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Based on recent taxonomic and molecular tools, the Walter's duiker (Philantomba walteri Colyn, 2010), endemic to the Dahomey Gap in West Africa, has been recognized as a new species in 2010. This species is largely hunted and may already be threatened by extinction. This review paper aims to synthesize the current knowledge on this species, covering its taxonomy, morphology, biology, ecology, diet, seed dispersal role, reproduction patterns, activity rate, parasitology, spatial distribution, habitats, population densities, and ongoing human pressures. We carried out an exhaustive literature search using nine databases, going through 1200 initial references to finally retain a total of only 11 research articles mentioning Walter's duiker. Very few publications exist on the species due to its recent discovery. Existing studies focus on feeding, parasitology, and hunting pressure. Walter's duiker distribution range extends over Togo, Benin, and Nigeria. The species is hunted in a large part of its range, including in the reserves that are supposed to protect it. We synthesize the biological information related to the Maxwell's duiker as well as the Walter's duiker, as historically, these two species have been confounded and are morphologically similar. Our synthesis also highlights the scientific gaps for a better understanding of the biology of this species, and it proposes priority themes for future research. Priority should be given to studying the diet composition of Walter's duiker by analyzing rumens and feces, its role in seed dispersal and forest regeneration, its home range and activity rate, and the estimation of its abundance. All these information together would allow to thoroughly assess the species status and contribute to its conservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Biotechnologie, Agronomie, Societe et Environnement is the property of Les Presses Agronomiques de Gembloux 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.)

The article discusses the importance of investing in the protection of diverse wildlife communities in African tropical forests, rather than focusing solely on a single species. While the authors of a previous study argue for prioritizing the protection of red colobus monkeys, the authors of this correspondence suggest that attention should be given to a range of taxa and ecological assemblages. They emphasize the need for a more balanced approach to conservation that considers the complexity of biodiversity and ecological functions. The authors also reference other studies that support their perspective and advocate for a more integrative approach to conservation priorities. [Extracted from the article]

Copyright of Conservation Biology 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.)

ABSTRACT Carnivores, often identified as keystone species, can influence prey and subordinate carnivores through density‐ and behaviourally mediated pathways. Although the magnitude of their impacts remains debated, carnivores may trigger successional direct and indirect ecological effects on lower trophic levels in specific contexts, commonly known as trophic cascades. Felids, as ambush predators, have great potential to impact food webs. Yet, their influence on ecosystem dynamics remains understudied. This global comprehensive literature review aimed to assess evidence for felids' ecological roles in trophic cascades across both natural and human‐dominated ecosystems. We found 61 publications that studied the influence of 18 felid species in trophic cascades. Research exhibited taxonomic and geographic biases, favouring big cats, temperate regions and biomes, as well as tropical moist forests in Central and South America. Of the studies, 23% (n = 14) were experimental, while 77% were observational or correlative. Among the latter, 60% tested at least one alternative hypothesis and 47% examined bottom‐up processes. Despite varying levels of inference, 80% of studies provide information consistent with trophic cascades involving felids. Their examination confirmed wild cats' ability to induce density‐ and behaviourally mediated trophic cascades, thereby influencing critical biotic and abiotic processes, including mesopredator control, functional diversity maintenance, and carbon storage. The magnitude of these effects may be altered in human‐dominated landscapes, although current research effort remains too limited to draw conclusions. In conclusion, felids may act as drivers of ecosystem change, and acknowledging their ecological roles can aid in promoting their conservation. However, we encourage more strongly inferential and comprehensive investigations into felid‐mediated trophic cascades, prioritising research on small cats, felids in Asia and Africa, and the impacts of humans on trophic cascades, which can help to better inform conservation interventions and perspectives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]