|
|
- Current State of Knowledge of Páramo Amphibians in Colombia: Spatio
Temporal Trends and Information Gaps to Be Strengthened for Effective
Conservation
Authors: Liliana Patricia Saboyá Acosta, J. Nicolás Urbina-Cardona
Abstract: Tropical Conservation Science, Volume 16, Issue , January-December 2023.
Background and Research Aims: Globally, Colombia is the country with the largest extent of Páramos (delimited in 36 complexes) and with the greatest number of amphibian species in this ecosystem. This work consolidated scientific literature on the amphibians of the Colombian Páramos to characterize temporal, taxonomic, thematic, and geographic patterns, which allow us to identify information gaps that must be fulfilled to achieve effective species conservation. Methods: We conducted a systematic literature survey with seven different search strategies and generated a database. We read each document's , Methods, Study Area, Results, and supplementary material, following the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses) protocol. Results: We found 405 documents published between 1863 and 2021. The composition and richness of 142 amphibian species (95 endemics to Colombia), presented significant differences in Páramo complexes and between sectors. Since 2000, the diversity of research topics has increased with a high proportion of studies on Natural History, Systematics and Taxonomy, and Conservation, distributed between 19 and 22 of the departments with Páramos in their jurisdiction. However, much of this knowledge concentrates in less than 20% of total species in just 6% of Páramos complexes. Conclusion: We found critical shortfalls in taxonomy, spatial information, and conservation actions on Páramos amphibians. We need to increase studies that include field data in more geographic areas and research topics, such as Population and Community ecology, Natural history (from a quantitative approach), Infectious disease, and Ecophysiology. Implications for Conservation: The scientific information gaps represent a challenge in generating effective strategies to conserve Páramo amphibians, considering the high degree of endemism and threats to these species. More than 80% of the Páramo amphibian species only have the information of their descriptions and little is known about their ecological requirements, population size, or data related to specific threats.
Citation: Tropical Conservation Science
PubDate: 2023-04-20T11:15:18Z
DOI: 10.1177/19400829231169984
Issue No: Vol. 16 (2023)
- Climate-Smart Conservation Agriculture, Farm Values and Tenure Security:
Implications for Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation in the Congo
Basin
Authors: Ernest L. Molua, Denis Sonwa, Youssoufa Bele, Bernard Foahom, Jean Pierre Mate Mweru, Salomon Mampeta Wa Bassa, Martial Gapia, Felix Ngana, Assoua Eyong Joe, Emile Mulotwa Masumbuko
Abstract: Tropical Conservation Science, Volume 16, Issue , January-December 2023.
Background and Research Aims: Agriculture through deforestation is an important threat to biodiversity conservation in the Congo Basin’s tropical forest. The policy challenge is not only to promote adaptation to perceived climate change but also to promote forest conservation. The aim of this study is to provide empirical evidence on the impact of farm-level investments in climate-smart agricultural practices related to conservation agriculture in some Congo Basin countries. The hypothesis is that property rights to land and trees play a fundamental role in governing the patterns of investment, forestland management for conservation, as well as in the profitability of agriculture. Methods: A Simulated Maximum Likelihood Estimation using a Mixed Logit model is used to test farmers’ choice of agricultural system and a farmland value model for each agricultural system which includes determinants of tenure or property rights, climate, soils, and socioeconomic variables such as education and gender. The data was collected from more than 600 farms covering 12 regions and 45 divisions in 3 countries, Cameroon, the Central African Republic and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Results: Farmers choose one of three agricultural systems to maximize farm profit mindful of the current tenure regime and environmental conditions. Conservation agriculture techniques within climate-smart practices show benefits for smallholder farmers through improvements in soil health, soil moisture retention and enhanced crop yields. The rights to access, withdraw, manage, as well as exclude others from land and trees affect both the farmers' choice of system and the profit earned from the chosen system. Conclusion: Farm-level investments improve farm incomes and enhance conservation effort for farmers perceiving climate change. Implications for Conservation: Climate change adaptation through planting of trees improves soil stability, restores ecosystems and creates a safe haven for biodiversity. Secure land tenure promotes better forestland management and reduces land degradation in vulnerable communities.
Citation: Tropical Conservation Science
PubDate: 2023-04-17T06:32:01Z
DOI: 10.1177/19400829231169980
Issue No: Vol. 16 (2023)
- Socioecological Assessment of Mammal Assemblages in Small Oil-Palm
Plantations in a Highly Deforested Region in Mexico
Authors: Montserrat Franquesa-Soler, Fernando Ocampo-Saure, Francisco Mora, Gabriel P. Andrade-Ponce, Ellen Andresen
Abstract: Tropical Conservation Science, Volume 16, Issue , January-December 2023.
Background and Research Aims: A great challenge in tropical-forest regions, is to build socioecosystems that ensure both biodiversity conservation and people’s wellbeing. Oil-palm plantations are profitable, but they can have negative impacts on biodiversity. Most information on the impacts of this crop comes from large plantations. However, in some regions, small plantations predominate and lessons derived from the large-estate context may not be applicable. Here, we carried out a socioecological assessment of mammals in small oil-palm plantations in a highly deforested region in Mexico, with the aim of guiding conservation efforts. Methods: We sampled mammals> 0.5 kg in 11 small plantations ( 0.5 kg en 11 pequeñas plantaciones de palma aceitera (< 60 ha) con cámaras trampa durante 1 año. Evaluamos los efectos de dos variables de paisaje (cobertura forestal, distancia al bosque) y dos variables de la plantación (área, edad). También entrevistamos a los agricultores para conocer la presencia de mamíferos en sus plantaciones y sus percepciones sobre los beneficios y/o costos asociados a esos mamíferos. Resultados: Foto-capturamos 20 especies y los agricultores reportaron 4 más en las entrevistas. La diversidad de mamíferos se relacionó negativamente con la distancia de la plantación al bosque; la composición de los ensambles se asoció con todas las variables, excepto el área de la plantación. Los beneficios que los agricultores asociaron con los mamíferos fueron mayormente utilitarios (e.g., carne de monte). Los costos percibidos como serios, estuvieron relacionados a la pérdida de animales domésticos y otros cultivos. Conclusión: En una región altamente deforestada de México, las plantaciones de palma aceitera pueden ser hábitat temporal para algunas especies de mamíferos. Al combinar las dimensiones ecológica y social, podemos mejorar nuestra comprensión de los factores que facilitan o dificultan la conservación de los mamíferos en los paisajes agrícolas. Implicaciones para la conservación: Identificamos dos acciones claves necesarias para la conservación a largo plazo de los mamíferos en la región de estudio: (i) proteger los fragmentos de bosque secundario; (ii) regular la cacería. Es necesario involucrar a los agricultores en el diseño conjunto de planes de conservación participativos para garantizar el éxito a largo plazo.
Citation: Tropical Conservation Science
PubDate: 2023-04-13T10:44:10Z
DOI: 10.1177/19400829231169977
Issue No: Vol. 16 (2023)
- Reconstructing Historical Distribution of Large Mammals and their Habitat
to Inform Rewilding and Restoration in Central Tanzania
Authors: Paulo C. Athumani, Linus K. Munishi, Issakwisa B. Ngondya
Abstract: Tropical Conservation Science, Volume 16, Issue , January-December 2023.
Backgroundand research aim:In the anthropogenic landscapes where historically wildlife existed, there can be a potential for rewilding to reverse extinction. However, there is limited literature providing approaches to achieve successful rewilding. The current study aimed at providing empirical based methodological procedures for successful rewilding of the University of Dodoma (UDOM) and nearby degraded landscape by assessing past and current vegetation and large mammal species’ occurrence.Methodology:The past occurrence of mega-herbivores and their habitat was assessed using systematic literature survey, past vegetation maps and key informant interviews. EBSCOhost database and Google Scholar search engine were used for literature searching. A survey was conducted at UDOM area which is one of the remaining habitat patches in central Tanzania to examine present plant diversity.Results:The baseline vegetation map of 1960 indicated that the study area was mainly Savanna woodland. Literature suggested that anthropogenic activities resulted into Land-Use Land-Cover Changes (LULCC) leading into wild animals’ extirpation leaving remnant populations in the surrounding protected areas. While the key informant interviews verified local loss of mega-herbivores, field data collected at UDOM campus in 2022 indicated the vegetation transformation to bushland dominated by Dichrostachys cinerea. The area’s past vegetation composition was 33% grasses, 29% herbs, 21% shrubs and 17% trees while the current was 18% grasses, 42% herbs, 30% shrubs and 10% trees.Conclusion:The study revealed that central Tanzania hosted spectacular large mammal populations that interacted with the savanna which has recently been transformed to bushland. However, observed evidence on past existence of large mammals and recent elephants’ sightings at UDOM area indicate great potential for rewilding.Implication for conservation:Reconstructing historical information of ecosystems is crucial for successful rewilding. Such information can guide conservation efforts aiming at reversing extinction and reestablishing connectivity of large herbivore population across ecosystems.
Citation: Tropical Conservation Science
PubDate: 2023-04-05T09:36:12Z
DOI: 10.1177/19400829231166832
Issue No: Vol. 16 (2023)
- The Effects of Prescribed Dry Season Burning on Woody Species Composition,
Mole National Park, Ghana
Authors: Esther Ekua Amoako, Hamza Issifu, Rikiatu Husseini
Abstract: Tropical Conservation Science, Volume 16, Issue , January-December 2023.
Fire use in protected savannas of Africa is a common practice. Fires in these savannas create many environmental benefits, such as reducing grass, brush and trees that can fuel large and severe wildfires and improving wildlife habitat. However, wrong timing of fire can threaten plants, animals and habitats. This study investigated the effects of time of burning on woody plant composition, diversity and density in the Mole National Park, Ghana. A total of twelve 300 m2 plots were systematically sampled in a 200 m × 200 m treatment plot established by Park Management each for early burn, late burn and no-burn plots. Twenty-seven different woody species belonging to fourteen families were recorded in all the treatments. Most of the species identified belonged to the families Fabaceae and Combretaceae. Vitellaria paradoxa (Shea), Terminalia avicennioides, Combretum adenogonium and Combretum molle were the most common and abundant in all treatments. A TWINSPAN on sites and species revealed four species groups based on affinity to burning time. A follow-up DCA showed a strong association between burning time and species composition, with the first two axes explaining 65% of variation. The late burn and no-burn treatments recorded the lowest diversity amongst the three treatments. Stem density was highest in no-burn treatment which had lowest species richness and diversity compared to early and late burn treatments. Early burn treatment had the highest diversity and the lowest density of woody species. The study revealed that the different times of prescribed burning influenced vegetation differently. Prescribed early dry season burning could contribute to the management of indigenous woody species in protected fire-prone savannas, because it can promote the diversity of species, as found in the Mole National Park in the Guinea savanna of Ghana.
Citation: Tropical Conservation Science
PubDate: 2023-03-23T03:19:09Z
DOI: 10.1177/19400829231164936
Issue No: Vol. 16 (2023)
- Thanks to Reviewers
Abstract: Tropical Conservation Science, Volume 16, Issue , January-December 2023.
Citation: Tropical Conservation Science
PubDate: 2023-02-01T03:40:47Z
DOI: 10.1177/19400829231154987
Issue No: Vol. 16 (2023)
- Human Persecution is An Important Threat to the Conservation of the
Endangered Black-and-Chestnut Eagle in Northern Andes
Authors: Juan Sebastián Restrepo-Cardona, Fabricio Narváez, Sebastián Kohn, Félix Hernán Vargas, Santiago Zuluaga
Abstract: Tropical Conservation Science, Volume 16, Issue , January-December 2023.
Background and Research AimsThe Black-and-chestnut Eagle (Spizaetus isidori) has a total population of fewer than 1000 adult individuals, and is categorized as Endangered at the global level. The northern Andes (Ecuador and Colombia) represent one of the last population strongholds of the species. In this study, we analyzed human persecution of the Black-and-chestnut Eagle as retaliation or as a preventive measure against poultry predation, as well as other threats that have affected the species in this geographical region between 2000 and 2022.MethodsIn order to understand the human persecution and other threats faced by the Black-and-chestnut Eagle in the northern Andes, we compiled records of immature and adult individuals of the species that had been shot, captured, or had presented evidence of any other affectations during the last 23 years.ResultsWe found a total of 96 Black-and-chestnut Eagles affected by different threats. Human persecution of the species to prevent poultry predation was the motive in 81% (46 of 57) of the cases of shot eagles, 67% (10 of 15) of those captured illegally, 30% (3 of 10) of those in which the cause of affectation was undetermined and for one individual that had been stabbed. Immature eagles were more affected than adult eagles by human persecution. Black-and-chestnut Eagles were also affected by electrocution, illegal trafficking and collision with vehicle.ConclusionHuman persecution as retaliation or as a preventive measure against poultry predation is an important threat to the conservation of the Black-and-chestnut Eagle in northern Andes.Implications for ConservationStrict application of laws at human persecution sites, identification and monitoring of areas with high risk of human-eagle conflict, development of environmental educational programs, strengthening of the technical capacities of rural communities, maintaining or even increasing forest cover, and reducing the exposure of poultry by using enclosures are key for Black-and-chestnut Eagle conservation in the northern Andes.
Citation: Tropical Conservation Science
PubDate: 2023-01-17T02:22:38Z
DOI: 10.1177/19400829231152353
Issue No: Vol. 16 (2023)
|
Open Access journal
