Living With Hyraxes: Biogeography and Comparative Ecology of West African Fornasinius Beetles DOI

Stephanie N. Ajong,

Luca Luiselli, Thomas Francis Lado

et al.

African Journal of Ecology, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 62(3)

Published: Sept. 1, 2024

ABSTRACT Among the flower beetles (Scarabaeidae, Cetoniinae), Goliathini comprise several genera of medium‐ and large‐sized widely distributed in sub‐Saharan Africa. In this tribe, genus Fornasinius Bertoloni, 1853, includes two species found West Africa: F. higginsi (Westwood) klingbeili Zöller, Fiebig,and Schulze. study, we present new data on comparative ecology biogeography these species, including sex ratio, population structure by size, monthly activity patterns habitat features at different spatial scales. These observations were conducted, mostly opportunistically, over a 20‐year period Cote d'Ivoire, Ghana Togo. Both exhibited similar overall morphometrics. They characterised male‐skewed adult ratio (with possible bias), male‐larger sexual size dimorphism consistent size; are seemingly parapatric potential contact zone being separated eastern Volta River Lake). primarily vicinity trees that contained middens hyraxes, such as Dendrohyrax dorsalis ( ), interfluvialis ) Procavia capensis ). has been observed forest habitat, while was both forests Guinea savannahs. Occurrence sites predominantly higher tree cover, less bare areas built‐up zones. Although may be locally abundant within hyrax middens, they typically occur only relatively small number their preferred habitat. Monthly differed between species. adults throughout year, sightings more common during wet season, whereas frequent dry season. The differences ecologically morphologically help to minimise interspecific competition potential—yet unknown—sites syntopy. some populations might threatened deforestation or overhunting careful management should adequately ensure conservation beetle

Language: Английский

Okapi Survival Threats: A Population Reconstruction and Threat Analysis DOI Creative Commons
Francis Didier Tatoutchoup

African Journal of Ecology, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 63(2)

Published: Feb. 28, 2025

ABSTRACT The Okapi ( Okapia johnstoni ), endemic to the Democratic Republic of Congo, symbolises national pride and biodiversity. However, this iconic species faces an alarming decline, with population estimates dropping drastically. This study aims reconstruct okapi using a logistic model analyse critical threats contributing its decline. Results indicate that artisanal mining is responsible for 98% reduction since 2009, primarily through habitat destruction. Regression analysis reveals strong inverse relationship between number sites remaining primary forest, both survival. concludes by recommending policy measures balance ecological conservation economic development, such as promoting less invasive industrial strengthening protected areas. These are vital preventing extinction unique species.

Language: Английский

Citations

0
Conservation Challenges for Threatened Indian Flapshell Turtle Lissemys punctata (Lacépède, 1788) in the Largest Wetland of Bangladesh DOI
Nadia S. Kashmi,

Anirban Sarker,

Jobedah S. Mim

et al.

Aquatic Conservation Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 35(3)

Published: March 1, 2025

ABSTRACT Freshwater habitats are losing their biodiversity more quickly than terrestrial and marine ecosystems, particularly in parts of the tropics with large human populations. Here, we analysed illegal hunting data for globally vulnerable Indian flapshell turtle Lissemys punctata largest wetland Bangladesh. We identified key conservation issues this species, along knowledge attitudes stakeholders (turtle hunters, n = 190; fishermen 60; agriculture farmers fish 60). Compared 2007, catch per unit effort declined by 55% 2022. Areas converted to aquaculture increased 16.5% 14.9% respectively over period, breeding sites declined, especially farmed land. All 93.3% fishermen, 75% agricultural farmers, were opinion that wetland's population has declined. Worryingly, majority (66.7%) 41.7% believe decline abundance is not a problem. About 90% hunters disagreed this, primarily because dependency on turtles income. Nine major threats challenges identified, including hunting, accidental fishing bycatch, anthropogenic modifications wetland, negative some stakeholders. recommend urgent initiatives involving stakeholder communities also research characterise specific habitat needs different life stages evaluate potential bottlenecks. suggest education programmes regarding animal implementation stricter regulations reduce exploitation.

Language: Английский

Citations

0
A systematic map of hydropower impacts on megafauna at the land-water interface DOI Creative Commons
Vassil Y. Altanov, Sonja C. Jähnig, Fengzhi He

et al.

Biological Conservation, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 305, P. 111092 - 111092

Published: March 24, 2025

Language: Английский

Citations

0
Conservation status and threat assessment of the charismatic African hornbills: a conceptual framework and implications for conservation DOI
Thomas Francis Lado,

F. Charles,

Malik Doka Morjan

et al.

Biodiversity, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown, P. 1 - 14

Published: May 7, 2025

Language: Английский

Citations

0
Living With Hyraxes: Biogeography and Comparative Ecology of West African Fornasinius Beetles DOI

Stephanie N. Ajong,

Luca Luiselli, Thomas Francis Lado

et al.

African Journal of Ecology, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 62(3)

Published: Sept. 1, 2024

ABSTRACT Among the flower beetles (Scarabaeidae, Cetoniinae), Goliathini comprise several genera of medium‐ and large‐sized widely distributed in sub‐Saharan Africa. In this tribe, genus Fornasinius Bertoloni, 1853, includes two species found West Africa: F. higginsi (Westwood) klingbeili Zöller, Fiebig,and Schulze. study, we present new data on comparative ecology biogeography these species, including sex ratio, population structure by size, monthly activity patterns habitat features at different spatial scales. These observations were conducted, mostly opportunistically, over a 20‐year period Cote d'Ivoire, Ghana Togo. Both exhibited similar overall morphometrics. They characterised male‐skewed adult ratio (with possible bias), male‐larger sexual size dimorphism consistent size; are seemingly parapatric potential contact zone being separated eastern Volta River Lake). primarily vicinity trees that contained middens hyraxes, such as Dendrohyrax dorsalis ( ), interfluvialis ) Procavia capensis ). has been observed forest habitat, while was both forests Guinea savannahs. Occurrence sites predominantly higher tree cover, less bare areas built‐up zones. Although may be locally abundant within hyrax middens, they typically occur only relatively small number their preferred habitat. Monthly differed between species. adults throughout year, sightings more common during wet season, whereas frequent dry season. The differences ecologically morphologically help to minimise interspecific competition potential—yet unknown—sites syntopy. some populations might threatened deforestation or overhunting careful management should adequately ensure conservation beetle

Language: Английский

Citations

2