size and range size increase with elevation, thereby supporting Bergmann and Stevens rules. However, species richness exhibited a more monotonic increase pattern due to higher human activities found at different elevations. These findings suggest that millipede range size and body size are strongly influenced by a complex interplay of biological and environmental factors along elevational gradients within afrotropical montane ecosystems.","PeriodicalId":7844,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Ecology","volume":"63 7","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2025-09-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/aje.70100","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145022137","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}

引用次数: 0

Dung Beetles, Shifting Landscapes and the Ecology of Excrement in Southern Africa's Savannahs 屎壳虫，非洲南部大草原上不断变化的景观和粪便生态

IF 1.1 4区环境科学与生态学

African Journal of Ecology Pub Date : 2025-09-01 DOI: 10.1111/aje.70097

Homage Jubilant Ncube, Patmore Ngorima, Tawanda Tarakini

{"title":"Dung Beetles, Shifting Landscapes and the Ecology of Excrement in Southern Africa's Savannahs","authors":"Homage Jubilant Ncube, Patmore Ngorima, Tawanda Tarakini","doi":"10.1111/aje.70097","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/aje.70097","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 Scarabids communities (dung beetles) perform critical services in savannah ecosystems including nutrient cycling and soil enrichment but studies that investigate their feeding ecology are still limited. This study aimed to determine the diversity of scarab beetles as well as investigating their associations with vegetation and dung types in Mana Pools National Park, Zimbabwe. Dung traps were used to sample the beetles using three types of dung baits (elephant, buffalo and human) in five vegetation types (mopane, riverine, jesse, miombo and the floodplain) during different times of the day (mornings and afternoons). A total of 52 scarab beetle species were identified during the study period with Kurtops signatus and Neosisyphus calcaratus being the most numerous. The riverine and mopane had the highest scarab beetle abundance and diversity respectively. The elephant dung had the highest beetle numbers but the highest scarab beetle diversity was observed on human faeces. The Euonthophagus vicarius was positively associated with miombo vegetation; Onitis viridulus with riverine vegetation and Sisyphus impressipennis with jesse vegetation. The observed non-random niche overlap suggests that scarab beetle assemblages are structured by deterministic ecological processes rather than stochastic dispersal alone. These results also suggest that dung beetle species preferentially utilise forage resources and that changes in composition of animals in the protected areas may affect their diversity. The projected climatic changes, changes in vegetation and herbivore distribution may also disrupt the services provided by the scarabids.\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":7844,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Ecology","volume":"63 7","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144923605","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}

引用次数: 0