bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Factors Affecting Big Cat Hunting in Brazilian Protected Areas
Authors: de Carvalho Elildo Alves Ribeiro , Morato Ronaldo Gonçalves
Published: October 2016

We surveyed Brazilian protected areas to assess the scale of big cat hunting within the National Protected Areas System. A questionnaire was emailed to managers of 297 reserves, with a response rate of 33.7%. One-third of respondents reported that jaguars ( Panthera onca) and/or pumas ( Puma concolor) have been hunted recently (i.e., within the last two years) in their reserves, resulting in the deaths of at least 60 cats. Hierarchical partitioning analysis revealed that degree of restriction to human use in the reserve (as a four-level rank variable) was the most important factor affecting the probability of a manager reporting big cat hunting, with hunting reported three times more frequently in the less restrictive reserves than in the more restrictive ones. Though our study represents only a small fraction of the problem, it confirms that hunting is widespread and represents a threat to carnivore conservation within Brazilian protected areas.
Novel Tropical Forests: Nature's Response to Global Change
Authors: Lugo Ariel E.
Published: October 2016

We now live in a world dominated by humans (the Anthropocene), whose activities on Earth are resulting in new habitats and new environmental conditions, including climate change. To many, the Anthropocene is an era of environmental doom that unless reversed, will result in catastrophic reductions in biodiversity. An alternate view is that the biota will adjust to the new environmental conditions and through processes of species mixing and self-organization will form sustainable novel communities of organisms. Using examples from Puerto Rico, I discuss the conditions that lead to novel forest formation and the characteristics of these forests, including their species composition. Novel forests include native tree and animal species as well as significant numbers of introduced and naturalized species. These introduced species dominate forest stands, and their dominance is not incompatible with the regeneration of native species. I propose that these types of ecosystems might represent the natural response of the biota to the Anthropocene.
Putting the Plus First: Community Forest Enterprise as the Platform for REDD+ in the Maya Biosphere Reserve, Guatemala
Authors: Hodgdon Benjamin D. , Hayward Jeffrey , Samayoa Omar
Published: October 2016

Covering 2.1 million hectares, Guatemala's Maya Biosphere Reserve (MBR) is the largest protected area in Central America and is home to globally important biodiversity. Established in 1990, the reserve is also the site of an internationally significant experiment with community forestry: twelve community forest concessions in the MBR cover over 400,000 ha, about 19% of its total area. Over the last fifteen years, these concessions have developed local enterprises that have generated thousands of seasonal and permanent jobs, and over $4 million in annual sales of sustainably harvested forest products. At the same time, analyses have shown that the rate of deforestation in concessions certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) is remarkably lower than in adjacent “core zone” protected areas in the MBR. Such community forests represent a promising strategy for reducing emissions from deforestation and degradation (REDD+), where payments could add a crucial revenue stream for local forest-based enterprise. Under an initiative led by the Rainforest Alliance, approximately 470,000 hectares with potential to offset approximately 1 million tons CO2-equivalent per year will be eligible for payments for avoided deforestation. This paper details the history and development of community forest enterprise in the MBR, the rationale and potential for developing REDD+ in MBR concessions, and the work of the Rainforest Alliance and national and international partners on a host of complex activities, including estimation of carbon offset potentials, baseline definition, legal and regulatory analyses, and preparation of a project document for validation to voluntary carbon standards.
Phenology, Seed Dispersal and Regeneration Patterns of Horsfieldia Kingii, a Rare Wild Nutmeg
Authors: Datta Aparajita , Rane Amruta
Published: October 2016

We present observational data on the flowering and fruiting patterns, seed dispersal, seedling recruitment and survival of a dioecious Myristicaceae species, Horsfieldia kingii, that occurs in the tropical forests of Arunachal Pradesh. Horsfieldia is rare (1 tree ha1) with a scattered distribution; Horsfieldia trees did not flower every year, and flowering was staggered from April to July. Peak ripe fruit availability of Horsfieldia is from February to March. Failure of fruiting occurred in most years, and only 0-33% of sampled trees bore ripe fruits. Initiation of hornbill breeding coincides with the ripe fruit availability of this species. The percentage of hornbill nests in which nesting is initiated each year varies from 50 to 100% of nests, and our results show a significant positive relationship between the percentage of hornbill nests that are active in a given year and the contribution of the species to hornbill diet (n = 6 years). However, the overall contribution to the breeding season diet of hornbills is very low because of poor fruit availability in most years, resulting in limited seed dispersal at nests. Recruitment and survival of Horsfieldia seedlings below parent trees and hornbill nest trees were low; however, seedling survival was marginally higher at nest trees, suggesting that dispersal by hornbills even in a spatially contagious manner may be critical for this species. However, current recruitment of Horsfieldia at hornbill nests (2010) is significantly lower than at parent trees. This species appears to be seed-limited, while dispersal limitation may play a secondary role in determining its abundance.
Spatial and Temporal Variation in Hornbill Densities in Namdapha Tiger Reserve, Arunachal Pradesh, North-East India
Authors: Naniwadekar Rohit , Datta Aparajita
Published: October 2016

Asian hornbill populations are declining across their ranges because of hunting and deforestation. Five of the 32 Asian hornbill species occur in north-east India. However, vital information on their abundance from the region remains scanty. Understanding spatiotemporal variation in densities provides crucial information for formulating effective conservation strategies based on species-specific abundance patterns and population trends. We examined spatiotemporal variation in densities of four hornbill species in the Namdapha Tiger Reserve, a site identified as an important site for hornbill conservation in Asia. We collected data through variable-width line transect sampling (effort=842.1 km) in the non-breeding season from 2009-12 to estimate hornbill densities. We had 458 detections of four hornbill species. We have estimated White-throated Brown Hornbill densities (7.9 birds/km2) for the first time throughout its entire range. The mean Rufous-necked Hornbill densities (6.9 birds/km2) were higher than those reported elsewhere. Great (3.9 birds/km2) and Wreathed Hornbill (16.1 birds/km2) densities were comparable with other sites. The peak densities of all hornbill species in November-December are among the highest reported from Asia. Wreathed Hornbill densities showed temporal variation peaking in November-December (68 birds/km2) and drastically declining by March-April (1.3 birds/km2), indicating seasonal altitudinal movement to low-elevation areas outside the reserve during the breeding season. Our results underscored the spatial variation in hornbill distribution, with low densities of Great and the White-throated Brown hornbills in higher elevations. Our study demonstrates the global importance of Namdapha for hornbills, given its large area and high densities of four hornbill species.
Changes in Floristic Composition, Community Structure and Species Diversity Across a Tropical Coniferous-Broadleaved Forest Ecotone
Authors: Junyan Zhang , Kewu Cheng , Runguo Zang , Yi Ding
Published: October 2016

Changes in an ecotone may indicate the dynamics between its two adjacent ecological systems. Most of the ecotone studies relevant to coniferous forests were conducted in temperate areas rather than in the tropics. In the low altitude tropical forest region of south China, transition zones exist between tropical coniferous forest and tropical broadleaved forest. To understand the dynamic trends of the forest stands across the ecotones, we compared the compositional and structural features of the three stand zones (the pine forest zone, the ecotone zone and the broadleaved forest zone) at 13 investigation sites, in terms of stand factors, size class distribution, growth-form, and species richness. Stem abundance and species richness increased as the vegetation zones changed from pine forest to the ecotone and then to broadleaved forest. In each stand zone, stem abundance and species richness declined as the size class increased. The coniferous-broadleaved forest ecotone revealed compositional and structural features between its adjacent forest stands. Our results will help design conservation strategies for this unique tropical coniferous forest ecosystem.
Using Potential Distribution Models for Patterns of Species Richness, Endemism, and Phytogeography of Palm Species in Bolivia
Authors: Moraes Mónica R. , Ríos-Uzeda Boris , Moreno Luis René , Huanca-Huarachi Gladis , Larrea-Alcázar Daniel
Published: October 2016

Distribution patterns of palms, particularly species richness along latitudinal and altitudinal gradients in Bolivia, are still unknown. A species distribution model was used to identify areas with potentially high palm species richness and endemism. Two models were used: the environmental niche model and a deductive model. A map of potential palm species richness in Bolivia was prepared using 1 km2 pixels. Two areas are predicted to concentrate most of the potential palm species richness of Bolivia: the southwestern Amazonian moist forest, and the Yungas Andean forest of Bolivia. The potential distribution of Bolivia's endemic palm species appeared to be associated to the eastern side of the Andes. Most palms have Amazonian phytogeographic influences, followed by Andean. The areas identified with greatest potential species diversity coincided with observed patterns at a continental level. The greatest palm richness of northern and northwestern Bolivia may be related to the climatic conditions of these zones. Bolivia represents the southern and western distribution limit of many palm species in terms of continental phytogeographic patterns.
Is the Current Network System of Protected Areas in The Atlantic Forest Effective in Conserving Key Species of Bryophytes?
Authors: Silva Mércia P.P. , Kamino Luciana H.Y. , Pôrto Kátia C.
Published: October 2016

We combined distribution data of bryophyte species with protected areas in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest, using models of potential distribution of species, in order to assess the effectiveness and representativeness of Conservation Units for bryophyte species. We performed potential distribution models for ten bryophyte species classified as bio-indicators for environmental quality and/or endemic to the Atlantic Forest, or endemic to Brazil (key species). Data from online herbarium collections, literature, and sampling were used to estimate the potential distribution of the species, based on the MAXENT method. We performed an intersection between the maps with > 50% of environmental suitability for the occurrence of the studied species and the maps of the Brazilian protected areas. Areas with the greatest potential presence of bryophyte species not superimposed on protected areas were considered areas of gaps in protection. The habitat suitability of the models for nine species was explained by the Mean Diurnal Temperature Range. The consensus map of high environmental suitability for all species showed significant gaps in knowledge about their distribution. However, three centers of potential distribution were recognizable: one in the Northeast, one Central and another one in the Southeast. The total potentially suitable area overlapped with 83 Conservation Units (only 27%), less than adequate for efficient conservation of the species. The Central Corridor was the region with the highest environmental suitability but also has only a few Conservation Units in the Atlantic Forest, and is therefore a priority for conducting inventories and creating reserves.
Filling a Knowledge Gap on the Biodiversity of Rhodolith-Associated Echinodermata from Northeastern Brazil
Authors: Gondim Anne Isabelley , Dias Thelma Lúcia Pereira , Cristina de Souza Duarte Rafaela , Riul Pablo , Lacouth Patrícia , Christoffersen Martin Lindsey
Published: October 2016

Rhodolith beds formed by non-articulated calcareous algae have been recognized as important habitats for a range of organisms. The Brazilian coast is home to one of the largest beds of the Southwestern Atlantic, but the lack of faunal studies in these habitats represents one of our major gaps in the knowledge of Brazilian biodiversity. This study compares the composition, abundance and diversity of echinoderm species associated with rhodoliths in three different isobaths (10, 15 and 20 m) along the coast of the State of Paraíba, Northeastern Brazil. These rhodolith beds provided 2,855 specimens, representing 32 species from four Classes, of which Ophiuroidea was the most numerous. The echinoderm community was significantly different considering the abundance of individuals (F=452.86, p=0.001) and the number of species (F=45.14, p=0.006) among the three depths analyzed. Abundance and species numbers decrease with increasing depth. Rhodolith beds in the State of Paraíba are an important habitat for echinoderms, harboring a high diversity and abundance of associated species. Richness and diversity records exceed those found in other coastal areas around the world, indicating that these banks are of special relevance for the conservation of echinoderms in Brazil.
Riparian Deforestation Affects the Structural Dynamics of Headwater Streams in Southern Brazilian Amazonia
Authors: Bleich Monica Elisa , Mortati Amanda Frederico , André Thiago , Piedade Maria Teresa Fernandez
Published: October 2016

Comparative studies of streams with altered versus conserved riparian zones are important to evaluate the degree of alterations caused by inappropriate use of these streams' vital buffer zones. The aim of this study was to determine the impact of riparian deforestation on the habitat structure of southern Brazilian Amazonian headwater streams, as well as to provide elements for impact assessment and the monitoring of these water bodies. We selected ten sites and two headwater streams at each site; one stream was located in an area with preserved riparian vegetation (pristine streams) and the other stream in a deforested riparian zone (altered streams). Stretches of these streams were analyzed across hydrological periods (dry period, beginning of the rainy period, and end of the rainy period) for hydro-morphological aspects, water physical-chemical variables, and habitat integrity (proportion of forestation in buffer zones and habitat integrity index). Compared to pristine streams in all the hydrological periods analyzed, altered streams presented lower oxygen concentration (~1.0 mg/L), an increase of 1 °C in water temperature, and less organic material availability. We found that riparian deforestation affects habitat structure variability among hydrological periods, making them more homogeneous. Therefore, beyond the necessary broadening of the spatial scale of studies in this region, monitoring these understudied headwater stream environments is also crucial for determining the magnitude of deforestation effects on these vulnerable aquatic ecosystems.
Richness and Abundance of Aechmea and Hohenbergia (Bromeliaceae) in Forest Fragments and Shade Cocoa Plantations in Two Contrasting Landscapes in Southern Bahia, Brazil
Authors: de Fernandes Souza Virgínia , de Assis Bomfim Jamille , Fontoura Talita , Cazetta Eliana
Published: October 2016

The intensification of agricultural activity can have profound impacts on biodiversity. We evaluated the influence of the landscape's percentage of forest cover and shaded cocoa plantations on the community of zoochorous bromeliads in southern Bahia, Brazil. We selected two contrasting landscapes, one dominated by Atlantic tropical rainforest and the other by traditional cocoa plantations. In each landscape we sampled three forest fragments and three areas of cocoa plantation, where we conducted a survey of epiphytic bromeliads of the genera Aechmea and Hohenbergia in eight plots of 400 m2 in each area. The number of trees differed between landscapes and habitats, and was higher in forest fragments than in shade cocoa plantations, but the number of phorophytes was similar between landscapes and habitats. Highest richness of Aechmea and Hohenbergia species was found in forest fragments in landscapes where forests are predominant. Contrary to expectations, the richness in the other areas was relatively low, and extremely low in the landscape dominated by cocoa plantations, ranging from zero to four species per fragment. Bromeliad abundance was not different among landscapes and habitats, but the shade cocoa plantations located in predominant agroforest landscape showed the higher number of stands. Moreover, the species found in the cocoa plantations were more drought-tolerant species. These results suggest that the conservation of species of these genera depends on factors such as the conservation status of each forest fragment and the microclimatic alterations in the habitats, and not only on the percentage of forest in the landscape per se.
Cocoa Farming and Primate Extirpation Inside Cote D'ivoire's Protected Areas
Authors: Bitty E. Anderson , Bi Sery Gonedele , Bene Jean-Claude Koffi , Kouassi Philippe K. , McGraw W. Scott
Published: October 2016

Côte d'Ivoire is the world's leading cocoa producer, annually generating over 1,500,000 metric tons of Theobroma cacao beans. Growth of this agri-business has led to extensive deforestation in Côte d'Ivoire, where the majority of the country's forest (excluding that in Tai National Park) exists as small, fragmented forest islands. Most of these forest blocks are designated as national parks or forest reserves, i.e., protected areas (PAs), but wildlife within Côte d'Ivoire's PAs is increasingly threatened by two illegal activities: hunting and full sun cocoa farming. In this paper, we investigate the impact of cocoa production on primate populations inside protected areas. We surveyed twenty three PAs (5 national parks, 18 forest reserves) in Côte d'Ivoire to determine (1) the number of primate taxa present, (2) the number of human inhabitants living adjacent to or within each PA, (3) the extent of overall habitat degradation, and (4) the extent of habitat degradation due to cocoa farming. Our data reveal a significant positive correlation (r2 = .736, p < .01, α = 0.01) between cocoa farming and the absence of primate species inside Côte d'Ivoire's national parks and forest reserves. Thirteen of 23 protected areas surveyed have lost all primate populations, and four taxa - Colobus vellerosus (white-thighed black and white colobus), Colobus polykomos (Western black and white colobus), Procolobus badius waldroni (Miss Waldron's red colobus) and Procolobus badius badius (Bay colobus) – were not found in any PAs we visited. Aggressive conservation action is needed to curb hunting throughout Côte d'Ivoire, but unless illegal cocoa farming is similarly controlled, even effective enforcement of anti-hunting laws will not prevent the loss of additional primate diversity, since habitats capable of supporting primate populations – including those within protected areas - will no longer exist.
Comparison of Butterflies, Bats and Beetles as Bioindicators Based on Four Key Criteria and DNA Barcodes
Authors: Syaripuddin Khairunnisa , Sing Kong-Wah , Wilson John-James
Published: October 2016

Informed conservation decision-making requires meaningful biodiversity assessment, yet performing an inventory of all species present at a site is an impossibility. A small group of species is frequently used as a proxy for “total” biodiversity, and various attributes required by bioindicator groups have been suggested. We synthesized these suggestions as four key criteria: i) tractable taxonomy, ii) easily surveyed, iii) broadly distributed higher taxa but specialized species, and iv) diversity patterns reflected in other groups; and compare three groups - bats, beetles and butterflies - against these criteria to evaluate their potential as bioindicators in Malaysia. DNA barcodes from butterflies, bats and beetles sampled during standardized surveys at Rimba Ilmu Botanic Garden and Ulu Gombak Forest Reserve were sorted into molecular operational taxonomic units (MOTU) and assigned species and family names. Beetle and butterfly sampling required a similar number of person-hours per species, which was an order of magnitude lower than that required for bat sampling. It was easier to generate DNA barcodes for butterflies and bats than for beetles and the number of MOTU assigned a species and/or family name was higher for butterflies and bats (>82%) than for beetles. Most butterfly and bat families were found at both sites but the species of all three groups showed little overlap between sites (<15%). The species richnesses of all three groups were correlated with each other, but only bat and butterfly species richness was strongly correlated and statistically significant. Based on the four criteria, butterflies showed greatest potential as bioindicators.
Invasive Trees in Singapore: Are they a Threat to Native Forests?
Authors: Nghiem Le T. P. , Tan Hugh T. W. , Corlett Richard T.
Published: October 2016

Asian tropical forests are under extreme stress from clearance, fragmentation, and logging. Because Singapore suffered these same impacts in the 19th century, it can act as an early warning system for the region. We identified invasive exotic tree species from a comprehensive survey, assessed their survival and growth in the open and under a forest canopy, and compared their traits with native pioneers and widely planted exotic species that have failed to naturalize. Nine species were invasive: Acacia auriculiformis (ear-leaf acacia), Cecropia pachystachya (trumpet tree), Falcataria moluccana (Moluccan albizia), Leucaena leucocephala (leucaena), Manihot carthaginensis subp. glaziovii (Ceara rubber tree), Muntingia calabura (Jamaican cherry tree), Piper aduncum (spiked pepper), Pipturus argenteus (white mulberry), and Spathodea campanulata (African tulip tree). Under the forest canopy, all grew little and suffered high (75–100%) mortality, with Spathodea surviving best. At the open site, mortality was low (0–25%) and height growth rapid (1.6–8.6 cm wk−1), with Leucaena growing fastest. The only significant trait difference between native pioneer trees and invasive exotics was the dispersal syndrome; none of the common native pioneers are wind dispersed, while two invasive species are. Among exotics, there were highly significant differences between invasive and non-invasive species in wood density and seed size, with invasive species having only 54% of the mean wood density and 19% of the dry seed mass of non-invasive species. Invasive exotics were also significantly farther from their native ranges than non-invasive species. None of these invasive tree species is a direct threat to the integrity of native closed-canopy forest, but they dominate on newly abandoned land and may pre-empt the recovery of native forest on such sites.
The Use of Commercial Fruits as Attraction Agents May Increase the Seed Dispersal by Bats to Degraded Areas in Southern Mexico
Authors: Preciado-Benítez Odette , Gómez y Gómez Benigno , Navarrete-Gutiérrez Darío A. , Horváth Anna
Published: October 2016

Fruit-eating bats play a fundamental role in animal seed dispersal and should be considered key actors in tropical forest restoration. We explored the use of commercial fruits as attractants for bats to increase seed dispersal to areas affected by forest fires in southern Mexico. We captured bats and collected seeds from feces and seed rain at perturbed sample sites where mature bananas and mangos were placed, and from non-treated control sites. Bat and bat-dispersed plant species richness and abundance were analyzed, and the importance of each bat species as a disperser was evaluated. Additionally, germination boxes were set up to evaluate the germination of seeds found in bat feces. We captured 724 individuals of 16 frugivorous bat species, 15 spp in treated and 12 spp in control sites. Sowell's Short-tailed bat, Toltec Fruit-eating bat and the Western Long-tongued bat showed higher abundances in treated sites, suggesting that these three species were attracted by fruits. The most important disperser was the Sowell's Short-tailed bat, followed by the Jamaican Fruit-eating and Toltec Fruit-eating bat. A greater proportion of pioneer species and trees, followed by shrubs, were found in the overall bat diet. The germination percentage was > 50%, suggesting that the use of fruits to attract bats can be a feasible wildlife management activity to encourage the succession process. We recommend further studies to test and improve this activity.
Bushmeat Consumption in the Tarangire-Manyara Ecosystem, Tanzania
Authors: Kiffner Christian , Peters Leah , Stroming Ahren , Kioko John
Published: October 2016

Illegal hunting, driven by demand for bushmeat, threatens animal populations throughout Africa. While bushmeat consumption is thought to be common in the Tarangire-Manyara ecosystem (TME) of Northern Tanzania, its magnitude and drivers are not well understood. This lack of knowledge may inhibit effective mitigation policies. We conducted 394 household interviews in the TME in 2013 and 2014 to assess both the scale and the possible drivers of bushmeat availability and consumption in the ecosystem. Using generalized linear mixed models, information theoretic model selection, and accounting for spatial clustering of the interviews, we tested multiple hypotheses that underlie bushmeat consumption. Bushmeat consumption in the TME was found to be widespread among the local population. Surprisingly, we found little differences in reported bushmeat consumption between survey years (2013: 38%; 2014: 33% of interviewees). Pastoral Maasai admitted to consuming bushmeat significantly less often (2013: 29%; 2014: 26%) than non-Maasai (2013: 38%; 2014: 34%). Interestingly, none of the hypothesized spatial- or household-level factors consistently correlated with reported bushmeat consumption. Neither alternative sources of available animal protein, nor relative wealth affected bushmeat consumption. In conjunction with the relatively low price of bushmeat (half the price of domestic meat), these results suggest that bushmeat consumption is largely driven by its availability and low cost, and only to a small degree by cultural differences. Thus, conservation interventions will likely be most successful if they holistically manage to increase the cost of bushmeat relative to alternative protein sources.
High Resilience of Herpetofaunal Communities in a Human-Modified Tropical Dry Forest Landscape in Western Mexico
Authors: Suazo-Ortuño Ireri , Alvarado-Díaz Javier , Mendoza Eduardo , López-Toledo Leonel , Lara-Uribe Nancy , Márquez-Camargo Cesar , Gil Paz-Gutiérrez José , David Rangel-Orozco Jorge
Published: October 2016

Secondary forests are replacing mature primary forests in the tropics because of increasing demand for agricultural land to support the growing human population. It is important to determine the potential of these secondary forests to support old-growth forest species, particularly threatened animal groups such as reptiles and amphibians. Moreover, existing studies are biased towards tropical rain forests, even though tropical dry forests (TDF) are comparatively more threatened. Here we examine how different TDF successional stages support old-growth forest species of amphibians and reptiles in the Chamela region, western Mexico. Over the course of two years we conducted seven surveys for amphibians and reptiles in 15 one-ha plots representing four different stages of the succession chronosequence of the TDF, ranging from pasture to old-growth forest. We found that anurans, lizards and snakes did not differ greatly in abundance and species richness among vegetation successional stages. Moreover, dominant species were shared among most of the vegetation stages, indicating low habitat specialization. Herpetofauna species composition did not differ among vegetation stages, and species turnover among stages was relatively low. These results differ greatly from those found in some tropical rainforest sites, where characteristics of herpetofauna communities differ markedly among vegetation successional stages. Our results suggest that secondary TDF in human-dominated landscapes might support substantial reptile and amphibian diversity.
Students' Perception of Urban and Rural Environmental Protection Areas in Pernambuco, Brazil
Authors: Bento-Silva José Severino , Martins de Andrade Wbaneide , Ramos Marcelo Alves , Ferraz Elba Maria Nogueira , de Medeiros Souto Wedson , Paulino de Albuquerque Ulysses , de Lima Araújo Elcida
Published: October 2016

This research assessed the relationship between students' perceptions and socioeconomic factors in urban and rural communities surrounding Atlantic rainforest protection areas in Pernambuco, Brazil. We tested whether the utilitarian concept of forests has a determining role in the student community's perception of protected areas. The study was conducted in eight schools in communities surrounding three protected areas, through questionnaires for 410 middle and High school students. The majority of students highlighted the utilitarian importance of forests, but approximately 60% of students did not answer the question regarding the importance of protected areas, displaying a disconnection between perceptions of forests and of protected areas. The students' environmental perception index was significantly different between rural and urban zones, but in both zones, on average, protected areas had a positive utilitarian importance, exclusively related to the protection of nature. Negative aspects of the students' perceptions of protected areas were related to social problems such as lack of law enforcement and land expropriation. Schooling and residence setting had a small (6.7%) but significant influence on student perception. Our results indicate that environmental managers in protected areas need to promote meaningful interaction with student communities from rural and urban settings, to increase the efficiency of these areas and to conserve biological diversity.
Returning Home: Movement Strategies of Sub-Andean Birds in a Modified Landscape
Authors: Suarez-Rubio Marcela , Montealegre Carolina , Renjifo Luis Miguel , Renner Swen C.
Published: October 2016

We documented movement of a long-distant migrant (Swainson's Thrush Catharus ustulatus) and two understory resident species (Chestnut-capped Brush-finch Buarremon brunneinuchus and Streak-capped Treehunter Thripadectes virgaticeps) in a fragmented landscape dominated by a pasture matrix in a Sub-Andean region of central Colombia. Swainson's Thrush had no detectable difficulties traversing a pasture matrix and returning to the capture site. Chestnut-capped Brush-finch and Streak-capped Treehunter (understory resident species) avoided making lengthy flights and used stepping-stones and nearby corridors to ease their movement. Providing stepping stones such as live fences and isolated trees and maintaining corridors can enhance functional connectivity in regions with fragmented forests, aiding the conservation of bird species.
An Assessment of Red List Data for the Cycadales
Authors: Marler Paris N. , Marler Thomas E.
Published: October 2016

We compiled Red List data from all listed cycad taxa to determine the current status of the world's most threatened plant group. Each Red List threat category had different proportions of genera, and the genera comprised different proportions of threat categories. Each Red List threat category consisted of different proportions of Red List criteria. Each genus was composed of different proportions of Red List criteria, and every genus was represented by different proportions of listed versus non-listed species. Differences among the genera and categories were substantial, revealing no canonical characteristics that define the members of this plant group. Species that are missing from the Red List or Data Deficient deserve high priority for completion of assessment and listing. Cycas is the genus that may change the most as taxonomy and Red List threat assessments continue to be modified. Distinctive overviews of the Red List data such as this one provide a unique snapshot of the conservation status of the world's cycads, and should be repeated as trends evolve.
Small-Scale Fisheries of Lagoon Estuarine Complexes in Northwest Mexico
Authors: Rubio-Cisneros Nadia T. , Aburto-Oropeza Octavio , Ezcurra Exequiel
Published: October 2016

Small-scale fisheries of lagoon-estuarine complexes (LECs) in Northwest Mexico were investigated using official landings data. Species groups found in landings were clustered into three categories according to their life cycle and habitat distribution: Lagoon-estuarine (LE), Transition zone (TZ) and Coastal (CO). Average landings were highest for LE (19,606 t yr−1), followed by TZ (7,234 t yr−1), and CO (3,155 t yr−1). In contrast, the total number of fished species groups had an opposite pattern: LE, TZ, and CO bore 31, 66 and 74 species groups respectively. The number of species groups in LE category significantly increased towards LECs of southern latitudes. The families with highest landings in LECs were Penaeidae, Portunidae, Mugilidae, Scombridae, and Lutjanidae. The area of LECs was significantly correlated with the amount of landings recorded for LE category. A similarity analysis of LECs species groups revealed a latitudinal clustering of northern and southern LECs. Overall, fisheries in LECs produced millions of $US per year, which support socioeconomic activities at the local, regional, and national scale. Although the information and landings data on LECs fisheries in Northwest Mexico have limitations for data analysis, our results suggest that changes in fisheries management of LECs, such as bottom-up management actions where resource users can participate, could help establish more sustainable fishing practices in these ecosystems and allow coastal communities to continue obtaining economic benefits and food supply from LECs in Northwest Mexico.
Interspecific Comparisons with Chloroplast SSR Loci Reveal Limited Genetic Variation in Nigerian Montane Forests: A Study on Cordia Millenii (West African Cordia), Entandrophragma Angolense (Tiama Mahogany), and Lovoa Trichilioides (African Walnut)
Authors: Thia Joshua A. , Hale Marie L. , Chapman Hazel M.
Published: October 2016

The montane forests of south-eastern Nigeria are of immense conservation value due to their high levels of biodiversity and endemism. Yet despite increasing anthropogenic disturbance and forest fragmentation, little is known about the genetics of resident tree populations. We used a set of conserved chloroplast simple sequence repeat (SSR) primers to quantify and directly compare genetic diversity in three tree species: Cordia millenii, West African Cordia; Entandrophragma angolense, tiama mahogany; and Lovoa trichilioides, African walnut, within a single montane forest. Additionally, we assessed the diversity of West African Cordia between forests at a local and regional scale. Results indicate that for our focal loci, in all three species, there is a general lack of chloroplast genetic diversity. Our study is particularly relevant because it considers genetic diversity among multiple tree species simultaneously. This work represents the first study of its kind in the region, and will pioneer the way for future conservation genetic studies in montane Nigeria.
Strategies for Mitigating Forest Arson and Elephant Conflict in Way Kambas National Park, Sumatra, Indonesia
Authors: Oelrichs Catherine Marie-Claire , Lloyd David J , Christidis Les
Published: October 2016

Forests in Indonesia are disappearing at an alarming rate, because the large population of poor rural people require land for agriculture. In Indonesia, forest fire is used to clear land and for protest, indirectly increasing opportunities for human-elephant interaction. Human-elephant conflict is a problem for elephant conservation and human wellbeing in all areas where elephants and humans compete for space, and is most severe in Asia. This paper presents a case study of poor rural people living near Way Kambas National Park, on the island of Sumatra. The park is valued for its critically endangered and endangered mega-fauna, but is a hotspot for both forest arson and human-elephant conflict. We describe the multifactorial conflict happening in the park, which involves arson, poaching, police brutality, and violation of elephants. Workshops with villagers and park stakeholders reveal villager-park interaction, and expose multiple levels of resentment and vicious retribution. Villagers resent the park for a multitude of reasons and take direct action, burning the park and killing elephants. We conclude that saving Way Kambas National Park will ultimately require construction of a barrier preventing human and elephant movement in and out of the park. However in the immediate term, successful conservation must understand and address villager-park conflict, respond to threats of arson, and help villagers protect farms from elephants.
Butterfly Conservation within Cities: A Landscape Scale Approach Integrating Natural Habitats and Abandoned Fields in Central Mexico
Authors: Barranco-León de las Nieves María , Luna-Castellanos Florencio , Vergara Carlos H. , Badano Ernesto I.
Published: October 2016

Growing urbanization and the expansion of the agricultural frontier in tropical ecosystems have generated patchy landscapes composed of remnants of natural habitats and abandoned fields. This scenario offers an opportunity to develop urban reserves in order to preserve local fauna in expanding cities. We propose that if native animals are able to use these two habitat types, reserves composed of a mixture of natural habitats and abandoned fields would contain more diversity than reserves composed only of natural habitats. However, to be useful for conservation, these reserves must harbor specialized organisms that depend on natural habitats. To test this proposal, we focused on diurnal butterflies inhabiting an urban reserve located within the city of Puebla (Mexico), which contains relics of oak forests and abandoned fields. Butterfly assemblages were sampled and compared in the different habitat types of the reserve. The data were then pooled and analyzed for the reserve as a whole. These analyses discriminated between habitat generalist and forest specialist butterflies. Our results indicated that the different habitat types of the reserve harbor different forest specialist butterflies, which in turn enhanced the diversity of forest-dwelling butterflies at the landscape scale. This suggests that the inclusion of abandoned fields together with natural habitats in the design of urban protected areas could help to preserve at least part of the regional biodiversity.
Out on a Limb: Arboreal Camera Traps as an Emerging Methodology for Inventorying Elusive Rainforest Mammals
Authors: Whitworth Andrew , Braunholtz Laura Dominie , Huarcaya Ruthmery Pillco , MacLeod Ross , Beirne Christopher
Published: October 2016

Traditionally, arboreal rainforest mammals have been inventoried using ground-based survey techniques. However, given the success of camera traps in detecting secretive terrestrial rainforest mammals, camera trapping could also be a valuable tool for inventorying arboreal species. Here we assess, for the first time, the effectiveness of arboreal camera traps for inventorying arboreal rainforest mammals and compare the results with those from other methodologies. We do so in one of the world's most biodiverse conservation areas, the Manu Biosphere Reserve, Peru. We accumulated 1201 records of 24 arboreal mammal species. Eighteen species were detected by arboreal cameras, seven by diurnal line transects, six by nocturnal transects and eighteen through incidental observations. Six species were only detected using arboreal camera traps. Comparing arboreal camera traps with traditional ground-based techniques suggests camera traps are an effective tool for inventorying arboreal rainforest mammal communities. They also detected more cryptic species compared with other methodologies. Daily detection frequency patterns were found to differ between ground-based techniques and arboreal cameras. A cost-effort analysis indicated that despite greater upfront costs in equipment and training for arboreal camera trapping, when accounting for the additional survey hours required to provide similar numbers of records using ground-based methods, overall costs were similar. Our work demonstrates that arboreal camera trapping is likely to be a powerful technique for inventorying canopy mammals. The method has considerable potential for the study of charismatic and threatened arboreal mammal species that may otherwise remain largely unknown and could quietly disappear from the world's tropical forests.
Using Google Earth to Improve the Management of Threatened Limestone Karst Ecosystems in Peninsular Malaysia
Authors: Liew Thor-Seng , Price Liz , Clements Gopalasamy Reuben
Published: October 2016

In a world of limited resources and so many species and habitats in need of protection, informed prioritization is essential. However, we cannot prioritize effectively if historical and current information regarding a particular habitat or species remains scattered. Several good platforms have been created to help users find, use and create biodiversity information. However, good platforms for sharing habitat information for threatened ecosystems are still lacking. Limestone hills are an example of threatened ecosystems that harbor unique biodiversity, but are facing intensifying anthropogenic disturbances. As limestone is a vital resource for the construction industry, it is not possible to completely halt forest degradation and quarrying in developing countries such as Malaysia, where 445 limestone hills have been recorded in the peninsula to date. As such, there is an urgent need to identify which hills must be prioritized for conservation. To make decisions based on sound science, collating spatial and biological information on limestone hills into a publicly accessible database is critical. Here, we compile Malaysia's first limestone hill GIS map for 445 limestone hills in the peninsula, based on information from geological reports and scientific literature. To assist in conservation prioritization efforts, we quantified characteristics of limestone hills in terms of size, degree of isolation, and spatial distribution patterns. We also assessed the degree of habitat disturbance in each limestone hill in terms of buffer area forest degradation and quarrying activity. These data are stored in a KMZ file and can be accessed through the Google Earth interface. Rather than being viewed as a final output containing basic limestone hill information, this database should be regarded as a foundational platform for users to collect, store, update and manipulate spatial and biological data from limestone hills to better inform decisions regarding their management.
Transarterial chemoembolization vs bland embolization in hepatocellular carcinoma: A meta‐analysis of randomized trials
Authors: Facciorusso Antonio , Bellanti Francesco , Villani Rosanna , Salvatore Veronica , Muscatiello Nicola , Piscaglia Fabio , Vendemiale Gianluigi , Serviddio Gaetano
Published: October 2016

Background

Although transarterial chemoembolization is considered the standard of care for intermediate hepatocellular carcinoma patients, robust data in favor of a clear superiority of chemoembolization (with chemotherapy injection) over bland embolization are lacking.

Objective

The objective of this article is to systematically analyze the results provided by randomized controlled trials comparing these two treatments in hepatocarcinoma patients.

Methods

A computerized bibliographic search on the main databases was performed. Survival rates assessed at one, two, and three years, objective response, one‐year progression‐free survival, and severe adverse event rate were analyzed. Comparisons were performed by using the Mantel‐Haenszel test in cases of low heterogeneity or DerSimonian and Laird test in cases of high heterogeneity.

Results

Six trials with 676 patients were included. No difference in one‐year (risk ratio: 0.93, 0.85–1.03, p  = 0.16), two‐year (risk ratio: 0.88, 0.74–1.06, p  = 0.18) and three‐year survival (risk ratio: 0.97, 0.74–1.27, p  = 0.81) was observed. Objective response and one‐year progression‐free survival showed no significant difference between the two treatments (p  = 0.36 and p  = 0.40, respectively).

A statistically significant increase in severe toxicity after chemoembolization was found (risk ratio: 1.44, 1.08–1.92, p  = 0.01), although this result could be affected by the heterogeneity of techniques adopted.

Conclusions

Our meta‐analysis demonstrates a non‐superiority of transarterial chemoembolization with respect to bland embolization in hepatocarcinoma patients.
Periprosthetic Fracture of the Femur after Hip Arthroplasty: The Clinical Outcome Using Cortical Strut Allografts
Authors: Wang Jun-Wen , Wang Ching-Jen
Published: October 2016

Between 1993 and 1998, 15 patients with periprosthetic fractures of the femur after hip arthroplasty were treated using deep-frozen cortical strut allografts as an adjunct support after internal fixation or revision arthroplasty. According to the Vancouver classification system, there were 7 type B1, 2 type B2, 4 type B3 and 2 type C fractures. Seven patients had severe osteopenia, 10 patients had bone defects between 2 to 7 cm and 2 were associated with infection. Nine patients had internal fixation of the fracture using a compression plate, and 6 had revision arthroplasty using a long-stemmed femoral prosthesis. The average length of the allograft was 13.9 cm. At an average follow-up of 31 months, all the patients had a satisfactory functional result except one who had a leg length discrepancy of 4 cm due to multiple operations. There were no non-unions, malunions or infections. The fractures healed between 10 to 24 weeks (average, 15.6 weeks). In conclusion, a cortical strut allograft associated with internal fixation can be an effective method of treating periprosthetic fractures of the femur after hip arthroplasty.
Severe Necrotising Soft Tissue Infections in Orthopaedic Surgery
Authors: Theis JC , Rietveld J , Danesh-Clough T
Published: October 2016

Purpose.

To review all cases of necrotising infection managed in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery of Dunedin Hospital in New Zealand between 1989 and 1998.

Methods.

Hospital records were analysed for predisposing factors, clinical features, diagnostic results, treatment strategies, and outcomes.

Results.

13 cases (9 males and 4 females) of necrotising infection were identified. The mean age was 48 years (range, 8–76 years). Presenting symptoms included painful swelling, erythema, and necrosis. Most patients had predisposing factors and had received non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs before presentation. 12 patients underwent surgical debridement including a total of 4 amputations. Septic shock developed in 9 patients who required dialysis for renal failure. Four patients died. The most common organisms identified were group A beta-haemolytic streptococci.

Conclusion.

Severe necrotising infections require a high index of suspicion and rapid medical and surgical intervention to reduce the mortality and morbidity.