Search

Predicting the true status of Data Deficient (DD) species is a prominent theme in recent conservation biology, but there still is much debate regarding the conservation approach that should be used for DD taxa and no definitive conclusions are yet available. We review and analyse the current data available on the conservation status of amphibians in Vietnam, with an emphasis on the DD species. We also compare Vietnamese DD frequency of occurrence with other regions of the world, examine the extent of the range of taxa divided by Red List status, and explore the protection attributes of the taxa based on their inclusion within protected areas of Vietnam. We documented that the analysis of amphibians in Southeast Asia, and especially in Vietnam, substantially agrees with patterns highlighted by previous global research, and confirms the risk that several DD species may silently go extinct without their actual risk ever being recognized. Importantly, our study showed that fine-scale analyses are essential to highlight the potential drivers of extinction risk for the DD species of amphibians. A crucial next step for conservation policies in Vietnam (and in surrounding countries) is developing and implementing species-specific studies targeted at addressing each species' drivers of extinction and determining science-based strategies for minimizing their extinction risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pollinator biodiversity in Uganda and in sub-Sahara Africa: Landscape and habitat management strategies for its conservation. For example, the Guinean forests of West Africa are considered among the most fragmented forest habitats in the world, a biodiversity hotspot, currently comprising no more than 5%-10% of its original extension. In Africa, habitat fragmentation is not less a threat to biodiversity than in temperate regions, particularly for forest species (e.g., Bloomfield et al., [11]; Curry et al., [17]; Davis & Philips, [18]; Dendi et al., [19]; Newmark & McNeally, [45]). Impact of habitat fragmentation on the spatial structure of the eastern arc forests in East Africa: Implications for biodiversity conservation. [Extracted from the article]

Defining priorities is important both in research and in conservation, especially when knowledge gaps are hindering successful management. In this review, we quantify the knowledge gaps for all non-marine West African chelonians based on 21 criteria. Additionally, we combine these knowledge gaps with each species' maximum size, range size, presence in nationally protected areas, and IUCN Red List or TFTSG provisional status to introduce a ranking of species conservation priority in the region. Our analyses revealed a divergence between which species are lacking research studies and which would benefit most from conservation actions, though Cyclanorbis elegans is the species that is both the least-known and most-in-need of conservation. Broadly, Pelomedusidae are in the greatest need of research, yet they are also collectively the least threatened. Conversely, Trionychidae and Testudinidae have received greater research attention in most cases, however, these two families represent the greatest conservation priorities amongst West African chelonians. Our analyses also enabled us to evaluate which criteria representing aspects of chelonian biology have been most overlooked by the scientific community. Priorities for future research include reproductive and long-term population studies, each of which are critical for informing conservation actions and evaluating the results of those actions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of African Journal of Ecology is the property of Wiley-Blackwell and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

We present survey data on one of the rarest turtles in the world, the Nubian flapshell turtle, Cyclanorbis elegans, on the basis of data coming from structured interviews with Bari fishermen of South Sudan and comparison of these data with those coming from our field studies. Our study documented that local ecological knowledge (LEK) data can be very useful to complement information on the natural history of rare and poorly known species and helpful to their conservation and management. We urge that any protected area focusing on C. elegans include a few of their communal nesting areas (as described by LEK) that should be carefully monitored to prevent collection of females or eggs during the reproductive period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To explore the patterns of bushmeat trade in the Sahel we carried out a multidisciplinary study, focusing on Burkina Faso. We conducted baseline interview surveys to examine the variation in people's perceptions of bushmeat in relation to their place of residence (urban vs rural), sex and age. We also analysed the long-term (1985–2010) population dynamics of two ungulate species, the oribi Ourebia ourebi and the common duiker Sylvicapra grimmia , known to be among the main targets of the bushmeat trade locally. For the antelopes we chose as our study area a protected area (Nazinga Game Ranch) where poaching activities occur and are likely to represent a threat to the local wildlife. The results of the interviews underlined significant differences in bushmeat consumption between rural and urban areas. In particular, the probability of finding people who did not consume bushmeat increased in the urban area, where bushmeat is less available than in the rural areas. Sex and age did not have any effect on people's perceptions of bushmeat. In Burkina Faso bushmeat is still widely consumed, and this could be because the bushmeat trade is poorly controlled, with a lack of enforcement of the legislation. Long-term field surveys revealed that the oribi and the common duiker have declined significantly in Nazinga Game Ranch, suggesting that the bushmeat trade in Burkina Faso may have negative consequences in terms of the conservation outlook for these species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ecological data on ungulate mammals are poorly available for Togo (West Africa), also with regard to the populations inhabiting the various protected areas. To provide preliminary data on the ecology of Togolese ungulates, several field missions were carried out between September 2014 and August 2017 in the various ecological units considered as key areas for large mammals of the Mono Transboundary Biosphere Reserve (MTBR). MTBR, located along the Mono River, has several ecological units of varying sizes, with the Togodo Protected Areas Complex being the largest within the biosphere reserve (25,500 ha). A total of 12 species belonging to four families were recorded on the basis of direct observations and/or signs of presence. These include: Tragelaphus eurycerus, Tragelaphus gratus, Tragelaphus phaleratus, Syncerus brachyceros, Kobus kob, Philantomba walteri, Cephalophus rufilatus, Cephalophus sylvicultor, Sylvicapra grimmia, Hippopotamus amphibius, Potamochoerus porcus, Phacochoerus africanus. Another species (Kobus ellipsiprymnus) has been reported from hunter surveys. The field sightings of ungulates were especially concentrated in the Togodo protected area complex, but also the smaller ecological units (such as the Afito pools, the Avéve forest and the Akissa forest) seemed to play an important role in consolidating the ecological functioning of th biosphere reserve. Indeed, groups of T. gratus T. phaleratus and H. amphibius are reported by hunters to seasonally move between the complex of protected areas of Togodo and its units. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The African spurred tortoise Centrochelys sulcata is the second largest terrestrial turtle, with a scattered distribution across the West African Sahel. This species is threatened and declining consistently throughout its range, but little is known about the causes of its decline. It has been hypothesized that the decline is attributable to (1) competition with domestic cattle, (2) wildfire, and (3) the international pet trade. We conducted a series of analyses to investigate these three causes. Hypotheses 1 and 2 were analysed using a spatially explicit approach, using a database of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and logistic regression modelling; hypothesis 3 was tested by analysing the CITES trade database for 1990–2010. We found a significant negative correlation between intensity of grazing (expressed as density of cattle, km−2) and the presence of spurred tortoises, and this negative effect increased when coupled with high fire intensity, whereas wildfires alone did not have a significant influence on the species’ distribution at the global scale. There was a decrease in the annual export of wild individuals for the pet trade after the introduction of export quotas by country and by year, but trade data must be considered with caution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of African Journal of Ecology is the property of Wiley-Blackwell and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Conraua derooi is a Critically Endangered frog, endemic to the hilly forest region between Ghana and Togo, West Africa. Field surveys were conducted in the Togolese areas, considered to be potentially suitable for C. derooi in November 2015 and November 2016. The species was not encountered in several potentially suitable sites. However, C. derooi was recorded in two areas, Missahohe and Danyi Yikpa, including two new sites, one rediscovered site, and three confirmed sites within these areas. In total we recorded 522 adult individuals. The number of observed frogs ranged from 14 to 150 individuals x km-1. Due to heavy habitat alteration the known populations are isolated. Some conservation considerations are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses research concerning the habitat loss of tortoises (genus Kinixys) due to overhunting, climate change and human threat in Niger Delta. Information about the distribution and relative density of tortoises inside protected areas, is provided. An overview on the methods used as well as results and discussion about the research, is also given.

The correlates of species richness and conservation status of South American rodents were studied by analyzing the ranges of 791 species (belonging to 159 genera and 16 families). The distribution data (size of each species' range in km2) and the relative quantity of each macrohabitat type (in km2) were obtained from the Global Mammal Assessment data bank of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), and the Global Land Cover 2000, respectively. We excluded mainly island species from analyses but included those species that occur on both islands and the mainland. Habitats were grouped according to seven categories (shrubland, forest, grassland, savannah, wetlands, desert, and artificial). Mean range sizes varied significantly among families, with members of the family Cuniculidae having larger ranges than the species belonging to the rest of the families. Mean range size did not differ significantly between endemic and non-endemic taxa. There was a significant positive relation between total species richness and the availability of habitat types. Specialized species (i.e., those linked to a single habitat type) were found especially in forests, but shrublands and grasslands were also important. IUCN threatened species were distributed in a scattered way, and essentially in forests, grasslands, and shrublands. No region of the Neotropics housed more than two to three threatened taxa, apart from a spot in north-central Peru with five species. The richness of IUCN threatened species was higher in the montane forest ecosystems of the Andes, north-central Peru, than in other areas of South America. There was a mismatch between the hotspot maps for threatened and endemic species. The conservation implications of these patterns are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Comparing species checklists across countries can be important for determining the relative uniqueness of each country, which can be conveniently defined on the basis of the number of species occurring only in that country or, at most, in one of its neighboring countries. Production of accurate country checklists is complicated by the fact that, especially in scientifically neglected regions, the knowledge of the distribution of many species is unsatisfying. When distribution of a given species is insufficiently known, typically there may be apparent gaps in its distribution range. These species are defined here as 'gap species'. In this paper, we analyze the country checklists for rodents and insectivores of the African continent with the aims of (i) identifying the countries having a higher taxonomic uniqueness; (ii) highlighting countries where more research is needed; (iii) producing a list of gap species; and (iv) determining the ecological correlates of being a gap species. For both mammal groups, the important countries because of their low numbers of shared species were D.R. Congo, Cameroon, Sudan, Kenya, Tanzania, and South Africa. The countries with highest percentages of endemic taxa were Kenya, South Africa, Somalia and Tanzania for insectivores, and Ethiopia and South Africa for rodents. The number of gap species per country was 0-5 for both insectivores and rodents, with the only exceptions of Togo (12) and Benin (15). Apart from Togo and Benin, the main gap countries for rodents were Nigeria, Chad, Gabon, Burundi, and Rwanda, and for insectivores were Niger and Chad. In both groups, the number of gap species per country was independent on the country area, and both range and body sizes did not influence the probability for a species to have distribution gaps. However, most gap species were tropical forest inhabitants. The biogeographic and conservation implications of these data are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biodiversity hotspots are used widely to designate priority regions for conservation efforts. It is unknown, however, whether the current network of hotspots adequately represents globally threatened taxonomic diversity for whole plant and animal groups. We used a mammalian group traditionally neglected in terms of conservation efforts, the rodents, in order to test whether biodiversity hotspots match the current distribution of threatened taxa (genera and species). Significantly higher numbers of threatened rodent genera and species fell within biodiversity hotspots; nonetheless over 25% of the total threatened genera and species did not occur in any biodiversity hotspot. This was particularly true for the Australian region, where 100% of the threatened genera and species fell outside biodiversity hotspots, with many threatened taxa found in Papua-New Guinea. We suggest to officially including Papua New Guinea among biodiversity hotspots for rodents, and also the steppic/semidesert areas of central Asia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Country-based patterns of total species richness, endemicity, and threatened species richness in African rodents and insectivores are studied in this paper. We found several patterns which were similar between insectivores and rodents. Indeed, in both groups we observed: (i) a significantly uneven distribution of species richness across countries and geographic regions with highest species richness peaks being in Middle Africa and lowest peaks in Northern Africa, (ii) species richness increasing with rainfall but being independent on a country's surface area, (iii) in each country, the insectivore total species richness and endemic species richness increases were positively correlated with rodent total species richness and endemic species richness increases. However, number of endemics peaked in South Africa and D.R. Congo in both groups, but also in Tanzania for Insectivores and in Ethiopia for rodents. In addition, the highest numbers of threatened species occurred in D.R. Congo, Rwanda and Uganda for rodents and in South Africa, Tanzania and Cameroon for insectivores. The conservation implications of these results were discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urban parks can harbour small populations of saproxylic insects of high conservation concern, such as Osmoderma eremita and other rare beetles. These areas often host old trees which have become very uncommon in rural areas where they are threatened by commercial forestry management procedures based on frequent tree cutting. Nevertheless, old trees of urban parks may represent a hazard for public safety and are sometimes cut by management authorities. The aim of this work was to assess the loss of reproductive sites for saproxylic beetles of the Scarabaeidae, Lucanidae and Cerambycidae, when felling plans are adopted according to a Visual Tree Assessment Procedure (VTA), in a Mediterranean urban park. On July–August 2004, 1,247 holm oaks were surveyed within the border of an urban park of Rome (Villa Borghese). The occurrence of saproxylic beetles (i.e. the presence of frass, living insects or their remains) was verified in 66 old holm oaks, 41% of which were doomed to cutting by VTA. Eleven of these trees (41% of the trees doomed to be cut) held fragments of adults and sometimes living larvae of Osmoderma eremita, and four of them (36%) were included in the felling plan. The presence of Osmoderma eremita in tree holes was more frequent in deep cavities. The presence of frass in the cavities was positively associated with tree height and a high degree of damage at the root collar and negatively with the presence of hole-nesting birds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Naming, listing and measuring human-induced threats in protected areas are crucial in conservation. Here, we defined a check-list of direct threats in a Mediterranean remnant wetland (central Italy), managed as nature reserve, grouping them according to a taxonomically-oriented nomenclature. We assessed three regime parameters (scope, severity, and magnitude) applying an experience-based method, then comparing the assessments obtained from two different level of expertise: a panel of independent people, upper level ''university students'' in an applied ecology class; and a panel of ''experts'' as nature reserve biologists and managers. Despite observing a significant correlation among values assigned from students and experts for each regime parameter, students underestimated the scope of feral dogs, the severity of fires and the magnitude of feral dogs and water stress. Considering only the magnitude values (sum of scope and severity), students assigned the higher values to alien species, antropophilous species, aircraft, and pollution, while the experts assigned the higher values to antropophilous species, aircraft, alien species, and water stress. In an order of priority, there was an agreement between students and experts with a coincidence for three threats out of four. We suppose that a panel of students with a short academic training could be useful to a get a first order of priority in regard to a set of local selected threats, with much similarity to the assessment obtained from a panel of experts. When threat metrics are difficult to compare, experience-based approach obtained from technicians trained ad hoc (''students'') could be useful to define priorities for management strategies in nature reserves, but data obtained should be examined critically. Indeed, students may assign higher scores to regime parameters of threats more readily identified and perceivable, underestimating the threats with an inconstant regime, localized in time and space, mobile, or cryptic. If experience-based methods are used to define scale of priorities, these issues need to be considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Terrestrial species from the Lao People's Democratic Republic (PDR) are under high threat due to deforestation and overhunting. Previous studies have even defined these forests as subjected to an "empty forest syndrome", a condition in which forests that are apparently well preserved are instead almost deprived of vertebrate faunas due to extreme exploitation by local communities. Forest specialists, including several primates, are among the most threatened species in the country. The Laotian langur (Trachypithecus laotum) is endemic to Lao PDR, is listed as Endangered by the IUCN Red List, and it is one of the least studied species in the region. A survey on the local distribution, life history and conservation status of the Laotian langur was carried out in Phou Hin Poun National Protected Area, Khammouane Province of Lao PDR. The survey consisted of an initial phase with interviews to select key informants on the Laotian langur and the other primate species of the area. Then, a phase of field surveys along forest transects, totaling 64.1 km of 21 transects, yielded a record of 35 individuals in 9 groups. The highest encounter/detection rate of the Laotian langur was 1 group per km at one sector of the park. In contrast, it was much lower (0.18–0.34 groups/km) in the rest of the protected area. The group sizes were much lower than those observed in the same area between 1994 and 2010, thus suggesting a decline in the population size of langurs. This decline may be linked to habitat loss (timber extraction and mining). Still, also overhunting, as signs of poaching were observed during our field surveys. This was also supported by the reports of our interviewees. Laotian langurs were observed to be sympatric and interact while foraging with the Assamese macaque (Macaca assamensis). In the cases of sympatric occurrence between the two species, we observed that subtle mechanisms of niche partitioning may occur to reduce interspecific competition for food. Further research on the population and ecology of this endangered langur should be conducted to understand the species and aid its conservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The chelonian fauna of West Africa is relatively understudied and experiencing a multitude of threats. Moreover, the IUCN Red List status of several African species is both outdated and, we believe, underestimated. Herein, we cover projections for freshwater turtle and tortoise status trends in West Africa over the next decade. This geographic prioritization was chosen based on our current understanding of the greatest urgency for turtle conservation in Africa. Broadly, we recommend that priority projects focus on the following threats: bushmeat consumption (Trionychidae and Kinixys spp.); habitat degradation and potential shifts in habitat use (primarily Kinixys spp. in the rainforest belt of West Africa); effects of livestock overgrazing and climate change (specifically in regards to desertification impacting the Sahel region) on behaviors and species sex ratios (Centrochelys sulcata , Kinixys belliana and K. nogueyi). Possible efforts to mitigate these threats include; (1) enhanced capacity building, outreach, and training to promote turtle conservation to wildlife professionals, fisheries stakeholders, local communities, etc; (2) alternative livelihoods and sources of protein (provide locals with goats, sustainable farming options, aquaculture practices); (3) community engagement and citizen science; (4) connecting fragmented habitats (e.g. corridors); (5) enhancing community protected areas with local enforcement (local employment and benefits, eco-tourism potential); (6) youth and consumer/collector targeted education programs; and (7) reinforcement of international policy (CITES) for species negatively affected by the pet trade (K. homeana and K. erosa). Based on witnessed range-wide declines and exploitation, on a species level we suggest priority attention be aimed at A) Cyclanorbis elegans (assessment of population strongholds, if any, threats, and mitigation options) and B) Kinixys homeana and K. erosa (use in the illegal bushmeat trade, long-term population trends). Field studies on several under-studied Pelusios species (e.g., P. cupulatta, P. adansonii) are also warranted, along with increased sampling of the severely declined and elusive Trionyx triunguis in West Africa. Finally, we believe turtle and tortoise conservation in Africa would greatly benefit from collaboration and integration of research efforts with programs and scientists in Eastern and Southern Africa, for instance via a novel IUCN/SSC TFTSG continental symposium focused on red list status assessments/reassessments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Terrestrial tortoises are the most endangered group of vertebrates but they are still largely ignored for defining global conservation priorities. In this paper, we explored within a hierarchical framework the potential contribution of prioritization studies at the continental scale to the planning of local initiatives for the conservation of African tortoises at the regional level. First, we modeled the distribution of all the African tortoise species, we calculated three indicators of conservation priority (i.e. species richness, conservation value, and complementarity), and we carried out a gap analysis at continental scale. Second, we focused on the most important region for tortoise conservation and performed the same analyses at higher resolution. Finally, we compared the results from the two scales for understanding the degree to which they are complementary. Southern Africa emerged from the continental analysis as the most important region for tortoises. Within this area, the high-resolution analysis pointed out specific core sites for conservation. The relative degree of species protection was assessed similarly at the two different resolutions. Two species appeared particularly vulnerable at both scales. Priority indices calculated at high resolution were correlated to the values calculated for the corresponding cells at low resolution but the congruence was stronger for species richness. Our results suggest to integrate the calculation of conservation value and complementarity into a hierarchical framework driven by species richness. The advantages of large scale planning include its broad perspective on complementarity and the capability to identify regions with greatest conservation potential. In this light, continental analyses allow targeting fine scale studies toward regions with maximum priority. The regional analyses at fine scale allow planning conservation measure at a resolution similar to that required for the practical implementation, reducing the uncertainty associated with low resolution studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Of the 10,272 currently recognized reptile species, the trade of fewer than 8% are regulated by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) and the European Wildlife Trade Regulations (EWTR). However, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List has assessed 45% of the world's reptile species and determined that at least 1390 species are threatened by “biological resource use”. Of these, 355 species are intentionally targeted by collectors, including 194 non-CITES-listed species. Herein we review the global reptile pet trade, its impacts, and its contribution to the over-harvesting of species and populations, in light of current international law. Findings are based on an examination of relevant professional observations, online sources, and literature (e.g., applicable policies, taxonomy [reptile database], trade statistics [EUROSTAT], and conservation status [IUCN Red List]). Case studies are presented from the following countries and regions: Australia, Central America, China, Galapagos Islands (Ecuador), Germany, Europe, India, Indonesia (Kalimantan), Islamic Republic of Iran, Japan, Madagascar, Mexico, New Zealand, the Philippines, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Western Africa, and Western Asia. The European Union (EU) plays a major role in reptile trade. Between 2004 and 2014 (the period under study), the EU member states officially reported the import of 20,788,747 live reptiles. This review suggests that illegal trade activities involve species regulated under CITES, as well as species that are not CITES-regulated but nationally protected in their country of origin and often openly offered for sale in the EU. Further, these case studies demonstrate that regulations and enforcement in several countries are inadequate to prevent the overexploitation of species and to halt illegal trade activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vipers are among the most misunderstood and persecuted animals. They occupy most terrestrial ecosystems around the world, often at high population densities. However, certain aspects of their biology (e.g., low fecundity and slow growth) have resulted in vipers being disproportionately threatened by extinction. Despite increased extinction risk, relatively little is known about viper biology, severely limiting the development and implementation of conservation initiatives. Here, we review the conservation status of vipers globally, map species richness, and develop three indices (one reactive; one proactive; one combined index emphasising irreplaceable species facing severe threats) to identify species for which conservation action should be prioritised. Moreover, we map species richness weighted by each index to identify regions for conservation prioritisation. We ranked prioritisation scores for all species for which data were available. In doing so we identify species for which valuable data are missing and that should be prioritised for research. We additionally show that 17 species, currently listed as Not Assessed or Data Deficient by the IUCN, score sufficiently high on our Threat Index to be considered as Threatened in the future. We identify multiple regions for which viper conservation action should be prioritised. These areas broadly correlate with species richness patterns, suggesting that species richness may be an effective proxy for conservation planning. Finally, we discuss the major gaps in knowledge, as well as the major threats facing vipers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is widely assumed that future climatic conditions, alongside their effect on local environments, will result in either a change in how species use their habitats or in a shift in species distributions. The Sahel region of Sub-Saharan Africa is expected to experience drastic changes in its average aridity and overall climate in the coming decades. Herein we use Suitability Distribution Models (SDM) to model the potential range shift in the suitable habitat for Centrochelys sulcata , an IUCN listed Endangered tortoise species found in the arid Sahel, between current day and 2070 under projected climate change. Model predictions suggest an expansion of habitat with suitable climate conditions by 2070, albeit alongside an overall decrease in the predicted quality of available habitat within the newly projected range. Based on these predictions, we provide suggestions on priority conservation areas critical for the long-term conservation of this species under the projected climate change scenario as well as call for improved sampling throughout the species current distribution. • global climate change is known to seriously affect Sahel. • protected areas should be planned taking into account future climate changes. • for a threatened sahelian giant tortoise it is crucial to determine where to focus its protection in the future. • we elaborated several models to define where protected areas for this tortoise species should be designated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]