Article
Plant Sciences
Marina Pannunzio Ribeiro, Kaline de Mello, Roberta Averna Valente
Summary: In the process of urbanization, the connectivity of urban forest fragments in protected areas is insufficient to support biodiversity conservation. The current ecological network relies on neighboring forest fragments and flux dispersal in peri-urban areas. Riparian zones and anthropic grasslands play an important role in protected area connectivity.
URBAN FORESTRY & URBAN GREENING
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Shivish Bhandari, Ramiro D. Crego, Jared A. Stabach
Summary: Understanding the interaction between wildlife and human activities is crucial for conservation efforts. In Nepal, wild ungulates mainly inhabit highlands while livestock concentrate in lowlands. Elevation and livestock abundance are key factors influencing the distribution of wild ungulates.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Roberto Cazzolla Gatti, Alena Velichevskaya, Anastasia Dudko, Luca Fabbio, Claudia Notarnicola
Summary: Russian protected forests are facing significant threats from logging and fires, resulting in substantial tree loss. Despite logging and other human activities being prohibited in protected areas, the main driver of tree loss is non-fire causes. Therefore, improved management and policies are needed to reduce forest loss.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Shawan Chowdhury, Shofiul Alam, Mahzabin Muzahid Labi, Nahla Khan, Md Rokonuzzaman, Dipto Biswas, Tasmia Tahea, Sharif A. Mukul, Richard A. Fuller
Summary: The biodiversity in South Asian Protected Areas (PAs) is facing a wide range of anthropogenic threats, with research biased towards India and focusing mainly on species distribution. Most PAs are very small and have not yet reached international biodiversity targets.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Evan R. Muise, Nicholas C. Coops, Txomin Hermosilla, Stephen S. Ban
Summary: Protected areas are important for conserving biodiversity and ecosystem services, but current metrics for assessing their effectiveness and representation are inadequate. This study analyzed the protected area network in British Columbia, Canada using remote sensing data and freely available information, and found biases towards high-elevation and alpine areas. Analysis of forest structural attributes suggests establishing additional protected areas to ensure representation of different forest structure regimes across the province.
ECOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Environmental Studies
Shilei Liu, Jintao Xu
Summary: The establishment of protected areas is significantly associated with a decrease in fire risk, but the ownership of forests within protected areas plays a key role in determining fire activities. Insufficient compensation may be one of the reasons for higher fire risk in collectively or individually owned forests. A solution to this problem is the provision of more financial compensation within protected areas in China.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Florian Reiner, Martin Brandt, Xiaoye Tong, David Skole, Ankit Kariryaa, Philippe Ciais, Andrew Davies, Pierre Hiernaux, Jerome Chave, Maurice Mugabowindekwe, Christian Igel, Stefan Oehmcke, Fabian Gieseke, Sizhuo Li, Siyu Liu, Sassan Saatchi, Peter Boucher, Jenia Singh, Simon Taugourdeau, Morgane Dendoncker, Xiao-Peng Song, Ole Mertz, Compton J. Tucker, Rasmus Fensholt
Summary: The continuous monitoring of trees is crucial for sustainable land management, but current systems lack consistent coverage. This study uses high-resolution imagery from the PlanetScope nanosatellite constellation to map tree cover in Africa, revealing that 29% of trees are found outside traditionally classified forest areas. This accurate mapping at the individual tree level has the potential to redefine land use impacts and contribute to natural climate solutions.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
L. Duncanson, M. Liang, V. Leitold, J. Armston, S. M. Krishna Moorthy, R. Dubayah, S. Costedoat, B. J. Enquist, L. Fatoyinbo, S. J. Goetz, M. Gonzalez-Roglich, C. Merow, P. R. Roehrdanz, K. Tabor, A. Zvoleff
Summary: Forests are crucial in stabilizing Earth's climate, and protected areas (PAs) are one approach to conserving forests. However, the global impact of PAs on the carbon cycle has not been quantified due to a lack of accurate global-scale carbon stock maps. Using lidar samples from NASA's GEDI mission, this study estimated a total PA aboveground carbon stock of 61.43 Gt, with 26% attributed to PAs. These higher carbon stocks are mainly from avoided emissions in PAs compared to unprotected forests, equivalent to one year of global fossil fuel emissions.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Martin Jung, Matthew Lewis, Myroslava Lesiv, Andy Arnell, Steffen Fritz, Piero Visconti
Summary: This study reveals that forest management has been largely ignored in previous conservation assessments, leading to overly optimistic species extinction risk and habitat assessments. Disturbed and human-managed forests dominate the distribution ranges of most forest-associated species. The study emphasizes the importance of explicitly considering forest management in global and regional assessments.
DIVERSITY AND DISTRIBUTIONS
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Saulo Folharini, Antonio Vieira, Antonio Bento-Goncalves, Sara Silva, Tiago Marques, Jorge Novais
Summary: Wildfires are becoming more frequent due to climate change, particularly in areas experiencing prolonged drought. Protected areas play a crucial role in conserving ecosystems and biodiversity, but there is limited research on the occurrence of wildfires in these areas. This study conducts a bibliometric analysis to understand the spatial and temporal relation between wildfires and protected areas, as well as the characteristics and trends in research on this topic.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Joao Campos-Silva, Carlos A. Peres, Joseph E. Hawes, Torbjorn Haugaasen, Carolina T. Freitas, Richard J. Ladle, Priscila F. M. Lopes
Summary: The research found that communities living inside sustainable-use protected areas in the Brazilian Amazon have better access to healthcare, education, and infrastructure compared to those outside. The community co-management of fisheries and wildlife recovery within PAs have led to significant social welfare improvements.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2021)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Leena Hintsanen, Emma-Liina Marjakangas, Andrea Santangeli, Alison Johnston, Aleksi Lehikoinen
Summary: The role and effectiveness of protected areas in conserving biodiversity under a warming climate are still debated. This study used bird survey data from southern Canada to examine the climate-driven changes in temperature niche compositions of bird communities inside and outside protected areas. Results showed that communities inside protected areas included a higher proportion of cold-dwelling species and exhibited slower shifts towards warm-dwelling species compared to communities outside protected areas. However, as the climate warms, the temperature compositions of bird communities inside protected areas quickly begin to resemble those outside, suggesting that the protection of cold-dwelling species may be compromised.
CONSERVATION BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jianbang Wang, Zhuoyu He, Chunling Wang, Min Feng, Yong Pang, Tao Yu, Xin Li
Summary: This study used Landsat tree-canopy cover method to analyze the long-term forest dynamics of protected areas in northeast China, and found that the protection policies were effective in controlling forest loss and promoting forest gain. The results are important for evaluating the conservation efforts in protected areas.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Kathryn A. Powlen, Michael C. Gavin, Kelly W. Jones
Summary: The study found that protected areas with higher management effectiveness have a greater impact on reducing forest destruction, and they experience less forest loss compared to areas with low management effectiveness. Administration and finance scores have the greatest impact on forest loss outcomes.
BIOLOGICAL CONSERVATION
(2021)
Article
Development Studies
Saulo de Oliveira Folharini, Silas Nogueira de Melo, Stephen R. Cameron
Summary: The study found a positive and significant relationship between protected areas and forest crimes, likely due to increased crime opportunities, enhanced environmental monitoring and enforcement, and reduced legally exploitable forest areas. Protected areas, as well as education levels, have a significant impact on forest crimes.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNING AND MANAGEMENT
(2022)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
D. Sarkar, S. Bortolamiol, J. F. Gogarten, J. Hartter, R. Hou, W. Kagoro, P. Omeja, C. Tumwesigye, C. A. Chapman
Summary: Parks play a crucial role in protecting biodiversity. A study on Kibale National Park in Uganda reveals that changes in illegal activities were correlated with living conditions and patrolling efforts in neighboring communities. The research suggests that the conservation strategies implemented over the past few decades were effective in protecting the park and its animals, but further interdisciplinary studies are needed to understand the impacts on local human populations.
ANIMAL CONSERVATION
(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
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Timothy M. Eppley, Selwyn Hoeks, Colin A. Chapman, Jorg U. Ganzhorn, Katie Hall, Megan A. Owen, Dara B. Adams, Nestor Allgas, Katherine R. Amato, McAntonin Andriamahaihavana, John F. Aristizabal, Andrea L. Baden, Michela Balestri, Adrian A. Barnett, Julio Cesar Bicca-Marques, Mark Bowler, Sarah A. Boyle, Meredith Brown, Damien Caillaud, Claudia Calegaro-Marques, Christina J. Campbell, Marco Campera, Fernando A. Campos, Tatiane S. Cardoso, Xyomara Carretero-Pinzon, Jane Champion, Oscar M. Chaves, Chloe Chen-Kraus, Ian C. Colquhoun, Brittany Dean, Colin Dubrueil, Kelsey M. Ellis, Elizabeth M. Erhart, Kayley J. E. Evans, Linda M. Fedigan, Annika M. Felton, Renata G. Ferreira, Claudia Fichtel, Manuel L. Fonseca, Isadora P. Fontes, Vanessa B. Fortes, Ivanyr Fumian, Dean Gibson, Guilherme B. Guzzo, Kayla S. Hartwell, Eckhard W. Heymann, Renato R. Hilario, Sheila M. Holmes, Mitchell T. Irwin, Steig E. Johnson, Peter M. Kappeler, Elizabeth A. Kelley, Tony King, Christoph Knogge, Flavia Koch, Martin M. Kowalewski, Liselot R. Lange, M. Elise Lauterbur, Edward E. Louis, Meredith C. Lutz, Jesus Martinez, Amanda D. Melin, Fabiano R. de Melo, Tsimisento H. Mihaminekena, Monica S. Mogilewsky, Leandro S. Moreira, Leticia A. Moura, Carina B. Muhle, Mariana B. Nagy-Reis, Marilyn A. Norconk, Hugh Notman, M. Teague O'Mara, Julia Ostner, Erik R. Patel, Mary S. M. Pavelka, Braulio Pinacho-Guendulain, Leila M. Porter, Gilberto Pozo-Montuy, Becky E. Raboy, Vololonirina Rahalinarivo, Njaratiana A. Raharinoro, Zafimahery Rakotomalala, Gabriel Ramos-Fernandez, Delaid C. Rasamisoa, Jonah Ratsimbazafy, Maholy Ravaloharimanitra, Josia Razafindramanana, Tojotanjona P. Razanaparany, Nicoletta Righini, Nicola M. Robson, Jonas da Rosa Goncalves, Justin Sanamo, Nicole Santacruz, Hiroki Sato, Michelle L. Sauther, Clara J. Scarry, Juan Carlos Serio-Silva, Sam Shanee, Poliana G. A. de Souza Lins, Andrew C. Smith, Sandra E. Smith Aguilar, Joao Pedro Souza-Alves, Vanessa Katherinne Stavis, Kim J. E. Steffens, Anita Stone, Karen B. Strier, Scott A. Suarez, Mauricio Talebi, Stacey R. Tecot, M. Paula Tujague, Kim Valenta, Sarie Van Belle, Natalie Vasey, Robert B. Wallace, Gilroy Welch, Patricia C. Wright, Giuseppe Donati, Luca Santini
Summary: Among mammals, the order Primates stands out for its high taxonomic richness and the diversity of arboreal, semiterrestrial, or terrestrial taxa. The transition from arboreality to terrestriality in primates is influenced by ecological factors and species-specific traits. As humans modify habitats and climate change occurs, species inhabiting hot, sparsely canopied environments and with more generalized diets are more likely to shift towards increased ground use.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2022)
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)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Rui Liu, Katherine Amato, Rong Hou, Andres Gomez, Derek W. Dunn, Jun Zhang, Paul A. Garber, Colin A. Chapman, Nicoletta Righini, Gang He, Gu Fang, Yuhang Li, Baoguo Li, Songtao Guo
Summary: This study investigated the fiber digestion adaptations of golden snub-nosed monkeys (GSMs) by comparing morphology, microbiome composition and function, and digestive efficiency. The results showed that both the foregut and hindgut of GSMs contribute to fiber digestion, and an enlarged colon may be an adaptation to handle high-fiber food during winter.
