scholarly journals The Tongan flying fox Pteropus tonganus: status, public attitudes and conservation in the Cook Islands

Oryx ◽  
2005 ◽  
Vol 39 (2) ◽  
pp. 196-203 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jenny A. Cousins ◽  
Steve G. Compton

In the Cook Islands the population of Pteropus tonganus tonganus is thought to be declining, but a lack of knowledge of its status, feeding and roosting requirements has precluded effective conservation plans. We surveyed P. t. tonganus on the Cook Islands through observations, counts and interviews with local residents. We estimated the population to be c. 1,730 on Rarotonga and 78 on Mangaia. A lack of suitable habitat on Mangaia was the most important factor affecting abundance. Overhunting appears to have reduced the populations on both islands. All roost sites were found in undisturbed forest on steep slopes and ridges in the inner and most inaccessible parts of the islands, with roost preference determined by the relative safety from humans rather than food availability. The residents of the Cook Islands seem generally unaware of the serious threat the bats face, with little thought for sustainable hunting. For successful conservation it will be important to alter people's negative perception of these mammals, promoting the value of the bats both ecologically and as a potential source of income from tourists. Habitat protection and enhancement, particularly on Mangaia, will be essential.

2007 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-12 ◽  
Author(s):  
NATHALIE SEDDON ◽  
JOSEPH A. TOBIAS

The Long-tailed Ground-roller (Uratelornis chimaera) is a globally Vulnerable, restricted-range species of dry forests in south-west Madagascar. We studied a population in 1997–2000, finding that nest-building was relatively synchronous and that pairs preferentially nested next to open areas, such as driveable tracks. By searching for trackside nests and for footprints, we conducted surveys throughout the known range of the species. Total transect coverage was 153 km, along which we encountered a minimum of 28 breeding pairs. By dividing the transects into 41 randomly distributed survey strips, each 1.2 km in length and 200 m broad, we intensively sampled an area of 9.84 km2. Using transect data, we made a tentative estimate of 5.7 mature adults km−2, from which we estimated a global population of 21,092 individuals, based on our calculation from satellite imagery that 3,706 km2 of suitable habitat remained. By comparing habitat data at points with and without ground-rollers we found that, contrary to previous statements, they prefer lower stature or degraded habitats, and have no direct association with the endemic cactus-like tree Didierea madagascariensis. We used a novel census technique to provide the first quantitative data on population size, population density, breeding behaviour and ecology in the Long-tailed Ground-roller, or any member of the family Brachypteraciidae, information that is crucial to the design of effective conservation programmes.


ZooKeys ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 857 ◽  
pp. 139-162 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rodrigo Barbosa Ferreira ◽  
Alexander Tamanini Mônico ◽  
Emanuel Teixeira da Silva ◽  
Fernanda Cristina Ferreira Lirio ◽  
Cássio Zocca ◽  
...  

A checklist of the amphibians of Santa Teresa municipality, in southeastern Brazil is presented based on fieldwork, examination of specimens in collections, and a literature review. This new amphibian list of Santa Teresa includes 108 species, of which 106 (~98%) belong to Anura and two (~2%) to Gymnophiona. Hylidae was the most represented family with 47 species (43%). Compared to the previous amphibian lists for Santa Teresa, 14 species were added, 17 previously reported species were removed, and 13 species were re-identified based on recent taxonomic rearrangements. Of the 14 species added, 11 (79%) were first recorded during our fieldwork and specimen examination. It is also the first list of caecilians for Santa Teresa. This list suggests that Santa Teresa has 0.16 species per km2 (i.e., 108 species/683 km2), one of the highest densities of amphibian species in the world at a regional scale. This richness represents 78% of the 136 anurans from Espírito Santo state and 10% of the 1,080 amphibians from Brazil. We highlight the need for long-term monitoring to understand population trends and develop effective conservation plans to safeguard this remarkable amphibian richness.


2012 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Tomás Waller ◽  
Patricio A. Micucci ◽  
Mariano Barros ◽  
Juan Draque ◽  
Candelaria Estavillo

Twenty years after the species was listed in CITES Appendix I, we carried out a comprehensive review of the conservation status of the Argentine Boa Constrictor (Boa constrictor occidentalis) in Argentina. We compiled background information on trade, biology, and distribution. We evaluated the historical range on the basis of museum and literature records, and later adjusted it to  incorporate environmental variables. We carried out 573 interviews with local residents regarding the historical presence of the species and the ways in which it was used. Using a rapid assessment of woody vegetation cover, we estimated the degree of habitat loss in Argentina. We conclude that CITES has been very effective in stopping the international trade and almost completely eliminating hunting pressure on this snake throughout Argentina. However, suitable boa habitat has been reduced by one third to approximately 30 million ha from a historical extent of occurrence of about 42 million ha in the Dry Chaco ecoregion. Loss of suitable habitat is mainly  due to recent expansion in agricultural and livestock production. This subspecies is still common  throughout its range; however, recent trends in habitat loss led us to conclude that the Argentine Boa Constrictor meets at least one of the CITES criteria for retention in Appendix I, at least until the recently enacted forest protection law proves its effectiveness in protecting the remaining Chaco forests of Argentina.


2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah N de Mendonça ◽  
Anna Metaxas

Deep-sea ecosystems are being impacted by anthropogenic stressors, such as trawling and oil-gas exploration. Protection of these ecosystems is delayed by limited understanding of spatial distribution, suitable habitat, species associations, and recruitment. Imagery was analyzed from the Laurentian Channel AOI and 3 canyons (Corsair, Georges, Fiddlers Cove) on the western Scotian Slope in the Northwest Atlantic Ocean. We used two sampling designs, exploratory linear transects and a systematic-cluster transect array and will compare the information that can be extracted from each method. Megaepifaunal biodiversity, abundance, and species-species associations were identified at each site. For example, at Fiddlers Cove, different types of Gorgonian corals (e.g. Acanella, Desmophyllum, and stoloniferous coral), soft corals, and sponges occurred mainly on outcrops; sea pens and anemones, along with large colonies of Paragorgia arborea were present in Corsair Canyon; and several Gorgonian corals, anemones, lobsters, and Holothuroidea were present in Georges Canyon. We will use spatial analyses to measure spatial structure at local and regional scales, identify species-environment associations, and predict suitable habitat for deep-sea megaepifauna. Overall, the study will provide a broader understanding of deep-sea megaepifaunal ecosystems, and develop recommendations for a deep-sea MPA monitoring framework to achieve effective conservation that promotes biodiversity.


Author(s):  
Karolina Motta de Campos ◽  
Raírys Cravo Herrera ◽  
Lucas de Oliveira Lima ◽  
Hevely Ueda Silveira Prates ◽  
Magali Gonçalves Garcia

OCCURRENCE OF Vouacapoua americana Aubl. and Virola surinamensis Warb. IN AREAS IMPACTED BY UHE BELO MONTEPRESENCIA DE Vouacapoua americana Aubl. y Virola surinamensis Warb. EN ZONAS IMPACTADAS POR UHE BELO MONTERESUMOO georreferenciamento de espécies ameaçadas é de grande importância na determinação de planos de conservação mais efetivos e a definição de áreas prioritárias. Objetivo desse trabalho foi georreferenciar áreas de ocorrência e distribuição geográfica de matrizes de Vouacapoua americana e Virola surinamensis localizadas em áreas impactadas pela UHE Belo Monte. Foram coletadas coordenadas das áreas de ocorrência e distribuição de matrizes de acapu em áreas impactadas por Belo Monte, a partir de duas fontes: (1) Relatórios de Inventários Florestais (matrizes suprimidas e não suprimidas) e (2) Coletas realizadas em campo. Foi contabilizado o número de matrizes obtidas no relatório e em campo. Com base nas coordenadas, foram produzidos mapas georreferenciados da área de ocorrência e distribuição geográfica das duas espécies. Para acapu, foram obtidas 75 coordenadas, 22 coletadas em campo e 53 retiradas dos Relatórios (25 matrizes suprimidas e 28 não suprimidas). Observou-se a ocorrência de acapu de maneira distribuída na área do estudo, e sua ocorrência na região do estudo deve-se às condições ambientais favoráveis para seu biociclo. Notou-se a distribuição de matrizes em aglomerados, com aproximadamente 4 matrizes por aglomerado. Para Virola surinamensis, a distribuição geográfica segue um padrão de distribuição em aglomerados. Foram obtidos 2 aglomerados nos dados atuais com área ocupacional total de 3,52 ha com 14 matrizes e 3 aglomerados com os dados de 2011, apresentando a área de 1010,46 ha com 40 indivíduos. Por serem ameaçadas de extinção, é necessário o uso de geotecnologias para subsidiar políticas públicas de conservação da biodiversidade.Palavras-chave: Floresta Amazônica; Espécie Florestal; Impactos Ambientais; Geoprocessamento.ABSTRACTGeoreferencing of threatened species is of great importance in determining more effective conservation plans and defining priority areas. The objective of this work was to georeference areas of occurrence and geographic distribution of Vouacapoua americana and Virola surinamensis matrices located in areas impacted by the Belo Monte HPP. Coordinates were collected from the areas of occurrence and distribution of acapu matrices in areas impacted by Belo Monte, from two sources: (1) Forest Inventory Reports (suppressed and non-suppressed matrices) and (2) Field surveys. The number of matrices obtained in the report and in the field was counted. Based on the coordinates, georeferenced maps of the area of occurrence and geographical distribution of the two species were produced. For acapu, 75 coordinates were obtained, 22 collected in the field and 53 taken from the Reports (25 suppressed and 28 non-suppressed matrices). It was observed the occurrence of acapu in a distributed way in the study area, its occurrence in the study region due to the favorable environmental conditions for its biocycle. Matrix distribution in clusters was noted, with approximately 4 matrices per cluster. For Virola surinamensis, geographic distribution follows a pattern of distribution in clusters. We obtained 2 clusters in the current data with total occupational area of 3.52 ha with 14 matrices and 3 clusters with the 2011 data, presenting the area of 1010.46 ha with 40 individuals. Because they are threatened with extinction, the use of geotechnologies is necessary to support public policies for biodiversity conservation.Keywords: Amazon Rainforest; Forest Species; Environmental Impacts; Geoprocessing.RESUMENLa georreferenciación de especies amenazadas es de gran importancia para determinar planes de conservación más efectivos y definir áreas prioritarias. El objetivo de este trabajo fue georreferenciar áreas de ocurrencia y distribución geográfica de matrices de Vouacapoua americana y Virola surinamensis ubicadas en áreas afectadas por la HPP de Belo Monte. Se recopilaron coordenadas de las áreas de ocurrencia y distribución de matrices de acapu en áreas afectadas por Belo Monte, de dos fuentes: (1) Informes de inventario forestal (matrices suprimidas y no suprimidas) y (2) Encuestas de campo. Se contó el número de matrices obtenidas en el informe y en el campo. Con base en las coordenadas, se produjeron mapas georreferenciados del área de ocurrencia y distribución geográfica de las dos especies. Para acapu, se obtuvieron 75 coordenadas, 22 recogidas en el campo y 53 tomadas de los Informes (25 matrices suprimidas y 28 no suprimidas). Se observó la ocurrencia de acapu de manera distribuida en el área de estudio, su ocurrencia en la región de estudio debido a las condiciones ambientales favorables para su biociclo. Se observó la distribución de matrices en grupos, con aproximadamente 4 matrices por grupo. Para Virola surinamensis, la distribución geográfica sigue un patrón de distribución en grupos. Obtuvimos 2 grupos en los datos actuales con un área ocupacional total de 3.52 ha con 14 matrices y 3 grupos con los datos de 2011, presentando el área de 1010.46 ha con 40 individuos. Debido a que están en peligro de extinción, el uso de geotecnologías es necesario para apoyar las políticas públicas para la conservación de la biodiversidad.Palabras clave: Selva Amazónica; Especies Forestales; Impactos Ambientales; Geoprocesamiento.


2012 ◽  
Vol 35 (2) ◽  
pp. 221-233 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. Cahill ◽  
◽  
F. Llimona ◽  
L. Cabañeros ◽  
F. Calomardo ◽  
...  

The parallel growth of urban areas and wild boar populations in recent years has increased the presence of this species around cities and in suburban areas, often leading to conflict with local people. In the Collserola Natural Park, situated within the metropolitan area of Barcelona, wild boar have become habituated to humans and urban settings because of direct feeding by local residents. Their attraction to these areas due to an abundance of anthropogenic food sources is especially strong during the warmer summer season when foraging conditions are poorer in their natural woodland habitat; the number of captures of habituated wild boar in peri–urban areas is significantly correlated with mean monthly temperatures. Habituated boar are primarily matriarchal groups, whereas adult and sub–adult (>1 year) males are significantly less represented than in non–habituated boars. In Collserola, habituated sub–adult and adult females are significantly heavier than their non–habituated counterparts and these weight differences increase with age; in the > 3 year–old age class they may be 35% heavier. Conflicts generated by the presence of wild boar in peri–urban areas are complex, and the responses by authorities are similarly diverse and often exacerbated by ambivalent public attitudes, both towards wild boar presence and applied mitigation measures. By 2010, at least 44 cities in 15 countries had reported problems of some kind relating to the presence of wild boar or feral pigs.


2010 ◽  
Vol 58 (1) ◽  
pp. 39 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mason J. Crane ◽  
David B. Lindenmayer ◽  
Ross B. Cunningham

Effective conservation relies on understanding the biology of particular species and how they use key resources. For many arboreal mammals, tree hollows are a key den site. We examined the use of tree hollows by the squirrel glider (Petaurus norfolcensis) in south-eastern Australia. Over a five-month study, individual squirrel gliders used multiple hollow trees (average = 7) as den sites. Den sites were often adjacent to areas where nocturnal activities took place. The average distance between den sites used by individual gliders on successive days was 218 m. Dens were often shared by an adult pair and a juvenile. Den trees were disproportionably used, with gliders showing preference for 1–2 primary den trees often located on steep slopes. Our findings have implications for the number and spatial arrangement of den trees needed to promote the conservation of populations of the squirrel glider, particularly where land is used for agriculture and livestock grazing.


1995 ◽  
Vol 22 (3) ◽  
pp. 241-249 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elba A. Fiallo ◽  
Susan K. Jacobson

Economic and social problems facing many developing countries jeopardize the effectiveness and very existence of their national parks and protected areas. Rural poverty exacerbates the need for access to natural resources in protected areas and increases public conflict with protected-area management. A prerequisite for the long-term sustainability of parks and protected areas is public involvement and support for the conservation of natural resources.Towards the above ends, the present study analyses local residents' attitudes, knowledge, and concept of values concerning conservation and the management of natural resources in Machalilla National Park, Ecuador. A survey was administered of 90 households in three villages located within the Park boundaries and two villages adjacent to the Park. Survey results indicated that local residents living either within or adjacent to Machalilla National Park hold a variety of negative attitudes towards the Park. Positive attitudes tended to increase with respondents' level of education (X2 = 19.001, df = 2, p < 0.0001) and knowledge about conservation issues (X2 = 26.616, df = 1, p < 0.0001). Younger residents (X2 = 12.960, df = 2, p = 0.002), respondents perceiving benefits from the Park (X2 = 14.292, df = 2, p = 0.001), and respondents reporting good relations with the Park staff (X2 = 5.514, df = 1, p = 0.019), were more positive towards the Park. Factors influencing public attitudes are compared with study results in other countries.


Societies ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 52
Author(s):  
Jiaqi Yang ◽  
Geetha Mohan ◽  
Kensuke Fukushi

With increasing interest in basic income (BI) in recent years around the world, a precise understanding of public attitudes toward this policy can provide valuable evidence for discussions on its feasibility among scholars and policymakers. This study quantitatively investigates what factors influence public attitudes toward implementing BI, taking the Hokuriku region of Japan as an example. The hypothesis and variables were designed based on the theories of retrenchment and social innovation, and a detailed consideration of the theoretical impacts of BI on human society, and of the social, economic and cultural characteristics of Japan. A questionnaire containing a BI proposal for Japan was developed, then a survey was conducted of 1028 local residents in the Hokuriku region. The logistic regression model was employed for the empirical analysis. The results showed that age, individual income level, family structure and interest in participating in non-market activities tend to influence respondents’ attitudes toward BI, due to concerns about the gains and losses from a trade-off selection between BI and the existing policies that it would replace. From the perspective of individual value, it was also found that the perception of the future vision of a society reshaped by BI also significantly influences public attitudes toward the policy. This research emphasized that the retrenchment of the existing policies accompanied by the implementation of BI lead potential beneficiaries of the current welfare system to weigh the change to their benefits, which consequently forms their attitudes toward BI.


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