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Bertola LD, Vermaat M, Lesilau F, Chege M, Tumenta PN, Sogbohossou EA, Schaap OD, Bauer H, Patterson BD, White PA, de Iongh HH, Laros JFJ, Vrieling K. Whole genome sequencing and the application of a SNP panel reveal primary evolutionary lineages and genomic variation in the lion (Panthera leo). BMC Genomics 2022; 23:321. [PMID: 35459090 PMCID: PMC9027350 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-022-08510-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Previous phylogeographic studies of the lion (Panthera leo) have improved our insight into the distribution of genetic variation, as well as a revised taxonomy which now recognizes a northern (Panthera leo leo) and a southern (Panthera leo melanochaita) subspecies. However, existing whole range phylogeographic studies on lions either consist of very limited numbers of samples, or are focused on mitochondrial DNA and/or a limited set of microsatellites. The geographic extent of genetic lineages and their phylogenetic relationships remain uncertain, clouded by massive sampling gaps, sex-biased dispersal and incomplete lineage sorting. Results In this study we present results of low depth whole genome sequencing and subsequent variant calling in ten lions sampled throughout the geographic range, resulting in the discovery of >150,000 Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs). Phylogenetic analyses revealed the same basal split between northern and southern populations, as well as four population clusters on a more local scale. Further, we designed a SNP panel, including 125 autosomal and 14 mitochondrial SNPs, which was tested on >200 lions from across their range. Results allow us to assign individuals to one of these four major clades (West & Central Africa, India, East Africa, or Southern Africa) and delineate these clades in more detail. Conclusions The results presented here, particularly the validated SNP panel, have important applications, not only for studying populations on a local geographic scale, but also for tracing samples of unknown origin for forensic purposes, and for guiding conservation management of ex situ populations. Thus, these genomic resources not only contribute to our understanding of the evolutionary history of the lion, but may also play a crucial role in conservation efforts aimed at protecting the species in its full diversity. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12864-022-08510-y.
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Affiliation(s)
- L D Bertola
- City University of New York, City College of New York, 160 Convent Avenue, New York, NY, 10031, USA. .,Institute of Environmental Sciences (CML), Leiden University, PO Box 9518, 2300 RA, Leiden, The Netherlands. .,Institute of Biology Leiden (IBL), Leiden University, PO Box 9505, 2300 RA, Leiden, The Netherlands.
| | - M Vermaat
- Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, 2300 RC, Leiden, The Netherlands.,Leiden Genome Technology Center, Leiden University Medical Center, 2300 RC, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - F Lesilau
- Institute of Environmental Sciences (CML), Leiden University, PO Box 9518, 2300 RA, Leiden, The Netherlands.,Kenya Wildlife Service, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - M Chege
- Institute of Environmental Sciences (CML), Leiden University, PO Box 9518, 2300 RA, Leiden, The Netherlands.,Kenya Wildlife Service, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - P N Tumenta
- Centre for Environment and Developmental Studies, Cameroon (CEDC), Yaounde, Cameroon.,Regional Training Centre Specialized in Agriculture, Forest and Wood, University of Dschang, BP 138, Yaounde, Cameroon
| | - E A Sogbohossou
- Laboratoire d'Ecologie Appliquée, Université d'Abomey-Calavi, 03 BP 294, Cotonou, Benin
| | - O D Schaap
- Institute of Biology Leiden (IBL), Leiden University, PO Box 9505, 2300 RA, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - H Bauer
- Wildlife Conservation Research Unit, Zoology, University of Oxford Recanati-Kaplan Centre, Tubney, OX13 5QL, UK
| | - B D Patterson
- Negaunee Integrative Research Center, Field Museum of Natural History, Chicago, IL, 60605, USA
| | - P A White
- Center for Tropical Research, Institute of the Environment and Sustainability, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, 90095-1496, USA
| | - H H de Iongh
- Institute of Environmental Sciences (CML), Leiden University, PO Box 9518, 2300 RA, Leiden, The Netherlands.,Department of Biology, Evolutionary Ecology Group, University of Antwerp, Groenenborgerlaan 171, 2020, Antwerpen, Belgium
| | - J F J Laros
- Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, 2300 RC, Leiden, The Netherlands.,Leiden Genome Technology Center, Leiden University Medical Center, 2300 RC, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - K Vrieling
- Institute of Biology Leiden (IBL), Leiden University, PO Box 9505, 2300 RA, Leiden, The Netherlands
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2
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Bertola LD, Miller SM, Williams VL, Naude VN, Coals P, Dures SG, Henschel P, Chege M, Sogbohossou EA, Ndiaye A, Kiki M, Gaylard A, Ikanda DK, Becker MS, Lindsey P. Genetic guidelines for translocations: Maintaining intraspecific diversity in the lion ( Panthera leo). Evol Appl 2022; 15:22-39. [PMID: 35126646 PMCID: PMC8792481 DOI: 10.1111/eva.13318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2021] [Revised: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Conservation translocations have become an important management tool, particularly for large wildlife species such as the lion (Panthera leo). When planning translocations, the genetic background of populations needs to be taken into account; failure to do so risks disrupting existing patterns of genetic variation, ultimately leading to genetic homogenization, and thereby reducing resilience and adaptability of the species. We urge wildlife managers to include knowledge of the genetic background of source/target populations, as well as species-wide patterns, in any management intervention. We present a hierarchical decision-making tool in which we list 132 lion populations/lion conservation units and provide information on genetic assignment, uncertainty and suitability for translocation for each source/target combination. By including four levels of suitability, from 'first choice' to 'no option', we provide managers with a range of options. To illustrate the extent of international trade of lions, and the potential disruption of natural patterns of intraspecific diversity, we mined the CITES Trade Database for estimated trade quantities of live individuals imported into lion range states during the past 4 decades. We identified 1056 recorded individuals with a potential risk of interbreeding with wild lions, 772 being captive-sourced. Scoring each of the records with our decision-making tool illustrates that only 7% of the translocated individuals were 'first choice' and 73% were 'no option'. We acknowledge that other, nongenetic factors are important in the decision-making process, and hence a pragmatic approach is needed. A framework in which source/target populations are scored based on suitability is not only relevant to lion, but also to other species of wildlife that are frequently translocated. We hope that the presented overview supports managers to include genetics in future management decisions and contributes towards conservation of the lion in its full diversity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura D. Bertola
- Department of BiologyUniversity of CopenhagenCopenhagenDenmark
- City College of New YorkNew YorkNew YorkUSA
| | - Susan M. Miller
- FitzPatrick Institute of African OrnithologyDSI‐NRF Centre of ExcellenceUniversity of Cape TownCape TownSouth Africa
- Institute for Communities and Wildlife in AfricaUniversity of Cape TownCape TownSouth Africa
| | - Vivienne L. Williams
- School of Animal, Plant and Environmental SciencesUniversity of the WitwatersrandJohannesburgSouth Africa
| | - Vincent N. Naude
- Institute for Communities and Wildlife in AfricaUniversity of Cape TownCape TownSouth Africa
| | - Peter Coals
- School of Animal, Plant and Environmental SciencesUniversity of the WitwatersrandJohannesburgSouth Africa
- Wildlife Conservation Research UnitUniversity of OxfordOxfordUK
| | | | | | - Monica Chege
- Institute of Environmental Sciences (CML)Leiden UniversityLeidenThe Netherlands
- Kenya Wildlife ServiceNairobiKenya
| | | | | | - Martial Kiki
- Département de Génie de l’EnvironnementUniversité d’Abomey‐CalaviCotonouBenin
| | - Angela Gaylard
- Conservation Development & Assurance DepartmentAfrican Parks NetworkJohannesburgSouth Africa
| | | | | | - Peter Lindsey
- Department of Zoology and EntomologyMammal Research InstituteUniversity of PretoriaPretoriaSouth Africa
- Environmental Futures Research InstituteGriffith UniversityNathanQueenslandAustralia
- Wildlife Conservation NetworkSan FranciscoCaliforniaUSA
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3
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Sogbohossou EA, Kassa BD, Waltert M, Khorozyan I. Spatio-temporal niche partitioning between the African lion (Panthera leo leo) and spotted hyena (Crocuta crocuta) in western African savannas. EUR J WILDLIFE RES 2017. [DOI: 10.1007/s10344-017-1159-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Durant SM, Mitchell N, Groom R, Pettorelli N, Ipavec A, Jacobson AP, Woodroffe R, Böhm M, Hunter LTB, Becker MS, Broekhuis F, Bashir S, Andresen L, Aschenborn O, Beddiaf M, Belbachir F, Belbachir-Bazi A, Berbash A, Brandao de Matos Machado I, Breitenmoser C, Chege M, Cilliers D, Davies-Mostert H, Dickman AJ, Ezekiel F, Farhadinia MS, Funston P, Henschel P, Horgan J, de Iongh HH, Jowkar H, Klein R, Lindsey PA, Marker L, Marnewick K, Melzheimer J, Merkle J, M'soka J, Msuha M, O'Neill H, Parker M, Purchase G, Sahailou S, Saidu Y, Samna A, Schmidt-Küntzel A, Selebatso E, Sogbohossou EA, Soultan A, Stone E, van der Meer E, van Vuuren R, Wykstra M, Young-Overton K. The global decline of cheetah Acinonyx jubatus and what it means for conservation. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2017; 114:528-533. [PMID: 28028225 PMCID: PMC5255576 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1611122114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 131] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Establishing and maintaining protected areas (PAs) are key tools for biodiversity conservation. However, this approach is insufficient for many species, particularly those that are wide-ranging and sparse. The cheetah Acinonyx jubatus exemplifies such a species and faces extreme challenges to its survival. Here, we show that the global population is estimated at ∼7,100 individuals and confined to 9% of its historical distributional range. However, the majority of current range (77%) occurs outside of PAs, where the species faces multiple threats. Scenario modeling shows that, where growth rates are suppressed outside PAs, extinction rates increase rapidly as the proportion of population protected declines. Sensitivity analysis shows that growth rates within PAs have to be high if they are to compensate for declines outside. Susceptibility of cheetah to rapid decline is evidenced by recent rapid contraction in range, supporting an uplisting of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List threat assessment to endangered. Our results are applicable to other protection-reliant species, which may be subject to systematic underestimation of threat when there is insufficient information outside PAs. Ultimately, conserving many of these species necessitates a paradigm shift in conservation toward a holistic approach that incentivizes protection and promotes sustainable human-wildlife coexistence across large multiple-use landscapes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah M Durant
- Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London, London NW1 4RY, United Kingdom;
- Wildlife Conservation Society, New York, NY 10460
- Department of Genetics, Evolution and Environment, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom
| | - Nicholas Mitchell
- Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London, London NW1 4RY, United Kingdom
- Wildlife Conservation Society, New York, NY 10460
| | - Rosemary Groom
- Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London, London NW1 4RY, United Kingdom
- Wildlife Conservation Society, New York, NY 10460
| | - Nathalie Pettorelli
- Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London, London NW1 4RY, United Kingdom
- Department of Genetics, Evolution and Environment, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom
| | - Audrey Ipavec
- Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London, London NW1 4RY, United Kingdom
- Wildlife Conservation Society, New York, NY 10460
| | - Andrew P Jacobson
- Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London, London NW1 4RY, United Kingdom
- Department of Geography, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom
| | - Rosie Woodroffe
- Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London, London NW1 4RY, United Kingdom
- Department of Genetics, Evolution and Environment, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom
| | - Monika Böhm
- Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London, London NW1 4RY, United Kingdom
- Department of Genetics, Evolution and Environment, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom
| | | | - Matthew S Becker
- Zambian Carnivore Programme, Mfuwe, Zambia
- Conservation Biology and Ecology Program, Department of Ecology, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT 59717
| | - Femke Broekhuis
- Wildlife Conservation Research Unit, Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, Oxford OX13 5QL, United Kingdom
- Mara Cheetah Project, Kenya Wildlife Trust, Kenya
| | - Sultana Bashir
- Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London, London NW1 4RY, United Kingdom
| | - Leah Andresen
- Department of Zoology, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, Port Elizabeth 6031, South Africa
| | - Ortwin Aschenborn
- Bwabwata Ecological Institute, Susuwe Park Station, Zambezi Region, Ministry of Environment and Tourism, Namibia
| | - Mohammed Beddiaf
- Office National du Parc Culturel du Tassili N'Ajjer, Djanet, Algeria
| | - Farid Belbachir
- Laboratoire d'Écologie et Environnement, Université de Béjaïa, Béjaïa, Algeria
| | - Amel Belbachir-Bazi
- Laboratoire d'Écologie et Environnement, Université de Béjaïa, Béjaïa, Algeria
| | - Ali Berbash
- Nature Conservation Department, Environment General Authority (EGA), Tripoli, Libya
| | | | - Christine Breitenmoser
- Carnivore Ecology and Wildlife Management (KORA), 3074 Muri, Switzerland
- International Union for the Conservation of Nature/Species Survival Commission Cat Specialist Group, 3074 Muri, Switzerland
| | | | | | | | - Amy J Dickman
- Wildlife Conservation Research Unit, Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, Oxford OX13 5QL, United Kingdom
| | - Fabiano Ezekiel
- Department of Wildlife Management and Ecotourism, University of Namibia, Windhoek, Namibia
| | - Mohammad S Farhadinia
- Wildlife Conservation Research Unit, Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, Oxford OX13 5QL, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - Jane Horgan
- Cheetah Conservation Botswana, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Hans H de Iongh
- Institute of Environmental Sciences, Leiden University, 2300 RA Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Houman Jowkar
- Persian Wildlife Heritage Foundation, Tehran 15856-86341, Iran
- Conservation of Asiatic Cheetah Program, Department of Environment, Tehran, Iran
| | | | | | | | | | - Joerg Melzheimer
- Department Evolutionary Ecology, Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, 10315 Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Jassiel M'soka
- Department of National Parks and Wildlife, Chilanga, Zambia
| | - Maurus Msuha
- Tanzania Wildlife Research Institute, Arusha, Tanzania
| | - Helen O'Neill
- Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London, London NW1 4RY, United Kingdom
- Department of Genetics, Evolution and Environment, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom
| | - Megan Parker
- Working Dogs for Conservation, Bozeman, MT 59771
| | - Gianetta Purchase
- Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London, London NW1 4RY, United Kingdom
| | - Samaila Sahailou
- Direction de la Faune, de la Chasse et des Aires Protégées, Niamey, Niger
| | - Yohanna Saidu
- Nigeria National Park Service, Garki, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - Abdoulkarim Samna
- Direction de la Faune, de la Chasse et des Aires Protégées, Niamey, Niger
| | | | | | | | | | - Emma Stone
- Carnivore Research Malawi, Conservation Research Africa, Lilongwe, Malawi
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Gbeffe AK, Houehanou TD, Habiyaremye M, Assede ESP, Yaoitcha AS, Janssens de Bisthoven L, Sogbohossou EA, Houinato M, Sinsin BA. Effects of termite mounds on composition, functional types and traits of plant communities in Pendjari Biosphere Reserve (Benin, West Africa). Afr J Ecol 2017. [DOI: 10.1111/aje.12391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Alain K. Gbeffe
- Laboratory of Applied Ecology; School of Environment Management; Faculty of Agronomics Sciences; University of Abomey - Calavi (LEA/FSA/UAC); 03 PO Box 2819 Cotonou Benin
| | - Thierry D. Houehanou
- Laboratory of Applied Ecology; School of Environment Management; Faculty of Agronomics Sciences; University of Abomey - Calavi (LEA/FSA/UAC); 03 PO Box 2819 Cotonou Benin
- Faculty of Agronomy; University of Parakou (FA/UP); PO Box 123 Parakou Benin
| | - Muhashy Habiyaremye
- Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences (RBINS); Vautier Street 29, B-1000 Brussels Belgium
| | - Emeline S. P. Assede
- Laboratory of Applied Ecology; School of Environment Management; Faculty of Agronomics Sciences; University of Abomey - Calavi (LEA/FSA/UAC); 03 PO Box 2819 Cotonou Benin
- Faculty of Agronomy; University of Parakou (FA/UP); PO Box 123 Parakou Benin
| | - Alain S. Yaoitcha
- Laboratory of Applied Ecology; School of Environment Management; Faculty of Agronomics Sciences; University of Abomey - Calavi (LEA/FSA/UAC); 03 PO Box 2819 Cotonou Benin
| | | | - Etotépé A. Sogbohossou
- Laboratory of Applied Ecology; School of Environment Management; Faculty of Agronomics Sciences; University of Abomey - Calavi (LEA/FSA/UAC); 03 PO Box 2819 Cotonou Benin
| | - Marcel Houinato
- Laboratory of Applied Ecology; School of Environment Management; Faculty of Agronomics Sciences; University of Abomey - Calavi (LEA/FSA/UAC); 03 PO Box 2819 Cotonou Benin
| | - Brice A. Sinsin
- Laboratory of Applied Ecology; School of Environment Management; Faculty of Agronomics Sciences; University of Abomey - Calavi (LEA/FSA/UAC); 03 PO Box 2819 Cotonou Benin
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6
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Bertola LD, Tensen L, van Hooft P, White PA, Driscoll CA, Henschel P, Caragiulo A, Dias-Freedman I, Sogbohossou EA, Tumenta PN, Jirmo TH, de Snoo GR, de Iongh HH, Vrieling K. Correction: Autosomal and mtDNA Markers Affirm the Distinctiveness of Lions in West and Central Africa. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0149059. [PMID: 26939120 PMCID: PMC4777360 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0149059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
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Bertola LD, Tensen L, van Hooft P, White PA, Driscoll CA, Henschel P, Caragiulo A, Dias-Freedman I, Sogbohossou EA, Tumenta PN, Jirmo TH, de Snoo GR, de Iongh HH, Vrieling K. Autosomal and mtDNA Markers Affirm the Distinctiveness of Lions in West and Central Africa. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0137975. [PMID: 26466139 PMCID: PMC4605676 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0137975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2014] [Accepted: 08/25/2015] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
The evolutionary history of a species is key for understanding the taxonomy and for the design of effective management strategies for species conservation. The knowledge about the phylogenetic position of the lion (Panthera leo) in West/Central Africa is largely based on mitochondrial markers. Previous studies using mtDNA only have shown this region to hold a distinct evolutionary lineage. In addition, anthropogenic factors have led to a strong decline in West/Central African lion numbers, thus, the conservation value of these populations is particularly high. Here, we investigate whether autosomal markers are concordant with previously described phylogeographic patterns, and confirm the unique position of the West/Central African lion. Analysis of 20 microsatellites and 1,454 bp of the mitochondrial DNA in 16 lion populations representing the entire geographic range of the species found congruence in both types of markers, identifying four clusters: 1) West/Central Africa, 2) East Africa, 3) Southern Africa and 4) India. This is not in line with the current taxonomy, as defined by the IUCN, which only recognizes an African and an Asiatic subspecies. There are no indications that genetic diversity in West/Central Africa lions is lower than in either East or Southern Africa, however, given this genetic distinction and the recent declines of lion numbers in this region, we strongly recommend prioritization of conservation projects in West/Central Africa. As the current taxonomic nomenclature does not reflect the evolutionary history of the lion, we suggest that a taxonomic revision of the lion is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura D. Bertola
- Leiden University, Institute of Environmental Sciences (CML), PO Box 9518, 2300, RA Leiden, The Netherlands
- Leiden University, Institute of Biology Leiden (IBL), PO Box 9505, 2300, RA Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Laura Tensen
- University of Johannesburg, Department of Zoology, PO Box 524, Johannesburg, Johannesburg, Republic of South Africa
| | - Pim van Hooft
- Wageningen University, Resource Ecology Group, Droevendaalsesteeg 3a, 6708, PB Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Paula A. White
- Center for Tropical Research, Institute of the Environment and Sustainability, La Kretz Hall Suite 300, 619 Charles E. Young Dr. East, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095–1496, United States of America
| | | | - Philipp Henschel
- Panthera, 8 West 40th Street, 18th Floor, New York, NY, 10018, United States of America
| | - Anthony Caragiulo
- Sackler Institute for Comparative Genomics, American Museum of Natural History, 79th Street at Central Park West, New York, NY, 10024, United States of America
| | - Isabela Dias-Freedman
- Sackler Institute for Comparative Genomics, American Museum of Natural History, 79th Street at Central Park West, New York, NY, 10024, United States of America
| | - Etotépé A. Sogbohossou
- Leiden University, Institute of Environmental Sciences (CML), PO Box 9518, 2300, RA Leiden, The Netherlands
- Laboratoire d’Ecologie Appliquée, Université d’Abomey-Calavi, Champ de Foire 03 BP 1974, Cotonou, Benin
| | - Pricelia N. Tumenta
- Leiden University, Institute of Environmental Sciences (CML), PO Box 9518, 2300, RA Leiden, The Netherlands
- Centre for Environment and Development Studies in Cameroon, University of Dschang, BP 410, Maroua, Cameroon
| | - Tuqa H. Jirmo
- Leiden University, Institute of Environmental Sciences (CML), PO Box 9518, 2300, RA Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Geert R. de Snoo
- Leiden University, Institute of Environmental Sciences (CML), PO Box 9518, 2300, RA Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Hans H. de Iongh
- Leiden University, Institute of Environmental Sciences (CML), PO Box 9518, 2300, RA Leiden, The Netherlands
- University of Antwerp, Department Biology, Evolutionary Ecology Group, Groenenborgerlaan 171, 2020, Antwerpen, Belgium
| | - Klaas Vrieling
- Leiden University, Institute of Biology Leiden (IBL), PO Box 9505, 2300, RA Leiden, The Netherlands
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Sogbohossou EA, Bauer H, Loveridge A, Funston PJ, De Snoo GR, Sinsin B, De Iongh HH. Social structure of lions (Panthera leo) is affected by management in Pendjari Biosphere Reserve, Benin. PLoS One 2014; 9:e84674. [PMID: 24416263 PMCID: PMC3885576 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0084674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2013] [Accepted: 11/17/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Lion populations have undergone a severe decline in West Africa. As baseline for conservation management, we assessed the group structure of lions in the Pendjari Biosphere Reserve in Benin. This reserve, composed of one National Park and two Hunting Zones, is part of the WAP transboundary complex of protected areas. Overall mean group size was 2.6±1.7 individuals (n = 296), it was significantly higher in the National Park (2.7±1.7, n = 168) than in the Hunting Zones (2.2±1.5, n = 128). Overall adult sex ratio was even, but significantly biased towards females (0.67) in the National Park and towards males (1.67) in the Hunting Zones. Our results suggest that the Pendjari lion population is affected by perturbations, such as trophy hunting.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hans Bauer
- Wildlife Conservation Research Unit, Zoology, University of Oxford, Tubney, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew Loveridge
- Wildlife Conservation Research Unit, Zoology, University of Oxford, Tubney, United Kingdom
| | | | - Geert R. De Snoo
- Institute for Environmental Sciences, University of Leiden, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Brice Sinsin
- Laboratory of Applied Ecology, University of Abomey-Calavi, Cotonou, Benin
| | - Hans H. De Iongh
- Institute for Environmental Sciences, University of Leiden, Leiden, The Netherlands
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