Article
Ecology
Sarah Edwards, Jenny Noack, Louis Heyns, Diethardt Rodenwoldt
Summary: The study compared the impact of camera traps and radio-tags, two commonly used sampling methods, on animal activity patterns. The results showed a high level of overlap between the activity curve produced by combined camera traps and data from movement rates and activity sensors, highlighting the effectiveness and limitations of these methods. Additionally, camera traps reflected higher activity levels in the early morning hours compared to radio-tag methods, indicating the importance of using a combination of techniques to understand complex behavioral patterns.
REMOTE SENSING IN ECOLOGY AND CONSERVATION
(2021)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Duncan Blagdon, Chris J. Johnson
Summary: Migration of Southern Mountain Caribou and moose through a mid-elevation valley was monitored using camera traps, showing that they encountered predators and their occurrence was influenced by temperature, precipitation, and year. The study provided insights into the limitations of using camera traps to monitor the movements of low-density species.
BIODIVERSITY AND CONSERVATION
(2021)
Article
Entomology
Angelos Mouratidis, Ada Leman, Erik H. Poelman, Gerben Messelink
Summary: The introduction of heterospecific Dicyphus species can effectively suppress the population growth of Nesidiocoris tenuis in tomato crops, which is significant for the prevention of damage to tomato crops.
JOURNAL OF PEST SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Neil A. Gilbert, Jennifer L. Stenglein, Jonathan N. Pauli, Benjamin Zuckerberg
Summary: Human disturbance can alter species interactions and increase co-occurrence within wildlife communities. A study in Wisconsin, USA, using camera traps, found that disturbed landscapes had shorter time intervals between species detections, indicating increased interactions. The compressed co-occurrence may intensify competition, predation, and infection, causing stress in individual animals and cascading effects in populations, communities, and ecosystems.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2022)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Teresa Oliveira, Mariano Rodriguez-Recio, Rok Cerne, Miha Krofel
Summary: Artificial feeding of wildlife has positive and negative effects on both target and non-target species, with potential impact on interspecific interactions. This study used GPS telemetry data to investigate the spatiotemporal response of lynx to artificial feeding sites, and found that experience level played a role in site selection. Experienced lynx tended to avoid feeding sites, while inexperienced lynx were attracted to them, indicating a learning process in response to altered interactions.
GLOBAL ECOLOGY AND CONSERVATION
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Yasuyuki Choh, Arne Janssen
Summary: Many animal species protect their eggs against predators, and some species take advantage of this by adding their eggs to those of the protecting species. We studied two tiny predatory mite species that share a food source and face intraguild predation, and found that one species acts as a brood parasite by adding its eggs to the eggs of the other species. The brood parasite prefers to add its eggs to the eggs of the protecting host species rather than another non-protecting mite species, and this behavior only occurs in the presence of egg predators.
FUNCTIONAL ECOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Thomas S. Jung, Michael J. L. Peers, Ryan Drummond, Shawn D. Taylor
Summary: This study captured interactions between a Canada lynx and a wolverine scavenging on a bison carcass using a remote camera. The observations suggest that intraguild interactions between these two species may involve tolerance and interference competition, with the wolverine being dominant.
Article
Ecology
Thomas S. Jung, Michael J. L. Peers, Ryan Drummond, Shawn D. Taylor
Summary: This observation documents the interactions between a wolverine and a Canada lynx scavenging on a bison carcass, shedding light on their behavioral interactions at a rich food source. The study found that intraguild interactions between these species involve both tolerance and interference competition, with the wolverine being the dominant species. This observation contributes new information on interactions between mesocarnivores.
Article
Ecology
Ashwini Ramesh, Spencer R. R. Hall
Summary: Why do parasites exhibit a wide dynamical range within their hosts? This study aims to answer this question and gain insights into parasite dose, dynamics, and diversity governing within-host infection through niche models. The study explores the competition between parasites and immune cells for host energy and discovers the mechanisms behind oscillatory dynamics, immune clearance, coexistence, and priority effects. The findings offer a new perspective and potential improvements in individual health.
Article
Ecology
Lucas K. Hall, Randy T. Larsen, Robert N. Knight, Brock R. McMillan
Summary: Free water resources can influence the ecology of desert species, with factors such as physiological needs, habitat characteristics, interspecific interactions, and predation/competition playing important roles. For species of concern like the kit fox, habitat and interactions with intraguild predators and competitors can significantly impact their use of water sources. By studying spatial and temporal behaviors, researchers found that habitat characteristics and the presence of predators and competitors dynamically affect the use of water sources by kit foxes.
Article
Ecology
Lars Rod-Eriksen, Siw T. Killengreen, Dorothee Ehrich, Rolf A. Ims, Ivar Herfindal, Arild M. Landa, Nina E. Eide
Summary: Large carnivores play a crucial role in influencing ecosystem dynamics through their impact on meso-carnivores and scavengers. Loss of large carnivores can lead to an increase in meso-carnivores, such as the red fox, and changes in their interactions. In the Scandinavian tundra, the presence of wolverine and golden eagles affects the co-occurrence of the Arctic fox and red fox, with the Arctic fox more likely to co-occur with the red fox when wolverines are present but less likely to co-occur when golden eagles are present. Small rodent abundance also influences the occupancy patterns of these predator species, with the Arctic fox responding more strongly to rodent abundance than the red fox.
JOURNAL OF ANIMAL ECOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Entomology
Mojtaba Hosseini, Mohsen Mehrparvar, Sharon E. Zytynska, Eduardo Hatano, Wolfgang W. Weisser
Summary: The study revealed that the response of Aphidoletes gallmidge to aphid alarm pheromone can affect its foraging behavior, leading to reduced feeding activity and earlier departure from host plants. Meanwhile, female gallmidge are not affected by the pheromone, but lay more eggs on plants with higher aphid density. Additionally, the presence of the intraguild predator Orius laevigatus led to reduced attacks on gallmidge larvae, potentially due to changes in gallmidge behavior in response to the pheromone.
BULLETIN OF ENTOMOLOGICAL RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Ecology
Mitchell J. Brunet, Kevin L. Monteith, Katey S. Huggler, Justin G. Clapp, Daniel J. Thompson, Patrick W. Burke, Mark Zornes, Patrick Lionberger, Miguel Valdez, Joseph D. Holbrook
Summary: Successfully perceiving risk and reward is crucial for animal fitness, and can be achieved through various perception tactics. Research indicates that mesopredators tend to use indirect perception to avoid apex predators rather than responding directly to the risk of encountering them.
ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Jaime M. Anaya-Rojas, Ronald D. Bassar, Tomos Potter, Allison Blanchette, Shay Callahan, Nick Framstead, David Reznick, Joseph Travis
Summary: Theory suggests that competing species can coexist in a community when intraspecific competition is stronger than interspecific competition. This study found that the evolution of species- and size-dependent competitive asymmetries increased the likelihood of coexistence between interacting species. Furthermore, the research highlights the importance of integrating evolution and trait-based interactions into studies on species coexistence.
JOURNAL OF ANIMAL ECOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Ecology
Kristin N. Engebretsen, Jon P. Beckmann, Carl W. Lackey, Alyson Andreasen, Cody Schroeder, Pat Jackson, Julie K. Young
Summary: Conservation efforts have led to population increases and range expansions for some apex predators, impacting trophic cascades and foraging behavior. The recolonization of black bears in the Great Basin has influenced cougar foraging behavior, with higher bear densities reducing feeding bout durations and altering prey selection. Such interactions highlight the importance of studying the impacts of sympatric apex predators and dominant scavengers on shared resources in dynamic multipredator/scavenger systems.
ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2021)
Article
Development Studies
Boycen Kumira Mudzengi, Edson Gandiwa, Never Muboko, Chiedza Ngonidzashe Mutanga
Summary: The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Mahenye community ecotourism project has been largely negative, potentially hindering efforts towards achieving the United Nations 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. The research results could help in ensuring the sustainability of ecotourism in the face of shocks from infectious pandemics like COVID-19 and others in the future.
DEVELOPMENT SOUTHERN AFRICA
(2022)
Article
Agronomy
Nilton Mashavakure, Bliss Gutukunhuwa, Arnold B. Mashingaidze, Edson Gandiwa
Summary: This study investigates the medium-term effects of cultural practices on earthworm communities in an agricultural field. The results suggest that frequent hand weeding in minimum tillage systems has positive effects on earthworm abundance, while high doses of inorganic fertilisers in conventional tillage systems have detrimental effects on earthworm communities.
ACTA AGRICULTURAE SCANDINAVICA SECTION B-SOIL AND PLANT SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Ecology
E. Ndadzungira, O. L. Kupika, V. K. Muposhi, N. Muboko, A. Chanyandura, M. Mbikiyana
Summary: This study investigated the relationship between woody vegetation structure and composition and surface water availability in Mana Pools National Park. The results showed that the woodlands along the Zambezi River were more degraded compared to those around seasonal water pans. This indicates that herbivore pressure is impacting the woodlands along the Zambezi River.
Review
Biodiversity Conservation
Given Matseketsa, Kerstin Kruger, Edson Gandiwa
Summary: Nature conservation relies on rule adherence, but non-compliance with regulations poses a threat to protected areas. This review examines illegal biological resource-use in terrestrial protected areas of sub-Saharan Africa, focusing on the drivers behind deviant behavior and strategies to deter illegal activities. The study finds that poaching activity is the most common criminal behavior, with poverty being the primary driver of non-compliance, particularly in illegal bushmeat hunting. Additionally, resentment towards protected areas due to destructive wildlife behavior is a significant motivation. A combination of law enforcement and non-enforcement approaches is deployed to deter offenders. The review highlights the need for future studies to address the multidimensionality of PA transgression and explore other drivers of illegal activities for evidence-based conservation intervention design.
GLOBAL ECOLOGY AND CONSERVATION
(2022)
Article
Social Sciences, Interdisciplinary
Timothy T. Kuguyo, Edson Gandiwa
Summary: The study investigates the influence of linking wildlife and non-wildlife tourism resources on overall tourism performance in Zimbabwe. The results show that Victoria Falls, Mana Pools, Matopo Hills, and Great Zimbabwe are the top non-wildlife resources for linking with wildlife attractions. There is a significant positive correlation between tourists and stakeholders in terms of linking non-wildlife and wildlife tourism resources. The study concludes that the linkage between wildlife and non-wildlife tourism attractions has a significant positive impact on Zimbabwe's overall tourism performance.
COGENT SOCIAL SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Jeremiah Chakuya, Edson Gandiwa, Never Muboko, Victor K. Muposhi, Reniko Gondo
Summary: This study investigated the impact of tobacco farming on honeybee survival in a specific area of northern Zimbabwe. It found that tobacco farming negatively affects honeybees through deforestation, which reduces their forage and nesting sites, as well as the use of toxic agrochemicals that increase honeybee mortalities. Legislative alignment and the encouragement of reforestation efforts and modern technology are needed to mitigate these effects.
ECOSYSTEMS AND PEOPLE
(2022)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Annabel Banda, Edson Gandiwa, Never Muboko, Chiedza N. Mutanga, Clayton Mashapa
Summary: This study explored the level of awareness and practices regarding Yersinia pestis plague disease in local communities in Nkayi and Umzingwane districts, southwest Zimbabwe. The findings suggest that respondents had some awareness of zoonotic diseases but limited knowledge of specific rodent-borne diseases. Individuals from areas with past plague outbreaks showed greater knowledge of the disease compared to those from non-outbreak areas. The study highlights the influence of local context and previous experiences on the awareness and practices of the local population in managing plague disease.
ECOSYSTEMS AND PEOPLE
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Allan Tarugara, Bruce William Clegg
AFRICAN JOURNAL OF ECOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Parasitology
Annabel Banda, Edson Gandiwa, Victor K. Muposhi, Never Muboko
Summary: Anthropogenic activities in Africa, such as logging, land clearing, and rodent consumption, expose humans to the risk of rodent-borne diseases. This review focuses on the dominant rodent-flea species, zoonotic diseases transmitted by rodents, and awareness and management practices in Africa. The analysis of academic literature from 1974 to 2021 reveals the presence of various parasites, protozoans, trematodes, cestodes, nematodes, bacteria, and viruses in rodents, which can be transmitted to humans. There is a need for further research on awareness and management strategies in African countries.
Article
Forestry
Munyaradzi Dzoro, Clayton Mashapa, Edson Gandiwa
Summary: This study assessed the impact of artisanal gold mining on woody vegetation in Chewore South Safari Area (CSSA) in northern Zimbabwe. The results showed no significant differences in woody tree species diversity and height between the mined and unmined areas. However, significant differences were found in woody tree density, basal area, occurrences of dead trees, and damaged woody trees between the two areas. The study highlights the damages and long-term environmental disturbances caused by artisanal gold mining in CSSA.
TREES FORESTS AND PEOPLE
(2023)
Article
Social Sciences, Interdisciplinary
Rudorwashe Baipai, Oliver Chikuta, Edson Gandiwa, Chiedza N. Mutanga
Summary: This study developed a framework for sustainable agritourism in Zimbabwe through multiple case studies and in-depth interviews. The framework includes three critical stages (planning, development, and implementation) and emphasizes the guiding principles of environmental scanning, multi-stakeholder engagement, identification of potential farms for agritourism, and identification of critical success factors at the farm level.
COGENT SOCIAL SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Allan Tarugara, Bruce W. Clegg, Rachel Matuvhunye
Summary: Alien plant invasions are a major problem in southern Africa, and this study assesses the invasion status of Lantana camara in a semi-arid area of Zimbabwe. The results show that Lantana camara has a high coverage and is capable of thriving in various habitats. Targeted control efforts and periodic monitoring are recommended.
SCIENTIFIC AFRICAN
(2022)
Article
Biology
Annabel Banda, Edson Gandiwa, Never Muboko, Victor K. Muposhi
Summary: This study assessed the prevalence of Yersinia pestis among rodents in Umzingwane and Nkayi districts, Zimbabwe. The results showed a low prevalence rate of Y. pestis in the study area, with only one rodent species testing positive for the bacterium. This highlights the importance of an active plague disease surveillance system.
OPEN LIFE SCIENCES
(2022)
Review
Biodiversity Conservation
Jeremiah Chakuya, Edson Gandiwa, Never Muboko, Victor K. Muposhi
Summary: This study reviewed the habitat and distribution of common stingless bees and honeybees in African savanna ecosystems, and assessed factors affecting their habitat selection. The study found that Africa has 19 species of stingless bees and 13 subspecies of honeybees, and that migration and swarming play a pivotal role in their distribution. The conservation of bees within savanna ecosystems depends on adopting the best conservation policies derived from their economic and ecological services.
TROPICAL CONSERVATION SCIENCE
(2022)
