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Gitau CG, Mbau JS, Ngugi RK, ngumbi E, Muneza AB. Activitybudget and foraging patterns ofNubian giraffe ( Giraffa camelopardalis camelopardalis) in Lake Nakuru National Park, Kenya. Ecol Evol 2024; 14:e11463. [PMID: 38826174 PMCID: PMC11139672 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.11463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 05/03/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 06/04/2024] Open
Abstract
The activity budget of giraffe in various African populations has been studied extensively, revealing that it is affected by body size, foraging patterns, and sex. Foraging patterns show an animal's feeding choices in its environment and are influenced by resource availability, competition, and predation risk. The ability of giraffe to survive and reproduce is significantly impacted by the variation in activity budget and foraging across different ecosystems. Our study focused on evaluating the seasonal activity budgets and foraging patterns of Nubian giraffe in Lake Nakuru National Park, Kenya. We used the scan sampling method to record the activity budget of giraffe which included foraging, movement, resting, and drinking water. We then evaluated if activities varied with the seasons. A total of 11,280 activities were documented, with 4560 (40.4%) occurring during the dry season and 6720 (59.6%) during the wet season. Foraging accounted for 53% of the time budget during the dry season, but increased to 57% during the wet season. There was a slight drop in records of movement (22%; n = 995 of 4560) and resting (25%; n = 1145 of 4560) from the dry season to the wet season (20%; n = 1375 out of 6720 and 22%; n = 1515 of 6720). During the dry season, females (53%) foraged longer than males (47%), whereas males (44%) had longer resting periods than females (56%). Giraffe frequently fed on Vachellia xanthophloea (67%; n = 4136 of 6215 foraging records), Maytenus senegalensis (19%), and Solanum incanum (9%) over both seasons. Overall, seasons had little impact on giraffe activity time budgets and foraging patterns in Lake Nakuru National Park. A better insight into the behavioural patterns of this subspecies will allow managers to enhance the protection and conservation of the species and its habitat. Heavy foraging on Vachellia by giraffe at LNNP has been associated with a population decline in number, so perhaps planting more of this species in LNNP could promote a rebound in numbers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Consolata G. Gitau
- Department of Land Resource Management and Agricultural Technology (LARMAT)University of NairobiNairobiKenya
- Present address:
School of Animal, Rural and Environmental Sciences, Nottingham Trent UniversityNottinghamUK
| | - Judith S. Mbau
- Department of Land Resource Management and Agricultural Technology (LARMAT)University of NairobiNairobiKenya
| | - Robinson K. Ngugi
- Department of Land Resource Management and Agricultural Technology (LARMAT)University of NairobiNairobiKenya
| | - Emmanuel ngumbi
- Africa Fund for Endangered Wildlife (AFEW) KenyaNairobiKenya
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2
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Werba JA, Miller DAW, Brand AB, Grant EHC. Updated range map of an endangered salamander and congeneric competitor reveals different niche preferences. Ecol Evol 2024; 14:e11262. [PMID: 38774147 PMCID: PMC11106042 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.11262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2023] [Revised: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Estimating distributions for cryptic and highly range-restricted species induces unique challenges for species distribution modeling. In particular, bioclimatic covariates that are typically used to model species ranges at regional and continental scales may not show strong variation at scales of 100s and 10s of meters. This limits both the likelihood and usefulness of correlated occurrence to data typically used in distribution models. Here, we present analyses of species distributions, at 100 × 100 m resolution, for a highly range restricted salamander species (Shenandoah salamander, Plethodon shenandoah) and a closely related congener (red-backed salamander, Plethodon cinereus). We combined data across multiple survey types, account for seasonal variation in availability of our target species, and control for repeated surveys at locations- all typical challenges in range-scale monitoring datasets. We fit distribution models using generalized additive models that account for spatial covariates as well as unexplained spatial variation and spatial uncertainty. Our model accommodates different survey protocols using offsets and incorporates temporal variation in detection and availability resulting from survey-specific variation in temperature and precipitation. Our spatial random effect was crucial in identifying small-scale differences in the occurrence of each species and provides cell-specific estimates of uncertainty in the density of salamanders across the range. Counts of both species were seen to increase in the 3 days following a precipitation event. However, P. cinereus were observed even in extremely wet conditions, while surface activity of P. shenandoah was associated with a more narrow range. Our results demonstrate how a flexible analytical approach improves estimates of both distribution and uncertainty, and identify key abiotic relationships, even at small spatial scales and when scales of empirical data are mismatched. While our approach is especially valuable for species with small ranges, controlling for spatial autocorrelation, estimating spatial uncertainty, and incorporating survey-specific information in estimates can improve the reliability of distribution models in general.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jo A. Werba
- U.S. Geological Survey, Eastern Ecological Science Center (Patuxent Wildlife Research Center)SO Conte Anadromous Fish Research LaboratoryTurners FallsMassachusettsUSA
- Department of Ecosystem Science and ManagementPennsylvania State UniversityUniversity ParkPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - David A. W. Miller
- Department of Ecosystem Science and ManagementPennsylvania State UniversityUniversity ParkPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Adrianne B. Brand
- U.S. Geological Survey, Eastern Ecological Science Center (Patuxent Wildlife Research Center)SO Conte Anadromous Fish Research LaboratoryTurners FallsMassachusettsUSA
| | - Evan H. Campbell Grant
- U.S. Geological Survey, Eastern Ecological Science Center (Patuxent Wildlife Research Center)SO Conte Anadromous Fish Research LaboratoryTurners FallsMassachusettsUSA
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3
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Bertola LD, Quinn L, Hanghøj K, Garcia-Erill G, Rasmussen MS, Balboa RF, Meisner J, Bøggild T, Wang X, Lin L, Nursyifa C, Liu X, Li Z, Chege M, Moodley Y, Brüniche-Olsen A, Kuja J, Schubert M, Agaba M, Santander CG, Sinding MHS, Muwanika V, Masembe C, Siegismund HR, Moltke I, Albrechtsen A, Heller R. Giraffe lineages are shaped by major ancient admixture events. Curr Biol 2024; 34:1576-1586.e5. [PMID: 38479386 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2024.02.051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2023] [Revised: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
Strong genetic structure has prompted discussion regarding giraffe taxonomy,1,2,3 including a suggestion to split the giraffe into four species: Northern (Giraffa c. camelopardalis), Reticulated (G. c. reticulata), Masai (G. c. tippelskirchi), and Southern giraffes (G. c. giraffa).4,5,6 However, their evolutionary history is not yet fully resolved, as previous studies used a simple bifurcating model and did not explore the presence or extent of gene flow between lineages. We therefore inferred a model that incorporates various evolutionary processes to assess the drivers of contemporary giraffe diversity. We analyzed whole-genome sequencing data from 90 wild giraffes from 29 localities across their current distribution. The most basal divergence was dated to 280 kya. Genetic differentiation, FST, among major lineages ranged between 0.28 and 0.62, and we found significant levels of ancient gene flow between them. In particular, several analyses suggested that the Reticulated lineage evolved through admixture, with almost equal contribution from the Northern lineage and an ancestral lineage related to Masai and Southern giraffes. These new results highlight a scenario of strong differentiation despite gene flow, providing further context for the interpretation of giraffe diversity and the process of speciation in general. They also illustrate that conservation measures need to target various lineages and sublineages and that separate management strategies are needed to conserve giraffe diversity effectively. Given local extinctions and recent dramatic declines in many giraffe populations, this improved understanding of giraffe evolutionary history is relevant for conservation interventions, including reintroductions and reinforcements of existing populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura D Bertola
- Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Liam Quinn
- Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Kristian Hanghøj
- Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | | | - Renzo F Balboa
- Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jonas Meisner
- Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Thomas Bøggild
- Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Xi Wang
- Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Long Lin
- Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Casia Nursyifa
- Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Xiaodong Liu
- Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Zilong Li
- Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Mumbi Chege
- Institute of Environmental Sciences (CML), Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands; Wildlife Research and Training Institute, Naivasha, Kenya
| | - Yoshan Moodley
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Venda, Private Bag X5050, Thohoyandou 0950, Republic of South Africa
| | | | - Josiah Kuja
- Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Mikkel Schubert
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Morris Agaba
- School of Life Sciences and Bioengineering, Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology, Nelson Mandela Road, Arusha, Tanzania
| | - Cindy G Santander
- Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Vincent Muwanika
- College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Makerere University, P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Charles Masembe
- College of Natural Sciences, Makerere University, P O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Hans R Siegismund
- Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Ida Moltke
- Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | | | - Rasmus Heller
- Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
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4
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Gašparová K, Fennessy J, Moussa Zabeirou AR, Abagana AL, Rabeil T, Brandlová K. Saving the Last West African Giraffe Population: A Review of Its Conservation Status and Management. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:702. [PMID: 38473087 DOI: 10.3390/ani14050702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2023] [Revised: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
The West African giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis peralta) was historically spread across much of the Sudano-Sahelian zone but is now restricted to Niger. Several factors resulted in their dramatic decline during the late 20th century. In 1996, only 49 individuals remained, concentrated in the 'Giraffe Zone'. Conservation activities implemented by the Government of Niger, supported by local communities and NGOs, facilitated their population numbers to increase. This review summarizes past and present conservation activities and evaluates their impact to advise and prioritize future conservation actions for the West African giraffe. The long-term conservation of the West African giraffe is highly dependent on the local communities who live alongside them, as well as supplementary support from local and international partners. Recent conservation initiatives range from community-based monitoring to the fitting of GPS satellite tags to better understand their habitat use, spatial movements to expansion areas, and environmental education to the establishment of the first satellite population of West African giraffe in Gadabedji Biosphere Reserve, the latter serving as a flagship for the future restoration of large mammal populations in West Africa. The integration of modern technologies and methods will hopefully provide better-quality data, improved spatial analyses, and greater understanding of giraffe ecology to inform the long-term management of West African giraffe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kateřina Gašparová
- Faculty of Tropical AgriSciences, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Kamýcká 129, 165 00 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Julian Fennessy
- Giraffe Conservation Foundation, Windhoek 10009, Namibia
- School of Biology and Environmental Science, University College Dublin, D04 V1W8 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Abdoul Razack Moussa Zabeirou
- Faculty of Tropical AgriSciences, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Kamýcká 129, 165 00 Prague, Czech Republic
- Giraffe Conservation Foundation, Windhoek 10009, Namibia
| | - Ali Laouel Abagana
- Project Sustainable Management of Biodiversity, Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development, Niamey 920001, Niger
| | - Thomas Rabeil
- Wild Africa Conservation, Kouara Kano, BP32, Niamey 920001, Niger
| | - Karolína Brandlová
- Faculty of Tropical AgriSciences, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Kamýcká 129, 165 00 Prague, Czech Republic
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5
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Brown MB, Fennessy JT, Crego RD, Fleming CH, Alves J, Brandlová K, Fennessy S, Ferguson S, Hauptfleisch M, Hejcmanova P, Hoffman R, Leimgruber P, Masiaine S, McQualter K, Mueller T, Muller B, Muneza A, O'Connor D, Olivier AJ, Rabeil T, Seager S, Stacy-Dawes J, van Schalkwyk L, Stabach J. Ranging behaviours across ecological and anthropogenic disturbance gradients: a pan-African perspective of giraffe ( Giraffa spp .) space use. Proc Biol Sci 2023; 290:20230912. [PMID: 37357852 PMCID: PMC10291724 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2023.0912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Animal movement behaviours are shaped by diverse factors, including resource availability and human impacts on the landscape. We generated home range estimates and daily movement rate estimates for 149 giraffe (Giraffa spp.) from all four species across Africa to evaluate the effects of environmental productivity and anthropogenic disturbance on space use. Using the continuous time movement modelling framework and a novel application of mixed effects meta-regression, we summarized overall giraffe space use and tested for the effects of resource availability and human impact on 95% autocorrelated kernel density estimate (AKDE) size and daily movement. The mean 95% AKDE was 359.9 km2 and the mean daily movement was 14.2 km, both with marginally significant differences across species. We found significant negative effects of resource availability, and significant positive effects of resource heterogeneity and protected area overlap on 95% AKDE size. There were significant negative effects of overall anthropogenic disturbance and positive effects of the heterogeneity of anthropogenic disturbance on daily movements and 95% AKDE size. Our results provide unique insights into the interactive effects of resource availability and anthropogenic development on the movements of a large-bodied browser and highlight the potential impacts of rapidly changing landscapes on animal space-use patterns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Butler Brown
- Giraffe Conservation Foundation, PO Box 86099, Eros, Windhoek, Namibia
- Smithsonian National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, Conservation Ecology Center, 1500 Remount Rd, Front Royal, VA 22630, USA
| | | | - Ramiro D. Crego
- Smithsonian National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, Conservation Ecology Center, 1500 Remount Rd, Front Royal, VA 22630, USA
| | - Christen H. Fleming
- Smithsonian National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, Conservation Ecology Center, 1500 Remount Rd, Front Royal, VA 22630, USA
- Department of Biology, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
| | - Joel Alves
- Wildscapes Veterinary & Conservation Services, Hoedspruit, South Africa
| | - Karolina Brandlová
- Faculty of Tropical AgriSciences, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Kamycka 129, 16500 Prague, Czechia
| | | | - Sara Ferguson
- Giraffe Conservation Foundation, PO Box 86099, Eros, Windhoek, Namibia
| | - Morgan Hauptfleisch
- Biodiversity Research Centre, Namibia University of Science and Technology, 8 Johann Albrecht Street, Windhoek, Namibia
| | - Pavla Hejcmanova
- Faculty of Tropical AgriSciences, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Kamycka 129, 16500 Prague, Czechia
| | - Rigardt Hoffman
- Giraffe Conservation Foundation, PO Box 86099, Eros, Windhoek, Namibia
| | - Peter Leimgruber
- Smithsonian National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, Conservation Ecology Center, 1500 Remount Rd, Front Royal, VA 22630, USA
| | - Symon Masiaine
- Conservation Science & Wildlife Health, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Kylie McQualter
- Centre for Ecosystem Studies, School of Biological Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Kensington, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Thomas Mueller
- Senckenberg Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre and Department of Biological Science, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Ben Muller
- Wildscapes Veterinary & Conservation Services, Hoedspruit, South Africa
| | - Arthur Muneza
- Giraffe Conservation Foundation, PO Box 86099, Eros, Windhoek, Namibia
| | - David O'Connor
- Smithsonian National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, Conservation Ecology Center, 1500 Remount Rd, Front Royal, VA 22630, USA
- Senckenberg Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre and Department of Biological Science, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Adriaan Jacobus Olivier
- Department of Conservation Ecology and Entomology, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa
| | | | | | - Jenna Stacy-Dawes
- Conservation Science & Wildlife Health, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Louis van Schalkwyk
- Office of the State Veterinarian, Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development, Kruger National Park, Skukuza, South Africa
- Department of Migration, Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior, Radolfzell, Germany
- Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Jared Stabach
- Smithsonian National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, Conservation Ecology Center, 1500 Remount Rd, Front Royal, VA 22630, USA
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6
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Jannello JM, Chinsamy A. Osteohistology and palaeobiology of giraffids from the Mio-Pliocene Langebaanweg (South Africa). J Anat 2023; 242:953-971. [PMID: 36748181 PMCID: PMC10093165 DOI: 10.1111/joa.13825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Revised: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The reconstruction of life history traits, such as growth rate, age at maturity and age at death can be estimated from the histological analysis of long bones. Here, we studied 20 long bones (metapodials, tibia and femora) of Sivatherium hendeyi and Giraffa cf. Giraffa jumae recovered from the Miocene-Pliocene locality of Langebaanweg on the West Coast of South Africa. We analysed the long bone histology and growth marks of juvenile and adult specimens of these taxa. Our results show that bone tissue types and vascular canal orientation varies during ontogeny, as well as between the different skeletal elements, and also across single cross sections of bones. Majority of our specimens appear to be still growing, with only an adult metacarpal of S. hendeyi being skeletally mature as indicated by the presence of an outer circumferential layer. We propose that the growth marks preserved in the cortices of the bones studied are most likely related to multiple catastrophic events as opposed to being annual/seasonal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Marcos Jannello
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cape Town, Rhodes Gift, South Africa.,Instituto de Evolución, Ecología Histórica y Ambiente (IDEVEA) CONICET-UTN-FRSR, San Rafael, Argentina
| | - Anusuya Chinsamy
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cape Town, Rhodes Gift, South Africa
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7
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Bernstein-Kurtycz LM, Dunham NT, Evenhuis J, Brown MB, Muneza AB, Fennessy J, Dennis PM, Lukas KE. Evaluating the effects of giraffe skin disease and wire snare wounds on the gaits of free-ranging Nubian giraffe. Sci Rep 2023; 13:1959. [PMID: 36737637 PMCID: PMC9898309 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-28677-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Giraffe skin disease (GSD), a condition that results in superficial lesions in certain giraffe (Giraffa spp.) populations, has emerged as a potential conservation threat. Preliminary findings suggested that individuals with GSD lesions move with greater difficulty which may in turn reduce their foraging efficiency or make them more vulnerable to predation. A current known threat to some giraffe populations is their mortality associated with entrapment in wire snares, and the morbidity and potential locomotor deficiencies associated with wounds acquired from snares. The goal of our study was to quantify the locomotor kinematics of free-ranging Nubian giraffe (G. camelopardalis camelopardalis) in Murchison Falls National Park (MFNP), Uganda, and compare spatiotemporal limb and neck angle kinematics of healthy giraffe to those of giraffe with GSD lesions, snare wounds, and both GSD lesions and snare wounds. The presence of GSD lesions did not significantly affect spatiotemporal limb kinematic parameters. This finding is potentially because lesions were located primarily on the necks of Nubian giraffe in MFNP. The kinematic parameters of individuals with snare wounds differed from those of healthy individuals, resulting in significantly shorter stride lengths, reduced speed, lower limb phase values, and increased gait asymmetry. Neck angle kinematic parameters did not differ among giraffe categories, which suggests that GSD neck lesions do not impair normal neck movements and range of motion during walking. Overall, MFNP giraffe locomotor patterns are largely conservative between healthy individuals and those with GSD, while individuals with snare wounds showed more discernible kinematic adjustments consistent with unilateral limb injuries. Additional studies are recommended to assess spatiotemporal limb kinematics of giraffe at sites where lesions are found predominantly on the limbs to better assess the potential significance of GSD on their locomotion.
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Affiliation(s)
- L M Bernstein-Kurtycz
- Division of Conservation and Science, Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, 4200 Wildlife Way, Cleveland, OH, 44109, USA.,Department of Biology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA.,Little Rock Zoo, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - N T Dunham
- Division of Conservation and Science, Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, 4200 Wildlife Way, Cleveland, OH, 44109, USA. .,Department of Biology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA.
| | - J Evenhuis
- Department of Biology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA.,College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - M B Brown
- Giraffe Conservation Foundation, P.O. Box 86099, Eros, Namibia.,Smithsonian National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, Front Royal, VA, 22630, USA.,Department of Biological Sciences Program in Ecology, Evolution, Ecosystems, and Society, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, USA
| | - A B Muneza
- Giraffe Conservation Foundation, P.O. Box 86099, Eros, Namibia
| | - J Fennessy
- Giraffe Conservation Foundation, P.O. Box 86099, Eros, Namibia
| | - P M Dennis
- Division of Conservation and Science, Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, 4200 Wildlife Way, Cleveland, OH, 44109, USA.,Department of Biology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA.,Department of Veterinary Preventive Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - K E Lukas
- Division of Conservation and Science, Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, 4200 Wildlife Way, Cleveland, OH, 44109, USA.,Department of Biology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
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8
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Socio-economic factors correlating with illegal use of giraffe body parts. ORYX 2023. [DOI: 10.1017/s003060532200062x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Unsustainable hunting, both illegal and legal, has led to the extirpation of many species. In the last 35 years giraffe Giraffa spp. populations have declined precipitously, with extinctions documented in seven African countries. Amongst the various reasons for these population declines, poaching is believed to play an important role in some areas. Giraffes are primarily hunted for consumption and for the use of their body parts as trophies and in traditional medicine. However, the socio-economic factors that correlate with the use of giraffe body parts are not well understood. We conducted our study in Tsavo Conservation Area, Kenya, which experiences high levels of poaching. We used semi-structured surveys amongst 331 households to document how giraffe body parts are typically acquired and their intended use (i.e. trophy, medicinal or consumptive). We then used logistic regression models to assess the correlations between nine socio-economic factors and the use of giraffe body parts. We found that giraffe body parts had mostly consumptive and trophy uses. One-time suppliers, opportunistic access and widely known markets were the most common means of acquiring giraffe body parts. Results from our models showed that three variables (gender: men, occupation: tourism worker, and land ownership) were correlated significantly and positively with the use of giraffe body parts. We describe the complex links between socio-economic factors and the use of giraffe body parts and highlight the importance of implementing mitigation measures adapted to local contexts to combat a challenge that many species of conservation concern are facing.
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9
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du Toit JT, Hetem RS, Dearing MD. Editorial: Mammalian responses to climate change: From organisms to communities. Front Ecol Evol 2022. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2022.1023587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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10
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Broekman MJE, Hilbers JP, Huijbregts MAJ, Mueller T, Ali AH, Andrén H, Altmann J, Aronsson M, Attias N, Bartlam‐Brooks HLA, van Beest FM, Belant JL, Beyer DE, Bidner L, Blaum N, Boone RB, Boyce MS, Brown MB, Cagnacci F, Černe R, Chamaillé‐Jammes S, Dejid N, Dekker J, L. J. Desbiez A, Díaz‐Muñoz SL, Fennessy J, Fichtel C, Fischer C, Fisher JT, Fischhoff I, Ford AT, Fryxell JM, Gehr B, Goheen JR, Hauptfleisch M, Hewison AJM, Hering R, Heurich M, Isbell LA, Janssen R, Jeltsch F, Kaczensky P, Kappeler PM, Krofel M, LaPoint S, Latham ADM, Linnell JDC, Markham AC, Mattisson J, Medici EP, de Miranda Mourão G, Van Moorter B, Morato RG, Morellet N, Mysterud A, Mwiu S, Odden J, Olson KA, Ornicāns A, Pagon N, Panzacchi M, Persson J, Petroelje T, Rolandsen CM, Roshier D, Rubenstein DI, Saïd S, Salemgareyev AR, Sawyer H, Schmidt NM, Selva N, Sergiel A, Stabach J, Stacy‐Dawes J, Stewart FEC, Stiegler J, Strand O, Sundaresan S, Svoboda NJ, Ullmann W, Voigt U, Wall J, Wikelski M, Wilmers CC, Zięba F, Zwijacz‐Kozica T, Schipper AM, Tucker MA. Evaluating expert-based habitat suitability information of terrestrial mammals with GPS-tracking data. GLOBAL ECOLOGY AND BIOGEOGRAPHY : A JOURNAL OF MACROECOLOGY 2022; 31:1526-1541. [PMID: 36247232 PMCID: PMC9544534 DOI: 10.1111/geb.13523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2021] [Revised: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
AIM Macroecological studies that require habitat suitability data for many species often derive this information from expert opinion. However, expert-based information is inherently subjective and thus prone to errors. The increasing availability of GPS tracking data offers opportunities to evaluate and supplement expert-based information with detailed empirical evidence. Here, we compared expert-based habitat suitability information from the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) with habitat suitability information derived from GPS-tracking data of 1,498 individuals from 49 mammal species. LOCATION Worldwide. TIME PERIOD 1998-2021. MAJOR TAXA STUDIED Forty-nine terrestrial mammal species. METHODS Using GPS data, we estimated two measures of habitat suitability for each individual animal: proportional habitat use (proportion of GPS locations within a habitat type), and selection ratio (habitat use relative to its availability). For each individual we then evaluated whether the GPS-based habitat suitability measures were in agreement with the IUCN data. To that end, we calculated the probability that the ranking of empirical habitat suitability measures was in agreement with IUCN's classification into suitable, marginal and unsuitable habitat types. RESULTS IUCN habitat suitability data were in accordance with the GPS data (> 95% probability of agreement) for 33 out of 49 species based on proportional habitat use estimates and for 25 out of 49 species based on selection ratios. In addition, 37 and 34 species had a > 50% probability of agreement based on proportional habitat use and selection ratios, respectively. MAIN CONCLUSIONS We show how GPS-tracking data can be used to evaluate IUCN habitat suitability data. Our findings indicate that for the majority of species included in this study, it is appropriate to use IUCN habitat suitability data in macroecological studies. Furthermore, we show that GPS-tracking data can be used to identify and prioritize species and habitat types for re-evaluation of IUCN habitat suitability data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maarten J. E. Broekman
- Department of Environmental ScienceInstitute for Wetland and Water Research, Faculty of Science, Radboud UniversityNijmegenThe Netherlands
| | - Jelle P. Hilbers
- Department of Environmental ScienceInstitute for Wetland and Water Research, Faculty of Science, Radboud UniversityNijmegenThe Netherlands
| | - Mark A. J. Huijbregts
- Department of Environmental ScienceInstitute for Wetland and Water Research, Faculty of Science, Radboud UniversityNijmegenThe Netherlands
| | - Thomas Mueller
- Senckenberg Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre, Senckenberg Gesellschaft für NaturforschungFrankfurt (Main)Germany
- Department of Biological SciencesGoethe UniversityFrankfurt (Main)Germany
| | | | - Henrik Andrén
- Grimsö Wildlife Research Station, Department of EcologySwedish University of Agricultural SciencesRiddarhyttanSweden
| | - Jeanne Altmann
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary BiologyPrinceton UniversityPrincetonNew JerseyUSA
| | - Malin Aronsson
- Grimsö Wildlife Research Station, Department of EcologySwedish University of Agricultural SciencesRiddarhyttanSweden
- Department of ZoologyStockholm UniversityStockholmSweden
| | - Nina Attias
- Ecology and Conservation Graduate ProgramFederal University of Mato Grosso do SulCampo GrandeMato Grosso do SulBrazil
- Instituto de Conservação de Animais Silvestres (ICAS)Campo GrandeMato Grosso do SulBrazil
| | | | | | - Jerrold L. Belant
- Global Wildlife Conservation CenterState University of New York College of Environmental Science and ForestrySyracuseNew YorkUSA
| | - Dean E. Beyer
- Department of Fisheries and WildlifeMichigan State UniversityEast LansingMichiganUSA
| | - Laura Bidner
- Department of AnthropologyUniversity of CaliforniaDavisCaliforniaUSA
| | - Niels Blaum
- Plant Ecology and Nature ConservationUniversity of PotsdamPotsdamGermany
| | - Randall B. Boone
- Department of Ecosystem Science and SustainabilityColorado State UniversityFort CollinsColoradoUSA
| | - Mark S. Boyce
- Department of Biological SciencesUniversity of AlbertaEdmontonAlbertaCanada
| | - Michael B. Brown
- Giraffe Conservation FoundationErosNamibia
- Conservation Ecology CenterSmithsonian National Zoo and Conservation Biology InstituteFront RoyalVirginiaUSA
| | - Francesca Cagnacci
- Department of Biodiversity and Molecular EcologyResearch and Innovation Centre, Fondazione Edmund MachTrentoItaly
| | - Rok Černe
- Slovenia Forest ServiceLjubljanaSlovenia
| | - Simon Chamaillé‐Jammes
- CEFE, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, EPHE, IRD, Univ Paul Valéry Montpellier 3MontpellierFrance
| | - Nandintsetseg Dejid
- Senckenberg Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre, Senckenberg Gesellschaft für NaturforschungFrankfurt (Main)Germany
| | | | - Arnaud L. J. Desbiez
- Instituto de Conservação de Animais Silvestres (ICAS)Campo GrandeMato Grosso do SulBrazil
- IPÊ (Instituto de Pesquisas Ecológicas; Institute for Ecological Research)São PauloBrazil
- Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS)EdinburghUK
| | - Samuel L. Díaz‐Muñoz
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular GeneticsUniversity of CaliforniaDavisCaliforniaUSA
| | | | - Claudia Fichtel
- German Primate Center, Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology UnitGöttingenGermany
| | - Christina Fischer
- Faunistics and Wildlife Conservation, Department of Agriculture, Ecotrophology, and Landscape DevelopmentAnhalt University of Applied SciencesBernburgGermany
| | - Jason T. Fisher
- School of Environmental StudiesUniversity of VictoriaVictoriaBritish ColumbiaCanada
| | | | - Adam T. Ford
- Department of Biology, Faculty of ScienceUniversity of British ColumbiaKelownaBritish ColumbiaCanada
| | - John M. Fryxell
- Department of Integrative BiologyUniversity of GuelphGuelphOntarioCanada
| | - Benedikt Gehr
- Department of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental StudiesUniversity of ZurichZurichSwitzerland
| | - Jacob R. Goheen
- Department of Zoology and PhysiologyUniversity of WyomingLaramieWyomingUSA
| | - Morgan Hauptfleisch
- Department of Agriculture And Natural Resources Sciences, Biodiversity Research CentreNamibia University of Science and TechnologyWindhoekNamibia
| | - A. J. Mark Hewison
- Université de Toulouse, INRAE, CEFSCastanet‐TolosanFrance
- LTSER ZA Pyrénées GaronneAuzeville‐TolosaneFrance
| | - Robert Hering
- Plant Ecology and Nature ConservationUniversity of PotsdamPotsdamGermany
| | - Marco Heurich
- Department of Conservation and ResearchBavarian Forest National ParkGrafenauGermany
- Chair of Wildlife Ecology and ManagementAlbert Ludwigs University of FreiburgFreiburgGermany
- Department of Forestry and Wildlife ManagementInland Norway University of Applied SciencesKoppangNorway
| | - Lynne A. Isbell
- Department of AnthropologyUniversity of CaliforniaDavisCaliforniaUSA
- Animal Behavior Graduate GroupUniversity of CaliforniaDavisCaliforniaUSA
| | | | - Florian Jeltsch
- Plant Ecology and Nature ConservationUniversity of PotsdamPotsdamGermany
| | - Petra Kaczensky
- Department of Forestry and Wildlife ManagementInland Norway University of Applied SciencesKoppangNorway
- Norwegian Institute for Nature ResearchTrondheimNorway
- Research Institute of Wildlife EcologyUniversity of Veterinary Medicine ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Peter M. Kappeler
- German Primate Center, Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology UnitGöttingenGermany
| | - Miha Krofel
- Department of Forestry and Renewable Forest Resources, Biotechnical FacultyUniversity of LjubljanaLjubljanaSlovenia
| | - Scott LaPoint
- Black Rock ForestCornwallNew YorkUSA
- Lamont‐Doherty Earth ObservatoryColumbia UniversityPalisadesNew YorkUSA
| | - A. David M. Latham
- Department of Biological SciencesUniversity of AlbertaEdmontonAlbertaCanada
- Wildlife Ecology and ManagementManaaki Whenua – Landcare ResearchLincolnNew Zealand
| | - John D. C. Linnell
- Department of Forestry and Wildlife ManagementInland Norway University of Applied SciencesKoppangNorway
- Norwegian Institute for Nature ResearchTrondheimNorway
| | | | | | - Emilia Patricia Medici
- IPÊ (Instituto de Pesquisas Ecológicas; Institute for Ecological Research)São PauloBrazil
- International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Species Survival Commission (SSC) Tapir Specialist Group (TSG)Campo GrandeMato Grosso do SulBrazil
| | | | | | - Ronaldo G. Morato
- National Research Center for Carnivores ConservationChico Mendes Institute for the Conservation of BiodiversityAtibaiaBrazil
| | - Nicolas Morellet
- Université de Toulouse, INRAE, CEFSCastanet‐TolosanFrance
- LTSER ZA Pyrénées GaronneAuzeville‐TolosaneFrance
| | - Atle Mysterud
- Centre for Ecological and Evolutionary Synthesis, Department of BiosciencesUniversity of OsloOsloNorway
| | - Stephen Mwiu
- Wildlife Research and Training InstituteNaivashaKenya
| | - John Odden
- Norwegian Institute for Nature ResearchOsloNorway
| | - Kirk A. Olson
- Wildlife Conservation Society, Mongolia ProgramUlaanbaatarMongolia
| | - Aivars Ornicāns
- Latvian State Forest Research Institute “Silava”SalaspilsLatvia
| | | | | | - Jens Persson
- Grimsö Wildlife Research Station, Department of EcologySwedish University of Agricultural SciencesRiddarhyttanSweden
| | - Tyler Petroelje
- Global Wildlife Conservation CenterState University of New York College of Environmental Science and ForestrySyracuseNew YorkUSA
| | | | - David Roshier
- Australian Wildlife ConservancySubiacoWestern AustraliaAustralia
| | - Daniel I. Rubenstein
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary BiologyPrinceton UniversityPrincetonNew JerseyUSA
| | - Sonia Saïd
- Direction de la Recherche et de l'Appui ScientifiqueOffice Français de la BiodiversitéBirieuxFrance
| | - Albert R. Salemgareyev
- Association for the Conservation of Biodiversity of Kazakhstan (ACBK)Nur‐SultanKazakhstan
| | - Hall Sawyer
- Western Ecosystems Technology Inc.LaramieWyomingUSA
| | - Niels Martin Schmidt
- Department of BioscienceAarhus UniversityRoskildeDenmark
- Arctic Research CentreAarhus UniversityAarhusDenmark
| | - Nuria Selva
- Institute of Nature Conservation Polish Academy of SciencesKrakowPoland
| | - Agnieszka Sergiel
- Institute of Nature Conservation Polish Academy of SciencesKrakowPoland
| | - Jared Stabach
- Conservation Ecology CenterSmithsonian National Zoo and Conservation Biology InstituteFront RoyalVirginiaUSA
| | - Jenna Stacy‐Dawes
- Conservation Science and Wildlife HealthSan Diego Zoo Wildlife AllianceEscondidoCaliforniaUSA
| | - Frances E. C. Stewart
- School of Environmental StudiesUniversity of VictoriaVictoriaBritish ColumbiaCanada
- Department of BiologyWilfrid Laurier UniversityWaterlooOntarioCanada
| | - Jonas Stiegler
- Plant Ecology and Nature ConservationUniversity of PotsdamPotsdamGermany
| | - Olav Strand
- Norwegian Institute for Nature ResearchTrondheimNorway
| | | | - Nathan J. Svoboda
- Carnivore Ecology Laboratory, Forest and Wildlife Research CenterMississippi State UniversityMississippi StateMississippiUSA
- Alaska Department of Fish and GameKodiakAlaskaUSA
| | - Wiebke Ullmann
- Plant Ecology and Nature ConservationUniversity of PotsdamPotsdamGermany
| | - Ulrich Voigt
- Institute for Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife ResearchUniversity of Veterinary Medicine Hannover FoundationHannoverGermany
| | | | - Martin Wikelski
- Department of MigrationMax Planck Institute of Animal BehaviorRadolfzellGermany
- Centre for the Advanced Study of Collective BehaviourUniversity of KonstanzConstanceGermany
| | - Christopher C. Wilmers
- Center for Integrated Spatial Research, Environmental Studies DepartmentUniversity of CaliforniaSanta CruzCaliforniaUSA
| | | | | | - Aafke M. Schipper
- Department of Environmental ScienceInstitute for Wetland and Water Research, Faculty of Science, Radboud UniversityNijmegenThe Netherlands
- PBL Netherlands Environmental Assessment AgencyThe HagueThe Netherlands
| | - Marlee A. Tucker
- Department of Environmental ScienceInstitute for Wetland and Water Research, Faculty of Science, Radboud UniversityNijmegenThe Netherlands
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11
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Han S, Dadone L, Ferguson S, Bapodra-Villaverde P, Dennis PM, Aruho R, Sadar MJ, Fennessy J, Driciru M, Muneza AB, Brown MB, Johnston M, Lahmers K. Giraffe skin disease: Clinicopathologic characterization of cutaneous filariasis in the critically endangered Nubian giraffe ( Giraffa camelopardalis camelopardalis). Vet Pathol 2022; 59:467-475. [DOI: 10.1177/03009858221082606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Giraffe skin disease (GSD) is an emerging disease of free-ranging giraffe recognized in the last 25 years in several species, including the critically endangered Nubian giraffe ( Giraffa camelopardalis camelopardalis) of Uganda. Identifying the cause of GSD and understanding its impact on health were deemed paramount to supporting these vulnerable populations. Sixty-four giraffes were immobilized in Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda, from 2017 to 2019, and GSD lesions were opportunistically biopsied. Fifty-five giraffes (86%) had GSD lesions on the neck, axilla, chest, and cranial trunk. Lesions were categorized into early, intermediary, and dormant stages based on gross and histological characteristics. Early lesions were smaller, crusted nodules with eosinophilic and pyogranulomatous dermatitis and furunculosis. Intermediary lesions were thick plaques of proliferative and fissured hyperkeratosis and acanthosis with dense dermal granulation tissue and severe eosinophilic and granulomatous dermatitis. Lesions appeared to resolve to dormancy, with dormant lesions consisting of hairless plaques of hyperkeratosis with dermal scarring and residual inflammation. The periphery of early and intermediary lesions included follicular granulomas containing adult filarid nematodes, with myriad encysted microfilariae in the superficial dermis. Stage L3 larvae were common in early and intermediary lesions, and dormant lesions had remnant encysted microfilariae with no adult or stage L3 larvae. Nematodes were morphologically and genetically novel with close identity to Stephanofilaria spp. and Brugia malayi, which cause infectious filariasis. Identification of potential insect vectors, long-term monitoring of GSD lesions, and evaluating response to therapy is ongoing in the efforts to help conserve the Nubian giraffe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sushan Han
- Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Michael B. Brown
- Giraffe Conservation Foundation, Windhoek, Namibia
- Smithsonian’s National Zoo & Conservation Biology Institute, Front Royal, VA
- Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH
| | | | - Kevin Lahmers
- Virginia Tech Animal Laboratory Services, Blacksburg, VA
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12
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Ruppert KA, Sponarski CC, Davis EO, Masiaine S, Larpei L, Lekalgitele J, Lekupanai R, Lekushan J, Lemirgishan J, Lenaipa D, Lenyakopiro J, Lerapayo S, Lororua M, Stacy-Dawes J, Glikman JA. Use of specialized questioning techniques to detect decline in giraffe meat consumption. J Nat Conserv 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jnc.2021.126029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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13
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Abstract
Ecotourism can fuel an important source of financial income for African countries and can therefore help biodiversity policies in the continent. Translocations can be a powerful tool to spread economic benefits among countries and communities; yet, to be positive for biodiversity conservation, they require a basic knowledge of conservation units through appropriate taxonomic research. This is not always the case, as taxonomy was considered an outdated discipline for almost a century, and some plurality in taxonomic approaches is incorrectly considered as a disadvantage for conservation work. As an example, diversity of the genus Giraffa and its recent taxonomic history illustrate the importance of such knowledge for a sound conservation policy that includes translocations. We argue that a fine-grained conservation perspective that prioritizes all remaining populations along the Nile Basin is needed. Translocations are important tools for giraffe diversity conservation, but more discussion is needed, especially for moving new giraffes to regions where the autochthonous taxa/populations are no longer existent. As the current discussion about the giraffe taxonomy is too focused on the number of giraffe species, we argue that the plurality of taxonomic and conservation approaches might be beneficial, i.e., for defining the number of units requiring separate management using a (majority) consensus across different concepts (e.g., MU—management unit, ESU—evolutionary significant unit, and ECU—elemental conservation unit). The taxonomically sensitive translocation policy/strategy would be important for the preservation of current diversity, while also supporting the ecological restoration of some regions within rewilding. A summary table of the main translocation operations of African mammals that have underlying problems is included. Therefore, we call for increased attention toward the taxonomy of African mammals not only as the basis for sound conservation but also as a further opportunity to enlarge the geographic scope of ecotourism in Africa.
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14
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Coimbra RTF, Winter S, Kumar V, Koepfli KP, Gooley RM, Dobrynin P, Fennessy J, Janke A. Whole-genome analysis of giraffe supports four distinct species. Curr Biol 2021; 31:2929-2938.e5. [PMID: 33957077 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2021.04.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2020] [Revised: 01/06/2021] [Accepted: 04/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Species is the fundamental taxonomic unit in biology and its delimitation has implications for conservation. In giraffe (Giraffa spp.), multiple taxonomic classifications have been proposed since the early 1900s.1 However, one species with nine subspecies has been generally accepted,2 likely due to limited in-depth assessments, subspecies hybridizing in captivity,3,4 and anecdotal reports of hybrids in the wild.5 Giraffe taxonomy received new attention after population genetic studies using traditional genetic markers suggested at least four species.6,7 This view has been met with controversy,8 setting the stage for debate.9,10 Genomics is significantly enhancing our understanding of biodiversity and speciation relative to traditional genetic approaches and thus has important implications for species delineation and conservation.11 We present a high-quality de novo genome assembly of the critically endangered Kordofan giraffe (G. camelopardalis antiquorum)12 and a comprehensive whole-genome analysis of 50 giraffe representing all traditionally recognized subspecies. Population structure and phylogenomic analyses support four separately evolving giraffe lineages, which diverged 230-370 ka ago. These lineages underwent distinct demographic histories and show different levels of heterozygosity and inbreeding. Our results strengthen previous findings of limited gene flow and admixture among putative giraffe species6,7,9 and establish a genomic foundation for recognizing four species and seven subspecies, the latter of which should be considered as evolutionary significant units. Achieving a consensus over the number of species and subspecies in giraffe is essential for adequately assessing their threat level and will improve conservation efforts for these iconic taxa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raphael T F Coimbra
- Senckenberg Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre, Senckenberganlage 25, 60325 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; Institute for Ecology, Evolution and Diversity, Goethe University, Max-von-Laue-Straße 13, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
| | - Sven Winter
- Senckenberg Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre, Senckenberganlage 25, 60325 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; Institute for Ecology, Evolution and Diversity, Goethe University, Max-von-Laue-Straße 13, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Vikas Kumar
- Key Laboratory of Vertebrate Evolution and Human Origins, Institute of Vertebrate Paleontology and Paleoanthropology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100044, China; Center for Excellence in Life and Paleoenvironment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100044, China
| | - Klaus-Peter Koepfli
- Smithsonian-Mason School of Conservation, Front Royal, VA, 22630, USA; Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, Center for Species Survival, National Zoological Park, 3001 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008, USA
| | - Rebecca M Gooley
- Smithsonian-Mason School of Conservation, Front Royal, VA, 22630, USA; Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, Center for Species Survival, National Zoological Park, 3001 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008, USA
| | - Pavel Dobrynin
- Computer Technologies Laboratory, ITMO University, 49 Kronverkskiy Pr., Saint Petersburg 197101, Russia
| | - Julian Fennessy
- Giraffe Conservation Foundation, PO Box 86099, Eros, Windhoek, Namibia
| | - Axel Janke
- Senckenberg Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre, Senckenberganlage 25, 60325 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; Institute for Ecology, Evolution and Diversity, Goethe University, Max-von-Laue-Straße 13, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; LOEWE Centre for Translational Biodiversity Genomics, Senckenberganlage 25, 60325 Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
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15
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Dunn ME, Ruppert K, Glikman JA, O'Connor D, Fennessy S, Fennessy J, Veríssimo D. Investigating the international and
pan‐African
trade in giraffe parts and derivatives. CONSERVATION SCIENCE AND PRACTICE 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/csp2.390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Matilda E. Dunn
- Department of Zoology University of Oxford Oxford UK
- Centre for Environmental Policy Imperial College London London UK
| | - Kirstie Ruppert
- Insititute for Conservation Research, San Diego Zoo Escondido California USA
| | - Jenny Anne Glikman
- Insititute for Conservation Research, San Diego Zoo Escondido California USA
- Instituto de Estudios Sociales Avanzados (IESA‐CSIC) Córdoba Spain
| | - David O'Connor
- Insititute for Conservation Research, San Diego Zoo Escondido California USA
- The Faculty of Biological Sciences Goethe University Frankfurt am Main Germany
- Save Giraffe Now Dallas Texas USA
| | | | | | - Diogo Veríssimo
- Department of Zoology University of Oxford Oxford UK
- Insititute for Conservation Research, San Diego Zoo Escondido California USA
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16
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Egna N, O'Connor D, Stacy‐Dawes J, Tobler MW, Pilfold N, Neilson K, Simmons B, Davis EO, Bowler M, Fennessy J, Glikman JA, Larpei L, Lekalgitele J, Lekupanai R, Lekushan J, Lemingani L, Lemirgishan J, Lenaipa D, Lenyakopiro J, Lesipiti RL, Lororua M, Muneza A, Rabhayo S, Ole Ranah SM, Ruppert K, Owen M. Camera settings and biome influence the accuracy of citizen science approaches to camera trap image classification. Ecol Evol 2020; 10:11954-11965. [PMID: 33209262 PMCID: PMC7663993 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.6722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2020] [Revised: 08/04/2020] [Accepted: 08/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Scientists are increasingly using volunteer efforts of citizen scientists to classify images captured by motion-activated trail cameras. The rising popularity of citizen science reflects its potential to engage the public in conservation science and accelerate processing of the large volume of images generated by trail cameras. While image classification accuracy by citizen scientists can vary across species, the influence of other factors on accuracy is poorly understood. Inaccuracy diminishes the value of citizen science derived data and prompts the need for specific best-practice protocols to decrease error. We compare the accuracy between three programs that use crowdsourced citizen scientists to process images online: Snapshot Serengeti, Wildwatch Kenya, and AmazonCam Tambopata. We hypothesized that habitat type and camera settings would influence accuracy. To evaluate these factors, each photograph was circulated to multiple volunteers. All volunteer classifications were aggregated to a single best answer for each photograph using a plurality algorithm. Subsequently, a subset of these images underwent expert review and were compared to the citizen scientist results. Classification errors were categorized by the nature of the error (e.g., false species or false empty), and reason for the false classification (e.g., misidentification). Our results show that Snapshot Serengeti had the highest accuracy (97.9%), followed by AmazonCam Tambopata (93.5%), then Wildwatch Kenya (83.4%). Error type was influenced by habitat, with false empty images more prevalent in open-grassy habitat (27%) compared to woodlands (10%). For medium to large animal surveys across all habitat types, our results suggest that to significantly improve accuracy in crowdsourced projects, researchers should use a trail camera set up protocol with a burst of three consecutive photographs, a short field of view, and determine camera sensitivity settings based on in situ testing. Accuracy level comparisons such as this study can improve reliability of future citizen science projects, and subsequently encourage the increased use of such data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Egna
- Duke University Nicholas School for the EnvironmentDurhamNCUSA
- San Diego Zoo Institute for Conservation ResearchEscondidoCAUSA
| | - David O'Connor
- San Diego Zoo Institute for Conservation ResearchEscondidoCAUSA
- Save Giraffe NowDallasTXUSA
- The Faculty of Biological SciencesGoethe UniversityFrankfurt am MainGermany
| | | | | | | | - Kristin Neilson
- San Diego Zoo Institute for Conservation ResearchEscondidoCAUSA
| | | | | | - Mark Bowler
- Science and TechnologyUniversity of SuffolkIpswichUK
| | | | - Jenny Anne Glikman
- San Diego Zoo Institute for Conservation ResearchEscondidoCAUSA
- Instituto de Estudios Sociales Avanzados (IESA‐CSIC)CordobaSpain
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Kirstie Ruppert
- San Diego Zoo Institute for Conservation ResearchEscondidoCAUSA
| | - Megan Owen
- San Diego Zoo Institute for Conservation ResearchEscondidoCAUSA
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17
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Affiliation(s)
- Fred B. Bercovitch
- Save The Giraffes San Antonio TX USA
- Wildlife Research Center Kyoto University Kyoto Japan
- Department of Animal, Wildlife, and Grassland Sciences University of the Free State Bloemfontein South Africa
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18
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Lueders I, Allen WRT. Managed wildlife breeding-an undervalued conservation tool? Theriogenology 2020; 150:48-54. [PMID: 32088045 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2020.01.058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2020] [Accepted: 01/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Knowledge of and the technologies and resources applied to the ex situ care for wildlife have improved greatly in recent years. This has resulted in numerous successes bringing back populations from the brink of extinction by the reintroduction or restoration of animals from conservation breeding programmes. Controlled breeding of wildlife by humans is discussed controversially in society and in scientific circles and it faces a number of significant challenges. When natural breeding fails, Assisted Reproduction Technologies (ART) have been postulated to increase reproductive output and maintain genetic diversity. Furthermore, technical advances have improved the potential for successful collection and cryopreservation of gametes and embryos in many wildlife species. With the aim of creating a better understanding of why ex situ and in situ conservation of threatened species must complement each other, and under which circumstances ART provide additional tools in the rescue of a threatened population, we elucidate the current situation here by using as examples three different megavertebrate families: elephantidae, rhinoceridae and giraffidae. These mammal families consist of charismatic species, and most of their members are currently facing dramatic declines in population numbers. On the basis of these and other examples, we highlight the importance of captive zoo and other managed wildlife populations for species survival in a human dominated world. Without the possibility to study reproductive physiology in trained or habituated captive individuals, major advances made in wildlife ART during the past 20 years would not have been possible. This paper reviews the benefits and future challenges of large mammal conservation breeding and examines the role of assisted reproduction in such efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Imke Lueders
- GEOlifes Animal Fertility and Reproductive Research, 22457, Hamburg, Germany.
| | - W R Twink Allen
- Sharjah Equine Hospital, P.O. Box, 29858, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
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