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Turner WC, Périquet S, Goelst CE, Vera KB, Cameron EZ, Alexander KA, Belant JL, Cloete CC, du Preez P, Getz WM, Hetem RS, Kamath PL, Kasaona MK, Mackenzie M, Mendelsohn J, Mfune JK, Muntifering JR, Portas R, Scott HA, Strauss WM, Versfeld W, Wachter B, Wittemyer G, Kilian JW. Africa’s drylands in a changing world: Challenges for wildlife conservation under climate and land-use changes in the Greater Etosha Landscape. Glob Ecol Conserv 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gecco.2022.e02221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
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2
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Conservation status of the world’s carnivorous mammals (order Carnivora). Mamm Biol 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s42991-022-00305-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
AbstractThe conservation of carnivores (order Carnivora) can lead to the conservation of other species as well as entire ecosystems since they play an important ecosystemic role. However, their predatory behaviour has caused many of these species to experience marked population declines worldwide and they may therefore face greater anthropogenic threats than other animal groups. To examine the conservation status, population trends, distribution patterns, habitats and threats of all extant species belonging to this order (N = 290), we collected data from the International Union for the Conservation of Nature's Red List. In addition, we calculated the Red List Index (RLI) to measure the change in extinction risk of species over time. Carnivores are more threatened than mammals in general (26.9% of endangered species vs. 22.7%) and have a significantly higher proportion of species with declining populations (48.3% vs. 31.9%). Eupleridae, Ursidae and Felidae families have the worst conservation status. Between the 1990s and 2000s, most families suffered a considerable decline in their RLI value, the most notable being Felidae. The greatest numbers of threatened carnivore species are found in forest, shrubland and grassland habitats. East and South Asia hold great numbers of carnivore species as well as the highest proportion of threatened and declining species. Hunting and trapping of terrestrial animals, along with habitat loss (caused by deforestation and agricultural expansion), pose the main threats to the Carnivora order. Our findings indicate that, within mammals, the conservation of carnivores should be a priority, and conservation measures directed at this group should be undertaken or increased as a matter of urgency.
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Evers EEM, Pretorius ME, Venter JA, Honiball TL, Keith M, Mgqatsa N, Somers MJ. Varying degrees of spatio-temporal partitioning among large carnivores in a fenced reserve, South Africa. WILDLIFE RESEARCH 2022. [DOI: 10.1071/wr21045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Temporal partitioning and spatiotemporal avoidance among large carnivores in a human-impacted African landscape. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0256876. [PMID: 34506529 PMCID: PMC8432863 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0256876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2021] [Accepted: 08/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Africa is home to some of the world’s most functionally diverse guilds of large carnivores. However, they are increasingly under threat from anthropogenic pressures that may exacerbate already intense intra-guild competition. Understanding the coexistence mechanisms employed by these species in human-impacted landscapes could help shed light on some of the more subtle ways in which humans may impact wildlife populations, and inform multi-species conservation planning. We used camera trap data from Tanzania’s Ruaha-Rungwa landscape to explore temporal and spatiotemporal associations between members of an intact East African large carnivore guild, and determine how these varied across gradients of anthropogenic impact and protection. All large carnivores except African wild dog (Lycaon pictus) exhibited predominantly nocturnal road-travel behaviour. Leopard (Panthera pardus) appeared to employ minor temporal avoidance of lion (Panthera leo) in all sites except those where human impacts were highest, suggesting that leopard may have been freed up from avoidance of lion in areas where the dominant competitor was less abundant, or that the need for leopard to avoid humans outweighed the need to avoid sympatric competitors. Lion appeared to modify their activity patterns to avoid humans in the most impacted areas. We also found evidence of avoidance and attraction among large carnivores: lion and spotted hyaena (Crocuta crocuta) followed leopard; leopard avoided lion; spotted hyaena followed lion; and lion avoided spotted hyaena. Our findings suggest that large carnivores in Ruaha-Rungwa employ fine-scale partitioning mechanisms to facilitate coexistence with both sympatric species and humans, and that growing human pressures may interfere with these behaviours.
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Torrents-Ticó M, Fernández-Llamazares Á, Burgas D, Cabeza M. Convergences and divergences between scientific and Indigenous and Local Knowledge contribute to inform carnivore conservation. AMBIO 2021; 50:990-1002. [PMID: 33438166 PMCID: PMC8035381 DOI: 10.1007/s13280-020-01443-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2020] [Revised: 09/30/2020] [Accepted: 11/12/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
There is increasing recognition that diverse knowledge systems can work in mutually enriching ways and that Indigenous and Local Knowledge (ILK) can enhance biodiversity conservation. However, studies using scientific knowledge and ILK in a complementary manner, and acknowledging convergent and especially divergent insights have remained limited. In this study, we contrasted proxies of abundances and trends of threatened and conflict-prone carnivores (caracal, cheetah, jackal, lion, leopard, spotted hyaena, striped hyaena) derived separately from scientific knowledge and ILK. We conducted camera trapping, track surveys and semi-structured interviews with local pastoralists from northern Kenya. We found convergences highlighting the need for conservation action and divergences suggesting scientific ecological sampling limitations or underlying socio-psychological phenomena. Overall, our study shows that complementing scientific knowledge and ILK as separate sources of information and opening up space for discrepancies can enrich our understanding of the status and trends of carnivores, as well as recognizing human-carnivore relationships.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miquel Torrents-Ticó
- Global Change and Conservation (GCC), Organismal and Evolutionary Biology Research Programme, Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 65, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
- Helsinki Institute of Sustainability Science (HELSUS), Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 4, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Álvaro Fernández-Llamazares
- Global Change and Conservation (GCC), Organismal and Evolutionary Biology Research Programme, Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 65, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
- Helsinki Institute of Sustainability Science (HELSUS), Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 4, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Daniel Burgas
- Global Change and Conservation (GCC), Organismal and Evolutionary Biology Research Programme, Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 65, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, P.O. Box 35, 40014 Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Mar Cabeza
- Global Change and Conservation (GCC), Organismal and Evolutionary Biology Research Programme, Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 65, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
- Helsinki Institute of Sustainability Science (HELSUS), Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 4, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
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Curveira-Santos G, Sutherland C, Tenan S, Fernández-Chacón A, Mann GKH, Pitman RT, Swanepoel LH. Mesocarnivore community structuring in the presence of Africa's apex predator. Proc Biol Sci 2021; 288:20202379. [PMID: 33715442 PMCID: PMC7944110 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2020.2379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2020] [Accepted: 02/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Apex predator reintroductions have proliferated across southern Africa, yet their ecological effects and proposed umbrella benefits of associated management lack empirical evaluations. Despite a rich theory on top-down ecosystem regulation via mesopredator suppression, a knowledge gap exists relating to the influence of lions (Panthera leo) over Africa's diverse mesocarnivore (less than 20 kg) communities. We investigate how geographical variation in mesocarnivore community richness and occupancy across South African reserves is associated with the presence of lions. An interesting duality emerged: lion reserves held more mesocarnivore-rich communities, yet mesocarnivore occupancy rates and evenness-weighted diversity were lower in the presence of lions. Human population density in the reserve surroundings had a similarly ubiquitous negative effect on mesocarnivore occupancy. The positive association between species richness and lion presence corroborated the umbrella species concept but translated into small differences in community size. Distributional contractions of mesocarnivore species within lion reserves, and potentially corresponding numerical reductions, suggest within-community mesopredator suppression by lions, probably as a result of lethal encounters and responses to a landscape of fear. Our findings offer empirical support for the theoretical understanding of processes underpinning carnivore community assembly and are of conservation relevance under current large-predator orientated management and conservation paradigms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gonçalo Curveira-Santos
- Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes – cE3c, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Campo Grande, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Chris Sutherland
- Department of Environmental Conservation, University of Massachusetts-Amherst, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
- Centre for Research into Ecological and Environmental Modelling, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, UK
| | - Simone Tenan
- National Research Council, Institute of Marine Sciences (CNR-ISMAR), Arsenale, Tesa 104, Castello 2737/F, 30122 Venezia, Italy
| | - Albert Fernández-Chacón
- Centre for Coastal Research, Department of Natural Sciences, University of Agder, 4604 Kristiansand, Norway
| | - Gareth K. H. Mann
- Panthera, 8 West 40th Street, New York, NY 10018, USA
- Department of Biological Sciences, Institute for Communities and Wildlife in Africa, University of Cape Town, Cape Town 7700, South Africa
| | - Ross T. Pitman
- Panthera, 8 West 40th Street, New York, NY 10018, USA
- Department of Biological Sciences, Institute for Communities and Wildlife in Africa, University of Cape Town, Cape Town 7700, South Africa
| | - Lourens H. Swanepoel
- Department of Zoology, School of Mathematical & Natural Sciences, University of Venda, 0950 Thohoyandou, South Africa
- African Institute for Conservation Ecology, 0929 Levubu, South Africa
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Utilizing bycatch camera-trap data for broad-scale occupancy and conservation: a case study of the brown hyaena Parahyaena brunnea. ORYX 2020. [DOI: 10.1017/s0030605319000747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractWith human influences driving populations of apex predators into decline, more information is required on how factors affect species at national and global scales. However, camera-trap studies are seldom executed at a broad spatial scale. We demonstrate how uniting fine-scale studies and utilizing camera-trap data of non-target species is an effective approach for broadscale assessments through a case study of the brown hyaena Parahyaena brunnea. We collated camera-trap data from 25 protected and unprotected sites across South Africa into the largest detection/non-detection dataset collected on the brown hyaena, and investigated the influence of biological and anthropogenic factors on brown hyaena occupancy. Spatial autocorrelation had a significant effect on the data, and was corrected using a Bayesian Gibbs sampler. We show that brown hyaena occupancy is driven by specific co-occurring apex predator species and human disturbance. The relative abundance of spotted hyaenas Crocuta crocuta and people on foot had a negative effect on brown hyaena occupancy, whereas the relative abundance of leopards Panthera pardus and vehicles had a positive influence. We estimated that brown hyaenas occur across 66% of the surveyed camera-trap station sites. Occupancy varied geographically, with lower estimates in eastern and southern South Africa. Our findings suggest that brown hyaena conservation is dependent upon a multi-species approach focussed on implementing conservation policies that better facilitate coexistence between people and hyaenas. We also validate the conservation value of pooling fine-scale datasets and utilizing bycatch data to examine species trends at broad spatial scales.
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8
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Curveira‐Santos G, Sutherland C, Santos‐Reis M, Swanepoel LH. Responses of carnivore assemblages to decentralized conservation approaches in a South African landscape. J Appl Ecol 2020. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2664.13726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Gonçalo Curveira‐Santos
- Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes (cE3c) Faculdade de Ciências Universidade de Lisboa Lisboa Portugal
| | - Chris Sutherland
- Department of Environmental Conservation University of Massachusetts Amherst Amherst MA USA
| | - Margarida Santos‐Reis
- Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes (cE3c) Faculdade de Ciências Universidade de Lisboa Lisboa Portugal
| | - Lourens H. Swanepoel
- Department of Zoology School of Mathematical & Natural Sciences University of Venda Thohoyandou South Africa
- African Institute for Conservation Ecology Levubu South Africa
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9
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Comley J, Joubert CJ, Mgqatsa N, Parker DM. Lions do not change rivers: Complex African savannas preclude top-down forcing by large carnivores. J Nat Conserv 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jnc.2020.125844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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10
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Rafiq K, Hayward MW, Wilson AM, Meloro C, Jordan NR, Wich SA, McNutt JW, Golabek KA. Spatial and temporal overlaps between leopards (
Panthera pardus
) and their competitors in the African large predator guild. J Zool (1987) 2020. [DOI: 10.1111/jzo.12781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- K. Rafiq
- School of Natural Sciences and Psychology Liverpool John Moores University Liverpool UK
- Botswana Predator Conservation Trust Maun Botswana
| | - M. W. Hayward
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences University of Newcastle Newcastle NSW Australia
- Centre for African Conservation Ecology Nelson Mandela University Port Elizabeth South Africa
| | - A. M. Wilson
- Structure and Motion Lab Royal Veterinary College University of London Hatfield UK
| | - C. Meloro
- School of Natural Sciences and Psychology Liverpool John Moores University Liverpool UK
| | - N. R. Jordan
- Botswana Predator Conservation Trust Maun Botswana
- Centre for Ecosystem Science University of New South Wales Sydney NSW Australia
- Taronga Conservation Society Dubbo NSW Australia
| | - S. A. Wich
- School of Natural Sciences and Psychology Liverpool John Moores University Liverpool UK
| | - J. W. McNutt
- Botswana Predator Conservation Trust Maun Botswana
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Dures SG, Carbone C, Savolainen V, Maude G, Gottelli D. Ecology rather than people restrict gene flow in Okavango‐Kalahari lions. Anim Conserv 2020. [DOI: 10.1111/acv.12562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- S. G. Dures
- Institute of Zoology Zoological Society of London London UK
- Department of Life Sciences Imperial College London Ascot UK
| | - C. Carbone
- Institute of Zoology Zoological Society of London London UK
| | - V. Savolainen
- Department of Life Sciences Imperial College London Ascot UK
| | - G. Maude
- Kalahari Research and Conservation Maun Botswana
| | - D. Gottelli
- Institute of Zoology Zoological Society of London London UK
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12
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Ugarte CS, Moreira-Arce D, Simonetti JA. Ecological Attributes of Carnivore-Livestock Conflict. Front Ecol Evol 2019. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2019.00433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
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14
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Tensen L. Biases in wildlife and conservation research, using felids and canids as a case study. Glob Ecol Conserv 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gecco.2018.e00423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022] Open
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Winterbach CW, Maude G, Neo-Mahupeleng G, Klein R, Boast L, Rich LN, Somers MJ. Conservation implications of brown hyaena ( Parahyaena brunnea) population densities and distribution across landscapes in Botswana. KOEDOE: AFRICAN PROTECTED AREA CONSERVATION AND SCIENCE 2017. [DOI: 10.4102/koedoe.v59i2.1441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
The brown hyaena (Parahyaena brunnea) is endemic to southern Africa. The largest population of this near-threatened species occurs in Botswana, but limited data were available to assess distribution and density. Our objectives were to use a stratified approach to collate available data and to collect more data to assess brown hyaena distribution and density across land uses in Botswana. We conducted surveys using track counts, camera traps and questionnaires and collated our results and available data to estimate the brown hyaena population based on the stratification of Botswana for large carnivores. Brown hyaenas occur over 533 050 km² (92%) of Botswana. Our density estimates ranged from 0 brown hyaenas/100 km² in strata of northern Botswana to 2.94 (2.16–3.71) brown hyaenas/100 km² in the southern stratum of the Central Kalahari Game Reserve. We made assumptions regarding densities in strata that lacked data, using the best references available. We estimated the brown hyaena population in Botswana as 4642 (3133–5993) animals, with 6.8% of the population in the Northern Conservation Zone, 73.1% in the Southern Conservation Zone, 2.0% in the smaller conservation zones and 18.1% in the agricultural zones. The similar densities of brown hyaenas in the Central Kalahari Game Reserve and the Ghanzi farms highlight the potential of agricultural areas in Botswana to conserve this species. The conservation of brown hyaenas in the agricultural landscape of Botswana is critical for the long-term conservation of the species; these areas provide important links between populations in South Africa, Namibia and Zimbabwe.Conservation implications: Botswana contains the core of the brown hyaena population in southern Africa, and conflict mitigation on agricultural land is crucial to maintaining connectivity among the range countries.
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Fraser-Celin VL, Hovorka AJ, Hovork M, Maude G. Farmer–African wild dog (<i>Lycaon pictus</i>) relations in the eastern Kalahari region of Botswana. KOEDOE: AFRICAN PROTECTED AREA CONSERVATION AND SCIENCE 2017. [DOI: 10.4102/koedoe.v59i2.1366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
African wild dogs (Lycaon pictus) are the most endangered large carnivores in southern Africa. Direct and indirect persecution by farmers causes significant conservation challenges. Farmer– wild dog conflict in Botswana commonly occurs as a result of cattle and stocked game depredation by wild dogs, affecting farmer livelihood and causing economic and emotional distress. Although wild dogs predate livestock at lower levels than other carnivores, they continue to be killed both indiscriminately and in retaliation for incidents of depredation. Investigating farmer–wild dog conflict is a necessary step towards establishing appropriate conflict mitigation strategies. Eighty livestock and game farmers were interviewed in order to examine farmers’ value of, perceptions of and experiences with wild dogs as well as their insights on wild dog impacts and conservation in the eastern Kalahari region of Botswana. Interviews were semi-structured and used open-ended questions to capture complexities surrounding farmer–wild dog relations. This research contributes baseline data on wild dogs in understudied tribal land and commercial livestock and game farms in eastern Kalahari. It confirms the presence of wild dogs, livestock and stocked game depredation by wild dogs and negative perspectives amongst farmers towards wild dogs and their conservation. Mean losses were 0.85 livestock per subsistence farmer, 1.25 livestock per commercial livestock farmer, while game farmers lost 95.88 game animals per farmer during January 2012 through June 2013. Proportionally, more subsistence farmers than commercial livestock farmers and game farmers held negative perspectives of wild dogs (χ ² = 9.63, df = 2, p < 0.05). Farmer type, education level, socioeconomic status and land tenure, as well as positive wild dog characteristics should be considered when planning and operationalising conflict mitigation strategies. As such, conservation approaches should focus on conservation education schemes, improved wild prey base for wild dogs, poverty alleviation, and community engagement in order to offer long-term opportunities for addressing farmer–wild dog conflict in Botswana.Conservation implications: Our research contributes to wild dog conservation in Botswana by confirming the presence of wild dogs and the occurrence of livestock and stocked game depredation in previously understudied tribal land and commercial livestock and game farms in eastern Kalahari. To improve predominately negative perceptions of wild dogs and reduce conflict, practitioners should focus their efforts on conservation education schemes, improved wild prey base for wild dogs, poverty alleviation, and community engagement.
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Ahmadi M, Nezami Balouchi B, Jowkar H, Hemami M, Fadakar D, Malakouti‐Khah S, Ostrowski S. Combining landscape suitability and habitat connectivity to conserve the last surviving population of cheetah in Asia. DIVERS DISTRIB 2017. [DOI: 10.1111/ddi.12560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Mohsen Ahmadi
- Department of Natural Resources Isfahan University of Technology Isfahan Iran
| | - Bagher Nezami Balouchi
- Department of Natural Resources and Environment Sciences University of Environment Karaj Iran
- Conservation of Asiatic Cheetah Project (CACP) I.R. Iran Department of Environment Teheran Iran
| | - Houman Jowkar
- Conservation of Asiatic Cheetah Project (CACP) I.R. Iran Department of Environment Teheran Iran
| | - Mahmoud‐Reza Hemami
- Department of Natural Resources Isfahan University of Technology Isfahan Iran
| | - Davoud Fadakar
- Department of Natural Resources Isfahan University of Technology Isfahan Iran
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Groom RJ, Lannas K, Jackson CR. The impact of lions on the demography and ecology of endangered African wild dogs. Anim Conserv 2016. [DOI: 10.1111/acv.12328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- R. J. Groom
- Department of Zoology; University of Johannesburg; Johannesburg South Africa
- African Wildlife Conservation Fund; Chishakwe Ranch; Savé Valley Conservancy Bikita Zimbabwe
| | - K. Lannas
- African Wildlife Conservation Fund; Chishakwe Ranch; Savé Valley Conservancy Bikita Zimbabwe
| | - C. R. Jackson
- Norwegian Institute for Nature Research (NINA); Trondheim Norway
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Ariefiandy A, Forsyth DM, Purwandana D, Imansyah J, Ciofi C, Rudiharto H, Seno A, Jessop TS. Temporal and spatial dynamics of insular Rusa deer and wild pig populations in Komodo National Park. J Mammal 2016. [DOI: 10.1093/jmammal/gyw131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
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Eshete G, Tesfay G, Bauer H, Ashenafi ZT, de Iongh H, Marino J. Community Resource Uses and Ethiopian Wolf Conservation in Mount Abune Yosef. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2015; 56:684-94. [PMID: 25971736 PMCID: PMC4527986 DOI: 10.1007/s00267-015-0529-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2014] [Accepted: 04/29/2015] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
People who perceive economic benefits and enjoy unrestricted access to natural resources tend to support ecosystem conservation efforts. Our study explores whether this remains true in remnant patches of Afroalpine ecosystem in North Ethiopia, where communal land provides valuable natural resources for the local communities and also sustain small populations of the endangered Ethiopian wolf (Canis simensis). Questionnaires were designed to assess ecological and socio-economic characteristics of the livelihoods of the Amhara people living in Mount Abune Yosef and their attitudes toward Afroalpine and Ethiopian wolf conservation. Of the 120 households interviewed, selected randomly from across eight villages, 80 % benefited from natural resources by grazing their livestock and harvesting firewood and grasses. The majority (90 %) also suffered from livestock predation by Ethiopian wolves and common jackals (Canis aureus) and crop raiding by geladas (Theropithecus gelada), birds, and rodents, yet more than half reported a positive attitudes toward Ethiopian wolves (66 %). People with positive attitudes tended to live close to the communal land, to own more livestock, and to be unaffected by conflict. Many also recognized the need to protect the Afroalpine habitats of Abune Yosef (71 %), and this attitude predominated among the literate, households that owned land, had smaller herds and were further away. We discussed how people's attitudes were modulated by human-wildlife conflicts and by the benefits derived from the access to natural resources in communal land, and the implications for the conservation of Afroalpine ecosystem and the flagship Ethiopian wolf.
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Affiliation(s)
- Girma Eshete
- Conservation Biology Department, Institute of Environmental Sciences, University of Leiden, P.O. Box 9518, 2300 RA, Leiden, The Netherlands,
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Winterbach CW, Whitesell C, Somers MJ. Wildlife Abundance and Diversity as Indicators of Tourism Potential in Northern Botswana. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0135595. [PMID: 26308859 PMCID: PMC4550452 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0135595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2014] [Accepted: 07/23/2015] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Wildlife tourism can provide economic incentives for conservation. Due to the abundance of wildlife and the presence of charismatic species some areas are better suited to wildlife tourism. Our first objective was to develop criteria based on wildlife abundance and diversity to evaluate tourism potential in the Northern Conservation Zone of Botswana. Secondly we wanted to quantify and compare tourism experiences in areas with high and low tourism potential. We used aerial survey data to estimate wildlife biomass and diversity to determine tourism potential, while data from ground surveys quantified the tourist experience. Areas used for High Paying Low Volume tourism had significantly higher mean wildlife biomass and wildlife diversity than the areas avoided for this type of tourism. Only 22% of the Northern Conservation Zone has intermediate to high tourism potential. The areas with high tourism potential, as determined from the aerial survey data, provided tourists with significantly better wildlife sightings (ground surveys) than the low tourism potential areas. Even Low Paying tourism may not be economically viable in concessions that lack areas with intermediate to high tourism potential. The largest part of the Northern Conservation Zone has low tourism potential, but low tourism potential is not equal to low conservation value. Alternative conservation strategies should be developed to complement the economic incentive provided by wildlife-based tourism in Botswana.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christiaan W. Winterbach
- Centre for Wildlife Management, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X20 Hatfield, Pretoria 0028, South Africa
- Tau Consultants (Pty) Ltd, P/Bag 83, Maun, Botswana
- * E-mail:
| | | | - Michael J. Somers
- Centre for Wildlife Management, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X20 Hatfield, Pretoria 0028, South Africa
- Centre for Invasion Biology, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X20 Hatfield, Pretoria 0028, South Africa
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Winterbach HEK, Winterbach CW, Boast LK, Klein R, Somers MJ. Relative availability of natural prey versus livestock predicts landscape suitability for cheetahs Acinonyx jubatus in Botswana. PeerJ 2015. [PMID: 26213646 PMCID: PMC4512768 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.1033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Prey availability and human-carnivore conflict are strong determinants that govern the spatial distribution and abundance of large carnivore species and determine the suitability of areas for their conservation. For wide-ranging large carnivores such as cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus), additional conservation areas beyond protected area boundaries are crucial to effectively conserve them both inside and outside protected areas. Although cheetahs prefer preying on wild prey, they also cause conflict with people by predating on especially small livestock. We investigated whether the distribution of cheetahs’ preferred prey and small livestock biomass could be used to explore the potential suitability of agricultural areas in Botswana for the long-term persistence of its cheetah population. We found it gave a good point of departure for identifying priority areas for land management, the threat to connectivity between cheetah populations, and areas where the reduction and mitigation of human-cheetah conflict is critical. Our analysis showed the existence of a wide prey base for cheetahs across large parts of Botswana’s agricultural areas, which provide additional large areas with high conservation potential. Twenty percent of wild prey biomass appears to be the critical point to distinguish between high and low probable levels of human-cheetah conflict. We identified focal areas in the agricultural zones where restoring wild prey numbers in concurrence with effective human-cheetah conflict mitigation efforts are the most immediate conservation strategies needed to maintain Botswana’s still large and contiguous cheetah population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanlie E K Winterbach
- Tau Consultants (Pty) Ltd , Maun , Botswana ; Centre for Wildlife Management, University of Pretoria , Pretoria , South Africa
| | - Christiaan W Winterbach
- Tau Consultants (Pty) Ltd , Maun , Botswana ; Centre for Wildlife Management, University of Pretoria , Pretoria , South Africa
| | | | | | - Michael J Somers
- Centre for Wildlife Management, University of Pretoria , Pretoria , South Africa ; Centre for Invasion Biology, University of Pretoria , Pretoria , South Africa
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Vickers TW, Sanchez JN, Johnson CK, Morrison SA, Botta R, Smith T, Cohen BS, Huber PR, Ernest HB, Boyce WM. Survival and Mortality of Pumas (Puma concolor) in a Fragmented, Urbanizing Landscape. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0131490. [PMID: 26177290 PMCID: PMC4503643 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0131490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2015] [Accepted: 06/01/2015] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Wide-ranging large carnivores pose myriad challenges for conservation, especially in highly fragmented landscapes. Over a 13-year period, we combined monitoring of radio collared pumas (Puma concolor) with complementary multi-generational genetic analyses to inform puma conservation in southern California, USA. Our goals were to generate survivorship estimates, determine causes of mortality, identify barriers to movement, and determine the genetic and demographic challenges to puma persistence among >20,000,000 people and extensive urban, suburban, and exurban development. Despite protection from hunting, annual survival for radio collared pumas was surprisingly low (55.8%), and humans caused the majority of puma deaths. The most common sources of mortality were vehicle collisions (28% of deaths), and mortalities resulting from depredation permits issued after pumas killed domestic animals (17% of deaths). Other human-caused mortalities included illegal shootings, public safety removals, and human-caused wildfire. An interstate highway (I-15) bisecting this study area, and associated development, have created a nearly impermeable barrier to puma movements, resulting in severe genetic restriction and demographic isolation of the small puma population (n ~ 17-27 adults) in the Santa Ana Mountains west of I-15. Highways that bisect habitat or divide remaining "conserved" habitat, and associated ongoing development, threaten to further subdivide this already fragmented puma population and increase threats to survival. This study highlights the importance of combining demographic and genetic analyses, and illustrates that in the absence of effective measures to reduce mortality and enhance safe movement across highways, translocation of pumas, such as was done with the endangered Florida panther (P. c. coryi), may ultimately be necessary to prevent further genetic decline and ensure persistence of the Santa Ana Mountains population.
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Affiliation(s)
- T. Winston Vickers
- Karen C. Drayer Wildlife Health Center, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California Davis, Davis, California, United States of America
| | - Jessica N. Sanchez
- Karen C. Drayer Wildlife Health Center, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California Davis, Davis, California, United States of America
| | - Christine K. Johnson
- Karen C. Drayer Wildlife Health Center, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California Davis, Davis, California, United States of America
| | - Scott A. Morrison
- The Nature Conservancy, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Randy Botta
- California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Valley Center, California, United States of America
| | - Trish Smith
- The Nature Conservancy, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Brian S. Cohen
- The Nature Conservancy, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Patrick R. Huber
- Information Center for the Environment, University of California Davis, Davis, California, United States of America
| | - Holly B. Ernest
- Karen C. Drayer Wildlife Health Center, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California Davis, Davis, California, United States of America
| | - Walter M. Boyce
- Karen C. Drayer Wildlife Health Center, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California Davis, Davis, California, United States of America
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Allen BL, Leung LKP. The (non)effects of lethal population control on the diet of Australian dingoes. PLoS One 2014; 9:e108251. [PMID: 25243466 PMCID: PMC4171516 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0108251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2014] [Accepted: 08/25/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Top-predators contribute to ecosystem resilience, yet individuals or populations are often subject to lethal control to protect livestock, managed game or humans from predation. Such management actions sometimes attract concern that lethal control might affect top-predator function in ways ultimately detrimental to biodiversity conservation. The primary function of a predator is predation, which is often investigated by assessing their diet. We therefore use data on prey remains found in 4,298 Australian dingo scats systematically collected from three arid sites over a four year period to experimentally assess the effects of repeated broad-scale poison-baiting programs on dingo diet. Indices of dingo dietary diversity and similarity were either identical or near-identical in baited and adjacent unbaited treatment areas in each case, demonstrating no control-induced change to dingo diets. Associated studies on dingoes' movement behaviour and interactions with sympatric mesopredators were similarly unaffected by poison-baiting. These results indicate that mid-sized top-predators with flexible and generalist diets (such as dingoes) may be resilient to ongoing and moderate levels of population control without substantial alteration of their diets and other related aspects of their ecological function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin L. Allen
- School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, the University of Queensland, Gatton, Queensland, Australia
- * E-mail:
| | - Luke K.-P. Leung
- School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, the University of Queensland, Gatton, Queensland, Australia
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Winterbach HEK, Winterbach CW, Somers MJ. Landscape suitability in Botswana for the conservation of its six large African carnivores. PLoS One 2014; 9:e100202. [PMID: 24949735 PMCID: PMC4065001 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0100202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2014] [Accepted: 05/23/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Wide-ranging large carnivores often range beyond the boundaries of protected areas into human-dominated areas. Mapping out potentially suitable habitats on a country-wide scale and identifying areas with potentially high levels of threats to large carnivore survival is necessary to develop national conservation action plans. We used a novel approach to map and identify these areas in Botswana for its large carnivore guild consisting of lion (Panthera leo), leopard (Panthera pardus), spotted hyaena (Crocuta crocuta), brown hyaena (Hyaena brunnea), cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) and African wild dog (Lycaon pictus). The habitat suitability for large carnivores depends primarily on prey availability, interspecific competition, and conflict with humans. Prey availability is most likely the strongest natural determinant. We used the distribution of biomass of typical wild ungulate species occurring in Botswana which is preyed upon by the six large carnivores to evaluate the potential suitability of the different management zones in the country to sustain large carnivore populations. In areas where a high biomass of large prey species occurred, we assumed interspecific competition between dominant and subordinated competitors to be high. This reduced the suitability of these areas for conservation of subordinate competitors, and vice versa. We used the percentage of prey biomass of the total prey and livestock biomass to identify areas with potentially high levels of conflict in agricultural areas. High to medium biomass of large prey was mostly confined to conservation zones, while small prey biomass was more evenly spread across large parts of the country. This necessitates different conservation strategies for carnivores with a preference for large prey, and those that can persist in the agricultural areas. To ensure connectivity between populations inside Botswana and also with its neighbours, a number of critical areas for priority management actions exist in the agricultural zones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanlie E. K. Winterbach
- Tau Consultants (Pty) Ltd, Maun, Botswana
- Centre for Wildlife Management, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
- * E-mail:
| | - Christiaan W. Winterbach
- Tau Consultants (Pty) Ltd, Maun, Botswana
- Centre for Wildlife Management, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Michael J. Somers
- Centre for Wildlife Management, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
- Centre for Invasion Biology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
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Lyngdoh S, Shrotriya S, Goyal SP, Clements H, Hayward MW, Habib B. Prey preferences of the snow leopard (Panthera uncia): regional diet specificity holds global significance for conservation. PLoS One 2014; 9:e88349. [PMID: 24533080 PMCID: PMC3922817 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0088349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2013] [Accepted: 01/12/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The endangered snow leopard is a large felid that is distributed over 1.83 million km(2) globally. Throughout its range it relies on a limited number of prey species in some of the most inhospitable landscapes on the planet where high rates of human persecution exist for both predator and prey. We reviewed 14 published and 11 unpublished studies pertaining to snow leopard diet throughout its range. We calculated prey consumption in terms of frequency of occurrence and biomass consumed based on 1696 analysed scats from throughout the snow leopard's range. Prey biomass consumed was calculated based on the Ackerman's linear correction factor. We identified four distinct physiographic and snow leopard prey type zones, using cluster analysis that had unique prey assemblages and had key prey characteristics which supported snow leopard occurrence there. Levin's index showed the snow leopard had a specialized dietary niche breadth. The main prey of the snow leopard were Siberian ibex (Capra sibrica), blue sheep (Pseudois nayaur), Himalayan tahr (Hemitragus jemlahicus), argali (Ovis ammon) and marmots (Marmota spp). The significantly preferred prey species of snow leopard weighed 55±5 kg, while the preferred prey weight range of snow leopard was 36-76 kg with a significant preference for Siberian ibex and blue sheep. Our meta-analysis identified critical dietary resources for snow leopards throughout their distribution and illustrates the importance of understanding regional variation in species ecology; particularly prey species that have global implications for conservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salvador Lyngdoh
- Department of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Wildlife Institute of India, Chandrabani, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Shivam Shrotriya
- Department of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Wildlife Institute of India, Chandrabani, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Surendra P. Goyal
- Department of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Wildlife Institute of India, Chandrabani, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Hayley Clements
- Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, Port Elizabeth, South Africa
| | - Matthew W. Hayward
- Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, Port Elizabeth, South Africa
- College of Natural Sciences, Bangor University, Bangor, Gwynedd, United Kingdom
- Australian Wildlife Conservancy, Nichols Point, Australia
- Centre for African Conservation Ecology, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, Port Elizabeth, South Africa
| | - Bilal Habib
- Department of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Wildlife Institute of India, Chandrabani, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India
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Bauer D, Schiess-Meier M, Mills D, Gusset M. Using spoor and prey counts to determine temporal and spatial variation in lion (Panthera leo) density. CAN J ZOOL 2014. [DOI: 10.1139/cjz-2013-0176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
In many African countries, large carnivores such as lions (Panthera leo (L., 1758)) are under serious threat through conflict with people, declining prey abundance, and exposure to disease. Spoor and prey count surveys were used to determine temporal and spatial variation in lion density in Khutse Game Reserve (KGR), Botswana, and the adjacent communal grazing area. Estimated lion density in KGR for the period September 2008 – June 2010 was 41% lower than for the period June 2007 – August 2008 (1.02 vs. 1.72 lions/100 km2). Prior to this population crash in mid-2008, estimated lion density in the communal grazing area (1.21 lions/100 km2) was 30% lower than inside KGR. The relative abundance of the three most abundant, preferred prey species of lions occurring in KGR decreased from 2001 to 2008 by 50%–79%. Based on two prey biomass estimates, the lion population in KGR was below the potential carrying capacity of the habitat after the crash in mid-2008. These results suggest that there could be a human-caused population sink around KGR, which might be strong enough to threaten the long-term survival of lions in the area; particularly if this edge effect is intensified by prey depletion and disease outbreaks, which might have caused the sudden decline in the lion population.
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Affiliation(s)
- D. Bauer
- Institute of Zoology, University of Hohenheim, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany
- Leopard Ecology & Conservation, Khutse Game Reserve, Private Bag BR7, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - M. Schiess-Meier
- Leopard Ecology & Conservation, Khutse Game Reserve, Private Bag BR7, Gaborone, Botswana
- Institute of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - D.R. Mills
- Leopard Ecology & Conservation, Khutse Game Reserve, Private Bag BR7, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - M. Gusset
- Leopard Ecology & Conservation, Khutse Game Reserve, Private Bag BR7, Gaborone, Botswana
- Wildlife Conservation Research Unit, Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, Abingdon OX13 5QL, United Kingdom
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Tumenta PN, van’t Zelfde M, Croes BM, Buij R, Funston PJ, Udo de Haes HA, De Iongh HH. Changes in lion (Panthera leo) home range size in Waza National Park, Cameroon. Mamm Biol 2013. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mambio.2013.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Habitat loss and mammalian extinction patterns: are the reserves in the Quadrilátero Ferrífero, southeastern Brazil, effective in conserving mammals? Ecol Res 2013. [DOI: 10.1007/s11284-013-1076-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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