African Journal of Ecology最新文献

{"title":"Breeding Ecology of Two Widely Separated Populations of Abdim's Storks (Ciconia abdimii)","authors":"Abadi Mehari Abrha,&nbsp;Paul Tersoo Apeverga,&nbsp;Samuel T. Ivande,&nbsp;Mebrahtom Nguse,&nbsp;Till Töpfer,&nbsp;Yahkat Barshep,&nbsp;Shiiwua A. Manu,&nbsp;Jonah Gula","doi":"10.1111/aje.70207","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/aje.70207","url":null,"abstract":"<p>An understanding of the ecological differences between disparate wildlife populations is important for determining different drivers of population change, especially for migratory species. We studied and compared the breeding ecology of two populations of Abdim's Storks (Tigray Region, Ethiopia, and Bauchi State, Nigeria) separated by over 3000 km. The breeding phenology of both populations was highly synchronised, with no statistical difference between nest initiation dates. The frequency of nest initiation and timing of fledging were not related to daily rainfall in either country, somewhat dispelling the traditional view that Abdim's Stork nesting is closely tied with the rains. However, earlier nest initiation significantly increased the probability of fledging at least one nestling. Fledging rates and productivity were significantly higher in rural Nigeria than urban Ethiopia, which may be explained by high human disturbance at Ethiopian nests. This first comparative study on widely separated breeding populations of Abdim's Storks demonstrates important similarities and differences in breeding outcomes, and highlights the need for further comparative studies at the population and range level.</p>","PeriodicalId":7844,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Ecology","volume":"64 5","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2026-07-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/aje.70207","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148467499","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":"The Effects of Lantana camara L. on Soil Physicochemical Properties in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa","authors":"Uviwe Bolosha,&nbsp;Sheunesu Ruwanza,&nbsp;Gladman Thondhlana,&nbsp;Charlie Shackleton","doi":"10.1111/aje.70205","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/aje.70205","url":null,"abstract":"<p><i>Lantana camara</i> L. is an invasive alien plant species that is recognised globally due to its extensive distribution and negative impacts on species diversity and ecosystem dynamics. Despite its extensive distribution in South Africa, its physicochemical impacts on soils are understudied. This study investigated the impacts of <i>L. camara</i> on soil physicochemical properties at three different sites in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. Soils were collected under and at the edge of the canopies of <i>L. camara</i> plants, as well as some distance from the study species. The soils were assessed for soil moisture content, penetration resistance, infiltration and water repellency over four seasons and for pH and soil nutrients once in autumn. The results show that <i>L. camara</i> altered some soil physical properties, but not chemical properties. <i>Lantana camara</i> invasion significantly lowered soil penetration resistance compared to sampling positions away from <i>L. camara</i> plants. Soil infiltration rates showed significant differences between the various sampling positions, with faster infiltration rates at <i>L. camara</i> canopy and edge positions than sampling positions away from the plant across all seasons except in summer. Significant variations in soil water repellency were noted during summer only. Slightly repellent soils were common in spring, but in summer, they were underneath and away from <i>L. camara</i>. The magnitude and direction of these changes differed based on seasonality and sample location. We conclude that <i>L. camara</i> invasion significantly altered the soil physical properties, which may create an environment that favours its own growth and survival. Given the reported effects of <i>L. camara</i> invasion on soil physical properties, it is recommended that <i>L. camara</i> be managed through clearing, even when the changes appear relatively minor.</p>","PeriodicalId":7844,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Ecology","volume":"64 5","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2026-07-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/aje.70205","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148467593","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":"Assessment of Comparative Records of Bat Species Diversity in Different Land-Use Types in the Mbam and Djerem, a Transitional Landscape of Central Africa","authors":"Kingha Zebaze Jasmine Flora,&nbsp;Manfothang Dongmo Ervis,&nbsp;Bakwo-Fils Eric Moïse","doi":"10.1111/aje.70206","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/aje.70206","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Cameroon's Mbam and Djerem National Park (MDNP) is an area comprising both lowland tropical forest and the wooded savannah which offers an excellent quantity of ecological factors shaping extraordinarily diverse mammal species. The study aimed to assess bat diversity and abundance in different land-use types within this national park. Sampling was conducted between October 2021 and Jun 2023 with mist-nets deployed at ground level in each habitat type from 6 pm to 12 midnight. A total of twenty-eight (28) bat species were captured belonging to 06 families and 19 genera in four of the ecological habitats sampled. <i>Epomophorus pusillus</i> (<i>n</i> = 202) was the most abundant species followed by <i>Hipposideros cf. ruber</i> (<i>n</i> = 83). Family Pteropodidae was the most represented in both abundance (<i>n</i> = 248) and species richness (<i>S</i> = 11) in the area. The majority of species captured were in secondary forest (<i>n</i> = 171; 46.21%), followed by the primary forest (<i>n</i> = 120; 32.43). The secondary forest showed a species diversity of SSF = 20, BE = 79 ± 70.6. We observed that habitat type had a strong influence on species distribution with a marked difference in the diversity of bats among the four ecological habitats that hosted bats.</p>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":7844,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Ecology","volume":"64 5","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2026-07-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148467663","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":"Assessing Translocation Success or Failure of the African Buffalo (Syncerus caffer) in Post-War Mozambique Using Species Distribution Modelling","authors":"Carlos M. Bento,&nbsp;Paulo E. Cardoso,&nbsp;Richard D. Beilfuss,&nbsp;Christian T. Chimimba","doi":"10.1111/aje.70202","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/aje.70202","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Post-war Mozambique provides a rare setting to evaluate ecological models of African buffalo (<i>Syncerus caffer</i>) translocation outcomes. Following severe declines caused by armed conflict, translocations were implemented to restore ecological functioning. We tested whether Species Distribution Modelling (SDM) with MaxEnt, combined with Mahalanobis climatic distance, can retrospectively explain success or failure and guide future planning. Using 369 filtered occurrence records (1994–2014) and seven uncorrelated ecogeographic variables, we generated Suitability Habitat Indices (SHIs) and assessed model performance (AUC = 0.957; TSS = 0.804). Translocation outcomes were compared between origin and destination sites using ΔSHI (SHIdestination − SHIorigin) and climatic dissimilarity. Successful translocations, defined as short-term establishment (survival, adaptation, reproduction), were linked to positive or near-zero ΔSHI values and often supported by interventions such as water provisioning or dam construction. Failures occurred when high-SHI sources were moved to low-SHI destinations without ecological compensation. Climatic distance provided supplementary explanatory power but showed weak correlation with outcomes, underscoring the primacy of SHI-based assessments. Importantly, movements across Mozambique's six zooregions revealed that intra-zooregional translocations were more feasible, while inter-zooregional transfers exposed buffalo to novel ecological thresholds requiring intensive management. These findings demonstrate that SDM-derived SHIs, integrated with climatic distance and zooregional boundaries, offer a transparent framework for evaluating translocation feasibility. Embedding SHI modelling within adaptive management and ecological engineering is essential for long-term restoration success in fragmented savanna landscapes.</p>","PeriodicalId":7844,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Ecology","volume":"64 5","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2026-07-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/aje.70202","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148467473","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":"Activity Overlap and Sharing of Den Sites in Spotted Hyenas, Warthogs and Aardvarks","authors":"Lara A. Boudinot,&nbsp;Andrew Markham,&nbsp;Anna Rouviere,&nbsp;Kizito Jovan,&nbsp;Paula Koelemeijer,&nbsp;Robert A. Montgomery,&nbsp;Beth Mortimer","doi":"10.1111/aje.70204","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/aje.70204","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Many species depend upon dens and yet it remains poorly understood how or whether dens are shared, particularly within predator–prey relationships. Here, we document overlapping use of the same den locations by common warthogs, spotted hyenas and aardvarks using camera traps in Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda and discuss potential ecological drivers. Species partitioned use primarily temporally, yet warthogs and hyenas frequently returned to the same dens on consecutive days and were recorded in close proximity during overlap periods. These observations indicate tolerance of shared den sites at the surface. We propose seismic monitoring as a non-invasive approach to resolve species-specific underground den use beyond camera-based observations.</p>","PeriodicalId":7844,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Ecology","volume":"64 5","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2026-07-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/aje.70204","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148467025","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":"Habitat Preference and Distribution Patterns of Five Columbidae Species in Two Mountainous Valleys of the Central High Atlas (Morocco)","authors":"Mohamed Mounir,&nbsp;El-Mostafa Benka,&nbsp;Ikram Douini,&nbsp;Ayoub Nouri,&nbsp;Ismail Mansouri,&nbsp;Soumaya Hammada,&nbsp;Mohamed Dakki","doi":"10.1111/aje.70201","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/aje.70201","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Many studies have analysed nesting habitats and diet overlap in Columbidae species in Morocco, mainly in lowlands. In this study, we investigated habitat preferences and cohabitation of five Columbidae species in two Central High Atlas valleys. The research was conducted using observation and listening methods in 179 points chosen at the valley bottom between altitudes of 700 and 2600 m. Over the four seasons of the years 2018 and 2019, 1073 birds of Columbids were recorded, with a large dominance of pigeons: <i>Columba palumbus</i> (Linnaeus, 1758) and <i>Columba livia</i> (J.F. Gmelin, 1789). The largest populations were counted at the lowest mountains, and the species showed a significant segregation in time and space. <i>C. palumbus</i> which has the highest degree of preference, expresses a negative association with human habitations but a remarkable habitat overlapping in coniferous forests with <i>C. livia</i>, which cohabits in other habitat types (e.g., juniper stands and farmlands) with <i>Streptopelia turtur arenicola</i> (Hartert, EJO, 1894), reflecting a strong association with human settlements. Furthermore, all records of <i>Streptopelia decaocto</i> (Frivaldszky, 1838) were present near human habitations and in agricultural fields. Finally, <i>Spilopelia senegalensis</i> (Linnaeus, 1766), an expanding bird in Morocco, has been recorded accidentally at highest altitude of the study area. The distribution of the Columbidae species is mainly governed by breeding and feeding habitats, for which they show patterns consistent with resource partitioning. However, it seems that more research is needed to better clarify the use of these resources.</p>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":7844,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Ecology","volume":"64 5","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2026-07-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148466608","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":"A Camera Trap Study of Diel Activity and Crevice Use in the Critically Endangered Pancake Tortoise (Malacochersus tornieri)","authors":"Nassoro Mohamed,&nbsp;Zac McMenemy,&nbsp;Gabriel Mayengo,&nbsp;Rudolf Mremi,&nbsp;Reginald T. Mwaya,&nbsp;Bo Li","doi":"10.1111/aje.70199","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/aje.70199","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Understanding a species' activity patterns is key to explaining its ecological role and survival strategies and can guide effective conservation planning. We used camera traps deployed at rocky outcrop crevices in Tarangire National Park and an adjacent village in northern Tanzania to study the diel activity of the critically endangered pancake tortoise (<i>Malacochersus tornieri</i>). We characterized the species' daily activity rhythm using kernel density estimation, recorded the potential predators visiting crevices, and applied a Bayesian single-season occupancy model to assess the influence of ambient temperature, rainfall, vegetation cover (NDVI), and terrain ruggedness (TRI) on tortoise activity and detection. Tortoise activity followed a unimodal, diurnal pattern, with most movements concentrated between late morning and early afternoon (10:00–16:00), and only a few activity incidents were recorded at night. We recorded ten potential predator species visiting crevices, although predator detections were infrequent. Among the environmental variables tested, only ambient temperature received clear support, and the hierarchical model attributed this effect to detection rather than occupancy: per-occasion detection probability showed a strong positive increase with temperature (standardized coefficient = 2.44, 95% credible interval 1.36–3.82), consistent with temperature-dependent emergence from crevices in this diurnal ectotherm. Estimated occupancy was high (ψ = 0.85), and substantial among-crevice variation in baseline detectability highlighted the importance of fine-scale crevice microhabitat. Our findings advance understanding of the behavioural ecology and habitat use of the pancake tortoise and provide a basis for refining management and conservation strategies for this critically endangered species.</p>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":7844,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Ecology","volume":"64 5","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2026-07-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148462954","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":"Assessing the Impacts of Different Cropping Systems and Pesticide Use on Pollinator Communities in Mbire District, Zimbabwe","authors":"Matengo Tafadzwa,&nbsp;Musundire Robert,&nbsp;Tarakini Gugulethu,&nbsp;Guia Diaz Laura,&nbsp;Tarakini Tawanda","doi":"10.1111/aje.70200","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/aje.70200","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Pollination contributes immensely to food security, yet little is known about pollinator conservation practices in rural communities. This work assessed farmers' knowledge of pollinators and examined pesticide use in Mbire district of Zimbabwe. A structured questionnaire was distributed to 102 respondents who were sampled using the stratified purposive approach to collect information on perceptions of pollinators and chemicals used to control pests. Pan traps and sweep nets were used to capture pollinators from chemically treated and untreated plots in different cropping systems. Honeybees were the most cited pollinators (99% of respondents), while other pollinators like wasps, beetles, and true flies were mentioned. Awareness of pollinators was higher in males than in females and among middle-aged to old-aged farmers. A total of 38 different pesticides were used, with four belonging to the highly toxic pesticide category. Field sampling collected 239 individuals from nine pollinator families and three orders, with Lepidoptera (55.2%) being the dominant order. Pollinator abundance was highest in mixed-cropping systems and lowest in natural plots. Generalized Linear Mixed Models (GLMMs) showed that sweep netting captured significantly more pollinators than pan trapping (<i>β</i> = 0.575, SE = 0.173, <i>p</i> = 0.009). In addition, spraying alone showed no significant association with pollinator abundance. However, the interaction between monocropping and spraying resulted in relatively fewer pollinator visitors compared to the interaction between mixed cropping and spraying (<i>p</i> = 0.055). Further, <i>Maerua edulis</i> was the most mentioned plant used in traditional pest management. To increase pollinator awareness, there is a need for farmer training to promote systems such as mixed-cropping systems, as they support more pollinators. The use of highly toxic pesticides is concerning, and efforts are needed to minimize their application and promote eco-friendly alternatives and traditional methods.</p>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":7844,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Ecology","volume":"64 5","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2026-07-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148462881","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 MODIS NDVI Dynamics of the Grazing Areas Under Variable Precipitation in Northern Sahel","authors":"Adamou Dila Souleymane,&nbsp;Awaiss Aboubacar,&nbsp;Issa Garba,&nbsp;Maman Barkawi Mansour Badamassi,&nbsp;Thanh Thi Nguyen","doi":"10.1111/aje.70191","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/aje.70191","url":null,"abstract":"<p>The Sahel region of sub-Saharan Africa has suffered from a severe rainfall decline since the mid-1960s. This study aims to assess the applicability of satellite-based observations in quantifying the dynamics of MODIS NDVI in the central-south of the Republic of Niger. MODIS NDVI (MOD13Q1.061) data from 2000 to 2023 and CHIRPS precipitation data from 1981 to 2023 were used to assess vegetation changes. We applied the Mann–Kendall (MK) and Sen's slope tests to evaluate long-term trends and their magnitude and used Linear Mixed-Effects (LME) models to assess interannual NDVI variability. Pearson correlation analysis was also conducted to examine the relationship between NDVI and precipitation. Results indicate that (1) there was a positive and significant increase in the precipitation time series from 1981 to 2023, with a <i>p</i>-value equal to 0.01 and a <i>Z</i>-value equal to 2.34. A rupture period in the rainfall time series located between 2001 and 2002 was discovered. The analysis of the vegetation trend based on the MK test and Sen's slope estimator showed a positive <i>Z</i>-value of 2.10, which is greater than 1.98 and a <i>β</i> &gt; 0 value, indicating a significant positive trend in vegetation density (<i>Z</i> = 2.10, <i>p</i> = 0.04). Pearson correlation (2) A moderate, positive and significant correlation (<i>r</i> = 0.4, <i>p</i> = 0.05) between NDVI and rainfall was established. These findings align with previous studies across the Sahel. The use of remote sensing provides key insights into vegetation trends and supports sustainable rangeland management strategies under climate variability in a semi-arid environment.</p>","PeriodicalId":7844,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Ecology","volume":"64 5","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2026-07-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/aje.70191","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148373086","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":"Socio-Demographic Status Affects Community Perceptions and Conservation Knowledge of the Eastern Derby Eland (Taurotragus derbianus gigas) in Bénoué National Park, Northern Cameroon","authors":"Murielle Majiteu,&nbsp;Simon A. Tamungang,&nbsp;Mpoame Mbida,&nbsp;Misori Isabel Mandela,&nbsp;Kudi Brusley Kudi,&nbsp;Jan Riegert","doi":"10.1111/aje.70198","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/aje.70198","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Understanding local perceptions of wildlife and conservation is essential for effective biodiversity management, particularly in human-modified landscapes such as Bénoué National Park (BNP) in Cameroon. This study examines how socio-demographic characteristics influence community knowledge, perceptions and engagement in conservation, with a specific focus on the Eastern Derby eland (<i>Taurotragus derbianus gigas</i>) classified as Vulnerable according to the IUCN Red List. Semi-structured questionnaire surveys were administered to 203 respondents from six villages, selected using snowball sampling. Multivariate analyses, including Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Principal Coordinates of Neighbour Matrices (PCNM), were used to assess the influence of socio-demographic and spatial factors on conservation perceptions. The results revealed clear socio-demographic gradients associated with age, education level, occupation, marital status and religion. Older respondents and individuals from larger households demonstrated deeper ecological knowledge, shaped by traditional land-use practices and a strong reliance on natural resources. Farmers and temporary workers expressed positive attitudes towards Eastern Derby eland conservation, whereas students and administrative staff tended to hold more negative perceptions. Although formal education was negatively correlated with traditional ecological knowledge, respondents without formal schooling exhibited a strong place-based understanding of the local environment. Overall, respondents expressed mixed but generally positive perceptions of conservation, acknowledging the benefits of the park while highlighting weak law enforcement and ongoing wildlife decline. Although most respondents were familiar with the Eastern Derby eland and reported frequent sightings, 87% perceived a decline in its population, attributing this trend primarily to poaching and habitat degradation. Spatial variation in perceptions was also evident among villages. These findings underscore the importance of integrating local ecological knowledge and socio-economic contexts into conservation planning. Strengthening participatory governance, improving benefit-sharing mechanisms and tailoring environmental education programs are crucial for aligning conservation objectives with community well-being in BNP.</p>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":7844,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Ecology","volume":"64 5","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2026-07-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148373087","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}