The benefits of inclusive conservation for connectivity of lions across the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Tanzania

Conservation Science and Practice, Год журнала: 2025, Номер unknown

Опубликована: Фев. 6, 2025

Abstract Human impacts on the planet degrade natural habitats, often restricting wildlife to protected areas. If connectivity between such areas is lost, populations may lose genetic diversity, thereby increasing extinction risk. For large carnivores, connecting separated by human‐occupied habitats requires dedicated effort foster human–wildlife coexistence. Using lion observation data from 1962 2023 and movement GPS collars, we evaluated how inclusive conservation actions (i.e., directly involving local communities) in Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA), Tanzania, are affecting ability of lions use traverse habitats. Efforts promote human–lion coexistence were positively associated with number moving across settle areas, suggesting that activities having desired impact connectivity. However, despite a reduction negative interactions 2016 2021, retaliatory killings livestock attacks both increased sharply during an extreme drought 2022, before dropping again 2023. Thus, although our results highlight benefits for carnivore populations, recent events continued challenges need long‐term, nimble approaches maintain balance where humans carnivores coexist.

Язык: Английский

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Rainfall Variability Shapes Lion Movement and Home Range Dynamics in Three Kenyan Parks

African Journal of Ecology, Год журнала: 2025, Номер 63(1)

Опубликована: Янв. 1, 2025

ABSTRACT Variation in climatic conditions is expected to impact the distribution and abundance of herbivore species, which may, turn, influence African lions ( Panthera leo ) ranging behaviour. This necessitates proactive management lion populations, as ecosystems may exhibit site‐specific responses these variations. Using satellite GPS‐GSM data from 10 collared three different national parks Kenya—Meru, Nairobi, Lake Nakuru—we calculated monthly home ranges distance moved studied how were influenced by rainfall. Across all parks, increased their with an increase rainfall, male covered larger distances than females. Model comparisons revealed that Nakuru significantly expanded higher rainfall compared those Nairobi; however, Nairobi Nakuru. Lions Meru had other two but effect on range size movement was not parks. Our results give insight into across We call for prioritisation conservation efforts a site‐specific, tailored approach management.

Язык: Английский

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The Indigenous Range of the Tiger (Panthera tigris)

Diversity and Distributions, Год журнала: 2025, Номер 31(1)

Опубликована: Янв. 1, 2025

ABSTRACT Aim Indigenous range maps are fundamental documents in biogeography, phylogeny and conservation. We define the indigenous of a species as ecoregions (or parts ecoregions) where was likely found before humans became major factor shaping species' distribution, beginning at time when geographical alignment continents prevailing climate least were) roughly consistent with current conditions. developed structured, generally applicable method to map applied this process tiger ( Panthera tigris ). Location Terrestrial Asia. Methods To guide our mapping, we synthesised database over 70,000 observations dates locations. structured Delphi assign categories aided by niche model. analysed habitat change ecoregional scale using anthropogenically modified biomes (‘Anthrome 12K’) dataset suggest first significant human impact. Finally, estimated extirpation for tigers have been extirpated. Results once occupied resident approximately 11.5 million km 2 , crossing 116 ecoregions. also mapped an additional c. 11.7 exploratory 1.2 possible range. Collectively these areas overlap 36 modern countries. Significant disruption seems begun 6000 years ago some areas, but other regions has yet materialise. In few arid ecoregions, activities appear modestly increased availability past, overall lost between 90% 95% their last 8500 years. Main Conclusions ‘indigenous range’ species, develop replicable biogeographical procedure, apply procedure discuss transferability species.

Язык: Английский

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Identifying gaps in the conservation of small wild cats of Southeast Asia

Biodiversity and Conservation, Год журнала: 2025, Номер unknown

Опубликована: Фев. 20, 2025

Abstract Southeast Asia hosts more felid species than any other region and, although smaller (< 30 kg) felids have important ecological roles, regional conservation has mainly focused on a few charismatic big cats. Information the ecology and status of small is often lacking or geographically limited. We used empirically derived scale-optimized models for seven in three regions (mainland, Borneo Sumatra) to evaluate effectiveness existing protected areas network preserving suitable habitats, map protection. Finally, we assessed whether are good proxies broader terrestrial biodiversity. On mainland, largest most habitats occurred Northern Forest Complex Myanmar between Eastern Myanmar, Laos Vietnam. In these also highlighted areas. Borneo, central highlands Sabah. Sumatra, strongholds habitat suitability were Barisan Mountains, western extent island, highly concentrated within found that aggregated was correlated strongly vertebrate biodiversity single individually, suggesting multiple an association with high overall Overall, our assessment distribution highlights fundamental importance conservation, given associated large extents forest. Our results clarion call expand extent, improve management, remaining core Asia, work enhance protect connectivity them ensure long-term demographic genetic exchange among region’s wildlife populations.

Язык: Английский

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Tradeoffs between resources and risks shape the responses of a large carnivore to human disturbance

Communications Biology, Год журнала: 2023, Номер 6(1)

Опубликована: Окт. 17, 2023

Wide-ranging carnivores experience tradeoffs between dynamic resource availabilities and heterogeneous risks from humans, with consequences for their ecological function conservation outcomes. Yet, research investigating these across large carnivore distributions is rare. We assessed how availability anthropogenic influence the strength of lion (Panthera leo) responses to disturbance using data 31 sites lions' contemporary range. Lions avoided human at over two-thirds sites, though varied depending on site-level characteristics. were more likely exploit human-dominated landscapes where resources limited, indicating that limitation can outweigh might exacerbate human-carnivore conflict. also impacts by increasing nocturnal activity often higher production cattle. The combined effects expanding environmental change threaten simultaneously downgrade intensify conflicts, escalating extinction many species.

Язык: Английский

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Genetic diversity of lion populations in Kenya: Evaluating past management practices and recommendations for future conservation actions

Evolutionary Applications, Год журнала: 2024, Номер 17(3)

Опубликована: Март 1, 2024

The decline of lions (

Язык: Английский

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Seeing the Big‐ to Fine‐Grained Picture: Exploring the Baseline Status of Mammal Occupancy Across Myanmar Using Scale‐Optimised Modelling

Diversity and Distributions, Год журнала: 2024, Номер 30(11)

Опубликована: Окт. 15, 2024

ABSTRACT Aim Myanmar, an Indo‐Burmese biodiversity hotspot, lacks baseline data on species occurrence and distribution. This hinders monitoring optimisation of conservation development plans. We aim to document mammal occupancy, interactions with environmental factors scale‐dependent responses. Location Hkakaborazi National Park, Htamanthi Wildlife Sanctuary, Alaungdaw Kathapa Rakhine Yoma Elephant Range, Say Taung Myinmoletkhat Key Biodiversity Areas distributed across Myanmar. Methods Camera trap throughout Myanmar were used analyse occupancy. conducted a multiscale hierarchical spatial modelling process, using local pooled also optimised scale five scales six predictors, univariate occupancy models. then selected scale‐optimised variables for multivariate modelling, repeating this process each local, regional national datasets. Results The study identified 47 terrestrial observed strong nonstationarity in estimates. Relationships differed among highly dependent. Importantly, estimates produced by pooling sites greatly different from any the individual sites, suggesting that high heterogeneity abundance requires or nested account variation. Main Conclusions Future efforts should focus Northern if range‐restricted rare are be protected, while still given common which serve as potential indicators overall community structure. results datasets underscores misleading interpretations aggregated nonstationary ecological systems. Metareplicated analyses geographically ecologically proximal provide important view variation patterns guiding design improving understanding drivers change large regions, such Southeast Asia.

Язык: Английский

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Predicting the consequences of subsistence poaching on the population persistence of a non-target species of conservation concern

Biological Conservation, Год журнала: 2023, Номер 284, С. 110147 - 110147

Опубликована: Июнь 16, 2023

Illegal animal hunting, a contributor to biodiversity loss, occurs along relative selectivity spectrum from indiscriminate highly selective. Extensive research has evaluated the impacts of selective hunting on populations. In contrast, ways in which pressure can shape populations non-target species not yet received comparable attention. We used empirical field data collection and simulation modelling predict persistence an African lion population (Panthera leo) subject subsistence poaching via wire snares Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda. Our predicted extirpation following 50 % rise lethal above observed levels. When doubled, was extirpated ~70 our simulations. then simulated reductions quantify recovery lions. found that increased by 40 with %. we removed entirely, nearly doubled just 18 years. results demonstrate reducing density study area 2.79/km2, transitioned being locally 67 simulations reaching carrying capacity inside two generations. explore how vulnerable even animals are describe types applied practices be implemented reduce snaring effectively promote conservation concern.

Язык: Английский

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Genetic diversity and origin of captive lion (Panthera leo) in South Africa: an assessment and comparison to wild populations

Conservation Genetics, Год журнала: 2023, Номер 24(6), С. 721 - 737

Опубликована: Май 29, 2023

Abstract South Africa has a large captive lion ( Panthera leo ) sector, but detailed knowledge on the origin of individuals and any potential genetic value to conservation targets is lacking. In 2021, African government committed closing sector have since appointed Ministerial Lion Task Team (2022) initiate this process. Some suggested that lions could be integrated into wild populations as part process information origins diversity critical if explored further. Both Biodiversity Management Plan for in (2015) High-Level report (2021) called more composition lions. To determine probable we summarised existing survey responses from facilities (collected 2017–2018) CITES permit data (issued 1991–2019). Survey suggest most were sourced within sector. However, many permits also issued import across beyond, indicating possible mixed evaluate relationships between standardised microsatellite marker three laboratories analysed genotypes 31 properties. A comparison revealed currently comparable Captive cluster with similar probabilities four regional reference included study no major signatures inbreeding identified. are highly genetically interconnected properties represent smaller effective population size compared Kruger National Park, largest Africa, suggesting some risk future inbreeding. There drift which should investigated further it will likely compromise future. The findings considered when planning fate Africa’s broader context conservation.

Язык: Английский

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Rewilding landscapes with apex predators: cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) movements reveal the importance of environmental and individual contexts

Frontiers in Conservation Science, Год журнала: 2024, Номер 5

Опубликована: Май 8, 2024

Rewilding landscapes through species or population restoration is an increasingly applied practice in biological conservation. There expanding interest wildlife release projects for apex predator augmentation reintroductions historical ranges. Cheetahs ( Acinonyx jubatus ) are IUCN Vulnerable-listed with a declining global facing major threats, which southern Africa primarily include lethal persecution on livestock farms and bush encroachment transforming open habitats to woody areas. We used GPS radiocollars monitor ten adult cheetahs from 2007 – 2018 the Central Plateau of Namibia encompassing area restored as savanna field (13.7 km 2 located matrix woodland affected by encroachment. generated set priori hypotheses that tested effects various factors cheetah movements indexed step length. compared movement metrics based their history wild, rehabilitated, and/or translocated individuals. Day/night activity, habitat type, edges were significant predictors movement. Wild resident displayed significantly longer steps than other classes, possibly suggesting increased territorial behaviour response presence introduced cheetahs. Some temporally segregated moving extensively during daytime, but most individuals active crepuscular periods. Small prey remained constant across time, whereas large declined over study period. appeared adjust behaviourally increasing years when scarce. be ecologically adaptable flexible varying populations new environments, specifically at interface between bush-encroached savanna. Environmental settings animal need carefully considered rewilding ecosystem restoration, monitoring released individuals, if present, important understand ecological dynamics sites.

Язык: Английский

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