Humans in Africa’s wet tropical forests 150 thousand years ago

Nature, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: Feb. 26, 2025

Humans emerged across Africa shortly before 300 thousand years ago (ka)1-3. Although this pan-African evolutionary process implicates diverse environments in the human story, role of tropical forests remains poorly understood. Here we report a clear association between late Middle Pleistocene material culture and wet forest southern Côte d'Ivoire, region present-day rainforest. Twinned optically stimulated luminescence electron spin resonance dating methods constrain onset occupations at Bété I to around 150 ka, linking them with Homo sapiens. Plant wax biomarker, stable isotope, phytolith pollen analyses associated sediments all point environment. The results represent oldest yet known humans habitat type. secure attribution stone tool assemblages environment demonstrates that Africa's were not major ecological barrier for H. sapiens as early ka.

Language: Английский

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Exploring the phytoremediation potential of plant species in soils impacted by gold mining in Northern Colombia

Environmental Science and Pollution Research, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: Jan. 21, 2025

Abstract Contamination of soils with toxic metals poses significant threats to human health and ecosystems. Plant-based remediation strategies can play a vital role in mitigating these risks, the use plants as strategy help reduce risks. In this study, we investigate potential native accumulating translocating metal(loid)s at Colombian site impacted by gold mining. The capacity is evaluated using translocation factor (TF) from roots shoots bioconcentration (BCF) soil roots. Metal(loid) concentrations followed order: Fe > As Hg Cd Pb Zn Mn Cu. plant tissues, showed higher accumulation leaves (3.5 mg/kg) compared (2.8 mg/kg). (17.7 mg/kg), (3.8 (2.5 (1.2 concentracions were also Metal stems, generally below 1.0 mg/kg, except for (15.0 (1.0 highest BCF values observed Spondias mombin L. (18.7), Cecropia peltata (8.3) Gliricidia sepium (Jacq.) Walp (4.4). On other hand, Senna alata (L.) Roxb., Psidium guajava Morinda citrifolia exhibited notable BFC 44.7, 6.3 5.9, respectively. Musa x paradisiaca had (1.8). M. (4.3) Annona muricata (3.2) TF Hg, while Tabebuia rosea (Bertol.) Bertero ex A.DC. (4.9) Paspalum fasciculatum Willd. (3.1) demonstrated elevated Pb. conclusion, such P. , A. G. T. exhibit great application phytoremediation tropical regions mining activities.

Language: Английский

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Aboveground Biomass in West African Semi‐Arid Ecosystems: Structural Diversity, Taxonomic Contributions and Environmental Drivers

Journal of Sustainable Agriculture and Environment, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 4(1)

Published: Feb. 25, 2025

ABSTRACT The role of plant diversity and biomass in ecosystem functioning management is well recognized. However, the structural drivers aboveground (AGB) their influence across savanna ecosystems remain understudied, particularly semi‐arid regions. Here, we hypothesized that (i) species richness would positively AGB vegetation strata (ii) environmental factors play a secondary compared to metrics. We tested these hypotheses using data from 160 systematically established plots (0.1 ha each) two sites (Cassou Kongoussi) Burkina Faso. examined how taxonomic diversity, (CV‐DBH, CV‐height) contribute carbon (AGC) stocks. A total 97 woody 66 genera 26 families were identified. Species had significant positive effect on both strata, with more pronounced shrub layers. Structural CV‐DBH CV‐height, also contributed significantly AGB, especially Cassou. Elevation negatively influenced at sites, while NDVI EVI2 correlated AGC Kongoussi but not primary underscoring importance for sequestration. study highlights important determining shrub‐dominated savannas. Management strategies focusing conservation enhancement are essential optimize accumulation ecosystems.

Language: Английский

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Analysis of the Impact of Agriculture and Logging on Forest Habitat Structure in the Ankasa and Bia Conservation Area of Ghana

Ecology and Evolution, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 14(12)

Published: Dec. 1, 2024

ABSTRACT Ghana's Ankasa (ACA) and Bia Conservation Area (BCA) are experiencing forest loss due to agricultural conversions. However, there is limited comprehensive analysis of these conversions their impact on the habitat structure in areas. This study aims analyse anthropogenic‐induced fragmentation ACA BCA. Landsat images for epochs 1980, 2000 2020 were pre‐processed, subsets created using a 5 km buffer two conservation The classified into forest, agriculture built‐up. analysed landscape pattern changes patch density (PD), edge (ED), largest index (LPI), shape (LSI) aggregation (AI). Wilcoxon signed‐rank test was used structure. results indicate that cover decreased by 16.4% from 100,941.6 ha 1980 84,410.6 2020, BCA, it 14.4% 70,211.8 60,117.36 ha. There no encroachment activities within areas, but activities, mainly cocoa expansion, increased buffer, leading decline cover. shows patches have become fragmented, disjointed isolated, especially buffer. indicated PD, AI, LPI ED. immediate off‐reserve significant levels fragmentation, resulting connectivity, implications wildlife conservation. Ecological restoration efforts needed reduce this potential impact. Ecologists recommended transitioning monoculture agroforestry improve connectivity adjoining farms landscapes

Language: Английский

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Disentangling the impacts of soil moisture and vapour pressure deficit on biodiversity patterns and conservation value of tropical forests in Ghana, West Africa

Biological Conservation, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 302, P. 110952 - 110952

Published: Dec. 20, 2024

Language: Английский

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Changes in floristic composition, diversity and anthropogenic perturbations in an east African tropical forest

African Journal of Ecology, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 61(4), P. 815 - 828

Published: June 2, 2023

Abstract We assessed changes in floristic composition, diversity and anthropogenic activities an East African forest; Echuya Central Forest Reserve (ECFR). Using 272 permanent sample plots, comparisons between 2015 2021 were made. Twenty‐two tree species recorded with Macaranga capensis being the most dominant. Tree density increased significantly from 152 stems/ha to 306 2021. Similarly, trees basal area 19 m 2 /ha 38 The bamboo stem decreased 11,931 1807 Shrubs, lianas, vines herbs' densities did not show significant differences Furthermore, a number of human 22 per hectare 83 Non‐Metric Multidimensional Scaling (NMDS) ordination shows that strongest impact on composition areas fuelwood collection, trails, livestock grazing pole cutting. In conclusion, ECFR is floristically poor; secondary forest are replacing could be negatively affecting flora. recommend interventions increasing people's livelihood incomes decrease their dependence resources.

Language: Английский

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Assessing Forest Cover Distribution, Species Diversity, and Richness of the Buffer Zone for Strategic Forest Management Planning for Nimule National Park, South Sudan

Open Journal of Ecology, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 13(11), P. 836 - 864

Published: Jan. 1, 2023

Natural forest ecosystems play an essential role in the conservation of biodiversity many plants and animals by providing them with habitat suitable environments. Studies have shown that biodiversity-protected areas reduce loss degradation natural habitats to various wild species plants. This study examined resources five subzones conducting tree/shrub inventory be able develop effective management plan for Buffer Zone Forest Reserve sustainable flora fauna Nimule National Park. is view identify main tree shrub species; assess composition, distribution, abundance determine diversity as well richness these terms growth performance where DBH heights trees/shrubs circular sample plots were measured. The results revealed overall mean H 13.83 cm 6.61 m respectively. highest number trees was obtained subzone B followed D, while least found A. density 0.83 tons/ha. total basal area volume per hectare 3252.74 m2/ha 46,540.82 m3/ha distribution indicate Combretum spp, Cedrella spp., Grewia mollis, Acacia Sieberiana, Ziziphus abysinica, seyal most dominant species, over 12 at deposition side River Nile, 13 western Administration site shows only 7 lowland Mt. Gordon show 14 different whereas 10 on top Gordon. indices evenness H’, E depicted 2.507, 0.871, 0.840 These yielded are relatively moderate. Therefore, efforts very necessary improve maintain quality vegetation cover.

Language: Английский

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Exploring the Phytoremediation Potential of Plant Species in Soils Impacted by Gold Mining in Northern Colombia

Research Square (Research Square), Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: Dec. 13, 2024

Contamination of soils with toxic metals poses significant threats to human health and ecosystems. Plant-based remediation strategies can play a vital role in mitigating these risks, the use plants as strategy help reduce risks. In this study, we investigate potential native accumulating translocating metal(loid)s at Colombian site impacted by gold mining. The capacity is evaluated using translocation factor (TF) from roots shoots bioconcentration (BCF) soil roots. Metal(loid) concentrations followed order: Fe > As Hg Cd Pb Zn Mn Cu. plant tissues, showed higher accumulation leaves (3.5 µg/kg) compared (2.8 µg/kg). (17.7 µg/kg), (3.8 (2.5 (1.2 concentracions were also Metal stems, generally below 1.0 µg/kg, except for (15.0 (1.0 highest BCF values observed Spondias mombin L. (18.7), Cecropia peltata (8.3) Gliricidia sepium (Jacq.) Walp (4.4). On other hand, Senna alata (L.) Roxb., Psidium guajava Morinda citrifolia exhibited notable BFC 44.7, 6.3 5.9, respectively. Musa x paradisiaca had (1.8). M. (4.3) Annona muricata (3.2) TF Hg, while Tabebuia rosea (Bertol.) Bertero ex A.DC. (4.9) Paspalum fasciculatum Willd. (3.1) demonstrated elevated Pb. conclusion, such P. fasciculatum, A. muricata, citrifolia, G. T. exhibit great application phytoremediation tropical regions mining activities.

Language: Английский

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Diversity and Population Status of Tree Species in Bakin-Dutse of Ardo-Kola LGA, Taraba State, Nigeria

Deleted Journal, Journal Year: 2022, Volume and Issue: 6(2), P. 379 - 390

Published: Oct. 1, 2022

Nigerian forest resources are constantly threatened due to many anthropogenic activities and considering their importance in recycling oxygen, preventing erosion, biodiversity habitats etc. This study was carried out determine the diversity population status of trees. A 50km2 plot studied using line transect method, Point Centered Quartet technique deployed enumerate standing tree biomass. Total Height, Diameter at Breast Height Crown cover were also measured recorded. The results showed that 200 trees spread across fifteen (15) families forty (40) species identified. Fabaceae Family had more representatives 12 (30%) while Bignoniaceae, Euphorbiaceae, Meliaceae, Sapotaceae, Rutaceae Olecaceae 1 (2.5%) representation each. Parkia biglobosa highest abundance 37 (18.5%) Anacardium ocidentale, Brachystegia eurycoma, Ceiba pentandra, Cocos nucifera, Combretum molle, Ficus thoninngii, Khaya senegalensis, Haematostaphis barterii, Lannea microcarpa, Limonia. acidissima, Mangifera indica, Mitragyna inermis, Nauclea latifolia, Newbouldia laevis, Psidium guajava Tamarindus indica all recorded least (0.5%). Diversity indices Hʹ=2.65 (North), Hʹ=2.49 (South), Hʹ=2.72 (East) Hʹ=2.37 (West) 90% enumerated need serious conservation efforts. Importance Value (46.84%) recoded (2.21%). It then concluded Bakin-dutse community Ardo-kola LGA needs conserving, hence, we suggest a concerted effort from Governmental Organizations, Non-Governmental Organization Local Community curtail rapid decline these important resources.

Language: Английский

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