Journal of Biogeography,
Год журнала:
2024,
Номер
unknown
Опубликована: Дек. 31, 2024
ABSTRACT
Aim
Despite
the
evidenced
importance
of
insects
in
savannah
ecosystems,
drivers
their
diversity
patterns
remain
poorly
understood,
particularly
Afrotropical
region.
This
study
addresses
part
this
gap
by
investigating
effects
climate,
habitat,
disturbance
and
vegetation
variables
on
species
richness
community
composition
phytophagous
predatory
South
African
savannahs.
Location
Kruger
National
Park
(KNP),
Africa.
Taxon
Phytophagous
(moths)
carnivorous
(mantises).
Methods
Moths
mantises
were
light‐trapped
60
plots
distributed
across
KNP
during
two
seasons.
Direct
indirect
environmental
insect
analysed
using
structural
equation
models,
through
distance‐based
redundancy
analyses
(db‐RDA).
Results
Based
an
extensive
dataset
65,593
moth
individuals
representing
817
3511
mantis
38
species,
we
identified
plant
communities
as
primary
driver
structure
for
both
groups.
The
indirectly
shaped
mean
temperature
(negatively
correlated
with
precipitation),
its
richness.
Additionally,
a
complex
interplay
among
bedrock
type,
water
availability
from
large
herbivores
further
diversity.
Main
Conclusions
Our
findings
highlight
critical
role
determining
ecosystems.
We
also
confirmed
region's
vulnerability
to
climate
change,
decreasing
precipitation
increasing
temperatures
alter
biomass,
consequently
affecting
communities.
Effective
conservation
strategies
should
focus
managing
maintain
diverse
vegetation,
which
is
crucial
supporting
Priority
be
given
balancing
intensity,
preserving
health
rivers
surroundings,
mitigate
adverse
change
these
Frontiers in Conservation Science,
Год журнала:
2024,
Номер
5
Опубликована: Июнь 7, 2024
The
study
of
large
carnivores
in
semi-arid
ecosystems
presents
inherent
challenges
due
to
their
low
densities,
extensive
home
ranges,
and
elusive
nature.
We
explore
the
potential
for
synthesis
traditional
knowledge
(i.e.
art
tracking)
modern
technology
address
conservation
wildlife
research
these
challenging
environments.
Our
focuses
on
African
lion
(
Panthera
leo
)
Central
Kalahari
region
Botswana
as
a
model
system
demonstrate
this
integrative
approach.
Combining
GPS
tracking
San
trackers’
expertise,
we
present
two
case
studies:
(1)
individual
identification
lions
via
combination
footprint
analysis
(2)
monitoring
territorial
behavior
through
collars
handheld
devices)
non-invasive
tracking.
These
approaches
enhance
our
understanding
carnivore
ecology
well
support
efforts
by
offering
non-invasive,
cost-effective,
highly
accurate
means
populations.
findings
underscore
value
merging
skills
with
contemporary
analytical
technological
developments
offer
new
insights
into
This
approach
not
only
improves
data
collection
accuracy
efficiency
but
also
fosters
deeper
wildlife,
ensuring
sustainable
management
species.
work
advocates
inclusion
indigenous
science,
highlighting
its
relevance
applicability
across
various
disciplines,
thereby
broadening
methodologies
used
monitor
populations,
inform
strategies.
Plant-Environment Interactions,
Год журнала:
2024,
Номер
5(4)
Опубликована: Авг. 1, 2024
The
Southern
African
region
suffers
from
drought
and
food
system
uncertainty
with
increased
risks
due
to
climate
change,
natural
disasters,
global
catastrophes.
Increasing
crop
diversity
more
appropriate
resilient
crops
is
an
effective
way
of
increasing
resilience.
We
focus
on
species
that
are
native
or
naturalized
area
because
their
resilience
than
those
not
naturally
occurring.
Additionally,
easily
stored
useful
in
times
disaster.
In
this
systematic
review,
we
use
scientific
interest
neglected
underutilized
(NUS)
Africa
help
define
next
steps
toward
cultivation
development
as
a
marketable
crop.
found
although
minimal
for
storable
NUS,
these
worth
scaling
up
economic
nutritional
value.
outline
actionable
specific
NUS
production
agrobiodiverse
agriculture
system.
Journal of Biogeography,
Год журнала:
2024,
Номер
unknown
Опубликована: Дек. 31, 2024
ABSTRACT
Aim
Despite
the
evidenced
importance
of
insects
in
savannah
ecosystems,
drivers
their
diversity
patterns
remain
poorly
understood,
particularly
Afrotropical
region.
This
study
addresses
part
this
gap
by
investigating
effects
climate,
habitat,
disturbance
and
vegetation
variables
on
species
richness
community
composition
phytophagous
predatory
South
African
savannahs.
Location
Kruger
National
Park
(KNP),
Africa.
Taxon
Phytophagous
(moths)
carnivorous
(mantises).
Methods
Moths
mantises
were
light‐trapped
60
plots
distributed
across
KNP
during
two
seasons.
Direct
indirect
environmental
insect
analysed
using
structural
equation
models,
through
distance‐based
redundancy
analyses
(db‐RDA).
Results
Based
an
extensive
dataset
65,593
moth
individuals
representing
817
3511
mantis
38
species,
we
identified
plant
communities
as
primary
driver
structure
for
both
groups.
The
indirectly
shaped
mean
temperature
(negatively
correlated
with
precipitation),
its
richness.
Additionally,
a
complex
interplay
among
bedrock
type,
water
availability
from
large
herbivores
further
diversity.
Main
Conclusions
Our
findings
highlight
critical
role
determining
ecosystems.
We
also
confirmed
region's
vulnerability
to
climate
change,
decreasing
precipitation
increasing
temperatures
alter
biomass,
consequently
affecting
communities.
Effective
conservation
strategies
should
focus
managing
maintain
diverse
vegetation,
which
is
crucial
supporting
Priority
be
given
balancing
intensity,
preserving
health
rivers
surroundings,
mitigate
adverse
change
these
