1
|
Evangelista PH, Young NE, Schulte DK, Tricorache PD, Luizza MW, Durant SM, Jones KW, Mitchell N, Maule T, Ali AH, Tesfai RT, Engelstad PS. Mapping illegal trade routes of live cheetahs from the Horn of Africa to the Arabian Peninsula. CONSERVATION BIOLOGY : THE JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR CONSERVATION BIOLOGY 2025; 39:e14412. [PMID: 39450672 PMCID: PMC12124172 DOI: 10.1111/cobi.14412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2024] [Revised: 06/20/2024] [Accepted: 08/19/2024] [Indexed: 10/26/2024]
Abstract
Less than 7000 cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus) persist in Africa. Although human-wildlife conflict, habitat degradation, and loss of prey are major threats to cheetah populations, illegal trade in live cubs for pets may have the most significant impact on populations in the Horn of Africa. We developed a novel, stepwise decision support tool to predict probable trafficking routes by leveraging the power of distinct modeling approaches. First, we created a cheetah habitat suitability index (HSI) to determine where source cheetah populations may occur. We then created a trafficking network model linking known and predicted cheetah populations with documented destinations in the Arabian Peninsula. A significant area in Eastern Ethiopia and Northern Somalia was estimated to harbor undocumented cheetahs. When these predicted populations were used as a supply source, the trafficking network model showed multiple routes passing through Somaliland and across the Gulf of Aden to Yemen, supporting the notion that undocumented cheetahs may be supplying pet market demands. Though we demonstrate how our decision support tool can inform law enforcement, conservation strategies, and community engagement, we caution that our results are not fully validated due to limited accessibility, alternative trafficking routes, and the cryptic nature of illegal wildlife trade.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paul H. Evangelista
- Natural Resource Ecology LaboratoryColorado State UniversityFort CollinsColoradoUSA
| | - Nicholas E. Young
- Natural Resource Ecology LaboratoryColorado State UniversityFort CollinsColoradoUSA
| | - Darin K. Schulte
- Natural Resource Ecology LaboratoryColorado State UniversityFort CollinsColoradoUSA
| | | | - Matthew W. Luizza
- Division of International ConservationU.S. Fish and Wildlife ServiceFalls ChurchVirginiaUSA
| | - Sarah M. Durant
- Institute of ZoologyZoological Society of LondonLondonUK
- The Africa Range‐Wide Cheetah Conservation InitiativeZoological Society of LondonLondonUK
| | - Kelly W. Jones
- Department of Fish, Wildlife and Conservation EcologyNew Mexico State UniversityLas CrucesNew MexicoUSA
| | - Nicholas Mitchell
- Institute of ZoologyZoological Society of LondonLondonUK
- The Africa Range‐Wide Cheetah Conservation InitiativeZoological Society of LondonLondonUK
| | | | | | - Redae T. Tesfai
- Natural Resource Ecology LaboratoryColorado State UniversityFort CollinsColoradoUSA
| | - Peder S. Engelstad
- Natural Resource Ecology LaboratoryColorado State UniversityFort CollinsColoradoUSA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Wettasin M, Chaiyarat R, Youngpoy N, Jieychien N, Sukmasuang R, Tanhan P. Environmental factors induced crop raiding by wild Asian elephant (Elephas maximus) in the Eastern Economic Corridor, Thailand. Sci Rep 2023; 13:13388. [PMID: 37591860 PMCID: PMC10435484 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-40070-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Crop raiding are an increasing concern in wildlife conservation. This study identified the environmental factors that cause wild Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) to enter sub-urban and rural areas and share resources with humans in the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) in the eastern part of Thailand. The snowball method was used to interview villagers that had crop raiding experienced in seven provinces of the EEC and adjacent provinces in the eastern part of Thailand in 2020, and data from 183 households indicated that crop raiding had increased continuously from 2000 to 2020, especially in Chonburi, Chachoengsao, and Prachinburi provinces, which have seen increases in damaged agricultural areas. MaxEnt analysis showed an increase in incidents of crop raiding, while the elephants distribution area decreased from 9534 km2 in 2000 to 5199 km2 in 2010 and 4850 km2 in 2020. The study area has had land use changes in the low elevations from croplands of cassava and sugar cane to eucalyptus, para rubber, and fruits. These mixed crop plantations provide a pseudo-habitat for wild Asian elephants. The results from this study provide evidence that changes in land use and reduction of suitable habitat are factors that influenced the movement of wild Asian elephants to the rural agricultural areas and increased the incidents of crop raiding.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maneepailin Wettasin
- Environmental Management and Technology, Faculty of Environment and Resource Studies, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom, 73170, Thailand
| | - Rattanawat Chaiyarat
- Wildlife and Plant Research Center, Faculty of Environment and Resource Studies, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom, 73170, Thailand.
| | - Namphung Youngpoy
- Wildlife and Plant Research Center, Faculty of Environment and Resource Studies, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom, 73170, Thailand
| | - Nawee Jieychien
- Wildlife and Plant Research Center, Faculty of Environment and Resource Studies, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom, 73170, Thailand
| | - Ronglarp Sukmasuang
- Department of Forest Biology, Faculty of Forestry, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, 10900, Thailand
| | - Phanwimol Tanhan
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, 10900, Thailand
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Frynta D, Elmi HSA, Rexová K, Janovcová M, Rudolfová V, Štolhoferová I, Král D, Sommer D, Berti DA, Frýdlová P. Animals evoking fear in the Cradle of Humankind: snakes, scorpions, and large carnivores. THE SCIENCE OF NATURE - NATURWISSENSCHAFTEN 2023; 110:33. [PMID: 37405495 PMCID: PMC10322782 DOI: 10.1007/s00114-023-01859-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Revised: 06/11/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/06/2023]
Abstract
Theories explain the presence of fears and specific phobias elicited by animals in contemporary WEIRD (Western, educated, industrialized, rich, and democratic) populations by their evolutionary past in Africa. Nevertheless, empirical data about fears of animals in the Cradle of Humankind are still fragmentary. To fill this gap, we examined which local animals are perceived as the most frightening by Somali people, who inhabit a markedly similar environment and the region where humans have evolved. We asked 236 raters to rank 42 stimuli according to their elicited fear. The stimuli were standardized pictures of species representing the local fauna. The results showed that the most frightening animals were snakes, scorpions, the centipede, and large carnivores (cheetahs and hyenas). These were followed up by lizards and spiders. Unlike in Europe, spiders represent less salient stimuli than scorpions for Somali respondents in this study. This conforms to the hypothesis suggesting that fear of spiders was extended or redirected from other chelicerates.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Frynta
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Viničná 7, 128 43, Prague 2, Czech Republic
| | - Hassan Sh Abdirahman Elmi
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Viničná 7, 128 43, Prague 2, Czech Republic
- Amoud University, Borama, Somaliland
| | - Kateřina Rexová
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Viničná 7, 128 43, Prague 2, Czech Republic
| | - Markéta Janovcová
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Viničná 7, 128 43, Prague 2, Czech Republic
| | - Veronika Rudolfová
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Viničná 7, 128 43, Prague 2, Czech Republic
| | - Iveta Štolhoferová
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Viničná 7, 128 43, Prague 2, Czech Republic
| | - David Král
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Viničná 7, 128 43, Prague 2, Czech Republic
| | - David Sommer
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Viničná 7, 128 43, Prague 2, Czech Republic
| | - Daniel Alex Berti
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Viničná 7, 128 43, Prague 2, Czech Republic
| | - Petra Frýdlová
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Viničná 7, 128 43, Prague 2, Czech Republic.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Mamun AA, Natcher DC. The promise and pitfalls of community-based monitoring with a focus on Canadian examples. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2023; 195:445. [PMID: 36877375 PMCID: PMC9988817 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-022-10841-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Accepted: 12/10/2022] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Community-based monitoring (CBM) is a widely used form of scientific data collection in which local community members directly participate in ecosystem research and also help the process by sharing traditional ecological knowledge and local understanding of land and resources. This paper presents a review of the challenges and opportunities associated with CBM projects in Canada and internationally. While Canadian cases are the primary focus, international examples are drawn on to provide additional context. Based on our review of 121 documents and publications, we found that CBM helps fill science research gaps by providing access to continuous data sets on the ecosystems being studied. CBM also increases the credibility of the data among users, as the community itself takes part in the environmental monitoring process. CBM supports cross-cultural learning and the co-production of knowledge by using traditional ecological knowledge with science, thereby enabling researchers, scientists and community members to learn from one another. Our review suggests that although there are multiple successes, CBM faces several challenges that constrain its progress including funding shortages, lack of support for local stewardship, and inadequate training for local users in the operation of equipment and data collection methods. Data sharing and rights on the use of data are also constraining to the long-term success of CBM programs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Abdullah Al Mamun
- Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics, 51 Campus Drive, Room 3D08, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 5C8, Canada.
- Department of Biology, University of Saskatchewan, Science Pl, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 5C8, Canada.
| | - David C Natcher
- Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics, 51 Campus Drive, Room 3D08, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 5C8, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Abstract
Abstract
Although cheetahs Acinonyx jubatus were once widespread in the Horn of Africa, their presence in Somaliland has not been confirmed since 2010, and they have been presumed extirpated in recent years. During 2021–2022 the Cheetah Conservation Fund and the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change in Somaliland carried out two rapid surveys in the Awdal region of western Somaliland to investigate the status of the cheetah in this area. The team collected socio-ecological data from 26 villages for a total of 13 days. In both years people from most villages reported sightings of cheetahs, and the team also received multiple reports of predation on small livestock (sheep and goats) by cheetahs. We also investigated two reports of recent cheetah presence. This led to finding a set of confirmed cheetah tracks, which we followed for > 250 m, and two large feline scrapes, both approximately the size expected of a cheetah. In 2020 and 2022 we received direct evidence of cheetah presence in the form of mature cheetah carcasses. In the first instance the cheetah was reported as having been shot in defence of livestock, and in the second instance two cheetahs were apparently poison-baited. Both reports were accompanied by photographic records. This combination of social and ecological data means that we can confirm the recent presence of wild cheetahs in western Somaliland. We will now prioritize work with local communities to understand and mitigate human–cheetah conflict and continue to investigate the distribution of cheetahs throughout Somaliland.
Collapse
|
6
|
Mucioki M, Sowerwine J, Sarna-Wojcicki D, McCovey K, Bourque SD. Understanding the conservation challenges and needs of culturally significant plant species through Indigenous Knowledge and species distribution models. J Nat Conserv 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jnc.2022.126285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
|
7
|
Priority areas for conservation of primates in a threatened Amazonian savanna. J Nat Conserv 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jnc.2021.126109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
|
8
|
Doherty KE, Boyd CS, Kerby JD, Sitz AL, Foster LJ, Cahill MC, Johnson DD, Sparklin BD. Threat‐Based State and Transition Models Predict Sage‐Grouse Occurrence while Promoting Landscape Conservation. WILDLIFE SOC B 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/wsb.1200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Chad S. Boyd
- USDA Agricultural Research Service & Eastern Oregon Agricultural Research Center Burns OR 97720 USA
| | | | - Angela L. Sitz
- United States Fish and Wildlife Service Bend OR 97701 USA
| | - Lee J. Foster
- Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife Hines OR 97738 USA
| | | | - Dustin D. Johnson
- Oregon State University & Eastern Oregon Agricultural Research Center Burns OR 97720 USA
| | - Bill D. Sparklin
- United States Fish and Wildlife Service Great Falls MT 59404 USA
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Eicken H, Danielsen F, Sam JM, Fidel M, Johnson N, Poulsen MK, Lee OA, Spellman KV, Iversen L, Pulsifer P, Enghoff M. Connecting Top-Down and Bottom-Up Approaches in Environmental Observing. Bioscience 2021; 71:467-483. [PMID: 33986631 PMCID: PMC8106998 DOI: 10.1093/biosci/biab018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Effective responses to rapid environmental change rely on observations to inform planning and decision-making. Reviewing literature from 124 programs across the globe and analyzing survey data for 30 Arctic community-based monitoring programs, we compare top-down, large-scale program driven approaches with bottom-up approaches initiated and steered at the community level. Connecting these two approaches and linking to Indigenous and local knowledge yields benefits including improved information products and enhanced observing program efficiency and sustainability. We identify core principles central to such improved links: matching observing program aims, scales, and ability to act on information; matching observing program and community priorities; fostering compatibility in observing methodology and data management; respect of Indigenous intellectual property rights and the implementation of free, prior, and informed consent; creating sufficient organizational support structures; and ensuring sustained community members’ commitment. Interventions to overcome challenges in adhering to these principles are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hajo Eicken
- University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, Alaska, United States
| | - Finn Danielsen
- University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, Alaska, United States
| | | | - Maryann Fidel
- Yukon River Inter-Tribal Watershed Council, Anchorage, Alaska, United States
| | - Noor Johnson
- University of Colorado, Boulder, Boulder, Colorado, United States
| | | | - Olivia A Lee
- University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, Alaska, United States
| | - Katie V Spellman
- University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, Alaska, United States
| | - Lisbeth Iversen
- Nansen Environmental and Remote Sensing Center, Bergen, Norway
| | | | - Martin Enghoff
- University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, Alaska, United States
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Skroblin A, Carboon T, Bidu G, Chapman N, Miller M, Taylor K, Taylor W, Game ET, Wintle BA. Including indigenous knowledge in species distribution modeling for increased ecological insights. CONSERVATION BIOLOGY : THE JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR CONSERVATION BIOLOGY 2021; 35:587-597. [PMID: 31216076 DOI: 10.1111/cobi.13373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2018] [Revised: 06/12/2019] [Accepted: 06/14/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Indigenous knowledge systems hold detailed information on current and past environments that can inform ecological understanding as well as contemporary environmental management. Despite its applicability, there are limited examples of indigenous knowledge being incorporated in species distribution models, which are widely used in the ecological sciences. In a collaborative manner, we designed a structured elicitation process and statistical framework to combine indigenous knowledge with survey data to model the distribution of a threatened and culturally significant species (greater bilby or mankarr [Macrotis lagotis]). We used Martu (Aboriginal people of the Australian western deserts) occurrence knowledge and presence data from track-based surveys to create predictive species distribution models with the Maxent program. Predictions of species distribution based on Martu knowledge were broader than those created with survey data. Together the Martu and survey models showed potential local declines, which were supported by Martu observation. Both data types were influenced by sampling bias that appeared to affect model predictions and performance. Martu provided additional information on habitat associations and locations of decline and descriptions of the ecosystem dynamics and disturbance regimes that influence occupancy. We concluded that intercultural approaches that draw on multiple sources of knowledge and information types may improve species distribution modeling and inform management of threatened or culturally significant species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anja Skroblin
- National Environmental Science Program-Threatened Species Recovery Hub, School of Biosciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
| | - Tracy Carboon
- Kanyirninpa Jukurrpa, P.O. Box 504, Newman, WA, 6753, Australia
| | - Gladys Bidu
- Kanyirninpa Jukurrpa, P.O. Box 504, Newman, WA, 6753, Australia
| | | | - Minyawu Miller
- Kanyirninpa Jukurrpa, P.O. Box 504, Newman, WA, 6753, Australia
| | - Karnu Taylor
- Kanyirninpa Jukurrpa, P.O. Box 504, Newman, WA, 6753, Australia
| | - Waka Taylor
- Kanyirninpa Jukurrpa, P.O. Box 504, Newman, WA, 6753, Australia
| | - Edward T Game
- The Nature Conservancy, South Brisbane, QLD, 4102, Australia
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD, 4067, Australia
| | - Brendan A Wintle
- National Environmental Science Program-Threatened Species Recovery Hub, School of Biosciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Assessing different methods for measuring mammal diversity in two southern African arid ecosystems. MAMMAL RES 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s13364-021-00562-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
|
12
|
Ahmad A, Gary D, . R, . S, . S, Putra W, Sagita N, Adirahmanta SN, Miller AE. Leveraging local knowledge to estimate wildlife densities in bornean tropical rainforests. WILDLIFE BIOLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.2981/wlb.00771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Abrar Ahmad
- A. Ahmad (https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2568-7641) ✉ , Rodiansyah, Sinta, Srifitria, W. Putra, N. Sagita and A. E. Miller, Yayasan Planet Indonesia, Pontianak, West Kalimantan, Indonesia. Sinta also at: Jalan Perdamaian Kompl
| | - Demi Gary
- AA, AEM and D. Gary, Planet Indonesia – 241 Selma, St. Louis, MO, USA. DG also at: 279 G Street SW, Washington DC, USA
| | - Rodiansyah .
- A. Ahmad (https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2568-7641) ✉ , Rodiansyah, Sinta, Srifitria, W. Putra, N. Sagita and A. E. Miller, Yayasan Planet Indonesia, Pontianak, West Kalimantan, Indonesia. Sinta also at: Jalan Perdamaian Kompl
| | - Sinta .
- A. Ahmad (https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2568-7641) ✉ , Rodiansyah, Sinta, Srifitria, W. Putra, N. Sagita and A. E. Miller, Yayasan Planet Indonesia, Pontianak, West Kalimantan, Indonesia. Sinta also at: Jalan Perdamaian Kompl
| | - Srifitria .
- A. Ahmad (https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2568-7641) ✉ , Rodiansyah, Sinta, Srifitria, W. Putra, N. Sagita and A. E. Miller, Yayasan Planet Indonesia, Pontianak, West Kalimantan, Indonesia. Sinta also at: Jalan Perdamaian Kompl
| | - Wahyu Putra
- A. Ahmad (https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2568-7641) ✉ , Rodiansyah, Sinta, Srifitria, W. Putra, N. Sagita and A. E. Miller, Yayasan Planet Indonesia, Pontianak, West Kalimantan, Indonesia. Sinta also at: Jalan Perdamaian Kompl
| | - Novia Sagita
- A. Ahmad (https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2568-7641) ✉ , Rodiansyah, Sinta, Srifitria, W. Putra, N. Sagita and A. E. Miller, Yayasan Planet Indonesia, Pontianak, West Kalimantan, Indonesia. Sinta also at: Jalan Perdamaian Kompl
| | | | - Adam E. Miller
- A. Ahmad (https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2568-7641) ✉ , Rodiansyah, Sinta, Srifitria, W. Putra, N. Sagita and A. E. Miller, Yayasan Planet Indonesia, Pontianak, West Kalimantan, Indonesia. Sinta also at: Jalan Perdamaian Kompl
| |
Collapse
|