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Mitani JC, Angedakin S, Kasozi H, Rowney C, Sarringhaus L, Tibisimwa J, Watts DP, Langergraber KE. Removing snares is an effective conservation intervention: a case study involving chimpanzees. Primates 2024:10.1007/s10329-024-01139-3. [PMID: 38787490 DOI: 10.1007/s10329-024-01139-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Wild chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) are caught in snares set for other animals and sometimes injure or lose body parts. Snaring can compromise the health, growth, survival, and behavior of chimpanzees and, thus, represents a threat for the conservation of this endangered species. During a long-term study of chimpanzees at Ngogo in Kibale National Park, Uganda, we started a project to remove snares in and around their territory. We compared the number of times chimpanzees were snared during the 12.75 years after the start of this project with the number of times individuals were snared during the previous 14 years. Only one chimpanzee was snared after we began removing snares compared with 12 individuals caught during the period before. This represents a clear reduction in the risk created by snaring at this site and suggests that removing snares can be employed to protect chimpanzees.
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Affiliation(s)
- John C Mitani
- Department of Anthropology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
- Ngogo Chimpanzee Project, Phoenix, AZ, USA.
| | - Samuel Angedakin
- Ngogo Chimpanzee Project, Phoenix, AZ, USA
- Department of Environmental Management, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Herbert Kasozi
- Department of Zoology, Entomology and Fisheries Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | | | | | - David P Watts
- Ngogo Chimpanzee Project, Phoenix, AZ, USA
- Department of Anthropology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Kevin E Langergraber
- Ngogo Chimpanzee Project, Phoenix, AZ, USA
- School of Human Evolution and Social Change, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
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2
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Mitani JC, Abwe E, Campbell G, Giles-Vernick T, Goldberg T, McLennan MR, Preuschoft S, Supriatna J, Marshall AJ. Future coexistence with great apes will require major changes to policy and practice. Nat Hum Behav 2024:10.1038/s41562-024-01830-x. [PMID: 38374442 DOI: 10.1038/s41562-024-01830-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 02/21/2024]
Abstract
The great apes-bonobos, chimpanzees, gorillas and orangutans-are critically threatened by human activities. We have destroyed their habitats, hunted them and transmitted fatal diseases to them. Yet we also conduct research on them, try to protect them and live alongside them. They are endangered, and time is running out. Here we outline what must be done to ensure that future generations continue to share this planet with great apes. We urge dialogue with those who live with great apes and interact with them often. We advocate conservation plans that acknowledge the realities of climate change, economic drivers and population growth. We encourage researchers to use technology to minimize risks to great apes. Our proposals will require substantial investment, and we identify ways to generate these funds. We conclude with a discussion of how field researchers might alter their work to protect our closest living relatives more effectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- John C Mitani
- Department of Anthropology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
- Ngogo Chimpanzee Project, Phoenix, AZ, USA.
| | - Ekwoge Abwe
- San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, Escondido, CA, USA
- Cameroon Biodiversity Association, Douala, Cameroon
| | | | - Tamara Giles-Vernick
- Anthropology and Ecology of Disease Emergence Unit, Institut Pasteur/Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Tony Goldberg
- Department of Pathobiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Matthew R McLennan
- Bulindi Chimpanzee and Community Project, Hoima, Uganda
- Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Oxford Brookes University, Oxford, UK
| | | | - Jatna Supriatna
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Mathematics and Sciences, University of Indonesia, Depok, West Java, Indonesia
| | - Andrew J Marshall
- Department of Anthropology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Program in the Environment, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- School for Environment and Sustainability, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Program in Computing for the Arts and Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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3
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Yuh YG, N’Goran KP, Beukou GB, Wendefeuer J, Neba TF, Ndotar AM, NdombaA DL, Ndadet ACJ, Herbinger I, Matthews HD, Turner SE. Recent decline in suitable large mammal habitats within the Dzanga Sangha Protected Areas, Central African Republic. Glob Ecol Conserv 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gecco.2023.e02404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
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4
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Fotang C, Bröring U, Roos C, Dutton P, Tédonzong LRD, Willie J, Angwafo TE, Yuh YG, Schierack P, Birkhofer K. Mapping suitable habitat for Nigeria-Cameroon chimpanzees in Kom-Wum Forest Reserve, North-Western Cameroon. Primates 2023; 64:339-350. [PMID: 36808317 DOI: 10.1007/s10329-023-01054-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2021] [Accepted: 01/29/2023] [Indexed: 02/21/2023]
Abstract
Great apes lose suitable habitats required for their reproduction and survival due to human activities across their distribution range in Africa. Little is known about habitat suitability of the Nigeria-Cameroon chimpanzee [Pan troglodytes ellioti (Matschie, 1914)], particularly for populations inhabiting forest reserves in North-West Cameroon. To address this knowledge gap, we employed a common species distribution model (MaxEnt) to map and predict suitable habitats for the Nigeria-Cameroon chimpanzee in Kom-Wum Forest Reserve, North-West Cameroon, based on environmental factors that potentially affect habitat suitability. We related these environmental factors to a dataset of chimpanzee occurrence points recorded during line transect and reconnaissance (recce) surveys in the forest reserve and surrounding forests. Up to 91% of the study area is unsuitable for chimpanzees. Suitable habitats only represented 9% of the study area, with a high proportion of highly suitable habitats located outside the forest reserve. Elevation, secondary forests density, distance to villages and primary forests density were the most important predictors of habitat suitability for the Nigeria-Cameroon chimpanzee. The probability of chimpanzee occurrence increased with elevation, secondary forest density and distance from villages and roads. Our study provides evidence that suitable chimpanzee habitat in the reserve is degraded, suggesting that efforts to maintain protected areas are insufficient. The reserve management plan needs to be improved to conserve the remaining suitable habitat and to avoid local extinction of this endangered subspecies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chefor Fotang
- Department of Ecology, Brandenburg University of Technology Cottbus-Senftenberg, Konrad-Wachsmann-Allee 6, 03046, Cottbus, Germany.
| | - Udo Bröring
- Department of Ecology, Brandenburg University of Technology Cottbus-Senftenberg, Konrad-Wachsmann-Allee 6, 03046, Cottbus, Germany
| | - Christian Roos
- German Primate Center, Gene Bank of Primates and Primate Genetics Laboratory, Leibniz Institute for Primate Research, Göttingen, Germany
| | | | | | - Jacob Willie
- Centre for Research and Conservation (CRC), Royal Zoological Society of Antwerp (RZSA), Antwerp, Belgium
- Terrestrial Ecology Unit (TEREC), Department of Biology, Ghent University (UGent), Ghent, Belgium
| | - Tsi Evaristus Angwafo
- Faculty of Agronomy and Agricultural Sciences (FASA), University of Dschang, Dschang, Cameroon
| | - Yisa Ginath Yuh
- Hochschule fur nachhaltige Entwicklung Eberswalde, Forestry and Environment, Schicklerstraße 5, 16225, Eberswalde, Germany
- Szkola Glowna Gospodarstwa Wiejskiego, Nowoursynowska 166, 02-787, Warsaw, Poland
- Concordia University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Peter Schierack
- Faculty of Environment and Natural Sciences, Brandenburg University of Technology Cottbus-Senftenberg, Senftenberg, Germany
| | - Klaus Birkhofer
- Department of Ecology, Brandenburg University of Technology Cottbus-Senftenberg, Konrad-Wachsmann-Allee 6, 03046, Cottbus, Germany
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5
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Assessing the effects of survey-inherent disturbance on primate detectability: Recommendations for line transect distance sampling. Primates 2023; 64:107-121. [PMID: 36481940 PMCID: PMC9842571 DOI: 10.1007/s10329-022-01039-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Habitat destruction and over-hunting are increasingly threatening the arboreal primates of Central Africa. To establish effective conservation strategies, accurate assessments of primate density, abundance, and spatial distribution are required. To date, the method of choice for primate density estimation is line transect distance sampling. However, primates fleeing human observers violate methodological assumptions, biasing the accuracy of resulting estimates. In this study, we used line transect distance sampling to study five primate species along 378 km of transects in Salonga National Park, Democratic Republic of the Congo. We tested the effect of different levels of survey-inherent disturbance (i.e., cutting) on the number of observed (i) primate groups, and (ii) individuals within groups, by counting groups at three different time lags after disturbance of the transect, (i) a minimum of 3 h, (ii) 24 h, (iii) a minimum of 3 days. We found that survey-inherent disturbance led to underestimated densities, affecting both the number of encountered groups and of observed individuals. However, the response varied between species due to species-specific ecological and behavioral features. Piliocolobus tholloni and Colobus angolenis resumed an unaltered behavior only 24 h after disturbance, while Lophocebus aterrimus, Cercopithecus ascanius, and Cercopithecus wolfi required a minimum of 10 days. To minimize bias in density estimates, future surveys using line transect distance sampling should be designed considering survey-inherent disturbance. We recommend evaluating the factors driving primate response, including habitat type, niche occupation, and hunting pressure, peculiar to the survey-specific area and primate community under study.
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Carvalho JS, Stewart FA, Marques TA, Bonnin N, Pintea L, Chitayat A, Ingram R, Moore RJ, Piel AK. Spatio-temporal changes in chimpanzee density and abundance in the Greater Mahale Ecosystem, Tanzania. ECOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS : A PUBLICATION OF THE ECOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 2022; 32:e2715. [PMID: 36178009 PMCID: PMC10078593 DOI: 10.1002/eap.2715] [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: 09/07/2021] [Revised: 02/23/2022] [Accepted: 06/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Species conservation and management require reliable information about animal distribution and population size. Better management actions within a species' range can be achieved by identifying the location and timing of population changes. In the Greater Mahale Ecosystem (GME), western Tanzania, deforestation due to the expansion of human settlements and agriculture, annual burning, and logging are known threats to wildlife. For one of the most charismatic species, the endangered eastern chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes schweinfurthii), approximately 75% of the individuals are distributed outside national park boundaries, requiring monitoring and protection efforts over a vast landscape of various protection statuses. These efforts are especially challenging when we lack data on trends in density and population size. To predict spatio-temporal chimpanzee density and abundance across the GME, we used density surface modeling, fitting a generalized additive model to a 10-year time-series data set of nest counts based on line-transect surveys. The chimpanzee population declined at an annual rate of 2.41%, including declines of 1.72% in riparian forests (from this point forward, forests), 2.05% in miombo woodlands (from this point forward, woodlands) and 3.45% in nonforests. These population declines were accompanied by ecosystem-wide declines in vegetation types of 1.36% and 0.32% per year for forests and woodlands, respectively; we estimated an annual increase of 1.35% for nonforests. Our model predicted the highest chimpanzee density in forests (0.86 chimpanzees/km2 , 95% confidence intervals (CIs) 0.60-1.23; as of 2020), followed by woodlands (0.19, 95% CI 0.12-0.30) and nonforests (0.18, 95% CI 0.10-1.33). Although forests represent only 6% of the landscape, they support nearly one-quarter of the chimpanzee population (769 chimpanzees, 95% CI 536-1103). Woodlands dominate the landscape (71%) and therefore support more than a half of the chimpanzee population (2294; 95% CI 1420-3707). The remaining quarter of the landscape is represented by nonforests and supports another quarter of the chimpanzee population (750; 95% CI 408-1381). Given the pressures on the remaining suitable habitat in Tanzania, and the need of chimpanzees to access both forest and woodland vegetation to survive, we urge future management actions to increase resources and expand the efforts to protect critical forest and woodland habitat and promote strategies and policies that more effectively prevent irreversible losses. We suggest that regular monitoring programs implement a systematic random design to effectively inform and allocate conservation actions and facilitate interannual comparisons for trend monitoring, measuring conservation success, and guiding adaptive management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana S. Carvalho
- School of Biological and Environmental SciencesLiverpool John Moores UniversityLiverpoolUK
- School of Built and Natural SciencesUniversity of DerbyDerbyUK
| | - Fiona A. Stewart
- School of Biological and Environmental SciencesLiverpool John Moores UniversityLiverpoolUK
- Greater Mahale Ecosystem Research and Conservation ProjectDar es SalaamTanzania
- Department of AnthropologyUniversity College LondonLondonUK
| | - Tiago A. Marques
- School of Mathematics and StatisticsUniversity of St. AndrewsSt. AndrewsUK
- Department of Animal BiologyFaculdade de Ciencias da Universidade de LisboaLisbonPortugal
| | - Noemie Bonnin
- School of Biological and Environmental SciencesLiverpool John Moores UniversityLiverpoolUK
| | - Lilian Pintea
- Department of Conservation ScienceThe Jane Goodall InstituteWashingtonDistrict of ColumbiaUSA
| | - Adrienne Chitayat
- Institute of Biodiversity and Ecosystem DynamicsUniversity of AmsterdamAmsterdamNetherlands
| | - Rebecca Ingram
- Greater Mahale Ecosystem Research and Conservation ProjectDar es SalaamTanzania
| | - Richard J. Moore
- School of Biological and Environmental SciencesLiverpool John Moores UniversityLiverpoolUK
| | - Alex K. Piel
- Greater Mahale Ecosystem Research and Conservation ProjectDar es SalaamTanzania
- Department of AnthropologyUniversity College LondonLondonUK
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7
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Scully EJ, Liu W, Li Y, Ndjango JBN, Peeters M, Kamenya S, Pusey AE, Lonsdorf EV, Sanz CM, Morgan DB, Piel AK, Stewart FA, Gonder MK, Simmons N, Asiimwe C, Zuberbühler K, Koops K, Chapman CA, Chancellor R, Rundus A, Huffman MA, Wolfe ND, Duraisingh MT, Hahn BH, Wrangham RW. The ecology and epidemiology of malaria parasitism in wild chimpanzee reservoirs. Commun Biol 2022; 5:1020. [PMID: 36167977 PMCID: PMC9515101 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-022-03962-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) harbor rich assemblages of malaria parasites, including three species closely related to P. falciparum (sub-genus Laverania), the most malignant human malaria parasite. Here, we characterize the ecology and epidemiology of malaria infection in wild chimpanzee reservoirs. We used molecular assays to screen chimpanzee fecal samples, collected longitudinally and cross-sectionally from wild populations, for malaria parasite mitochondrial DNA. We found that chimpanzee malaria parasitism has an early age of onset and varies seasonally in prevalence. A subset of samples revealed Hepatocystis mitochondrial DNA, with phylogenetic analyses suggesting that Hepatocystis appears to cross species barriers more easily than Laverania. Longitudinal and cross-sectional sampling independently support the hypothesis that mean ambient temperature drives spatiotemporal variation in chimpanzee Laverania infection. Infection probability peaked at ~24.5 °C, consistent with the empirical transmission optimum of P. falciparum in humans. Forest cover was also positively correlated with spatial variation in Laverania prevalence, consistent with the observation that forest-dwelling Anophelines are the primary vectors. Extrapolating these relationships across equatorial Africa, we map spatiotemporal variation in the suitability of chimpanzee habitat for Laverania transmission, offering a hypothetical baseline indicator of human exposure risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erik J Scully
- Department of Human Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA.,Department of Immunology & Infectious Diseases, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Weimin Liu
- Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Yingying Li
- Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Jean-Bosco N Ndjango
- Department of Ecology and Management of Plant and Animal Resources, Faculty of Sciences, University of Kisangani, BP 2012, Kisangani, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Martine Peeters
- Recherche Translationnelle Appliquée au VIH et aux Maladies Infectieuses, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, University of Montpellier, INSERM, 34090, Montpellier, France
| | - Shadrack Kamenya
- Gombe Stream Research Centre, The Jane Goodall Institute, Tanzania, Kigoma, Tanzania
| | - Anne E Pusey
- Department of Evolutionary Anthropology, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27708, USA
| | - Elizabeth V Lonsdorf
- Department of Psychology, Franklin and Marshall College, Lancaster, PA, 17604, USA
| | - Crickette M Sanz
- Department of Anthropology, Washington University in St. Louis, St Louis, MO, 63130, USA.,Congo Program, Wildlife Conservation Society, BP 14537, Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo
| | - David B Morgan
- Lester E. Fisher Center for the Study and Conservation of Apes, Lincoln Park Zoo, Chicago, IL, 60614, USA
| | - Alex K Piel
- Department of Anthropology, University College London, 14 Taviton St, Bloomsbury, WC1H OBW, London, UK
| | - Fiona A Stewart
- Department of Anthropology, University College London, 14 Taviton St, Bloomsbury, WC1H OBW, London, UK.,School of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, L3 3AF, UK
| | - Mary K Gonder
- Department of Biology, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Nicole Simmons
- Zoology Department, Makerere University, P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | - Klaus Zuberbühler
- School of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, UK.,Department of Comparative Cognition, Institute of Biology, University of Neuchâtel, Neuchâtel, Switzerland
| | - Kathelijne Koops
- Department of Ape Behaviour & Ecology Group, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Colin A Chapman
- Department of Anthropology, Center for the Advanced Study of Human Paleobiology, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA.,School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Scottsville, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa
| | - Rebecca Chancellor
- Department of Anthropology & Sociology, West Chester University, West Chester, PA, USA.,Department of Psychology, West Chester University, West Chester, PA, USA
| | - Aaron Rundus
- Department of Psychology, West Chester University, West Chester, PA, USA
| | - Michael A Huffman
- Center for International Collaboration and Advanced Studies in Primatology, Primate Research Institute, Kyoto University, Inuyama, Aichi, Japan
| | | | - Manoj T Duraisingh
- Department of Immunology & Infectious Diseases, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
| | - Beatrice H Hahn
- Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
| | - Richard W Wrangham
- Department of Human Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA.
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8
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D’Ammando G, Caro T, Oelze VM, Phillips S, Sime P, Stewart FA, Piel AK. Ecological Drivers of Habitat Use by Meso Mammals in a Miombo Ecosystem in the Issa Valley, Tanzania. Front Ecol Evol 2022. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2022.773568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Vast stretches of East and Southern Africa are characterized by a mosaic of deciduous woodlands and evergreen riparian forests, commonly referred to as “miombo,” hosting a high diversity of plant and animal life. However, very little is known about the communities of small-sized mammals inhabiting this heterogeneous biome. We here document the diversity and abundance of 0.5–15 kg sized mammals (“meso-mammals”) in a relatively undisturbed miombo mosaic in western Tanzania, using 42 camera traps deployed over a 3 year-period. Despite a relatively low diversity of meso-mammal species (n = 19), these comprised a mixture of savanna and forest species, with the latter by far the most abundant. Our results show that densely forested sites are more intensely utilized than deciduous woodlands, suggesting riparian forest within the miombo matrix might be of key importance to meso-mammal populations. Some species were captured significantly more often in proximity to (and sometimes feeding on) termite mounds (genus Macrotermes), as they are a crucial food resource. There was some evidence of temporal partitioning in activity patterns, suggesting hetero-specific avoidance to reduce foraging competition. We compare our findings to those of other miombo sites in south-central Africa.
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9
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Ordaz-Németh I, Sop T, Amarasekaran B, Bachmann M, Boesch C, Brncic T, Caillaud D, Campbell G, Carvalho J, Chancellor R, Davenport TRB, Dowd D, Eno-Nku M, Ganas-Swaray J, Granier N, Greengrass E, Heinicke S, Herbinger I, Inkamba-Nkulu C, Iyenguet F, Junker J, Bobo KS, Lushimba A, Maisels F, Malanda GAF, McCarthy MS, Motsaba P, Moustgaard J, Murai M, Ndokoue B, Nixon S, Nseme RA, Nzooh Z, Pintea L, Plumptre AJ, Roy J, Rundus A, Sanderson J, Serckx A, Strindberg S, Tweh C, Vanleeuwe H, Vosper A, Waltert M, Williamson EA, Wilson M, Mundry R, Kühl HS. Range-wide indicators of African great ape density distribution. Am J Primatol 2021; 83:e23338. [PMID: 34662462 DOI: 10.1002/ajp.23338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2020] [Revised: 08/05/2021] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Species distributions are influenced by processes occurring at multiple spatial scales. It is therefore insufficient to model species distribution at a single geographic scale, as this does not provide the necessary understanding of determining factors. Instead, multiple approaches are needed, each differing in spatial extent, grain, and research objective. Here, we present the first attempt to model continent-wide great ape density distribution. We used site-level estimates of African great ape abundance to (1) identify socioeconomic and environmental factors that drive densities at the continental scale, and (2) predict range-wide great ape density. We collated great ape abundance estimates from 156 sites and defined 134 pseudo-absence sites to represent additional absence locations. The latter were based on locations of unsuitable environmental conditions for great apes, and on existing literature. We compiled seven socioeconomic and environmental covariate layers and fitted a generalized linear model to investigate their influence on great ape abundance. We used an Akaike-weighted average of full and subset models to predict the range-wide density distribution of African great apes for the year 2015. Great ape densities were lowest where there were high Human Footprint and Gross Domestic Product values; the highest predicted densities were in Central Africa, and the lowest in West Africa. Only 10.7% of the total predicted population was found in the International Union for Conservation of Nature Category I and II protected areas. For 16 out of 20 countries, our estimated abundances were largely in line with those from previous studies. For four countries, Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Liberia, and South Sudan, the estimated populations were excessively high. We propose further improvements to the model to overcome survey and predictor data limitations, which would enable a temporally dynamic approach for monitoring great apes across their range based on key indicators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel Ordaz-Németh
- Department of Primatology, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Tenekwetche Sop
- Department of Primatology, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Leipzig, Germany
| | | | - Mona Bachmann
- Department of Primatology, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Christophe Boesch
- Department of Primatology, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Leipzig, Germany.,Wild Chimpanzee Foundation, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Terry Brncic
- Wildlife Conservation Society, Global Conservation Program, New York, New York, USA
| | - Damien Caillaud
- Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International, Atlanta, USA.,Department of Anthropology, University of California, Davis, California, USA
| | | | - Joana Carvalho
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Stirling, Stirling, Scotland, UK
| | - Rebecca Chancellor
- Departments of Anthropology & Sociology and Psychology, West Chester University, West Chester, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Tim R B Davenport
- Wildlife Conservation Society, Global Conservation Program, New York, New York, USA
| | - Dervla Dowd
- Wild Chimpanzee Foundation, Leipzig, Germany
| | | | | | | | | | - Stefanie Heinicke
- Department of Primatology, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Leipzig, Germany.,Biodiversity Conservation group, German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Leipzig-Jena, Leipzig, Germany.,Transformation Pathways Research Department, Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research, Potsdam, Germany
| | | | | | - Fortuné Iyenguet
- Wildlife Conservation Society, Global Conservation Program, New York, New York, USA
| | - Jessica Junker
- Biodiversity Conservation group, German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Leipzig-Jena, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Kadiri S Bobo
- Department of Forestry, Faculty of Agronomy and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Dschang, Dschang, Cameroon
| | - Alain Lushimba
- IUCN, Regional Program Central and West Africa, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
| | - Fiona Maisels
- Wildlife Conservation Society, Global Conservation Program, New York, New York, USA.,Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Stirling, Stirling, Scotland, UK
| | | | - Maureen S McCarthy
- Department of Primatology, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Prosper Motsaba
- Wildlife Conservation Society, Global Conservation Program, New York, New York, USA
| | | | - Mizuki Murai
- Department of Primatology, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Bezangoye Ndokoue
- Wildlife Conservation Society, Global Conservation Program, New York, New York, USA
| | | | | | | | - Lilian Pintea
- Conservation Science, Jane Goodall Institute, Vienna, USA
| | | | - Justin Roy
- Department of Primatology, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Aaron Rundus
- Department of Psychology, West Chester University, West Chester, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Jim Sanderson
- Small Wild Cat Conservation Foundation, Corrales, New Mexico, USA
| | - Adeline Serckx
- Department of Primatology, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Leipzig, Germany.,The Biodiversity Consultancy Ltd., Cambridge, UK.,Behavioral Biology Unit, Primatology Research Group, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Samantha Strindberg
- Wildlife Conservation Society, Global Conservation Program, New York, New York, USA
| | - Clement Tweh
- Wild Chimpanzee Foundation, Leipzig, Germany.,School of Biological Sciences, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Hilde Vanleeuwe
- Wildlife Conservation Society, Global Conservation Program, New York, New York, USA
| | | | - Matthias Waltert
- Workgroup on Endangered Species, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | | | - Michael Wilson
- Departments of Anthropology and Ecology, Evolution and Behavior, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Roger Mundry
- Department of Primatology, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Leipzig, Germany.,German Primate Center, Leibniz Institute for Primate Research, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Hjalmar S Kühl
- Department of Primatology, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Leipzig, Germany.,Biodiversity Conservation group, German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Leipzig-Jena, Leipzig, Germany
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10
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Lindshield S, Hernandez-Aguilar RA, Korstjens AH, Marchant LF, Narat V, Ndiaye PI, Ogawa H, Piel AK, Pruetz JD, Stewart FA, van Leeuwen KL, Wessling EG, Yoshikawa M. Chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) in savanna landscapes. Evol Anthropol 2021; 30:399-420. [PMID: 34542218 DOI: 10.1002/evan.21924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2020] [Revised: 12/17/2020] [Accepted: 07/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) are the only great apes that inhabit hot, dry, and open savannas. We review the environmental pressures of savannas on chimpanzees, such as food and water scarcity, and the evidence for chimpanzees' behavioral responses to these landscapes. In our analysis, savannas were generally associated with low chimpanzee population densities and large home ranges. In addition, thermoregulatory behaviors that likely reduce hyperthermia risk, such as cave use, were frequently observed in the hottest and driest savanna landscapes. We hypothesize that such responses are evidence of a "savanna landscape effect" in chimpanzees and offer pathways for future research to understand its evolutionary processes and mechanisms. We conclude by discussing the significance of research on savanna chimpanzees to modeling the evolution of early hominin traits and informing conservation programs for these endangered apes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stacy Lindshield
- Department of Anthropology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
| | - R Adriana Hernandez-Aguilar
- Department of Social Psychology and Quantitative Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Centre for Ecological and Evolutionary Synthesis, Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Amanda H Korstjens
- Life and Environmental Sciences Department, Bournemouth University, Talbot Campus, Poole, UK
| | | | - Victor Narat
- CNRS/MNHN/Paris Diderot, UMR 7206 Eco-anthropology, Paris, France
| | - Papa Ibnou Ndiaye
- Département de Biologie Animale, Faculté des Sciences et Techniques, Université Cheikh Anta Diop de Dakar, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Hideshi Ogawa
- School of International Liberal Studies, Chukyo University, Toyota, Aichi, Japan
| | - Alex K Piel
- Department of Anthropology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Jill D Pruetz
- Department of Anthropology, Texas State University, San Marcos, Texas, USA
| | - Fiona A Stewart
- Department of Anthropology, University College London, London, UK.,School of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK
| | - Kelly L van Leeuwen
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Bournemouth University, Talbot Campus, Poole, UK
| | - Erin G Wessling
- Department of Human Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Midori Yoshikawa
- Department of Zoology, National Museum of Nature and Science, Ibaraki, Tokyo, Japan
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11
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Barratt CD, Lester JD, Gratton P, Onstein RE, Kalan AK, McCarthy MS, Bocksberger G, White LC, Vigilant L, Dieguez P, Abdulai B, Aebischer T, Agbor A, Assumang AK, Bailey E, Bessone M, Buys B, Carvalho JS, Chancellor R, Cohen H, Danquah E, Deschner T, Dongmo ZN, Doumbé OA, Dupain J, Duvall CS, Eno-Nku M, Etoga G, Galat-Luong A, Garriga R, Gatti S, Ghiurghi A, Goedmakers A, Granjon AC, Hakizimana D, Head J, Hedwig D, Herbinger I, Hermans V, Jones S, Junker J, Kadam P, Kambi M, Kienast I, Kouakou CY, N Goran KP, Langergraber KE, Lapuente J, Laudisoit A, Lee KC, Maisels F, Mirghani N, Moore D, Morgan B, Morgan D, Neil E, Nicholl S, Nkembi L, Ntongho A, Orbell C, Ormsby LJ, Pacheco L, Piel AK, Pintea L, Plumptre AJ, Rundus A, Sanz C, Sommer V, Sop T, Stewart FA, Sunderland-Groves J, Tagg N, Todd A, Ton E, van Schijndel J, VanLeeuwe H, Vendras E, Welsh A, Wenceslau JFC, Wessling EG, Willie J, Wittig RM, Yoshihiro N, Yuh YG, Yurkiw K, Boesch C, Arandjelovic M, Kühl H. Quantitative estimates of glacial refugia for chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) since the Last Interglacial (120,000 BP). Am J Primatol 2021; 83:e23320. [PMID: 34402081 DOI: 10.1002/ajp.23320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2020] [Revised: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 07/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Paleoclimate reconstructions have enhanced our understanding of how past climates have shaped present-day biodiversity. We hypothesize that the geographic extent of Pleistocene forest refugia and suitable habitat fluctuated significantly in time during the late Quaternary for chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes). Using bioclimatic variables representing monthly temperature and precipitation estimates, past human population density data, and an extensive database of georeferenced presence points, we built a model of changing habitat suitability for chimpanzees at fine spatio-temporal scales dating back to the Last Interglacial (120,000 BP). Our models cover a spatial resolution of 0.0467° (approximately 5.19 km2 grid cells) and a temporal resolution of between 1000 and 4000 years. Using our model, we mapped habitat stability over time using three approaches, comparing our modeled stability estimates to existing knowledge of Afrotropical refugia, as well as contemporary patterns of major keystone tropical food resources used by chimpanzees, figs (Moraceae), and palms (Arecacae). Results show habitat stability congruent with known glacial refugia across Africa, suggesting their extents may have been underestimated for chimpanzees, with potentially up to approximately 60,000 km2 of previously unrecognized glacial refugia. The refugia we highlight coincide with higher species richness for figs and palms. Our results provide spatio-temporally explicit insights into the role of refugia across the chimpanzee range, forming the empirical foundation for developing and testing hypotheses about behavioral, ecological, and genetic diversity with additional data. This methodology can be applied to other species and geographic areas when sufficient data are available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher D Barratt
- German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv), Halle-Jena-Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany.,Department of Primatology, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Jack D Lester
- Department of Primatology, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Paolo Gratton
- Department of Primatology, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Leipzig, Germany.,Department of Biology, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Roma, Italy
| | - Renske E Onstein
- German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv), Halle-Jena-Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Ammie K Kalan
- Department of Primatology, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Maureen S McCarthy
- Department of Primatology, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Gaëlle Bocksberger
- Department of Primatology, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Lauren C White
- Department of Primatology, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Linda Vigilant
- Department of Primatology, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Paula Dieguez
- Department of Primatology, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Barrie Abdulai
- Research for Evidence-based and Achievable Decisions Sierra Leone (READ-SL), Sierra Leone
| | - Thierry Aebischer
- Conservation et Plan d'aménagement de l'Aire de Conservation de Chinko, African Parks Network, Chinko Project, Kocho, RCA and active collaborator of the University of Fribourg, WegmannLab, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Anthony Agbor
- African Parks Centurion Building, Lonehill, South Africa
| | - Alfred K Assumang
- Department of Wildlife and Range Management, Faculty of Renewable Natural Resources, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Emma Bailey
- Department of Primatology, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Mattia Bessone
- Department of Primatology, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Leipzig, Germany
| | | | - Joana S Carvalho
- School of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK
| | - Rebecca Chancellor
- Departments of Anthropology & Sociology and Psychology, West Chester University, West Chester, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Heather Cohen
- Department of Primatology, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Emmanuel Danquah
- Department of Wildlife and Range Management, Faculty of Renewable Natural Resources, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Tobias Deschner
- Department of Primatology, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Leipzig, Germany
| | | | | | - Jef Dupain
- Antwerp Zoo Foundation, Antwerp Zoo Society, Antwerpen, Belgium
| | - Chris S Duvall
- Department of Geography and Environmental Studies, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
| | - Manasseh Eno-Nku
- World Wide Fund for Nature, Panda House Bastos, Yaounde, Cameroon
| | - Gilles Etoga
- World Wide Fund for Nature, Panda House Bastos, Yaounde, Cameroon
| | - Anh Galat-Luong
- IRD (The French National Research Institute for Development), France
| | - Rosa Garriga
- Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary, Freetown, Sierra Leone
| | - Sylvain Gatti
- West African Primate Conservation Action (WAPCA), Accra, Ghana
| | | | | | - Anne-Céline Granjon
- Department of Primatology, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Leipzig, Germany
| | | | - Josephine Head
- Department of Primatology, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Daniela Hedwig
- Elephant Listening Project, Center for Conservation Bioacoustics, Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, USA
| | | | - Veerle Hermans
- Taï Chimpanzee Project, CSRS, Abidjan, Ivory Coast.,Centre for Research and Conservation, Antwerp Zoo Society, Antwerpen, Belgium
| | - Sorrel Jones
- Department of Primatology, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Jessica Junker
- German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv), Halle-Jena-Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Parag Kadam
- Department of Archaeology and Anthropology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Mohamed Kambi
- Department of Primatology, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Ivonne Kienast
- Department of Primatology, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Leipzig, Germany
| | | | - Kouamé P N Goran
- World Wide Fund for Nature, Panda House Bastos, Yaounde, Cameroon
| | - Kevin E Langergraber
- School of Human Evolution and Social Change, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, USA.,Institute of Human Origins, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, USA
| | - Juan Lapuente
- Department of Primatology, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Leipzig, Germany.,Comoé Chimpanzee Conservation Project, Comoé National Park, Kakpin, Ivory Coast
| | - Anne Laudisoit
- Ecohealth Alliance, New York City, New York, USA.,Department of Biology, Evolutionary Ecology Group, University of Antwerp, Antwerpen, Belgium
| | - Kevin C Lee
- Department of Primatology, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Leipzig, Germany.,School of Human Evolution and Social Change, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, USA
| | - Fiona Maisels
- Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), Bronx, New York, USA.,Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Stirling, Stirling, Scotland, UK
| | - Nadia Mirghani
- Jane Goodall Institute Spain and Senegal, Dindefelo Biological Station, Dindefelo, Kedougou, Senegal
| | - Deborah Moore
- Department of Anthropology, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - Bethan Morgan
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Stirling, Stirling, Scotland, UK.,San Diego Zoo Global, Escondido, California, USA.,Ebo Forest Research Project, Yaounde, Cameroon
| | - David Morgan
- Lester E Fisher Center for the Study and Conservation of Apes, Lincoln Park Zoo, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Emily Neil
- Department of Primatology, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Sonia Nicholl
- Department of Primatology, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Louis Nkembi
- Environment and Rural Development Foundation, Buea, Cameroon
| | - Anne Ntongho
- World Wide Fund for Nature, Panda House Bastos, Yaounde, Cameroon
| | | | - Lucy Jayne Ormsby
- Department of Primatology, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Leipzig, Germany
| | | | - Alex K Piel
- Department of Anthropology, University College London, London, UK
| | | | - Andrew J Plumptre
- Key Biodiversity Area Secretariat, c/o BirdLife International, Cambridge, UK
| | - Aaron Rundus
- Department of Psychology, West Chester University, West Chester, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Crickette Sanz
- Department of Anthropology, Washington University in St. Louis, Saint Louis, Missouri, USA.,Wildlife Conservation Society, Congo Program, Brazzaville, Republic of Congo
| | - Volker Sommer
- Department of Anthropology, University College London, London, UK.,Gashaka Primate Project, Serti, Taraba State, Nigeria
| | - Tenekwetche Sop
- German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv), Halle-Jena-Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany.,Department of Primatology, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Fiona A Stewart
- School of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK.,Wildlife Conservation Society, Congo Program, Brazzaville, Republic of Congo
| | | | - Nikki Tagg
- Centre for Research and Conservation, Antwerp Zoo Society, Antwerpen, Belgium
| | | | - Els Ton
- Chimbo Foundation, Oudemirdum, Netherlands
| | | | | | - Elleni Vendras
- Department of Primatology, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Adam Welsh
- Department of Primatology, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Leipzig, Germany
| | | | - Erin G Wessling
- Department of Human Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jacob Willie
- Centre for Research and Conservation, Antwerp Zoo Society, Antwerpen, Belgium
| | - Roman M Wittig
- Department of Primatology, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Leipzig, Germany.,Taï Chimpanzee Project, CSRS, Abidjan, Ivory Coast
| | | | - Yisa Ginath Yuh
- Department of Primatology, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Leipzig, Germany.,Department of Geography, Planning and Environmental Studies, University of Concordia, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Kyle Yurkiw
- Department of Primatology, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Leipzig, Germany.,Pan Verus Project, Outamba-Kilimi National Park, Sierra Leone
| | - Christophe Boesch
- Department of Primatology, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Mimi Arandjelovic
- Department of Primatology, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Hjalmar Kühl
- German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv), Halle-Jena-Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany.,Department of Primatology, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Leipzig, Germany
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12
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Sirima C, Bizet C, Hamou H, Červená B, Lemarcis T, Esteban A, Peeters M, Mpoudi Ngole E, Mombo IM, Liégeois F, Petrželková KJ, Boussinesq M, Locatelli S. Soil-transmitted helminth infections in free-ranging non-human primates from Cameroon and Gabon. Parasit Vectors 2021; 14:354. [PMID: 34225777 PMCID: PMC8259424 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-021-04855-7] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 06/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Zoonotic diseases are a serious threat to both public health and animal conservation. Most non-human primates (NHP) are facing the threat of forest loss and fragmentation and are increasingly living in closer spatial proximity to humans. Humans are infected with soil-transmitted helminths (STH) at a high prevalence, and bidirectional infection with NHP has been observed. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence, genetic diversity, distribution and presence of co-infections of STH in free-ranging gorillas, chimpanzees and other NHP species, and to determine the potential role of these NHP as reservoir hosts contributing to the environmental sustenance of zoonotic nematode infections in forested areas of Cameroon and Gabon. METHODS A total of 315 faecal samples from six species of NHPs were analysed. We performed PCR amplification, sequencing and maximum likelihood analysis of DNA fragments of the internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) nuclear ribosomal DNA to detect the presence and determine the genetic diversity of Oesophagostomum spp., Necator spp. and Trichuris spp., and of targeted DNA fragments of the internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS1) to detect the presence of Ascaris spp. RESULTS Necator spp. infections were most common in gorillas (35 of 65 individuals), but also present in chimpanzees (100 of 222 individuals) and in one of four samples from greater spot-nosed monkeys. These clustered with previously described type II and III Necator spp. Gorillas were also the most infected NHP with Oesophagostomum (51/65 individuals), followed by chimpanzees (157/222 individuals), mandrills (8/12 samples) and mangabeys (7/12 samples), with O. stephanostomum being the most prevalent species. Oesophagostomum bifurcum was detected in chimpanzees and a red-capped mangabey, and a non-classified Oesophagostomum species was detected in a mandrill and a red-capped mangabey. In addition, Ternidens deminutus was detected in samples from one chimpanzee and three greater spot-nosed monkeys. A significant relative overabundance of co-infections with Necator and Oesophagostomum was observed in chimpanzees and gorillas. Trichuris sp. was detected at low prevalence in a gorilla, a chimpanzee and a greater spot-nosed monkey. No Ascaris was observed in any of the samples analysed. CONCLUSIONS Our results on STH prevalence and genetic diversity in NHP from Cameroon and Gabon corroborate those obtained from other wild NHP populations in other African countries. Future research should focus on better identifying, at a molecular level, the species of Necator and Oesophagostomum infecting NHP and determining how human populations may be affected by increased proximity resulting from encroachment into sylvatic STH reservoir habitats.
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Affiliation(s)
- C. Sirima
- Institut de Recherche Pour Le Développement (IRD), UMI 233-TransVIHMI-INSERM U1175–University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - C. Bizet
- Institut de Recherche Pour Le Développement (IRD), UMI 233-TransVIHMI-INSERM U1175–University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - H. Hamou
- Institut de Recherche Pour Le Développement (IRD), UMI 233-TransVIHMI-INSERM U1175–University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - B. Červená
- Institute of Vertebrate Biology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Květná 8, 603 65 Brno, Czech Republic
- Department of Pathology and Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Veterinary Sciences Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - T. Lemarcis
- Institut de Recherche Pour Le Développement (IRD), UMI 233-TransVIHMI-INSERM U1175–University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - A. Esteban
- Institut de Recherche Pour Le Développement (IRD), UMI 233-TransVIHMI-INSERM U1175–University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - M. Peeters
- Institut de Recherche Pour Le Développement (IRD), UMI 233-TransVIHMI-INSERM U1175–University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - E. Mpoudi Ngole
- Projet Prévention du Sida Au Cameroun (PRESICA) and Virology Laboratory IMPM/IRD, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - I. M. Mombo
- Centre Interdisciplinaire de Recherches Médicales de Franceville, BP 769, Franceville, Gabon
| | - F. Liégeois
- Present Address: Institut de Recherche Pour Le Développement (IRD), Maladies Infectieuses Et Vecteurs : Écologie, Génétique, Évolution et Contrôle (MIVEGEC), IRD 224-CNRS 5290–University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - K. J. Petrželková
- Institute of Vertebrate Biology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Květná 8, 603 65 Brno, Czech Republic
- Biology Centre, Institute of Parasitology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
| | - M. Boussinesq
- Institut de Recherche Pour Le Développement (IRD), UMI 233-TransVIHMI-INSERM U1175–University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - S. Locatelli
- Institut de Recherche Pour Le Développement (IRD), UMI 233-TransVIHMI-INSERM U1175–University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
- Present Address: Institut de Recherche Pour Le Développement (IRD), Maladies Infectieuses Et Vecteurs : Écologie, Génétique, Évolution et Contrôle (MIVEGEC), IRD 224-CNRS 5290–University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
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13
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Frazier AE, Honzák M, Hudson C, Perlin R, Tohtsonie A, Gaddis KD, Sousa C, Larsen TH, Junker J, Nyandwi S, Trgovac AB. Connectivity and conservation of Western Chimpanzee (
Pan troglodytes verus
) habitat in Liberia. DIVERS DISTRIB 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/ddi.13270] [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] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Celio Sousa
- NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt MD USA
- Universities Space Research Association Columbia MD USA
| | | | - Jessica Junker
- German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle‐Jena‐Leipzig Institute of BiologyMartin Luther University Halle‐Wittenberg Leipzig Germany
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14
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Bessone M, Booto L, Santos AR, Kühl HS, Fruth B. No time to rest: How the effects of climate change on nest decay threaten the conservation of apes in the wild. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0252527. [PMID: 34191810 PMCID: PMC8244864 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0252527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Since 1994, IUCN Red List assessments apply globally acknowledged standards to assess species distribution, abundance and trends. The extinction risk of a species has a major impact on conservation science and international funding mechanisms. Great ape species are listed as Endangered or Critically Endangered. Their populations are often assessed using their unique habit of constructing sleeping platforms, called nests. As nests rather than apes are counted, it is necessary to know the time it takes for nests to disappear to convert nest counts into ape numbers. However, nest decomposition is highly variable across sites and time and the factors involved are poorly understood. Here, we used 1,511 bonobo (Pan paniscus) nests and 15 years of climatic data (2003-2018) from the research site LuiKotale, Democratic Republic of the Congo, to investigate the effects of climate change and behavioural factors on nest decay time, using a Bayesian gamma survival model. We also tested the logistic regression method, a recommended time-efficient option for estimating nest decay time. Our climatic data showed a decreasing trend in precipitation across the 15 years of study. We found bonobo nests to have longer decay times in recent years. While the number of storms was the main factor driving nest decay time, nest construction type and tree species used were also important. We also found evidence for bonobo nesting behaviour being adapted to climatic conditions, namely strengthening the nest structure in response to unpredictable, harsh precipitation. By highlighting methodological caveats, we show that logistic regression is effective in estimating nest decay time under certain conditions. Our study reveals the impact of climate change on nest decay time in a tropical remote area. Failure to account for these changes would invalidate biomonitoring estimates of global significance, and subsequently jeopardize the conservation of great apes in the wild.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mattia Bessone
- School of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Lambert Booto
- LuiKotale Bonobo Project, Centre for Research and Conservation, Royal Zoological Society of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Antonio R. Santos
- School of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Hjalmar S. Kühl
- German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Barbara Fruth
- School of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, United Kingdom
- LuiKotale Bonobo Project, Centre for Research and Conservation, Royal Zoological Society of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
- Faculty of Biology/Department of Neurobiology, Ludwig Maximilians University of Munich, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
- Department for the Ecology of Animal Societies, Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior, Konstanz, Germany
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15
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Factors Influencing Density and Distribution of Great Ape Nests in the Absence of Human Activities. INT J PRIMATOL 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s10764-021-00229-z] [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]
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16
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Carvalho JS, Graham B, Bocksberger G, Maisels F, Williamson EA, Wich S, Sop T, Amarasekaran B, Barca B, Barrie A, Bergl RA, Boesch C, Boesch H, Brncic TM, Buys B, Chancellor R, Danquah E, Doumbé OA, Le‐Duc SY, Galat‐Luong A, Ganas J, Gatti S, Ghiurghi A, Goedmakers A, Granier N, Hakizimana D, Haurez B, Head J, Herbinger I, Hillers A, Jones S, Junker J, Maputla N, Manasseh E, McCarthy MS, Molokwu‐Odozi M, Morgan BJ, Nakashima Y, N’Goran PK, Nixon S, Nkembi L, Normand E, Nzooh LD, Olson SH, Payne L, Petre C, Piel AK, Pintea L, Plumptre AJ, Rundus A, Serckx A, Stewart FA, Sunderland‐Groves J, Tagg N, Todd A, Vosper A, Wenceslau JF, Wessling EG, Willie J, Kühl HS. Predicting range shifts of African apes under global change scenarios. DIVERS DISTRIB 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/ddi.13358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
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17
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Lester JD, Vigilant L, Gratton P, McCarthy MS, Barratt CD, Dieguez P, Agbor A, Álvarez-Varona P, Angedakin S, Ayimisin EA, Bailey E, Bessone M, Brazzola G, Chancellor R, Cohen H, Danquah E, Deschner T, Egbe VE, Eno-Nku M, Goedmakers A, Granjon AC, Head J, Hedwig D, Hernandez-Aguilar RA, Jeffery KJ, Jones S, Junker J, Kadam P, Kaiser M, Kalan AK, Kehoe L, Kienast I, Langergraber KE, Lapuente J, Laudisoit A, Lee K, Marrocoli S, Mihindou V, Morgan D, Muhanguzi G, Neil E, Nicholl S, Orbell C, Ormsby LJ, Pacheco L, Piel A, Robbins MM, Rundus A, Sanz C, Sciaky L, Siaka AM, Städele V, Stewart F, Tagg N, Ton E, van Schijndel J, Vyalengerera MK, Wessling EG, Willie J, Wittig RM, Yuh YG, Yurkiw K, Zuberbuehler K, Boesch C, Kühl HS, Arandjelovic M. Recent genetic connectivity and clinal variation in chimpanzees. Commun Biol 2021; 4:283. [PMID: 33674780 PMCID: PMC7935964 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-021-01806-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2020] [Accepted: 02/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Much like humans, chimpanzees occupy diverse habitats and exhibit extensive behavioural variability. However, chimpanzees are recognized as a discontinuous species, with four subspecies separated by historical geographic barriers. Nevertheless, their range-wide degree of genetic connectivity remains poorly resolved, mainly due to sampling limitations. By analyzing a geographically comprehensive sample set amplified at microsatellite markers that inform recent population history, we found that isolation by distance explains most of the range-wide genetic structure of chimpanzees. Furthermore, we did not identify spatial discontinuities corresponding with the recognized subspecies, suggesting that some of the subspecies-delineating geographic barriers were recently permeable to gene flow. Substantial range-wide genetic connectivity is consistent with the hypothesis that behavioural flexibility is a salient driver of chimpanzee responses to changing environmental conditions. Finally, our observation of strong local differentiation associated with recent anthropogenic pressures portends future loss of critical genetic diversity if habitat fragmentation and population isolation continue unabated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jack D Lester
- Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology (MPI EVAN), Leipzig, Germany.
| | - Linda Vigilant
- Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology (MPI EVAN), Leipzig, Germany
| | - Paolo Gratton
- Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology (MPI EVAN), Leipzig, Germany
| | - Maureen S McCarthy
- Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology (MPI EVAN), Leipzig, Germany
| | - Christopher D Barratt
- German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Paula Dieguez
- Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology (MPI EVAN), Leipzig, Germany
| | - Anthony Agbor
- Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology (MPI EVAN), Leipzig, Germany
| | - Paula Álvarez-Varona
- Jane Goodall Institute Spain and Senegal, Dindefelo Biological Station, Dindefelo, Kedougou, Senegal
| | - Samuel Angedakin
- Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology (MPI EVAN), Leipzig, Germany
| | | | - Emma Bailey
- Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology (MPI EVAN), Leipzig, Germany
| | - Mattia Bessone
- Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology (MPI EVAN), Leipzig, Germany
| | - Gregory Brazzola
- Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology (MPI EVAN), Leipzig, Germany
| | - Rebecca Chancellor
- West Chester University, Depts of Anthropology & Sociology and Psychology, West Chester, PA, USA
| | - Heather Cohen
- Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology (MPI EVAN), Leipzig, Germany
| | - Emmanuel Danquah
- Department of Wildlife and Range Management, Faculty of Renewable Natural Resources, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Tobias Deschner
- Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology (MPI EVAN), Leipzig, Germany
| | - Villard Ebot Egbe
- Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology (MPI EVAN), Leipzig, Germany
| | | | | | - Anne-Céline Granjon
- Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology (MPI EVAN), Leipzig, Germany
| | - Josephine Head
- Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology (MPI EVAN), Leipzig, Germany
| | - Daniela Hedwig
- Elephant Listening Project, Center for Conservation Bioacoustics, Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - R Adriana Hernandez-Aguilar
- Jane Goodall Institute Spain and Senegal, Dindefelo Biological Station, Dindefelo, Kedougou, Senegal
- Department of Social Psychology and Quantitative Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Kathryn J Jeffery
- Biological and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Stirling, Stirling, UK
| | - Sorrel Jones
- Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology (MPI EVAN), Leipzig, Germany
| | - Jessica Junker
- Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology (MPI EVAN), Leipzig, Germany
| | | | - Michael Kaiser
- Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology (MPI EVAN), Leipzig, Germany
| | - Ammie K Kalan
- Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology (MPI EVAN), Leipzig, Germany
| | - Laura Kehoe
- Wild Chimpanzee Foundation (WCF), Leipzig, Germany
| | - Ivonne Kienast
- Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology (MPI EVAN), Leipzig, Germany
| | - Kevin E Langergraber
- School of Human Evolution and Social Change, Arizona State University, 900 Cady Mall, Tempe, AZ 85287 Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
| | - Juan Lapuente
- Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology (MPI EVAN), Leipzig, Germany
- Comoé Chimpanzee Conservation Project, Comoé National Park, Kakpin, Côte d'Ivoire
| | - Anne Laudisoit
- Ecohealth Alliance, New York, NY, USA
- University of Antwerp, Campus Drie Eiken, lokaal D.133, Universiteitsplein 1 - 2610, Antwerpen, Belgium
| | - Kevin Lee
- Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology (MPI EVAN), Leipzig, Germany
| | - Sergio Marrocoli
- Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology (MPI EVAN), Leipzig, Germany
| | - Vianet Mihindou
- Agence National des Parcs Nationaux (ANPN) Batterie 4, Libreville, Gabon
- Ministère des Eaux, des Forêts, de la Mer, de l'Environnement, Chargé du Plan Climat, des Objectifs de Développement Durable et du Plan d'Affectation des Terres, Libreville, Gabon
| | - David Morgan
- Lester E. Fisher Center for the Study and Conservation of Apes, Lincoln Park Zoo, Chicago, IL, USA
| | | | - Emily Neil
- Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology (MPI EVAN), Leipzig, Germany
| | - Sonia Nicholl
- Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology (MPI EVAN), Leipzig, Germany
| | | | - Lucy Jayne Ormsby
- Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology (MPI EVAN), Leipzig, Germany
| | - Liliana Pacheco
- Jane Goodall Institute Spain and Senegal, Dindefelo Biological Station, Dindefelo, Kedougou, Senegal
| | - Alex Piel
- Department of Anthropology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Martha M Robbins
- Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology (MPI EVAN), Leipzig, Germany
| | - Aaron Rundus
- West Chester University, Department of Psychology, West Chester, PA, USA
| | - Crickette Sanz
- Washington University in Saint Louis, Department of Anthropology, One Brookings Drive, St. Louis, MO, USA
- Wildlife Conservation Society, Congo Program, Brazzaville, Republic of Congo
| | - Lilah Sciaky
- Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology (MPI EVAN), Leipzig, Germany
| | - Alhaji M Siaka
- National Protected Area Authority, Freetown, Sierra Leone
| | - Veronika Städele
- Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology (MPI EVAN), Leipzig, Germany
| | - Fiona Stewart
- School of Biological & Environmental Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK
| | - Nikki Tagg
- KMDA, Centre for Research and Conservation, Royal Zoological Society of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Els Ton
- Chimbo Foundation, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | | | | | - Erin G Wessling
- Department of Human Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Jacob Willie
- KMDA, Centre for Research and Conservation, Royal Zoological Society of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Roman M Wittig
- Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology (MPI EVAN), Leipzig, Germany
- Taï Chimpanzee Project, Centre Suisse de Recherches Scientifiques, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire
| | - Yisa Ginath Yuh
- Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology (MPI EVAN), Leipzig, Germany
| | - Kyle Yurkiw
- Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology (MPI EVAN), Leipzig, Germany
- Pan Verus Project Outamba-Kilimi National Park, Freetown, Sierra Leone
| | - Klaus Zuberbuehler
- Budongo Conservation Field Station, Masindi, Uganda
- Université de Neuchâtel, Institut de Biologie, Neuchâtel, Switzerland
- School of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, UK
| | - Christophe Boesch
- Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology (MPI EVAN), Leipzig, Germany
| | - Hjalmar S Kühl
- Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology (MPI EVAN), Leipzig, Germany
- German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Mimi Arandjelovic
- Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology (MPI EVAN), Leipzig, Germany.
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Fotang C, Bröring U, Roos C, Enoguanbhor EC, Abwe EE, Dutton P, Schierack P, Angwafo TE, Birkhofer K. Human Activity and Forest Degradation Threaten Populations of the Nigeria–Cameroon Chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes ellioti) in Western Cameroon. INT J PRIMATOL 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s10764-020-00191-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
AbstractIncreased human activities such as commodity-led deforestation, extension of agriculture, urbanization, and wildfires are major drivers of forest loss worldwide. In Cameroon, these activities cause a loss of suitable primate habitat and could ultimately threaten the survival of chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes). We derived independent estimates of the population size of the Endangered Nigeria–Cameroon chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes ellioti) in Kom-Wum Forest Reserve, Cameroon, and surrounding unprotected forest areas through 1) direct observations, 2) camera trapping, 3) distance sampling, 4) marked nest counts, and 5) standing crop nest counts. In addition, we georeferenced signs of chimpanzee and human activity along line transects. We used a generalized linear mixed model to predict the occurrence of chimpanzees in response to edge length (measured as the perimeter of core forest patches), core area of forest patches (measured as area of forest patches beyond an edge width of 100 m), habitat perforation (measured as the perimeter of nonforested landscape within core forest patches), patch size(measured as area of forest patches), and forest cover. Chimpanzee density estimates ranged from 0.1 (direct observation) to 0.9 (distance sampling) individuals km−2 depending on estimation method with a mean nest group size of 7 ± 5.4 (SD). The mean encounter rate for signs of chimpanzee activity was significantly higher in mature forests (2.3 signs km−1) than in secondary forests (0.3 signs km−1) and above 1000 m elevation (4.0 signs km−1) than below 1000 m (1.0 signs km−1). The mean encounter rate for signs of human activity was significantly higher in secondary (8.0 signs km−1) than in mature forests (0.9 signs km−1). Secondary forests, habitat perforation, and edge length had a significant negative effect on the occurrence of chimpanzee signs. Overall, human activity and forest degradation affected the number of observed chimpanzee signs negatively. Regular antipoaching patrols and reforestation programs in degraded areas could potentially reduce threats to populations of endangered species and may increase suitable habitat area.
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Chitayat AB, Wich SA, Lewis M, Stewart FA, Piel AK. Ecological correlates of chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes schweinfurthii) density in Mahale Mountains National Park, Tanzania. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0246628. [PMID: 33577598 PMCID: PMC7880473 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0246628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2020] [Accepted: 01/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Understanding the ecological factors that drive animal density patterns in time and space is key to devising effective conservation strategies. In Tanzania, most chimpanzees (~75%) live outside national parks where human activities threaten their habitat's integrity and connectivity. Mahale Mountains National Park (MMNP), therefore, is a critical area for chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes schweinfurthii) in the region due to its location and protective status. Yet, despite its importance and long history of chimpanzee research (>50 years), a park-wide census of the species has never been conducted. The park is categorized as a savanna-woodland mosaic, interspersed with riparian forest, wooded grassland, and bamboo thicket. This heterogeneous landscape offers an excellent opportunity to assess the ecological characteristics associated with chimpanzee density, a topic still disputed, which could improve conservation plans that protect crucial chimpanzee habitat outside the park. We examined the influence of fine-scale vegetative characteristics and topographical features on chimpanzee nest density, modeling nest counts using hierarchical distance sampling. We counted 335 nests in forest and woodland habitats across 102 transects in 13 survey sites. Nests were disproportionately found more in or near evergreen forests, on steep slopes, and in feeding tree species. We calculated chimpanzee density in MMNP to be 0.23 ind/km2, although density varied substantially among sites (0.09-3.43 ind/km2). Density was associated with factors related to the availability of food and nesting trees, with topographic heterogeneity and the total basal area of feeding tree species identified as significant positive predictors. Species-rich habitats and floristic diversity likely play a principal role in shaping chimpanzee density within a predominately open landscape with low food abundance. Our results provide valuable baseline data for future monitoring efforts in MMNP and enhance our understanding of this endangered species' density and distribution across Tanzania.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrienne B. Chitayat
- Institute of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Serge A. Wich
- Institute of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- School of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Matthew Lewis
- Loango Gorilla Project (Gabon), Max-Planck-Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Fiona A. Stewart
- School of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, United Kingdom
- Department of Anthropology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Alex K. Piel
- Department of Anthropology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
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Ginath Yuh Y, N'Goran PK, Dongmo ZN, Tracz W, Tangwa E, Agunbiade M, Kühl HS, Sop T, Fotang C. Mapping suitable great ape habitat in and around the Lobéké National Park, South-East Cameroon. Ecol Evol 2020; 10:14282-14299. [PMID: 33391715 PMCID: PMC7771158 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.7027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2020] [Revised: 08/08/2020] [Accepted: 10/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
As a result of extensive data collection efforts over the last 20-30 years, there is quite a good understanding of the large-scale geographic distribution and range limits of African great apes. However, as human activities increasingly fragment great ape spatial distribution, a better understanding of what constitutes suitable great ape habitat is needed to inform conservation and resource extraction management. Chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes troglodytes) and gorillas (Gorilla gorilla gorilla) inhabit the Lobéké National Park and its surrounding forest management units (FMUs) in South-East Cameroon. Both park and neighboring forestry concessions require reliable evidence on key factors driving great ape distribution for their management plans, yet this information is largely missing and incomplete. This study aimed at mapping great ape habitat suitability in the area and at identifying the most influential predictors among three predictor categories, including landscape predictors (dense forest, swampy forest, distance to water bodies, and topography), human disturbance predictors (hunting, deforestation, distance to roads, and population density), and bioclimatic predictor (annual precipitation). We found that about 63% of highly to moderately suitable chimpanzee habitat occurred within the Lobéké National Park, while only 8.4% of similar habitat conditions occurred within FMUs. For gorillas, highly and moderately suitable habitats occurred within the Lobéké National Park and its surrounding FMUs (82.6% and 65.5%, respectively). Key determinants of suitable chimpanzee habitat were hunting pressure and dense forest, with species occurrence probability optimal at relatively lower hunting rates and at relatively high-dense forest areas. Key determinants of suitable gorilla habitat were hunting pressure, dense forests, swampy forests, and slope, with species occurrence probability optimal at relatively high-dense and swampy forest areas and at areas with mild slopes. Our findings show differential response of the two ape species to forestry activities in the study area, thus aligning with previous studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yisa Ginath Yuh
- Warsaw University of Life Sciences (WULS‐SGGW)WarszawaPoland
- Eberswalde University for Sustainable Development (HNEE)EberswaldeGermany
- University of ConcordiaMontréalQCCanada
| | - Paul K. N'Goran
- Regional Office for Africa – Yaoundé HubWorld Wide Fund for Nature (WWF)YaoundéCameroon
| | - Zacharie N. Dongmo
- Cameroon Country Program OfficeWorld Wide Fund for Nature (WWF)YaoundéCameroon
| | - Wiktor Tracz
- Warsaw University of Life Sciences (WULS‐SGGW)WarszawaPoland
| | - Elvis Tangwa
- Warsaw University of Life Sciences (WULS‐SGGW)WarszawaPoland
- Eberswalde University for Sustainable Development (HNEE)EberswaldeGermany
| | - Michael Agunbiade
- Warsaw University of Life Sciences (WULS‐SGGW)WarszawaPoland
- Eberswalde University for Sustainable Development (HNEE)EberswaldeGermany
| | - Hjalmar S. Kühl
- Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology (MPI EVAN)LeipzigGermany
- German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle‐Leipzig‐JenaLeipzigGermany
| | - Tenekwetche Sop
- Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology (MPI EVAN)LeipzigGermany
| | - Chefor Fotang
- Department of EcologyBrandenburg University of TechnologyCottbusGermany
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Vimal R, Morgans C. Using knowledge mapping to rethink the gap between science and action. CONSERVATION BIOLOGY : THE JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR CONSERVATION BIOLOGY 2020; 34:1433-1443. [PMID: 32506700 DOI: 10.1111/cobi.13563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2019] [Revised: 03/19/2020] [Accepted: 03/20/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Scholars have long stressed the need to bridge the gap between science and action and seek the most efficient use of knowledge for decision making. Many contributors have attempted to consider and understand the sociopolitical forces involved in knowledge generation and exchange. We argue, however, that a model is still needed to adequately conceptualize and frame the knowledge networks in which these processes are embedded. We devised a model for knowledge mapping as a prerequisite for knowledge management in the context of conservation. Using great ape conservation to frame our approach, we propose that knowledge mapping should be based on 2 key principles. First, each conservation network results from the conglomeration of subnetworks of expertise producing and using knowledge. Second, beyond the research-management gradient, other dimensions, such as the scale of operation, geographic location, and organizational characteristics, must also be considered. Assessing both knowledge production and trajectory across different dimensions of the network opens new space for investigating and reducing the gap between science and action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruppert Vimal
- GEODE UMR 5602, CNRS, Université Jean-Jaurès, 5 Allée Antonio-Machado, Toulouse, 31058, France
- German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research, Halle-Jena-Leipzig, Deutscher Platz 5e, Leipzig, 04103, Germany
| | - Courtney Morgans
- Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Science, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia
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Combining Deforestation and Species Distribution Models to Improve Measures of Chimpanzee Conservation Impacts of REDD: A Case Study from Ntakata Mountains, Western Tanzania. FORESTS 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/f11111195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Projects to reduce emissions from deforestation and degradation (REDD) are designed to reduce carbon emissions through avoided deforestation and degradation, and in many cases, to produce additional community and biodiversity conservation co-benefits. While these co-benefits can be significant, quantifying conservation impacts has been challenging, and most projects use simple species presence to demonstrate positive biodiversity impact. Some of the same tools applied in the quantification of climate mitigation benefits have relevance and potential application to estimating co-benefits for biodiversity conservation. In western Tanzania, most chimpanzees live outside of national park boundaries, and thus face threats from human activity, including competition for suitable habitat. Through a case study of the Ntakata Mountains REDD project in western Tanzania, we demonstrate a combined application of deforestation modelling with species distribution models to assess forest conservation benefits in terms of avoided carbon emissions and improved chimpanzee habitat. The application of such tools is a novel approach that we argue permits the better design of future REDD projects for biodiversity co-benefits. This approach also enables project developers to produce the more manageable, accurate and cost-effective monitoring, reporting and verification of project impacts that are critical to verification under carbon standards.
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Wessling EG, Dieguez P, Llana M, Pacheco L, Pruetz JD, Kühl HS. Chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes verus) Density and Environmental Gradients at Their Biogeographical Range Edge. INT J PRIMATOL 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s10764-020-00182-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Maijo SP, Piel AK, Treydte AC. Anthropogenic disturbance and chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes) habitat use in the Masito-Ugalla Ecosystem, Tanzania. J Mammal 2020. [DOI: 10.1093/jmammal/gyaa101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
The habitat quality of chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes), including the availability of plant food and nesting species, is important to ensure the long-term survival of this endangered species. Botanical composition of vegetation is spatially variable and depends on soil characteristics, weather, topography, and numerous other biotic and abiotic factors. There are few data regarding the availability of chimpanzee plant food and nesting species in the Masito-Ugalla Ecosystem (MUE), a vast area that lies outside national park boundaries in Tanzania, and how the availability of these resources varies with human disturbance. We hypothesized that chimpanzee plant food species richness, diversity, and abundance decline with increasing human disturbance. Further, we predicted that chimpanzee abundance and habitat use is influenced negatively by human disturbance. Published literature from Issa Valley, Gombe, and Mahale Mountains National Parks, in Tanzania, was used to document plant species consumed by chimpanzees, and quantify their richness, diversity, and abundance, along 32 transects totaling 63.8 km in length across four sites of varying human disturbance in MUE. We documented 102 chimpanzee plant food species and found a significant differences in their species richness (H = 55.09, P < 0.001) and diversity (H = 36.81, P < 0.001) across disturbance levels, with the moderately disturbed site exhibiting the highest species richness and diversity. Chimpanzees built nests in 17 different tree species. The abundance of nesting tree species did not vary across survey sites (H = 0.279, P > 0.964). The least disturbed site exhibited the highest encounter rate of chimpanzee nests/km, with rates declining toward the highly disturbed sites. Our results show that severe anthropogenic disturbance in MUE is associated with the loss of chimpanzee plant food species and negatively influences chimpanzee habitat use, a relationship that threatens the future of all chimpanzee populations outside national parks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simula P Maijo
- Tanzania Wildlife Research Institute, Arusha, Tanzania
- School of Life Sciences and Bio-engineering, The Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology, Tengeru, Arusha, Tanzania
| | - Alex K Piel
- Department of Anthropology, University College of London, Bloomsbury, London, United Kingdom
- GMERC, LTD, Kigoma, Tanzania
| | - Anna C Treydte
- School of Life Sciences and Bio-engineering, The Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology, Tengeru, Arusha, Tanzania
- Agroecology in the Tropics and Subtropics, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany
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25
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Cox D, Pintea L, Poaty P, Nsafou A, Sitou A, Turmo F, VillaMarin E, Atencia R. Commentary: Challenges of evaluating the effectiveness of public awareness campaigns in Congo Republic. Am J Primatol 2020; 83:e23205. [PMID: 33040401 DOI: 10.1002/ajp.23205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2020] [Revised: 09/08/2020] [Accepted: 09/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Conservation groups are always challenged with assigning limited resources to interventions they assume will have the most effective impact in addressing threats to their conservation targets. These decisions are often made based on experience and perceived outcomes, rather than evidence. In the past decade, multiple public awareness and proactive law enforcement activities have been initiated in the Congo Republic to address the illegal wildlife trade. This paper presents the challenges faced and lessons learned in shifting from experience to evidence-based program evaluation related to the effectiveness of billboards in informing and inspiring local populations to support positive conservation behavior with regard to great apes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debby Cox
- Jane Goodall Institute-Africa Programs, Vienna, Virginia, USA
| | - Lilian Pintea
- Jane Goodall Institute-Africa Programs, Vienna, Virginia, USA
| | - Patricia Poaty
- Jane Goodall Institute Republic of Congo, Pointe-Noire, Congo
| | - Achille Nsafou
- Jane Goodall Institute Republic of Congo, Pointe-Noire, Congo
| | - Alain Sitou
- Jane Goodall Institute Republic of Congo, Pointe-Noire, Congo
| | - Fernando Turmo
- Jane Goodall Institute Republic of Congo, Pointe-Noire, Congo
| | | | - Rebeca Atencia
- Jane Goodall Institute Republic of Congo, Pointe-Noire, Congo
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27
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Uzqueda A, Burnett S, Bertola LV, Hoskin CJ. Quantifying range decline and remaining populations of the large marsupial carnivore of Australia’s tropical rainforest. J Mammal 2020. [DOI: 10.1093/jmammal/gyaa077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Large predators are particularly susceptible to population declines due to large area requirements, low population density, and conflict with humans. Their low density and secretive habits also make it difficult to know the spatial extent, size, and connectivity of populations; declines hence can go unnoticed. Here, we quantified decline in a large marsupial carnivore, the spotted-tailed quoll (Dasyurus maculatus gracilis), endemic to the Wet Tropics rainforest of northeast Australia. We compiled a large database of occurrence records and used species distributional modeling to estimate the distribution in four time periods (Pre-1956, 1956–1975, 1976–1995, 1996–2016) using climate layers and three human-use variables. The most supported variables in the distribution models were climatic, with highly suitable quoll habitat having relatively high precipitation, low temperatures, and a narrow annual range in temperature. Land-use type and road density also influenced quoll distribution in some time periods. The modeling revealed a significant decline in the distribution of D. m. gracilis over the last century, with contraction away from peripheral areas and from large areas of the Atherton Tablelands in the center of the distribution. Tests of the change in patch availability for populations of 20, 50, and 100 individuals revealed a substantial (17–32%) decline in available habitat for all population sizes, with a particular decline (31–40%) in core habitat (i.e., excluding edges). Six remaining populations were defined. Extrapolating capture–recapture density estimates derived from two populations in 2017 suggests these populations are small and range from about 10 to 160 individuals. Our total population estimate sums to 424 individuals, but we outline why this estimate is positively skewed and that the actual population size may be < 300 individuals. Continued decline and apparent absence in areas of highly suitable habitat suggests some threats are not being captured in our models. From our results, we provide management and research recommendations for this enigmatic predator.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana Uzqueda
- College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD, Australia
| | - Scott Burnett
- School of Science and Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast, QLD, Australia
| | - Lorenzo V Bertola
- College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD, Australia
| | - Conrad J Hoskin
- College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD, Australia
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Crunchant A, Borchers D, Kühl H, Piel A. Listening and watching: Do camera traps or acoustic sensors more efficiently detect wild chimpanzees in an open habitat? Methods Ecol Evol 2020. [DOI: 10.1111/2041-210x.13362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - David Borchers
- Centre for Research into Ecological and Environmental Modelling University of St Andrews St Andrews UK
| | - Hjalmar Kühl
- Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology Leipzig Germany
| | - Alex Piel
- Liverpool John Moores University Liverpool UK
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29
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Campbell TP, Sun X, Patel VH, Sanz C, Morgan D, Dantas G. The microbiome and resistome of chimpanzees, gorillas, and humans across host lifestyle and geography. ISME JOURNAL 2020; 14:1584-1599. [PMID: 32203121 DOI: 10.1038/s41396-020-0634-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2019] [Revised: 03/10/2020] [Accepted: 03/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
The gut microbiome can vary across differences in host lifestyle, geography, and host species. By comparing closely related host species across varying lifestyles and geography, we can evaluate the relative contributions of these factors in structuring the composition and functions of the microbiome. Here we show that the gut microbial taxa, microbial gene family composition, and resistomes of great apes and humans are more related by host lifestyle than geography. We show that captive chimpanzees and gorillas are enriched for microbial genera commonly found in non-Westernized humans. Captive ape microbiomes also had up to ~34-fold higher abundance and up to ~5-fold higher richness of all antibiotic resistance genes compared with wild apes. Through functional metagenomics, we identified a number of novel antibiotic resistance genes, including a gene conferring resistance to colistin, an antibiotic of last resort. Finally, by comparing our study cohorts to human and ape gut microbiomes from a diverse range of environments and lifestyles, we find that the influence of host lifestyle is robust to various geographic locations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tayte P Campbell
- The Edison Family Center for Genome Sciences & Systems Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Xiaoqing Sun
- The Edison Family Center for Genome Sciences & Systems Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Vishal H Patel
- The Edison Family Center for Genome Sciences & Systems Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Crickette Sanz
- Department of Anthropology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, 63130, USA.,Congo Program, Wildlife Conservation Society, Brazzaville, Republic of Congo
| | - David Morgan
- Lincoln Park Zoo, Lester E. Fisher Center, Chicago, IL, 60614, USA
| | - Gautam Dantas
- The Edison Family Center for Genome Sciences & Systems Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA. .,Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA. .,Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA. .,Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, 63130, USA.
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30
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Janmaat KRL. What animals do not do or fail to find: A novel observational approach for studying cognition in the wild. Evol Anthropol 2019; 28:303-320. [PMID: 31418959 PMCID: PMC6916178 DOI: 10.1002/evan.21794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2017] [Revised: 06/17/2019] [Accepted: 07/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
To understand how our brain evolved and what it is for, we are in urgent need of knowledge about the cognitive skills of a large variety of animal species and individuals, and their relationships to rapidly disappearing social and ecological conditions. But how do we obtain this knowledge? Studying cognition in the wild is a challenge. Field researchers (and their study subjects) face many factors that can easily interfere with their variables of interest. Although field studies of cognition present unique challenges, they are still invaluable for understanding the evolutionary drivers of cognition. In this review, I discuss the advantages and urgency of field-based studies on animal cognition and introduce a novel observational approach for field research that is guided by three questions: (a) what do animals fail to find?, (b) what do they not do?, and (c) what do they only do when certain conditions are met? My goal is to provide guidance to future field researchers examining primate cognition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karline R. L. Janmaat
- Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary AnthropologyLeipzigGermany
- Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem DynamicsUniversity of AmsterdamAmsterdamThe Netherlands
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31
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Dykes SJ, Pilbrow VC. A mathematical landmark-based method for measuring worn molars in hominoid systematics. PeerJ 2019; 7:e6990. [PMID: 31198638 PMCID: PMC6535218 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.6990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2019] [Accepted: 04/20/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Worn teeth pose a major limitation to researchers in the fields of extinct and extant hominoid systematics because they lack clearly identifiable anatomical landmarks needed to take measurements on the crown enamel surface and are typically discarded from a study. This is particularly detrimental when sample sizes for some groups are already characteristically low, if there is an imbalance between samples representing populations, sexes or dietary strategies, or if the worn teeth in question are type specimens of fossil species or other key specimens. This study proposes a methodology based predominantly on mathematically-derived landmarks for measuring size and shape features of molars, irrespective of wear. With 110 specimens of lower second molars from five species of extant hominoids (Pan troglodytes, P. paniscus, Gorilla gorilla, G. beringei, Homo sapiens), n ≥ 20 per species, n ≥ 10 per subspecies, good species separation in morphospace is achieved in a principal components analysis. Classification accuracy in a discriminant function analysis is 96.4% at the species level and 88.2% at the subspecies level (92.7% and 79.1%, respectively, on cross-validation). The classification accuracy compares favorably to that achieved by anatomically-derived measurements based on published research (94% and 84% at the species and subspecies level respectively; 91% and 76% on cross-validation). The mathematical landmarking methodology is rapid and uncomplicated. The results support the use of mathematical landmarks to enable the inclusion of worn molar teeth in dental studies so as to maximize sample sizes and restore balance between populations and/or sexes in hominoid systematic studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan J. Dykes
- Evolutionary Studies Institute, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- School of Geosciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Varsha C. Pilbrow
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
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32
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McDonald MM, Johnson SM, Henry ER, Cunneyworth PMK. Differences between ecological niches in northern and southern populations of Angolan black and white colobus monkeys (Colobus angolensis palliatus and Colobus angolensis sharpei) throughout Kenya and Tanzania. Am J Primatol 2019; 81:e22975. [PMID: 31020687 DOI: 10.1002/ajp.22975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2018] [Revised: 03/02/2019] [Accepted: 03/17/2019] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Ecological niche models can be useful for clarifying relationships between environmental factors and a species' geographic distribution. In this study, we use presence-only data and environmental layers to create an ecological niche model to better understand the distribution of the East African Angolan black and white colobus monkey, Colobus angolensis palliatus, and to assess whether the model supports considering the population as two separate subspecies, Colobus angolensis sharpei and C. a. palliatus. We found the range of the predicted distribution for suitable habitat of C. a. palliatus as currently classified to be only 12.4% of that shown in the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List range map and to be fragmented. As C. angolensis is considered a "Least Concern" species, this difference suggests that generalized maps may lead to understating the species' extinction risk. When presence points were divided into two previously proposed subspecies -C. a. palliatus (Kenya and Northern Tanzania) and C. a. sharpei (Southern Tanzania)-we found significant environmental differences between the distributions. The most important ecological variable for C. a. palliatus was predominantly precipitation of the driest month (69.1%) whereas for C. a. sharpei annual precipitation (44.8%) and land cover (normalized difference vegetation index, 16.4%) were the most important. When comparing suitable ranges for the separate distributions, we found only a 1.2% geographical overlap. These differences are consistent with previous subspecies delineations of C. a. palliatus and C. a. sharpei based upon morphology, pelage, and genetics. Our study suggests that extirpation of C. a. palliatus in suitable habitat areas and occurrence of this subspecies in anthropogenic environments, warrant further consideration for conservation actions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica M McDonald
- Department of Anthropology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri.,Prim8 Software, St. Louis, Missouri
| | | | - Edward R Henry
- Department of Anthropology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado.,Center for Research in Archaeogeophysics and Geoarchaeology (CRAG), Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado
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Abwe EE, Morgan BJ, Tchiengue B, Kentatchime F, Doudja R, Ketchen ME, Teguia E, Ambahe R, Venditti DM, Mitchell MW, Fosso B, Mounga A, Fotso RC, Gonder MK. Habitat differentiation among three Nigeria-Cameroon chimpanzee ( Pan troglodytes ellioti) populations. Ecol Evol 2019; 9:1489-1500. [PMID: 30805176 PMCID: PMC6374666 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.4871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2018] [Revised: 10/29/2018] [Accepted: 12/04/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Ecological niche models (ENMs) are often used to predict species distribution patterns from datasets that describe abiotic and biotic factors at coarse spatial scales. Ground-truthing ENMs provide important information about how these factors relate to species-specific requirements at a scale that is biologically relevant for the species. Chimpanzees are territorial and have a predominantly frugivorous diet. The spatial and temporal variation in fruit availability for different chimpanzee populations is thus crucial, but rarely depicted in ENMs. The genetic and geographic distinction within Nigeria-Cameroon chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes ellioti) populations represents a unique opportunity to understand fine scale species-relevant ecological variation in relation to ENMs. In Cameroon, P. t. ellioti is composed of two genetically distinct populations that occupy different niches: rainforests in western Cameroon and forest-woodland-savanna mosaic (ecotone) in central Cameroon. We investigated habitat variation at three representative sites using chimpanzee-relevant environmental variables, including fruit availability, to assess how these variables distinguish these niches from one another. Contrary to the assumption of most ENM studies that intact forest is essential for the survival of chimpanzees, we hypothesized that the ecotone and human-modified habitats in Cameroon have sufficient resources to sustain large chimpanzee populations. Rainfall, and the diversity, density, and size of trees were higher at the rainforest. The ecotone had a higher density of terrestrial herbs and lianas. Fruit availability was higher at Ganga (ecotone) than at Bekob and Njuma. Seasonal variation in fruit availability was highest at Ganga, and periods of fruit scarcity were longer than at the rainforest sites. Introduced and secondary forest species linked with anthropogenic modification were common at Bekob, which reduced seasonality in fruit availability. Our findings highlight the value of incorporating fine scale species-relevant ecological data to create more realistic models, which have implications for local conservation planning efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ekwoge E. Abwe
- Department of BiologyDrexel UniversityPhiladelphiaPennsylvania
- Ebo Forest Research ProjectYaoundéCameroon
- San Diego Zoo GlobalSan DiegoCalifornia
| | - Bethan J. Morgan
- Ebo Forest Research ProjectYaoundéCameroon
- San Diego Zoo GlobalSan DiegoCalifornia
| | | | | | - Roger Doudja
- Ministry of Forestry and WildlifeYaoundéCameroon
| | | | - Eric Teguia
- Wildlife Conservation SocietyYaoundéCameroon
| | | | | | - Matthew W. Mitchell
- Department of BiologyDrexel UniversityPhiladelphiaPennsylvania
- Department of BiologyUniversity of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPennsylvania
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34
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Kamgang SA, Bobo KS, Maisels F, Ambahe RDD, Ambassa Ongono DE, Gonder MK, Johnson P, Marino J, Sinsin B. The relationship between the abundance of the Nigeria-Cameroon chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes ellioti) and its habitat: a conservation concern in Mbam-Djerem National Park, Cameroon. BMC Ecol 2018; 18:40. [PMID: 30285707 PMCID: PMC6167774 DOI: 10.1186/s12898-018-0199-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2018] [Accepted: 09/26/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Understanding the relationship between great apes and their habitat is essential for the development of successful conservation strategies. The chimpanzee Pan troglodytes ellioti is endemic to Nigeria and Cameroon, and occupies an ecologically diverse range of habitats from forests to forest-savannah mosaic in Mbam-Djerem National Park (MDNP) in Cameroon. The habitat variation in chimpanzees is poorly understood in MDNP which provides an excellent opportunity to assess ecological factors that shape the abundance and distribution patterns of P. t. ellioti over a small geographic scale. RESULTS We counted 249 nests along 132 km of transects in total. Of these, 119 nests along 68 km occurred in dense forest and 130 nests along 64 km in forest-savannah mosaic. Chimpanzee density was 0.88 [95% CI (0.55-1.41)] individuals/km2 in the dense forest and 0.59 [95% CI (0.19-1.76)] in the forest-savannah mosaic. Nest abundance varied with vegetation type and was higher in areas with dense canopy cover, steeper slopes and relatively higher altitudes. CONCLUSIONS Our estimates of chimpanzee densities were lower than reported in other studied populations in the range of the Nigeria-Cameroon chimpanzee. However, we found that habitat features, slope and altitude likely play a role in shaping patterns of chimpanzee nesting ecology. Further studies need to be focused on nest decay rates and phenology of useful plants in order to model chimpanzee abundance and distribution in Mbam-Djerem National Park.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serge Alexis Kamgang
- Garoua Wildlife School, Face aéroport international de Garoua, P.O. Box 271, Garoua, Cameroon.
- Ministry of Forestry and Wildlife, Yaounde, Cameroon.
- Laboratory of Applied Ecology, Faculty of Agronomic Sciences, University of Abomey-Calavi, 01 P.O.Box 526, Cotonou, Benin.
| | - Kadiri Serge Bobo
- Department of Forestry, Faculty of Agronomy and Agricultural Sciences, University of Dschang, P.O. Box 222, Dschang, Cameroon
| | - Fiona Maisels
- Global Conservation Program, Wildlife Conservation Society, 2300 Southern Boulevard, Bronx, New York, NY, 10460, USA
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Stirling, Stirling, FK9 4LA, Scotland, UK
| | | | | | | | - Paul Johnson
- Wildlife Conservation Research Unit, Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, Recanati-Kaplan Centre, Tubney, Oxford, UK
| | - Jorgelina Marino
- Wildlife Conservation Research Unit, Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, Recanati-Kaplan Centre, Tubney, Oxford, UK
| | - Brice Sinsin
- Laboratory of Applied Ecology, Faculty of Agronomic Sciences, University of Abomey-Calavi, 01 P.O.Box 526, Cotonou, Benin
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35
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Strona G, Stringer SD, Vieilledent G, Szantoi Z, Garcia-Ulloa J, A Wich S. Small room for compromise between oil palm cultivation and primate conservation in Africa. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2018; 115:8811-8816. [PMID: 30104349 PMCID: PMC6126731 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1804775115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite growing awareness about its detrimental effects on tropical biodiversity, land conversion to oil palm continues to increase rapidly as a consequence of global demand, profitability, and the income opportunity it offers to producing countries. Although most industrial oil palm plantations are located in Southeast Asia, it is argued that much of their future expansion will occur in Africa. We assessed how this could affect the continent's primates by combining information on oil palm suitability and current land use with primate distribution, diversity, and vulnerability. We also quantified the potential impact of large-scale oil palm cultivation on primates in terms of range loss under different expansion scenarios taking into account future demand, oil palm suitability, human accessibility, carbon stock, and primate vulnerability. We found a high overlap between areas of high oil palm suitability and areas of high conservation priority for primates. Overall, we found only a few small areas where oil palm could be cultivated in Africa with a low impact on primates (3.3 Mha, including all areas suitable for oil palm). These results warn that, consistent with the dramatic effects of palm oil cultivation on biodiversity in Southeast Asia, reconciling a large-scale development of oil palm in Africa with primate conservation will be a great challenge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Strona
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre, Directorate D - Sustainable Resources, Ispra 21027, Italy;
| | - Simon D Stringer
- Faculty of Science, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool L3 5UX, United Kingdom
| | - Ghislain Vieilledent
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre, Directorate D - Sustainable Resources, Ispra 21027, Italy
- CIRAD, UPR Forêts et Sociétés, Montpellier Cedex 5 34398, France
- Forêts et Sociétés, Université Montpellier, CIRAD, Montpellier Cedex 5 34398, France
| | - Zoltan Szantoi
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre, Directorate D - Sustainable Resources, Ispra 21027, Italy
- Department of Geography & Environmental Studies, Stellenbosch University, Matieland 7602, South Africa
| | - John Garcia-Ulloa
- Institute for Terrestrial Ecosystems, Department of Environmental Systems Science, ETH Zürich, Zürich 8092, Switzerland
| | - Serge A Wich
- Faculty of Science, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool L3 5UX, United Kingdom
- Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics, Universiteit van Amsterdam, Amsterdam 1098 XH, The Netherlands
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36
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McCarthy MS, Lester JD, Langergraber KE, Stanford CB, Vigilant L. Genetic analysis suggests dispersal among chimpanzees in a fragmented forest landscape in Uganda. Am J Primatol 2018; 80:e22902. [PMID: 30052284 DOI: 10.1002/ajp.22902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2017] [Revised: 05/26/2018] [Accepted: 07/07/2018] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Habitat fragmentation is a leading threat to global biodiversity. Dispersal plays a key role in gene flow and population viability, but the impact of fragmentation on dispersal patterns remains poorly understood. Among chimpanzees, males typically remain in their natal communities while females often disperse. However, habitat loss and fragmentation may cause severe ecological disruptions, potentially resulting in decreased fitness benefits of male philopatry and limited female dispersal ability. To investigate this issue, we genotyped nearly 900 non-invasively collected chimpanzee fecal samples across a fragmented forest habitat that may function as a corridor between two large continuous forests in Uganda, and used the spatial associations among co-sampled genotypes to attribute a total of 229 individuals to 10 distinct communities, including 9 communities in the corridor habitat and 1 in continuous forest. We then used parentage analyses to infer instances of between-community dispersal. Of the 115 parent-offspring dyads detected with confidence, members of 39% (N = 26) of mother-daughter dyads were found in different communities, while members of 10% (N = 5) of father-son dyads were found in different communities. We also found direct evidence for one dispersal event that occurred during the study period, as a female's sample found first in one community was found multiple times in another community 19 months later. These findings suggest that even in fragmented habitats, chimpanzee males remain in their natal communities while females tend to disperse. Corridor enhancement in unprotected forest fragments could help maintain gene flow in chimpanzees and other species amid anthropogenic pressures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maureen S McCarthy
- Department of Primatology, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Jack D Lester
- Department of Primatology, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Kevin E Langergraber
- School of Human Evolution and Social Change, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona.,Institute of Human Origins, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona
| | - Craig B Stanford
- Department of Biological Sciences, Dornsife College of Letters, Arts, and Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Linda Vigilant
- Department of Primatology, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Leipzig, Germany
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van Pinxteren BOCM, Sirianni G, Gratton P, Després-Einspenner ML, Egas M, Kühl H, Lapuente J, Meier AC, Janmaat KRL. Sooty mangabeys scavenge on nuts cracked by chimpanzees and red river hogs-An investigation of inter-specific interactions around tropical nut trees. Am J Primatol 2018; 80:e22895. [PMID: 30024029 PMCID: PMC6174941 DOI: 10.1002/ajp.22895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2017] [Revised: 05/24/2018] [Accepted: 06/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Carrion scavenging is a well‐studied phenomenon, but virtually nothing is known about scavenging on plant material, especially on remnants of cracked nuts. Just like meat, the insides of hard‐shelled nuts are high in energetic value, and both foods are difficult to acquire. In the Taï forest, chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) and red river hogs (Potamochoerus porcus) crack nuts by using tools or strong jaws, respectively. In this study, previously collected non‐invasive camera trap data were used to investigate scavenging by sooty mangabeys (Cercocebus atys), two species of Guinea fowl (Agelestres meleagrides; Guttera verreauxi), and squirrels (Scrunidae spp.) on the nut remnants cracked by chimpanzees and red river hogs. We investigated how scavengers located nut remnants, by analyzing their visiting behavior in relation to known nut‐cracking events. Furthermore, since mangabeys are infrequently preyed upon by chimpanzees, we investigated whether they perceive an increase in predation risk when approaching nut remnants. In total, 190 nut‐cracking events were observed in four different areas of Taï National Park, Ivory Coast. We could confirm that mangabeys scavenged on the nuts cracked by chimpanzees and hogs and that this enabled them to access food source that would not be accessible otherwise. We furthermore found that mangabeys, but not the other species, were more likely to visit nut‐cracking sites after nut‐cracking activities than before, and discuss the potential strategies that the monkeys could have used to locate nut remnants. In addition, mangabeys showed elevated levels of vigilance at the chimpanzee nut‐cracking sites compared with other foraging sites, suggesting that they perceived elevated danger at these sites. Scavenging on remnants of cracked nuts is a hitherto understudied type of foraging behavior that could be widespread in nature and increases the complexity of community ecology in tropical rainforests. By use of camera trap videos it was confirmed that mangabeys scavenge on the nut remnants cracked by chimpanzees and red river hogs. Squirrels and two types of guinea fowl might scavenge on these nut remnants but this could not be seen clearly. Looking at the visitation rate before and after nut cracking events it was found that the possible scavenging species were more present at the nut cracking sites after a nut cracking event took place. It was found that mangabeys have an increase in vigilance behavior at chimpanzee nut cracking sites compared with outside these chimpanzee nut cracking sites, indicating that the mangabeys perceive a higher risk at these nut cracking sites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bryndan O C M van Pinxteren
- Department of Evolutionary and Population Biology, Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Giulia Sirianni
- Department of Primatology, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Paolo Gratton
- Department of Primatology, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Leipzig, Germany
| | | | - Martijn Egas
- Department of Evolutionary and Population Biology, Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Hjalmar Kühl
- Department of Primatology, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Leipzig, Germany.,German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research, Halle-Jena-Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Juan Lapuente
- Department of Primatology, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Amelia C Meier
- Department of Primatology, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Leipzig, Germany.,Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Karline R L Janmaat
- Department of Evolutionary and Population Biology, Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Primatology, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Leipzig, Germany
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38
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Calixto-Pérez E, Alarcón-Guerrero J, Ramos-Fernández G, Dias PAD, Rangel-Negrín A, Améndola-Pimenta M, Domingo C, Arroyo-Rodríguez V, Pozo-Montuy G, Pinacho-Guendulain B, Urquiza-Haas T, Koleff P, Martínez-Meyer E. Integrating expert knowledge and ecological niche models to estimate Mexican primates' distribution. Primates 2018; 59:451-467. [PMID: 29987701 DOI: 10.1007/s10329-018-0673-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2017] [Accepted: 06/26/2018] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Ecological niche modeling is used to estimate species distributions based on occurrence records and environmental variables, but it seldom includes explicit biotic or historical factors that are important in determining the distribution of species. Expert knowledge can provide additional valuable information regarding ecological or historical attributes of species, but the influence of integrating this information in the modeling process has been poorly explored. Here, we integrated expert knowledge in different stages of the niche modeling process to improve the representation of the actual geographic distributions of Mexican primates (Ateles geoffroyi, Alouatta pigra, and A. palliata mexicana). We designed an elicitation process to acquire information from experts and such information was integrated by an iterative process that consisted of reviews of input data by experts, production of ecological niche models (ENMs), and evaluation of model outputs to provide feedback. We built ENMs using the maximum entropy algorithm along with a dataset of occurrence records gathered from a public source and records provided by the experts. Models without expert knowledge were also built for comparison, and both models, with and without expert knowledge, were evaluated using four validation metrics that provide a measure of accuracy for presence-absence predictions (specificity, sensitivity, kappa, true skill statistic). Integrating expert knowledge to build ENMs produced better results for potential distributions than models without expert knowledge, but a much greater improvement in the transition from potential to realized geographic distributions by reducing overprediction, resulting in better representations of the actual geographic distributions of species. Furthermore, with the combination of niche models and expert knowledge we were able to identify an area of sympatry between A. palliata mexicana and A. pigra. We argue that the inclusion of expert knowledge at different stages in the construction of niche models in an explicit and systematic fashion is a recommended practice as it produces overall positive results for representing realized species distributions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edith Calixto-Pérez
- Instituto de Biología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, 04510, Mexico
- Posgrado en Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, 04510, Mexico
| | - Jesús Alarcón-Guerrero
- Comisión Nacional para el Conocimiento y Uso de la Biodiversidad, Mexico City, 14010, Mexico
| | - Gabriel Ramos-Fernández
- Unidad Interdisciplinaria en Ingeniería y Tecnologías Avanzadas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Mexico City, Mexico
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Matemáticas Aplicadas y en Sistemas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Pedro Américo D Dias
- Primate Behavioral Ecology Lab, Instituto de Neuroetología, Universidad Veracruzana, Veracruz, 91190, Mexico
| | - Ariadna Rangel-Negrín
- Primate Behavioral Ecology Lab, Instituto de Neuroetología, Universidad Veracruzana, Veracruz, 91190, Mexico
| | - Monica Améndola-Pimenta
- Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Unidad Mérida, Yucatán, 97310, Mexico
| | - Cristina Domingo
- Institut Obert de Catalunya, Avinguda del Parallel, Barcelona, 08004, Spain
| | - Víctor Arroyo-Rodríguez
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Ecosistemas y Sustentabilidad, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Morelia, 58190, Michoacán, Mexico
| | - Gilberto Pozo-Montuy
- Conservación de la Biodiversidad del Usumacinta, AC, Emiliano Zapata, 86990, Tabasco, Mexico
- Grupo de Biología para la Conservación, S. de R.L. de C.V., 72810, Puebla de Zaragoza, Mexico
| | | | - Tania Urquiza-Haas
- Comisión Nacional para el Conocimiento y Uso de la Biodiversidad, Mexico City, 14010, Mexico
| | - Patricia Koleff
- Comisión Nacional para el Conocimiento y Uso de la Biodiversidad, Mexico City, 14010, Mexico
| | - Enrique Martínez-Meyer
- Instituto de Biología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, 04510, Mexico.
- Centro del Cambio Global y la Sustentabilidad, AC, Centenario Instituto Juárez s/n, 86080, Villahermosa, Mexico.
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41
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Fitzgerald M, Coulson R, Lawing AM, Matsuzawa T, Koops K. Modeling habitat suitability for chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes verus) in the Greater Nimba Landscape, Guinea, West Africa. Primates 2018. [PMID: 29524002 DOI: 10.1007/s10329-018-0657-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Tropical forests and the biodiversity within them are rapidly declining in the face of increasing human populations. Resource management and conservation of endangered species requires an understanding of how species perceive and respond to their environments. Species distribution modeling (SDM) is an appropriate tool for identifying conservation areas of concern and importance. In this study, SDM was used to identify areas of suitable chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes verus) habitat within the Greater Nimba Landscape, Guinea, West Africa. This location was ideal for investigating the effects of landscape structure on habitat suitability due to the topographic variation of the landscape and the Critically Endangered status of the Western chimpanzee. Additionally, this is the only mountainous, long-term chimpanzee study site and little is known about the effects of topography on chimpanzee behavior. Suitable habitat was predicted based on the location of direct and indirect signs of chimpanzee presence and the spatial distribution of 12 biophysical variables within the study area. Model performance was assessed by examining the area under the curve. The overall predictive performance of the model was 0.721. The variables most influencing habitat suitability were the normalized difference vegetation index (37.8%), elevation (27.3%), hierarchical slope position (11.5%), surface brightness (6.6%), and distance to rivers (5.4%). The final model highlighted the isolation and fragmentation of chimpanzee habitat within the Greater Nimba Landscape. Understanding the factors influencing chimpanzee habitat suitability, specifically the biophysical variables considered in this study, will greatly contribute to conservation efforts by providing quantitative habitat information and improving survey efficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maegan Fitzgerald
- Department of Ecosystem Science and Management, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA.
| | - Robert Coulson
- Department of Ecosystem Science and Management, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA.,Knowledge Engineering Laboratory, Department of Entomology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - A Michelle Lawing
- Department of Ecosystem Science and Management, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | | | - Kathelijne Koops
- Anthropological Institute and Museum, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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Arandjelovic M, Vigilant L. Non-invasive genetic censusing and monitoring of primate populations. Am J Primatol 2018; 80:e22743. [PMID: 29457631 DOI: 10.1002/ajp.22743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2017] [Revised: 12/16/2017] [Accepted: 01/14/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Knowing the density or abundance of primate populations is essential for their conservation management and contextualizing socio-demographic and behavioral observations. When direct counts of animals are not possible, genetic analysis of non-invasive samples collected from wildlife populations allows estimates of population size with higher accuracy and precision than is possible using indirect signs. Furthermore, in contrast to traditional indirect survey methods, prolonged or periodic genetic sampling across months or years enables inference of group membership, movement, dynamics, and some kin relationships. Data may also be used to estimate sex ratios, sex differences in dispersal distances, and detect gene flow among locations. Recent advances in capture-recapture models have further improved the precision of population estimates derived from non-invasive samples. Simulations using these methods have shown that the confidence interval of point estimates includes the true population size when assumptions of the models are met, and therefore this range of population size minima and maxima should be emphasized in population monitoring studies. Innovations such as the use of sniffer dogs or anti-poaching patrols for sample collection are important to ensure adequate sampling, and the expected development of efficient and cost-effective genotyping by sequencing methods for DNAs derived from non-invasive samples will automate and speed analyses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mimi Arandjelovic
- Department of Primatology, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Linda Vigilant
- Department of Primatology, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Leipzig, Germany
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Baas P, van der Valk T, Vigilant L, Ngobobo U, Binyinyi E, Nishuli R, Caillaud D, Guschanski K. Population-level assessment of genetic diversity and habitat fragmentation in critically endangered Grauer's gorillas. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL ANTHROPOLOGY 2018; 165:565-575. [PMID: 29313894 DOI: 10.1002/ajpa.23393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2017] [Revised: 11/27/2017] [Accepted: 12/13/2017] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The critically endangered Grauer's gorilla (Gorilla beringei graueri) has experienced an estimated 77% population decline within a single generation. Although crucial for informed conservation decisions, there is no clear understanding about population structure and distribution of genetic diversity across the species' highly fragmented range. We fill this gap by studying several core and peripheral Grauer's gorilla populations throughout their distribution range. MATERIALS AND METHODS We generated genetic profiles for a sampling of an unstudied population of Grauer's gorillas from within the species' core range at 13 autosomal microsatellite loci and combined them with previously published and newly generated data from four other Grauer's gorilla populations, two mountain gorilla populations, and one western lowland gorilla population. RESULTS In agreement with previous studies, the genetic diversity of Grauer's gorillas is intermediate, falling between western lowland and mountain gorillas. Among Grauer's gorilla populations, we observe lower genetic diversity and high differentiation in peripheral compared with central populations, indicating a strong effect of genetic drift and limited gene flow among small, isolated forest fragments. DISCUSSION Although genetically less diverse, peripheral populations are frequently essential for the long-term persistence of a species and migration between peripheral and core populations may significantly enrich the overall species genetic diversity. Thus, in addition to central Grauer's gorilla populations from the core of the distribution range that clearly deserve conservation attention, we argue that conservation strategies aiming to ensure long-term species viability should include preserving peripheral populations and enhancing habitat connectivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pauline Baas
- Department of Ecology and Genetics, Evolutionary Biology Centre, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Tom van der Valk
- Department of Ecology and Genetics, Evolutionary Biology Centre, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Linda Vigilant
- Primatology Department, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Deutscher Platz 6, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Urbain Ngobobo
- Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International, 800 Cherokee Avenue, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Escobar Binyinyi
- Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International, 800 Cherokee Avenue, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Radar Nishuli
- Institut Congolais pour la Conservation de la Nature, N4, Réserve de Faune à Okapis, Democratic Republic of Congo
| | - Damien Caillaud
- Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International, 800 Cherokee Avenue, Atlanta, Georgia.,Department of Anthropology, University of California, Davis, One Shields Ave, Davis, California
| | - Katerina Guschanski
- Department of Ecology and Genetics, Evolutionary Biology Centre, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
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Effects of anti-poaching patrols on the distribution of large mammals in Taï National Park, Côte d'Ivoire. ORYX 2017. [DOI: 10.1017/s0030605317001272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractThe effectiveness of protected area management is a major concern. In Taï National Park, Côte d'Ivoire, recurrent human pressure challenges the ability of law enforcement authorities to protect wildlife. During 2010–2015 we studied the implementation of law enforcement in the Park to determine (1) the potential for improvement of the protection of large mammals and (2) the minimum patrolling effort needed to obtain increases in their populations. We recorded presence of large mammals and illegal activities in two areas within the Park, the research area (210 km2) and the rest of the Park (5,150 km2), and compiled data about patrolling efforts from the Park authorities. Using a generalized linear mixed model we identified a relationship between increased patrolling effort and the relative abundance of large mammals, especially for monkey groups, pygmy hippopotamuses Choeropsis liberiensis and duikers. At low patrolling efforts duiker encounter rates remained stable, whereas rates of encounter with monkey groups and pygmy hippopotamuses decreased. Chimpanzee Pan troglodytes verus encounter rates were slower to respond and remained stable at higher patrolling effort, but decreased at low patrolling effort. Our findings suggest that a minimum of 1.32 patrol days per km2 over 2 years is required for chimpanzee and monkey populations to increase, whereas a patrolling effort of 0.48 days per km2 over 2 years would lead to an increase in duiker and pygmy hippopotamus populations. We maintain that the patrolling effort required to ensure an increase in wildlife can be estimated relatively precisely from multi-year biomonitoring programmes.
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Abstract
In comparison to humans and chimpanzees, gorillas show low diversity at MHC class I genes (Gogo), as reflected by an overall reduced level of allelic variation as well as the absence of a functionally important sequence motif that interacts with killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIR). Here, we use recently generated large-scale genomic sequence data for a reassessment of allelic diversity at Gogo-C, the gorilla orthologue of HLA-C. Through the combination of long-range amplifications and long-read sequencing technology, we obtained, among the 35 gorillas reanalyzed, three novel full-length genomic sequences including a coding region sequence that has not been previously described. The newly identified Gogo-C*03:01 allele has a divergent recombinant structure that sets it apart from other Gogo-C alleles. Domain-by-domain phylogenetic analysis shows that Gogo-C*03:01 has segments in common with Gogo-B*07, the additional B-like gene that is present on some gorilla MHC haplotypes. Identified in ~ 50% of the gorillas analyzed, the Gogo-C*03:01 allele exclusively encodes the C1 epitope among Gogo-C allotypes, indicating its important function in controlling natural killer cell (NK cell) responses via KIR. We further explored the hypothesis whether gorillas experienced a selective sweep which may have resulted in a general reduction of the gorilla MHC class I repertoire. Our results provide little support for a selective sweep but rather suggest that the overall low Gogo class I diversity can be best explained by drastic demographic changes gorillas experienced in the ancient and recent past.
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Kühl HS, Sop T, Williamson EA, Mundry R, Brugière D, Campbell G, Cohen H, Danquah E, Ginn L, Herbinger I, Jones S, Junker J, Kormos R, Kouakou CY, N'Goran PK, Normand E, Shutt-Phillips K, Tickle A, Vendras E, Welsh A, Wessling EG, Boesch C. The Critically Endangered western chimpanzee declines by 80%. Am J Primatol 2017; 79. [DOI: 10.1002/ajp.22681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2017] [Revised: 05/09/2017] [Accepted: 06/03/2017] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Hjalmar S. Kühl
- Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology; Leipzig Germany
- German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv); Halle-Jena-Leipzig; Leipzig Germany
| | - Tenekwetche Sop
- Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology; Leipzig Germany
- German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv); Halle-Jena-Leipzig; Leipzig Germany
| | | | - Roger Mundry
- Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology; Leipzig Germany
| | - David Brugière
- Projets Biodiversité et Ressources Naturelles BRL Ingénierie; Nimes Cedex France
| | | | - Heather Cohen
- Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology; Leipzig Germany
| | - Emmanuel Danquah
- Department of Wildlife and Range Management, Faculty of Renewable Natural Resources; Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology; Kumasi Ghana
| | - Laura Ginn
- Anthropology Centre for Conservation, Environment and Development; Oxford Brookes University; Oxford UK
| | | | - Sorrel Jones
- RSPB Centre for Conservation Science; The Lodge; Sandy Beds UK
- Royal Holloway University of London; Egham Hill; Egham UK
| | - Jessica Junker
- Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology; Leipzig Germany
| | - Rebecca Kormos
- Department of Integrative Biology; University of California; Berkeley California
| | - Celestin Y. Kouakou
- Wild Chimpanzee Foundation; Abidjan Côte d'Ivoire
- Université Jean Lorougnon Guédé; Daloa Côte d'Ivoire
- Centre Suisse de Recherches Scientifiques en Côte d'Ivoire; Abidjan Côte d'Ivoire
| | - Paul K. N'Goran
- WWF International Regional Office for Africa; Yaoundé Cameroon
| | - Emma Normand
- Wild Chimpanzee Foundation; Abidjan Côte d'Ivoire
| | | | - Alexander Tickle
- Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology; Leipzig Germany
| | - Elleni Vendras
- Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology; Leipzig Germany
- Regional Environmental Center for Eastern and Central Europe; Warsaw Poland
| | - Adam Welsh
- Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology; Leipzig Germany
| | - Erin G. Wessling
- Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology; Leipzig Germany
| | - Christophe Boesch
- Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology; Leipzig Germany
- Wild Chimpanzee Foundation; Abidjan Côte d'Ivoire
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Genton C, Cristescu R, Gatti S, Levréro F, Bigot E, Motsch P, Le Gouar P, Pierre JS, Ménard N. Using demographic characteristics of populations to detect spatial fragmentation following suspected ebola outbreaks in great apes. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL ANTHROPOLOGY 2017; 164:3-10. [DOI: 10.1002/ajpa.23275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2016] [Revised: 06/04/2017] [Accepted: 06/15/2017] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Céline Genton
- UMR 6553, ECOBIO-Ecosystems, Biodiversity, Evolution, CNRS/University of Rennes 1, Biological Station of Paimpont; Paimpont France
| | - Romane Cristescu
- GeneCology Research Centre; Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast; Sippy Downs QLD Australia
| | - Sylvain Gatti
- UMR 6553, ECOBIO-Ecosystems, Biodiversity, Evolution, CNRS/University of Rennes 1, Biological Station of Paimpont; Paimpont France
| | - Florence Levréro
- Université de Saint-Etienne/Lyon, Equipe de Neuro-Ethologie Sensorielle, Neuro-PSI, CNRS UMR 9197; Saint-Etienne France
| | - Elodie Bigot
- UMR 6553, ECOBIO-Ecosystems, Biodiversity, Evolution, CNRS/University of Rennes 1, Biological Station of Paimpont; Paimpont France
| | - Peggy Motsch
- UMR 6553, ECOBIO-Ecosystems, Biodiversity, Evolution, CNRS/University of Rennes 1, Biological Station of Paimpont; Paimpont France
| | - Pascaline Le Gouar
- UMR 6553, ECOBIO-Ecosystems, Biodiversity, Evolution, CNRS/University of Rennes 1, Biological Station of Paimpont; Paimpont France
| | - Jean-Sébastien Pierre
- UMR 6553, ECOBIO-Ecosystems, Biodiversity, Evolution, CNRS/University of Rennes 1; Rennes France
| | - Nelly Ménard
- UMR 6553, ECOBIO-Ecosystems, Biodiversity, Evolution, CNRS/University of Rennes 1, Biological Station of Paimpont; Paimpont France
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Ashiagbor G, Danquah E. Seasonal habitat use by Elephants ( Loxodonta africana) in the Mole National Park of Ghana. Ecol Evol 2017; 7:3784-3795. [PMID: 28616175 PMCID: PMC5468139 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.2962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2016] [Revised: 03/01/2017] [Accepted: 03/07/2017] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
To avoid unnecessary waste of limited resources and to help prioritize areas for conservation efforts, this study aimed to provide information on habitat use by elephants between the wet and dry seasons in the Mole National Park (MNP) of Ghana. We compiled coordinates of 516 locations of elephants' encounters, 256 for dry season and 260 for wet season. Using nine predictor variables, we modeled the probability of elephant's distribution in MNP. We threshold the models to "suitable" and "nonsuitable" regions of habitat use using the equal training sensitivity and specificity values of 0.177 and 0.181 for the dry and wet seasons, respectively. Accuracy assessment of our models revealed a sensitivity score of 0.909 and 0.974, and a specificity of 0.579 and 0.753 for the dry and wet seasons, respectively. A TSS of 0.488 was also recorded for the dry season and 0.727 for the wet season indicating a good model agreement. Our model predicts habitat use to be confined to the southern portion of MNP due to elevation difference and a relatively steep slope that separates the northern regions of the park from the south. Regions of habitat use for the wet season were 856 km2 and reduced significantly to 547.68 km2 in the dry season. We observed significant overlap (327.24 km2) in habitat use regions between the wet and dry seasons (Schoener's D = 0.922 and Hellinger's-based I = 0.991). DEM, proximity to waterholes, and saltlicks were identified as the key variables that contributed to the prediction. We recommend construction of temporal camps in regions of habitat use that are far from the headquarters area for effective management of elephants. Also, an increase in water point's density around the headquarters areas and selected dry areas of the park will further decrease elephant's range and hence a relatively less resource use in monitoring and patrols.
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Affiliation(s)
- George Ashiagbor
- Department of Wildlife and Range Management Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology Kumasi Ghana
| | - Emmanuel Danquah
- Department of Wildlife and Range Management Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology Kumasi Ghana
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Bryson-Morrison N, Tzanopoulos J, Matsuzawa T, Humle T. Activity and Habitat Use of Chimpanzees ( Pan troglodytes verus) in the Anthropogenic Landscape of Bossou, Guinea, West Africa. INT J PRIMATOL 2017; 38:282-302. [PMID: 28546651 PMCID: PMC5422491 DOI: 10.1007/s10764-016-9947-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2016] [Accepted: 12/06/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Many primate populations inhabit anthropogenic landscapes. Understanding their long-term ability to persist in such environments and associated real and perceived risks for both primates and people is essential for effective conservation planning. Primates in forest-agricultural mosaics often consume cultivars to supplement their diet, leading to potentially negative encounters with farmers. When crossing roads, primates also face the risk of encounters with people and collision with vehicles. Chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes verus) in Bossou, Guinea, West Africa, face such risks regularly. In this study, we aimed to examine their activity budget across habitat types and the influence of anthropogenic risks associated with cultivated fields, roads, and paths on their foraging behavior in noncultivated habitat. We conducted 6-h morning or afternoon follows daily from April 2012 to March 2013. Chimpanzees preferentially used forest habitat types for traveling and resting and highly disturbed habitat types for socializing. Wild fruit and crop availability influenced seasonal habitat use for foraging. Overall, chimpanzees preferred mature forest for all activities. They showed a significant preference for foraging at >200 m from cultivated fields compared to 0-100 m and 101-200 m, with no effect of habitat type or season, suggesting an influence of associated risk. Nevertheless, the chimpanzees did not actively avoid foraging close to roads and paths. Our study reveals chimpanzee reliance on different habitat types and the influence of human-induced pressures on their activities. Such information is critical for the establishment of effective land use management strategies in anthropogenic landscapes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Bryson-Morrison
- School of Anthropology and Conservation, University of Kent, Canterbury, Kent CT2 7NR UK
| | - Joseph Tzanopoulos
- Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology, School of Anthropology and Conservation, University of Kent, Canterbury, Kent CT2 7NR UK
- Kent’s Interdisciplinary Centre for Spatial Studies (KISS), University of Kent, Canterbury, Kent CT2 7NR UK
| | - Tetsuro Matsuzawa
- Primate Research Institute, Kyoto University, Inuyama, Aichi 484-8506 Japan
| | - Tatyana Humle
- Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology, School of Anthropology and Conservation, University of Kent, Canterbury, Kent CT2 7NR UK
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Crunchant AS, Egerer M, Loos A, Burghardt T, Zuberbühler K, Corogenes K, Leinert V, Kulik L, Kühl HS. Automated face detection for occurrence and occupancy estimation in chimpanzees. Am J Primatol 2017; 79:1-12. [PMID: 28095593 DOI: 10.1002/ajp.22627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2016] [Revised: 10/28/2016] [Accepted: 11/16/2016] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Surveying endangered species is necessary to evaluate conservation effectiveness. Camera trapping and biometric computer vision are recent technological advances. They have impacted on the methods applicable to field surveys and these methods have gained significant momentum over the last decade. Yet, most researchers inspect footage manually and few studies have used automated semantic processing of video trap data from the field. The particular aim of this study is to evaluate methods that incorporate automated face detection technology as an aid to estimate site use of two chimpanzee communities based on camera trapping. As a comparative baseline we employ traditional manual inspection of footage. Our analysis focuses specifically on the basic parameter of occurrence where we assess the performance and practical value of chimpanzee face detection software. We found that the semi-automated data processing required only 2-4% of the time compared to the purely manual analysis. This is a non-negligible increase in efficiency that is critical when assessing the feasibility of camera trap occupancy surveys. Our evaluations suggest that our methodology estimates the proportion of sites used relatively reliably. Chimpanzees are mostly detected when they are present and when videos are filmed in high-resolution: the highest recall rate was 77%, for a false alarm rate of 2.8% for videos containing only chimpanzee frontal face views. Certainly, our study is only a first step for transferring face detection software from the lab into field application. Our results are promising and indicate that the current limitation of detecting chimpanzees in camera trap footage due to lack of suitable face views can be easily overcome on the level of field data collection, that is, by the combined placement of multiple high-resolution cameras facing reverse directions. This will enable to routinely conduct chimpanzee occupancy surveys based on camera trapping and semi-automated processing of footage. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS Using semi-automated ape face detection technology for processing camera trap footage requires only 2-4% of the time compared to manual analysis and allows to estimate site use by chimpanzees relatively reliably.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Monika Egerer
- Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Alexander Loos
- Fraunhofer Institute for Digital Media Technology IDMT, Ilmenau, Germany
| | - Tilo Burghardt
- Department of Computer Science, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Klaus Zuberbühler
- Department of Comparative Cognition, University of Neuchâtel, Neuchâtel, Switzerland.,School of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, Scotland.,Budongo Conservation Field Station, Masindi, Uganda
| | | | - Vera Leinert
- Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Lars Kulik
- Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Hjalmar S Kühl
- Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Leipzig, Germany.,German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Leipzig-Jena, Leipzig, Germany
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