1
|
Taylor PJ, Strydom E, Richards L, Markotter W, Toussaint DC, Kearney T, Cotterill FPD(W, Howard A, Weier SM, Keith M, Neef G, Mamba ML, Magagula S, Monadjem A. Integrative taxonomic analysis of new collections from the central Angolan highlands resolves the taxonomy of African pipistrelloid bats on a continental scale. Zool J Linn Soc 2022. [DOI: 10.1093/zoolinnean/zlac071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Ten years ago, the genus-level and species-level taxonomy of African pipistrelloid bats was in a state of flux. In spite of advances in the past decade, gaps in collecting from species-rich regions like Angola have hampered efforts to revise this group. We report on new collections of pipistrelle-like bats from the poorly sampled central highlands of Angola (1000–1500 m a.s.l.) as well as comparative material from lower-lying areas of Eswatini and South Africa. Specimens identified as Neoromicia anchietae, collected 400–700 km east of the holotype locality in the western highlands of Angola, were genetically and morphologically distinctive from N. anchietae s.l. from South Africa and Eswatini. We describe herein this latter lineage as a distinct species from low-lying areas of south-eastern Africa, distinct from N. anchietae s.s., which is therefore restricted to the central and western Angolan highlands. We also identified shallow to deep genetic divergence between different African regions in other recognized pipistrelloid species, such as conspecificity between the long-eared species Laephotis angolensis from Angola and Laephotis botswanae from northern Botswana, northern Namibia and south-western Zambia. Our phylogeny supports a recently proposed generic classification of African pipistrelloid bats.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peter John Taylor
- Afromontane Research Unit & Department of Zoology & Entomology, University of the Free State , Private Bag X13, Phuthaditjhaba 9866 , South Africa
- School of Mathematical & Natural Science, University of Venda , Thohoyandou, 0950 , South Africa
- Wild Bird Trust, National Geographic Okavango Wilderness Project , 27 Wolfridge Road, Hogsback 5721 , South Africa
| | - Erika Strydom
- Centre for Viral Zoonoses, Department of Medical Virology, University of Pretoria , Pretoria 0002 , South Africa
| | - Leigh Richards
- Durban Natural Science Museum , P.O. Box 4085, Durban 4000 , South Africa
| | - Wanda Markotter
- Centre for Viral Zoonoses, Department of Medical Virology, University of Pretoria , Pretoria 0002 , South Africa
| | - Dawn Cory Toussaint
- School of Mathematical & Natural Science, University of Venda , Thohoyandou , 0950, South Africa
- Wild Bird Trust, National Geographic Okavango Wilderness Project , 27 Wolfridge Road, Hogsback 5721 , South Africa
| | - Teresa Kearney
- Ditsong Natural History Museum , Pretoria 0002 , South Africa
- Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria , Private Bag 20, Hatfield 0028, Pretoria , South Africa
| | - F P D (Woody) Cotterill
- Wild Bird Trust, National Geographic Okavango Wilderness Project , 27 Wolfridge Road, Hogsback 5721 , South Africa
- Geoecodynamics Research Hub, c/o Department of Botany and Zoology, University of Stellenbosch , Private Bag X1 Matieland, 7602, Stellenbosch , South Africa
| | - Alexandra Howard
- Afromontane Research Unit & Department of Zoology & Entomology, University of the Free State , Private Bag X13, Phuthaditjhaba 9866 , South Africa
| | - Sina Monika Weier
- Afromontane Research Unit & Department of Zoology & Entomology, University of the Free State , Private Bag X13, Phuthaditjhaba 9866 , South Africa
- School of Mathematical & Natural Science, University of Venda , Thohoyandou, 0950 , South Africa
- Wild Bird Trust, National Geographic Okavango Wilderness Project , 27 Wolfridge Road, Hogsback 5721 , South Africa
| | - Mark Keith
- Wild Bird Trust, National Geographic Okavango Wilderness Project , 27 Wolfridge Road, Hogsback 5721 , South Africa
- Mammal Research Institute, Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria, Private Bag 20, Hatfield 0028, Pretoria , South Africa
| | - Gӧtz Neef
- Wild Bird Trust, National Geographic Okavango Wilderness Project , 27 Wolfridge Road, Hogsback 5721 , South Africa
| | - Mnqobi L Mamba
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Eswatini , Private Bag 4, Kwaluseni , Eswatini
| | - Siphesihle Magagula
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Eswatini , Private Bag 4, Kwaluseni , Eswatini
| | - Ara Monadjem
- Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria , Private Bag 20, Hatfield 0028, Pretoria , South Africa
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Eswatini , Private Bag 4, Kwaluseni , Eswatini
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Lourenco M, Fitchett JM, Woodborne S. Angolan highlands peatlands: Extent, age and growth dynamics. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 810:152315. [PMID: 34914988 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.152315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2021] [Revised: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The Angolan highlands are hydrologically and ecologically important, supporting peatland deposits. Peatlands are carbon rich ecosystems and are the largest terrestrial carbon store. We present a first estimate of the extent of peatlands in the Angolan Highlands, using Google Earth Engine. Our conservative estimate of peatland coverage is 1634 km2, 2.65% of a mapped area spanning approximately 61,590 km2. This is a crucial first step in providing the peatland carbon inventory for the region and to facilitate conservation and management strategies. We include the peatland characteristics with respect to topographic data and common remote sensing indices of Normalised Difference Vegetation Index and Normalised Difference Water Index. The results suggest that Angolan Highlands peatland is highly variable in terms of elevation, slope, vegetation cover and standing water occurrence. Radiocarbon dating of riparian peatlands suggest two stages of peatland initiation: one about 7100 cal. yr BP, during the African humid period, and another from about 1100 cal. yr BP to present after the African humid period ended. The temporal control of riparian peat formation is river dynamics and the formation of terraces. Source lake peatland is slightly younger and has average maximum age of 890 cal. yr BP. The Angolan Highlands ecosystem and peatlands are possibly under strain from anthropogenic influence and climate change, making this peatland deposit a potential carbon emission source.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mauro Lourenco
- School of Geography, Archaeology and Environmental Studies, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa; National Geographic Okavango Wilderness Project, Wild Bird Trust, South Africa
| | - Jennifer M Fitchett
- School of Geography, Archaeology and Environmental Studies, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa.
| | - Stephan Woodborne
- iThemba LABS, Private Bag 11, Wits, South Africa; Stable Isotope Laboratory, Mammal Research Institute, University of Pretoria, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Elizalde Castells D, Elizalde SRFF, Ceríaco LMP, Groom RJ. Ansorge’s cusimanse in Angola: 100 years apart, new records contribute to the species known range. MAMMALIA 2021. [DOI: 10.1515/mammalia-2020-0091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Ansorge’s cusimanse, Crossarchus ansorgei Thomas, 1910, has until recently been known in Angola only from a single specimen collected in 1908, the holotype. During a camera trap survey conducted in Quiçama National Park (Angola) in 2017, we recorded the presence of the species 115 km south-west of the type locality – 40 km from the edge of the current known distribution range, – extending it south of the Cuanza river and possibly following the woodlands along the Angolan Escarpment. We combine our records of Ansorge’s cusimanse with the available published and unpublished records from Angola and compare with other vertebrate taxa that follow a similar pattern, in which Central African species extend their southern distribution into Angola, through the more forested areas in northwestern Angola and further south along the Escarpment. Furthermore, we discuss the urgent need for more research on this species and the impact bushmeat harvesting may have on its conservation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David Elizalde Castells
- The Range Wide Conservation Program for Cheetah and African Wild Dog, Regents Park , London NW1-4RY , UK
- Zoological Society of London, Regents Park , London NW1-4RY , UK
| | - Sara R. F. F. Elizalde
- The Range Wide Conservation Program for Cheetah and African Wild Dog, Regents Park , London NW1-4RY , UK
- Zoological Society of London, Regents Park , London NW1-4RY , UK
| | - Luis M. P. Ceríaco
- Museu de História Natural e da Ciência da Universidade do Porto , Porto , Portugal
- Departamento de Zoologia e Antropologia (Museu Bocage), Museu Nacional de História Natural e da Ciência , Universidade de Lisboa , Lisboa , Portugal
| | - Rosemary Joy Groom
- The Range Wide Conservation Program for Cheetah and African Wild Dog, Regents Park , London NW1-4RY , UK
- Zoological Society of London, Regents Park , London NW1-4RY , UK
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Abstract
AbstractThe civil unrest that ravaged Angola for nearly 30 years took a heavy toll on the country's wildlife, and led to a lengthy absence of reliable information for many threatened species, including the cheetah Acinonyx jubatus and African wild dog Lycaon pictus. Using camera trapping we assessed the status of these two species in two areas of southern Angola, and complemented our findings by reviewing recent survey reports and observations to provide an update on the species' status. We found unequivocal evidence that African wild dogs are resident and reproducing in Bicuar National Park, where cheetahs appear to be absent. Conversely, cheetahs may be resident in western Cuando Cubango province, where African wild dogs may only be transient. Based on these and other recent records in Angola, we recommend a revision of these species' distribution ranges and note the need for monitoring of these remnant populations and for appropriate attention to any threats.
Collapse
|
6
|
Braga-Pereira F, Peres CA, Campos-Silva JV, Santos CVD, Alves RRN. Warfare-induced mammal population declines in Southwestern Africa are mediated by species life history, habitat type and hunter preferences. Sci Rep 2020; 10:15428. [PMID: 32943683 PMCID: PMC7498602 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-71501-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2020] [Accepted: 07/31/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Civil wars often coincide with global biodiversity hotspots and have plagued the everyday reality of many countries throughout human history. However, how do civil wars affect wildlife populations? Are these impacts the same in savannah and forest environments? How persistent are the post-war consequences on wildlife populations within and outside conflict zones? Long-term monitoring programs in war zones, which could answer these questions, are virtually nonexistent, not least due to the risks researchers are exposed to. In this context, only a few methodologies can provide data on wild populations during war conflicts. We used local ecological knowledge to assess the main consequences of a prolonged civil war (1975-2002) in Southwestern Africa on forest and savannah mammals. The post-war abundance in 20 of 26 (77%) mammal species considered in this study was lower in open savannah compared to the closed-canopy forest environments, with some species experiencing a decline of up to 80% of their pre-war baseline abundance. Large-bodied mammals were preferred targets and had been overhunted, but as their populations became increasingly depleted, the size structure of prey species gradually shifted towards smaller-bodied species. Finally, we present a general flow diagram of how civil wars in low-governance countries can have both positive and negative impacts on native wildlife populations at different scales of space and time.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Franciany Braga-Pereira
- Department of Ecology and Systematics, Universidade Federal da Paraíba, João Pessoa, PB, 58051-900, Brazil.
| | - Carlos A Peres
- Department of Ecology and Systematics, Universidade Federal da Paraíba, João Pessoa, PB, 58051-900, Brazil
- School of Environmental Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, NR4 7TJ, UK
| | - João Vitor Campos-Silva
- Faculty of Environmental Sciences and Natural Resource Management, Norwegian University of Life Science, Ås, Norway
- Institute of Biological and Health Sciences, Universidade Federal de Alagoas, Maceió, AL, 57072-900, Brazil
| | - Carmen Van-Dúnem Santos
- Department of Biology, Universidade Agostinho Neto, Avenue 4 de Fevereiro, 000000, Luanda, Angola
| | - Rômulo Romeu Nóbrega Alves
- Department of Ecology and Systematics, Universidade Federal da Paraíba, João Pessoa, PB, 58051-900, Brazil
- Laboratory of Ethnobiology and Ethnoecology, Universidade Estadual da Paraíba, Campina Grande, 58429-500, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Bat Species Richness and Community Composition along a Mega-transect in the Okavango River Basin. DIVERSITY-BASEL 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/d12050188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The Okavango River Basin is a hotspot of bat diversity that requires urgent and adequate protection. To advise future conservation strategies, we investigated the relative importance of a range of potential environmental drivers of bat species richness and functional community composition in the Okavango River Basin. During annual canoe transects along the major rivers, originating in the central Angolan highlands, we recorded more than 25,000 bat echolocation calls from 2015 to 2018. We corrected for possible biases in sampling design and effort. Firstly, we conducted rarefaction analyses of each survey year and sampling appeared to be complete, apart from 2016. Secondly, we used total activity as a measure of sample effort in mixed models of species richness. Species richness was highest in the Angola Miombo Woodlands and at lower elevations, with higher minimum temperatures. In total, we identified 31 individual bat species. We show that even when acoustic surveys are conducted in remote areas and over multiple years, it is possible to correct for biases and obtain representative richness estimates. Changes in habitat heterogeneity will have detrimental effects on the high richness reported here and human land-use change, specifically agriculture, must be mediated in a system such as the Angolan Miombo Woodland.
Collapse
|
8
|
Gonçalves FMP, Luís JC, Tchamba JJ, Cachissapa MJ, Chisingui AV. A rapid assessment of hunting and bushmeat trade along the roadside between five Angolan major towns. NATURE CONSERVATION 2019. [DOI: 10.3897/natureconservation.37.37590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Hunting and related bushmeat trade are activities which negatively impact wildlife worldwide, with serious implications for biodiversity conservation. Angola’s fauna was severely decimated during the long-lasting civil war following the country’s independence. During a round trip from Lubango (Huíla province), passing through the provinces of Benguela, Cuanza sul, Luanda, Bengo and finally to Uíge, we documented a variety of bushmeat trade, mainly along the roadside. This included snakes, rodents, duikers, antelopes, bush pigs, small carnivores and bird species. Despite being considered a subsistence activity for inhabitants in rural areas, it is concerning due to the increasing number of people becoming dependent on bushmeat trade for income generation and demand for bushmeat in the main cities. There is an urgent need to assess the impact of this activity on wildlife populations, in order to create alternative sources of income in rural areas and more effective policies focused on effective conservation of the rich biodiversity of Angola.
Collapse
|