bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mise en relation de la diversité des vers de terre et des caractéristiques du sol de Thua Thien Hue (Centre Vietnam)
Authors: Zirbes Lara , Collin Caroline , Dufey Joseph , Tu Pham Khanh , Duyet Nguyen , Francis Fréderic , Lebailly Philippe , Haubruge Eric , Brostaux et Yves
Published: October 2016

Etant donné leur texture sableuse, les sols de la zone côtière de la province de Thua Thien Hue au Centre Vietnam présentent un milieu particulier pour le développement des organismes du sol, dont les vers de terre représentent 70% de la biomasse. Cette étude met en relation les caractéristiques du sol et les communautés de vers de terre, après identification de ceux-ci. Sept espèces appartenant aux familles des Glossoscolecidae, des Megascolecidae et des Microchaetidae ont été relevées : Pontoscolex corethrurus, Glyphidrilus papillatus, Pheretima rodericensis, Pheretima danangana, Pheretima sp., Perionyx excavatus, et Lampito mauritii. Les Microchaetidae sont présents quelque soit la richesse du sol et constituent la famille dominante dans les sols acides à forte teneur en limon et argile. Les deux autres familles sont associées à des sols pauvres mais moins acides, riches en sable. Il ressort également de cette étude que le nombre de P. corethrurus est significativement plus important dans les vergers (AF) alors que L mauritii est significativement plus présent dans les sols avec des autres cultures que le riz (AC). G. papillatus, significativement plus abondant dans les friches, est la seule espèce retrouvée dans ce milieu. L'étude de la diversité (Indice de Shannon-Wiener) montre que les cultures autres que le riz (AC) présentent la plus grande diversité de vers de terre (H' = 0,97) alors que les friches ne présentent aucune diversité.
Attitudes and Knowledge of Shade-Coffee Farmers Towards Vertebrates and Their Ecological Functions
Authors: López-del-Toro Paulina , Andresen Ellen , Barraza Laura , Estrada Alejandro
Published: October 2016

The purpose of this study was to assess farmers' attitudes, as well as perceptions and knowledge that shape those attitudes, toward the ecological role of vertebrates inhabiting shaded-coffee farms. We also aimed to determine whether differences existed among two groups of farmers: one that had attended environmental education workshops, and one that had not. We conducted 36 oral interviews of farmers in the region of Cuetzalan, Mexico. All farmers were members of an important regional cooperative, Tosepan Titataniske. In general, farmers' attitudes towards birds were positive. Snakes were perceived as useful but dangerous animals. Attitudes towards non-flying mammals were mostly indifferent. Bats were poorly understood and badly perceived. Seed dispersal was perceived as an important ecological function performed by animals. Pollination was also perceived as important, but to a lesser degree. Knowledge about ecological functions was high for seed dispersal, and low for pollination. We found a positive correlation between attendance of educational workshops and the presence of “environmentally-friendly” attitudes, perceptions, and knowledge. However, a cause-effect relationship could not be clearly established. We suggest that environmental education programs include the objective of increasing the knowledge of people about the ecological functions played by different groups of animals that live in agroecosystems. Particular efforts should be directed toward improving the way in which certain non-charismatic groups of animals, such as bats, are perceived.
Conservation of Colombian Primates: An Analysis of Published Research
Authors: Stevenson Pablo R. , Guzmán Diana C. , Defler Thomas R.
Published: October 2016

In Colombia, there are approximately 27–31 primate species, including at least five endemic ones and a high proportion of threatened species. Differences in these primates' distribution, abundance, ecology, and charisma, among many other things, have led to large variation in the amount and nature of investigations performed on the different species. Basic information on each native primate species is necessary to build adequate conservation plans; therefore, knowledge of the quantity and type of information available on each species can be helpful to identify possible research gaps. Based on publications from 1900 to 2008 on 25 primate species present in Colombia, we evaluated primate research in this country in terms of quantity, type, and topics of investigation. Additionally, we comparatively assessed the role of Colombian primatology within all scientific production on primate species present in this country. Our analyses indicate that in Colombia, primate research has developed mainly in the field-work area, with studies focused primarily on ecology and behavior. Investigations of topics such as karyology, anatomy, and physiology are very limited, and molecular biology is understudied compared to research on this subject in other countries. Captive studies are also comparatively scarce. Our analyses also suggest that those species distributed in areas where research stations are located have been the focus of a greater proportion of investigations. A few study sites (PNN La Macarena, Rio Peneya Station, PNN Tinigua, and Caparu Biological Station) stand out as primate research “hot-spots” within Colombia; however, field work in these stations is frequently jeopardized by the constant threat imposed by revolutionary armed forces in the rural and forested parts of Colombia.
Structure démographique et mouvements saisonniers des populations d'hippopotame commun, Hippopotamus amphibius Linné 1758 dans la zone sud soudanienne du Burkina faso
Authors: Dibloni Théophile Ollo , Vermeulen Cédric , Guenda Wendengoudi , Alfred Millogo Nicolas
Published: October 2016

L'étude de l'effectif, de la structure en classes d'âges et des mouvements de Hippopotamus amphibius a été conduite dans la Réserve de Biosphère de la Mare aux Hippopotames au Burkina Faso. Pendant 3 années d'affilée (2006, 2007 et 2008), des prospections et des inventaires de terrain ont été menés à l'intérieur et à la lisière de la réserve. Les résultats des inventaires ont permis de dénombrer 41 hippopotames en 2008 contre 35 tětes en 2006, répartis en 3 troupeaux distincts. La structure en classes d'âges de cette population était de 32 adultes, 5 subadultes et 4 juvéniles. L'emplacement de leurs aires de repos dans la mare variait suivant le niveau de l'eau. L'inventaire a identifié 8 sites de sorties, sur chaque rive de la mare, utilisées par les hippopotames pour se rendre dans les gagnages. De měme, la prospection de la réserve a identifié 4 mares temporaires situées à proximité des prairies aquatiques qui constituaient des zones de migration où les hippopotames se réfugiaient pendant la saison pluvieuse. Ces zones étaient entourées par des champs qui étaient souvent saccagés par ces mammifères pour leur alimentation. Il est urgent de négocier un zonage de l'activité agricole et de conférer un statut particulier de conservation à ces 4 sites afin de minimiser les conflits homme-hippopotame. Les récentes actions de surveillance menées en partenariat avec les communautés locales ont probablement permis l'accroissement de l'effectif de 6 hippopotames en 3 ans.
Bird Abundances in Primary and Secondary Growths in Papua New Guinea: A Preliminary Assessment
Authors: Tvardíková Kateřina
Published: October 2016

Papua New Guinea is the third largest remaining area of tropical forest after the Amazon and Congo basins. However, the growing intensity of large-scale slash-and-burn agriculture and logging call for conservation research to assess how local people's traditional land-use practices result in conservation of local biodiversity, of which a species-rich and diverse component is the avian community. With this in mind, I conducted a preliminary survey of birds in small-scale secondary plots and in adjacent primary forest in Wanang Conservation Area in Papua New Guinea. I used mist-netting, point counts, and transect walks to compare the bird communities of 7-year-old secondary growth, and neighboring primary forest. The preliminary survey lasted 10 days and was conducted during the dry season (July) of 2008. I found no significant differences in summed bird abundances between forest types. However, species richness was higher in primary forest (98 species) than in secondary (78 species). The response of individual feeding guilds was also variable. Two habitats differed mainly in presence of canopy frugivores, which were more abundant (more than 80%) in primary than in secondary forests. A large difference (70%) was found also in understory and mid-story insectivores. Species occurring mainly in secondary forest were Hooded Butcherbird ( Cracticus cassicus), Brown Oriole ( Oriolus szalayi), and Helmeted Friarbird ( Philemon buceroides). Examples of primary forest species were Red-bellied Pitta ( Pitta erythrogaster), Little Kingfisher ( Alcedo pusilla), and Zoe's Imperial Pigeon ( Ducula zoeae). My results suggest that changes in bird assemblages occur even in relatively undisturbed landscapes in response to small-scale shifting agriculture that is crucial for local people's livelihood; it also seems that traditional land use by local people favors the persistence of a rich bird species pool in the forested and traditionally managed landscape.
Hair-Snares: A Non-Invasive Method for Monitoring Felid Populations in the Selva Lacandona, Mexico
Authors: García-Alaníz Nashieli , Naranjo Eduardo J. , Mallory Frank F.
Published: October 2016

Non-invasive techniques such as hair snares have been used in conjunction with molecular methods to study species that occur at low densities and have elusive behavior, as an alternative to invasive methods such as trapping and hunting. This study was designed to evaluate the use of hair snares as a non-invasive method for the collection of felid and other mammalian samples in the tropical rainforest of the Selva Lacandona, Chiapas, Mexico. Hair snares were placed along transects in Montes Azules Biosphere Reserve for four months a year in 2005 and 2006. Hairs were selected based on morphological characteristics and identification of species was done based on a diagnostic portion of mtDNA cytochrome b region. A total of 389 hits on 888 hair-snare checks were recorded, representing a capture rate of 43%. The species identified included margay ( Leopardus wiedii, n=2), ocelot ( Leopardus pardalis, n=1), jaguarundi ( Puma yagouaroundi, n=1), gray fox ( Urocyon cinereoargenteus, n=1), tayra ( Eira barbara, n=3), coati ( Nasua narica, n=1), four-eyed opossum ( Metachirus nudicaudatus, n=6), and common opossum ( Didelphis marsupialis, n=16). The present study is the first to report the successful collection of hair samples from jaguarundi and margay in the wild and hair samples from ocelots in tropical areas. The deficit of information on carnivore populations in tropical rainforests is due mainly to the lack of appropriate methodologies that are reliable and cost-effective. This study supports the assumption that hair-snaring is viable and cost-effective in ecosystems such as the Selva Lacandona, particularly when monitoring carnivore populations that have wide geographic distributions and low densities.
Use of Airborne LiDAR to Delineate Canopy Degradation and Encroachment along the Guatemala-Belize Border
Authors: Weishampel John F. , Hightower Jessica N. , Chase Arlen F. , Chase Diane Z.
Published: October 2016

Tropical rainforest clearing and degradation significantly reduces carbon sequestration and increases the rate of biodiversity loss. There has been a concerted international effort to develop remote sensing techniques to monitor broad-scale patterns of forest canopy disturbance. In addition to loss of natural resources, recent deforestation in Mesoamerica threatens historic cultural resources that for centuries lay hidden below the protective canopy. Here, we compare satellite-derived measures of canopy disturbance that occurred over a three decade period since 1980 to those derived from a 2009 airborne LiDAR campaign over the Caracol Archaeological Reserve in western Belize. Scaling up fine-resolution canopy height measures to the 30 m resolution of Landsat Thematic Mapper, we found LiDAR revealed a >58% increase in the extent of canopy disturbance where there was an overlap of the remotely sensed data sources. For the entire archaeological reserve, with the addition of LiDAR, there was a 2.5% increase of degraded canopy than estimated with Landsat alone, indicating that 11.3% of the reserve has been subjected to illegal selective logging and deforestation. Incursions into the reserve from the Guatemala border, represented by LiDAR-detected canopy disturbance, extended 1 km deeper (to 3.5 km) into Belize than were derived with Landsat. Thus, while LiDAR enables a synoptic, never-seen-before, below-canopy view of the Maya city of Caracol, it also reveals the degree of canopy disturbance and potential looting of areas yet to be documented by archaeologists on the ground.
Estimating Asian Elephant, Elephas Maximus, Density Through Distance Sampling in the Tropical Forests of Biligiri Rangaswamy Temple Tiger Reserve, India
Authors: Kumara H. N. , Rathnakumar S. , Kumar M. Ananda , Singh M.
Published: October 2016

To determine abundance, density and distribution of wild animals, it is crucial to estimate populations using reliable sampling techniques. In most earlier studies, elephant populations were estimated employing block counts or dung counts, which provide biased estimates due to limitations of the methods. We estimated an Asian elephant population using distance sampling, a quantitatively robust technique, in Biligiri Rangaswamy Temple Tiger Reserve, a critical elephant conservation area in the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve in south India. We laid 33 transects with a total length of 93 km. We walked these transects five to 11 times amounting to a total of 795.5 km of walks. We collected data on location, number and age-sex classes through direct elephant sightings, using rangefinders, global positioning systems and compass. We used DISTANCE software for analysis. We estimated per km2 cluster density as 0.69 elephant herds, mean cluster size as 2.44, and elephant density as 1.7 animals. This amounts to a total of 713 elephants in 610 km2 of the sanctuary. A high percentage of males less than 30 years old and a low immature:adult female ratio indicated the severity of poaching in the recent past in the study region.
Distribution, Abundance, and Spatial Ecology of the Critically Endangered Ecuadorian Capuchin (Cebus Albifrons Aequatorialis)
Authors: Jack Katharine M. , Campos Fernando A.
Published: October 2016

Geographically isolated from other C. albifrons taxa found east of the Andes, the Ecuadorian capuchin ( Cebus albifrons aequatorialis) is a Critically Endangered primate that survives in a small number of localities in western Ecuador and extreme northern Peru. We assessed 11 forested areas in western Ecuador to determine presence/absence using a combination of on-foot searching and interviews with local informants. C. a. aequatorialis were present at seven of the sites surveyed, four of which represent new presence localities. We carried out extensive censuses of five small, private reserves to obtain estimates of population density and demographic information. We also examined home range characteristics and habitat selection at one well-studied site. Population densities based on absolute counts at these sites ranged from 2-22 individuals/km2 (median = 2.4). Jauneche, a 138 ha isolated fragment reserve with 22 individuals/km2, was a clear outlier. Although we observed some solitary individuals, C. a. aequatorialis live predominantly in multi-male multi-female social groups, with a mean group size of 13.9 (range 5-20). The composition of social groups was typical for Cebus: adult females outnumbered adult males slightly, and groups exhibited relatively high immature to adult female ratios (mean = 1.5). Home ranges were unusually large for the genus (507–561 ha). The capuchins exhibited strongest selection for mature forest near streams, although they also used degraded forest frequently. C. a. aequatorialis faces critical threats in the form of habitat loss, hunting, and harassment by farmers, but we suggest that some remaining populations have the potential to grow if effective protection can be established.
Spatial Turnover and Knowledge Gaps for African Chelonians Mirror those of African Small Mammals: Conservation Implications
Authors: Luiselli Luca , Civetta Fabrizio , Masciola Sabrina , Milana Giuliano , Amori Giovanni
Published: October 2016

The causes of spatial distribution gaps for a given species may be either both natural (habitat discontinuities) or non-natural (local extinctions, inaccurate knowledge). These species are defined as ‘gap species’. We analyzed the country checklists for African chelonians in order to identify both gap species and gap countries. We also compared patterns observed in chelonians with those observed in African small mammals. Species richness was highest in South Africa, Congo, Nigeria, Tanzania, Angola and Ghana, and the countries exchanging the smallest number of species with neighboring countries were South Africa and Congo. The main gap countries were Togo, Benin, and Congo. Moist savannahs, tropical forests, and swamp areas were inhabited by significantly higher numbers of gap species. Body size of gap species was significantly larger than that of non-gap species, possibly due to bush-meat consumption. Increases in the number of gap species per country were significantly correlated between chelonians and small mammals. There was a significantly positive relationship of turnover rates by paired countries between chelonians and rodents as well as between chelonians and insectivores, and the mean turnover rates by country were highest in Sudan and Chad, whereas the whole southern portion of Africa and part of West Africa had low mean turnover rates. The high number of gap species in Congo, Central African Republic (C.A.R.), and Cameroon may be due to suboptimal research, and in Togo and Benin may depend on the Dahomey Gap. The tropical forests and the moist savannahs are the most important habitats for both groups.
Last Chance to See: The Role of Phylogeography in the Preservation of Tropical Biodiversity
Authors: Macqueen Peggy
Published: October 2016

Habitat loss and anthropogenic climate change are primary threats to global biological diversity and ecosystem stability. International efforts to halt the effects of climate change and to slow the loss of biodiversity are now focused on the tropical biome. Specifically, and in recognition of the substantial contribution to climate warming made by deforestation in developing countries, the UN-REDD+ programme has been established to provide incentives for stopping tropical deforestation. This programme also places emphasis on rewarding measures for the conservation of biodiversity. However, the effective integration of carbon storage and biodiversity conservation goals in countries participating in the REDD+ programme will require greater research effort. In particular, in order to maximize our chances of preserving biological diversity, it will be essential to consider diversity at a population level, as well as at a species and ecosystem level. Phylogeographic studies should be an integral part of this population-level research effort as they can be used to document regional biological diversity, provide baseline genetic data to monitor changes in genetic diversity, allow the identification of evolutionary refugia, and provide evolutionary context for current patterns of diversity. The REDD+ initiative has the potential to provide an internationally well-supported framework for reducing forest habitat loss and protecting tropical diversity, and may, therefore, provide the impetus needed for increased biodiversity research effort. In conjunction with the recent development of the Intergovernmental Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES), phylogeographic research may now be considered more explicitly in the development of national environmental policies and in planning for biodiversity conservation.
Value Chains of Cherimoya (Annona Cherimola Mill.) in a Centre of Diversity and its on-Farm Conservation Implications
Authors: Vanhove Wouter , Van Damme Patrick
Published: October 2016

This paper uses value chain analysis as a novel method to examine the conservation status of and strategies for cherimoya (Annona cherimola Mill.), an underutilized, perennial fruit species native to the Andean valleys of Ecuador, Peru and Bolivia. It was found that value chain features such as market channels, chain governance, quality performance and distribution of added value over chain actors differ significantly between cherimoya fruits that are registered by a collective trademark such as the Cumbe variety and another group of more traditionally produced and commercialized cherimoya fruits. The former is exported from its production area (Lima province in Peru) to neighboring Andean countries, is graded and selected intensively, has a higher quality perception and creates significantly more added value for both producers and traders than the other, locally produced cherimoyas whose value chain is governed less intensively. Previous studies on the genetic diversity of cherimoya in the countries of origin have stressed the necessity of conserving cherimoya germplasm in areas characterized by highly diverse (southern Ecuador and northern Peru) or rare (Bolivia) cherimoya germplasm. Although value chain development is generally considered crucial in on-farm conservation of underutilized species, the example of the Cumbe cherimoya shows that intraspecific diversity can be threatened by commercial success. Farmers who believe that quality is exclusively linked to a certain genotype have purchased Cumbe cherimoya grafts from each other, leading to genetic erosion of the local cherimoya genetic base.
Reducing Rural Households' Annual Income Fluctuations Due to Rainfall Variation Through Diversification of Wildlife Use: Portfolio Theory in a Case Study of South Eastern Zimbabwe
Authors: Poshiwa X. , Groeneveld R.A. , Heitkönig I. M.A. , Prins H.H.T. , van Ierland E. C.
Published: October 2016

Annual rural incomes in Southern Africa show large rainfall-induced fluctuations. Variable rainfall has serious implications for agro-pastoral activities (crop cultivation and livestock keeping), whereas wildlife and tourism are less affected. The aim of this paper is to investigate the role of wildlife income in reducing rainfall-induced fluctuations in households' annual incomes. We analyse costs and benefits from agro-pastoral systems in southeastern Zimbabwe by means of a two-tier longitudinal survey and wildlife benefits through analysis of wildlife revenues. We use the portfolio theory framework to investigate whether wildlife conservation has the potential for farmers to reduce risk associated with agricultural production. Results show that even though wildlife income is small, it tends to be less volatile than income from the agro-pastoral system. Furthermore, the addition of wildlife as an asset to the rural farmers' portfolio of assets showed that wildlife can be used as a hedge asset to offset risk from agricultural production without compromising on return. The potential of diversification using wildlife is, however, limited since agriculture and wildlife assets are positively correlated. We conclude that revenues from wildlife have some potential to reduce annual household income fluctuations, but only to a limited extent. We argue that if wildlife is organised on a more commercial basis, a more substantial role can be played by wildlife income in reducing variations in rural households' incomes.
The Nilgiris Biosphere Reserve: An Unrealized Vision for Conservation
Authors: Puyravaud Jean-Philippe , Davidar Priya
Published: October 2016

The Man and Biosphere Program of UNESCO (MAB) was a pioneer in recognizing the role of local communities in the conservation of biodiversity. Biosphere reserves of MAB were designed with a core zone with maximum protection, a buffer zone with regulated activities, and a transition zone outside the reserve proper. The transition zone is where experimental management options to promote sustainable development could be developed, and could add value to the conservation network and to regional activities. The Nilgiris Biosphere Reserve (NBR), with a core zone of 1,240 km2 and a buffer zone of 4,280 km2, was created in 1986 without a transition zone. The absence of a transition zone separates the protected areas (PAs) from each other, and the hard boundary between the PA and surrounding areas promotes human-wildlife conflict and encourages development inimical to the mandate of the Biosphere Reserve, ultimately affecting the regional economy through progressive degradation of the environment. We examine three case studies to illustrate these concerns: the implementation of the India-based Neutrino Observatory, resistance by tourist resorts against regulations for connecting elephant corridors, and whether the goals of local tourism operators meet the conservation objectives of the NBR. Landscape ecology and econometry can help design a transition zone on a sound economic basis. A better environment management is within technical and financial reach. But is it within political reach?
Priority Mammals for Biodiversity Conservation in Brazil
Authors: Alves Davi M. C. C. , Brito Daniel
Published: October 2016

More than one fifth of the world's mammals are listed in an extinction risk category. However, extinction risk should not be the only criterion used in conservation prioritization schemes. Here, we used a species and spatial prioritization scheme for the conservation of Brazilian mammals that incorporates other parameters in addition to extinction risk. Our results suggest that 3.4% of all Brazilian mammal species are high priorities and 29.1% of all Brazilian ecoregions are also high priorities. Since 62.5% of the species identified as high-priority do not have any national conservation plan, we hope our results will help guide mammal conservation actions.
Nutmeg-Vertebrate Interactions in the Asia-Pacific Region: Importance of Frugivores for Seed Dispersal in Myristicaceae
Authors: Kitamura Shumpei , Poonswad Pilai
Published: October 2016

In tropical forests, large frugivores are assumed to be important seed dispersers for many large-seeded trees such as the Myristicaceae, a widespread and common family. However, not all frugivores are effective seed dispersers, and understanding which frugivores are effective is vital for conservation biology. Here, we summarize the available data on fruit characteristics and frugivores for a large number of Myristicaceae species in the Asia-Pacific region and suggest future directions for evaluating the effects of disperser loss for these trees. Studies of fruit characteristics of Myristicaceae were highly biased toward morphological information, and few studies examined reproductive phenology or fruit chemistry. We identified 338 instances of nutmeg-frugivore interactions that included 129 species of Myristicaceae and 109 species of frugivores, including 40 bird, 68 mammal, and one reptile species. Large birds were major seed dispersers for this tree family. These bird species, such as hornbills and pigeons, consumed a variety of nutmeg species, remained briefly at fruiting trees, and dispersed intact seeds far from the parent trees in the forest. Although most seeds dispersed by birds subsequently suffered high seed predation by rodents, some germinated and established as seedlings, indicating the qualitative effectiveness of large birds as seed dispersers for Myristicaceae. Mammals were also major consumers of Myristicaceae. Gibbons, macaques, and civets potentially acted as long-distance dispersers for some nutmeg species. Orangutans, leaf monkeys, squirrels, and rodents consumed a variety of nutmeg species, but their roles as seed dispersers for Myristicaceae remain unclear. Studies of nutmeg-vertebrate interactions have typically focused on frugivory, whereas few studies have specifically quantified the effectiveness of frugivores as seed dispersers; thus, it remains difficult to evaluate the effect of frugivore loss on the populations of most nutmeg species in this region. Further studies of nutmeg-frugivore interactions are of great ecological importance, and the results of such studies will contribute to a general understanding of which evolutionary forces may have shaped current nutmeg-frugivore interactions in tropical forests worldwide.
Reconciling Natural History and Species Ecology: Myristica Beddomei (Myristicaceae) in the Western Ghats, India
Authors: Chetana H.C , Ganesh T.
Published: October 2016

Natural history is an important component of any ecological or conservation research. Very often this is not given adequate attention, and observations on the genera or species are often generalized to other, supposedly similar, congeneric species. In this study, we document the natural history of fruit-frugivore interactions of Myristica beddomei (Myristicaceae) found in the mid-elevation evergreen forests of the Western Ghats, India, and determine how different these interactions are compared to other Myristicaceae species. M. beddomei has a single hard seed covered by an orange-yellow aril. Species of Myristicaceae are usually dispersed by large frugivorous birds, and also by primates in the Neotropics. In South Asia, Myristicaceae dispersal is usually by large birds such as hornbills, but our observations over several years indicate that M. beddomei is not bird-dispersed, even though some fruit traits suggest bird dispersal. Our observations suggest that obligate seed predators like macaques and squirrels can facilitate dispersal of the species. We discuss these observations and explore why such outliers might have evolved in the region
Tree Cavity-Using Wildlife and the Potential of Artificial Nest Boxes for Wildlife Management in New Guinea
Authors: Warakai Diatpain , Okena Daniel Solomon , Igag Paul , Opiang Muse , Mack Andrew L.
Published: October 2016

Little is known of the frequency of use and reliance upon tree cavities by wildlife, nor the natural availability of cavities in New Guinea forests. We surveyed the literature for records of cavity use by birds and mammals in New Guinea. We examined every standing tree on one hectare of primary forest and one hectare of secondary forest for cavities, then carefully assessed every tree for cavities after they were felled. We put up 190 artificial nest boxes of five designs in three sites and monitored occupancy. At least 50 species (23.6%) of New Guinea terrestrial mammals and 118 species (17.7%) of non-marine or aquatic bird species are recorded in the literature as using tree cavities. Ground observation identified 36 suspected cavities in a hectare of lowland primary forest and 10 in nearby secondary forest. Upon inspection of all trees after felling, these figures changed to 26 and 0 respectively. Ground censuses are not accurate. Cavities were more commonly found in large trees. In less than a year, nest box occupancy reached exceeded 33%, with Phalanger spp. and Sugar gliders, Petaurus breviceps, being most common. Some bird use was detected by the presence of feathers; snakes and geckos were also found in boxes. Occupancy increased with time and would probably be higher after a second year. The larger boxes had greater occupancy, as did boxes placed higher in the trees. Bees occupied and probably excluded other users from 10% of boxes. As Papuan forests are disturbed by logging, hunting practices and gardening, conservationists might need to manage practices to ensure cavity availability. Artificial nest boxes might have utility for wildlife conservation and research.
Defining Neotropical Otter Lontra Longicaudis Distribution, Conservation Priorities and Ecological Frontiers
Authors: Rheingantz Marcelo Lopes , de Menezes Jorge Fernando Saraiva , de Thoisy Benoit
Published: October 2016

Understanding a species' occurrence requirements is essential for its conservation, and species distribution models (SDMs) are a powerful tool for this purpose. Here we estimated a SDM based on actual distribution information, in relation to climatic, hydrological, human population, and vegetation data sets, to understand the ecological requirements and geographic distribution of the Neotropical otter Lontra longicaudis, a species whose habitat requirements and conservation needs are mostly unknown. Using MaxEnt, we defined its potential distribution and most suitable areas to indicate priority areas for research and to analyze the efficiency of Protected Areas (PAs). Our findings suggest that the range of Neotropical otters could extend beyond their present estimated distribution, adding new areas in northeastern Brazil, Andean region, west Ecuador, Venezuela, Peru, Mexico, and Argentina, with higher suitability in rain forests (especially Atlantic and Amazon Forests). We also found that PAs are the most suitable areas for otter distribution. Although better than non-protected areas, PAs are close to the median of the suitability values, indicating that they still can be improved to conserve otters. Annual temperature and human population density explained most data variance in our model. We suggest the change of the actual status of Neotropical otter to Least Concern or Near Threatened categories. We recommend verifying the possible sympatry with other otters, and demonstrate that rudimentary and/or occasional recent data of occurrence can also be used in SDMs and contribute to species conservation.
Comparison of Noninvasive Genetics and Camera Trapping for Estimating Population Density of Ocelots (Leopardus Pardalis) on Barro Colorado Island, Panama
Authors: Rodgers Torrey W. , Giacalone Jacalyn , Heske Edward J. , Janečka Jan E. , Phillips Christopher A. , Schooley Robert L.
Published: October 2016

Estimates of population density are essential for the effective conservation and management of any threatened species. Accurately estimating density of elusive carnivores can be a challenge, however. One approach to this challenge is integration of DNA collected noninvasively from feces with capture-recapture modeling. To date, the bias and precision of this technique have seldom been evaluated in the field. We compared density estimates of ocelots ( Leopardus pardalis) derived from fecal noninvasive genetic techniques to density estimates from camera trapping in the same population, during the same study period. Density estimates from the two techniques were comparable, especially when using spatially explicit capture-recapture models. Population density estimated using the program DENSITY was 1.74/km2 (SE = 0.584) from noninvasive genetics and 1.59/km2 (SE = 0.464) from camera trapping. These estimates also represent the highest reported ocelot population density within the species range.
Local Perceptions of Wildlife use in Los Petenes Biosphere Reserve, Mexico: Maya Subsistence Hunting in a Conservation Conflict Context
Authors: Oliva Malena , Montiel Salvador , García Ana , Vidal Laura
Published: October 2016

Conservation conflicts can arise in biosphere reserves when local people face restrictions on resource use and access, mainly in terms of subsistence. We studied the potential conservation conflict with subsistence hunting in two Maya communities (Los Petenes and El Remate) located in the zone of influence of Los Petenes Biosphere Reserve, Mexico. Perceptions, interests and expectations of stakeholders regarding subsistence hunting in the reserve were recorded through semi-structured and in-depth interviews of peasant-hunters and reserve authorities, and participant observation was carried out in both communities. A total of 66 peasant-hunters were identified in Los Petenes (62%) and El Remate (38%). Overall, peasant-hunters acknowledged hunting for family subsistence and expressed the conviction to continue hunting in the region. They mentioned their enthusiasm for hunting, mainly individually and aimed at obtaining white-tailed deer ( Odocoileus virginianus) and perceived a recent reduction in potential prey locally. Although the law in Mexico does not prohibit subsistence hunting, external authorities stated that they have announced a generalized ban on hunting based on the precautionary principle to simplify enforcement both inside and outside the reserve. The de facto restriction on wildlife use, even for subsistence purposes, which was mentioned by external actors, conflicted with the local need and expectation of the contemporary Maya hunters to continue subsistence hunting in the region. Our study confirms the existence of a conservation conflict associated with this traditional practice in the reserve and provides necessary information for managing such conflict.
The Value of Including Intraspecific Measures of Biodiversity in Environmental impact Surveys is Highlighted by the Amazonian Brilliant-Thighed Frog (Allobates Femoralis)
Authors: Simões Pedro Ivo , Stow Adam , Hödl Walter , Amézquita Adolfo , Farias Izeni P. , Lima Albertina P.
Published: October 2016

The distribution of many vertebrate species in the Amazon basin is delimited by large rivers, which are frequently regarded as geographic barriers related with speciation and are therefore of high conservation value. Rapid development in the region includes plans to dam one of its thirteen major rivers, the Xingu. Environmental impact assessment is required for large scale development within the Brazilian portion of the Amazon Basin. However, impacts on biodiversity are only considered at the species level, and taxonomic work is far from described for many groups. In particular, anuran diversity is underestimated, in part owing to the scale of the region and, for some taxa, by morphological conservatism. Here we describe genetic and phenotypic variation in the brilliant-thighed frog, Allobates femoralis. We show that a unique genetic lineage, with a vocal repertoire distinct from that described for the species throughout its remaining geographic range, is located within the region to be directly and indirectly impacted by damming the Xingu River. Further, genetic variation within the A. femoralis group is largely structured in accordance to river systems, despite morphological conservatism. Our data add support for conservation policy to be amended to include intraspecific measures of diversity in order to more effectively conserve current biodiversity and evolutionary processes.
High-Temperature Tolerance by the Endangered Mexican Mayflower Orchid, Laelia Speciosa
Authors: Gudiño Whaleeha , Ávila-Díaz Irene , Oyama Ken , Barrera de la Erick
Published: October 2016

The Mayflower orchid, Laelia speciosa, is an endangered orchid endemic to oak forests of central Mexico. Because of extractive pressure on remaining natural populations, in vitro propagation has been proposed as an alternative for the massive propagation of this plant for conservation and commercial purposes. However, it is unknown whether this orchid will be able to tolerate the increased air temperature that is projected to occur during the present century, especially for in vitro propagated individuals at early developmental stages. A laboratory assay that measured electrolyte leakage, a common indicator of cell membrane integrity, was utilized to determine the high-temperature tolerance for 8-year-old individuals rescued from a wild population and for 2-year-old micropropagated individuals of the Mayflower orchid. The plants were incubated under day/night air temperatures of 25/15, 30/20, or 35/25 °C. Chlorophyll fluorescence measurements of the quantum yield of photosystem II (Fv/Fm) averaged 0.74 ± 0.01, except for the micropropagated individuals incubated under 35/25 °C, whose quantum yield of 0.64 ± 0.02 was indicative of stress. Electrolyte leakage also responded to incubation temperature. An observed increase of temperature tolerance of 0.6–1.0 °C per increased degree of incubation temperature indicates an ability to acclimate to rising air temperatures. However, the LT50 (the temperature that causes half of the maximum electrolyte leakage to occur) dramatically decreased (by 6.7–10.9 °C) for plants kept under 35/25 °C. In this case, the in vitro propagated individuals were less able to resist high air temperatures. It appears that the Mayflower will be able to survive climate change, provided that in vitro propagated individuals are sufficiently hardened.
Roads through National Parks: A Successful Case Study
Authors: Caro Tim
Published: October 2016

Roads through protected areas are generally believed to have many adverse environmental effects but there are few examples of road building being halted for environmental reasons. In Katavi National Park, western Tanzania, plans to upgrade a murram road connecting regional capitals have been stopped in favour of retaining the sanctity of the protected area. Despite empirical evidence suggesting upgrading would damage trees, increase traffic, adversely affect large mammals, and result in more litter, the decision not to upgrade was likely made for general environmental and sociopolitical reasons rather than on consideration of ecological data per se. This suggests that conservation scientists, while remaining independent, need to work with politicians to achieve environmentally friendly outcomes regarding tropical highways.
Trends in Illegal Trade of Wild Birds in Amazonas State, Brazil
Authors: do Nascimento Carlos Augusto Rodrigues , Czaban Robson Esteves , Alves Rômulo Romeu Nóbrega
Published: October 2016

This study evaluates the seizure of birds in the state of Amazonas during twenty years (1992-2011), providing information on the sale of birds in a state recognized for its significant biodiversity. We compiled a total of 2,698 seizure records of illegal wildlife trade, which were drawn up and issued by the Brazilian Institute of Environment and Renewable Natural Resources - IBAMA (the Brazilian official agency for environmental license and patrol) in the state of Amazonas, during 240 months. Reports of birds seized were found in only 297 (11%) of the seizure records analyzed. The number of bird specimens ranged from 3 to 710 per year, and the taxonomic richness ranged from 1 to 24 species. Considering all seizures, there was a richness of 40 bird species, distributed in 16 families and 10 orders. Among the families analyzed, Thraupidae was the richest, with 17 species, followed by Psittacidae, with eight species. The order Passeriformes was the most represented, with 12 genera, where Sporophila was the richest, with nine species (22.5% of total species). The Saffron Finch ( Sicalis flaveola – Linnaeus, 1766), Muscovy Duck ( Cairina moschata - Linnaeus, 1758) and Chestnut-bellied Seed-Finch ( Sporophila angolensis - Linnaeus, 1766) together accounted for more than half (56.9%) of the total birds seized for the period. Of the species recorded in this study, five (12.5%) were listed as Endangered. Our results suggest that the illegal trade of animals in Amazonas shows a pattern different from that which has been reported in other Brazilian states. Birds were little represented in the Amazon, and the main reason for their illegal trade was related to their use as food. In addition to the cultural aspects, the richness of vertebrates in the Amazon certainly influences the choice of animals used and marketed in the Amazon region.
Evaluating the Relationship between White-Tailed Deer and Environmental Conditions using Spatially Autocorrelated Data in Tropical Dry Forests of Central Mexico
Authors: Yañez-Arenas Carlos , Mandujano Salvador
Published: October 2016

Ordinary least-square (OLS) regression is fundamental to quantitative research in many ecological disciplines. However, spatially explicit methods have recently been proposed that allow the incorporation of spatial autocorrelation into ecological models. We compared the spatial error simultaneous autoregressive model (SARerr) and generalized least squares regression (GLS) with the results of simple and multiple OLS regressions, to analyze the relationship between white-tailed deer ( Odocoileus virginianus) population density and environmental conditions in two regions dominated by tropical dry forests in central Mexico. The spatially explicit methods presented better goodness of fit than the OLS regression; we also observed a miscalculation in the probabilities obtained with the OLS regression, which in this method led to an incorrect interpretation. In general, we suggest the application of spatially explicit methods to analyze species-habitat relationships when SAC is observed in model residuals. We also discuss the management implications of these results.
Guidelines for Wildlife Monitoring: Savannah Herbivores
Authors: Caro Tim
Published: October 2016

Wildlife monitoring is an important conservation tool, but in the savannah regions of Africa, cash-strapped and capacity-limited authorities rank it low on their priority list. To try to reduce the time, effort, and financial costs of monitoring large mammals, I examine a 20-year dataset of herbivore records taken from vehicle transects carried out in Katavi National Park, western Tanzania. I find that: (i) population trends obtained from ground transects are similar to those obtained from aerial surveys conducted over a wider area; (ii) the frequency of vehicle surveys driven per year or (iii) across years can be reduced without losing substantial information; (iv) it is inadvisable to stint on numbers of transects driven; and (v) trends in populations of single species do not represent those of others. These findings are encouraging because they indicate that managers can obtain relatively accurate information about herbivore population trends through infrequent and therefore more cost-effective monitoring.
Habitat Environment Data and Potential Habitat Interpolation of Cyathea Lepifera at the Tajen Experimental Forest Station in Taiwan
Authors: Ho Yuan-Wei , Huang Ya-Li , Chen Jan-Chang , Chen Chaur-Tzuhn
Published: October 2016

Cyatheaceae (tree ferns) are an ancient plant family widely distributed in tropical and subtropical regions, and are valued as witnesses to the evolution of the earth's species. The factors affecting tree fern growth include temperature, moisture, and light. In recent years, mass mortalities of Cyathea lepifera have occurred in Taiwan, threatening the survival of this species. To examine the growth situation of tree ferns in Southern Taiwan, we used the Tajen Experimental Forest Station as a study area and surveyed 214 samples of C. lepifera trees to establish spatial information for a database of C. lepifera to be used for conservation strategy. The results show that the ecological optima are an elevation of 500–800 m, slope of 20–30°, aspect of 90–135° (Eastern), and whole light sky space of 20%–80%. Most tree ferns grow in open areas and valley areas, and the health of C. lepifera is greatest in the valley areas. In addition, a high light environment is not conducive to seedling regeneration, and low light conditions lead to competition for resources. Therefore, C. lepifera can grow in a medium-high photometric environment, which promotes plant growth and seedling regeneration. In the future, we will designate conservation areas according to the optimal habitat as well as adopt forest management practices to protect this species.