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Gula J, Barlow CR. Decline of the marabou stork (
Leptoptilos crumenifer
) in West Africa and the need for immediate conservation action. Afr J Ecol 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/aje.13087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jonah Gula
- University of KwaZulu‐Natal Pietermaritzburg South Africa
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A Model-Based Assessment for the Ability of National Nature Reserves to Conserve the Picea Species in China under Predicted Climate Conditions. SUSTAINABILITY 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/su14127406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Climate change has a profound impact on the conservation and management of the Picea species, and establishing more nature reserves would be an effective way to conserve wild species in general. Based on a novel computational method using ecological niche modeling to predict the potential geographical distribution of species and a spatial decision support system, the planning process could predict the future distribution of the Picea species and thus select appropriate nature reserves. In this research, we utilized systematic conservation planning to define priority conservation areas for the Picea species in China according to future climate predictions. We hypothesized that: (1) the distribution of the Picea species could be changed under predicted climate conditions in China; (2) the current national nature reserves had sufficient capacity to conserve Picea species under predicted climate conditions in China; and (3) there were still deficiencies in the planned conservation for the Picea species based on predicted climate predictions in China. The results of a spatial analysis showed that the predicted climate would have an impact on the area of distribution of the Picea species. Current nature reserves have a strong potential to conserve the Picea species. However, the conservation of the Picea species in the existing nature reserves was not adequate. There were still many Picea specimens outside the reserve that would be threatened. This research systematically improved the research on the Picea species, and it also scientifically identified the suitable growth and conserved areas of the Picea species in China to provide an empirical basis for the conservation and management of the Picea species.
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Remotely sensed effectiveness assessments of protected areas lack a common framework: A review. Ecosphere 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/ecs2.4053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
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4
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Lawrence A, Friedrich F, Beierkuhnlein C. Landscape fragmentation of the Natura 2000 network and its surrounding areas. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0258615. [PMID: 34673802 PMCID: PMC8530314 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0258615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2019] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Habitat loss from anthropogenic development has led to an unprecedented decline in global biodiversity. Protected areas (PAs) exist to counteract this degradation of ecosystems. In the European Union, the Natura 2000 (N2k) network is the basis for continent-wide conservation efforts. N2k is the world’s largest coordinated network of protected areas. However, threats to ecosystems do not stop at the borders of PAs. As measured by a landscape fragmentation metric, anthropogenic development can affect the interiors of PAs. To ensure the long-term viability of the N2k network of PAs, this paper attempts to quantify the degree to which N2k sites are insulated from development pressures. We use a comprehensive dataset of effective mesh density (seff) to measure aggregate fragmentation inside and within a 5 km buffer surrounding N2k sites. Our results show a strong correlation (R² = 0.78) between fragmentation (seff) within and around N2k sites. This result applies to all biogeographical regions in Europe. Only a narrow majority (58.5%) of N2k sites are less fragmented than their surroundings. Remote and mountainous regions in northern Europe, the Alps, parts of Spain, and parts of eastern Europe show the lowest levels of fragmentation. These regions tend to hold the largest N2k sites as measured by area. In contrast, central and western Europe show the highest fragmentation levels within and around N2k sites. 24.5% of all N2k sites are classified as highly to very-highly fragmented. N2k PA age since initial protection does not correlate with the difference in exterior and interior fragmentation of N2k PAs. These results indicate that PAs in Europe are not sheltered from anthropogenic pressures leading to fragmentation. Hence, we argue that there is a high potential for improving PA efficacy by taking pre-emptive action against encroaching anthropogenic fragmentation and by targeting scarce financial resources where fragmentation pressures can be mitigated through enforced construction bans inside PAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Lawrence
- Department of Biogeography, University of Bayreuth, Bayreuth, Germany
- * E-mail: ,
| | - Fabian Friedrich
- Department of Biogeography, University of Bayreuth, Bayreuth, Germany
| | - Carl Beierkuhnlein
- Department of Biogeography, University of Bayreuth, Bayreuth, Germany
- BayCEER, Bayreuth Center for Ecology and Environmental Research, Bayreuth, Germany
- GIB, Bayreuth Institute for Geography, Bayreuth, Germany
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5
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An Economic Analysis of Tropical Forest Resource Conservation in a Protected Area. SUSTAINABILITY 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/su12145850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
In this paper, we develop a reduced form model for factors influencing the conservation of forest resources. We then estimate it using a bivariate negative binomial regression model with cases of illegal farming and illegal cattle grazing in the W Reserve in West Africa. Our results show that population size and farm area in the periphery of the W Reserve are associated with an increase of 2.4% and 7.1% of the illegal farming, respectively. On the other hand, income level, the existence of a checkpoint, and the distance between the villages and the reserve decrease the illegal grazing activities by 7.3%, 63.2%, and 2.3%, respectively.
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Nacoulma BMI, Schmidt M, Hahn K, Thiombiano A. A checklist of vascular plants of the W National Park in Burkina Faso, including the adjacent hunting zones of Tapoa-Djerma and Kondio. Biodivers Data J 2020; 8:e54205. [PMID: 32714013 PMCID: PMC7351797 DOI: 10.3897/bdj.8.e54205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2020] [Accepted: 06/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The W National Park and its two hunting zones represent a unique ecosystem in Burkina Faso for biodiversity conservation. This study aims at providing a detailed view of the current state of the floristic diversity as a baseline for future projects aiming at protecting and managing its resources. We combined intensive inventories and distribution records from vegetation plots, photo records and herbarium collections. New information This is the first comprehensive checklist of vascular plants of the Burkina Faso part of the transborder W National Park. With 721 documented species including 19 species new to Burkina Faso, the Burkina Faso part of the W National Park is, so far, the nature reserve with most plant species in Burkina Faso. To a large extent, this may be assigned to its high habitat diversity and moderate degree of disturbance, but also to a relatively large area within an even larger complex of neighbouring protected areas, as well as comprehensive spatial, ecological and seasonal sampling efforts. However, as a World Heritage Site and regarding the current general context of insecurity, the W National Park and the entire WAP Complex require more international attention in order to ensure its conservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Blandine M I Nacoulma
- Université Joseph Ki-Zerbo, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso Université Joseph Ki-Zerbo Ouagadougou Burkina Faso
| | - Marco Schmidt
- Senckenberg Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre, Frankfurt am Main, Germany Senckenberg Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre Frankfurt am Main Germany.,Palmengarten, Frankfurt am Main, Germany Palmengarten Frankfurt am Main Germany
| | - Karen Hahn
- Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany Goethe University Frankfurt am Main Germany
| | - Adjima Thiombiano
- Université Joseph Ki-Zerbo, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso Université Joseph Ki-Zerbo Ouagadougou Burkina Faso
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Jauro TI, Tesfamichael SG, Rampedi IT. Tracking conservation effectiveness in the Vhembe Biosphere Reserve in South Africa using Landsat imagery. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2020; 192:469. [PMID: 32601765 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-020-08416-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2019] [Accepted: 06/08/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Biosphere reserves (BRs) seek to reconcile a sustainable relationship between human welfare and environmental integrity by adopting a landscape model that distinguishes between three interdependent management zones (core, buffer, transition). Considering the increasing human influence on landscapes in BRs, the tracking land use-land cover (LULC) dynamics is crucial for the development and planning of efficient management strategies for specific management zone. This study aimed at (i) assessing biodiversity protection around the core zones to highlight the threats facing the core zones and (ii) tracking the effect of the proclamation of the Vhembe Biosphere Reserve (VBR) on the LULC dynamics in the management zones through spatio-temporal analysis using Landsat imagery acquired from1999 to 2018. Six LULC categories (water body, forest/bush, shrubs/grass, agricultural land, bare soil, and built-up/mines) were identified and mapped using the support vector machine (SVM) classification to address both objectives. Assessment of threats around the core zones using artificial buffers (0-5, 10-15, and 15-20 km radius) created around them showed agricultural activities in the most immediate buffers (0-5 km radius). The LULC dynamics showed vegetation increase in all the management zones evidenced by the reduction of bare soil as well shrub/grass lands, and by the corresponding increase in foliage-richer forest/bush lands since the proclamation of the reserve in 2009. The findings might signify a positive outcome of vegetation increase as a consequence of the proclamation of the VBR. However, firmer conservation measures must be adopted and priority must be given to the arrangement of the management zones to strengthen biodiversity protection in the core zone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanre I Jauro
- Department of Geography, Environmental Management and Energy Studies, University of Johannesburg, PO Box 524, Auckland Park, Johannesburg, 2006, South Africa.
| | - Solomon G Tesfamichael
- Department of Geography, Environmental Management and Energy Studies, University of Johannesburg, PO Box 524, Auckland Park, Johannesburg, 2006, South Africa.
| | - Isaac T Rampedi
- Department of Geography, Environmental Management and Energy Studies, University of Johannesburg, PO Box 524, Auckland Park, Johannesburg, 2006, South Africa
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Tamou C, Ripoll-Bosch R, de Boer IJM, Oosting SJ. Pastoralists in a changing environment: The competition for grazing land in and around the W Biosphere Reserve, Benin Republic. AMBIO 2018; 47:340-354. [PMID: 28936804 PMCID: PMC5857258 DOI: 10.1007/s13280-017-0942-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2016] [Revised: 05/02/2017] [Accepted: 09/04/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Pastoralists face increasing competition for land with crop farmers and nature in and around the W Biosphere Reserve (WBR) in Benin. Our aim was to describe and analyse land use changes in order to understand their drivers, and to describe and analyse the viewpoints of relevant stakeholders in order to understand the competition for land. To this end, remote sensing data, regional statistics, and survey data were collected. We found that crop land expansion around the WBR was the direct driver of decrease of the grazing land area. Population growth and rising demand for food crops, and government support to the cotton sector were indirect drivers of grazing land reduction. Furthermore, competing claims on land among users arose from the complex interaction of crop expansion, presence of WBR and the way it is governed, the lack of support to pastoralists, and the increasing shift of pastoralists' lifestyle into one of settled crop farmers. Pastoralism is under threat and its survival depends on the successful implementation of policies to support pastoralists and protect grazing lands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles Tamou
- Wageningen University, P.O. Box 338, 6700 AH Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | | | - Imke J. M. de Boer
- Wageningen University, P.O. Box 338, 6700 AH Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Simon J. Oosting
- Wageningen University, P.O. Box 338, 6700 AH Wageningen, The Netherlands
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Sambou A, Sambou B, Ræbild A. Farmers’ contributions to the conservation of tree diversity in the Groundnut Basin, Senegal. JOURNAL OF FORESTRY RESEARCH 2017; 28:1083-1096. [DOI: 10.1007/s11676-017-0374-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/23/2023]
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10
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Mtui D, Owen-Smith N, Lepczyk C. Assessment of wildlife populations trends in three protected areas in Tanzania from 1991 to 2012. Afr J Ecol 2016. [DOI: 10.1111/aje.12354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Devolent Mtui
- Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Management; University of Hawai'i at Mānoa; 1910 East-West Road Sherman 101 Honolulu HI 96822 U.S.A
- Tanzania Wildlife Research Institute; PO Box 661 Arusha Tanzania
| | - Norman Owen-Smith
- Centre for African Ecology; School of Animal; Plant and Environmental Sciences; University of the Witwatersrand; Wits 2050 Johannesburg South Africa
| | - Christopher Lepczyk
- Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Management; University of Hawai'i at Mānoa; 1910 East-West Road Sherman 101 Honolulu HI 96822 U.S.A
- School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences Auburn University; 602 Duncan Drive Auburn AL 36849 U.S.A
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Henschel P, Petracca LS, Hunter LTB, Kiki M, Sewadé C, Tehou A, Robinson HS. Determinants of Distribution Patterns and Management Needs in a Critically Endangered Lion Panthera leo Population. Front Ecol Evol 2016. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2016.00110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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Bouché P, Lejeune P, Bailly V, Muyle M, Zinque MH, Mercier A, Cornélis D, Lungren C, Portier B, Marchal A, Renault F, Yaméogo D, Kafando P, Sawadogo P, Vermeulen C. Conserving wildlife amongst the cotton fields. A third of a century of experience at the Nazinga Game Ranch, Burkina Faso. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2016; 188:437. [PMID: 27350287 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-016-5388-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2015] [Accepted: 05/25/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Established in the early 1970 as a participatory wildlife production area, the Nazinga Game Ranch turned into an island of conservation surrounded by cultivation. We asked ourselves how long-term ungulate trends are affected in a context of continuous human pressure. To find out, we compiled and analysed the data of yearly line-transect counts of mammals carried out since 1985. Results showed that large species such as the elephant (Loxodonta africana) and large antelopes increased or showed stable populations. In contrast, medium and small ungulates showed continuously decreasing trends. During the same period, rainfall, water availability from artificial water points and the crop encroaching outside Nazinga Game Ranch increased. After an initial significant reduction, illegal human signs increased. However, we showed that human signs were positively correlated with the abundance of large ungulates but negatively correlated with the abundance of medium and small ones. In conclusion, this study showed that some isolated mammal populations could be restored and maintained in the long term, in spite of being surrounded by highly cultivated areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philippe Bouché
- Unité de gestion des Ressources Forestières et des Milieux naturels, Université de Liège Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech, Passage des Déportés, 2, B-5030, Gembloux, Belgium.
| | - Philippe Lejeune
- Unité de gestion des Ressources Forestières et des Milieux naturels, Université de Liège Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech, Passage des Déportés, 2, B-5030, Gembloux, Belgium
| | - Vincent Bailly
- Unité de gestion des Ressources Forestières et des Milieux naturels, Université de Liège Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech, Passage des Déportés, 2, B-5030, Gembloux, Belgium
| | - Margaux Muyle
- Unité de gestion des Ressources Forestières et des Milieux naturels, Université de Liège Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech, Passage des Déportés, 2, B-5030, Gembloux, Belgium
| | - Marie-Hélène Zinque
- Unité de gestion des Ressources Forestières et des Milieux naturels, Université de Liège Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech, Passage des Déportés, 2, B-5030, Gembloux, Belgium
| | - Alizé Mercier
- Unité de gestion des Ressources Forestières et des Milieux naturels, Université de Liège Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech, Passage des Déportés, 2, B-5030, Gembloux, Belgium
| | - Daniel Cornélis
- CIRAD Département ES-UPR AGIRs, Campus de Baillarguet TA C-22E, 34398, Montpellier cedex 5, France
| | - Clark Lungren
- Wildlife Production Development Center, Ouagadougou 01, 01 BP 5570, Burkina Faso
| | - Bruno Portier
- Val de la Berwinne, 13A, B-4890, Thimister-Clermont, Belgium
| | - Antoine Marchal
- Unité de gestion des Ressources Forestières et des Milieux naturels, Université de Liège Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech, Passage des Déportés, 2, B-5030, Gembloux, Belgium
| | - Florent Renault
- Section Suivi Écologique du Ranch de Gibier de Nazinga-Office National des Aires Protégées, 01 BP 5820, Ouagadougou, Burkina-Faso
| | - Dieudonné Yaméogo
- Direction Générale de l'Office National des Aires Protégées, Ouagadougou, 01 BP 5820, Burkina Faso
| | - Pierre Kafando
- Direction de la Faune et des Chasses Ministère de l'Environnement et du Développement Durable, Ouagadougou, 03 BP 7044, Burkina Faso
| | - Prosper Sawadogo
- Direction du Ranch de Gibier de Nazinga, Office National des Aires Protégées, Ouagadougou, 01 BP 5820, Burkina Faso
| | - Cédric Vermeulen
- Unité de gestion des Ressources Forestières et des Milieux naturels, Université de Liège Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech, Passage des Déportés, 2, B-5030, Gembloux, Belgium
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Segnon AC, Achigan-Dako EG. Comparative analysis of diversity and utilization of edible plants in arid and semi-arid areas in Benin. JOURNAL OF ETHNOBIOLOGY AND ETHNOMEDICINE 2014; 10:80. [PMID: 25539993 PMCID: PMC4290139 DOI: 10.1186/1746-4269-10-80] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2014] [Accepted: 12/09/2014] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Agrobiodiversity is said to contribute to the sustainability of agricultural systems and food security. However, how this is achieved especially in smallholder farming systems in arid and semi-arid areas is rarely documented. In this study, we explored two contrasting regions in Benin to investigate how agroecological and socioeconomic contexts shape the diversity and utilization of edible plants in these regions. METHODS Data were collected through focus group discussions in 12 villages with four in Bassila (semi-arid Sudano-Guinean region) and eight in Boukoumbé (arid Sudanian region). Semi-structured interviews were carried out with 180 farmers (90 in each region). Species richness and Shannon-Wiener diversity index were estimated based on presence-absence data obtained from the focus group discussions using species accumulation curves. RESULTS Our results indicated that 115 species belonging to 48 families and 92 genera were used to address food security. Overall, wild species represent 61% of edible plants collected (60% in the semi-arid area and 54% in the arid area). About 25% of wild edible plants were under domestication. Edible species richness and diversity in the semi-arid area were significantly higher than in the arid area. However, farmers in the arid area have developed advanced resource-conserving practices compared to their counterparts in the semi-arid area where slash-and-burn cultivation is still ongoing, resulting in natural resources degradation and loss of biodiversity. There is no significant difference between the two areas for cultivated species richness. The interplay of socio-cultural attributes and agroecological conditions explains the diversity of food plants selected by communities. CONCLUSIONS We conclude that if food security has to be addressed, the production and consumption policies must be re-oriented toward the recognition of the place of wild edible plants. For this to happen we suggest a number of policy and strategic decisions as well as research and development actions such as a thorough documentation of wild edible plants and their contribution to household diet, promotion of the ''bringing into cultivation" practices, strengthening of livestock-crop integration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alcade C Segnon
- Horticulture and Genetics Unit, Faculty of Agronomic Sciences, University of Abomey-Calavi, 01 BP 526, Cotonou, Republic of Benin
| | - Enoch G Achigan-Dako
- Horticulture and Genetics Unit, Faculty of Agronomic Sciences, University of Abomey-Calavi, 01 BP 526, Cotonou, Republic of Benin
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Ouédraogo I, Nacoulma BMI, Hahn K, Thiombiano A. Assessing ecosystem services based on indigenous knowledge in south-eastern Burkina Faso (West Africa). INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIODIVERSITY SCIENCE, ECOSYSTEM SERVICES & MANAGEMENT 2014. [DOI: 10.1080/21513732.2014.950980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Issaka Ouédraogo
- Laboratory of Plant Biology and Ecology, Department of Plant Biology and Physiology, UFR/SVT, University of Ouagadougou, 03 BP 7021 Ouagadougou 03, Burkina Faso
| | - Blandine Marie Ivette Nacoulma
- Laboratory of Plant Biology and Ecology, Department of Plant Biology and Physiology, UFR/SVT, University of Ouagadougou, 03 BP 7021 Ouagadougou 03, Burkina Faso
| | - Karen Hahn
- Department of Ecology and Geobotany, Institute for Ecology, Evolution and Diversity, J. W. Goethe University, Max-von-Laue-Str. 13, Hauspostfach 19, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Adjima Thiombiano
- Laboratory of Plant Biology and Ecology, Department of Plant Biology and Physiology, UFR/SVT, University of Ouagadougou, 03 BP 7021 Ouagadougou 03, Burkina Faso
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Interactions between landcover pattern and geospatial processing methods: Effects on landscape metrics and classification accuracy. ECOLOGICAL COMPLEXITY 2013. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ecocom.2013.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Illegal hunting and law enforcement during a period of economic decline in Zimbabwe: A case study of northern Gonarezhou National Park and adjacent areas. J Nat Conserv 2013. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jnc.2012.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Vegetation Structure and Composition across Different Land Uses in a Semiarid Savanna of Southern Zimbabwe. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013. [DOI: 10.1155/2013/692564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
We compared the structure and composition of vegetation communities across different land uses in the northern Gonarezhou National Park and adjacent areas, southeast Zimbabwe. Vegetation data were collected from 60 sample plots using a stratified random sampling technique from April to May 2012. Stratification was by land use, and sample plots in all three strata occurred on predominantly siallitic soils. Our results show that the communal area had higher woody plant species diversity (H'=2.66) than the protected area (H'=1.78). However, the protected area had higher grass species richness per plot than the communal area and resettlement area. Overall, the protected area had more structural and compositional diversity than the other land use areas. These findings suggest that the areas adjacent to protected areas contribute to plant diversity in the greater ecosystem; hence conservation efforts should extend beyond the boundaries of protected areas. We recommend that protected area management should engage community-based institutions in neighbouring areas for effective monitoring of woody vegetation structure and composition.
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Exploring the Use of MODIS NDVI-Based Phenology Indicators for Classifying Forest General Habitat Categories. REMOTE SENSING 2012. [DOI: 10.3390/rs4061781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Bouché P, Douglas-Hamilton I, Wittemyer G, Nianogo AJ, Doucet JL, Lejeune P, Vermeulen C. Will elephants soon disappear from West African savannahs? PLoS One 2011; 6:e20619. [PMID: 21731620 PMCID: PMC3120750 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0020619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2010] [Accepted: 05/09/2011] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Precipitous declines in Africa's native fauna and flora are recognized, but few comprehensive records of these changes have been compiled. Here, we present population trends for African elephants in the 6,213,000 km² Sudano-Sahelian range of West and Central Africa assessed through the analysis of aerial and ground surveys conducted over the past 4 decades. These surveys are focused on the best protected areas in the region, and therefore represent the best case scenario for the northern savanna elephants. A minimum of 7,745 elephants currently inhabit the entire region, representing a minimum decline of 50% from estimates four decades ago for these protected areas. Most of the historic range is now devoid of elephants and, therefore, was not surveyed. Of the 23 surveyed elephant populations, half are estimated to number less than 200 individuals. Historically, most populations numbering less than 200 individuals in the region were extirpated within a few decades. Declines differed by region, with Central African populations experiencing much higher declines (-76%) than those in West Africa (-33%). As a result, elephants in West Africa now account for 86% of the total surveyed. Range wide, two refuge zones retain elephants, one in West and the other in Central Africa. These zones are separated by a large distance (∼900 km) of high density human land use, suggesting connectivity between the regions is permanently cut. Within each zone, however, sporadic contacts between populations remain. Retaining such connectivity should be a high priority for conservation of elephants in this region. Specific corridors designed to reduce the isolation of the surveyed populations are proposed. The strong commitment of governments, effective law enforcement to control the illegal ivory trade and the involvement of local communities and private partners are all critical to securing the future of elephants inhabiting Africa's northern savannas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philippe Bouché
- Unité de Gestion des Ressources Forestières et des Milieux Naturels, Université de Liège Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech, Gembloux, Belgium.
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Interannual Changes of Fire Activity in the Protected Areas of the SUN Network and Other Parks and Reserves of the West and Central Africa Region Derived from MODIS Observations. REMOTE SENSING 2010. [DOI: 10.3390/rs2020446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Guerrini L, Bord JP, Ducheyne E, Bouyer J. Fragmentation analysis for prediction of suitable habitat for vectors: example of riverine tsetse flies in Burkina Faso. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2008; 45:1180-1186. [PMID: 19058646 DOI: 10.1603/0022-2585(2008)45[1180:fafpos]2.0.co;2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Tsetse flies are the cyclic vectors of sleeping sickness and African animal trypanosomosis. The possibility to classify the natural habitat of riverine tsetse species is explored in the Mouhoun River basin, Burkina Faso: the objectives were to discriminate the riverine forests community types and their fragmentation levels by using Landsat 7 enhanced thematic mapper images, to map tsetse densities. Glossina palpalis gambiensis Vanderplank 1949 (Diptera: Glossinidae) and G. tachinoides Westwood, 1850 are the vectors of trypanosomoses in this area. After a supervised classification, the community types were discriminated using the water area in 400-m-wide polygons around the river. A fragmentation analysis of the swamp forest unit, cross-tabulated with the community types, lead to identification of the final landscapes where tsetse apparent densities (ADT) were implemented using a training data set of 608 trap locations. The predicted ADT were then compared with an independent validation data set of 78 trap locations. The correlation between the model predictions and the validation data set was high, validating this approach (P < 0.001). The riverine forest community type and fragmentation level are critical factors for riverine tsetse species, which should be taken into consideration to map their suitable habitat.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Guerrini
- CIRAD, UPR Epidémiologie, Montpellier, F-34398, France.
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