bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluación del hábitat del venado cola blanca utilizando modelos espaciales y sus implicaciones para el manejo en el centro de Veracruz, México
Authors: Delfín-Alfonso Christian Alejandro , Gallina Sonia , López-González Carlos A.
Published: October 2016

Una de las fases importantes en el manejo de fauna es la evaluación del hábitat. Este trabajo tuvo como objetivo definir estrategias de manejo de venado cola blanca, Odocoileus virginianus, a partir de la evaluación de la calidad del hábitat en un área de 5,329.82 km2 en el centro de Veracruz, México. Generamos un modelo estático ( HSI e) de calidad de hábitat considerando algunas variables importantes para la especie (pendiente, altitud, orientación y cobertura de protección). Se obtuvo que el 29.75 del área % (1,585.85 km2), presentó condiciones de calidad aceptables para la especie. Para saber si este modelo podría ser aplicado, se realizaron entrevistas en diferentes municipios (n=17) y visitas de campo para determinar la presencia de la especie, y mediante transectos de línea de 1 km de longitud (n =14) se confirmó la existencia del venado en 5 de los municipios visitados; esto puede servir como un acercamiento a la validación del modelo, ya que se encontró un alto porcentaje de los registros (122 registros en 10 transectos) de la especie en sitios de media (0.514 ± 0.115 D. E.) a alta calidad (0.854 ± 0.123 D. E.) de hábitat según el modelo. Por lo tanto, el modelo permite definir áreas potenciales para reintroducción, conservación y aprovechamiento sustentable de la especie en esta región.
¿Pueden las variables de paisaje predecir la abundancia de venado cola blanca? El caso del noroeste de México
Authors: Arellano Helí Coronel , González Carlos A. López , Arzate Claudia N. Moreno
Published: October 2016

La generación de información sobre la abundancia de venado cola blanca (Odocoileus virginianus) se ha obtenido a nivel local, lo cual reduce su utilidad para tomar decisiones de manejo y conservación a nivel de paisaje. Nuestro objetivo fue generar un índice predictivo regional para estimar la abundancia de venado cola blanca utilizando imágenes de satélite. La información de campo se generó a partir de estudios locales en dos sitios en el noroeste de México, el primer sitio se ubica en la Sierra de San Luís en el municipio de Agua Prieta, Sonora y el segundo se encuentra ubicado en la Sierra Los Pavos, en el municipio de Sahuaripa, Sonora; de acuerdo a sus características el primer sitio es templado y el segundo es tropical. La densidad de venado cola blanca se calculó por medio de transectos lineales para el conteo de grupos fecales. Se encontró una relación significativa entre el valor de índice de vegetación normalizado (análisis que se deriva de la reflectancia del espectro electromagnétic entre la biomasa verde y su firma espectral; NDVI) y la abundancia de venado cola blanca para una de las localidades muestreada; sin embargo, para la otra localidad no se encontró una relación significativa entre las variables. El NDVI predice la abundancia en el sitio templado y no en el tropical. Al parecer esta relacionado a variables antropogénicas mas que de paisaje. Es posible utilizar el NDVI para identificar áreas de reintroducción para poblaciones de venado cola blanca en sitios templados del Noroeste de México.
Species Distribution Modeling in the Tropics: Problems, Potentialities, and the Role of Biological Data for Effective Species Conservation
Authors: Cayuela L. , Golicher D. J. , Newton A. C. , Kolb M. , de Alburquerque F. S. , Arets E. J. M. M. , Alkemade J. R. M. , Pérez A. M.
Published: October 2016

In this paper we aim to investigate the problems and potentialities of species distribution modeling (SDM) as a tool for conservation planning and policy development and implementation in tropical regions. We reviewed 123 studies published between 1995 and 2007 in five of the leading journals in ecology and conservation, and examined two tropical case studies in which distribution modeling is currently being applied to support conservation planning. We also analyzed the characteristics of data typically used for fitting models within the specific context of modeling tree species distribution in Central America. The results showed that methodological papers outnumbered reports of SDMs being used in an applied context for setting conservation priorities, particularly in the tropics. Most applications of SDMs were in temperate regions and biased towards certain organisms such as mammals and birds. Studies from tropical regions were less likely to be validated than those from temperate regions. Unpublished data from two major tropical case studies showed that those species that are most in need of conservation actions, namely those that are the rarest or most threatened, are those for which SDM is least likely to be useful. We found that only 15% of the tree species of conservation concern in Central America could be reliably modelled using data from a substantial source (Missouri Botanical Garden VAST database). Lack of data limits model validation in tropical areas, further restricting the value of SDMs. We concluded that SDMs have a great potential to support biodiversity conservation in the tropics, by supporting the development of conservation strategies and plans, identifying knowledge gaps, and providing a tool to examine the potential impacts of environmental change. However, for this potential to be fully realized, problems of data quality and availability need to be overcome. Weaknesses in current biological datasets need to be systematically addressed, by increasing collection of field survey data, improving data sharing and increasing structural integration of data sources. This should include use of distributed databases with common standards, referential integrity, and rigorous quality control. Integration of data management with SDMs could significantly add value to existing data resources by improving data quality control and enabling knowledge gaps to be identified.
Tree Responses to Edge Effects and Canopy Openness in a Tropical Montane Forest Fragment in Southern Costa Rica
Authors: Cayuela Luis , Murcia Carolina , Hawk Anjanette A. , Fernández-Vega Javier , Oviedo-Brenes Federico
Published: October 2016

Tropical forests frequently experience the opening and closing of canopy gaps as part of their natural dynamics. When fragmented, the forests are also exposed to edges, which (at least in the lowlands) cause increased mortality on the fragment's periphery and—depending on the fragment size—also on the forest interior. Here we explore if the presence of edges increase the rate at which the canopy opens in a montane forest and if and how that interaction affects the vegetation composition and structure. At Las Cruces Biological Station (SW Costa Rica), we surveyed four 150 m edge-to-interior transects to evaluate changes in vegetation structure (stem density and basal area for all plants with DBH > 5 cm) and species richness and composition as a function of both distance to the edge and canopy openness. Edge proximity did not increase canopy openness. Canopy openness, however, did affect stem density, species richness, and composition. Consequently, heterogeneity in forest structure, diversity, or composition could not be attributed to indirect edge effects. Forest edges, however, had a direct effect on species composition, but with a negligible effect on species diversity and forest structure. Overall, these results reveal that the structure, diversity, and composition of tree communities in this tropical premontane forest fragment are more strongly influenced by canopy openness than by the proximity of edges.
Bat and Rodent Diversity in a Fragmented Landscape on the Isthmus of Tehuantepec, Oaxaca, Mexico
Authors: Barragán Felipe , Lorenzo Consuelo , Morón Alejandro , Briones-Salas Miguel A. , López Sergio
Published: October 2016

We assessed the patterns of diversity, richness, abundance, and dissimilarity in rodent and bat communities for four sites on the Isthmus of Tehuantepec in Oaxaca, Mexico, an important region given the enormous number of endemic Neotropical species. The main objective was to examine rodent and bat community parameters relative to habitat diversity and human habitat disturbance in a fragmented landscape. We captured 1,133 individuals of 13 rodent species and 26 bat species from January to August 2006. The site (landscape unit) with greatest habitat diversity also had the highest diversity of rodents. Species dissimilarity was low between sites that had similar degrees of human disturbance. For rodents, species dissimilarity between habitats on the Isthmus of Tehuantepec landscape was generally high; therefore, the species are not distributed evenly across the entire landscape. For bats, the degree of species dissimilarity between the different habitats of the landscape was low. The distribution of bat species across the landscape is a reflection of their high vagility and the spatial structure of the landscape. The results show the importance of a diversity of habitats to the patterns of richness, abundance, and dissimilarity of mammals in the study area.
The Role of Monkeys, Mosquitoes, and Humans in the Occurrence of a Yellow Fever Outbreak in a Fragmented Landscape in South Brazil: Protecting Howler Monkeys is a Matter of Public Health
Authors: Bicca-Marques Júlio César , de Freitas David Santos
Published: October 2016

A recent (2008–2009) outbreak of sylvatic yellow fever caused the death of seven people and over 2,000 howler monkeys (black-and-gold, Alouatta caraya, and brown, A. guariba clamitans) in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, spreading panic among the population. The fear of the disease and the misinformation about its relationship with howler monkeys led inhabitants of several regions to exterminate these primates from the forests near their homes. In this paper we describe the theoretical background supporting the idea that howler monkeys play an important role in fighting yellow fever via the surveillance of virus circulation and stress that they are not responsible for the re-emergence of this African infectious disease, its transmission, or its fast spread through the highly fragmented landscape of the state of Rio Grande do Sul. We also describe how this scientific information has been used in the campaign “Protect our Guardian Angels” that was launched to inform the public and the media about the actual relationship of these regionally threatened species to the disease. The campaign is run and supported by educational, scientific, governmental (health-and environment-related) and religious institutions, and NGOs, an alliance in favor of biodiversity conservation and public health that has been effective in changing the quality of the news media, but that still requires a great effort to achieve the necessary level of population awareness.
A Review of the Present Threats to Tropical Moist Deciduous Sal (Shorea Robusta) Forest Ecosystem of Central Bangladesh
Authors: Rahman Mohammed Mahabubur , Rahman Md. Motiur , Guogang Zhang , Islam Kazi Shakila
Published: October 2016

The tropical moist deciduous Sal ( Shorea robusta) forest ecosystem of central Bangladesh is currently in a critical situation. Destructive anthropogenic and natural impacts coupled with overexploitation of forest resources have caused severe damage to the forest ecosystem. Sal is usually harvested for construction works, fuel wood, timbers, tannins, pillars, and furniture making purposes. The rapidly expanding agriculture in the forest land is a significant threat to the Sal forest ecosystem. This forest has been rapidly exhausted in recent times due to rubber monoculture and expanding commercial fuel-wood plantations. Due to illegal cutting, encroachment of forest areas, and illegal poaching of wildlife, the Sal forest is losing biodiversity at an alarming rate. The present status of the Sal forest ecosystem has been briefly discussed in this paper. After reviewing contemporary literature and analyzing findings of published research regarding the present threats to the Sal forest ecosystem of Bangladesh, this study recommends adoption of a sustainable forest management strategy based on scientific concepts of advanced silviculture. Furthermore, the requirement of further scientific research for better understanding of the Sal forest ecosystem has been stressed. Finally, this paper asserts that conservation and protection of the Sal forest ecosystem of Bangladesh can be achieved if sustainable forest management strategies are developed by involving all relevant stakeholders in the policy formulation process.
Endemic Freshwater Molluscs of Cuba and Their Conservation Status
Authors: Perera Antonio Alejandro Vázquez , Valderrama Susana Perera
Published: October 2016

Cuba is one of the richest places in malacological fauna in the world, especially in land snails, hosting a high degree of endemism. A study on the distribution of freshwater molluscs that occur within the limits of protected areas was carried out. The objective was to determine the status of the endemic species and the potential threats of introduced snails. It was found that the inclusion of freshwater molluscs is not a criterion for proposing protected areas no matter how ecologically important they actually can be. A total of 42 species of freshwater molluscs occur in Cuba, but only 24 exist in the National System of Protected Areas. More critical is the fact that of the 10 Cuban endemics, three are not protected and the distribution data on all of them are not abundant. Introduced species such as Tarebia granifera and Melanoides tuberculata are spread throughout the country and might be a threat for endemics and other native snails. Data on the distribution of endemic molluscs is presented and the role of some introduced/invasive species is discussed.
Impact of Leaf Harvest on Populations of Lepidocaryum tenue, an Amazonian Understory Palm Used for Thatching
Authors: Navarro Jaime A. , Galeano Gloria , Bernal Rodrigo
Published: October 2016

Leaves of the palm Lepidocaryum tenue are one of the most prized thatching materials in northwestern Amazonia. We studied the population dynamics of this stoloniferous palm in Colombian Amazonia, using ramet-based Lefkovitch matrices, and assessed the impact of leaf harvest on population structure and dynamics, through experimental defoliation. Leaf production rate of unharvested palms ranged between 0.93 leaves per year in seedlings and 1.71 in adults. Vegetative shoots produced through stolons are more important than seedlings for maintaining the population; stolons act also as a reserve to overcome damage in the population. The potential population growth rate was 8.3 % per year (λ = 1.083). Juveniles had the highest contribution to population growth, and permanence was the most important life parameter. Thus, harvest of leaves for thatching can jeopardize the population if juveniles are also harvested. An initial harvest intensity of more than 50% of the leaves in a crown, or leaving the palm with fewer than four leaves, would have a negative impact on leaf production. Although matrix modeling suggests that all adult ramets can be harvested, this must be taken with caution, as clonal integration may play an important role in population dynamics. Long-term harvest of Lepidocaryum leaves is possible, if plots are harvested in turns of four years, thus allowing palms to recover from the previous harvest. A better control on the quality of the braided tiles sold in the market would also ensure their longer duration, thus reducing the pressure on the resource.
Invasive Alien Plant Species in Nigeria and Their Effects on Biodiversity Conservation
Authors: Borokini Temitope Israel
Published: October 2016

With very scanty information on invasive alien species (IAS) in Nigeria, this study was conducted to identify the invasive species in the field gene bank of the National Centre for Genetic Resources and Biotechnology (NACGRAB), Ibadan, Nigeria, on the latitude 7° 22′ north of the equator and longitude 3° 50′ east of the Greenwich Meridian, and also to assess the level of the species' disturbance to the conserved native plants in the protected area. This study involved sampling of the field gene bank and an on-site assessment and identification of the species and their effects on the indigenous plants established in the field for conservation. Twenty-five invasive plant species were identified, across 16 plant families, of which 14 were herbs, followed by vines, shrubs, and trees, all of which are presently estimated to occupy about 18% of the gene bank. The effects of IAS on the indigenous plants conserved in the field gene bank range from competition for space and nutrients and alteration of the tree canopies (thereby affecting the microclimatic conditions in the lower strata) to obstruction of the plants' reception of sunlight (which could thereby reduce the potential yield of the fruit trees in the gene bank. The paper also discusses the effects of IAS on biodiversity conservation in Nigeria. Human disturbance was observed as the major factor responsible for the spread of these IAS in the gene bank. The paper concludes by advocating stricter screening measures before introducing new plants into the country, capacity building on the early detection and management of IAS in protected areas for the technical staff, biological control, and exchange of technical information among concerned countries.
Ants of the Islas Murciélago: An Inventory of the Ants on Tropical Dry Forest Islands in Northwest Costa Rica
Authors: Jacobs Jennifer M. , Longino John T. , Joyce Frank J.
Published: October 2016

We conducted the first inventory of ants on the Islas Murciélago, Area de Conservación Guanacaste (ACG) of Costa Rica. We conducted this study on a chain of seven islands and a nearby mainland site, southwest of the Santa Elena Peninsula, northwestern Costa Rica. We collected ants during three different seasons throughout one year, using three techniques; pitfall traps, Winkler sacks, and opportunistic collecting by hand. We determined ant species richness and composition for all islands and the mainland site. We also evaluated the relationship between island area, distance from the mainland, and relative vegetation cover with the number of ant species recorded on each island. We found a total of 50 species of ants on the Islas Murciélago and 34 species on the mainland (combining results from standardized and non-standardized sampling). Thirteen species of ants found on the mainland were not recorded from the Islands. Distance and area did not explain ant species richness on the Islands. Ant species composition varied for each island, and we documented fluctuations in ant presence throughout different seasons. We found two exotic species on the Islands, but in relatively low abundances and coexisting with other species. Considering the extreme seasonality of the Islas Murciélago and the desert-like environment in the dry season, we found a higher number of ant species than we expected. It is unclear what factors best explain patterns of species richness and composition on the Islands, though human impacts likely contribute.
Comparison of Pellet-Group Counting Methods to Estimate Population Density of White-Tailed Deer in a Mexican Tropical Dry Forest
Authors: Camargo-Sanabria Angela A. , Mandujano Salvador
Published: October 2016

Wildlife species population density estimation is important from both ecological and management perspectives. The pellet-group counting method has been used to evaluate density of the white-tailed deer ( Odocoileus virginianus). This species is an important component of human diet in tropical habitats. The objectives of this study were to: 1) compare density estimates using four methods: counts in circular plots (FSC, Fecal Standing Crop and FAR, Fecal Accumulation Rate), and counts in transects (LT, Line Transect and ST, Strip Transect); 2) simulate the effect of increased sampling effort on density and precision, and; 3) evaluate the effort required to detect changes in population density using LT. From 2006 to 2007, we intensively sampled a 1 km2 quadrant in a Mexican tropical dry forest. The results indicate that all four methods produce similar mean population density estimates. However, estimates of precision were dependent on sample size which in turn was associated with the particular counting method used. In descending order of estimate precision, the methods ranked as: LT, ST, FSC, and FAR. To detect population changes of < 20%, we suggest the establishment of 5 to 22 transects (LT) of 390 m during the dry season. To reduce bias in density estimation, it is important to obtain defecation and pellet decomposition rates in the study site.
Fire Control as a Simple Means of Promoting Tropical Forest Restoration
Authors: Omeja Patrick A. , Lwanga Jeremiah S. , Obua Joseph , Chapman Colin A.
Published: October 2016

Tropical deforestation is occurring at an alarming rate. The loss of these forests contributes significantly to total global carbon dioxide emissions and accelerating rates of climate change; moreover, many deforested lands lose fertility and are abandoned. Demands to protect biodiversity and reverse climate change call for efforts to reforest such lands, and one method is through fire control, as fire suppresses tree regeneration. Unfortunately, the success of fire control is often not known for tropical regions because research efforts must span decades. We compared above ground biomass in two plots of regenerating forest that were protected from fire for 12 and 32 years in Kibale National Park, Uganda. Tree biomass of the plots was substantial, and while the biomass of the 12- and 32-year plots did not differ significantly, the 12-year plot had a higher biomass in the small diameter classes in comparison to the 32-year plot. Twenty-four tree species were growing in 12-year plot, while 46 grew in the 32-year plot. We conclude that fire exclusion is a promising approach for tropical forest restoration, and we demonstrate that it is cost-effective relative to programs that plant tree seedlings.
Bird Communities of the Lower Waria Valley, Morobe Province, Papua New Guinea: A Comparison between Habitat Types
Authors: Dawson Jeff , Turner Craig , Pileng Oscar , Farmer Andrew , McGary Cara , Walsh Chris , Tamblyn Alexia , Yosi Cossey
Published: October 2016

From June, 2007, to February, 2009, the Waria Valley Community Conservation and Sustainable Livelihoods Project (WVCP) completed an inventory survey of the birds of the lower Waria Valley, Morobe Province, Papua New Guinea. Four land use types – agricultural, secondary forest edge, primary forest edge and primary forest – were surveyed using Mackinnon list surveys. In total, 125 species representing 43 families were identified, of which 54 (43.2%) are endemic to the islands of New Guinea and the Bismark Archipelago. The avifauna of primary forest edge and primary forest was more species rich and diverse than that of agricultural habitats. Agricultural habitats also differed significantly in both overall community composition and some aspects of guild composition compared to all three forested habitats. Nectarivores and insectivore-frugivores formed a significantly larger proportion of species in agricultural habitats, whereas obligate frugivores formed a significantly greater proportion in forested habitats. We propose further survey and management initiatives that could help contribute to the conservation and sustainable use of the area's important biological resources.
Valeur de la forět des Marais Tanoé-Ehy (sudest de la COTE D'IVOIRE) pour la conservation: dimension socio-anthropologique
Authors: Zadou Didié Armand , Kone Inza , MouroufiE Vincent Kouassi , Yao Constant Yves Adou , Gleanou Epiphanie K. , Kablan Yves Aka , Coulibaly Djakalidja , Ibo Jonas Guéhi
Published: October 2016

La Forět des Marais Tanoé-Ehy (FMTE), identifiée par le Centre Suisse de Recherches Scientifiques en Côte d'Ivoire (CSRS) comme étant un site hautement prioritaire pour la conservation des primates en Afrique de l'ouest, est sujette à de fortes pressions anthropiques qui se traduisent par le braconnage, le prélèvement anarchique des ressources naturelles, l'exploitation forestière et les tentatives de défrichements agricoles. Tranchant avec les politiques traditionnelles de conservation des écosystèmes caractérisées par l'exclusion des communautés locales, un programme pilote de gestion communautaire de cette forět a été initié, depuis septembre 2006, avec les populations riveraines. L'appréhension des déterminants du succès et de la durabilité de cette expérience passe par une bonne connaissance des valeurs socio-économiques et anthropologiques qui sous-tendent les rapports des communautés locales avec cette forět. Dans une approche qualitative, avec les outils d'analyses compréhensive, fonctionnaliste et interactionniste, cette étude a permis de comprendre comment l'existence de la FMTE participe à la préservation des moyens de subsistance des riverains et au maintien de leurs repères socioculturels. L'étude démontre ainsi que la valeur de la FMTE pour la conservation ne se limite pas à la spécificité de sa biodiversité et donne, par ailleurs, des pistes pour une bonne prise en compte de la dimension socio-anthropologique de la conservation de ce patrimoine forestier naturel.
Demography of the Clonal Palm Prestoea Acuminata in the Colombian Andes: Sustainable Household Extraction of Palm Hearts
Authors: Gamba-Trimiño Catherine , Bernal Rodrigo , Bittner Jens
Published: October 2016

Prestoea acuminata is a highland clonal palm traditionally used as a source of palm hearts by the Awá Indians of Colombia and Ecuador; its commercial use thrived in the 1980's. Extraction pressure on the resource is particularly strong during Holy Week, as campesinos use it as a substitute for meat. We studied P. acuminata demography at La Planada Reserve, southwestern Colombia, and elaborated a ramet-based matrix model to assess the impact of different palm heart harvest regimes. The 1.5 ha study area had 1182 genets, composed of 5389 ramets. Harvestable stems were 23-40 years old and accounted for 0.32% of the stable stage distribution (SSD). Ramet population asymptotic growth rate λ was 1.0485, and was more sensitive to changes in the survival of stemless ramets. Observed stage distribution (OSD) differed from predicted SSD, which suggests the population was exhibiting transient dynamics. As our census was conducted four years after a severe ENSO, we argue that the OSD could be reflecting this environmental disturbance. Thus, harvest simulations must be interpreted with caution. Although P. acuminata ramets are abundant at La Planada, the typical genet architecture, with many stemless ramets (≈20) and only 1-2 stems appropriate for palm heart extraction, accounts for a very low resource yield (127 palm hearts ha−1 in our survey). This, and its slow growth rate, make P. acuminata suitable only for household extraction. As harvest has a strong effect on sexual recruitment, we recommend a maximum annual extraction of 10% of harvestable ramets.
Characterization of Community Composition and Forest Structure in a Madagascar Lowland Rainforest
Authors: Armstrong Amanda H. , Shugart Herman H. , Fatoyinbo Temilola E.
Published: October 2016

This study documents the community composition and forest structure of lowland rainforest in eastern Madagascar, with a first quantitative description of the primary lowland rainforest of Reserve Naturelle Intégrale de (RNI) Betampona. An intensive field survey of vegetation and environmental factors was conducted over two consecutive field campaigns in RNI Betampona, an isolated primary forest reserve located ca. 40 km northwest of the city of Toamasina. One hundred 10 m-diameter vegetation survey plots were inventoried and re-measured in 2004 and 2005. Two hundred forty-four tree species belonging to 49 families comprised the 2,487 stems greater than or equal to 5cm diameter at breast height (DBH) measured in 2004, with an average of 19.27 species per plot (2,227 and 15.71 respectively in 2005). Stem density per plot ranged from 12 to 52 for trees ≥5cm-DBH in 2004 (12 to 38 in 2005), while regeneration stems less than 5cm-DBH had a per-plot average of 57.28 in 2005 (range 19 to 140) and 94.19 (range 22 to 224) per hectare in 2004. The substantial decrease in ≥5cm-DBH trees and in stems ≥5cm-DBH from 2004 to 2005 suggests a forest undergoing thinning, perhaps following recovery from gap formation. Importance Value Indices (IVI) calculated for tree species indicated that an unidentified Uapaca species, Ravenala madagascariensis, Anthostema madagascariensis, Canarium spp and Cassipourea lanceolata were the most important species according to their overall frequency, dominance and abundance values, and accounted for 10% of the overall IVI.
Captura de aves silvestres no semiárido brasileiro: técnicas cinegéticas e implicações para conservação
Authors: Bezerra Dandara Monalisa Mariz , de Araujo Helder Farias Pereira , Alves Rômulo Romeu Nóbrega
Published: October 2016

A captura de aves silvestres é uma prática bastante comum no Nordeste brasileiro e envolve diversas técnicas de caça, as quais são adotadas conforme o tipo de espécie e a finalidade a que se destina o animal captuado. Esta pesquisa buscou caracterizar as técnicas de captura de aves utilizadas por populações urbano-rurais na região do Seridó Ocidental, no Estado do Rio Grande do Norte. A área de estudo englobou os municípios de Caicó, São João do Sabugi, Serra Negra do Norte, Timbaúba dos Batistas. As informações foram obtidas entre os meses de setembro de 2009 e março de 2010 através de entrevistas semiestruturadas aplicadas a 120 moradores locais que utilizavam ou interagiam com aves silvestres de alguma forma. Foram identificadas 11 técnicas de captura: “assaprã”, “manual”, “visgo”, “arapuca”, “arremedo”, “espera”, “fôjo”, “sangra”, “rede”, caça ativa noturna e caça com cachorros. O assaprã, a espera e a manual foram as técnicas mais disseminadas na área de estudo, apresentando, respectivamente, 76, 43 e 39 citações. Os sertanejos detêm um conjunto de informações relacionadas às aves, tais como habitat, alimentação, período do ano e técnicas apropriadas para a captura, que são de suma importância para o sucesso na atividade cinegética. Assim, o conhecimento dos diferentes tipos de técnicas de captura é importante para definir quais as melhores estratégias poderão ser adotadas pelos órgãos ambientais, de modo a garantir tanto a sobrevivência das espécies utilizadas quanto das comunidades que delas dependem.
Conservation of the Asian Small-Clawed Otter (Aonyx Cinereus) in Human-Modified Landscapes, Western Ghats, India
Authors: Prakash Nisarg , Mudappa Divya , Raman T. R. Shankar , Kumar Ajith
Published: October 2016

Conservation in human-modified landscapes is important for riparian animals as their habitats extend linearly beyond adjoining protected areas. We examined occupancy and intensity of habitat use of Asian small-clawed otters in coffee and tea plantations and an adjoining protected area in the Western Ghats. We sampled 66 stream segments of 500 m length, using spraints as an indicator of habitat use. Several variables characterising the stream and shoreline were also measured. Occupancy, corrected for detection of spraints, was >0.75 in all three land use types, indicating widespread use of the riparian ecosystem in human-modified landscapes. Intensity of habitat use, however, was much lower in tea (2.08 spraints/500 m) and coffee (2.42) plantations than in the protected area (3.86). Using GLMs we identified the abundance of potential refuges (such as boulders and fallen trees), which was greater in the protected area, as the major factor influencing intensity of habitat use. Shoreline diversity, which was lowest in the tea plantation, might also be another factor. The retention of much of the riparian vegetation and the presence of forest fragments which provide refuges have led to wide occupancy of the tea and coffee plantations although with less intensive use. Sand mining, fishing and infrequent poaching might be other reasons for the relatively low use of human-modified landscape. This study highlights the need to retain remnant forests and riparian vegetation, and to control some human activities for integrated management of species like the small-clawed otter in both protected areas and adjoining human-modified habitats.
Crop Raiding Patterns of Solitary and Social Groups of Red-Tailed Monkeys on Cocoa Pods in Uganda
Authors: Baranga Deborah , Basuta G. Isabirye , Teichroeb Julie A. , Chapman Colin A.
Published: October 2016

Crop damage by wildlife is a very prevalent form of human-wildlife conflict adjacent to protected areas, and great economic losses from crop raiding impede efforts to protect wildlife. Management plans are needed to decrease damage by raiding wildlife, yet conservation biologists typically lack the basic information needed for informed conservation strategies. Red-tailed monkeys ( Cercopithecus ascanius) raid a variety of crops adjacent to protected forests in East Africa; however, the role of group structure on crop raiding has not been explored. Here, crop raiding patterns of solitary males and social groups were investigated during 10 months in a plantation of mature cocoa in Uganda. Monkeys gained access to the plantation via trees planted as wind breaks and shade trees, and the sighting frequency of groups was negatively related to the distance from the forest edge. In contrast, solitary males were sighted more frequently far from the forest edge and caused proportionately greater damage than members raiding in a social group. These results highlight that for social animals, crop raiding behavior can vary among types of social groupings; appropriate strategies to cope with raiding must therefore respond to this variation.
Factors Affecting Bushmeat Consumption in the Katavi-Rukwa Ecosystem of Tanzania
Authors: Mgawe Peter , Mulder Monique Borgerhoff , Caro Tim , Martin Andimile , Kiffner Christian
Published: October 2016

Bushmeat consumption and trade are major problems for wildlife conservation in East Africa. To evaluate recognized drivers of bushmeat consumption, we used structured interviews of 435 households in 11 villages within an ethnically diverse division in rural western Tanzania; the study included both indigenous people and an immigrant population that has moved into the area over the last 40 years. We found that the number of wild animal carcasses reported to be entering villages was greater in villages situated nearer to nationally protected areas. In the indigenous sample, bushmeat consumption was more common in richer than in poorer households, challenging ideas that increasing the availability of alternative protein would necessarily reduce consumption of bushmeat. In the immigrant sample, we found the opposite pattern. We recommend that outreach programs be targeted at both hunters and consumers living near protected area boundaries; that careful evaluations be made of whether wealthy or poor are eating bushmeat; and that protein supplementation be considered more cautiously in solving the problem of bushmeat demand. Our findings highlight complexities of implementing practical solutions to bushmeat consumption in Africa.
Home Range, Habitat Use and Food Habits of Re-Introduced Gaur (Bos Gaurus Gaurus) in Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve, Central India
Authors: Sankar K. , Pabla H. S. , Patil C. K. , Nigam Parag , Qureshi Qamar , Navaneethan B. , Manjreakar Manas , Virkar Preeti S. , Mondal Krishnendu
Published: October 2016

Gaur, which became locally extinct before 1995 in Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve (BTR), Central India, is an endangered animal per Schedule - I of the Indian Wildlife Protection Act (1972). A re-introduction program was therefore created to rebuild the gaur population in BTR, both to enhance the long-term survival of the species and to restore natural biodiversity. After re-introduction, the home range, habitat use and food habits of gaur (Bos gaurus gaurus) were studied in BTR, India, from January 2011 to January 2012. Nineteen gaurs (five males - three radio-collared and 14 females - nine radio-collared) were re-introduced from Kanha Tiger Reserve to Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve in January 2011. The reintroduced gaurs were monitored periodically through ground tracking and satellite GPS fixes. The mean annual group size of gaur was estimated at 7.3 ± 0.76 (SE). The overall estimated summer, monsoon and winter home ranges of gaur were 290 km2, 137 km2 and 155 km2 (Minimum Convex Polygon) respectively. The overall individual male home ranges varied from 135 to 142 km2, and overall individual female home ranges varied from 32 to 169 km2. Radio collared locations were plotted on a classified (LISS III) habitat map of Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve to evaluate the habitat use and availability in each season. Habitat preference was computed using Bonferroni confidence interval method, compositional analysis and Ivlev's index. In summer, gaur largely preferred grassland (P<0.0001), whereas in monsoon and winter, gaur preferred bamboo mixed forest (P<0.0001). Gaur avoi ded open mixed forest (P<0.0001) and agricultural land in all three seasons. Data on food habits were collected through opportunistic sightings. In total, gaur fed on 68 plant species. The present study has reported first-time information on ranging patterns of reintroduced gaur and their degree of preferences for different vegetation and terrain types across seasons, which will be very useful to the park administration for future conservation of this endangered species and for habitat intervention.
Climatic and Structural Factors Influencing Epiphytic Bromeliad Community Assemblage along a Gradient of Water-Limited Environments in the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico
Authors: Cach-Pérez Manuel J. , Andrade José Luis , Chilpa-Galván Nahlleli , Tamayo-Chim Manuela , Orellana Roger , Reyes-García Casandra
Published: October 2016

There is a lack of knowledge on the factors driving epiphytic community assemblage along water-limited environments. Epiphytic bromeliad and host communities were analyzed in a range of vegetation types, following a precipitation gradient from 500 to 1500 mm y−1. Plots were set up in scrub mangrove, coastal sand dune scrub, deciduous, semi-deciduous and sub-perennial forests within the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico. Identity and abundance of hosts and epiphytes, as well as host height and seasonal microenvironmental variables, were recorded at each vegetation type. The study found epiphytic bromeliads to be mainly located in the lower canopy strata of all but the wettest site (sub-peren nial forest). Total epiphyte richness (estimated using species accumulation curves) increased with annual precipitation. Bromeliad species density decreased with vapor pressure deficit and increased with host species density. Semi-variograms and kriging analysis showed a high spatial correlation in bromeliad and host species density. The species composition, however, was unrelated to space, according to a Mantel test, but related to host species composition. The current study shows that diversity and structural integrity of the canopy may be as important as climate in the conservation of epiphytic composition in water-limited environments, where epiphytes are found in sheltered, lower canopy strata.
Impact of Climate Change in Eastern Madhya Pradesh, India
Authors: Sushant
Published: October 2016

This paper reports case studies in eastern Madhya Pradesh – a central Indian province – on community adaptation strategies for sustainable livelihood options. With about 90% of the region being rain-fed, erratic rainfalls in the last fifteen years have caused up to a 60% decrease in crop yields, directly impacting the food security of the region. The System of Rice Intensification (SRI) and horticultural expansion are adaptation measures for tackling climate change. The expansion of kitchen gardens from subsistence-level to commercial-level is another significant development in the region. Meanwhile, increased pressure on common lands has caused fuelwood scarcity for households and decreased livestock fodder. While output of most non-timber forest products (NTFPs) has reduced drastically due to unsustainable extraction, production of mahua ( Madhuca indica) has not suffered as much, thanks to a community-managed user regime. Community-based institutions have the potential to support the ecosystem-based livelihoods of forest-dependent communities.
Brazil's Success in Reducing Deforestation
Authors: Boucher Doug , Roquemore Sarah , Fitzhugh Estrellita
Published: October 2016

Over the past several years, the rate of deforestation in the Brazilian Amazon has dropped by more than two-thirds. This reduction has been achieved despite high beef and soy prices, which in previous years had pushed deforestation upward, and during the same time that Brazil made important social progress in reducing poverty, hunger and inequality. The reduction in global warming pollution that this represents is the largest contribution so far by any country, rich or poor. Several factors are responsible for this accomplishment. They include: government policies and enforcement actions by prosecutors, on both the federal and state levels; the incentive created by Norway's pledge of up to $1 billion in results-based compensation through the Amazon Fund; the strong and concerted pressure exerted by Brazilian civil society on the government and the soy and beef industries; and the positive response by those industries, resulting in the 2006 soy and 2009 beef moratoria. Political leaders, such as President Luis Inácio Lula da Silva and especially Minister of the Environment/2010 Green Party presidential candidate Marina Silva, can also claim an important share of the credit. While success is by no means assured, what has been achieved so far is already quite impressive, and makes it possible to envision the reduction of Amazon deforestation and forest degradation to zero within the next decade.
Aerial Surveys Using an Unmanned Aerial System (UAS): Comparison of Different Methods for Estimating the Surface Area of Sampling Strips
Authors: Lisein Jonathan , Linchant Julie , Lejeune Philippe , Bouché Philippe , Vermeulen Cédric
Published: October 2016

Conservation of natural ecosystems requires regular monitoring of biodiversity, including the estimation of wildlife density. Recently, unmanned aerial systems (UAS) have become more available for numerous civilian applications. The use of small drones for wildlife surveys as a surrogate for manned aerial surveys is becoming increasingly attractive and has already been implemented with some success. This raises the question of how to process UAS imagery in order to determine the surface area of sampling strips within an acceptable confidence level. For the purpose of wildlife surveys, the estimation of sampling strip surface area needs to be both accurate and quick, and easy to implement. As GPS and an inertial measurement units are commonly integrated within unmanned aircraft platforms, two methods of direct georeferencing were compared here. On the one hand, we used the image footprint projection (IFP) method, which utilizes collinearity equations on each image individually. On the other hand, the Structure from Motion (SfM) technique was used for block orientation and georeferencing. These two methods were compared on eight sampling strips. An absolute orientation of the strip was determined by indirect georeferencing using ground control points. This absolute orientation was considered as the reference and was used for validating the other two methods. The IFP method was demonstrated to be the most accurate and the easiest to implement. It was also found to be less demanding in terms of image quality and overlap. However, even though a flat landscape is the type most widely encountered in wildlife surveys in Africa, we recommend estimating IFP sensitivity at an accentuation of the relief.
Conservation Status of Manatee (Trichechus Senegalensis Link 1795) in Lower Sanaga Basin, Cameroon: An Ethnobiological Assessment
Authors: Mayaka Theodore B. , Awah Hendriatha C. , Ajonina Gordon
Published: October 2016

An ethnobiological survey of 174 local resource users was conducted in the Lower Sanaga Basin to assess the current conservation status of West African manatee ( Trichechus senegalensis, Link 1795) within lakes, rivers, and coast (including mangroves, estuaries and lagoons). Using a multistage sampling design with semi-structured interviews, the study asked three main questions: (i) are manatees still present in Lower Sanaga Basin? (ii) If present, how are their numbers evolving with time? (iii) What are the main threats facing the manatee? Each of these questions led to the formulation and formal testing of a scientific hypothesis. The study outcome is as follows: (i)60% of respondents sighted manatees at least once a month, regardless of habitat type (rivers, lakes, or coast) and seasons (dry, rainy, or both); (ii) depending on habitat type, 69 to 100% of respondents perceived the trend in manatee numbers as either constant or increasing; the increasing trend was ascribed to low kill incidence (due either to increased awareness or lack of adequate equipment) and to high reproduction rate; and (iii) catches (directed or incidental) and habitat degradation (pollution) ranked in decreasing order as perceived threats to manatees. The catch incidence is threefold larger on lakes than in rivers and more adult manatees are caught than juveniles. Pollution occurs in several places by fishing enterprises, industrial plantations and individuals. The perceived incidence of boat collisions is presently negligible compared to catches and habitat degradation. A twelve-point strategy is set forth for improving manatee conservation in the study area.
Sex-Specific Flowering Patterns and Demography of the Understorey Rain Forest Tree Iryanthera Hostmannii (Myristicaceae)
Authors: Queenborough Simon A. , Humphreys Aelys M. , Valencia Renato
Published: October 2016

Sexual dimorphism in dioecious plants is a common phenomenon that has received widespread attention, yet the implications for reproductive function and fitness remain poorly understood. Using data from a long-term study of a population of 839 dioecious Iryanthera hostmannii (Myristicaceae ‘nutmeg’) trees in a large permanent plot in a lowland tropical rain forest, we examined the effects of greater investment in reproduction by females compared to males for various aspects of life history. Although male trees often produced more inflorescences than females, total dry mass of flowers was roughly equal in two out of three years for both sexes, implying that any investment differential lies in fruit production. There was no difference in the 12-year relative growth rate of males and females, suggesting that females can compensate somehow for their greater reproductive investment, although there were weak suggestions that mortality might have been greater in females. Male flowers opened slightly earlier in the day than female flowers and were short-lived, lasting at most two nights compared to up to four nights in females. Understanding the interacting effects of resource availability (studied here) and pollen movement (currently unknown in Iryanthera) on reproduction is essential in terms of life history theory. Knowledge of reproductive biology is key in considering the ecology and conservation of tropical forest communities.