bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Daily movement, grazing activity and diet of savanna buffalo, Syncerus caffer brachyceros, in Benoue National Park, Cameroon
Authors: STARK M. A. 
Published: April 2008

SummaryObservations on daily movement, grazing activity and diet of savanna buffalo (Syncerus caffer brachyceros) were made over a 10‐month period during 1974–1975 in Benoue National Park, Cameroon. Regular, almost rhythmic, movement to feeding areas and watering sources occurred during mornings and afternoons. Mean distances travelled over a 24‐h period were 7.2±2.62 km during the dry season, and 5.6±1.92 km during the wet season. Dry and wet season ranges were calculated as 61 km2 (0.80 buffalo km‐2), and 46 km2 (1.19 buffalo km‐2) respectively, with 32 km2 (54%) overlap area. Buffalo probably grazed more during daylight hours than at night during the dry season. Total times spent grazing and resting (over a 24‐h period) were estimated at 7.9 h and 9.6 h respectively, during the dry season. Daytime grazing and resting periods during the wet season were estimated at 3.1 h and 3.8 h respectively. Night‐time estimates during the wet season were not possible. Sixteen taxa of plants comprised the diet of buffalo in Benoue National Park. Graminoids, particularly Andropogon gayanus, were taken most often during the wet season (86% of the diet), and dry season (74% of the diet). Woody plants, particularly Piliostigma thonningii, provided 14% of the wet season and 26% of the dry season diets.RésuméOn a récolté des observations sur les déplacements quotidiens, le broutage et le régime alimentaire du buffle de savane (Syncerus caffer brachyceros) pendant une période de dix mois de 1974 à 1975 au Parc National de Benoue, au Cameroun. Des mouvements réguliers, presque rythmiques, vers les zones de nourrissage et les points d'eau s'observent le matin et l'après‐midi. Sur une période de 24 h., les distances moyennes parcourues sont de 7,2±2,62 km en saison séche et de 5,6±1,92 km en saison des pluies. On a calculé que les territoires fréquentés sont de 61 km2 (0,80 buffle/km2) en saison sèche et de 46 km2 (1,19 buffle/km2) en saison des pluies avec un recouvrement de 32 km2 (54%). Le buffle broute probablement plus pendant la journée que pendant la nuit en saison sèche. Le temps total consacré au broutage et au repos en 24 h. a été estiméà 7,9 h. et 9,6 h. en saison sèche. Ces mêmes estimations sont de 3,1 h. et 3,8 h. en saison des pluies. Il n'a pas été possible de faire des estimations nocturnes es saison des pluies. Le régime alimentaire du buffle au Parc National de Benoue se compose de 16 espèces de plantes. Les graminées et en particulier Andropogon gayanus sont plus souvent broutées tant en saison des pluies (86% du régime) qu'en saison sèche (74%). Les plantes ligneuses, particulièrement Piliostigma thonningii, participent pour 14% du régime alimentaire en saison des pluies et 25% en saison sèche.
Effects of mountain gorilla foraging activities on the productivity of their food plant species
Authors: WATTS D. P. 
Published: April 2008

SummaryMountain gorillas subsist principally on foliage from the dense herbaceous understorey that is found throughout most of their habitat in the Virunga Volcanoes region. Their foraging activities cause considerable structural damage to this vegetation. Those plant species that are quantitatively most important in the gorillas' diet respond to this damage by increasing primary productivity. At a sample of spots at which gorillas had fed, these species showed significantly higher growth rates over a 6‐month interval than they did at nearby spots that had not been touched by the gorillas. Stem densities of herbaceous food species at feeding spots increased markedly both in comparison to their original values and to values for the same species at untouched spots. As a result, spots at which gorillas have fed are likely to become very attractive as future feeding spots. It is unlikely that gorillas ‘manage’ their habitat in any specific fashion, largely because they do not have exclusive use of their home ranges. Their activities appear to maintain habitat productivity over the short term, on a time scale relevant to patterns of area revisits by social groups, and may contribute to long term beneficial alterations of regularly used areas, however. Effects of the type reported here may have been an important aspect of the adaptation by gorillas to terrestrial folivory.RÉSUMEÉLes gorilles de montagne s'alimentent principalement de feuillages dans le sous‐bois herbacé dense présent presque partout dans leur habitat de la région des volcans Virunga. Leurs activités alimentaires causent des dommages structurels considérables à cette végétation. Les plantes des espèces qui sont quantitativement les plus importants dans le régime du gorille réagissent à ces déga&#x030c;ts en augmentant leur productivité primaire. Aux postes échantillons où les gorilles se sont nourris, ces espèces présentent des taux de croissance significantivement supérieurs sur un intervalle de six mois, par rapport aux postes voisins qui n'ont pas été touchés par les gorilles. Les densités de tiges des espèces herbacées appétées aux postes de nourrissage augmentent nettement aussi bien en comparaison avec leurs valeurs antérieures qu'avec celles de ces měmes espèces dans des stations non touchées. En conséquence, les postes où les gorilles se sont nourris ont plus de chance de devenir des futurs postes de nourrissage très attractifs. Il est peu probable que les gorilles ‘gèrent’ leur habitat d'une quelconque façon, surtout parce qu'ils n'ont pas l'utilisation exclusive de leur domaine vital. Leurs activités semblent maintenir à court terme la productivité de leur habitat, sur une échelle de temps comprenant les visites successives de groupes sociaux, et peuvent contribuer à long terme à des altérations bénéfiques pour ces zones réguliérement fréquentées. Des effets du type rapporté ici peuvent avoir été un élément important de l'adaptation des gorilles à la folivorie terrestre.
Morphometrics and field estimation of the size of the Nile crocodile
Authors: HUTTON J. M. 
Published: April 2008

SummaryA number of measurements were taken of 104 crocodiles at Ngezi, Zimbabwe. These were used to define the relationship between total length and eight other parameters, particularly those that are associated with size estimation during population surveys. The commonly used ratio between hindfoot (HF) spoor and total length is adjusted to 1:14 where HF <150mm, and 1:13.5 where HF > 150 mm. The accuracy of a ratio of 1:7 between head length and total length, used mostly during night counts, is established. Preliminary work suggests that these results are applicable to other populations.RÉSUMEÉUn nombre de mensurations ont été relevées sur 104 crocodiles à Ngezi (Zimbabwe). Celles‐ci ont servi àétablir la relation existant entre la longueur totale et huit autres paramètres, particulièrement ceux qui sont liés a revolution de la taille durant les recensements de population. L'indice habituellement utilisé entre l'empreinte de la patte arrière (HF) et la longueur totale ajustéà 1: 14 quand HF < 150 mm et à 1: 13,5 quand HF < 150 mm. On établit un indice de 1: 7 entre la longueur de la těte et la longueur totale, en usage lors des comptages nocturnes. Un travail préliminaire suggère que ces résultats sont aussi applicables a d'autres populations.
Some aspects of grasshopper feeding ecology in semi‐arid Acacia woodland
Authors: OKELO R. O. 
Published: April 2008

SummaryThe work was carried out in semi‐arid northern Kenya at Gatab (2°38′N, 36°56′E; altitude 1800m), Luai (2°36′N, 36°57′E; altitude 1350m) and Balesa Kulal (2°32′N, 37°04′E; altitude 650 m). The three sites have two rainfall peaks each year, in April and November. Thirty‐one plant species were individually presented to a total of twenty‐three grasshopper species. It was estimated that grasshoppers in this part of Kenya eat 2·2% of the primary production. The graminivorous and forbivorous grasshopper species ate significantly more grasses and forbs, respectively (P <0·001). Times during the day when feeding activity is high were shown to vary significantly between species (P <0·05) in three grasshopper species: one Pyrgomorphinae (Parasphena kulalensis Kevan) and two Oedipodinae (Aiolopus thalassinus Fieber and Acrotylus patruelis Herrich‐Schaeffer).RÉSUMEÉCe travail a été effectue dans le Nord semi‐aride du Kenya à Gatab (2†38'N, 36†56'E, alt. 1800 m), Luai (2†36'N, 36†57'E, alt. 1350 m)et Balesa Kulal (2†32'N, 37†04'E, alt. 650 m). Ces trois sites ont deux maxima de chutes de pluies par an, en avril et novembre. On a présenté séparément 31 expèces végétales à un total de 23 espèces de sauterelles. On a estimé que les sauterelles, dans cette partie du Kenya, mangent 2,2% de la production primaire. Les espèces granivores et ‘forbivores’ mangent significativement plus d'herbes et de ‘forbes’, respectivement (P< 0,001). Pendant la journée, le moment où l'activité alimentaire est élevée varie significativement selon les espèces (P<0,05) pour 3 espèces de sauterelles: une Pyrgomorphinae (Parasphena kulalensis Kevari) et deux Oedipodinae (Aiolopus thalassinus Fieber et Acrotylus patruelis Herrich‐Schaeffer).
Effect of forest clearance, season and soil moisture on the activity of the larger soil‐dwelling invertebrates in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Authors: MIDDLETON J. 
Published: April 2008

SummaryMajor groups of the larger soil‐dwelling invertebrates were recorded weekly with non‐destructive observations for 2 years. Responses to forest clearance, season and added soil water were assessed. The assemblage of taxa varied only within narrow bounds over the 2 years. Most taxa were more frequent in the field from which forest had been cleared than in a remnant wood. Neither season nor soil moisture was significant in most cases. This component of the decomposition system is not sensitive to the clearing of forest, at least at the gross level of frequency of major taxonomic groups.RÉSUMEÉLes groupes principaux d'invertébrés souterrains furent enregistrés chaque semaine durant 2 ans par des observations non destructrices. Leur réponse à la déforestation, aux saisons et à l'humidité sont établies. L'assemblage des taxons n'ont varié que très légérement au cours de ces 2 ans. La plupart de ces taxons sont plus fréquents aux endroits où la forět a ete coupée que dans les portions résituelles. Ni la saison, ni l'humidité du sol ne jouent de r&#x006f;&#x030c;le significatif dans la plupart des cas. Cette composante du système de décomposition n'est pas sensible à la déforestation, au moins à l'échelle générale des fréquences des groupes taxonomiques principaux.
Nutrients and toxins of plants in Amboseli, Kenya
Authors: ALTMANN S. A. , POST D. G. , KLEIN D. F. 
Published: April 2008

SummaryNutrient and toxin analyses were carried out on wild foods that are eaten by the baboon (Papio cynocephalus (L.)) and black‐faced vervet (Cercopithecus aethiops (L.)) and other animals in Amboseli National Park, Kenya. Data are provided on proximate composition (water, ash, fat, protein, fibre, other carbohydrates), fourteen minerals, four vitamins (folic acid, ascorbic acid, riboflavin, β‐carotine) and a toxin (trypsin inhibitor). In total, 864 analyses were carried out on ninety‐one foods from thirty‐seven species of plants.RÉSUMEÉOn a réalisé des analyses des nutriments at toxines dans l'alimentation du babouin (Papio cynocephalus (L.)), du cercopitheque grivet (Cercopithecus aethiops (L.)) et d'autres animaux du Parc National d'Amboseli, Kenya. Les données fournies concernent la composition approximative en eau, carbone, graisse, protéine, fibres et autres carbohydrates. Quatorze minéraux, quatre vitamines (acide folique, acide ascorbique, riboflavine, carotène β) et un toxine (inhibitrice de la trypsin). Au total, 864 analyses furent réalisées sur nonante et un échantillons protant sur trente‐sept espèces de plantes.
First steps in the ecology of the Bamingui‐Bangoran National Park, Central African Republic
Authors: SPINAGE C. A. 
Published: April 2008

SummaryA description is given of the 11,560 km2Bamingui‐Bangoran National Park situated in the mid‐Sudanian phytogeographic domain of the Central African Republic. Attention is drawn to the interest of the ecology of this little‐known zone, which lies between north‐south and east‐west ecotones, of the sahel‐tropical forest and oriental region west Africa, respectively. Preliminary collections of plants and small mammals were made. An analysis of the flora and the large mammals observed suggests a predominantly West African affinity. The sub‐specific endemism shown by the large mammals appears more probably linked to Pleistocene isolation by the Chari‐Logone river system, than to a mega Lake Chad as has been postulated elsewhere.
Home range and movement of the common eland (Taurotragus oryx Pallas 1766) in Kenya
Authors: HILLMAN JESSEC. 
Published: April 2008

SummaryData were collected in Kenya on the movements of individually recognizable wild eland over a 30‐month period. Further information on movement was obtained from monthly ground counts of Nairobi National Park, and two aerial censuses of the Park and Athi Kapiti plains. Results indicated that adult male eland had restricted home ranges, but that females and juveniles carried out extensive seasonal movements between open grassland and bushed habitats. The numbers of eland in the Park were found to be related to rainfall over the previous two months in the areas outside the Park. It was concluded that females and juveniles were taking advantage of seasonal food abundance in open grassland areas, where the formation of large groups gives protection to small‐sized juveniles.
Reproductive biology of the East African lungfish (Protopterus aethiopicus) in Mwanza Gulf, Lake Victoria
Authors: MOSILLE OLIVA I. I. W. , MMNOYA J. R. 
Published: April 2008

SummaryThe population of lungfish (Protopterus aethiopicus (Heckel)) was sampled by bottom trawling for 12 months from June 1984 to May 1985. A total of 576 lungfish were investigated. The sex ratio in the population was 1 male : 1 ‐98 females. Average size at maturity was found to be 960cm total length (TL) but the smallest matured male measured 72‐9 cm and the female 840 cm TL. It was not possible to establish spawning times and reproductive activity trends either from the variation in relative condition factor ‘kn’ or from gonadosomatic index (GSI). Whereas male lungfish seem to show no further increase in GSI after gonadal maturity stage III, females exhibit GSI values that vary directly with oocyte maturation and ovarian weights. Fat deposited along the gonads was found to be a better basis for assessing maturation and spawning in lungfish. The potential spawning period was found to be from September to May. Absence of lungfish with spent gonads over the 12‐month period and the presence of different egg sizes in ovaries, suggest that the fish is a multiple spawner. Fecundity was found to range from 705 eggs (in 84‐cm TL fish) to 14,922 eggs (in 130‐cm TL Fish).
Patterns of depletion in a black rhinoceros population in Luangwa Valley, Zambia
Authors: LEADER‐WILLIAMS N. 
Published: April 2008

SummaryBlack rhinos in Luangwa Valley, Zambia have been subjected to heavy illegal hunting since the late 1970s. A study population monitored by individual recognition decreased at an instantaneous rate of ‐ 0.29 yr‐1between 1981 and 1985. Two‐thirds of skulls found throughout Luangwa Valley between 1979 and 1985 were axed, indicating death from poaching. All age‐ and sex‐classes of rhino were equally susceptible to being shot, presumably due to the high market‐price of rhino horn.
Vital statistics of the baobab (Adansonia digitata)
Authors: WILSON R. T. 
Published: April 2008

SummaryFive populations of baobab trees in Zambia, Sudan, Mali, Kenya and Tanzania were measured to establish distribution of girth size classes. Absolute growth rates from rings or from empirical observations in each area were used to convert size into age classes. Baobab populations appear to be much younger than has generally been believed and only very few trees live to ages in excess of 400 years. Instantaneous mortality rates vary from 1 1 to 3–7% per year in the different areas. A lack of recruitment to the youngest age classes is caused by elephants in some areas but land‐use changes due to increasing human populations and increased domestic animal numbers may also be responsible for low recruitment rates in other areas.
Successional patterns of aquatic macrophytes in Jebba Lake, Nigeria
Authors: OBOT EMMANUEL ASUQUO , MBAGWU IHEANYI GODFREY 
Published: April 2008

SummaryMacrophyte succession in Jebba Lake, Nigeria, was observed through the first four years after impoundment. Two distinct serai phases, a floating fern phase and a draw‐down flora phase could be recognized.The floristic composition of the macrophyte vegetation was also investigated to check earlier predictions (Obot & Mbagwu, 1986) on the probable structure of the macrophyte flora. The failure of obligate floating macrophytes such as Pistia, Azolla and Salvinia to establish in the lake as predicted is discussed. However, rooted emergent macrophytes were observed to be more successful than would be expected from the predictions.
Nestling growth in the African fish eagle in Uganda
Authors: SUMBA S. J. A. 
Published: April 2008

SummaryNestling African fish eagles Haliaeetus vocifer (Daudin, 1858) in Queen Elizabeth National Park (QEP), Uganda, attained and exceeded the adult body weights of their respective sexes by fledging time. The growth curves conformed with the sigmoid form of most animal species. The overall growth rate, K (g/day), was low, averaging 0.077 ± 0.017 g/day and the time t10–90 required to complete growth from 10 to 90% of the asymptotic weight was c. 42 days. Brood size and hatching order did not significantly influence growth rates but the sex of the young did. The tarsus, femur and humerus reached adult sizes by fledging time but the standard wing did not.
Maximum rate of increase in the African Elephant
Authors: CALEF GEORGE W. 
Published: April 2008

SummaryThe theoretical maximum rate of increase for the African elephant is calculated at 7%. This figure agrees closely with the rate of increase observed at Addo Elephant Park, the highest rate of increase reported for elephants living under natural conditions. An elephant population increasing at the maximum rate soon reaches a stable age distribution in which 48% of the animals are older than 11 years of age, (the age of first reproduction) and 6.7% are calves (less than one year old). Several papers have reported frequencies of calves in natural populations of up to twice this percentage. Calculations are presented to show that such high calf frequencies are both theoretically impossible on a sustained basis, and internally inconsistent with the population data presented in these papers.
Somali grasses: germination trials of Cenchrus ciliaris L., Dactyloctenium scindicum Boiss., and Sorghum amndinaceum (Willd.) Stapf
Authors: BARKER J. R. , ABDI M. D. 
Published: April 2008

SummaryThe seeds of three important Somali rangeland grasses, Cenchrus ciliaris L., Dactyloctenium scindicum Boiss, and Sorghum arundinaceum (Willd.) Stapf, were subjected to various scarification treatments: rubbing with sandpaper, soaking in hot water, and soaking in sulphuric acid. Seed germination for C. ciliaris was greatest in the hot‐water treatment and lowest in the sulphuric‐acid treatment. Both D. scindicum and S. arundinaceum germination was highest with the rubbing treatment and lowest with the sulphuric‐acid and hot‐water treatments, respectively. The scarification treatments had no influence on the mean germination times of the three species except for sulphuric acid, which increased D. scindicum germination time.RÉSUMEÉLes graines de trois importantes graminées des pa&#x030c;turages de Somalie, Cenchrus ciliaris, Dactyloctenium scindicum and Sorghum arundinaceum, ont fait l'objet de divers traitements de scarification: polissage au papier de sable, trempage dans l'eau chaude et dans l'acide sulfurique. La germination de C. ciliuris est la plus importante après traitement à l'eau chaude et la plus faible après traitement à l'acide sulfurique. La germination de D. scindicum et de S. Arundinaceum est la plus haute après traitement de polissage et la plus basse après traitement à l'acide sulfurique et l'eau chaude respectivement. Les traitements de scarification n'eurent aucune influence sur les durées moyennes de germination des 3 espèces sauf que l'acide sulfurique a augmenté la durée de germination de D.scindicum.
Daily activity patterns in captive elephant shrews (Macroscelididae)
Authors: WOODALL P. F. , WOODALL L. B. , BODERO D. A. V. 
Published: April 2008

SummaryThe activity patterns of six species of captive elephant shrews {Elephantulus (four species), Macroscelides and Petrodromus) were monitored electronically for periods of 48 h. Individual animals showed some significant differences in activity from one day to the next but generally followed the same pattern of diel activity. Intraspecific differences were observed in eight Elephantulus edwardii and seven Elephantulus myurus but all had a similar overall pattern of activity apart from a possibly diseased E. edwardii and two E. myurus, which had previously been exposed to a high level of human disturbance, and which showed increased nocturnal activity. All species were active, to varying degrees, both day and night. Interspecific differences in activity exhibited a continuum, with different species showing differing periods of peak activity. Differences in the nocturnal/diurnal ratio may be related to the amount of cover in the habitat and the degree of aridity experienced by each species. Significant seasonal differences in activity were noted in two species where sample sizes were adequate to permit their detection.RésuméOn a surveilléélectroniquement le schéma d'activité de six espéces de rats à trompe en captivité par tranche de 48 h. Individuellement, les animaux présentent quelques différences significatives d'un jour à l'autre mais suivent généralement le même schéma d'activité. Des différences intraspécifiques furent observées chez huit Elephantulus edwardii et sept E. myurus mais tous avaient un schéma d'activités globalement similaire, aF l'exception d'un E. edwardii, peut‐être malade, et de deux E. myurus qui avaient ete auparavant soumis à de grands dérangements, et qui montraient un accroissement de l'activité nocturne. Toutes les espèces étaient actives, à des degrés divers, jour et nuit. Les différences interspécifiques étaient permanentes, les espèces présentant des périodes d'activité maximales diffeareés. Les différences du rapport diurne/nocturne peuvent être mises en relation avec le degré de couvertre de l'habitat et le degré d'aridité aux quels est soumise chaque espèce. On a noté des différences d'activité saisonnières significatives chez deux espèces dont la taille de l'echantillon permettait de les détecter.