scholarly journals A BOTANICAL INVENTORY OF FOREST ON KARSTIC LIMESTONE AND METAMORPHIC SUBSTRATE IN THE CHIQUIBUL FOREST, BELIZE, WITH FOCUS ON WOODY TAXA

2015 ◽  
Vol 73 (1) ◽  
pp. 39-81 ◽  
Author(s):  
H. M. Baden ◽  
T. Särkinen ◽  
D. A. Conde ◽  
A. C. Matthews ◽  
H. Vandrot ◽  
...  

The Chiquibul Forest Reserve and National Park in Belize is a priority conservation area within the ‘Maya Forest’ in Central America. Although taxonomic data are essential for the development of conservation plans in the region, there is limited knowledge of the existing species in the area. Here we present a botanical species list of mostly woody taxa based on voucher specimens, with particular focus on the Raspaculo watershed in the eastern part of the National Park. Within the Raspaculo watershed, a comparison is made between 0.1 ha of valley floor and 0.1 ha of hilltop vegetation, sampling trees, shrubs, palms and lianas ≥2.5 cm diameter at breast height. Additionally, a 1 ha plot was established in the Upper Raspaculo watershed. Our study shows 38 new species records for the region, and important additions to the flora of Belize. New records were recorded from forests on both metamorphic and karstic substrate, including previously overlooked hilltop forest elements. Quantitative assessment of vegetation across elevation zones shows distinct elements dominating on valley floors and hilltops. Our results show that the Chiquibul contains at least 58% of Belize’s threatened plant species, and represent a source of information for the management and conservation of the area.

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kássio C. Araújo ◽  
Etielle B. Andrade ◽  
Ana C. Brasileiro ◽  
Ronildo A. Benício ◽  
Felipe P. Sena ◽  
...  

Abstract The Sete Cidades National Park is located in the Brazilian municipalities of Piracuruca and Brasileira, Piauí state, in a transitional zone between the Caatinga and Cerrado biomes. Studies on its herpetofauna were limited to anuran distribution notes and a snake checklist. Thus, here we present an unpublished species list of anurans from Sete Cidades National Park, Piauí state, northeastern Brazil. We recorded one of the two highest species richness for all northeastern National Parks, and also increased the geographic distribution of one species in the state of Piauí. Most species observed are common of both Caatinga and Cerrado biomes or have wide distribution in Brazil. The anuran assemblage of Sete Cidades National Park is more similar to those registered at the Delta do Parnaíba Environmental Protection Area, Ceará, Piauí and Maranhão states, and Ubajara National Park, Ceará state. These results increase our knowledge on anuran diversity in northeastern Brazil, providing basic information for management and conservation actions of an important Brazilian National Park.


2004 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 42 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eduardo Espinoza Medinilla ◽  
Epigmenio Cruz Aldan ◽  
Iván Lira Torres ◽  
Ignacio Sánchez Vázquez

Resumen: Con el objeto de conocer la riqueza de mamíferos de la Reserva de la Biosfera La Sepultura, fue elaborado un listado de especies para esta área natural protegida, mediante transectos lineales realizándose observaciones directas, búsqueda de rastros y captura de ejemplares, durante el periodo de mayo de 1994 a diciembre de 1999. Se realizó una revisión de bases de datos nacionales y extranjeras con registros de esta localidad. Se recolectaron 848 especímenes (248 pieles y cráneos), 32 huellas en molde de yeso y nueve fragmentos óseos. Se obtuvo un listado compuesto de 98 especies, 70 géneros, 29 familias y 10 órdenes. El 86.7 % de estas especies pertenecen a los órdenes Chiroptera, Rodentia y Carnivora. 21 especies están clasificadas dentro de alguna categoría de conservación. Los datos obtenidos de este manuscrito constituyen una base de datos sólida y actualizada que pueden ser usadas como parte de los planes de manejo y conservación para esta reserva.Palabras Claves: Chiapas, Mamíferos, México, Reserva de la Biosfera La Sepultura.Abstract: In order to determine the mammalian richness of La Sepultura Biosphere Reserve, a species list was prepared for this Natural Protected Area. Line transects were con- ducted and data gathered troughout, along line transects, recording direct observations, animal sings, and capture, during beween May 1994 – December 1999. Also, national and international databases where revised. A total of 848 specimens (248 furs and skulls), 32 plaster tracks, and 9 bone fragments were collected. A list of 98 species, 70 genera, 29 families, and 10 orders was elaborated. Of these species, 87.7 % belong to the orders Chiroptera, Rodentia and Carnivora. 21 species have some type of legal protection. The results obtained in this manuscript form a solid and updated database, which can be used in the of management and conservation plans for this Reserve.Key words: Chiapas, Mammals, Mexico, Biosphere Reserve La Sepultura.


Koedoe ◽  
1991 ◽  
Vol 34 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
J.I. De Wet ◽  
H.J. Schoonbee

In South Africa, Ceratogyrus is presently protected by the Transvaal Provincial Nature Conservation Ordinance. Owing to the demand for these spiders as pets they are classified as Commercially Threatened in terms of the ILJCN system. It was found, however, that the two known species in the Transvaal are well represented in protected areas which include nature reserves and national parks. Ceratogyrus bechuanicus is well represented in the Kruger National Park, Messina, D'nyala and Atherstone provincial nature reserves, as well as in the Klaserie and Sabi Sand private nature reserves in the Transvaal. The only conservation area in which C. brachycephalus has been located is the Messina Provincial Nature Reserve. With its much smaller distribution, C. brachycephalus has a higher conservation priority than C. bechuanicus. Applied ecological work needs to be done so that comprehensive species conservation plans for both species can be compiled.


2018 ◽  
Vol 2 (3) ◽  
pp. 84-92
Author(s):  
R. Obour, D. Amankwaa, A. Asare

Protected Areas (PAs) are created for the protection and maintenance of biological diversity, but many of Ghana’s PAs are subjectto severe pressures and threats, the main pressures being the illegal extraction of natural resources. Rattans are indisputablyone of the most important Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) in Ghana’s Protected Areas that is without doubt one of thereasons for which it has drawn the attention of researchers. In this study the illegal rattan extraction patterns in the AnkasaConservation Area (ACA) in Ghana was inspected. Simple random sampling and Snowball sampling techniques were used. Datacollection employed the use of semi-structured questionnaires, interviews and field enumeration of rattans as well as an analysisof Effective Patrol Man-days (EPMDS) from 2004 to 2012. The results showed a significant positive correlation (r = 0.75, p<0.05, r2 = 0.557) between patrol effort and rattan extraction encounters. In addition, there was a general reduction in illegalrattan extraction encounters from 2004 to 2012 at a rate of 4.3 per year. The highest illegal rattan extraction incidences wererecorded in 2006 (76 encounters), 2005 (35 encounters), 2008 (22 encounters), 2004 (18 encounters) and the least incidencewere recorded in both 2010 (3 encounters) and 2011 (3 encounters).The research also revealed that Eremospatha macrocarpawas the most extracted rattan species followed by Laccosperma secundiflorum. The major rattan extraction and trade routesoriginate in the northern parts and in the area east of the reserve and also south of Draw River Forest Reserve. Generally, rattanpoaching in Ankasa Conservation Area has declined, but there are still human incursions in the northern part of the reserve. Thestudy recommended an intensification of patrols in the north of the reserve. Also, enrichment planting and Agroforestry practicesof inter-cropping rattans with seasonal crops should be pursued vigorously for the local communities.


Zootaxa ◽  
2004 ◽  
Vol 541 (1) ◽  
pp. 1 ◽  
Author(s):  
ODALISCA BREEDY ◽  
HECTOR M. GUZMAN

Four new shallow water species of the genus Pacifigorgia were found in recent surveys along the Pacific coast of Panama. One of the species was only found in dense patches at two shallow seamount-like localities inside the Coiba National Park, Gulf of Chiriqu . Two other species were patchily distributed at several localities in the Gulf of Chiriqu . A fourth species was widely distributed around the gulfs of Chiriqu and Panama encompassing a broad range of habitats and depths. The new species are described and illustrated in detail with scanning electron micrographs (SEM) of the sclerites, and colour photographs of the colony forms. The suspected occurrence of a particular Pacifigorgia species for this region is confirmed and two other new records are added to the species list. With the new four species, a total of 15 are established for Panama, making 31 species for the eastern Pacific to date.


Oryx ◽  
1982 ◽  
Vol 16 (5) ◽  
pp. 437-444 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephen Makacha ◽  
Michael J. Msingwa ◽  
George W. Frame

The Serengeti National Park in Tanzania is famous for its huge herds of migrating wildebeest, zebras and other ungulates. But these herds spend much of the year in neighbouring reserves where their survival depends on preserving the right conditions. The authors made a study of two of these reserves with disturbing results. The Maswa Game Reserve they found was seriously threatened by invading (illegal) settlement with a fast-growing population cultivating land and felling trees; in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area they report that the Maasai have taken to poaching, both for subsistence meat and for trophies to sell – skins, ivory and rhino horn. In both places the guards are so poorly equipped they can do little to stop poaching.


2009 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 21-30 ◽  
Author(s):  
Roy Richard Funch ◽  
Raymond Mervyn Harley ◽  
Ligia Silveira Funch

The Chapada Diamantina National Park (CDNP) was created in the midst of a densely populated area, and significant sections of the reserve are still undergoing processes of natural regeneration after intensive diamond mining activities were initiated in the mid-1800's. An up-to-date vegetation map was needed in order to indicate the types and distribution of regional vegetation assemblages in an easily interpretable manner and at an appropriate planning scale that could be easily consulted by decision makers and other interested groups at all levels of conservation (and development) planning. A vegetation map of the Chapada Diamantina National Park, and the areas immediately surrounding it, was prepared that: 1) delimits, describes, and maps the regional vegetation assemblages; 2) provides an indication of the degree of conservation of the mapped vegetation; 3) develops this information in a format that facilitates continued updating and revision as more information becomes available, enabling the monitoring of the evolution of the Park lands, and; 4) presents this information in a manner that can be easily interpreted and used for planning, management and conservation purposes. The resulting vegetation map revealed intensive anthropogenic disturbances in forested, savanna, and semi-arid areas subjected to intensive agricultural use outside of the Park boundaries. The National Park lands are generally well preserved but burning has replaced formerly extensive forest areas with open sedge meadows. In spite of intensive modification of the regional vegetation, two well preserved areas with high priority for conservation efforts beyond the National Park limits were identified and characterized. The vegetation mapping of the park itself can aid in the preparation of its management plan and in the reformulation of the existing boundaries of that reserve.


Oryx ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 48 (3) ◽  
pp. 394-401 ◽  
Author(s):  
Edward Okot Omoya ◽  
Tutilo Mudumba ◽  
Stephen T. Buckland ◽  
Paul Mulondo ◽  
Andrew J. Plumptre

AbstractDespite > 60 years of conservation in Uganda's national parks the populations of lions and spotted hyaenas in these areas have never been estimated using a census method. Estimates for some sites have been extrapolated to other protected areas and educated guesses have been made but there has been nothing more definitive. We used a lure count analysis method of call-up counts to estimate populations of the lion Panthera leo and spotted hyaena Crocuta crocuta in the parks where reasonable numbers of these species exist: Queen Elizabeth Protected Area, Murchison Falls Conservation Area and Kidepo Valley National Park. We estimated a total of 408 lions and 324 hyaenas for these three conservation areas. It is unlikely that other conservation areas in Uganda host > 10 lions or > 40 hyaenas. The Queen Elizabeth Protected Area had the largest populations of lions and hyaenas: 140 and 211, respectively. It is estimated that lion numbers have declined by 30% in this protected area since the late 1990s and there are increasing concerns for the long-term viability of both species in Uganda.


Check List ◽  
2007 ◽  
Vol 3 (4) ◽  
pp. 291 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mauricio Camargo ◽  
Tommaso Giarrizzo

The present study provides a species list of fish from the Marmelos River Area – BX044 in the states of Amazonas and Rondônia in northern Brazil. During a Rapid Ecological Assessment (REA) performed in October and November of 2003, 133 fish species from six orders and 24 families were recorded. The most diverse families were Characidae (47 species), Cichlidae (15 species), Loricariidae (12 species) and Pimelodidae (7 species). 23 fish species were common to the entire river basin and 4 were endemic to the aquatic system studied.


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