Article
Environmental Sciences
Xueyou Li, Wenqiang Hu, William V. Bleisch, Quan Li, Hongjiao Wang, Bu Ti, Zhongyi Qin, Jun Sun, Fuyou Zhang, Xuelong Jiang
Summary: Human activities pose threats to numerous species, leading to habitat degradation and extinction risks. This study investigates the drivers and patterns of species richness of threatened and non-threatened terrestrial mammals in southwest China. The results show that human impacts have negative effects on threatened species richness, while non-threatened and total species richness increase with human modification. It highlights the importance of considering threatened species diversity separately when planning conservation efforts.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Forestry
Arianne E. Harris, Matthew T. Hallett, Micah Davis, Martin Carter, Dwarka Singh, Anand Roopsind, Gyanpriya Maharaj, Jake E. Bicknell
Summary: Selective logging and the construction of logging roads can have a significant impact on the occupancy and detection of terrestrial mammals in tropical forests. This study in Guyana found that properly managed logging roads can actually have a positive effect on mammal occurrence within logged forests. However, the distance to human settlements can also influence the presence of certain mammal species.
FOREST ECOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Article
Zoology
Romina L. D'Agostino, Daniel E. Udrizar Sauthier
Summary: This study assessed the abundance and activity patterns of terrestrial carnivorous mammals in San Pablo de Valdes Wildlife Reserve, Argentina. Results identified main species and their activity patterns, highlighting the need for further research on behavioral patterns and population parameters of these carnivores.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Dimitri A. Ouboter, Vanessa S. Kadosoe, Paul E. Ouboter
Summary: The impacts of ecotourism on biodiversity are complex and diverse, with some species avoiding tourist areas or altering activity patterns, while others are attracted to them. Management should focus on reducing the number of tourists in popular areas and limiting the number of vehicles in recreational areas.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Lauretta Andrew Laneng, Futoshi Nakamura, Yasuyuki Tachiki, Charles S. Vairappan
Summary: The study investigated the responses of ground-dwelling mammals and birds to different rehabilitation practices in the INIKEA Forest Rehabilitation Project in Sabah, Malaysia. Results showed that the rehabilitation methods aided forest recovery and provided habitat for wildlife. While there were no significant differences between rehabilitation treatments, the liberation method should be abandoned to ensure a variety of food resources for animal species.
LANDSCAPE AND ECOLOGICAL ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Ecology
Sian E. Green, Philip A. Stephens, Mark J. Whittingham, Russell A. Hill
Summary: Camera traps are commonly used in wildlife monitoring and citizen science, but concerns over video performance have led to the majority of studies collecting still images. However, a study conducted in the UK found no difference in ecological outputs between video and photo datasets. Additionally, citizen scientists were able to classify videos more accurately and provide more additional information compared to experts. This suggests that using video in camera-trapping projects, especially when combined with citizen science, can yield higher quality data.
REMOTE SENSING IN ECOLOGY AND CONSERVATION
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Iding Achmad Haidir, Zaneta Kaszta, Lara L. Sousa, Muhammad I. Lubis, David W. Macdonald, Matthew Linkie
Summary: This study quantified and mapped core habitat patches and dispersal corridors for three threatened cat species in the tropical rainforest landscape of Kerinci Seblat, Sumatra. The research predicted future forest loss and fragmentation, highlighting the potential impact on the core areas and corridors identified for wildlife populations.
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Giacomo Cremonesi, Francesco Bisi, Lorenzo Gaffi, Thet Zaw, Hla Naing, Kyaw Moe, Zarni Aung, Maria V. Mazzamuto, Alessandra Gagliardi, Lucas A. Wauters, Damiano G. Preatoni, Adriano Martinoli
Summary: Tropical forests, especially in Myanmar, are heavily impacted by human disturbances, leading to lower mammal diversity in disturbed areas. Camera trap data and occupancy models were used to evaluate biodiversity levels and ecosystem functions, revealing a significant decrease in carnivores and herbivores in degraded areas. This study provides insights into the direct and indirect effects of human disruptions on wildlife populations in Myanmar's tropical forests.
Review
Genetics & Heredity
Andrea Miranda Paez, Mekala Sundaram, Janna R. Willoughby
Summary: The study suggests that trapping and less invasive methods yield similar results in estimating wildlife population sizes, with the latter typically detecting more individuals. In addition, the method of analyzing camera data can significantly impact population size estimates, with spatial information resulting in larger estimates.
Article
Ecology
Badru Mugerwa, Juergen Niedballa, Aimara Planillo, Douglas Sheil, Stephanie Kramer-Schadt, Andreas Wilting
Summary: Quantifying and monitoring the risk of defaunation and extinction requires assessing and monitoring biodiversity in impacted regions. Camera trap research on terrestrial mammals over the last two decades has not targeted areas with high defaunation risk, indicating a need for more research in these regions.
REMOTE SENSING IN ECOLOGY AND CONSERVATION
(2023)
Article
Zoology
Sang Jin Lim, So Hyeon Han, Ki Yoon Kim, Sungwon Hong, Yung Chul Park
Summary: In Jangsudae of Seoraksan National Park, South Korea, a camera trap survey was conducted to evaluate the minimum trapping effort needed to detect ten listed mammal species. The most photographed species were the longtailed goral, wild boar, and Asian badger. The study found that at least 1840 camera days were required to photograph all ten resident species, and at least 1010 and 664 camera days were required to detect 95% and 90% of the species respectively. Future studies should consider long-term monitoring throughout all four seasons and compare the results.
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Nurpana Sulaksono, Satyawan Pudyatmoko, Sumardi Sumardi, Wahyu Wardhana, Arief Budiman
Summary: Understanding the interactions between humans and mammals is crucial for species conservation in human-dominated landscapes. This study investigated the spatial and temporal interactions between humans and mammals, finding that most mammals are able to adapt to various human activities. However, there is a high risk of conflict between humans and endangered species.
Article
Ecology
Gabriela Palomo-Munoz, Ty J. Werdel, Colleen W. Piper, Matthew S. Peek, Andrew M. Ricketts, Adam A. Ahlers
Summary: Since European colonization, anthropogenic activities have significantly altered the landscape and affected native biodiversity of the North American Great Plains. To understand the effects of human-modified landscapes on mammals, we surveyed 381 sites in Kansas using camera traps over three years. We identified 28 mammal species and collected data on their habitat use, distributions, diel activity patterns, and interspecific interactions.
Article
Geography, Physical
A. Michelle Lawing, Jessica L. Blois, Kaitlin C. Maguire, Simon J. Goring, Yue Wang, Jenny L. McGuire
Summary: This study utilizes fossil pollen records and occupancy modeling methods to identify that occupancy models work best for pollen taxa with high variation in abundance, while low genus richness and large basin area are important factors influencing low detection rates.
QUATERNARY SCIENCE REVIEWS
(2021)
Article
Ecology
Lindsey N. Rich, Ivan D. Medel, Sara Bangen, Greta M. Wengert, Matthew Toenies, Jody M. Tucker, Mourad W. Gabriel, Courtney L. Davis
Summary: This study presents a systematic approach for identifying areas of conservation concern due to cannabis cultivation in California. The results show that cannabis cultivation potentially impacts a significant percentage of suitable habitat.
Article
Ecology
Ndivhuwo Shivambu, Tinyiko C. Shivambu, Colleen T. Downs, Sandi Willows-Munro
Summary: This study assessed the taxonomy and genetic diversity of 149 rodents sold in pet shops across South Africa using mitochondrial gene regions. The findings revealed that non-native species are widely distributed in the South African pet trade industry, while the trade of native species is regulated.
AFRICAN JOURNAL OF ECOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
David Ehlers A. Smith, Yvette C. Smith, Harriet T. Davies-Mostert, Lindy J. Thompson, Daniel M. Parker, Deon de Villiers, Dean Ricketts, Brent Coverdale, Peter J. Roberts, Christopher Kelly, Duncan N. Macfadyen, Nomthandazo S. Manqele, R. John Power, Colleen T. Downs
Summary: During the COVID-19 pandemic, lockdown restrictions were believed to have potential benefits to wildlife, but concerns were raised about the impact on nature conservation. This study examined the effects of these restrictions on biodiversity conservation in South Africa, a country with rich biodiversity but also economic inequality and reliance on wildlife resources. Expert opinions were gathered using a structured questionnaire based on the IUCN's Threats Classification Scheme, and supported by case studies from both government and non-governmental conservation organizations. The most commonly reported threats were related to biological resource use, developments, invasive species, and human intrusions. Lack of tourism revenue and funding were identified as barriers to conservation efforts. The study calls for the implementation of mechanisms to prevent environmental degradation during global emergencies, in order to protect conservation efforts.
Article
Ecology
Jesse M. Alston, Christen H. Fleming, Roland Kays, Jarryd P. Streicher, Colleen T. Downs, Tharmalingam Ramesh, Bjorn Reineking, Justin M. Calabrese
Summary: Resource selection functions (RSFs) are widely used in animal ecology, but autocorrelation in tracking data can lead to biased estimates and narrow confidence intervals. This study proposes a likelihood weighting method to mitigate the negative effects of autocorrelation on RSFs. The method improves the quality of inferences derived from RSFs and provides a workflow for applying the method to animal tracking data.
METHODS IN ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Mbalenhle T. Sosibo, David Ehlers A. Smith, Yvette Ehlers C. Smith, S. Thobeka Gumede, Samukelisiwe P. Ngcobo, Colleen T. Downs
Summary: Microhabitats are crucial for the persistence of mammalian species and communities. This study focuses on the forest biome in South Africa and investigates the microhabitat characteristics that influence the presence and absence of mammalian species. Camera traps were used to monitor the species and data on vegetation were collected. The results highlight the importance of leaf litter, crown closure, and grass cover in supporting the presence and persistence of large and medium-sized mammals in the Southern Mistbelt Forests.
AFRICAN JOURNAL OF ECOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Camille J. A. Fritsch, Jarryd P. Streicher, Colleen T. Downs
Summary: The common hippopotamus is an important player in African savannah ecosystems, but the ecological impacts of hippos lack behavioral data. In this study, GPS transmitters were used to track male hippos in Kruger National Park, South Africa, revealing smaller home range sizes than previously documented. This research provides valuable baseline behavioral data for managing hippos in Kruger National Park and southern Africa.
AFRICAN JOURNAL OF ECOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Everton B. P. de Miranda, Carlos A. Peres, Luiz Gustavo Rodrigues Oliveira-Santos, Colleen T. Downs
Summary: Apex predators like harpy eagles in Amazonian Forests affect nutrient distribution through deposition of prey carcasses and excreta. Surprisingly, their nests had negative effects on soil nutrient profiles, but canopy tree leaves around nests showed significant increases in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. This study highlights the importance of understanding the ecological role of central-place foragers in nutrient deposition and ecosystem stability.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Ornithology
Nomthandazo S. Manqele, S. A. Jeanetta Selier, Colleen T. Downs
Summary: African traditional medicine provides primary healthcare to rural dwellers with limited access to modern medical services. However, the use of traditional medicine puts pressure on biological resources and poses a major challenge for biodiversity conservation. Our study explores traditional health practitioners' use of vultures in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, and finds that vultures are increasingly used in traditional medicine, with the head being the most valued part.
JOURNAL OF ORNITHOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Ornithology
Nomthandazo S. Manqele, S. A. Jeanetta Selier, Jim Taylor, Colleen T. Downs
Summary: This study assessed the perceptions of local communities towards vultures in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. The results showed a strong awareness of vultures and perceived benefits from their presence. However, the belief in their use in traditional medicine was identified as a major driver for illegal killings. Overall, local people demonstrated complex but predominantly positive attitudes towards vultures.
JOURNAL OF ORNITHOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Anatomy & Morphology
Albert Myburgh, Jan Myburgh, Johan Steyl, Colleen T. Downs, Hannes Botha, Liam Robinson, Stephan Woodborne
Summary: In this study, the histology and growth patterns of Nile crocodile claws were investigated, revealing similarity to other reptilian claws and an age profile. The study also validated previous dietary reconstruction assumptions using radiocarbon dating. This research contributes to understanding the role of Nile crocodile claws in dietary reconstruction studies and emphasizes the importance of age-related assumptions.
JOURNAL OF MORPHOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Matthew J. Burnett, Vanessa Suessle, Terence Saayman, Graham Jewitt, Gordon C. O'Brien, Colleen T. Downs
Summary: Fish behaviour data is an important indicator for assessing freshwater ecosystem status. The use of activity sensors and the EWMA model allows for real-time monitoring and management of fish behaviour changes, combined with environmental data, to improve freshwater management.
RIVER RESEARCH AND APPLICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Nasiphi Bitani, Craig P. Cordier, David A. Ehlers Smith, Yvette C. Ehlers Smith, Colleen T. Downs
Summary: Forest transformation has significant impacts on biodiversity and ecosystem functioning. This study investigated the influence of forest structure and composition on bird species community structure and functional diversity. The results showed that forest patches with high structural complexity and tree species richness had higher functional richness. Different forest characteristics influenced habitat use by different bird species, and tree species diversity had positive effects on some species while negative effects on others.
ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Kyrone K. Josiah, Colleen T. Downs
Summary: The study "Nesting Ecology of Spotted Thick-knee in an Urban Mosaic Landscape in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa" examined the nesting behavior of the bird species in urbanized areas. The research found that Spotted Thick-knee showed preferences for certain habitats and nest sites, with successful nesting outcomes being significantly higher than failed outcomes. Incubation activity was longer during the day and negatively impacted by disturbance in human-modified habitats.
GLOBAL ECOLOGY AND CONSERVATION
(2023)
Review
Zoology
Jonah Gula, Colleen T. Downs
Summary: The nests of the Hammerkop bird play a key role in the breeding biology of other avian species. At least 20 different bird species across 18 African countries use Hammerkop nests for breeding.
Article
Ecology
Matthew J. Burnett, Bradley Van Zyl, Colleen T. Downs
Summary: The presence of Varuna litterata and Macrobrachium spp. at a vertical slot fishway and a rock ramp was documented in the Lower Thukela River Bulk Water Supply Scheme Weir, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. While Macrobrachium spp. and V. litterata utilized the rock ramp, the vertical slot fishway significantly hindered the migration of V. litterata.
AFRICAN JOURNAL OF ECOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Forestry
Nasiphi Bitani, Craig P. Cordier, David A. Ehlers Smith, Yvette C. Ehlers Smith, Colleen T. Downs
Summary: Monitoring species' habitat selection and microhabitat requirements is crucial for conservation and management. Camera traps are useful techniques for studying bird communities, especially elusive species. This study found that tree species richness, leaf litter, and water cover are the main microhabitat characteristics influencing understorey forest-specialist birds.
FOREST ECOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Alfonso Balmori
Summary: This article discusses the potential negative effects of radio tagging on wild animals. While it is a valuable technique for gathering information, it is important to be aware of and study the possible issues it may cause to ensure the well-being of the animals.
JOURNAL FOR NATURE CONSERVATION
(2024)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
D. F. Castillo, N. C. Caruso
Summary: Understanding the distribution and ecological niche of hog-nosed skunks is crucial for their conservation. This study used species occurrence records and environmental variables to estimate suitable areas and key factors influencing their distribution. The results showed that temperature and tree presence are important variables. Additionally, areas of high habitat suitability for hog-nosed skunks are underrepresented in protected areas.
JOURNAL FOR NATURE CONSERVATION
(2024)
