African Journal of Ecology最新文献

{"title":"Landscape Connectivity Modelling for the African Savannah Elephant With Spatial Absorbing Markov Chain and Predicting the Regenerative Power of the Range in a Mesic Protected Area","authors":"Nobert Tafadzwa Mukomberanwa,&nbsp;Phillip Taru,&nbsp;Beaven Utete,&nbsp;Patmore Ngorima,&nbsp;Honest Komborero Madamombe","doi":"10.1111/aje.70034","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/aje.70034","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Landscape connectivity is a critical factor influencing the survival and ecological roles of large terrestrial herbivores within dynamic ecosystems. Yet, the increasing fragmentation of habitats due to human activities, such as agricultural expansion and infrastructure development, disrupts natural movement patterns and limits access to essential resources. This is particularly concerning in mesic protected areas, where moderate rainfall supports diverse vegetation but is often bordered by human-dominated landscapes. To address this challenge, the use of Spatial Absorbing Markov Chain (SAMC) provides a robust framework to simulate the African savannah elephant (<i>Loxodonta africana</i>) dispersal and identify critical connectivity nodes within fragmented landscapes. Additionally, assessing and understanding the regenerative potential of these landscapes is vital for evaluating their capacity to sustain wildlife populations and maintain ecological balance. The objectives of this study were to (i) model the ecological connectivity of Mana Pools National Park (MPNP) by assessing spatial and functional linkages among African savannah elephant herds and (ii) predict the regenerative potential of the park's range. We used multi-temporal satellite data (2003, 2013, and 2023), GPS collar data, road transects, and plot-based surveys. The study employed a cellular automata artificial neural network (CA-ANN) to forecast the regenerative potential of the range. Connectivity maps illuminated vital pathways that sustain the elephants' migratory and foraging behaviours, underscoring the holistic interplay of land cover, slope, and terrain in shaping movement patterns. The study identified core micro-corridors and broader sub-landscape linkages essential for maintaining the park's ecological vitality. This interconnectedness serves as a testament to the resilience and regenerative power of the semi-arid savannah. CA-ANN projections predicted a high landscape regenerative capacity by the year 2083. Highlighting diverse geographical priorities for connectivity conservation, the research advocates for integrated, multi-scale actions to preserve these vital linkages. Such insights are pivotal in nurturing the relational integrity of MPNP, ensuring its long-term viability as a sanctuary for elephants and other coexisting life forms. By integrating connectivity modelling and habitat regeneration predictions, this study advances conservation strategies. It highlights the importance of maintaining functional landscapes to preserve ecosystem resilience, enhance biodiversity, and mitigate human-wildlife conflicts in increasingly fragmented ecosystems.</p>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":7844,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Ecology","volume":"63 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2025-03-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143554943","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":"Habitat Occupancy of Brown Hyaenas and Civets in a Multi-Predator, Semi-Arid Savanna Landscape","authors":"Allan Tarugara,&nbsp;Bruce W. Clegg","doi":"10.1111/aje.70033","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/aje.70033","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Studies on African carnivores usually focus on the large cats, and limited attention is given to the less charismatic species such as brown hyaenas (<i>Parahyaena brunnea</i>) and African civets (<i>Civettictis civetta</i>), despite their important role in ecosystem function and balance. The determinants of brown hyaena and civet space use are not well documented across their range, and information on their ecological habits is limited. Camera trapping is a widely used survey approach for recording carnivore presence and recent studies have piggybacked on camera trap by-catch data to gain insight into the ecologies of understudied species. In this paper, we used by-catch data from a leopard camera trap survey to model brown hyaena and civet habitat selection and occupancy at Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve, Zimbabwe. Our study found that brown hyaena presence increased with distance from surface water, while civets were associated with areas with high shrub canopy volume. The distribution of both species coincided with that of the top predators, suggesting co-existence. We posit that where subordinate carnivores have adapted to co-existing with large predators, environmental factors such as distance from surface water and shrub cover are key in influencing space use choice.</p>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":7844,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Ecology","volume":"63 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2025-03-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143554940","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":"Tracing the Wanderers of the Riverbed: Home Ranges, Daily Movements and Habitat Frequentation of the Grey Francolin in Reunion Island","authors":"Lucie Gauchet,&nbsp;Ugo Herpin","doi":"10.1111/aje.70031","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/aje.70031","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 <p>The Grey Francolin, a Phasianidae species native to India and Pakistan, was introduced to Reunion Island in the XVIIIth century for hunting. One of its populations resides in the Rivière des Pluies riverbed, in the island's north, a secondary vegetation area surrounded by an industrial zone. The study aimed to determine the minimum daily movements, home range size, and macro-habitat use of individuals during the breeding season, as well as the species used for roosting at night. Six individuals from four different pairs were fitted with GPS. Home ranges ranged from 2.4 to 5.8 ha (MCP 100) and from 2.1 to 8.3 ha (Kernel 95), with averages of 4.5 ± 1.2 (MCP 100) and 5.0 ± 3.0 (Kernel 95). Minimum daily movements varied from 252 to 513 m, averaging 402 ± 147 m per day. GPS points were found in three macro-habitats: wooded areas with <i>Pithecellobium dulce</i> and <i>Leucaena leucocephala</i> (62%), pebble riverbed (23%), herbaceous vegetation (13%), but never in the urban zone.</p>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":7844,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Ecology","volume":"63 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2025-02-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143521816","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":"Okapi Survival Threats: A Population Reconstruction and Threat Analysis","authors":"Didier Tatoutchoup","doi":"10.1111/aje.70032","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/aje.70032","url":null,"abstract":"<p>The Okapi (<i>Okapia johnstoni</i>), endemic to the Democratic Republic of Congo, symbolises national pride and biodiversity. However, this iconic species faces an alarming decline, with population estimates dropping drastically. This study aims to reconstruct the okapi population using a logistic model and analyse the critical threats contributing to its decline. Results indicate that artisanal mining is responsible for 98% of the population reduction since 2009, primarily through habitat destruction. Regression analysis reveals a strong inverse relationship between the number of artisanal mining sites and the remaining primary forest, both critical to okapi survival. The study concludes by recommending policy measures that balance ecological conservation with economic development, such as promoting less invasive industrial mining and strengthening protected areas. These measures are vital to preventing the extinction of this unique species.</p>","PeriodicalId":7844,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Ecology","volume":"63 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2025-02-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/aje.70032","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143522025","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":"Mapping the Paths of Giants: A GIS-Based Habitat Connectivity Model for Forest Elephant Conservation in a West African Forest Block","authors":"Adriana Owusu-Sekyere,&nbsp;George Ashiagbor","doi":"10.1111/aje.70028","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/aje.70028","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 <p>The long-term survival of African forest elephants (<i>Loxodonta cyclotis</i>) in the Bia Goaso Forest Block (BGFB) is threatened due to a lack of spatially explicit data on their movement patterns and corridors to guide conservation actions. The aim of this study is to model potential connectivity between core habitats in the BGFB. First, seven key variables influencing elephants’ choice of corridors were mapped as rasters and ranked using the analytical hierarchy process. Suitability indices were then assigned to the variables based on their relative influence on corridor choice. A total resistance raster was calculated using the weighted sum method. Finally, the Linkage Mapper was used to map potential corridors between pairs of protected areas. Nine potential corridors were identified, with Euclidean distances ranging from 3.89 to 13.50 km, cost-weighted distances from 13.20 to 34.75 km and least-cost path from 4.10 to 16.23 km. The Bia Game Production–Krokosua Hills and Bia NP–Bia North corridors, with centrality scores of 19.16 Amps and 13.14 Amps, respectively, were identified as the most critical corridors in maintaining connectivity. Krokosua, Bia Tano, Ayum, Bonkoni and Bosam Bepo forest reserves, with centrality scores ranging from 36 to 69 Amps, were identified as the critical core areas for maintaining connectivity. This result provides the first comprehensive geospatial dataset on habitat connectivity in the BGFB, which will inform conservation efforts and guide the effective management of habitat corridors to restore population connectivity and support elephant conservation.</p>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":7844,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Ecology","volume":"63 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2025-02-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143489862","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":"Modelling the Suitable Habitat of Gonimbrasia belina, a Communally Exploited Edible Insect, in Southern African Mopane (Colophospermum mopane) Savannah","authors":"Mutali Winnie Netshanzhe,&nbsp;Corrie Maria Swanepoel,&nbsp;Alan J. Gardiner,&nbsp;Lourens Hendrik Swanepoel","doi":"10.1111/aje.70029","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/aje.70029","url":null,"abstract":"<p>The mopane worm (caterpillar stage of <i>Gonimbrasia belina</i>), a communally exploited edible insect, is a crucial component in the savanna ecosystems. Harvesting remains informal, largely unregulated, and mostly on communal and private land. Recent increases in demand have raised concerns about sustainability. This study takes the initial step toward developing sustainable harvest strategies by quantifying suitable habitat, estimating each country's contribution to total suitable habitat, estimating the effectiveness of protected areas to capture suitable habitat, and exploring predictor variables affecting the suitable habitat of mopane worms. We employed presence-only modelling to develop an ensemble model that combines generalised additive models (GAM), maximum entropy (MaxEnt), and random forests (RF), resulting in both a full and a restricted ensemble model. The restricted model was constrained to the southern African mopane savannah (<i>Colophospermum mopane</i>) to evaluate potential populations that can sustain harvest within mopane savannah. The full and restricted ensemble models classified 15.1% and 40% of the model landscape as suitable for mopane worms, respectively. Under the restricted model, Zimbabwe contributed 26.8% to the suitable habitat, followed by Botswana (25.3%), South Africa (15.4%), Namibia (14.7%) and Mozambique (11.1%). A total of 36.2% of the suitable habitat fell within protected areas, while the remaining 63.2% fell in non-protected areas. We conclude that local communities, governments and regional conservation authorities should address the harvest management of this communally exploited edible insect.</p>","PeriodicalId":7844,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Ecology","volume":"63 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2025-02-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/aje.70029","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143481435","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":"Weaving the Middle Spaces Between Indigenous and Scientific Knowledge for Biodiversity Conservation and Ecology","authors":"Julia E. Fa,&nbsp;Luca Luiselli","doi":"10.1111/aje.70030","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/aje.70030","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Africa's unparalleled biodiversity and cultural heritage are closely tied to Indigenous Peoples (IP) and their traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) systems, which offers vital insights into conservation and sustainability. This editorial highlights the active role of African IP in biodiversity conservation and food system resilience, emphasising the urgent need to forge equitable partnerships across knowledge systems rather than subordinating TEK to scientific knowledge (SK). TEK, embedded in centuries of observation and cultural practices, informs ecological processes and sustainable resource use. However, climate change, land dispossession and cultural erosion, among other drivers, threaten these knowledge systems and the communities that uphold them. A collaborative approach that respects Indigenous sovereignty can foster interdisciplinary conservation efforts. This aligns with ongoing efforts at the international scene, such as the Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, which explicitly recognises the rights of IP, as well as those of other local communities in multiple conservation targets, including land rights, traditional knowledge and access to justice. The challenge remains: How can these international commitments translate into equitable, rights-based conservation on the ground? It is crucial to ensure that conservation policy and practice are consistent with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and uphold moral responsibility. Equally important is fostering shared interests between conservationists and IP by engaging in open dialogue about conflicts of interest and building trust with Indigenous communities. By integrating these principles, conservation and ecological sciences can move beyond theoretical commitments to genuine, participatory conservation efforts that respect and sustain IP's stewardship of nature.</p>","PeriodicalId":7844,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Ecology","volume":"63 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2025-02-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/aje.70030","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143481507","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":"Crash Course in Conservation: Predicting and Mitigating Wildlife–Vehicle Collisions in a Savannah Area","authors":"Nobert Tafadzwa Mukomberanwa,&nbsp;Patmore Ngorima","doi":"10.1111/aje.70027","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/aje.70027","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Temporal patterns in wildlife–vehicle collisions (WVCs) correspond with animal behaviour and biology, predominantly occurring during breeding and dispersion seasons, as well as daily foraging and resting activities of animals. As a result, diverse taxonomic groups worldwide are affected by vehicle collisions, including reptiles, amphibians, mammals and birds. Ecologically, WVC results in population declines and can differentially affect animal populations. Yet, monitoring biodiversity and examining the factors influencing its alterations enable society to make informed decisions on conservation and enhance the management of human–wildlife conflicts. Effective mitigation techniques necessitate knowledge about the location and timing of traffic casualties involving wildlife. The objectives of this study were as follows: (i) to analyse the trends in WVC and (ii) to forecast future scenarios of WVC in the Hurungwe Safari Area (HSA), located in the Mid Zambezi Valley, Zimbabwe. The study aims to develop evidence-based strategies tailored to the local context and feasibility for reducing WVC frequency and severity. We used WVC data for 22 different species collected by the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZPWMA), Marongora Field Station. This study performed a trend analysis and then forecast future WVC using time series methods. We used K-means to determine clusters in the species data. Time series forecasting was performed using the Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA), a popular statistical method used for time series forecasting. Our results indicated an exponential growth in the number of WVC for some animal species, that is, civet, buffalo, hyena and waterbuck by the year 2030. Modelling trends in WVC is important for protecting wildlife, enhancing road safety and reducing economic costs. It informs conservation efforts, guides effective management strategies like wildlife crossings, and raises public awareness about the impact of driving on ecosystems. This data ultimately promotes coexistence between humans and wildlife.</p>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":7844,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Ecology","volume":"63 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2025-02-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143455941","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":"Faecal Analysis as an Indicator of the Dietary Quality Utilised by Free-Roaming Giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis) in the Free State Province, South Africa","authors":"Andri Grobbelaar,&nbsp;Gerbrecht Christina Josling,&nbsp;Gernot Osthoff,&nbsp;Francois Deacon","doi":"10.1111/aje.70026","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/aje.70026","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Accurate monitoring of wildlife diets and nutrient requirements is needed for effective biodiversity conservation. This also rings true for the world's tallest ruminant, the giraffe (<i>Giraffa camelopardalis</i>). The complexity of its anatomy is also reflected in its intricate ruminant, digestive properties. Being selective browsers, giraffes have evolved unique ways to effectively maximise the absorption of dietary nutrients and thereby maintain their critical energy balance. Using non-invasive faecal collections, the current study analysed 10 chemical parameters (dry matter, organic matter, ash, crude protein [CP_f], crude fat, gross energy, neutral-detergent fibre, acid-detergent fibre [ADF_fOM], acid-detergent lignin [ADL_fOM], and phosphorous) by chemical analyses, commonly used in domestic livestock health and nutrition monitoring. Fresh giraffe faecal samples were collected from six different locations, with different feeding practices, across different seasons from 2021 to 2023 in the Free State Province, South Africa. Results indicate that % CP_f, % ADF_fOM, and % ADL_fOM may successfully and significantly differentiate between different feeding practices and between seasons from faeces collected from giraffe populations in the Free State Province and could be used conjunctive with each other to determine diet quality and nutrient value.</p>","PeriodicalId":7844,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Ecology","volume":"63 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2025-02-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/aje.70026","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143439143","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":"Preliminary Evidence of Great Apes' Occurrence in Peri-Urban and Highly Degraded Forest Reserves in Cameroon","authors":"Jean Christian Mey Boudoug,&nbsp;Stephane Dewang Dyio,&nbsp;Cédric N. S. Fotie,&nbsp;Justin Etah Kang,&nbsp;Isidore Ndzana,&nbsp;Vianny Rodel Nguimdo Vouffo,&nbsp;Marie Marguerite Mbolo","doi":"10.1111/aje.70022","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/aje.70022","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 <p>This study investigates the presence of great apes in degraded forests in Cameroon. Using camera traps, it reveals the occurrence of chimpanzees and gorillas in forest remnants within the highly degraded landscape formed by the Mbalmayo and Zamakoe Forest Reserves. Results support the persistence and adaptation of both species in forest/non-forest mosaics and emphasise the need to conserve biodiversity beyond traditional protected areas. Further research is required to characterise the conservation status of both species in the area, their use of this fragmented landscape, and their relationship with neighbouring human communities.</p>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":7844,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Ecology","volume":"63 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2025-02-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143438821","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}