First rangewide density estimate of the endemic and isolated Luangwa giraffe in Zambia DOI Creative Commons
Catherine Sun,

Frederike Otten,

R. A. Hoffman

et al.

Scientific Reports, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 15(1)

Published: May 12, 2025

The Luangwa giraffe (Giraffa tippelskirchi thornicrofti), a subspecies of the Masai endemic to Valley northeastern Zambia, inhabits an increasingly human-modified landscape. Accurate and current population estimates are critical evaluating their status identifying effective conservation strategies. However, sparse monitoring since early 1900s has limited inferences about size, structure, range. To address this, we conducted most spatially extensive systematic survey date across its distribution, extending effort 120 km south officially recognized extent. Using spatial capture recapture modeling, estimated 651-890 overall density 0.04-0.05 giraffe/km2. Density decreased nought beyond 7.5 from permanent rivers, consistent with preferred forage concentrated in riparian areas. Increasing up threshold Human Footprint Index suggested that human presence may have negligible consequences on movement resource selection. This was likely due suitable habitat minimal conflict despite presence. without mitigating land-use planning, rapid land conversion threatens human-giraffe coexistence. An even sex ratio small proportion subadults implied stable population, but sex-biased temporal dynamics space use, impacts predation, stochastic risks necessitate continued monitoring. study highlights value large-scale opportunities for data integration long-term programs evaluate factors driving inform science-based this unique isolated population.

Language: Английский

First rangewide density estimate of the endemic and isolated Luangwa giraffe in Zambia DOI Creative Commons
Catherine Sun,

Frederike Otten,

R. A. Hoffman

et al.

Scientific Reports, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 15(1)

Published: May 12, 2025

The Luangwa giraffe (Giraffa tippelskirchi thornicrofti), a subspecies of the Masai endemic to Valley northeastern Zambia, inhabits an increasingly human-modified landscape. Accurate and current population estimates are critical evaluating their status identifying effective conservation strategies. However, sparse monitoring since early 1900s has limited inferences about size, structure, range. To address this, we conducted most spatially extensive systematic survey date across its distribution, extending effort 120 km south officially recognized extent. Using spatial capture recapture modeling, estimated 651-890 overall density 0.04-0.05 giraffe/km2. Density decreased nought beyond 7.5 from permanent rivers, consistent with preferred forage concentrated in riparian areas. Increasing up threshold Human Footprint Index suggested that human presence may have negligible consequences on movement resource selection. This was likely due suitable habitat minimal conflict despite presence. without mitigating land-use planning, rapid land conversion threatens human-giraffe coexistence. An even sex ratio small proportion subadults implied stable population, but sex-biased temporal dynamics space use, impacts predation, stochastic risks necessitate continued monitoring. study highlights value large-scale opportunities for data integration long-term programs evaluate factors driving inform science-based this unique isolated population.

Language: Английский

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