bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Análisis sobre las Unidades de Manejo (UMAs) de ciervo rojo (Cervus elaphus Linnaeus, 1758) y wapiti (Cervus canadensis (Erxleben, 1777) en México: problemática para la conservación de los ungulados nativos
Authors: Gallina Sonia , Escobedo-Morales Luis Arturo
Published: October 2016

Los ciervos son los venados más grandes que se encuentran en México y son considerados como especies exóticas. La subespecie que se encontraba de forma nativa en nuestro país Cervus canadensis merriami (Nelson, 1902) fue extirpada a principios del siglo pasado y actualmente se considera extinta. Recientemente se han introducido wapities (Cervus canadensis (Erxleben, 1777) y ciervos rojos europeos ( C elaphus Linnaeus, 1758) en UMAs (Unidades para la conservación, manejo y aprovechamiento sustentable de la vida silvestre, reconocidas legalmente) tanto intensivas como extensivas, principalmente en el Norte de México. En la década de los 90′s, fueron introducidos de Nueva Zelanda 900 individuos para promover su cría intensiva con el objeto de aprovechar su carne. En el presente trabajo analizamos su situación en el territorio nacional, cuántas UMAs están manejando ciervos, cuántas en encierros de manera intensiva y cuántas de manera extensiva. En 27 estados se tienen registrados 179 criaderos de estos ciervos (29,329 ha). En Michoacán y Estado de México es donde se encuentra el mayor número de criaderos de ciervo rojo con 31 y 29 UMAs intensivas respectivamente. Existen 65 UMAs extensivas (220,617 ha) en las que se encuentra ciervo rojo y/o wapitíes. Se discute el interés que se tiene en estas especies exóticas y su posible impacto en cuanto a la conservación para los venados en México.
Biological Correlates of Extinction and Persistence of Primates in Small Forest Fragments: A Global Analysis
Authors: Gibbons Matthew A. , Harcourt Alexander H.
Published: October 2016

Habitat loss and fragmentation are two of the main threats facing wildlife. The species at risk in small fragments are not a random subset of the original community. Understanding the biology behind the distinction between species at risk and more persistent species should help inform conservation efforts. We attempted to identify risky traits in a well-known taxon, the primates, by asking which traits distinguished taxa that differed in the size of the smallest fragment in which they were recorded. We assumed that taxa that could persist in smaller fragments were at less risk of extinction than those that needed larger fragments. The traits investigated are indicative of amount of habitat needed, reproductive rate, and specialization. We obtained from the literature information on the presence-absence of 68 primate species of 36 genera in forest fragments of less than 100 km2. Association between size of smallest fragment and biology was tested with regressions, Spearman correlations, two-sample t tests, and non-parametric Wilcoxon tests. We found no significant relationships between area of smallest fragment in which species or genera persisted and any of the biological parameters. We suggest that the most likely explanation for this unexpected finding is that the smallest fragments in which primates are currently studied are usually so small that all primate species in them are doomed in the long-term and therefore, no biological traits distinguish taxa at risk. The finding implies that conservation research and efforts should be directed at assessing the efficacy of forest fragments and small biological preserves in conserving primate species.
Rapid Assessment of Dispersal Failure and Seedling Recruitment of Large-Seeded Non-Timber Forest Products Trees in a Tropical Rainforest
Authors: Lermyte Clément , Forget Pierre-Michel
Published: October 2016

Forest managers and harvesters of non-timber forest products (NTFPs) need a tool for rapid measurement of the impact of their activities on seed dispersal and tree recruitment. Such a tool could be used for a prospective eco-label which would ensure regeneration. We propose, and have used a new rapid assessment protocol to sample and evaluate the impact of any anthropogenic disturbance on seed dispersal and seedling recruitment of hard-tegument fruit species enclosing large seeds. We set up this protocol in French Guiana for a large-seeded scatter-hoarded tree species, Carapa surinamensis (andiroba), at three different forest sites affected by a variety of anthropogenic pressures, such as hunting and logging. Over a limited time we assessed: 1) dispersal failure: from late May to mid-June, the proportion of seeds remaining undispersed was estimated by sampling the number of seeds, seedlings and fruit husks in 25-m2 subplots under the tree crown; 2) recruitment effectiveness: in September–October, seedlings were sampled on four 100-m2 plots located 5–15 m from the tree base around the tree crown. Altogether, 77 trees were sampled, some 1–2 hours being spent beneath each tree, during a total 4–6 weeks in the field for each dispersal and recruitment sampling. We showed that: 1) seed dispersal is affected by hunting, this being significantly marked in the coastal area, which faces major anthropogenic pressures; 2) logging treatments affect seed dispersal and regeneration, on the average. However, canopy gaps due to sylvicultural treatments raise the life expectancy of seedlings.
Parks, People and Pixels: Evaluating Landscape Effects of an East African National Park on its Surroundings
Authors: Southworth Jane , Hartter Joel , Binford Michael W. , Goldman Abraham , Chapman Colin A. , Chapman Lauren J. , Omeja Patrick , Binford Elizabeth
Published: October 2016

Landscapes surrounding protected areas, while still containing considerable biodiversity, have rapidly growing human populations and associated agricultural development in most of the developing world that tend to isolate them, potentially reducing their conservation value. Using field studies and multi-temporal Landsat imagery, we examine a forest park, Kibale National Park in western Uganda, its changes over time, and related land cover change in the surrounding landscape. We find Kibale has successfully defended its borders and prevents within-park deforestation and other land incursions, and has maintained tree cover throughout the time period of the study. Outside the park there was a significant increase in tea plantations and continued forest fragmentation and wetland loss. The question of whether the park is a conservation success because of the network of forest fragments and wetlands or in spite of them remains unanswered.
Distribución de primates en Bolivia y Áreas prioritarias para su conservación
Authors: Mercado Nohelia I. , Wallace Robert B.
Published: October 2016

Las principales amenazas para el orden Primates son la fragmentación y alteración de su hábitat, la cacería local y el comercio ilegal. Tales amenazas obligan a hacer una planificación adecuada para la conservación de los primates mediante la identificación de áreas de prioridad basadas en patrones de riqueza y rareza a partir de modelos de distribución potencial. En el presente trabajo se predijo la distribución potencial de 22 especies del orden Primates presentes en Bolivia mediante un modelo predictivo, Maxent. El modelo proporcionó una distribución inferida mediante 1200 registros de presencia correlacionados con variables ambientales, y confirmamos dicha distribución por medio del estadístico ROC/AUC. Se identificaron como áreas potenciales de conservación el noroeste del Departamento de Pando donde se encuentra la mayor diversidad de especies, incluyendo aquellas con un alto índice de rareza como Callimico goeldii, Cebuella pygmaea y Saguinus imperator, y al oeste del Departamento de Beni donde están presentes las dos especies de primates endémicas de Bolivia: Callicebus olallae y Callicebus modestus.
Vertebrate Assemblage at a Fruiting Fig (Ficus caulocarpa) in Maliau Basin, Malaysia
Authors: Sreekar Rachakonda , Le Nghiem Thi Phuong , Harrison Rhett D.
Published: October 2016

We analyzed the species composition and abundance of birds and mammals at a fruiting hemi-epiphytic fig ( Ficus caulocarpa) in Maliau Basin, Sabah, Malaysia. Observations were conducted for 32 hours over five days. Forty-four species of birds and three mammal species were recorded. Of these, 28 birds and 2 mammals fed on the figs. In addition, nine species of insectivorous or omnivorous birds that did not feed on the figs were observed foraging in the tree, presumably on the large quantities of fig wasps produced. Inter- and intra-specific aggression was also observed among the species foraging in the tree. Overall the assemblage of large birds, such as hornbills, and mammals was poor, which seems to be due to the small size of the figs (<6 mm diameter) rather than a scarcity of these animals in the area. In contrast, the diversity of smaller bird species, especially the Pycnonotidae (Bulbuls) which comprised 13 species and 68% of visits, was high. Our results suggest fig-frugivore interactions may be more finely structured than reports from other, less pristine sites in Asia have indicated. Moreover, 34% of the birds observed are threatened or more severely endangered. We suggest that planting of hemi-epiphytic fig seedlings could be used to enhance the conservation value of small reserves and degraded forests, and that observations at fruiting figs could be used as an efficient method for assessing how well reserves are protected.
Diet and Fruit Choice of the Brown Palm Civet Paradoxurus Jerdoni, a Viverrid Endemic to the Western Ghats Rainforest, India
Authors: Mudappa Divya , Kumar Ajith , Chellam Ravi
Published: October 2016

Brown palm civet diet was assessed by examining 1,013 scats between May 1996 and December 1999 in Kalakad-Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve, Western Ghats, India. The brown palm civet is predominantly frugivorous, with fruits of 53 native species and four species of introduced plants comprising 97% of its diet. There was high intra- and inter-annual variation in the diet of brown palm civets. Civets adapted to fluctuations in fruit resources by feeding on a diverse range of species and supplementing their year-round, primarily frugivorous, diet with invertebrates and vertebrates. Civets mainly ate fruits of trees and lianas, rarely those of herbs or shrubs. Fruits eaten by civets were mostly small (<1 cm diameter), multi-seeded, pulpy berries, and drupes with moderate to high water content, along with several large (>2 cm) fruits like Palaquium ellipticum, Elaeocarpus serratus, Holigarna nigra, and Knema attenuata. The brown palm civet is a key mammalian seed disperser in the Western Ghats rainforest by being predominantly frugivorous and dispersing a diverse array of plant species. As brown palm civets can persist in fragmented rainforest, they can play a major role in restoration of degraded fragments in these landscapes. The results emphasize the need to recognize the importance of small carnivores as seed dispersers in tropical forests.
Taxonomic Diversity, Distinctness, and Abundance of Tree and Shrub Species in Kasagala Forest Reserve in Uganda: Implications for Management and Conservation Policy Decisions
Authors: Gwali Samson , Okullo Paul , Hafashimana David , Byabashaija Denis Mujuni
Published: October 2016

The successful management of natural resources requires access to adequate information on social, economic, ecological, and cultural changes in order to mitigate their impacts through conservation interventions. In most cases, such information is provided in the form of simple diversity indices, which may not predict the complex nature of species functioning in ecosystems. In this study, we used rank abundance, analysis of similarities (ANOSIM), similarity percentages (SIMPER), and taxonomic-diversity and distinctness indices to show the status of tree and shrub species in Kasagala forest reserve in central Uganda. Four 100 × 100 m plots were established in four vegetation strata of the strict nature reserve of the forest, and diameter at breast height (DBH) of trees and shrubs ≥ 5 cm measured. There was no significant difference in species abundance in the four vegetation strata (Kruskal Wallis H = 2.614, p = 0.453; ANOSIM: R = −0.334, p = 0.995). The taxonomic diversity and distinctness of the four vegetation types ranged between 2.414 and 2.786 while the taxonomic distinctness values ranged between 2.897 and 2.978. The taxonomic diversity of the forest is generally even, suggesting a homogeneous community. We suggest that the managers of the forest constitute a continuous monitoring program aimed at controlling the impact of anthropogenic factors, one of the main influences for such low taxonomic distinctness values observed for this forest.
Landscape Attributes Drive Complex Spatial Microclimate Configuration of Brazilian Atlantic Forest Fragments
Authors: Pinto Severino R.R. , Mendes Gabriel , Santos André M.M. , Dantas Mateus , Tabarelli Marcelo , Melo Felipe P. L.
Published: October 2016

Habitat fragmentation imposes profound impacts on the tropical forest microclimate, but the microclimatic configuration of isolated forest patches and its implications for biodiversity persistence and habitat management are not clear. In this study we assessed a set of 10 aged (> 80 years) fragments (3.0 – 3,500 ha in size) of the Atlantic forest to examine to what extent fragment microclimatic attributes are correlated with distance to the nearest edge as frequently proposed in the literature. We used 129 sampling points and took a total of 516 measures of air temperature and humidity, vapor pressure deficit and light incidence to characterize the microclimate of forest fragments in terms of their relative deviation from the surrounding matrix. Fragments as a whole presented strong internal variation and strongly differed from the microclimate exhibited by the open matrix of sugar-cane fields. Distance to nearest edge, percentage of forest cover around the measurement point, percentage of edge-affected area, and geographical orientation of the nearest edge all proved to have minor effects on the microclimate of forest fragments. Conversely, we identified percentage of forest cover and fragment area as the most significant explanatory variables driving their microclimatic configuration: as forest cover increases at landscape scale, forest microclimate deviates less from the open matrix (a forest-mediated matrix buffering). Our results suggest that microclimatic conditions are spatially complex, as they do not correlate with the distance to the nearest forest edges; rather, they are driven by a forest-mediated buffering of the surrounding matrix that minimizes heat and humidity exchanges between forest and non-forest habitats, thus shaping the microclimatic signature of isolated forest fragments.
Effects of Climate Change on Subtropical Forests of South America
Authors: Pacheco Silvia , Malizia Lucio R. , Cayuela L.
Published: October 2016

Premontane forest in northern Argentina and southern Bolivia represents a conservation priority due to its biological values, role of connectivity among different forest types, and precious timber resources. Premontane forest distribution has fluctuated in correspondence to habitat use and changes in climatic conditions. The objective of this study was to determine current and future distributions of premontane forest and of six distinctive tree species in response to climate change, and to relate distribution changes to the current system of protected areas. Using the Maxent program, we developed species distribution models at the community and species levels. We used future climate scenarios available at WorldClim, in its original version and calibrated with local data. Future models determined a retraction of premontane forest of about 40% and a general tendency of this environment to migrate toward higher altitudes. Future distribution of individual species showed a similar response although concentrated at some particular areas, suggesting a shift in tree species composition of premontane forest in the future. The Yungas Biosphere Reserve represents a stable protection area for premontane forest.
CSR, Oil Palm and the RSPO: Translating Boardroom Philosophy into Conservation Action on the Ground
Authors: Paoli Gary D. , Yaap Betsy , Wells Philip L. , Sileuw Aisyah
Published: October 2016

Effective corporate social responsibility (CSR) is becoming mainstream strategic business planning for the oil palm industry. At its core, CSR aims to align business values with the needs and expectations of a broader range of stakeholders, beyond just investors and shareholders. In oil palm, this entails taking responsibility for social and environmental impacts, often beyond what is required by law, to build social and environmental capital in pursuit of a local “license to operate.” Third-party certification standards are a popular tool for guiding and monitoring the impact of CSR programs and have taken root in oil palm through the multi-stakeholder Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO). Eight years running, the RSPO has made substantial inroads to improve the environmental and social performance of Southeast Asia's largest and fastest growing plantation industry. Yet serious challenges remain for RSPO to mainstream environmentally sustainable and socially responsible practices throughout the supply chain. Based on experiences working with multi-stakeholder groups to implement RSPO, including industry, government, local communities, and NGOs, we highlight areas where change is required not only among growers but also the broader RSPO membership to build on recent achievements and accelerate progress. Major challenges include (1) improving corporate governance of plantation companies to translate boardroom CSR decisions into conservation actions on the ground; (2) pushing RSPO member processors, traders, manufacturers, and retailers, who profit from palm oil, to share the cost burden of implementing sustainability, (3) strengthening NGO partnerships with companies to provide the social and environmental expertise companies require but still lack, and (4) creating a more supportive regulatory structure in producer countries to implement sustainability. Challenges to RSPO progress can be overcome, but will require coordinated action to ensure that the scale and pace of change is sufficient to deliver long-term benefits for the environment before it is too late.
L'utilisation du dina comme outil de gouvernance des ressources naturelles : leçons tirés de Velondriake, sud-ouest de Madagascar
Authors: Andriamalala Gildas , Gardner Charlie J.
Published: October 2016

Afin de réduire le conflit entre la loi nationale et les coutumes et normes sociales (appelés dina), l'État Malagasy a progressivement décentralisé la gouvernance des ressources naturelles au niveau local. Les règles concernant l'utilisation des ressources dans les transferts de gestion et les aires protégées cogérés sont définies dans un dina, qui pourrait être reconnu par la loi. Dans cet article nous décrivons et analysons la mise en place et les procédures d'application d'un dina créé pour régir l'utilisation des ressources au sein de Velondriake, une aire marine protégée communautaire dans le Sud-Ouest de Madagascar. Le dina était élaboré par les membres de la communauté et homologué par le Tribunal. Les procédures d'application sont hiérarchiques, commençant au niveau du village mais avec recours aux niveaux supérieures en cas d'échec d'application. Nous discutons plusieurs problèmes associés avec la mise en place et l'application du dina, ainsi que des solutions proposées, incluant : Comment surmonter la cohésion sociale (le fihavanana), des contradictions avec la loi, et l'application du dina contre les migrants. Nous concluons avec une revue de l'utilisation des dina ailleurs à Madagascar, et nous suggérons que les dina imposés par des agences externes, s'ils ne sont pas alignés avec les aspirations de la communauté, ne seront pas respectés. Velondriake a évité de tels problèmes à travers une approche participative où le dina était élaboré par la communauté elle-même.
Towards Understanding Large Mammal Population Declines in Africa's Protected Areas: A West-Central African Perspective
Authors: Scholte Paul
Published: October 2016

A raft of recent studies has highlighted a major decline in large mammal populations in many of Africa's protected areas. A recent continent-wide assessment represented a major step forward also in terms of quantifying the decline on a regional basis, but fell short in its sampling and analysis. In this paper, a way out of the “black box” of large mammal declines in Africa's protected areas is formulated, with the aim of assisting in the preparation of further assessments in the future. First, large mammal assessments are categorized, highlighting the importance of using and sometimes juxtaposing peer-reviewed sources. The importance of the length of time series of large mammal counts is stressed, allowing one to distinguish between natural variation (especially rainfall) and human-induced changes. Setting reference dates, such as 1970, often gives biased results, showing the need to interpret large mammal population assessments in a historic context as well. This holds true particularly for West-Central Africa, which has experienced a considerable decline in rainfall since 1970. Building on a framework that connects herbivore physiology and behavior with environmental gradients, examples are given to explain some striking observed changes. The declines in Africa's protected areas are not limited to large mammals, but have also been observed for large birds of prey. Assessments of large mammal populations should be accompanied by the identification of proximate drivers of change, for which a framework is suggested in this paper. To conclude, some suggestions for countering the declines in large mammal populations are presented.
Which Factors Determine Orangutan Nests' Detection Probability along Transects?
Authors: Wich Serge A. , Boyko Ryan H.
Published: October 2016

Effective conservation needs a solid baseline of animal distribution, density, and abundance data to base management strategies on and evaluate the effectiveness of conservation efforts on the species of interest. For many species it is not feasible to directly count individuals, and scientists are forced to use indirect methods that can provide estimates of density and abundance. For orangutans nest counts are the most often used indirect sign of presence. Models used for density and abundance estimates are based on a set of assumptions about the observations. Here we analyze the effect of several factors (distance to transect, height, decay stage, and observer experience) on the probability that an orangutan ( Pongo abelii) nest is found along a line transect. The results indicate that all factors significantly influence nest detection. Orangutan density estimates varied between the teams with the lowest estimate being approximately 83% of the highest estimate and orangutan density showed a positive correlation to experience level. We use these results to propose a new approach to determine orangutan density that should reduce variation between density estimates from nest surveys and therefore should lead to more reliable between-survey comparisons for orangutans and potentially other great-ape species.
Limicolaria flammea (Müller, 1774), Another Potentially Invasive African Land Snail in Tropical Asia
Authors: Tan Siong Kiat , Clements Gopalasamy Reuben
Published: October 2016

The pulmonate land snail, Limicolaria flammea (Müller, 1774), is native to West Africa and its invasive potential is hitherto unknown. We report this species in Asia, specifically on the tropical island of Singapore. The presence of this alien species is of grave concern because its congener ( L. aurora) has invaded the French West Indies and the confamilial giant African land snail ( Achatina fulica) has colonized the globe to an extent where it is regarded as one of the world's worst 100 invasive alien species. In order to curb the spread of L. flammea into the native forests in Singapore, local authorities should start employing mechanical eradication methods (e.g., handpicking). We hypothesize that L. flammea arrived together with an exotic plant species, whose identity and import origin must be determined urgently to prevent the spread of this species into the rest of tropical Asia.
Profil des vendeurs de viande de chasse et évaluation de la biomasse commercialisée dans les marchés municipaux de Brazzaville, Congo
Authors: Mbete Roger Albert , Banga-Mboko Henri , Ngokaka Christophe , Bouckacka Quevin Farège , Nganga Innocent , Hornick Jean-Luc , Leroy Pascal , Vermeulen Cédric
Published: October 2016

Durant quatre semaines, une enquěte quantitative et qualitative sur la commercialisation de la viande de chasse a été menée sur 21 marchés de Brazzaville. L'objectif de cette étude était de définir le profil du vendeur et d'évaluer les quantités de viande de chasse commercialisées sur les marchés municipaux enquětés. Les résultats obtenus indiquent que les femmes (52%) ont été les plus impliquées dans ce commerce. Le revenu mensuel moyen d'un vendeur au marché a été estimé à 210 428 (420 USD) ± 49 128 (98,256 USD) FCFA. L'âge moyen des vendeurs était de 39 ± 10 ans et 69% d'entre eux avaient pour niveau scolaire les deux degrés de l'enseignement secondaire. Pendant l'étude, 3 711 carcasses de gibiers ont été répertoriées, représentant une biomasse d'environ 35 790 kg. Au total, 35 espèces dont 9 légalement interdites de chasse ont été inventoriées lors des ventes. Les mammifères constituaient 93,8% des animaux chassés avec trois ordres dominants, les artiodactyles (49,2%), les rongeurs (22,6%) et les primates (17,7%). Parmi ces trois ordres, les céphalophes, les potamochères, les athérures et les cercopithèques étaient les plus représentés. Le piégeage, méthode qui entraîne beaucoup de perte d'animaux, représentait le mode de capture le plus important, suivi de la chasse au fusil. Le Chemin de Fer Congo Océan et la Route Nationale n°2 ont été utilisés régulièrement dans le transport de viande de gibiers, à hauteur de 72%. Cette étude suggère une gestion durable des ressources fauniques et une mise en place d'un cadre légal et réglementaire adapté au contexte actuel du commerce de la viande de chasse au Congo-Brazzaville.
Pleiotropy and Charisma Determine Winners and Losers in the REDD+ Game: All Biodiversity is Not Equal
Authors: Collins M.B. , Milner-Gulland E.J. , Macdonald E.A. , Macdonald D.W.
Published: October 2016

REDD+ may see billions of dollars paid to developing countries to improve forest management. This could potentially provide co-benefits for biodiversity conservation. Whilst this issue has been assessed several times in the existing literature, biodiversity itself has tended to be treated as homogenous. Here we propose a new framework in which to disaggregate and assess potential biodiversity beneficiaries of REDD+: pleiotropy and charisma. Pleiotropy describes the dependence of a species' conservation status on habitat loss alone. Pleiotropically-linked species are threatened principally by forest loss and are most likely to benefit from activities such as reduced deforestation. Non-pleiotropically-linked species are also threatened by other processes such as hunting, and will require extra funding outside REDD+ such as premium payments for their conservation. Charisma describes the degree to which species may be able to generate premiums. We consider that the incorporation of these two dimensions into the REDD+ debate will facilitate a more nuanced discussion of biodiversity co-benefits amongst researchers and other stakeholders than has so far been the norm.
Challenges and Opportunities for Biodiversity Conservation in the Atlantic Forest in Face of Bioethanol Expansion
Authors: Bernard Enrico , Melo Felipe P. L. , Pinto Severino R. R.
Published: October 2016

Brazil is the world largest producer of sugarcane ethanol, an alternative to gasoline. Large players, including international oil companies, are aware of the potential of Brazilian ethanol and are investing in the production and expansion of sugarcane plantations in the country. The growing ethanol market imposes some conservation challenges on Brazil to meet the increasing demand. The market points out to an expansion of sugarcane crops, but this can be extremely harmful to the remaining biodiversity of the Brazilian Atlantic Forest. The impact of such expansion will be more severe in the states of Alagoas, Pernambuco, Paraíba and Rio Grande do Norte, the second largest sugar-ethanol production region, and one of the most globally threatened areas of tropical forest (only 12% left, ∼ 1% legally protected). There, most forest fragments are smaller than 100 ha and several endemic species are on the verge of extinction. Here we advocate that instead of expanding plantations, increasing crop productivity should be the more logical and environment-friendly solution for that region. Further, we indicate that the current challenge is to increase the number of sugar and ethanol companies following best management practices and to turn these programs into a real opportunity to restore the biodiversity and environmental services of an ecosystems in eminent collapse. We urge that companies should move one step further and, at least, guarantee the protection of the habitats that go beyond the protection area imposed by the current environmental law.
Caatinga: The Scientific Negligence Experienced by a Dry Tropical Forest
Authors: Santos Jean Carlos , Leal Inara Roberta , Almeida-Cortez Jarcilene Silva , Fernandes G. Wilson , Tabarelli Marcelo
Published: October 2016

Seasonally dry tropical forests (SDTFs) provide a habitat for a diverse number of species and cover significant land areas. Yet, the amount of scientific research they have attracted is minimal. Recently, an international debate on the generality, consequences and forces keeping SDTFs in a position of relative negligence has begun. This paper assesses and compares biodiversity-related knowledge across the major Brazilian ecosystems to verify in which extent the Caatinga vegetation (a mosaic of scrubs and patches of seasonally dry forest) has been scientifically unappreciated. In fact, Caatinga attracted the lowest scores from semi-quantitative indexes describing biodiversity-survey efforts and knowledge status, with a negligible number of papers published internationally. Caatinga also supports fewer research teams and senior researchers as compared to humid tropical forests (Amazonia and Atlantic Forest). Both the knowledge index and number of published papers were explained by a model combining ecosystem area (km2), inventory index plus the current number of research teams or senior researchers assigned to Brazilian ecosystems. These findings reinforce the notion that SDTFs have experienced lower scientific efforts, but also reveal an apparent connection between institutional capacity, production/accumulation of scientific knowledge and conservation efforts. Although the research agenda for reconciling land-use and biodiversity conservation has been launched, current institutional anemia across SDTFs is likely to limit its impacts and achievements.
Carbon Storage in a Fragmented Landscape of Atlantic Forest: The Role Played by Edge-Affected Habitats and Emergent Trees
Authors: de Paula Mateus Dantas , Costa Cecília Patrícia Alves , Tabarelli Marcelo
Published: October 2016

Patterns of carbon retention and distribution across human-modified landscapes have been poorly investigated. In this paper carbon distribution across three forest habitats of a fragmented Atlantic forest landscape in northeast Brazil is examined. Data on tree assemblages (DBH ≥10 cm) inhabiting forest interior stands, forest edges and fragments (2.05–365 ha) were obtained via information from 59 0.1-ha plots (a total of 4,845 stems and 198 tree species), and it was further incorporated in four allometric equations for estimation of above-ground biomass and carbon. Stocks of carbon were highly variable within habitats of Serra Grande, but forest interior plots retained almost three times more carbon (202.8 ± 23.7 TonC/ha) than edge and fragment plots, while these edge-affected habitats exhibited similar scores. Moreover, emergent tree species accounted for the majority of the carbon retained (59.13%) in interior plots with understorey species playing a minor role. However, carbon retained by emergent species decreased by a half across forest edges and forest fragment since large stems (> 70 cm DBH) and very tall trees (> 31 m height) were very rare in these habitats. Finally, a forest cover mapping revealed the occurrence of 213.19 km2 of forest interior habitat in the whole Atlantic forest of northeast Brazil. This figure means that only 8% of total remaining forest habitat has a full potential for carbon storage, with the other 92% (edge-affected habitats) storing just a half of that. Our results suggest that habitat fragmentation and the consequent establishment of edge-affected habitats (forest edges and fragments) drastically limit forest capacity for carbon storage across human-modified landscapes since the loss of carbon due to reduced abundance of large trees is not compensated by either canopy or understorey species.
Biological Diversity and Management Regimes of the Northern Barandabhar Forest Corridor: An Essential Habitat for Ecological Connectivity in Nepal
Authors: Aryal Achyut , Brunton Dianne , Pandit Ram , Shrestha Tej Kumar , Lord Jennie , Koirala Raj Kumar , Thapa Yam Bahadur , Adhikari Bikash , Ji Weihong , Raubenheimer David
Published: October 2016

Despite the development of progressive policies in forestry and wildlife management sectors in Nepal, over the last ten years it has become clear that protected areas in the country lack the landscape connectivity required to support viable populations of endangered species such as rhino ( Rhinoceros unicornis) and tiger ( Panthera tigris tigris). Forest resources that provide essential habitat for a diverse array of species, and forest products to many human populations continue to decline. The present study, focusing upon the northern Barandabhar Forest Corridor (BFC) aimed to begin to address these problems by establishing preliminary data concerning the extent, biological diversity and resources available for local communities of the forest in order to promote a community-based management strategy. Results established that the northern BFC covers an area of 10,644 ha between the East-West Mahendra highway and the Mahabharat range, incorporating 15 community forestry areas (3,184 ha). It was found to support a number of IUCN listed threatened and endangered species including rhino and tiger; and contains suitable habitat for a number of other endangered species. Owing to its connectivity, linking Chitwan National Park with the Mahabharat range, BFC has the potential to make an important contribution to improving the ecological integrity in Nepal. Different institutions and governance structures currently exist to manage the northern BFC. Although these institutions differ in resource utilization and benefit sharing mechanisms, they are united to safeguard the habitat of key wildlife species including rhino and tiger. We propose that the northern BFC should be managed through a new participatory scheme, the Barandabhar Forest Management Council, to foster ecological integrity of the area while providing forest products to communities.
Protected Apes, Unprotected Forest: Composition, Structure and Diversity of Riverine Forest Fragments and Their Conservation Value in Uganda
Authors: McLennan Matthew R. , Plumptre Andrew J.
Published: October 2016

Small forest fragments are common in anthropogenic landscapes in the tropics. These have conservation value if they provide habitat for threatened wildlife and maintain connectivity between larger habitats. Riverine forests have particular ‘corridor’ potential due to their linear shape, but are under-studied in many regions. We surveyed trees in riverine fragments in Bulindi, an anthropogenic landscape 25 km south of the Budongo Forest in western Uganda, to determine their condition and assess their value for wildlife, particularly endangered chimpanzees Pan troglodytes. We assessed tree composition, structure and diversity and compared results with a previous survey made in Budongo, the nearest main forest block. Riverine fragments were considerably less species-dense and species-rich than Budongo. Community composition differed markedly between sites and there was virtually no overlap in common species. Common trees in fragments were characteristic of East African swamp and groundwater forests (e.g. the palm Phoenix reclinata) and the dominant tree family was the Moraceae, members of which produce fleshy fruits attractive to frugivores (e.g. figs). Important fruit foods for chimpanzees differed between habitats. While basal area of important fruit trees was comparable, overall density was greater in fragments. Our data suggest the riverine fragments offer a relatively food-dense habitat for chimpanzees and other frugivores. Small riverine forests have little or no protection regionally and are being extensively logged and cleared for agriculture. Species logged for timber in Bulindi included important chimpanzee fruit trees. Unless conservation projects successfully reverse current trends, the value of the riverine corridors for maintaining connectivity between main forest blocks is limited.
Dawn of Drone Ecology: Low-Cost Autonomous Aerial Vehicles for Conservation
Authors: Koh Lian Pin , Wich Serge A.
Published: October 2016

Tropical deforestation continues to be a major driver of biodiversity loss and greenhouse gas emissions. Remote sensing technology is increasingly used to assess changes in forest cover, species distributions and carbon stocks. However, satellite and airborne sensors can be prohibitively costly and inaccessible for researchers in developing countries. Here, we describe the development and use of an inexpensive (<$2,000) unmanned aerial vehicle for surveying and mapping forests and biodiversity (referred to as ‘Conservation Drone’ hereafter). Our prototype drone is able to fly pre-programmed missions autonomously for a total flight time of ~25 minutes and over a distance of ~15 km. Non-technical operators can program each mission by defining waypoints along a flight path using an open-source software. This drone can record videos at up to 1080 pixel resolution (high definition), and acquire aerial photographs of <10 cm pixel resolution. Aerial photographs can be stitched together to produce real-time geo-referenced land use/cover maps of surveyed areas. We evaluate the performance of this prototype Conservation Drone based on a series of test flights in Aras Napal, Sumatra, Indonesia. We discuss the further development of Conservation Drone 2.0, which will have a bigger payload and longer range. Initial tests suggest a flight time of ~50 minutes and a range of ~25 km. Finally, we highlight the potential of this system for environmental and conservation applications, which include near real-time mapping of local land cover, monitoring of illegal forest activities, and surveying of large animal species.
Local Demand Drives a Bushmeat Industry in a Philippine Forest Preserve
Authors: Scheffers Brett R. , Corlett Richard T. , Diesmos Arvin , Laurance William F.
Published: October 2016

Unregulated hunting can severely affect wildlife populations, particularly in the tropics. From May to October, 2011, we documented target species, hunting techniques, and demand and sale of bushmeat from a local community located at the base of a forested National Park on an isolated mountain (over 10,000 ha) in southern Luzon, the Philippines. The prey taken by hunters (i.e., poachers) included 22 invertebrate and vertebrate species. The main prey items were fruit-eating birds, bats, civets and wild pigs, but the most sought-after prey were flying foxes. Money was the major driver of bushmeat hunting in our study area. Bushmeat was sold and consumed almost entirely by residents of the local community and nearby towns, as hunters stated that they do not have demand from regional urban markets. Localized consumption suggests that focused conservation efforts may be effective in reducing the documented hunting pressures. Fines for hunting endangered species, according to hunters, were a deterrent. Because of limited law enforcement in our study area, however, conservation efforts such as teaching local hunters to avoid endangered species or encouraging them to monitor local animal populations may be the best bottom-up approach to minimize the negative effects of hunting.
Misinformation and Omission in Science Journalism
Authors: Jaafar Zeehan , Giam Xingli
Published: October 2016

On 7 February 2012, one of the largest whale sharks ever recorded was found presumably dead and towed to Karachi harbour. On 8 February, ‘whale shark’ was the third most searched keyword as shown on Google Trends. Reports on landmark events such as this could educate the public on marine conservation issues. We collated 45 internet news reports and examined whether or not reports a) are scientifically accurate for information on the species in question and b) educate readers on specific or broad biology or conservation issues. We found only 46.6% of the reports to be factually accurate. Only a minority of the reports discussed conservation of whale sharks. Scientists should step-up public communications as a meaningful educational exercise in light of overwhelming public interest in such events.
The Distribution of the Species of Eurysternus Dalman, 1824 (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) in America: Potential Distributions and the Locations of Areas to be Surveyed
Authors: Edgar Camero R , Lobo Jorge M.
Published: October 2016

Using the distributional information from approximately 22,000 georeferenced records of the 53 currently recognized species of the genus Eurysternus Dalman, 1824, we explore the main macroclimatic determinants capable of explaining the distribution of these species. We also estimate the potential distribution of these species using a previously established protocol. Our results show that annual mean temperature and annual precipitation are the variables with the greatest explanatory capacity. Our results also show that species with wide climatic niches would primarily inhabit the rainiest and coldest American locations. The potential species-richness map derived from the overlap of individual potential distributions has allowed us to identify suitable areas that are not yet adequately surveyed. Future investigations must be conducted in these areas to improve the biogeographical and taxonomic knowledge of this genus.
Local Knowledge and Perceptions of Animal Population Abundances by Communities Adjacent to the Northern Gonarezhou National Park, Zimbabwe
Authors: Gandiwa Edson
Published: October 2016

Understanding animal abundances and population trends is a fundamental goal of ecology. The aim of this study was to examine local ecological knowledge (LEK) held by local people bordering the northern Gonarezhou National Park (GNP), Zimbabwe, concerning domestic and wild animal species abundances and perceived population trends, in order to evaluate the possible contribution of LEK to wildlife conservation and management. Data were collected through interviews using a semi-structured questionnaire from 236 local people in communities adjacent to the northern GNP from December 2010 to May 2011. The results show that perceptions of domestic animal population trends were mixed, with 44% of the respondents perceiving an increase, 36% perceiving a decline, and 20% perceiving that domestic animal populations had remained the same between 2000 and 2010. Furthermore, about 76% of the respondents perceived that wild animal abundances had increased, 15% perceived a decline, and 9% perceived that wild animal abundances had remained the same in GNP between 2000 and 2010. Responses on perceptions of animal population trends were to a great extent in line with recorded population trends from conventional scientific studies. The study results suggest that LEK may serve as a valuable source of ecological information and could compliment scientific information for wildlife conservation and management, particularly in community-based natural resources management programmes.
Caça, uso e conservação de vertebrados no semiárido Brasileiro
Authors: Alves Rômulo Romeu Nóbrega , Gonçalves Maria Betânia Ribeiro , Vieira Washington Luiz Silva
Published: October 2016

A caça e o uso da fauna são práticas antigas e que desempenham um importante papel socioeconômico no semiárido nordestino. De uma perspectiva conservacionista, essas atividades tem evidentes implicações que necessitam ser melhor investigadas visando subsidiar planos de manejo sustentável. Diante disso, a presente pesquisa objetiva caracterizar as práticas cinegéticas direcionadas a vertebrados e seus usos em dois municípios do semiárido do Estado da Paraíba (Brasil), bem como avaliar as implicações dessas práticas para conservação. As informações foram obtidas através de entrevistas com questionários semiestruturados, complementadas com conversas informais. Um total de 37 caçadores ou usuários de produtos de animais silvestres foi entrevistado. A fauna cinegética registrada foi representada por 81 espécies de vertebrados, os quais se enquadram nas seguintes categorias de uso: alimentação (42 espécies), estimação (31), medicinal (15), artesanal (05) e ritualística (03). Um total de 21 espécies é abatida por controle, uma vez que podem representar perigo ou prejuízo. Constatou-se que dentre as espécies de valor utilitário, os grupos taxonômicos com papel mais relevante são aves e mamíferos. Nossos resultados apontam a necessidade urgente de programas educativos junto aos moradores locais procurando ordenar as atividades de caça. Considerando que a caça e uso da fauna silvestre são atividades comuns na região, percebe-se a urgência em controlar melhor essas práticas, já que a legislação não tem sido eficaz nesse sentido. A elaboração de planos de manejo e conservação deve levar em consideração o contexto social e cultural das pessoas envolvidas nessas atividades e devem ser implementados em consonância com populações usuárias dos recursos.
Nutrient Dynamics in Coastal Lagoons and Marine Waters of Vieques, Puerto Rico
Authors: Whitall David , Mason Andrew , Pait Anthony
Published: October 2016

Determining the efficacy of efforts to conserve natural systems requires that environmental baseline data exist; without such baseline data, it is impossible to determine if management actions are working. This study presents water quality baseline data (nutrients) for the coastal waters of the island of Vieques, Puerto Rico. As the island's economy shifts more towards tourism, these data can be used to verify that conservation efforts to preserve the ecology of the coastal waters are succeeding. Surface waters were sampled at 40 sites, selected using a stratified random sampling design, on 7 occasions between July 2007 and March 2008. Nutrient concentrations were similar to what has been observed in other systems in Puerto Rico, except for in the near coastal lagoons which had significantly higher observed concentrations. Variations in nutrients between lagoons are driven by connectivity to the ocean and lagoon depth. Because of these relationships, and because there are no obvious major sources of point or non-point sources of pollution on the island that would affect only the lagoons, it is hypothesized that these high nutrient levels are the natural status of the system, rather than evidence of eutrophication.