Article
Biology
Gaelle Fehlmann, M. Justin O'Riain, Ines Furtbauer, Andrew J. King
Summary: This article explores the foraging behaviors of wildlife in human-modified landscapes and discusses the ecological impacts of crop and urban foraging on individuals and populations. It focuses on social species with negative interactions with humans, commonly known as raiding species, and discusses the management challenges faced by urban and rural land managers, businesses, and government organizations in mitigating human-wildlife conflicts.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Sabina Koirala, Paul A. Garber, Deepakrishna Somasundaram, Hem Bahadur Katuwal, Baoping Ren, Chengming Huang, Ming Li
Summary: The study in Nepal's Kavrepalanchok district examined crop raiding behavior of a group of 52 rhesus macaques, finding that factors influencing farmland invasions include crop type, proximity to forest edge and macaques' travel route, as well as mitigation efforts by farmers. As the proportion of maize farmland increased along the macaques' main travel route, damage to maize crops decreased.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2021)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Kris Budd, Christie Sampson, Peter Leimgruber, David Tonkyn, Kathryn Storey, Molly Garrett, Lori S. Eggert
Summary: Despite being the largest undivided landscape for Asian elephants in Myanmar, the Bago Yoma region faces high levels of human-elephant conflict, particularly characterized by crop-raiding and illegal killing. The elephant population in this area is biased towards subadults, with males being the primary conflict elephants, although both sexes and all ages engage in crop-raiding activities. The elephants also exhibit high genetic diversity, which is valuable for conservation efforts.
GLOBAL ECOLOGY AND CONSERVATION
(2021)
Review
Engineering, Environmental
Robert A. Montgomery, Jamie Raupp, Methodius Mukhwana, Ashley Greenleaf, Tutilo Mudumba, Philip Muruthi
Summary: Efforts have been made to reduce elephant crop raiding through interventions such as chili peppers and crop guarding combined with deterrents, which have been reported as most effective. However, further research is needed to evaluate the scalability of these interventions across different elephant populations.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Zaw Min Thant, Roel May, Eivin Roskaft
Summary: This study examined the pattern of human-elephant conflicts (HEC) in three different hotspots in Myanmar, finding that larger croplands and deforested areas were more vulnerable to crop attacks and elephant encounters. The distance to forest reserves was identified as the most influential factor in incidents of HEC.
GLOBAL ECOLOGY AND CONSERVATION
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Chengchao Wang, Benxiang Zeng, Xianqiang Song, Dongshen Luo, Tingting Lin
Summary: Wild boar poses a serious threat to agricultural production and rural livelihoods around the world. The impact of the human-wild boar conflict was investigated in a case study conducted in Fu'an City, Fujian Province, Southeast China. The study found that wild boars had a significant overall impact on livelihoods, but the extent of the impact varied depending on certain factors such as the scale of agricultural output value and the dependency on vulnerable crops. Different impacts led to different countermeasures adopted by rural households. Economic losses caused by wild boars determined the selection of prevention measures, with households experiencing greater losses tending to adopt more costly and effective measures such as fencing and human guarding. Recommendations were made to address the human-wild boar conflicts in China.
FRONTIERS IN ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Erik Joaquin Torres-Romero, Vincent Nijman, David Fernandez, Timothy M. Eppley
Summary: Anthropogenic pressures have severely impacted primate species richness globally and regionally, with factors such as croplands, road density, pasture lands, and human footprint having the most negative effects. However, protected areas and Indigenous Peoples' lands play a critical role in safeguarding primate species diversity.
GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Lev Kolinski, Krista M. Milich
Summary: The attitudes of community members living around protected areas, specifically Kibale National Park in Uganda, are crucial for effective conservation strategies. By implementing sustainable human-wildlife conflict mitigation strategies, such as digging trenches, installing beehive fences, planting tea, and growing garlic, it is possible to improve relationships between communities and wildlife while reducing crop destruction. Results showed a positive correlation between participation in the project and perceived benefits of living near the park, as well as improved attitudes towards the Uganda Wildlife Authority. This research will inform future conservation initiatives in similar areas where human-animal conflicts occur.
Article
Ecology
Chase A. LaDue, Imira Eranda, Chandana Jayasinghe, Rajnish P. G. Vandercone
Summary: The study revealed that mortality patterns of Asian elephants in northwestern Sri Lanka varied significantly by month, with most deaths being human-related and males being more vulnerable to human-related mortality than females. Causes of death also differed between districts, with higher human-related mortality observed in the district with the highest percentage of protected land.
JOURNAL OF WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Alvaro Castilla-Beltran, Lea de Nascimento, Jose-Maria Fernandez-Palacios, Robert J. Whittaker, Kathy J. Willis, Mary Edwards, Sandra Nogue
Summary: This study examines the impact of human colonization on forest landscapes in the Canary Islands and Cabo Verde through analysis of paleoecological archives. It finds that these regions were sensitive to regional climate change prior to human colonization, and that early human settlement had gradual impacts. In contrast, the colonial era led to rapid transformation and increased anthropogenic pressures on the forest ecosystems.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2021)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Erin K. Buchholtz, Megan McDaniels, Graham McCulloch, Anna Songhurst, Amanda Stronza
Summary: Human-wildlife conflict is a complex issue with broad impacts. Studies often focus on single data types or scales, limiting our understanding. In a region of Botswana, we examined conflict incidents, perceptions, and field assessments, revealing increasing conflict incidents and the impact of elephant group size on crop raiding.
Article
Ecology
Ben J. Walton, Leah J. Findlay, Russell A. Hill
Summary: This study used GPS and accelerometer bio-loggers to track a group of baboons in crop fields in South Africa and found that the baboons tended to avoid the fields for most of the year, perceiving them as high-risk habitat. When they did visit the fields, it was usually when plant productivity was low, indicating crops were a backup food source. Activity levels were significantly higher in crop fields compared to the rest of the landscape, suggesting crop-foraging is energetically costly. Additionally, activity levels were lower near the field edges, indicating baboons may wait there to assess risks before entering the fields.
ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2021)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Nabin Kumar Dahal, Kazuhiro Harada, Adhikari Sudha, Ramesh Prasad Sapkota, Saroj Kandel
Summary: HWC is a growing concern for agro-pastoral communities living near protected areas, with wild elephants being a major contributor to crop damage, particularly rice. To mitigate this issue, suggestions include constructing concrete walls and involving the local community in conservation stewardship.
HUMAN DIMENSIONS OF WILDLIFE
(2022)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Lydia N. Tiller, Ernest Oniba, Godfrey Opira, Ewan J. Brennan, Lucy E. King, Victor Ndombi, Derick Wanjala, Marion R. Robertson
Summary: Human-elephant conflict is a common issue in Asia and Africa, and current methods for mitigating crop raiding by elephants are often expensive and difficult to implement. This study tested a new olfactory deterrent, a foul-smelling organic liquid, and found it to be effective in deterring elephants from crop raiding.
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Marion R. Robertson, Lisa J. Olivier, John Roberts, Laddawan Yonthantham, Constance Banda, Innocent B. N'gombwa, Rachel Dale, Lydia N. Tiller
Summary: Mitigating and reducing the impacts of elephant crop-raiding has become a major focus of conservation intervention. A study was conducted to test the responses of semi-captive elephants to a novel olfactory crop-raiding mitigation method called the smelly elephant repellent. The results showed that the repellent elicited clear reactions from the elephants, but it did not prevent them from entering protected areas or eating crops.
Editorial Material
Ecology
Colin A. Chapman, Bette Loiselle, Raman Sukumar, Onja Razafindratsima
Article
Zoology
Abigail C. Ross, Margaret A. H. Bryer, Colin A. Chapman, Jessica M. Rothman, Omer Nevo, Kim Valenta
Summary: The flowers of Symphonia globulifera play an important role in the nutrition of primates, providing a high fat resource.
FOLIA PRIMATOLOGICA
(2022)
Review
Zoology
Jorge Ramos-Luna, Maria Fernando Alvarez-Velazquez, Colin A. Chapman, Juan Carlos Serio-Silva
Summary: Leucism, along with albinism and piebaldism, is one of the most commonly reported types of chromatic anomalies in mammals. This study presents the first record of a leucistic black howler monkey in southern Mexico and compiles records of anomalous pigmentation in American primates. The findings indicate that anomalous coloration is not a significant threat to survival and highlight the importance of reporting observations to further understand this phenomenon and contribute to tropical forest conservation.
FOLIA PRIMATOLOGICA
(2022)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Maria Jose Ruiz-Lopez, Arleigh Jane Hitchcock, Noah D. Simons, Jenneca McCarter, Colin A. Chapman, Dipto Sarkar, Patrick Omeja, Tony L. Goldberg, Nelson Ting
Summary: Deforestation in the tropics has led to fragmentation of wildlife populations, including the endangered Ashy red colobus. This study explores the genetic population structure of the colobus population in forest fragments surrounding Kibale National Park in Uganda and proposes a restoration strategy based on landscape features. The findings suggest the possibility of maintaining fragment populations through a series of stepping stone forests and identify low-lying valleys as suitable areas for community-based forest restoration efforts.
PERSPECTIVES IN ECOLOGY AND CONSERVATION
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Freerk Molleman, Jorge Granados-Tello, Colin A. Chapman, Toomas Tammaru
Summary: This study investigated the wild populations of three species of fruit-feeding butterflies in Uganda and found that large-bodied fruit-feeding butterflies are functionally income breeders. The variation in fruit availability has an impact on butterfly body mass and population dynamics.
FUNCTIONAL ECOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Zoology
Megan A. Schwegel, Alessandro Filazzola, Colin A. Chapman, Valerie A. M. Schoof
Summary: Resource availability is important for female reproductive success, and the timing of reproduction can affect maternal and infant survival. In this study, the researchers examined data on births, conceptions, mating seasonality, and interbirth intervals in vervet monkeys living near Lake Nabugabo, Uganda. They found that births occurred year-round but were moderately seasonal, and there was no difference in survival for infants born within or outside of birth peaks. The researchers also found that fruit availability and feeding habits did not vary seasonally, and interbirth intervals were shorter in higher-ranking females. These findings suggest that habitat differences and latitudinally-variable factors may influence the breeding seasonality and interbirth intervals in the Nabugabo vervet population.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PRIMATOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Anna Muchwampaka Kyokuhaire, Colin A. Chapman, Patrick A. Omeja, David Mwesigye Tumusiime, Banana Yabezi Abwoli, Michael J. Lawes
Summary: In Africa, protected forests in densely populated areas experience intense human-wildlife conflict. A study in Kibale National Park, Uganda, showed that baboons and elephants were responsible for most crop raiding incidents. While the financial loss caused by both species did not differ significantly, elephants were perceived as more damaging. Guarding and trenches were identified as the most effective deterrent strategies for baboons and elephants, respectively. Factors such as distance from the park and household income influenced the likelihood of crop raiding, and households headed by women or older adults were found to be more vulnerable.
AFRICAN JOURNAL OF ECOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Kaichong Shi, Li Yang, Lu Zhang, Colin Chapman, Pengfei Fan
Summary: China, as one of the most biodiverse countries with the longest international land borders, needs transboundary conservation efforts. This study identifies China's transboundary conservation hotspots and analyzes the potential impact of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) on them, providing recommendations for conservation actions.
DIVERSITY AND DISTRIBUTIONS
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Clementine Durand-Bessart, Norbert J. Cordeiro, Colin A. Chapman, Katharine Abernethy, Pierre-Michel Forget, Colin Fontaine, Francois Bretagnolle
Summary: Frugivory in tropical forests plays a crucial role in ecological processes, but the underlying mechanisms of frugivore-plant networks have not been thoroughly studied. This research examines the Afrotropical frugivory network and identifies its structural properties and knowledge gaps. The study finds that species traits related to frugivory and species distribution areas are key factors in shaping the network structure of frugivores and plants.
Article
Ecology
Anke Barahukwa, Colin A. Chapman, Mary Namaganda, Gerald Eilu, Patrick A. Omeja, Michael J. Lawes
Summary: Invasive Lantana camara L. significantly reduces tree, shrub, and herb cover and diversity, and suppresses tree regeneration. Short-term management of Lantana does not promote tree establishment, and even in cleared areas, tree species recruitment is poor. To ensure the long-term recovery of the forest tree community, sustained follow-up clearing of dense secondary shrubs and herbs, as well as resprouted L. camara, is crucial.
AFRICAN JOURNAL OF ECOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Emmanuel A. Opito, Timo Alanko, Urs Kalbitzer, Matti Nummelin, Patrick Omeja, Anu Valtonen, Colin A. Chapman
Summary: Declines in arthropod abundance and diversity have been observed in Kibale National Park, Uganda over the past four decades, particularly in the logged forest areas. Changes in arthropod communities were found to be influenced by multiple factors, including temperature increase, mammal species shifts, and changes in forest structure. Additionally, alterations in the landscape surrounding the park, such as population growth and agricultural intensification, may also contribute to the observed declines. Therefore, long-term multi-disciplinary efforts are necessary for effective conservation planning.
Article
Biology
Hanlan Fei, Miguel de Guinea, Li Yang, Paul A. Garber, Lu Zhang, Colin A. Chapman, Pengfei Fan
Summary: This study evaluated the movement patterns of skywalker gibbons from sleeping trees to breakfast trees and found that the type of food in the breakfast tree was the most important factor affecting gibbon movement patterns. The study suggests that gibbons have foraging goals in mind and plan their departure times accordingly, reflecting their ability for route-planning to exploit dispersed fruit resources in high-altitude forests.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY B-BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Zoology
Colin A. Chapman, Samuel Angedakin, Thomas M. Butynski, Jan F. Gogarten, John C. Mitani, Thomas T. Struhsaker
Summary: Anthropogenic-driven changes can have immediate negative impacts on wild primate populations, but changes like climate change may take generations to become evident. This study extends the monitoring of diurnal primates in Ngogo, Uganda, from 32.9 to 47 years and finds that the populations of black and white colobus, blue monkeys, and baboons have not significantly changed over time, while redtail monkeys and chimpanzees have marginally increased. Mangabeys and L'Hoesti monkeys have significantly increased, while red colobus encounters have dramatically decreased.
Article
Biology
Tessa Steiniche, Shaorui Wang, Emily Chester, Richard Mutegeki, Jessica M. Rothman, Richard W. Wrangham, Colin A. Chapman, Marta Venier, Michael D. Wasserman
Summary: Through non-invasive biomonitoring, we found that 97 chemical pollutants were present in the feces of four primate species in Kibale National Park, Uganda (chimpanzees, olive baboons, red colobus, and red-tailed monkeys), and they were positively associated with fecal hormone metabolites of cortisol and estradiol. The results indicated that organochlorine pesticides and organophosphate esters were positively correlated with cortisol in adult females, and organochlorine pesticides and brominated flame retardants were positively correlated with cortisol in juveniles. These findings suggest that cumulative pesticides and flame retardants can disrupt endocrine function in these primate populations, which may have implications for their development, metabolism, and reproduction. Additionally, our study demonstrates the importance of feces as a non-invasive matrix for examining pollutant-hormone associations in wild primates and other critical wildlife populations.
Article
Zoology
Colin A. Chapman, Jan F. Gogarten, Martin Golooba, Urs Kalbitzer, Patrick A. Omeja, Emmanuel A. Opito, Dipto Sarkar
Summary: Protected areas are crucial for safeguarding primate populations, but they still face threats from climate change. The population assessment of diurnal primates in Kibale National Park, Uganda, revealed overall stability with some localized declines and increases. The regeneration of forest areas has helped sustain primate populations, highlighting the importance of restoration efforts. The conservation initiatives undertaken by the Uganda Wildlife Authority and their partners have played a significant role in protecting the park and its animals.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PRIMATOLOGY
(2023)
