Estimated baseline density of a spotted hyaena population in a post-war landscape

Oryx, Год журнала: 2025, Номер unknown, С. 1 - 11

Опубликована: Янв. 27, 2025

Abstract The spotted hyaena Crocuta crocuta is relatively understudied across its range despite evidence of widespread declines. It therefore essential that robust baseline population density assessments are conducted to inform current management and future conservation policy. In Mozambique this urgent as decades armed conflict followed by unchecked poaching have resulted in large-scale wildlife declines extirpations. We the first estimate for a using spatially explicit capture–recapture methodologies. recorded low 0.8–2.1 hyaenas/100 km 2 area Coutada 11 Zambezi Delta central 2021. These densities well below estimated carrying capacity landscape comparable published high human-impact, miombo woodland-dominated arid environments. combination historical conflict, marginal trophy hunting bushmeat wire snares gin traps (with physical injuries evident 9% identified individuals) presents persistent anthropogenic pressure, limiting post-war recovery resident population. provide insights into dynamics status such landscapes, adding mounting species less resilient severe disturbances than previously believed. recommend long-term monitoring other carnivore populations landscapes ascertain demographic trends implement effective interventions recovery.

Язык: Английский

Estimating Leopard population sizes in western Mozambique using SNP-based capture–mark–recapture models

Journal of Mammalogy, Год журнала: 2025, Номер unknown

Опубликована: Фев. 27, 2025

Abstract Reliable population size estimates are imperative for effective conservation and management, but notoriously difficult to obtain rare, cryptic species such as large carnivores. Genetic capture–mark–recapture (CMR) models can provide robust may be conducted noninvasively during a single sampling period. African leopards (Panthera pardus) listed vulnerable, with declining populations. However, rare much of their range. Here, we in the Limpopo (LNP) Banhine (BNP) national parks Lebombo Conservancy (LC), western Mozambique. We estimate sizes using SNP-based CMR derived from genetic information acquired scats collected across sites. Additionally, compare our density those trophic scaling inferences on drivers Leopard region. populations 87, 15, 13 LNP, BNP, LC, respectively. Population suggest that limited by bottom-up prey resources LNP there is evidence top-down regulation BNP. Given precariousness region, urge use monitoring inform management.

Язык: Английский

Perilous state of critically endangered Northwest African cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus hecki) across the Sudano‐Sahel

Animal Conservation, Год журнала: 2024, Номер unknown

Опубликована: Сен. 14, 2024

Abstract Northwest African cheetah populations have declined precipitously, with expert opinion estimating that <420 individuals persist across parts of Algeria, Benin, Burkina Faso, Chad, Niger and Mali. However, no reliable density estimates exist in the remaining subspecies strongholds throughout Sudano‐Sahel Zone, including W‐Arly‐Pendjari Complex Greater Zakouma Ecosystem within Bahr/Salamat landscape. Camera trap surveys were combined spatially explicit capture–recapture methodologies both regions to estimate detectable demographic composition these populations. Following 15 429 camera nights, we detected nine during dry season four wet Pendjari (2021), (dry season; 2023) none Siniaka Minia. Cheetah densities thus estimated at 0.17–0.24 0.37 per 100 km 2 Zakouma, respectively. While marginally higher than predicted, such low‐density are concerning last habitats harbouring this critically endangered subspecies. Considering substantial contraction regional distribution, an overall population size 68 ± 29 studied areas. These novel among lowest formally determined range Africa, where a high frequency people livestock on traps highlight ongoing risks large carnivores protected Subsequent management recommendations include implementation established conservation strategies encompass distributional cheetah, continuous monitoring populations, genetic analyses inform management, curbing illegal trade increasing international awareness around plight

Язык: Английский