African Journal of Ecology最新文献

{"title":"Giant Gardeners of the Forest: How African Forest Elephants (Loxodonta cyclotis) Shape Mammal Biodiversity in the Republic of Congo","authors":"Laura Versavaud,&nbsp;Nina Giotto,&nbsp;Paul Aczel,&nbsp;Gabriel Michelin,&nbsp;Jean-François Gerard","doi":"10.1111/aje.70043","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/aje.70043","url":null,"abstract":"<p>The African forest elephant (<i>Loxodonta cyclotis</i>), a critically endangered species, is a megaherbivore that browses and transforms large quantities and varieties of vegetation during its foraging activities and movements. However, the cascading effects of this ‘ecosystem engineer’ on animal biodiversity are poorly known. In this study, based on data from 38 camera traps placed in a lowland forest in the National Park of Conkouati-Douli, Republic of Congo, we examined the effects of the forest elephant and ecological variables like flooding time on local biodiversity in mammal species. Camera traps recorded 31 terrestrial mammalian species and our results show that mammal biodiversity was maximum for intermediate levels of frequentation by forest elephants. The occurrence frequency of various mammal species also reached its highest value under similar conditions. Possible explanations for this phenomenon are discussed.</p>","PeriodicalId":7844,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Ecology","volume":"63 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2025-04-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/aje.70043","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143801522","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":"Spatial Ecology and Home Range Drivers of the Weyns's Duiker (Cephalophus weynsi) in Rainforest Habitat","authors":"Daov Naom Beguide Bobo,&nbsp;Mattia Bessone,&nbsp;Roland Cleva,&nbsp;Barbara Fruth","doi":"10.1111/aje.70041","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/aje.70041","url":null,"abstract":"<p>In Central Africa's tropical forests, duikers (<i>Cephalophus</i> spp.) are essential seed dispersers and prey for apex predators and humans. However, little is known about their spatial ecology, with no studies available for medium-sized species south of the Congo River. Here, we study forest duiker spatial use in the buffer zone of Salonga National Park, Democratic Republic of the Congo. We assess capture success of (1) collective day capture with nets and (2) collective night capture with head-torches and use GPS/VHF collars to investigate species-specific home-range (a) size, (b) use and (c) overlap. Across 7 months, 47 capture attempts allowed collaring 13 Weyns's (<i>C. weynsi</i>), two bay (<i>C. dorsalis</i>), and one black-fronted (<i>C. nigrifrons</i>) duiker, with similar success between techniques. Weyns's duikers mean home range size was 29.38 ha, with stable core areas and dynamic boundaries. While one breeding pair showed 72.80% overlap and a mean interindividual distance of 288 m, overlap in non-breeding pairs ranged between 4.5% and 52.2%, with an average interindividual distance of 533 m. Our assessment of the spatial use of Weyns's duikers suggests that anthropogenic disturbances might affect spatial behaviour and reproductive success. Further research on the spatial ecology of forest ungulates is key to improving conservation strategies.</p>","PeriodicalId":7844,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Ecology","volume":"63 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2025-04-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/aje.70041","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143778228","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":"Wire Warriors: Protecting South Africa's Savannah Trees From Elephant Encounters","authors":"Jitske S. Elzinga,&nbsp;Michelle Henley,&nbsp;Robin Cook,&nbsp;Willem Frederik de Boer","doi":"10.1111/aje.70038","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/aje.70038","url":null,"abstract":"<p>In the Associated Private Nature Reserves (APNR), part of the Greater Kruger National Park, large tree densities decline due to the impact of browsing elephants (<i>Loxodonta africana</i>). Wire netting around the trunk of knobthorn (<i>Senegalia nigrescens</i>) and marula (<i>Sclerocarya birrea</i>) trees is used to protect individual trees. The success of the wire netting will depend on the species, the size of the tree, and variables that describe the tree's location in terms of its suitability for elephants. The objective of this study was therefore to quantify the impact of wire netting on tree survival, and to test whether tree, elephant and landscape variables were associated with tree survival. Data were collected from a nine-year survey of elephant impacts on tree species by Elephants Alive. Elephants Alive is a non-profit organisation whose mission is to ensure the survival of Africa's elephants through protection and research. A Cox proportional hazards model, that is, a survival analysis, was fitted for tree mortality and elephant impact over time. Wire netting significantly increased tree survival (<i>p</i> &lt; 0.001), particularly for trees with a large diameter at breast height (DBH: 39–106 cm), and had a greater protective effect on large marula trees compared to knobthorn trees (<i>p</i> = 0.045). Landscape factors also influenced tree survival, with trees closer to the Kruger National Park (<i>p</i> &lt; 0.001), at lower elevations (<i>p</i> = 0.001), and within 500–1500 m of water points (<i>p</i> = 0.074) having a higher risk of mortality. Trees further from roads (251–335 m) had higher survival (<i>p</i> = 0.073). These results suggest that wire netting is an effective mitigation tool for large trees in elephant-impacted landscapes, but its implementation should consider site-specific environmental factors and elephant movement patterns.</p>","PeriodicalId":7844,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Ecology","volume":"63 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2025-04-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/aje.70038","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143778227","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":"How Natural Enemies Shape Gall Wasp Diversity in Oak Cynipid Communities","authors":"Rachid Kechrid,&nbsp;Yasmine Adjami,&nbsp;Khamssa Kermiche,&nbsp;Mohamed Laid Ouakid","doi":"10.1111/aje.70037","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/aje.70037","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 <p>The action of natural enemies within a model tri-trophic system, such as oak cynipid communities, can provide valuable insight into the mechanisms underlying the variation in gall inducer diversity across geographic gradients. Two hypotheses were formulated: (1) The diversity and abundance patterns of cynipid gall wasps, their parasitoids and inquilines differ between high- and low-altitude habitats. (2) Parasitoids and inquilines are involved in mechanisms that influence the abundance patterns of gall wasps. In order to test these hypotheses, we established a study site at various altitudes in the northeastern region of Algeria, selecting three localities: Bouzizi, Ghora and Mechrouha. In each of these localities, two distinct habitats were identified: one located at a lower altitude and the other at a higher altitude. Bud and acorn galls on <i>Quercus faginea</i> were collected, and the insects that emerged from these galls were then identified. The study showed that gall wasps had markedly greater abundance, species richness and diversity in low-altitude habitats. In contrast, parasitoids showed significantly higher abundance, species richness and diversity in high-altitude habitats. Conversely, there is no significant difference in the abundance and diversity of inquiline species between high and low altitudes. The rates of parasitism and inquilinism escalated at elevated elevations but diminished at lower altitudes. A negative correlation was seen between the parasitism rate and the gall wasp population (<i>r</i> = 0.87, <i>r</i>² = 0.77, <i>p</i> &lt; 0.001), as well as between the inquilinism rate and the gall wasp populations (<i>r</i> = 0.86, <i>r</i>² = 0.75, <i>p</i> &lt; 0.001). The results presented in this study confirm the involvement of parasitoids and inquilines in the mechanisms that influence the abundance patterns of gall wasps through their varying pressures between high- and low-elevation habitats.</p>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":7844,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Ecology","volume":"63 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2025-03-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143645787","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":"Minimal Soil Impacts of Caesalpinia decapetala Invasion in South Africa's Vhembe Biosphere Reserve","authors":"Luambo Jeffrey Ramarumo,&nbsp;Gladman Thondhlana,&nbsp;Sheunesu Ruwanza","doi":"10.1111/aje.70036","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/aje.70036","url":null,"abstract":"<p>We assessed the effects of <i>Caesalpinia decapetala</i> (Roth) Alston invasion on soil physical properties over 3 summer months in Vhembe Biosphere Reserve, South Africa. Topsoils were collected beneath replicated invaded and uninvaded conditions and assessed for soil moisture, water repellency, penetration resistance, infiltration and hydraulic conductivity. Results showed no significant (<i>p</i> &gt; 0.05) differences between invasion conditions for soil penetration resistance levels and infiltration rates, but monthly variations were observed for soil moisture and hydraulic conductivity. It appears <i>C. decapetala</i> invasion affects some but not all soil physical properties; therefore, ecosystem recovery after <i>C. decapetala</i> removal can be spontaneous.</p>","PeriodicalId":7844,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Ecology","volume":"63 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2025-03-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/aje.70036","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143595600","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":"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}