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Made available in DSpace on 2021-06-25T11:16:28Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2021-01-01 Agence Nationale Des Parcs Nationaux Centre for International Forestry Research Departamento Administrativo de Ciencia, Tecnología e Innovación (COLCIENCIAS) David and Lucile Packard Foundation European Space Agency Leverhulme Trust Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP) Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de Goiás European Research Council Belgian Federal Science Policy Office Vlaamse Interuniversitaire Raad Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq) National Science Foundation Natural Environment Research Council Royal Society National Geographic Society Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES) Tropical forests are the most diverse and productive ecosystems on Earth. While better understanding of these forests is critical for our collective future, until quite recently efforts to measure and monitor them have been largely disconnected. Networking is essential to discover the answers to questions that transcend borders and the horizons of funding agencies. Here we show how a global community is responding to the challenges of tropical ecosystem research with diverse teams measuring forests tree-by-tree in thousands of long-term plots. We review the major scientific discoveries of this work and show how this process is changing tropical forest science. Our core approach involves linking long-term grassroots initiatives with standardized protocols and data management to generate robust scaled-up results. By connecting tropical researchers and elevating their status, our Social Research Network model recognises the key role of the data originator in scientific discovery. Conceived in 1999 with RAINFOR (South America), our permanent plot networks have been adapted to Africa (AfriTRON) and Southeast Asia (T-FORCES) and widely emulated worldwide. Now these multiple initiatives are integrated via ForestPlots.net cyber-infrastructure, linking colleagues from 54 countries across 24 plot networks. Collectively these are transforming understanding of tropical forests and their biospheric role. Together we have discovered how, where and why forest carbon and biodiversity are responding to climate change, and how they feedback on it. This long-term pan-tropical collaboration has revealed a large long-term carbon sink and its trends, as well as making clear which drivers are most important, which forest processes are affected, where they are changing, what the lags are, and the likely future responses of tropical forests as the climate continues to change. By leveraging a remarkably old technology, plot networks are sparking a very modern revolution in tropical forest science. In the future, humanity can benefit greatly by nurturing the grassroots communities now collectively capable of generating unique, long-term understanding of Earth's most precious forests. Resumen: Los bosques tropicales son los ecosistemas más diversos y productivos del mundo y entender su funcionamiento es crítico para nuestro futuro colectivo. Sin embargo, hasta hace muy poco, los esfuerzos para medirlos y monitorearlos han estado muy desconectados. El trabajo en redes es esencial para descubrir las respuestas a preguntas que trascienden las fronteras y los plazos de las agencias de financiamiento. Aquí mostramos cómo una comunidad global está respondiendo a los desafíos de la investigación en ecosistemas tropicales a través de diversos equipos realizando mediciones árbol por árbol en miles de parcelas permanentes de largo plazo. Revisamos los descubrimientos más importantes de este trabajo y discutimos cómo este proceso está cambiando la ciencia relacionada a los bosques tropicales. El enfoque central de nuestro esfuerzo implica la conexión de iniciativas locales de largo plazo con protocolos estandarizados y manejo de datos para producir resultados que se puedan trasladar a múltiples escalas. Conectando investigadores tropicales, elevando su posición y estatus, nuestro modelo de Red Social de Investigación reconoce el rol fundamental que tienen, para el descubrimiento científico, quienes generan o producen los datos. Concebida en 1999 con RAINFOR (Suramérica), nuestras redes de parcelas permanentes han sido adaptadas en África (AfriTRON) y el sureste asiático (T-FORCES) y ampliamente replicadas en el mundo. Actualmente todas estas iniciativas están integradas a través de la ciber-infraestructura de ForestPlots.net, conectando colegas de 54 países en 24 redes diferentes de parcelas. Colectivamente, estas redes están transformando nuestro conocimiento sobre los bosques tropicales y el rol de éstos en la biósfera. Juntos hemos descubierto cómo, dónde y porqué el carbono y la biodiversidad de los bosques tropicales está respondiendo al cambio climático y cómo se retroalimentan. Esta colaboración pan-tropical de largo plazo ha expuesto un gran sumidero de carbono y sus tendencias, mostrando claramente cuáles son los factores más importantes, qué procesos se ven afectados, dónde ocurren los cambios, los tiempos de reacción y las probables respuestas futuras mientras el clima continúa cambiando. Apalancando lo que realmente es una tecnología antigua, las redes de parcelas están generando una verdadera y moderna revolución en la ciencia tropical. En el futuro, la humanidad puede beneficiarse enormemente si se nutren y cultivan comunidades de investigadores de base, actualmente con la capacidad de generar información única y de largo plazo para entender los que probablemente son los bosques más preciados de la tierra. Resumo: Florestas tropicais são os ecossistemas mais diversos e produtivos da Terra. Embora uma boa compreensão destas florestas seja crucial para o nosso futuro coletivo, até muito recentemente os esforços de medições e monitoramento foram amplamente desconexos. É essencial formarmos redes para obtermos respostas que transcendem fronteiras e horizontes de agências financiadoras. Neste estudo nós mostramos como uma comunidade global está respondendo aos desafios da pesquisa de ecossistemas tropicais, com equipes diversas medindo florestas, árvore por árvore, em milhares de parcelas monitoradas à longo prazo. Nós revisamos as maiores descobertas científicas deste trabalho, e mostramos também como este processo está mudando a ciência de florestas tropicais. Nossa abordagem principal envolve unir iniciativas de base a protocolos padronizados e gerenciamento de dados a fim de gerar resultados robustos em escalas ampliadas. Ao conectar pesquisadores tropicais e elevar seus status, nosso modelo de Rede de Pesquisa Social reconhece o papel-chave do produtor dos dados na descoberta científica. Concebida em 1999 com o RAINFOR (América do Sul), nossa rede de parcelas permanentes foi adaptada para África (AfriTRON) e Sudeste asiático (T-FORCES), e tem sido extensamente reproduzida em todo o mundo. Agora estas múltiplas iniciativas estão integradas através de uma infraestrutura cibernética do ForestPlots.net, conectando colegas de 54 países de 24 redes de parcelas. Estas iniciativas estão transformando coletivamente o entendimento das florestas tropicais e seus papéis na biosfera. Juntos nós descobrimos como, onde e por que o carbono e a biodiversidade da floresta estão respondendo às mudanças climáticas, e seus efeitos de retroalimentação. Esta duradoura colaboração pantropical revelou um grande sumidouro de carbono persistente e suas tendências, assim como tem evidenciado quais direcionadores são mais importantes, quais processos florestais são mais afetados, onde eles estão mudando, seus atrasos no tempo de resposta, e as prováveis respostas das florestas tropicais conforme o clima continua a mudar. Dessa forma, aproveitando uma notável tecnologia antiga, redes de parcelas acendem faíscas de uma moderna revolução na ciência das florestas tropicais. No futuro a humanidade pode se beneficiar incentivando estas comunidades basais que agora são coletivamente capazes de gerar conhecimentos únicos e duradouros sobre as florestas mais preciosas da Terra. Résume: Les forêts tropicales sont les écosystèmes les plus diversifiés et les plus productifs de la planète. Si une meilleure compréhension de ces forêts est essentielle pour notre avenir collectif, jusqu'à tout récemment, les efforts déployés pour les mesurer et les surveiller ont été largement déconnectés. La mise en réseau est essentielle pour découvrir les réponses à des questions qui dépassent les frontières et les horizons des organismes de financement. Nous montrons ici comment une communauté mondiale relève les défis de la recherche sur les écosystèmes tropicaux avec diverses équipes qui mesurent les forêts arbre après arbre dans de milliers de parcelles permanentes. Nous passons en revue les principales découvertes scientifiques de ces travaux et montrons comment ce processus modifie la science des forêts tropicales. Notre approche principale consiste à relier les initiatives de base à long terme à des protocoles standardisés et une gestion de données afin de générer des résultats solides à grande échelle. En reliant les chercheurs tropicaux et en élevant leur statut, notre modèle de réseau de recherche sociale reconnaît le rôle clé de l'auteur des données dans la découverte scientifique. Conçus en 1999 avec RAINFOR (Amérique du Sud), nos réseaux de parcelles permanentes ont été adaptés à l'Afrique (AfriTRON) et à l'Asie du Sud-Est (T-FORCES) et largement imités dans le monde entier. Ces multiples initiatives sont désormais intégrées via l'infrastructure ForestPlots.net, qui relie des collègues de 54 pays à travers 24 réseaux de parcelles. Ensemble, elles transforment la compréhension des forêts tropicales et de leur rôle biosphérique. Ensemble, nous avons découvert comment, où et pourquoi le carbone forestier et la biodiversité réagissent au changement climatique, et comment ils y réagissent. Cette collaboration pan-tropicale à long terme a révélé un important puits de carbone à long terme et ses tendances, tout en mettant en évidence les facteurs les plus importants, les processus forestiers qui sont affectés, les endroits où ils changent, les décalages et les réactions futures probables des forêts tropicales à mesure que le climat continue de changer. En tirant parti d'une technologie remarquablement ancienne, les réseaux de parcelles déclenchent une révolution très moderne dans la science des forêts tropicales. À l'avenir, l'humanité pourra grandement bénéficier du soutien des communautés de base qui sont maintenant collectivement capables de générer une compréhension unique et à long terme des forêts les plus précieuses de la Terre. Abstrak: Hutan tropika adalah di antara ekosistem yang paling produktif dan mempunyai kepelbagaian biodiversiti yang tinggi di seluruh dunia. Walaupun pemahaman mengenai hutan tropika amat penting untuk masa depan kita, usaha-usaha untuk mengkaji dan mengawas hutah-hutan tersebut baru sekarang menjadi lebih diperhubungkan. Perangkaian adalah sangat penting untuk mencari jawapan kepada soalan-soalan yang menjangkaui sempadan dan batasan agensi pendanaan. Di sini kami menunjukkan bagaimana sebuah komuniti global bertindak balas terhadap cabaran penyelidikan ekosistem tropika melalui penglibatan pelbagai kumpulan yang mengukur hutan secara pokok demi pokok dalam beribu-ribu plot jangka panjang. Kami meninjau semula penemuan saintifik utama daripada kerja ini dan menunjukkan bagaimana proses ini sedang mengubah bidang sains hutan tropika. Teras pendekatan kami memberi tumpuan terhadap penghubungan inisiatif akar umbi jangka panjang dengan protokol standar serta pengurusan data untuk mendapatkan hasil skala besar yang kukuh. Dengan menghubungkan penyelidik-penyelidik tropika dan meningkatkan status mereka, model Rangkaian Penyelidikan Sosial kami mengiktiraf kepentingan peranan pengasas data dalam penemuan saintifik. Bermula dengan pengasasan RAINFOR (Amerika Selatan) pada tahun 1999, rangkaian-rangkaian plot kekal kami kemudian disesuaikan untuk Afrika (AfriTRON) dan Asia Tenggara (T-FORCES) dan selanjutnya telah banyak dicontohi di seluruh dunia. Kini, inisiatif-inisiatif tersebut disepadukan melalui infrastruktur siber ForestPlots.net yang menghubungkan rakan sekerja dari 54 negara di 24 buah rangkaian plot. Secara kolektif, rangkaian ini sedang mengubah pemahaman tentang hutan tropika dan peranannya dalam biosfera. Kami telah bekerjasama untuk menemukan bagaimana, di mana dan mengapa karbon serta biodiversiti hutan bertindak balas terhadap perubahan iklim dan juga bagaimana mereka saling bermaklum balas. Kolaborasi pan-tropika jangka panjang ini telah mendedahkan sebuah sinki karbon jangka panjang serta arah alirannya dan juga menjelaskan pemandu-pemandu perubahan yang terpenting, di mana dan bagaimana proses hutan terjejas, masa susul yang ada dan kemungkinan tindakbalas hutan tropika pada perubahan iklim secara berterusan di masa depan. Dengan memanfaatkan pendekatan lama, rangkaian plot sedang menyalakan revolusi yang amat moden dalam sains hutan tropika. Pada masa akan datang, manusia sejagat akan banyak mendapat manfaat jika memupuk komuniti-komuniti akar umbi yang kini berkemampuan secara kolektif menghasilkan pemahaman unik dan jangka panjang mengenai hutan-hutan yang paling berharga di dunia. Instituto de Ecología Regional (IER) Universidad Nacional de Tucumán (UNT) Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET) Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias Universidad Nacional de Jujuy James Cook University (JCU) CSIRO (Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation) School of Land & Food University of Tasmania CSIRO Tropical Forest Research Centre Independent Researcher Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Centre for Tropical Environmental and Sustainability Science (TESS) College of Marine and Environmental Sciences James Cook University Centre for Tropical Environmental and Sustainability Science College of Science and Engineering James Cook University University of the Sunshine Coast University of York Flamingo Land Ltd. Sommersbergseestrasse Ghent University CAVElab Ghent University Royal Museum for Central Africa - Service of Wood Biology Isotope Bioscience Laboratory-ISOFYS Ghent University Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech Université de Liege Landscape Ecology and Vegetal Production Systems Unit CAVElab Computational & Applied Vegetation Ecology Ghent University Tropical Forestry Forest Resources Management Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech University of Liege Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB) Evolutionary Biology and Ecology Royal Museum for Central Africa Royal Museum for Central Africa Ghent University Department of Environment Ghent University Service Evolution Biologique et Ecologie Belize Foundation for Research and Environmental Education IBIF Museo de Historia Natural Noel Kempff Mercado Universidad Autonoma Gabriel Rene Moreno PROMAB Museo Noel Kempff Consultor Independiente Jardin Botanico Municipal de Santa Cruz Museo de Historia Natural Noel Kempff Mercado Forest Management in Bolivia Universidad Autónoma del Beni Riberalta Museo de Historia Natural Noel Kempff Herbario del Sur de Bolivia Universidad Autónoma del Beni Conservation International Instituto de Biodiversidade e Floresta Universidade Federal do Oeste do Pará Universidade Federal de Pernambuco Universidade do Estado de Mato Grosso Universidade do Estado de Mato Grosso (UNEMAT) Projeto TEAM – Manaus Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora (UFJF) Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas da Amazônia Projeto Dinâmica Biológica de Fragmentos Florestais Departamento de Genética Ecologia e Evolução Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais Universidade Estadual de Campinas Laboratório de Ecologia de Comunidades e Funcionamento de Ecossistemas-ECoFERP Departamento de Biologia Faculdade de Filosofia Ciências e Letras USP National Institute for Space Research (INPE) Universidade Federal de Roraima (UFRR) UNESP - São Paulo State University Carbonozero Consultoria Ambiental Departamento de Biologia Universidade Federal do Amazonas (UFAM) Centro de Energia Nuclear na Agricultura Universidade de São Paulo UERR - Campus Rorainópolis Universidade Federal do Acre Instituto Agronômico de Campinas Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul Embrapa Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense (UENF) Universidade Federal da Bahia (UFBA) Instituto de Biologia Universidade Estadual de Campinas Universidade Federal do Piauí (UFPI) Botany and Plant Ecology Laboratory Federal University of Acre INPA- Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas da Amazônia UERR - Campus Boa Vista Universidade Federal do Ceará Universidade Federal de Campina Grande Universidade Federal do Para Núcleo de Estudos e Pesquisas Ambientais Universidade Estadual de Campinas Instituto Federal de Educação Ciência e Tecnologia do Acre Instituto de Pesquisas Jardim Botânico do Rio de Janeiro Universidade Federal do Oeste do Pará UEFS Depto. de Ciências Biológicas Universidade Federal do Agreste de Pernambuco (UFAPE) Universidade Estadual de Montes Claros FFCLRP-USP/Br UNEMAT Universidade Federal de Jataí Universidade Federal do Pará Instituto de Ciências Biológicas Universidade de Campinas Universidade Federal de Lavras (UFLA) Museu Goeldi Embrapa Amazônia Oriental Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas da Amazônia UFMG - Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais Fundação Universidade Fedral de Rondônia - UNIR INPA- Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas Amazônicas Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas da Amazônia - Coordenação de Pesquisas em Silvicultura Tropical Jardim Botânico do Rio de Janeiro National Institute for Research in Amazonia Universidade Federal de Roraima (UFRR/PRONAT) Universidade Estadual de Campinas/UNICAMP Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas da Amazônia/CPBO Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina (UFSC) INCAPER- Instituto Capixaba de Pesquisa Assistência Técnica e Extensão Rural INPE- Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas Espaciais Universidade de São Paulo Instituto de Biociências Universidade Estadual Paulista Semiarid National Institute (INSA) Universidade de Brasília Departamento de Engenharia Florestal IBAM - Instituto Bem Ambiental Universidade do Estado de Mato Grosso Campus de Nova Xavantina University in Campinas Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro (UENF) LMF Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas da Amazônia Universidade Federal do Vale do São Francisco USP - University of São Paulo Instituto Federal do Espírito Santo (IFES) INPA - Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas da Amazônia Grupo MAUA Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso Instituto de Ciências Naturais Humanas e Sociais Instituto Nacional da Mata Atlântica RAINFOR-PPBIO Universidade Federal Rural da Amazônia - UFRA/CAPES Universidade Federal do Amazonas (UFAM) INPA/Max-Planck Project EMBRAPA- Empresa Brasileira de Pesquisa Agropecuária (Amazônia Oriental) Serviço Florestal Brasileiro Museu Universitário Universidade Federal do Acre Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco PUCPR - Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Paraná Museu Paraense Emilio Goeldi Universiti Brunei Darussalam Environmental and Life Sciences Faculty of Science Universiti Brunei Darussalam Institute for Biodiversity and Environmental Research Universiti Brunei Darussalam Plant Systematic and Ecology Laboratory Department of Biology Higher Teachers’ Training College University of Yaounde I Faculty of Science Department of Botany and Plant Physiology University of Buea Faculty of Science Department of Plant Science University of Buea National Herbarium Plant Systematics and Ecology Laboratory Higher Teachers’ Training College University of Yaoundé I Department of Plant Biology Faculty of Sciences University of Yaounde 1 Bioversity International Faculty of Forestry University of Toronto Ministère des Eaux Forêts Chasse et Pêche (MEFCP) Universidad Católica de la Santísima Concepción Universidad de La Serena Research Institute of Tropical Forestry Chinese Academy of Forestry Kunming Institute of Botany Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing Forestry University Universidad Nacional Abierta y a Distancia Red COL-TREE Corporación COL-TREE Nuevo Estándar Biotropical NEBIOT SAS Universidad del Tolima Asociación GAICA Universidad de Nariño – Red BST-Col Parques Nacionales Naturales Territorial Caribe – Red BST-Col Universidad del Atlantico – Red BST-Col Departamento de Ciencias Forestales Universidad Nacional de Colombia - Sede Medellín Socioecosistemas y Clima Sostenible Fundacion con Vida Parques Nacionales Naturales de Colombia – Red BST-Col Instituto de Investigación de Recursos Biológicos Alexander von Humboldt – Red BST-Col UNAL Instituto de Investigación Recursos Biologicos Alexander von Humboldt – Red BST-Col Fundación Jardín Botánico de Medellín Herbario “Joaquín Antonio Uribe” (JAUM) – Red BST-Col Universidad Nacional de Colombia sede Amazonia Coltree Facultad del Medio Ambiente y Recursos Naturales Universidad Distrital Francisco José de Caldas – Red BST-Col Universidad de Tolima Fundación Orinoquia Biodiversa – Red BST-Col Departamento de Biología Facultad de Ciencias Naturales Universidad Icesi – Red BST-Col Instituto de Ciencias Naturales Universidad Nacional de Colombia Universidad de los Llanos Servicios Ecoysistemicos y Cambio Climatico (SECC) Fundación Con Vida & Corporación COL-TREE Universidad del Rosario Fundacion Ecosistemas Secos de Colombia – Red BST-Col Universidad de los Andes - ANDES herbarium Institute of Botany Czech Academy of Sciences Palacky University Czech University of Life Sciences Mendel University World Wide Fund for Nature Wildlife Conservation Society-DR Congo Lukuru Wildlife Research Foundation Université de Kisangani Faculté des Sciences Laboratoire d'écologie et aménagement forestier Université de Kisangani Université de Kisangani Faculté des Sciences Agronomiques République Démocratique du Congo Ministère de l'Environnement et Développement Durable Aarhus University University of Copenhagen Escuela Politécnica Nacional del Ecuador Herbario Alfredo Paredes (QAP) Universidad Central del Ecuador Universidad Técnica Particular de Loja Grupo de Investigación en Biodiversidad Medio Ambiente y Salud-BIOMAS Universidad de las Américas, Campus Queri Keller Science Action Center The Field Museum, 1400 South Lake Shore Dr. Universidad Estatal Amazónica Facultad de Ingeniería Ambiental Universidad Tecnica del Norte Herbario Nacional del Ecuador Grupo de Ecosistemas Tropicales y Cambio Global Universidad Regional Amazónica ikiam Colegio de Ciencias Biológicas y Ambientales COCIBA & Extensión Galápagos Universidad San Francisco de Quito-USFQ Herbario de Botánica Económica del Ecuador QUSF Universidad San Francisco de Quito USFQ Galapagos Science Center USFQ UNC Chapel Hill University of North Carolina-UNC Chapel Hill University of Florida FindingSpecies Mekelle University Environment Climate Change and Coffee Forest Forum (ECCCFF) University of Turku Centre de coopération International en Recherche Agronomique pour le Développement (CIRAD) CNRS ONF INRAE Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique AMAP Univ Montpellier IRD CNRS CIRAD INRA Forêts et Sociétés (F&S) Centre de coopération International en Recherche Agronomique pour le Développement (CIRAD) Departement Hommes Natures Societes Museum national d'histoire naturelle INRA Cirad UMR Ecologie des Forêts de Guyane (AgroparisTech CNRS INRAE Université des Antilles Université de la Guyane) Ministry of Forests Seas Environment and Climate Rougier-Gabon Agence Nationale des Parcs Nationaux Gabon Commission of Central African Forests (COMIFAC) Agence Nationale des Parcs Nationaux Ministère des Forêts des Eaux de la Mer de l'Environnement Chargé du Plan Climat des Objectifs de Développement Durable et du Plan d'Affectation des Terres Institut de Recherche en Ecologie Tropicale (CENAREST) Gabon/Agence Nationale des Parcs Nationaux Georg-August-University Göttingen University of Freiburg Institute of Botany University of Hohenheim Max Planck Institute for Chemistry Forestry Research Institute of Ghana (FORIG) Mensuration Unit Forestry Commission of Ghana Center for International Forestry Research Iwokrama International Centre for Rainforest Conservation and Development Guyana Forestry Commission Utrecht University Centre for Sustainable Technologies Indian Institute of Science Centre for International Forestry Research (CIFOR) Herbarium Borgoriense Indonesian Institute of Sciences (LIPI) Indonesian Institute of Science Forest Research and Development Agency (FORDA) Balitek-KSDA Samboja University of Florence and MUSE - Museo delle Scienze Cirad Hokkaido University Graduate School of Agriculture Kyoto University Forestry Development Authority of the Government of Liberia (FDA) University of Liberia Sungai Wain Protection Forest South East Asia Rainforest Research Partnership Danum Valley Field Centre Malaysian Palm Oil Board Sabah Forestry Department Forest Research Centre Universiti Malaysia Sabah Sabah Forestry Department Sarawak Forestry Corporation Eduardo Mondlane University Herbarium UNAN-Leon Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Nicaragua University of Abeokuta Natural History Museum of Norway University of Oslo Norwegian University of Life Sciences Universidad Nacional de la Amazonía Peruana (UNAP) Universidad Nacional de Jaén Jardin Botanico de Missouri Andes to Amazon Biodiversity Program Universidad Nacional de San Agustín de Arequipa Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas Universidad Nacional de la Amazonía Peruana Kené - Instituto de Estudios Forestales y Ambientales Instituto de Investigaciones de la Amazonia Peruana (IIAP) Universidad Nacional Jorge Basadre de Grohmann (UNJBG) Universidad Nacional de San Antonio Abad del Cusco Centro de Conservación Investigación y Manejo CIMA Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú Asociacion Bosques Perú Université Officielle de Bukavu Université Marien N'Gouabi Wildlife Conservation Society Ecole Nationale Supérieure d'Agronomie et de Foresterie Université Marien Ngouabi Univeriste Marien Ngouabi The Gola Rainforest National Park Department of Geography National University of Singapore Departamento de Biología y Geología Física y Química inorgánica Universidad Rey Juan Carlos Real Jardín Botánico – CSIC Departamento de Biología Área de Botánica Universidad Autónoma de Madrid Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales (MNCN-CSIC) Centre for Agricultural Research in Suriname (CELOS) Stockholm Environment Institute Department of Plant Ecology and Evolution Uppsala University Southern Swedish Forest Research Centre InfoFlora Conservatoire et Jardin Botanique Geneve National Chung Hsing University Sokoine University of Agriculture Naturalis Biodiversity Center Wageningen University Forest Ecology and Forest Management Group Tropenbos International Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics University of Amsterdam Bureau Waardenburg BV Van Hall Larenstein University of Applied Sciences Van der Hout Forestry Consulting Utrecht University, Domplein 29 Wageningen University Plant Ecology and Nature Conservation Group Data for Sustainability Department of Zoology Entomology & Fisheries Sciences Makerere University The Institute of Tropical Forest Conservation (ITFC) Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST) George Washington University Makerere University Department of Forestry Biodiversity and Tourism Makerere University University of Stirling University of Kent School of Geography University of Leeds UK Centre of Ecology & Hydrology Lancaster University University of Oxford The Landscapes and Livelihoods Group (TLLG) Overseas Development Institute Manchester Metropolitan University University of Aberdeen University of Exeter School of GeoSciences University of Edinburgh University of Cambridge Department of Environment and Geography University of York Department of Geography University College London Imperial College School of Geography Earth & Environmental Sciences Birmingham Institute of Forest Research University of Birmingham University of Plymouth Geography College of Life and Environmental Sciences University of Exeter Lancaster Environment Centre Lancaster University University of Edinburgh School of Biology University of Leeds Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh CENAREST & ANPN & Stirling University University of Bristol School of Biological Sciences Department of Plant Sciences University of Cambridge Living with Lake Centre Laurentian University Royal Botanic Gardens Kew The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds centre for Conservation Science Environmental Change Institute School of Geography and the Environment University of Oxford UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology School of Geography and the Environment University of Oxford The Royal Botanic Gardens Department of Geography and Environmental Science University of Dundee School of Biological Sciences University of Southampton University of East Anglia Stirling University School of Earth and Environment University of Leeds Department of Plant & Soil Science School of Biological Sciences University of Aberdeen, Cruickshank Building Institute for Transport Studies University of Leeds UK Research & Innovation University of Nottingham University of Bangor Center for Tropical Research Institute of the Environment and Sustainability University of California Center for Tropical Conservation Nicholas School of the Environment Duke University Ecology and Evolutionary Biology University of Michigan Saint Louis Zoo Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology Harvard University Center for Global Discovery and Conservation Science Arizona State University Wildlife Conservation Society – Programme Congo Woods Hole Research Center The University of Michigan Herbarium Nicholas School of the Environment National Park Service University of California ForestGEO Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute University of Texas at Austin Smithsonian Institute Washington University in Saint Louis Center for Conservation and Sustainable Development at the Missouri Botanical Garden Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute Smithsonian Institution Forest Global Earth Observatory (ForestGEO) Forest Global Earth Observatory (ForestGEO) Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute George Mason University Missouri Botanical Garden Broward County Parks and Recreation Nova Southeastern University Science and Education The Field Museum Department of Biology Boston University Wake Forest University Department of Geographical Sciences University of Maryland San Diego Zoo Institute for Conservation Research Biology Department Washington State University Yale School of Forestry & Environmental Studies Columbia University Department of Environmental Science Policy and Management University of California Berkeley School of Earth Sciences and Environmental Sustainability Northern Arizona University Department of Geography and the Environment University of Texas at Austin UNELLEZ-Guanare Programa de Ciencias del Agro y el Mar Herbario Universitario (PORT) Ci Progress GreenLife Universidad Nacional Experimental de Guayana Instituto Venezolano de Investigaciones Científicas (IVIC) Universidad de los Andes Viet Nature Conservation Centre CIRAD School of Life Sciences University of Lincoln UNESP - São Paulo State University Instituto de Biociências Universidade Estadual Paulista Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation: 1656 FAPESP: 2012/51509-8 FAPESP: 2012/51872-5 Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de Goiás: 2017/10267000329 European Research Council: 291585 Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation: 5349 European Research Council: 758873 Belgian Federal Science Policy Office: BR/132/A1/AFRIFORD Belgian Federal Science Policy Office: BR/143/A3/HERBAXYLAREDD Vlaamse Interuniversitaire Raad: CD2018TEA459A103 CNPq: CNPq/PPBio/457602/2012-0 National Science Foundation: DEB 1754647 Natural Environment Research Council: E/M0022021/1 Royal Society: ICA/R1/180100 Natural Environment Research Council: NE/D005590/1 European Research Council: NE/F005806/1 Natural Environment Research Council: NE/F005806/1 FAPESP: NE/K016431/1 Natural Environment Research Council: NE/N004655/1 FAPESP: NE/N012542/1 Royal Society: NE/P008755/1 FAPESP: NE/S011811/1 National Geographic Society: NE/T01279X/1 CNPq: PELD/441244/2016-5 Belgian Federal Science Policy Office: SD/AR/01A/COBIMFO

The study of tree assemblages in tropical forests is gaining new impetus with the need to assess carbon emissions at high precision and resolution, while limiting the erosion of diversity and promoting sustainable forest management. The objective of this study was to (i) investigate the respective roles of topographic / soil gradients and endogenous dynamics in shaping local variations in dominance; (ii) demonstrate the feasibility of studying canopy texture by harmonizing Fourier-based Textural Ordination (FOTO) indices of two GeoEye - 50 cm images, acquired from different phenologic seasons, to calibrate AGB inversion model using inventory plots. The study was conducted in Uma forest, East of Kisangani, Democratic Republic of Congo. Dataset of 30 1-ha plots, in which all trees above 10 cm diameter at 1.30 m height (DBH) were measured and identified. Standard physical and chemical properties of soil samples were determined (macro-nutrients, textural classes and pH) and a digital elevation model (SRTM 30 m) was used to infer relevant topographical features (altitude and hydromorphy). The forest in the study area is characterized by variations in the abundance of three dominant species: Petersianthus macrocarpus (P. BEAUV.) LIBEN, Gilbertiodendron dewevrei (De Wild.) J. Léonard and Julbernardia seretii (DE WILD.) TROUPIN, one non-pioneer, light demanding species and two late successional, shade tolerant species respectively. These variations occur nearly independently of variations in the substratum or topography, despite important gradients of the range of considered variables. Analyzing differential relative abundance of the three dominant species in the lower strata and in the canopy, did not provide evidence of shifts in dominance, in which a species would obviously tend to replace another through time in any of the three floristic groups. This suggests that in this study area the states of dominance in the vegetation are stable across generations, that successional dynamics are very slow or that they are localized to peculiar locations. Using FOTO method, this study documents a strong relation between observed and predicted AGBs, without cross validation (R² of the linear regression reached 0.82 (mean square error = 27.24 T/ha). This correlation was still present, although weaker, with cross validation (R² of the linear regression between observed and predicted AGBs = 0.64). The mean square error increases to 46.68 T/ha after cross validation for a mean of 450 T/ha. This result confirms the potential of FOTO indices of optical very high resolution satellite images to quantify aboveground biomass without no signal saturation in high AGB tropical forests.; Les études des déterminants des groupements végétaux ont pris un nouvel élan avec la nécessité de quantifier avec précision les stocks de carbone à partir des données satellitaires de résolution métrique, tout en limitant l'érosion de la biodiversité et en promouvant une gestion durable des forêts. La présente étude se déroule dans la forêt de Uma, située à l’Est de Kisangani, en République Démocratique du Congo, entre les points kilométriques 65 et 90 sur la route nationale numéro 4. L’objectif de cette étude était (i) d’identifier les déterminants (sol, topographie, structure et / ou succession) des groupements végétaux qui dominent dans la forêt de Uma et (ii) estimer leurs stocks de carbone. Les données étaient collectées dans 30 parcelles de 1 ha chacune, dans lesquelles tous les arbres ≥ 10 cm de diamètre ont été mesurés et identifiés. Les échantillons de sol ont été analysés pour les variables pédologiques standard (macronutriments, classes de texture, pH) et un modèle numérique de terrain a été utilisé pour déduire les caractéristiques topographiques (altitude et hydromorphie). Deux images GeoEye – 50 cm aux géométries d’acquisition (angles soleil-capteur) très semblables, ont servi dans un modèle d’estimation de la biomasse des arbres sur 260 km² de superficie sur base de 30 parcelles de 1 ha chacune. Les résultats obtenus indiquent que, trois groupements végétaux dominent dans la forêt de Uma. Les espèces dominantes de chacun de ces groupements sont : Petersianthus macrocarpus (P. BEAUV.) LIBEN, Gilbertiodendron dewevrei (De Wild.) J. Léonard et Julbernardia seretii (DE WILD.) TROUPIN, respectivement une espèce non pionnière, exigeante en lumière et deux espèces tardives dans la succession forestière, tolérantes à l'ombrage. Ces groupements végétaux ne sont liés à aucune variable de l’environnement. La succession des espèces dominantes est au point mort. Ce résultat est évocateur soit, d'un modèle émergent, soit de multiples états stables induits par des rétroactions biologiques. La bonne relation entre la biomasse des parcelles et celle prédite sur les images de texture, a permis de produire la carte de biomasse de la forêt de Uma. A l’échelle de la parcelle, l’erreur quadratique moyenne est de 27,24 T/ha hors validation croisée (R²=0,82) et remonte à 46,68 T/ha (R²=0,61), après validation croisée pour une moyenne de 450 T/ha. Ce résultat démontre le potentiel des estimateurs de texture des images métriques dans la généralisation des biomasses de forêt sur les espaces non couverts par les données de terrain dans les forêts denses où la plupart des autres signaux de télédection saturent

International audience; Wood density (WD) relates to important tree functions such as stem mechanics and resistance against pathogens. this functional trait can exhibit high intraindividual variability both radially and vertically. With the rise of LiDAR-based methodologies allowing nondestructive tree volume estimations, failing to account for WD variations related to tree function and biomass investment strategies may lead to large systematic bias in AGB estimations. Here, we use a unique destructive dataset from 822 trees belonging to 51 phylogenetically dispersed tree species harvested across forest types in Central Africa to determine vertical gradients in WD from the stump to the branch tips, how these gradients relate to regeneration guilds and their implications for AGB estimations. We find that decreasing WD from the tree base to the branch tips is characteristic of shade-tolerant species, while light-demanding and pioneer species exhibit stationary or increasing vertical trends. Across all species, the WD range is narrower in tree crowns than at the tree base, reflecting more similar physiological and mechanical constraints in the canopy. Vertical gradients in WD induce significant bias (10%) in AGB estimates when using database-derived species-average WD data. However, the correlation between the vertical gradients and basal WD allows the derivation of general correction models. With the ongoing development of remote sensing products providing 3D information for entire trees and forest stands, our findings indicate promising ways to improve greenhouse gas accounting in tropical countries and advance our understanding of adaptive strategies allowing trees to grow and survive in dense rainforests. Terrestrial plants account for 83% of the living carbon on Earth 1 , of which tropical forests are estimated to account for close to half 2 , principally contained within woody plant parts. Tropical forests are therefore becoming a key element in international carbon trading schemes despite obvious difficulties in accurately estimating stocks

International audience; AimWe investigate the Plio‐Pleistocene evolutionary history of one of the most abundant rodents in Afrotropical forests. Specifically, we ask how their diversification was influenced by climate change, topography and major rivers.LocationTropical Africa: Lower Guinea (including Cameroon volcanic line; CVL), Congolia, Albertine Rift (AR), Kenyan highlands (KH).TaxonMurine rodents of the Praomys jacksoni complex.MethodsWe used 849 genotyped individuals to describe the overall diversity and spatial genetic structure across a majority of their known distribution area. The combination of one mitochondrial and three nuclear markers was used to infer dated phylogenies using Bayesian and maximum likelihood approaches. Genetic structure was further assessed by multispecies coalescent species delimitation. Current and past distributions of particular taxa were predicted using environmental niche modelling.ResultsThe complex is composed of five major genetic clades (proposed species). Two of them are restricted to specific habitat types (either montane forests of AR or wetlands in lowland forests along the Congo River), three others have wide geographic distributions and lower levels of ecological specialization. The earliest divergence is dated to the Plio‐Pleistocene boundary and is in accordance with the separation of AR forests and Guineo‐Congolian forests. Further diversification of the complex is associated with Pleistocene climate changes. Relatively stable refugia of suitable climatic conditions were identified in lowland Congolia (for two species currently distributed only in lowland forests) as well as in montane forests of CVL, AR, KH (playing the role of reservoirs of diversity). Large rivers, especially the Congo River, are important barriers to gene flow for most taxa, but probably were not the primary cause of differentiation.Main conclusionsThe evolutionary history of the complex was primarily affected by Pleistocene climate changes and diversification in forest refugia. There is little support for ecological parapatric speciation or the riverine barrier hypothesis.

Funding: This work was funded by CongoPeat—a NERC large grant (NE/R016860/1) to S.L.L., I.T.L., S.E.P., A.B., A.J.B., P.J.M., P.G. and S.S. Natural Environment Research Council (CASE award to S.L.L. and G.C.D.), Leeds–York NERC Doctoral Training Partnership (‘SPHERES’) award to B.C. (NE/L002574/1), NERC Radiocarbon Facility NRCF010001 (alloc. no. 1688.0313, 1797.0414, 2222.1119, 14.108 and 2329.0920 to I.T.L., S.L.L., G.E.B., B.C., P.G. and G.C.D.), Wildlife Conservation Society – Congo (to G.C.D.), the Royal Society (to S.L.L.), Philip Leverhulme Prize (to S.L.L.), and a Greenpeace Fund award (to S.L.L.). E.S. was supported by the DFG–Cluster of Excellence ‘The Ocean in the Earth System’ at MARUM. C.H.V. publishes with permission of the Executive Director of the British Geological Survey, UKRI. The forested swamps of the central Congo Basin store approx. 30 billion metric tonnes of carbon in peat1,2. Little is known about the vulnerability of these carbon stocks. Here we investigate this vulnerability using peat cores from a large interfluvial basin in the Republic of the Congo and palaeoenvironmental methods. We find that peat accumulation began at least at 17,500 calibrated years before present (cal. yr BP; taken as AD 1950). Our data show that the peat that accumulated between around 7,500 to around 2,000 cal. yr BP is much more decomposed compared with older and younger peat. Hydrogen isotopes of plant waxes indicate a drying trend, starting at approx. 5,000 cal. yr BP and culminating at approx. 2,000 cal. yr BP, coeval with a decline in dominant swamp forest taxa. The data imply that the drying climate probably resulted in a regional drop in the water table, which triggered peat decomposition, including the loss of peat carbon accumulated prior to the onset of the drier conditions. After approx. 2,000 cal. yr BP, our data show that the drying trend ceased, hydrol. conditions stabilized and peat accumulation resumed. This reversible accumulation-loss-accumulation pattern is consistent with other peat cores across the region, indicating that the carbon stocks of the central Congo peatlands may lie close to a climatically driven drought threshold. Further research should quantify the combination of peatland threshold behavior and droughts driven by anthropogenic carbon emissions that may trigger this pos. carbon cycle feedback in the Earth system. Publisher PDF

Olayemi, Ayodeji, Nicolas, Violaine, Hulselmans, Jan, Missoup, Alain D., Fichet-Calvet, Elisabeth, Amundala, Drazo, Dudu, Akaibe, Dierckx, Theo, Wendelen, Wim, Leirs, Herwig, Verheyen, Erik (2012): Taxonomy of the African giant pouched rats (Nesomyidae: Cricetomys): molecular and craniometric evidence support an unexpected high species diversity. Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society 165 (3): 700-719, DOI: 10.1111/j.1096-3642.2012.00823.x, URL: https://academic.oup.com/zoolinnean/article-lookup/doi/10.1111/j.1096-3642.2012.00823.x

International audience; A five-day international workshop was recently convened at the Universite' des Sciences et Techniques de Masuku in Gabon to enhance international collaboration among Central African, US and European scientists, conservation professionals and policy makers. The overall aims of the workshop were to: (1) discuss emerging priorities in biodiversity and conservation genetics research across Central Africa, and (2) create new networking opportunities among workshop participants. Here we provide a brief overview of the meeting, outline the major recommendations that emerged from it, and provide informatio n on new networking opportunities through themeeting web site.

International audience; Aim This study aims to elucidate the phylogeography of the murid rodent Praomys misonnei and to document whether or not rain forest refugia and rivers structure patterns of diversity within this species. Location Tropical Africa, from Ghana to Kenya. Methods Patterns of genetic structure and signatures of population history (cytochrome b gene) were assessed in a survey of 229 individuals from 54 localities. Using maximum likelihood, Bayesian, network and genetic structure analyses, we inferred intra-specific relationships and tested hypotheses for historical patterns of gene flow within P. misonnei. Results Our phylogenetic analyses reveal a strong phylogeographical structure. We identified four major geographical clades within P. misonnei: one clade in Ghana and Benin, a Nigerian clade, a West Central African clade and a Central and East African clade. Several subclades were identified within these four major clades. A signal of population expansion was detected in most clades or subclades. Coalescence within all of the major clades of P. misonnei occurred during the Middle Pleistocene and/or the beginning of Late Pleistocene. Main conclusions Our results suggest a role for both Pleistocene refugia and rivers in structuring genetic diversity in P. misonnei. This forest-dwelling rodent may have been isolated in a number of forest fragments during arid periods and expanded its range during wetter periods. Potential forest refugia may have been localized in Benin–Ghana, south-western Cameroon, southern Gabon, northern Gabon and eastern Democratic Republic of Congo–western Uganda. The Niger and/or the Cross Rivers, the Oubangui-Congo, Sanaga, Ogooue and/or Ivindo Rivers probably stopped the re-expansion of the species from relict areas.

International audience; Aim This study aims to elucidate the phylogeography of the murid rodent Lemniscomys striatus and to evaluate the relative roles of ecological change, habitat patchiness, rivers and geological barriers in structuring patterns of diversity. Location Sub-Saharan Africa. Methods The extent of phylogeographic patterns and molecular genetic diversity (cytochrome b gene) were addressed in a survey of 128 individuals of L. striatus from 42 localities. Using maximum parsimony, maximum likelihood, Bayesian, network and genetic structure analyses, we inferred intraspecific relationships and tested hypotheses for historical patterns of gene flow within L. striatus. Results Our results identified four major geographical clades within L. striatus: a West African clade, a Benin-Nigeria clade, a Central African clade, and an East African clade. Several subclades were identified within these four major clades. Restricted gene flow with isolation by distance was recorded, which is congruent with the low dispersal ability of such a small murid rodent. No clear signal of population expansion was detected within clades or subclades. Main conclusions The western rift system and the Volta and Niger rivers may have acted as long-term extrinsic barriers to gene flow, resulting in the emergence of the four main clades of L. striatus. The observed pattern of mitochondrial variation observed within each clade probably results from late Pleistocene climatic and vegetation changes: during adverse conditions (forest expansion), L. striatus may have survived only in refugia, and then experienced range expansion under favourable conditions (savanna expansion).

Research on the biodiversity of shrews was conducted in eight forest blocks at eight sampling localities: Djabir, Maiko, Masako, Yoko, Yelenge, Baliko, Bomane-1 and Bomane-2. We used pitfall traps combined with Sherman LFA traps placed on transects. We collected 724 shrews from primary forests, secondary forests, old fallow lands and old palm plantation for a total of 18,900 trap-nights. Shrews collected represent 5 genera and at least 19 species: Scutisorex (1 species), Crocidura (12 species), Paracrocidura (2 species), Sylvisorex (3 species) and Suncus (1 species). Sylvisorex nov. sp. is currently being described as a new species for the Kisangani region. Primary forests (16 species), secondary forests (17 species) and old fallow lands (16 species) are the habitats with higher species diversity. In an old palm plantation, only five species have been collected. Crocidura olivieri was caught in all types of prospected habitats. C. cf muricauda was only caught in old palm plantation and C. grassei only in old fallow land. Sylvisorex johnstoni was caught mainly in primary forest. Species composition is different for the different forest blocks studied, possibly indicating some influence of the larger rivers separating our sampling localities as natural barriers.

International audience; We compared 7 populations of woodmice, Hylomyscus stella (Thomas, 1911), from west-central, east-central, and east Africa using traditional morphometric data of the cranium. Our results are congruent with previous molecular and cytogenetic data, and demonstrate that specimens previously identified as H. stella represent 2 cryptic species: H. stella from east-central and east Africa, and Hylomyscus sp. nov. from west-central Africa. According to current knowledge, the new species of Hylomuscus is a forest-dwelling species inhabiting the region between the Sanaga River and the Oubangui and Congo rivers in Cameroon, Central African Republic, Gabon, and Republic of the Congo. It is sympatric, and even syntopic, with the morphologically closely related species H. alleni. These 2 cryptic species can be distinguished by traditional morphometric analysis of the cranium and by examination of molecular data.

Representatives of the genus Praomys occur throughout the African intertropical zone. It is unclear how many species this genus contains, nor do we know the exact distribution ranges and phylogenetic relationships of these taxa. Using molecular (16S rRNA gene sequencing) and morphological (multivariate craniometry) analyses we clarify the taxonomy and phylogenetic relationships among the Praomys occurring in Africa's lowland tropical rainforests. We studied most species known from this area, based on specimens collected in seven countries (Guinea, Ivory Coast, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Gabon, Congo Republic and Democratic Republic of Congo). In our study, Praomys appears to be monophyletic. Our results identify two species complexes: the jacksoni complex includes at least two species (P. jacksoni and P. mutoni) and the tullbergi complex contains at least four species (P. tullbergi, P. rostratus, P. misonnei, P. petteri). Although the 16S rRNA gene appears insufficient to resolve the phylogenetic relationships among all the members of the tullbergi species complex, it is suitable for the identification of most of the studied species, and its use has allowed us to redefine the geographical limits of several species. © 2005 The Linnean Society of London, Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2005, 145, 539–553.

When ordinating plots of tropical rain forests using stand-level structural attributes such as biomass, basal area and the number of trees in different size classes, two patterns often emerge: a gradient from poorly to highly stocked plots and high positive correlations between biomass, basal area and the number of large trees. These patterns are inherited from the demographics (growth, mortality and recruitment) and size allometry of trees and tend to obscure other patterns, such as site differences among plots, that would be more informative for inferring ecological processes. Using data from 133 rain forest plots at nine sites for which site differences are known, we aimed to filter out these patterns in forest structural attributes to unveil a hidden pattern. Using a null model framework, we generated the anticipated pattern inherited from individual allometric patterns. We then evaluated deviations between the data (observations) and predictions of the null model. Ordination of the deviations revealed site differences that were not evident in the ordination of observations. These sites differences could be related to different histories of large-scale forest disturbance. By filtering out patterns inherited from individuals, our model analysis provides more information on ecological processes., Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution, 9, ISSN:2296-701X

International audience; Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) has recently emerged as an alternative to morphological and molecular tools to identify tick species. In this study, we set out to evaluate and confirm the ability of MALDI-TOF MS to identify different species of ticks collected in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and preserved in 70% ethanol. A total of 575 ticks, of which 530 were collected from domestic pigs and 45 from wild animals, were subjected to MALDI-TOF MS analysis to evaluate the intraspecies reproducibility and interspecies specificity of MS profiles obtained from the different species. Morphologically, the ticks belonged to seven different species, namely Rhipicephalus complanatus , Rhipicephalus congolensis , Haemaphysalis muhsamae , Ixodes cumulatimpunctatus , Amblyomma exornatum , Amblyomma compressum and an unidentified Rhipicephalus sp. A total of 535/575 (93%) of the spectra obtained were of good enough quality to be used for our analyses. Our home-made MALDI-TOF MS arthropod database was upgraded with spectra obtained from between one and five randomly selected specimens per species. For these reference specimens, molecular identification of the ticks was also made using 16S, 12S rDNA genes and the Cox1 mtDNA gene sequencing. The remaining good quality spectra were then queried against the upgraded MALDI-TOF MS database, showing that 100% were in agreement with the morphological identification, with logarithmic score values (LSVs) between 1.813 and 2.51. The consistency between our morphological, molecular and MALDI-TOF MS identification confirms the capability and precision of MALDI-TOF MS for tick identification.

International audience; Wood mice of the genus Hylomyscus, are small-sized rodents widely distributed in lowland and montane rainforests in tropical Africa, where they can be locally abundant. Recent morphological and molecular studies have increased the number of recognized species from 8 to 18 during the last 15 years. We used complete mitochondrial genomes and five nuclear genes to infer the number of candidate species within this genus and depict its evolutionary history. In terms of gene sampling and geographical and taxonomic coverage, this is the most comprehensive review of the genus Hylomyscus to date. The six species groups (aeta, alleni, anselli, baeri, denniae and parvus) defined on morphological grounds are monophyletic. Species delimitation analyses highlight undescribed diversity within this genus: perhaps up to 10 taxa need description or elevation from synonymy, pending review of type specimens. Our divergence dating and biogeographical analyses show that diversification of the genus occurred after the end of the Miocene and is closely linked to the history of the African forest. The formation of the Rift Valley combined with the declining global temperatures during the Late Miocene caused the fragmentation of the forests and explains the first split between the denniae group and remaining lineages. Subsequently, periods of increased climatic instability during Plio-Pleistocene probably resulted in elevated diversification in both lowland and montane forest taxa.

Understanding the dynamics of dominant tree species in tropical forests is important both for biodiversity and carbon-related issues. We focus on the Congo Basin (East of Kisangani) to investigate the respective roles of topographic/soil gradients and endogenous dynamics in shaping local variations in dominance. We used a dataset of 30 1-ha plots, in which all trees above 10 cm diameter at breast height (DBH) were censused. Soil samples were analyzed for standard pedologic variables and a digital elevation model permitted to infer topography and hydromorphy. We found that this forest is characterized by variations in the abundance of three dominant species: Petersianthus macrocarpus (P.Beauv.) Liben (PM), Gilbertiodendron dewevrei (De Wild.) J.Leonard (GD) and Julbernardia seretii (De Wild.) Troupin (JS). These variations occur independently of substratum or topography variations. At plot level, the local relative abundance never reached 50%, the threshold for monodominance proposed in the literature, but rather progressively increased to reach higher values for canopy trees (&gt, 60 cm DBH), where this threshold could be exceeded. We found no sign of shifting compositional dynamics, whereby the dominant species would switch between the canopy and the undergrowth. Our results, therefore, support the possibility of the existence of stable dominance states, induced by endogenous processes, such as biological positive feedbacks fostering monodominance. We also document a strong relation between monodominance level and alpha diversity, when giving more weight to abundant species which is expected (R&sup2, = 0.79) but also when giving more weight to rare species (R&sup2, = 0.37), showing that monodominance influences tree species richness patterns. Structural differences existed between groups, with the PM group having more (and on average smaller) stems and lighter wood on average, but paradoxically also higher biomass and basal area.

Infected soils with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) were applied as inoculums in marginal soils exhausted after four consecutive seasons under cassava in a grassy fallow land of humid tropic forest areas. Two experimental trials conducted using a factorial device before comparing two cassava varieties distinguished by their ability to synthesize carotenoid in cassava root and were subjected to mycorrhizal inoculums either combined or not to farmyard manure and mineral fertilizer. The second trial aimed to verify the role of phosphorus in the biosynthesis of carotenoid and included 3 factors, including whether or no dolomite was added, the two varieties of cassava and 6 increasing doses of phosphorus ranging from 0 kg to 125 kg per ha with a reason of 25 kg. Soil tests were done before and after planting and significant changes were noted with regards to the surface acidity measured at pH 4.6. The pH increased when mycorrhizal spores were combined to farmyard manure (pH 6.3) and when manure was brought alone (pH = 4.93) or when single inoculum (pH = 5.96). Changes were also observed on sand particle size where their percentage decreased to 65.5 % when soil was amended with manure inoculated with mycorrhizal and 70.9 % in the control (LSD.05 = 2.7 %). Contributions of micro doses of mineral fertilizers showed a trend in sandy soil fraction increases (ranging between 72-76%). Combinations of inoculated to micro doses of fertilizer and/or manure indicated significantly increases of phosphorus content in the soil to about 7.5 % for nitrogen in the range of 4% and carbon up to 13%. General soil conditions were improved by inoculum inputs from AMFs and these trends were also observed on cassava root productivity with root yield of 55 t. ha-1 under inoculation against 21 t. ha-1 of the control. AMFs also induced water conservation in plant tissues, leading to reductions in dry matter content in roots and leaves. It was also observed that the applications of mycorrhizal symbiosis had an influence on the availability of phosphorus in acidic soils in tropical forests. This revealed their role in the biosynthesis of beta-carotene in yellow cassava. The study indicated that the intake of AMFs in the form of inoculum, when combined with conventional fertilizers or not, influenced the behavior of yellow cassava and the availability of certain minerals in the soil. On one hand, yield increased by 42 % with variety Kindisa and 10% with variety Liyayi due to AMFs inoculation; while on the other hand, statistically significant changes were obtained on the phosphorus mobilization in the soil from 12.75 ppm in the control up to 18.07 ppm in the combination of AMF + NPK + Manure (LSD.05 = 1.21 ppm, p, Les terres infectées par les Champignons Mycorhiziens Arbusculaires (CMA) ont été appliquées comme inoculum dans des sols marginaux épuisés après quatre saisons consécutives de manioc dans les jachères herbeuses des zones de forêts tropicales humides. Deux essais expérimentaux conduits suivant un dispositif factoriel avaient permis de comparer deux variétés de manioc se distinguant par leur capacité de synthétiser le caroténoïde dans les racines et étaient soumises aux inoculations des CMA apportées seules ou combinées au fumier de ferme et/ou à l’engrais minéral. Le deuxième essai avait pour objectif de vérifier le rôle que jouerait le phosphore dans la biosynthèse du caroténoïde et comportait 3 facteurs entre autres l’apport ou non de la dolomite, les deux variétés de manioc et 6 doses croissantes de phosphore allant de 0 kg à 125 kg/ha avec une raison de 25 kg. Les analyses de sol ont été effectuées en amont et en aval de l’essai et des changements significatifs étaient notés en ce qui concerne l'acidité de surface mesurée à 4,6 de pH en moyenne avant la mise en place du manioc. Ce pH s’est vu augmenter lorsque l’inoculum aux spores de CMA était combiné au fumier de ferme (pH 6,3) ou lorsque l’inoculum était appliqué seul (pH = 5,96) ou encore lorsque le fumier de ferme était apporté seul (pH = 4,93). Des changements étaient également observés sur la dimension des particules du sol avec la diminution du pourcentage du sable à 65,5% lorsque le sol était traité au fumier de ferme et inoculé aux CMA. Le sable était à 70,9 % dans le contrôle (LSD.05 = 2,7 %). Les contributions des doses d'engrais minéraux ont donné une tendance à augmenter la fraction du sol en sable (entre 72 et 76 %). Les combinaisons de l’inoculum des CMA aux doses d'engrais et/ou au fumier ont montré une augmentation significative de la teneur en phosphore dans le sol et était évaluée à 7,5 % d’augmentation, de l'azote dans la fourchette de 4 % et du carbone jusqu'à 13 %. Les conditions générales du sol étaient modifiées grâce aux apports de l’inoculum des CMA et ces tendances ont également été observées sur la production obtenue sur les racines de manioc avec des moyennes de 55 t. ha-1 de racines sous inoculation contre 21 t. ha-1 de racines sur le témoin. Les CMA ont aussi favorisé la conservation de l’eau dans les tissus végétaux entrainant des réductions de la teneur en matière sèche dans les racines mais avec un effet positif sur la quantité et la qualité des feuilles de manioc même pendant les périodes austères des faibles précipitations. Aussi, il était question de vérifier si les applications de la symbiose mycorhizienne avaient une influence sur la disponibilisation du phosphore dans les sols acides des forêts tropicales et ainsi, dégager leur rôle dans la biosynthèse du bêta-carotène chez le manioc jaune. Des analyses statistiques faites à l’issue de l’étude, on a observé que les apports des CMA sous forme d’inoculum combinés ou non aux fertilisants conventionnels, influencent la teneur du béta carotène du manioc jaune et la disponibilisation de certains éléments minéraux dans le sol. On a obtenu d’une part des accroissements de rendement de l’ordre de 42 % chez la variété Kindisa (2001/1661) et 10 % chez Liyayi (MM 96/0287) grâce aux CMA. D’autre part, des modifications statistiquement significatives étaient aussi obtenues sur la mobilisation du phosphore assimilable dans le sol partant de 12,75 ppm dans le contrôle jusqu’à 18.07 ppm dans la combinaison CMA + NPK + Fumier (LSD.05 = 1,21 ppm, p < .001). Ces modifications du phosphore occasionnée par les CMA, ont influé sur la concentration du caroténoïde total dans les racines de manioc. Elle était passée de 5,2 à 6,8 mg.kg-1 chez la variété Kindisa et de 3,2 à 5,1 mg.kg-1 chez la variété Liyayi (LSD.05 = 0,36 mg.kg-1, p < .001). Le rôle catalytique du phosphore dans la biosynthèse du caroténoïde est donc vérifié à ce stade. Aussi, une décroissance de l’ordre de 23 % de la matière sèche utile est observée dans les racines de manioc lorsqu’on apporte les inocula des CMA. Cette condition aurait favorisé la bonne concentration des caroténoïdes dans ces racines. L’acidité du sol indisponibilise l’absorption du phosphore par les racines et par conséquent, réduit l’effet catalytique du phosphore dans la biosynthèse du caroténoïde. A cause de cette acidité donc, les valeurs sont passées de 6,65 µg/g à 7,82 µg/g (LSD.05 = 1,05 µg/g) chez Kindisa et de 3,62 µg/g à 4,03 µg/g chez Liyayi. La rentabilité économique de divers traitements appliqués était évaluée et il était ressorti que l’amendement des sols par inoculation des CMA permet d’obtenir des taux marginaux de rentabilité (TMR) supérieurs au taux de référence de 0,5 et évalués en moyenne à 1,39. Les apports des engrais minéraux par exemple se sont avérés non rentables avec un taux de 0,45.

Tropical montane forests provide an important natural laboratory to test ecological theory. While it is well-known that some aspects of forest structure change with altitude, little is known on the effects of altitude on above ground biomass (AGB), particularly with regard to changing height-diameter allometry. To address this we investigate (1) the effects of altitude on height-diameter allometry, (2) how different height-diameter allometric models affect above ground biomass estimates; and (3) how other forest structural, taxonomic and environmental attributes affect above ground biomass using 30 permanent sample plots (1-ha; all trees ≥ 10 cm diameter measured) established between 1250 and 2600 m asl in Kahuzi Biega National Park in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. Forest structure and species composition differed with increasing altitude, with four forest types identified. Different height-diameter allometric models performed better with the different forest types, as trees got smaller with increasing altitude. Above ground biomass ranged from 168 to 290 Mg ha-1, but there were no significant differences in AGB between forests types, as tree size decreased but stem density increased with increasing altitude. Forest structure had greater effects on above ground biomass than forest diversity. Soil attributes (K and acidity, pH) also significantly affected above ground biomass. Results show how forest structural, taxonomic and environmental attributes affect above ground biomass in African tropical montane forests. They particularly highlight that the use of regional height-diameter models introduces significant biases in above ground biomass estimates, and that different height-diameter models might be preferred for different forest types, and these should be considered in future studies.

Knowledge on faunal diversification in African rainforests remains scarce. We used phylogeography to assess (i) the role of Pleistocene climatic oscillations in the diversification of the African common pangolin (Manis tricuspis), and (ii) the utility of our multi-locus approach for taxonomic delineation and trade tracing of this heavily poached species. We sequenced 101 individuals for two mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), two nuclear DNA and one Y-borne gene fragments (totalizing 2,602 bp). We used a time-calibrated, Bayesian inference phylogenetic framework, and conducted character-based, genetic and phylogenetic delineation of species hypotheses within African common pangolins. We identified six geographic lineages partitioned into western Africa, Ghana, the Dahomey Gap, western central Africa, Gabon and central Africa, all diverging during the Middle to Late Pleistocene. MtDNA (cytochrome b + control region) was the sole locus to provide diagnostic characters for each of the six lineages. Tree-based Bayesian delimitation methods using single- and multi-locus approaches gave high support for ‘species’ level recognition of the six African common pangolin lineages. Although the diversification of African common pangolins occurred during Pleistocene cyclical glaciations, causative correlation with traditional rainforest refugia and riverine barriers in Africa was not straightforward. We conclude on the existence of six cryptic lineages within African common pangolins, which might be of major relevance for future conservation strategies. The high discriminative power of the mtDNA markers used in this study should allow an efficient molecular tracing of the regional origin of African common pangolin seizures. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

International audience; Haemosporidia parasites have mostly and abundantly been described using mitochondrial genes, and in particular cytochrome b (cytb). Failure to amplify the mitochondrial cytb gene of Nycteria parasites isolated from Nycteridae bats has been recently reported. Bats are hosts to a diverse and profuse array of Haemosporidia parasites that remain largely unstudied. There is a need to obtain more molecular data from chiropteran parasites. Such data would help to better understand the evolutionary history of Haemosporidia, which notably include the Plasmodium parasites, malaria’s agents. We use next-generation sequencing to obtain the complete mitochondrial genome of Nycteria parasites from African Nycteris grandis (Nycteridae) and Rhinolophus alcyone (Rhinolophidae) and Asian Megaderma spasma (Megadermatidae). We report four complete mitochondrial genomes, including two rearranged mitochondrial genomes within Haemosporidia. Our results open outlooks into potentially undiscovered Haemosporidian diversity.

International audience; Both Ebolavirus and Marburgvirus were detected in several fruit bat species of the family Pteropodidae, suggesting that this taxon plays a key role in the life cycle of filoviruses. After four decades of Zaire Ebolavirus (ZEBOV) outbreaks in Central Africa, the virus was detected for the first time in West Africa in 2014. To better understand the role of fruit bats as potential reservoirs and circulating hosts between Central and West Africa, we examine here the phylogeny and comparative phylogeography of Pteropodidae. Our phylogenetic results confirm the existence of four independent lineages of African fruit bats: the genera Eidolon and Rousettus, and the tribes Epomophorini and Scotonycterini, and indicate that the three species suspected to represent ZEBOV reservoir hosts (Epomops franqueti, Hypsignathus monstrosus, and Myonycteris torquata) belong to an African clade that diversified rapidly around 8–7 Mya. To test for phylogeographic structure and for recent gene flow from Central to West Africa, we analysed the nucleotide variation of 675 cytochrome b gene (Cytb) sequences, representing eight fruit bat species collected in 48 geographic localities. Within Epomophorina, our mitochondrial data do not support the monophyly of two genera (Epomops and Epomophorus) and four species (Epomophorus gambianus, Epomops franqueti, Epomops buettikoferi, and Micropteropus pusillus). In Epomops, however, we found two geographic haplogroups corresponding to the Congo Basin and Upper Guinea forests, respectively. By contrast, we found no genetic differentiation between Central and West African populations for all species known to make seasonal movements, Eidolon helvum, E. gambianus, H. monstrosus, M. pusillus, Nanonycteris veldkampii, and Rousettus aegyptiacus. Our results suggest that only three fruit bat species were able to disperse directly ZEBOV from the Congo Basin to Upper Guinea: E. helvum, H. monstrosus, and R. aegyptiacus.

In the present study our attention is focused on the process of resolution of Mbororo's issue in the Uélé by the Congolese State. Indeed, we asked the question to known why the Congolese government doesn't make the implementation of different recommendations made by the provincial and national deputies about the Mbororo in the Haut-Uélé and Bas-Uélé? This question is worthy for asking because at the present time (beyond many difficulties abided by the population owing to mbororo), the Sahel region, where is situated the provenance countries of the Mbororo, is threatened to enter in unrest owing to the disturbing of the Islamism movements. These countries are, for instance, Libya, Nigeria, Niger, Mali and also Central African Republic with Seleka militia. The worry is that, if the Congolese State doesn't take the appropriate steps about the mbororo in order to control them, the Uélé's basin would easily serve the rank and file where the Islamism movements can be developed. So, we realize that the Congolese state is faced to the internal and external pressure. This situation doesn't allow it to answer favorably and with haste to the wish of is population which is expulsion pure and simple of the Mbororo out of national territory., Dans cette étude nous nous sommes posés la question de savoir pourquoi l'Etat congolais n'arrive-t-il pas à mettre en oeuvre les différentes recommandations des élus tant provinciaux que nationaux concernant la question des Mbororo dans les Uélé ? Cette question vaut son pesant d'or d'autant qu'actuellement (outre les multiples difficultés que connait la population à cause des Mbororo) le sahel, où se situent les pays de provenance des Mbororo est en proie aux mouvements islamistes inquiétants. Ces pays sont entre autres la Libye, le Nigeria, le Niger, le Mali et même la RCA. L'inquiétude est que si l'Etat congolais ne prend pas des mesures adéquates au sujet des Mbororo pour bien les contrôler, le bassin des Uélé pourrait facilement servir de base où les islamistes peuvent se développer. Ainsi, nous nous sommes rendu compte que l'Etat congolais fait face à une pression tant interne qu'externe. Cette situation ne lui permet pas de répondre favorablement et avec diligence au souhait de sa population qui est celle de l'expulsion pure et simple des Mbororo du territoire national.

International audience; Au-delà de l’utilisation illégale des permis de coupe artisanale pour des entreprises dans la province du Bandundu, il existe à l’échelle de la RDC un secteur du sciage artisanal individuel qui alimente en produits sciés les marchés domestiques et de certains pays limitrophes. Ce secteur demeure essentiellement dans l’informalité. Notre suivi annuel des marchés et des points de passage des sciages artisanaux montre une augmentation substantielle de cette activité sur les quinze dernières années. C’est aujourd’hui plus d’un million de mètres cube de sciages artisanaux qui est produit en RDC, dont 85 % alimentent la demande intérieure. La production Équivalent Bois Rond de sciages artisanaux est treize fois supérieure à toute la production formelle des produits bois en RDC.Les marchés domestiques de Kinshasa et de l’Est de la RDC génèrent un chiffre d’affaires dépassant 100 millions $ par an et dégagent un profit estimé à 25 millions $. Les populations locales sont des bénéficiaires majeurs du sciage artisanal, en captant autour de 50 millions de $ de revenu par an. Au total, en regroupant les activités rurales et urbaines, le secteur du sciage artisanal offre au moins 25 000 emplois directs en RDC.Le sciage artisanal se focalise sur cinq essences – mais qui diffèrent selon les provinces - et sur les arbres de gros diamètre. Le faible nombre d’espèces exploitées par chaque scieur artisanal met a priori peu en cause l’intégrité de la forêt, même si cette pratique peut contribuer à une diminution de la valeur économique du massif par la dégradation de la forêt et la raréfaction des essences nobles.Par son ampleur physique et économique, le secteur du sciage artisanal est central si la RDC souhaite assurer la gestion durable et la légalité de l’exploitation de ses ressources forestières. Quatre pistes sont explorées pour améliorer et sécuriser le fonctionnement de ce secteur d’activité : (1) améliorer à court terme la mise en œuvre de la réglementation, en cherchant à modifier les comportements actuels des acteurs ; (2) proposer un appui multiforme aux exploitants artisanaux légaux ; (3) valoriser davantage les bois d’origine légale sur les marchés nationaux ; (4) réformer le cadre juridique et réglementaire. Ces quatre stratégies d’action sont déclinées en options techniques et politiques.

The black leaf streak disease (MNR) , caused by the ascomycete fungus Mycosphaerella fijiensis , is one of the most devastating diseases banana ( Musa spp.) . It is a major constraint to production , particularly in countries of the humid tropics where banana is a staple food crop . The objective of this thesis was to characterize the M. fijiensis populations and to study the epidemiology of the MNR in region of Kisangani (DRC) to evaluate protection strategies integrated to develop in crops of bananas and plantains . The particularity of our approach lies in the combination of studies laboratory , according to classical and molecular approaches , and field experiments to better understand the characteristics epidemiology of the disease according to the seasons and cropping systems . Phenotypic characteristics of strains isolated from Kisangani on PDA medium were typical of the species M. fijiensis . This identification was confirmed by an approach based on the molecular sequence of a part of the ribosomal DNA ITS regions including ( internal transcribed spacers ) and 5.8 gene S. The existence of two types of cross -1 and Mat1 Ma1 -2 in the population has been disclosed but an imbalance between the two euhedral was noticed . The evaluation of the pathogenicity of strains showed that all strains tested pathogenicity vis-à -vis the Cavendish cultivar ' Grand Nain '. Our study also to highlight the differences in virulence between strains . Tests sensitivity to fungicides showed that strains of the DRC sensitive to triazoles and carbendazim , but some strains are resistant to azoxystrobin . Epidemiologically , our study showed that the two forms fungal (anamorph and teleomorph ) are present not only in rainy season but also subsèche season . They therefore play a important role in the epidemiology of the disease. The incidence of the disease was slightly lower seasonal subsèche in wet season. a comparison of disease progression in both seasons by culture system revealed that the development of the MNR was more slow secondary forest in fallow and garden box and the incidence and severity was greater on plantains on bananas. the better tolerance cultivar Yangambi Km5 was confirmed. These findings shed new light on the epidemiology of disease in the region of Kisangani and the characteristics of the population involved. They have been exploited to develop a list of recommendations to better manage the damage of M. fijiensis , a significant pathogen evolutionary potential . Google Traduction pour les entreprises :Google Kit du traducteurGadget, La maladie des raies noires (MRN), causée par le champignon ascomycète Mycosphaerella fijiensis, est l'une des maladies les plus dévastatrices du bananier (Musa spp.). Elle constitue une contrainte majeure à sa production, particulièrement dans les pays des tropiques humides où le bananier est une culture alimentaire de base. L'objectif de cette thèse a été de caractériser les populations de M. fijiensis et d'étudier l'épidémiologie de la MRN dans la région de Kisangani (RDC) en vue d'évaluer les stratégies de protection intégrée à développer dans les cultures de bananiers et bananiers plantains. La particularité de notre approche réside en la combinaison d'études en laboratoire, selon des approches classique et moléculaire, et des expérimentations sur le terrain pour mieux connaître les caractéristiques épidémiologiques de la maladie selon les saisons et les systèmes de cultures. Les caractéristiques phénotypiques des souches isolées de Kisangani sur milieu PDA étaient typiques de l'espèce M. fijiensis. Cette identification a été confirmée selon une approche moléculaire sur base du séquençage d'une partie de l'ADN ribosomal incluant les régions ITS (internal transcribed spacers) et le gène 5,8S. L'existence des deux types de croisement Mat1-1 et Ma1-2 au sein de la population a été révélée mais un déséquilibre entre les deux idiomorphes a été remarqué. L'évaluation de la pathogénicité des souches a montré que toutes les souches testées ont un pouvoir pathogène vis-à-vis du cultivar Cavendish " Grande Naine ". Notre étude a aussi permis de ressortir des différences de virulence selon les souches. Les tests de sensibilité aux fongicides ont montré que les souches de la RDC sont sensibles aux triazoles et au carbendazime, mais certaines souches seraient résistantes à l'azoxystrobine. Sur le plan épidémiologique, notre étude a révélé que les deux formes fongiques (anamorphe et téléomorphe) sont présentes non seulement en saison des pluies mais également en saison subsèche. Elles jouent donc un rôle important dans l'épidémiologie de la maladie. L'incidence de la maladie 6 Résumé a été légèrement moindre en saison subsèche qu'en saison humide. Une comparaison de la progression de la maladie pendant les deux saisons selon le système de culture a révélé que le développement de la MRN a été plus lent en forêt secondaire qu'en jachère et en jardin de case et l'incidence et la sévérité ont été plus grandes sur les plantains que sur les bananes. La meilleure tolérance du cultivar Yangambi Km5 a été confirmée. Ces résultats ont apporté des éléments nouveaux sur l'épidémiologie de la maladie dans la région de Kisangani et sur les caractéristiques de la population en présence. Ils ont été exploités pour établir une liste de recommandations visant à mieux gérer les dégâts de M. fijiensis, un pathogène au potentiel évolutif important.

Circoviruses are known to infect birds and pigs and can cause a wide range of severe symptoms with significant economic impact. Using viral metagenomics, we identified circovirus-like DNA sequences and characterized 15 circular viral DNA genomes in stool samples from humans in Pakistan, Nigeria, Tunisia, and the United States and from wild chimpanzees. Distinct genomic features and phylogenetic analysis indicate that some viral genomes were part of a previously unrecognized genus in the Circoviridae family we tentatively named “ Cyclovirus ” whose genetic diversity is comparable to that of all the known species in the Circovirus genus. Circoviridae detection in the stools of U.S. adults was limited to porcine circoviruses which were also found in most U.S. pork products. To determine whether the divergent cycloviruses found in non-U.S. human stools were of dietary origin, we genetically compared them to the cycloviruses in muscle tissue samples of commonly eaten farm animals in Pakistan and Nigeria. Limited genetic overlap between cycloviruses in human stool samples and local cow, goat, sheep, camel, and chicken meat samples indicated that the majority of the 25 Cyclovirus species identified might be human viruses. We show that the genetic diversity of small circular DNA viral genomes in various mammals, including humans, is significantly larger than previously recognized, and frequent exposure through meat consumption and contact with animal or human feces provides ample opportunities for cyclovirus transmission. Determining the role of cycloviruses, found in 7 to 17% of non-U.S. human stools and 3 to 55% of non-U.S. meat samples tested, in both human and animal diseases is now facilitated by knowledge of their genomes.