African Journal of Ecology最新文献

{"title":"Feathered Frontiers: How Land-Use Changes Shape Diversity of Bird Communities in an East African Global Biodiversity Hotspot","authors":"Jasson John,&nbsp;Emmanuel Mgimwa,&nbsp;Edwin Kamugisha,&nbsp;Akshita Rabdiya","doi":"10.1111/aje.70024","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/aje.70024","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 <p>This study investigates the impact of land-use changes on avian diversity in an agricultural landscape ecosystem in the Usambara Mountains, northeastern Tanzania. The East Usambara Mountains have lost a significant part of their original natural forests. On its southern part, the main forest block is found in Amani Nature Forest Reserve, while the rest of the landscape is fragmented into agricultural mosaics. The study, conducted from 2020 to 2023 using point count observations, documents the avian diversity in different habitats within agricultural landscapes, considering rainy seasons' effects. A total of 4107 individual birds representing 121 species from 39 families were recorded, with notable variations in species diversity across different habitats. Agroforestry systems demonstrated higher avian diversity than forest remnants, agriculture, tea plantations and shrubland. Proximity to forest positively influenced bird diversity, with a significant proportion of true forest species highlighting the importance of intact forest ecosystems. Seasonal variations were evident, with the short rainy season exhibiting higher species richness in certain habitats. The findings of this study underscore the need for conservation strategies that prioritise forest protection and restoration while promoting sustainable agroforestry practices.</p>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":7844,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Ecology","volume":"63 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2025-02-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143404513","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":"Seeds of Sustainability: Unveiling the Population Dynamics of Carapa procera, Lophira lanceolata, and Pentadesma butyracea for Adaptive Oilseed Value Chains","authors":"Fanta Reine Sheirita Tiétiambou,&nbsp;Dimobe Kangbéni,&nbsp;Kolawolé Valère Salako,&nbsp;Benjamin Lankoandé,&nbsp;Amadé Ouédraogo","doi":"10.1111/aje.70020","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/aje.70020","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 <p><i>Carapa procera, Lophira lanceolata</i>, and <i>Pentadesma butyracea</i> are important non-timber forest products providing species with promising value chains of their oils. To assess whether traditional uses of these species are sustainable, this study analysed their population structure and regeneration patterns in non-protected sites. Three sites where the fruits of these species are exploited for oilseed production and trade were selected for each species, and 135 plots with 665 subplots were established for adults and regenerations inventories, respectively. The population structure and regeneration patterns were assessed using dendrometric characteristics (tree diameter at breast height—dbh and height), population density, and metrics of stability. <i>C. procera</i> had the highest dendrometric values at Diossogo and Koloko for adult individuals. Its populations were generally stable across all sites. For <i>L. lanceolata</i>, the highest dendrometric values were observed at Natindougou. However, populations at both Natindougou and Nafanasso showed signs of disturbance and instability. For <i>P. butyracea,</i> the highest values for mean diameter and Lorey's height of adult individuals were recorded at Sokouraba. Population densities were highest at Nafanasso, but populations were disturbed at Sokoroni and Sokouraba, with stability observed across all sites. Given the current condition of the stands of each species, implementing management actions tailored to site-specific conditions is essential to ensure the long-term sustainability and productivity of these valuable species in their natural habitats.</p>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":7844,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Ecology","volume":"63 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2025-02-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143397122","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":"An Integrative Approach of Taxonomic, Morphometric and Ecological Research to Solve the Status of Cryptic Chelonian Taxa—A Case Study With Pelomedusa kobe in Rwanda","authors":"Christella Umulisa,&nbsp;Marko Djurakic,&nbsp;Drew Bantlin,&nbsp;Anke Müller,&nbsp;Melita Vamberger","doi":"10.1111/aje.70006","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/aje.70006","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Using genetic data, we confirm for the first time the presence of the Tanzanian helmeted terrapin <i>Pelomedusa kobe</i> in Akagera National Park, Rwanda, extending their known distribution. Our study provides the first natural history observations, population and morphological data for this species from a wild population. As species in the genus <i>Pelomedusa</i> are morphologically difficult to distinguish, we gain the first insights into intraspecific and interspecific patterns of size and shape variation of plastron morphology between two morphologically-similar species living in Eastern Africa, <i>P. kobe</i> and <i>P. subrufa</i>, using geometric morphometrics. Species affiliation, rather than sex, is the dominant factor influencing size and shape variation. <i>P. kobe</i> exhibits female-based sexual size dimorphism (SSD), while <i>P. subrufa</i> shows a tendency toward male-based SSD. Furthermore, sexual shape dimorphism (SShD) was observed in <i>P. kobe</i> but not in <i>P. subrufa</i>. Our results provide the first integrative data (genetic, morphological and natural history) on <i>P. kobe</i>, however further information on their distribution in the park is needed for effective conservation of this data-deficient species. Our findings lay the groundwork for future ecological studies on <i>P. kobe</i>, potentially revealing unique adaptations and conservation needs previously overlooked due to its cryptic nature.</p>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":7844,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Ecology","volume":"63 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2025-02-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143379913","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":"Wild Meat Value Chain Integration Systems: Opportunities for Value Chain Formalisation and Scaling in Africa","authors":"Wiseman Ndlovu,&nbsp;Sungeni Karonga,&nbsp;Francis Vorhies","doi":"10.1111/aje.70017","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/aje.70017","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Establishing legal, safe and sustainable wild meat sector promises to potentially reduce demand for illegally sourced meat, support livehoods, and contribute to conservation goals. However, institutional mechanisms and systems to champion sustainable wild meat value chains are underdeveloped, making it a challenge for the sector to formalise and scale. This study investigated how value chain systems are/can be organised and integrated. Also, transitional pathways to value chain formalisation and scaling were evaluated. Literature data (<i>n</i> = 96) on plains game wild meat value chains in Africa from 2000 to 2023 was subjected to thematic analysis to identify patterns and linkages in the value chain systems. The results show that while rural and poor communities are the largest recipients of illegal wild meat, they are structurally excluded from the legal game meat value chains. Illegal and legal wild meat value chain systems show three levels of integration: fully, partially and independently integrated systems. Each system presents a unique opportunity for scaling up enterprises and developing institutional governance to deliver well-managed wild meat value chains embedded with system-specific sustainable harvesting and use practices.</p>","PeriodicalId":7844,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Ecology","volume":"63 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2025-01-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/aje.70017","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143121257","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":"Red Listing African Goliath Beetles: Assessing Threats and Conservation Needs","authors":"Luca Luiselli,&nbsp;Julia E. Fa,&nbsp;Olivier Le Duc,&nbsp;Edem A. Eniang,&nbsp;Sery Gonedele-Bi,&nbsp;Gabriel Hoinsoudé Segniagbeto,&nbsp;Mathias Behangana,&nbsp;Stephanie N. Ajong,&nbsp;Emmanuel M. Hema,&nbsp;Drissa Koné,&nbsp;Gift Simon Demaya,&nbsp;Mirco Morani,&nbsp;Giovanni Amori,&nbsp;Patrick K. Malonza,&nbsp;Morris N. Mutua,&nbsp;Michele Marina Kameni Ngalieu,&nbsp;Caleb Ofori-Boateng,&nbsp;Charles Kojo Amponsah,&nbsp;Christian Opoku-Kwarteng,&nbsp;Sieny O. Togba,&nbsp;Markfred Mensah,&nbsp;Michele De Palma,&nbsp;Nic Pacini,&nbsp;Daniele Dendi","doi":"10.1111/aje.70018","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/aje.70018","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 <p>The loss of biodiversity is one of the most critical global environmental challenges, driven by deforestation, habitat fragmentation and overexploitation. This study focuses on the biodiversity crisis in Africa, with particular emphasis on the conservation status of the giant Goliath beetles (genus <i>Goliathus</i> Lamarck, Scarabaeidae: Cetoniinae). These beetles, renowned for their large size and striking colouration, are endemic to sub-Saharan Africa. They face significant threats from habitat loss and, potentially, from intensive harvesting for the entomological trade. The conservation status of Goliath beetles needs to be better understood. In this paper, we perform a Red List assessment based on our research carried out opportunistically for 30 years (1994–2024). We present critical data on four taxa of the genus <i>Goliathus</i>: <i>Goliathus goliatus</i> (Linnaeus), <i>Goliathus meleagri</i>s Sjöstedt (currently classified as a well-differentiated subspecies of <i>G. goliatus</i>), <i>Goliathus regius</i> Klug and <i>Goliathus cacicus</i> Olivier. Two additional species, <i>Goliathus orientalis</i> Moser (endemic of Tanzania and Northern Mozambique) and <i>Goliathus albosignatus</i> Boheman (broadly distributed in Southern and Eastern Africa), were not assessed due to a lack of original field data. From data gathered opportunistically through incidental observations and field encounters, we analyse habitat preferences, the impact of deforestation and seasonal activity patterns. Our findings highlight the vulnerability of Goliath beetles to ongoing human-induced threats and underline the need for more targeted conservation efforts. However, using Salafsky's standard classification, there were different threats affecting the various species, and the needed conservation actions should, therefore, be species-specific. We applied the 2024 International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) criteria to each species to inform future conservation strategies and support the survival of these remarkable beetles in the wild. Our assessment indicates that <i>G. cacicus</i> should be listed as Critically Endangered due to its catastrophic decline over recent decades, whilst <i>G. regius</i> qualifies as Endangered. Both species inhabit forest habitats in Western Africa. The other taxa assessed were found to be of lesser concern and evaluated as Near Threatened. This study contributes to our broader understanding of biodiversity loss in Africa, stressing the urgency of protecting critical insect populations. In particular, we present a salient example of how multiple overlapping threats endanger biodiversity across large parts of Africa, and in particular forest species in West Africa.</p>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":7844,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Ecology","volume":"63 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2025-01-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143120750","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":"Impact of Individual Host Characteristics on Host Selection in Oxpeckers","authors":"Kath Forssman,&nbsp;Brianna Beechler,&nbsp;Anna Jolles","doi":"10.1111/aje.70019","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/aje.70019","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Symbiotic interactions between oxpeckers (<i>Buphagus</i> spp.) and African buffalo (<i>Syncerus caffer</i>) are influenced by both host characteristics and ectoparasite load. This study investigates how individual traits, such as body size, age and tick load, impact oxpecker foraging decisions. To investigate what impacts whether or not oxpeckers choose to forage on a buffalo, we used candidate generalised linear models. Our results show that oxpeckers preferentially select larger buffalo with higher-than-expected tick loads, particularly in the perianal region. These findings highlight the role of host size and parasite abundance in shaping oxpecker foraging behaviour within the savannah ecosystem.</p>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":7844,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Ecology","volume":"63 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2025-01-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143119869","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":"Unveiling Rainfall's Role in Shaping Woody Plant Functional Traits and Diversity in Northern Namibia","authors":"Albertina M. N. Shikongo,&nbsp;Ezequiel C. Fabiano,&nbsp;Geraldo W. Fernandes","doi":"10.1111/aje.70014","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/aje.70014","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Changes in precipitation patterns affect tree populations by altering their functional traits, yet functional diversity is often underestimated in ecological studies. This study analysed changes in plant species diversity and functional traits along an increasing rainfall gradient, using systematic sampling at 13 points along a 1200-km transect. Plant species diversity fluctuated with no apparent significant effect that could be attributed to increasing rainfall gradient, yet species diversity was significantly highest at sites with high rainfall. While there was no apparent statistical difference in the Simpson Diversity Index among sites, beta diversity was high among all sites. Functional traits varied along the gradient, with functional richness significantly affected by annual average rainfall. The study underscores the importance of both plant species and functional diversity in ecosystems and suggests future research should include more functional traits and sufficient data collection to further elucidate the complex interactions between tree populations, functional traits and precipitation patterns.</p>","PeriodicalId":7844,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Ecology","volume":"63 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2025-01-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/aje.70014","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143117803","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":"Gut Passage in Lemurs Enhances the Germination of Mistletoe Seeds Bakerella gonoclada, in a Madagascar Rainforest","authors":"Zo Samuel Ella Fenosoa,&nbsp;Cara E. Brook,&nbsp;Amy E. Dunham,&nbsp;Hajanirina F. Rakotomanana,&nbsp;Hanta Razafindraibe,&nbsp;Kacie A. Ring","doi":"10.1111/aje.70012","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/aje.70012","url":null,"abstract":"<p>In Madagascar's rainforests, we lack knowledge of the natural history of mistletoe, a hemiparasitic plant that is an essential food source and habitat for many animals. Here, we compared the germination success and survival of <i>Bakerella gonoclada</i> mistletoe seeds that were defecated by lemurs with seeds hand-removed from fruits to assess the effects of lemur gut passage on germination. We found that mistletoe seeds defecated by lemurs had significantly higher germination success, germination speed, hypocotyl growth, and survival probability than hand-removed seeds, demonstrating that lemurs enhance the germination of this species. These results suggest a mutualistic relationship between mistletoe and lemurs.</p>","PeriodicalId":7844,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Ecology","volume":"63 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2025-01-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/aje.70012","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143116741","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 Distribution Modelling of a Threatened Lion Population in Relation to Prey Populations in Niokolo-Koba National Park, Senegal","authors":"Mallé Gueye,&nbsp;Raoul Pellaton,&nbsp;Assane Diouf,&nbsp;Sawdatou Mané,&nbsp;Daniel Turek,&nbsp;Herwig Leirs,&nbsp;Laura D. Bertola,&nbsp;Hans de Iongh","doi":"10.1111/aje.70007","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/aje.70007","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 <p>The lion has experienced a major decline in its habitat and population size in recent years. This is explained by the transformation of its habitat and the reduction of its potential prey. Our study therefore focused on modelling its habitat and its prey and the analysis of its diet to contribute to its conservation in the Niokolo-Koba National Park (NKNP). Elevation, annual precipitation, NDVI, land cover type, distance from large water bodies, prey availability, poaching pressure and livestock pressure were used as variables in modelling the lion habitat with MaxEnt software. The model obtained with the modelling of the lion habitat performs well, with an AUC of 0.96, and indicates that the most favourable habitat for the lion is located in the centre of the park. This distribution is influenced by elevation, annual rainfall, prey availability, poaching pressure and livestock pressure.</p>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":7844,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Ecology","volume":"63 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2025-01-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143116128","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":"Community-Led Insights Reveal Hope for Red Colobus Conservation in Cameroon","authors":"Peter Mbile,&nbsp;Lylliane Elomo,&nbsp;George Langsi,&nbsp;Pegreen Namasoh,&nbsp;Wilson Motia","doi":"10.1111/aje.70009","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/aje.70009","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Current knowledge situates the natural range of Preuss's red colobus (<i>Piliocolobus preussi</i>) within south-eastern Nigeria and western Cameroon, with the Korup National Park and its periphery being its stronghold. Nevertheless, some suggest the primate may have become extirpated in parts of the periphery of the Korup National Park. Reports from some nearby communities however suggested otherwise. Meanwhile, because of insecurity caused by a socio-political crisis affecting the two English-speaking regions since 2016, very few formal surveys of the species have been carried out. Yet, confirming the presence or absence of the species was considered important for a survey to be designed and carried out. From April to July 2024, we conducted a targeted, community-based assessment of the presence/absence of Preuss's red colobus in the south-eastern peripheral zone of Korup National Park, an area where red colobus were reported in past surveys to have been extirpated. While taking security precautions, we relied on local ethnoecological knowledge and wildlife experiences of ex-rangers and communities to inform geographic information systems-assisted mental-mapping of red colobus encounters. Our results suggest that red colobus are still present in the south-eastern peripheral zone of the Korup National Park. We offer suggestions for their conservation.</p>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":7844,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Ecology","volume":"63 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2025-01-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143116126","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}