African Journal of Ecology最新文献

{"title":"Mistletoes as Indicators of the Intensity of Browsing by Large Mammals in Kalahari Savanna","authors":"Jeremy J. Midgley,&nbsp;Robert L. Thomson,&nbsp;Michael D. Cramer","doi":"10.1111/aje.70088","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/aje.70088","url":null,"abstract":"<p>The frequency, size and position of the mistletoe <i>Tapinanthus oleifolius</i> in its dominant host's canopy were strongly correlated with the degree of exposure to herbivory by the kudu (<i>Tragelaphus strepsiceros</i>) and especially the giraffe (<i>Giraffa camelopardalis</i>). Mistletoes exposed to herbivory are less frequent and smaller compared to those deeper within the host canopy, on steeper slopes and especially where herbivores are few or absent. Where exposed to herbivores, <i>T. oleifolius</i> was almost entirely restricted to the spinescent host <i>Senegalia mellifera</i>, whereas in herbivore-free areas, other tree species became hosts. The mistletoe <i>Viscum rotundifolium</i> was totally absent in areas with large herbivores. In herbivore-free areas, it was frequently found on <i>Ehretia alba</i> and <i>Boscia albitrunca</i>, both non-spinescent hosts. Mistletoes are thus excellent indicators of the extent of herbivory; their local absence probably indicates excessive herbivory, and a high presence indicates an absence of herbivory.</p>","PeriodicalId":7844,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Ecology","volume":"63 6","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2025-08-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/aje.70088","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144861867","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":"Bioclimatic Drivers of Terrestrial Isopod Diversity Across A North–South Gradient in Algeria","authors":"Rayane Ahlem,&nbsp;Kherbouche-Abrous Ourida","doi":"10.1111/aje.70085","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/aje.70085","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 <p>This study examines the diversity of terrestrial isopods across Algeria's bioclimatic gradient, from the humid north to the arid south, over 2 years (2015–2017). Monthly sampling using pitfall traps, hand searching and microhabitat exploration yielded 712 individuals (217 males, 343 females, 152 juveniles) from four families, five genera and 12 species. Porcellionidae was the most abundant family (76.25%), with <i>Porcellionides pruinosus</i> (Brandt, 1833), <i>Porcellio laevis</i> Latreille, 1804 and <i>Armadillidium vulgare</i> (Latreille, 1804) as dominant species. The highest abundance was recorded in Hamda (Laghouat) (342 individuals), followed by the olive grove (62) and degraded oasis (46) stations in El Menea. A latitudinal gradient was observed, with increasing species richness toward the south. Canonical correspondence analysis showed a negative correlation with temperature and a positive correlation with precipitation. Humid bioclimatic stations supported <i>P. laevis</i> Latreille, 1804, <i>Porcellio</i> sp.1, <i>Porcellio</i> sp.2 and <i>Ligidium hypnorum</i> (Cuvier, 1792), whereas Saharan stations, characterised by low precipitation, were associated with <i>Porcellio variabilis</i> Lucas, 1849, <i>Porcellio</i> sp.3 and <i>Porcellio</i> sp.4.</p>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":7844,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Ecology","volume":"63 6","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2025-08-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144832638","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":"Foraging Behaviours in Excavated Microhabitats: A Study of Agama aculeata","authors":"Drew E. Dittmer,&nbsp;Douglas A. Eifler,&nbsp;Karabo Baipidi,&nbsp;Ntshotlang Sebati,&nbsp;Maria A. Eifler","doi":"10.1111/aje.70082","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/aje.70082","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 <p>We investigated the microhabitat use and foraging behaviour of <i>Agama aculeata</i> in a semi-arid region of Botswana. We observed 33 individuals (17 females, 5 males and 11 juveniles) over a 10-day period, recording their foraging events, movements and microhabitat preferences. Our findings reveal significant differences in foraging and movement behaviours among age and sex classes. Females primarily relied on a sit-and-wait strategy near excavations, while males exhibited more frequent movements and a wider range of foraging tactics. Juveniles were more active foragers, often capturing prey through approaches rather than snaps. Microhabitat use also varied, with females preferring excavations and juveniles opting for arboreal positions. Our results indicate that <i>A. aculeata</i> exhibit distinct behavioural adaptations related to their age, sex and reproductive status. Further research is needed to explore the underlying factors driving differences, such as predation pressure, competition for resources and thermoregulation.</p>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":7844,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Ecology","volume":"63 6","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2025-08-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144773523","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":"Interannual Synchrony in the Post-Breeding Migration Departure of Yellow-Billed Kites (Milvus aegyptius) From a Roost Site in South Africa","authors":"Roger N. Porter,&nbsp;Jonah Gula,&nbsp;William W. Howells,&nbsp;Ingrid B. Weiersbye,&nbsp;Ben Hoffman,&nbsp;Preshnee Singh,&nbsp;Colleen T. Downs","doi":"10.1111/aje.70081","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/aje.70081","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Yellow-billed kites (<i>Milvus aegyptius</i>) were counted yearly from 2016 to 2024 at a roost site near Pietermaritzburg, South Africa, in the austral autumn. Kite numbers peaked during a short window between the last days of February and the first few days of March, with a maximum count of 3369 in 2017. There was high interannual synchrony in the departure of kites from the roost, with kites departing just prior to 20–26 March in all nine study years. The consistency of departure timing suggests endogenous cues for migration, not environmental cues, given that abundant food was available at a nearby crocodile farm.</p>","PeriodicalId":7844,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Ecology","volume":"63 5","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2025-07-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/aje.70081","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144705433","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":"Dominance at the Dinner Table: Interspecific Competition Between Hyaenas and Jackals at Scavenging Sites","authors":"Adélie Destercke,&nbsp;Amauréé Jansen van Vuuren,&nbsp;Jan A. Venter","doi":"10.1111/aje.70080","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/aje.70080","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Carnivore assemblages in ecosystems worldwide are shaped by intense interspecific competition for critical resources such as food and habitat. Despite extensive research on coexistence strategies, detailed investigations into interspecific interactions at carcass sites remain limited. This study fills the gap by investigating the interspecific interactions and competition among three carnivore species—spotted hyaenas (<i>Crocuta crocuta</i>), brown hyaenas (<i>Hyaena brunnea</i>) and black-backed jackals (<i>Canis mesomelas</i>)—at carcass sites in the Madikwe Game Reserve, South Africa. Using motion-triggered camera traps, we documented the behaviour and interactions of these carnivores around eight carcass sites. Our findings reveal that hyaenas consistently dominate jackals, significantly reducing jackal feeding times and contributing to altered vigilance patterns. Jackals exhibited higher rates of submissive behaviours, whereas hyaenas responded little to their presence. This study highlights the asymmetry in interspecific interactions at carcass sites and underscores the importance of understanding these dynamics for managing scavenger species and their ecological roles. Future research should expand on these findings by incorporating broader spatial scales and environmental variables to better understand the factors shaping competition and coexistence.</p>","PeriodicalId":7844,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Ecology","volume":"63 5","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2025-07-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/aje.70080","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144688104","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 Determinants of Animal Roadkill Occurrence and Hotspots, With Implications for Wildlife Conservation Along Nairobi-Mombasa Highway","authors":"Peter Kibobi,&nbsp;Johnstone Kimanzi,&nbsp;Joseph Koskey,&nbsp;Mary Wykstra","doi":"10.1111/aje.70077","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/aje.70077","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 <p>The continuous expansion of global road networks, driven by increasing human populations, poses an emerging threat to animal populations through vehicle collisions. This study identifies the causal factors and hotspots of animal roadkill along a 72 km stretch of the Nairobi–Mombasa Highway (from Kyumvi to Sultan-Hamud) and recommends appropriate mitigation measures to enhance wildlife conservation. Data on roadkill incidents were collected from 2013 to 2018 through road patrols conducted by field scouts. Environmental variables, including water points, corners, vegetation, culverts, migratory routes, settlements, slopes, land use, and fences, were gathered using Geographic Information System (GIS) techniques. A presence-absence binary logistic regression model within a GIS environment was employed to identify significant environmental drivers of roadkill and to map hotspots. A total of 408 roadkill incidents (0.944 roadkill km⁻¹ y⁻¹) were recorded, comprising 51 species from six animal groups. Wild herbivores (13 species) and carnivores (14 species) constituted the majority of the documented wildlife, with a density of 0.204 and 0.157 fatalities per kilometre of road per year, respectively. Roadkill incidents for all species combined were significantly higher in areas near migratory routes, settlements, culverts, and corners, while they were lower in grassland, dwarf shrub grassland, open shrub areas, and near fences. However, the roadkill of different animal groups was influenced by distinct sets of factors. Most roadkill hotspots were located between Konza Center and Salama Town, with birds having the shortest stretch and herbivores and carnivores having the longest stretches. Roadkill can be mitigated by establishing road signs, fences, speed bumps, overpasses, and underpasses, and maintaining a cleared vegetation zone along the road. These findings can assist wildlife managers and infrastructure engineers in incorporating wildlife welfare and the concerns and attitudes of local communities when planning and developing linear infrastructure projects.</p>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":7844,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Ecology","volume":"63 5","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2025-07-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144673163","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":"The Ecology of an Elephant Kill: Lion Defleshing of an African Elephant in the Okavango Delta (Botswana), and Limited Kleptoparasitic Opportunities for Meat-Eating Scavengers","authors":"Manuel Domínguez-Rodrigo,&nbsp;Enrique Baquedano","doi":"10.1111/aje.70079","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/aje.70079","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Here, we document the immediate aftermath of a lion predation event on a juvenile elephant in a private concession near the southeastern border of the Moremi Game Reserve (Okavango delta, Botswana). The carcass was monitored over a four-week period to assess patterns of defleshing and scavenger activity. Lions were the primary consumers, rapidly defleshing most anatomical regions within the first week, with minimal evidence of early hyena involvement. Hyenas appeared later but had little impact on the bone assemblage, likely due to food abundance in the ecosystem. Remarkably, soft tissue structures like podal pads remained intact after a month. These observations have implications for paleoanthropology, suggesting that bulk meat from megafaunal carcasses would only have been accessible to early hominins under confrontational scavenging scenarios. Additionally, the data provide ecological insight into carnivore competition and resource use in high-biomass landscapes.</p>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":7844,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Ecology","volume":"63 5","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2025-07-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144647333","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":"Mapping the Ecological Niche of a Key West African Species: Terminalia leiocarpa","authors":"Fabrice Jean Eudes Crédo Gahounga,&nbsp;Esaïe Tchetan,&nbsp;Sedami Igor Armand Yevide,&nbsp;Dagbédji Florent Eudes Sobakin,&nbsp;Francisca Deguenon Aïzoun,&nbsp;Pierre Koufo N'po,&nbsp;Thierry Dehouegnon Houehanou,&nbsp;Pascal Abiodoun Olounlade,&nbsp;Adandé Belarmain Fandohan","doi":"10.1111/aje.70078","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/aje.70078","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 <p><i>Terminalia leiocarpa</i> (DC.) Baill is a tree species widely used in ethnoveterinary practices, human medicine, furniture and charcoal making. Our study aimed to (i) map the favourable areas for the species in Benin, both currently and in the future, and (ii) analyse the biotic and abiotic factors affecting the structure and availability of <i>T. leiocarpa</i>. To achieve this goal, a dendrometric inventory of 141 plots across the three climate zones of Benin was carried out. This included the collection of soil type and insect attack data at the plot level, as well as climate data downloaded from the WorldClim 2 platform. Dendrometry parameters, such as basal area, tree height and diameter, Lorey height and importance value index (IVI) were calculated, and generalised linear mixed models, were established to determine the effects of biotic (diameter of heterospecific trees, density and diameter of conspecific trees) and abiotic (mean of daily temperature variation (bio2) and annual precipitation (bio12)) factors on these parameters. The future distribution areas of <i>T. leiocarpa</i> in Benin were projected under SSP 2–4.5 and SSP 5–8.5 scenarios using Maximum Entropy (MaxEnt). The results predicted a decrease in the suitable areas of 22% and 33% under the SSP 2–4.5 and SSP 5–8.5 scenarios, respectively. Our results also showed that conspecific tree diameter (<i>β</i> = 0.34; <i>p</i> = 0.000) and conspecific tree density (<i>β</i> = 0.02; <i>p</i> = 0.036) were positively associated with the tree height, while bio2 (<i>β</i> = −0.32; <i>p</i> = 0.039) and bio12 (<i>β</i> = −0.01; <i>p</i> = 0.004) had a negative effect on <i>T. leiocarpa</i> diameter. These results should help us to understand the ecological niche and to take the necessary steps upstream to contribute to the conservation and sustainable use of <i>T. leiocarpa</i>. Future studies could focus on analysing the impact of environmental factors on juvenile growth and survival.</p>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":7844,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Ecology","volume":"63 5","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2025-07-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144635237","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":"The Influence of Habitat Heterogeneity and Rainfall on Small Mammal Diversity and Reproduction in an Ethiopian Landscape","authors":"Mengistu Wale,&nbsp;Afework Bekele,&nbsp;Mesele Yihune,&nbsp;Aleksey A. Martynov,&nbsp;Leonid A. Lavrenchenko","doi":"10.1111/aje.70073","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/aje.70073","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 <p>The influence of habitat heterogeneity and rainfall on small mammal diversity and reproduction was studied in Chimit Kola. Data were collected using a grid and line trapping design in six representative habitats. Species identification and data analysis were performed using molecular techniques and R programming software. A total of 11 species were captured with an overall trap success of 25.6%. <i>Mastomys awashensis</i> was the most abundant, followed by <i>Acomys louisae</i>, and the least was <i>Crocidura parvipes</i>. Species richness and diversity were the highest in the riverine forest and the least in the fallowland habitats. The riverine forest had the highest abundance, followed by grassland and the least was in the forest. The abundance and reproductive activities of most small mammals were significantly higher during the wet season than during the dry season. Pregnancy was biased towards the right uterine horn compared to the left. The diversity and reproduction of small mammals are influenced by habitat productivity, which in turn is associated with seasonal rainfall, reflecting the significance of habitat heterogeneity and seasonal resource availability for the conservation of species.</p>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":7844,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Ecology","volume":"63 5","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2025-07-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144598306","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":"How Much Does Light Pollution Alter Vector Disease Transmission at Scale?","authors":"Bernard W. T. Coetzee,&nbsp;Layla van Zyl","doi":"10.1111/aje.70067","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/aje.70067","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Artificial light at night (ALAN) is increasingly recognised as a global change driver due to its widespread use and ecological impacts. ALAN influences mosquitoes under laboratory conditions, altering the biting propensity of diurnal <i>Aedes</i> mosquitoes while suppressing that of nocturnal <i>Anopheles</i> species complexes, the primary malaria vectors in Africa. This study models ALAN's effects on mosquito vectorial capacity using the R package AnophelesModel, incorporating lab and field data on mosquito biting behaviour and light sources. Findings suggest ALAN may influence malaria transmission dynamics, underscoring the need for further investigation at household and larger ecological scales. However, small reductions in biting propensity alone mean ALAN has a smaller impact compared to other interventions.</p>","PeriodicalId":7844,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Ecology","volume":"63 5","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2025-07-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/aje.70067","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144589666","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}