African Journal of Ecology, Год журнала: 2023, Номер 61(4), С. 763 - 767

Опубликована: Июль 18, 2023

Ecology is a global science that examines various levels of biological organisation (organism, species, population, community, guild, trophic level, etc) and spatial dimensions biological–physical interactions (habitat, niche, ecosystem, biome, biosphere). Importantly, ecological focuses on identifying recurring patterns in animal plant communities worldwide (Kingsland, 1991). Ecologists typically invest lot time reading articles developed situations different continents to update their investigation methods advance own case studies ultimately provide context for discussing general theories. has evolved into an inclusive discipline integrates findings from scientific fields, including physics, chemistry, mathematics. Its research outcomes are disseminated numerous journals globally. This interdisciplinary approach demonstrates the close interconnection between ecology "hard sciences." Moreover, continuously expanding its scope by embracing wide range topics methodologies, fostering integration knowledge within field. Notwithstanding extensive currently occurs scale, it undeniable distinct "environmental opportunities" (EOs) exist. These EOs, here defined as ensemble climate, vegetation, biogeography, adaptations, species richness, social cultural aspects human communities, history, economy, etc., characterises each world's region have shaped development regionally specific "ecological hot topics." often converge towards recurrent themes common regions world. For instance, observation regular inter-annual fluctuations ("cycles") rodent populations observed under harsh climates Scandinavian Canadian stimulated very detailed population dynamics (e.g., Andreassen et al., 2021; Korpela 2013) generated sophisticated perspective oscillations predators Hanski 1991; Korpimäki 2002). Animal not received same attention Mediterranean perhaps less so tropical where do fluctuate cyclically far predictable abundances Amori 2015; Casula 2019). Furthermore, significance nutrient enrichment assessment, which traditionally played dominant role conducted temperate inland waters Beklioğlu 2020; Tagliaferro 2022), diminishes settings algal growth consistently throughout year without period accumulation. Conversely, deep Afrotropical lakes provided unparalleled insights freshwater fish speciation when compared other world Seehausen 2008; Wagner 2014). methodologies employed study phenomena can vary based local EOs. example, while marking individuals remains primary method used studying reptile Europe, North America, Japan Madsen Madsen, Loman, 2023; Ujvari, 2023), this technique seldom applied due greater elusiveness unpredictability since they reliant thermoregulation consequently spend above-ground than counterparts (Anderson 2005; Bovo 2012; Luiselli & Akani, To put differently, unique EOs found present challenges scientists, shaping questions influencing employ investigate phenomena. As result, distinctive "thematic niches" emerged across influence these evident collection published African Journal (AJE) over past decades, reflect evolution thematic niches ecology. distinguish original manner continents. What fields contributed most originality recent decades? Three main come mind: (i) large mammals (herbivores predators) savannahs, (ii) bushmeat issue, (iii) forest conservation highlighting (the latter two also been studied continents, but intensity Africa). The AJE extensively covered themes, evidenced contributions focusing savannah mammals. Ang'ila Ayechew 2022; Everatt Lee Tarugara Clegg, Tiller Djagoun Froese Hariohay Hart Sonhaye-Ouyé community forests (e.g. Fa Luiselli, Mavah Oyda Poulain Rampheri 2022). field constantly evolving, separation ongoing process worldwide. niche continues, new emerging taking shape, influenced ever-changing geographic regions. In Africa, crucial identify determine will be significant relevance coming years. While providing comprehensive answer challenging, there indeed appear particularly promising. One pertains ecosystems conflicts mass migrations. Africa experienced refugee crises, leading environmental impacts. presence refugees host countries, environmentally fragile areas, resulted habitat fragmentation, deforestation, overhunting, overfishing. issues pose challenge planning require analyses assess effects wildlife overall ecosystem health appropriate management actions (Battisti, 2023). humanitarian emergencies result political tensions control Sudan produced streams fleeing neighbouring countries. Many sought temporary resettlement around cities open landscape directly impact natural environment. 70 years, continent setting included devastating civil wars such those led Genocide Rwanda (1994); no doubt brutal date infamous. Given high number taken place 1953 2023, surprising largest (about 34% total period) Africa. According estimates, 26.3 million worldwide, 72% originate only five South about 2.4 (https://www.unhcr.org/refugee-statistics/; last accessed 20th March many 36% settled just one them being (Uganda, hosts 1.5 refugees; https://www.unhcr.org/refugee-statistics/; Least countries asylum 22% total; density highest areas likely fragile, settlements West Uganda (Aka Nile region): Yumbe (223,300), Adjumani (202,500), Arua/Koboko (160,200), Moyo (119,000), Kyriandongo (55,500), Lamwo (36,800) (source: https://www.unhcr.org). Refugee-hosting undergo massive agricultural expansion loss see Barasa Maystadt Figure 1). threat hinders efforts much (Luiselli, 2023a, 2023b). Addressing charcoal burning, overfishing requires Several indicated subsequent migrations lead contrasting populations, namely "war-zone/game source" phenomenon (Dudley 2002; Martin Szuter, 1999) "wildlife impoverishment" (Gaynor 2016). pattern Democratic Republic Congo, war invasions severely impacted elephants protected (Hall 1997; Hall, 1996), Rwanda, mountain gorillas ungulates declined large-scale poaching (Plumptre 1997). On hand, characterised specialised reduction richness at level. concentrate sparsely populated frequently encroaching upon areas. Nigeria, Chad Basin National Park, Kamuku Kainji Lake Park. extent impoverishment become extreme numbers displaced people involved. during war, approximately 50% country's civilian (around 3.5 people) was camps eastern Congo. About 860,000 were concentrated near Virunga 332,000 encamped Kahuzi Biega Park (Prunier, 1995). Unfortunately, our understanding long-lasting limited scarcity evidence. There gap regard, further needed consequences years come, impacts displacement extinction effects. iconic megafauna ungulates, elephants, receive attention, multitude overlooked affected re-evaluation distribution. Uganda, "least charismatic" facing serious threats activities. Nubian flapshell turtle (Cyclanorbis elegans), brink (Demaya 2019; future survival seriously threatened fact demand meat may target fishers Additionally, recently described endemic scarab beetle Fornasinius hermes, experiencing severe degradation caused rapid (L. G. S. Demaya, M. Behangana, unpublished observations, Unless processes threatening addressed promptly, possibly others face few Additional scenarios warrant concerning ramifications, instigated terrorists, private armies, or even warfare itself (Braga-Pereira Braga-Pereira, Bogoni, Alves, Peres, 2020). Angolan brought changes hunting practices, remote regions, widespread availability automatic weapons combat militias supporters. shift decline mammal diversity (Braga-Pereira, 2020), resulting near-total eradication (with reductions up 80% pre-war levels; life-history characteristics habitats seemingly decline: according al. (2020), post-war abundance 77% lower closed-canopy environments; larger preferentially targeted subjected overhunting; sizes dwindled, size structure gradually shifted smaller-bodied taxa. An intriguing avenue involves examining protection afforded before, during, after conflicts. Recent revealed indigenous lands safeguard nature amidst armed conflict (Beattie Notably, Beattie (2023) more occur peoples' biodiversity hotspots territories, damage anthropogenic comparatively lower. remarkable conclusion drawn al.'s Indigenous Peoples managed mitigate some prior to, connection resolute commitment defend rights territories. hypothesis warrants exploration through additional facilitate broader generalisations. Undoubtedly, represents enticing prospect conservation. tragic brings forth urgent task research, relevant context. A key theme investigations should understand how pressure rapidly alters patterns. epochal long periods, establishment create transformative remarkably short timeframe (few instead hundreds thousands years). Another question in-depth identification factors contribute either "war zone/game paradigm. Gaining mechanisms essential inform effective strategies periods However, important note made research. fact, thorough search journal's database 4 June subject Hall At time, university dissertations master's doctoral pressing issues, submitted universities Isabirye, Masete, editorial serves encouragement young researchers continue valuable work develop high-quality manuscripts subjects submission Such utmost importance journal focus continental scale. article improved constructive discussions with Prof. Julia E. (Manchester Metropolitan University, U.K.) Dr Nic Pacini (University Calabria, Italy).

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