Conservation strategies for Africa's large mammals

2001 ◽  
Vol 13 (8) ◽  
pp. 459 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Hanks
Keyword(s):  
Protected Areas ◽  
National Parks ◽  
Economic Value ◽  
Sustainable Land Use ◽  
Ex Situ ◽  
Conservation Strategies ◽  
Large Mammals ◽  
Isolated Populations ◽  
African Mammals ◽  
Wide Range

Africa’s large mammals are conserved for their aesthetic, scientific and economic values. Many of these species face a gloomy future precipitated by a combination of factors directly and indirectly influenced by the activities of man, including habitat loss, overexploitation, poor management of designated protected areas, and the vulnerability of small isolated populations. Africa’s designated protected areas and biodiversity hotspots are also under threat, highlighting the importance of embracing community participation to address accelerating poverty and malnutrition. Innovative strategies are required for the conservation of Africa’s mammals, such as the integration of a wide range of species in the production landscape, including the farming community. Transfrontier conservation areas (TFCAs) have been established with the combined objectives of conserving biodiversity, creating new jobs in the tourism and wildlife industry, and promoting a culture of peace. These areas extend far beyond traditional national parks, providing opportunities for integrating large mammals into sustainable land-use practices, at the same time as addressing some of the continent’s more pressing socioeconomic needs. Research on African mammals will inevitably have to change direction to accommodate the growing threats and changed circumstances. Priorities will include the identification of corridors associated with TFCA establishment, the determination of the economic value of certain species in consumptive use programmes, research on contraception as a management option in restricted areas, and further work on the indirect use value of species. There will also be worthwhile opportunities to be pursued with ex situ conservation programmes, but these need to be focussed more efficiently.

National Parks in Developed Countries

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Leslie Richardson ◽  
Bruce Peacock
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Protected Areas ◽  
National Parks ◽  
Economic Value ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
The United States ◽  
Economic Benefits ◽  
Economic Values ◽  
Wide Range

Economics plays an important role not only in the management of national parks in developed countries, but also in demonstrating the contribution of these areas to societal well-being. The beneficial effect of park tourism on jobs and economic activity in communities near these protected areas has at times been a factor in their establishment. These economic impacts continue to be highlighted as a way to demonstrate the benefit and return on investment of national parks to local economies. However, the economic values supported by national parks extend far beyond local economic benefits. Parks provide unique recreation opportunities, health benefits, preservation of wildlife and habitat, and a wide range of ecosystem services that the public assigns an economic value to. In addition, value is derived from the existence of national parks and their preservation for future generations. These nonmarket benefits can be difficult to quantify, but they are essential for understanding and communicating the economic importance of parks. Economic methods used to estimate these values have been refined and tested for nearly seven decades, and they have come a long way in helping to elucidate the extent of the nonmarket benefits of protected areas. In many developed countries, national parks have regulations and policies that outline a framework for the consideration of economic values in decision-making contexts. For instance, large oil spills in the United States, such as the Exxon Valdez spill of 1989 and the Deepwater Horizon spill of 2010, highlighted the need to better understand public values for affected park resources, leading to the extensive use of nonmarket values in natural resource damage assessments. Of course, rules and enforcement issues vary widely across countries, and the potential for economics to inform the day-to-day operations of national parks is much broader than what is currently outlined in such policies. While economics is only one piece of the puzzle in managing national parks, it provides a valuable tool for evaluating resource tradeoffs and for incorporating public preferences into the decision-making process, leading to greater transparency and assurance that national parks are managed for the benefit of society. Understanding the full extent of the economic benefits supported by national parks helps to further the mission of these protected areas in developed countries.

scholarly journals A Review of Ecological Factors Associated with the Epidemiology of Wildlife Trypanosomiasis in the Luangwa and Zambezi Valley Ecosystems of Zambia

2012 ◽  
Vol 2012 ◽  
pp. 1-13 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hetron Mweemba Munang'andu ◽  
Victor Siamudaala ◽  
Musso Munyeme ◽  
King Shimumbo Nalubamba
Keyword(s):  
National Parks ◽  
Ecological Factors ◽  
Tsetse Fly ◽  
Wildlife Habitat ◽  
Conservation Strategies ◽  
Tsetse Flies ◽  
Tsetse Population ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Reservoir Hosts ◽  
Zambezi Valley

Trypanosomiasis has been endemic in wildlife in Zambia for more than a century. The disease has been associated with neurological disorders in humans. Current conservation strategies by the Zambian government of turning all game reserves into state-protected National Parks (NPs) and game management areas (GMAs) have led to the expansion of the wildlife and tsetse population in the Luangwa and Zambezi valley ecosystem. This ecological niche lies in the common tsetse fly belt that harbors the highest tsetse population density in Southern Africa. Ecological factors such as climate, vegetation and rainfall found in this niche allow for a favorable interplay between wild reservoir hosts and vector tsetse flies. These ecological factors that influence the survival of a wide range of wildlife species provide adequate habitat for tsetse flies thereby supporting the coexistence of disease reservoir hosts and vector tsetse flies leading to prolonged persistence of trypanosomiasis in the area. On the other hand, increase in anthropogenic activities poses a significant threat of reducing the tsetse and wildlife habitat in the area. Herein, we demonstrate that while conservation of wildlife and biodiversity is an important preservation strategy of natural resources, it could serve as a long-term reservoir of wildlife trypanosomiasis.

scholarly journals Facilitating dynamic and inclusive biodiversity conservation in Britain: an Anthropocene perspective

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chris D Thomas ◽  
Jane K Hill ◽  
Caroline Ward ◽  
Jack H Hatfield
Keyword(s):  
Ecosystem Services ◽  
Environmental Changes ◽  
Dynamic Change ◽  
Region Of Interest ◽  
Natural World ◽  
Ex Situ ◽  
Conservation Strategies ◽  
Ecosystem Change ◽  
Human Society ◽  
Wide Range

SummaryWe propose an approach to conservation centred on achieving positive future trajectories of dynamic change, applied to all locations and species, and based on societal inclusiveness. Strategies to facilitate change. We take an Anthropocene perspective, in which human society and biodiversity have been inextricably linked for over 10,000 years, and continuing biodiversity change is inevitable. The challenge is to identify circumstances under which change is acceptable or beneficial, without being tied to specific historic baselines. We outline a Resist-Accept-Facilitate (RAF) framework that could be applied to all conservation activities, from high-level planning and measurement (indicators) through to practical land and species management, to ensure that the facilitation of future biodiversity benefits receives as much attention as the resistance of change.Everywhere is important. Different places are important for different things, such as particular species or ecosystem services, and people vary in how they value these features. We suggest a perspective whereby we evaluate what every area is most important for, and what they could be most important for in future by considering possible trajectories of biodiversity and ecosystem change. We propose zoning any region of interest, such as the UK, and applying the RAF framework in an inclusive manner to develop conservation strategies that are appropriate in each location and zone. This RAF approach will reconcile different conservation philosophies (such as traditional management, land-sharing/sparing, rewilding, novel ecosystems, ecosystem services, human wellbeing) because different conservation outcomes will emerge in different zones.Enabling species to move. Genes and species undertake changes to their abundances and distributions in response to climatic and other environmental changes. We suggest that trans situ conservation be developed as a complement to traditional in situ (sites in the wild) and ex situ (in captivity) conservation. Trans situ conservation primarily involves Accept and Facilitate interventions within the RAF framework. It requires consideration of the connectedness and permeability of regions (facilitating colonisation for a majority of species and genes) and the value of new populations of colonising species and novel communities that arise from species range shifts. Trans situ conservation also considers the potential to translocate (assisted colonisation) species and genes that are unable to shift their distributions without direct intervention, highlighting the transnational needs of globally-threatened species rather than locally-rare ones whose future is secure elsewhere.For everyone. The justification for conservation commonly focuses attention on the benefits that individuals and society derive from the natural world, yet the benefits are not shared equitably. The RAF approach asks people from a wide range of backgrounds ‘what they want’ from local landscapes so as to inform the development of more inclusive approaches to conservation both now and in the future. We identify ways in which the processes of conservation could incorporate an increased diversity of perspectives, whilst continuing to be informed by data and professional expertise.

scholarly journals In-Situ and Ex-Situ Biodiversity Conservation in Ecuador: A Review of Policies, Actions and Challenges

Diversity ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (8) ◽  
pp. 315 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carlos Mestanza-Ramón ◽  
Sujan M. Henkanaththegedara ◽  
Paola Vásconez Duchicela ◽  
Yadira Vargas Tierras ◽  
Maritza Sánchez Capa ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Protected Areas ◽  
Biodiversity Conservation ◽  
Ex Situ Conservation ◽  
In Situ Conservation ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Ex Situ ◽  
Policy Framework ◽  
Conservation Strategies ◽  
Small Scale

Biodiversity is vital for the stability of the planet; its ecosystem services provide essential elements for our survival and well-being. This review analyzes the national biodiversity policies and describes the main strategies for biodiversity conservation in Ecuador, one of the “mega-diverse” countries in the world with the highest species density. It deepens an analysis of in-situ and ex-situ conservation processes. Ecuador has six clear policies for biodiversity conservation. These policies strengthen biodiversity conservation through mechanisms that improve the well-being of wildlife by ensuring human, wildlife and ecosystem health. It promotes actions for the welfare of wildlife, through technical, administrative and legal tools. The National System of Protected Areas, with 60 protected areas, is the most effective in-situ conservation instrument at the country level. Several ex-situ conservation and management means for the conservation of wild species are being utilized, including nurseries, botanical gardens, zoos, germplasm banks, aquariums, species reproduction and rehabilitation centers. Ecuador is making slow progress on ex-situ conservation despite the availability of a sound policy framework, possibly due to financial, infrastructural, and/or technological challenges, and knowledge gaps. We propose fostering international research collaborations and establishing fully funded small-scale captive breeding programs at zoos, aquariums and university research facilities to help recovery of at-risk species of reptiles, amphibians, fish and species beyond Galapagos region. We recommend utilizing citizen science programs to fill the gaps of biodiversity information and increasing efforts to revive the ex-situ conservation strategies in protecting the unique biodiversity of Ecuador.

Last Stand

1997 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Protected Areas ◽  
National Parks ◽  
Conservation Strategies ◽  
Past Century ◽  
Sacred Groves ◽  
Tropical Rain Forests ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
The Past ◽  
Tropical Conservation ◽  
Forest Habitats

During the past century, tropical rain forests have been reduced to about half of their original area, with a consequent loss of biodiversity. This book takes a close look at how this has happened and what the consequences may be, with an emphasis on those strategies that have proven successful in stemming the loss of plant and animal inhabitants. It describes the use of protected areas such as sacred groves, royal preserves, and today's national parks, which have long served to shield the delicate forest habitats for countless species. Although programs for protecting habitats are under increasing attack, this book argues that a system of protected areas must in fact be the cornerstone of all conservation strategies aimed at limiting the inevitable reduction of our planet's biodiversity. Written by leading experts with years of experience, the book integrates ecological, economic and political perspectives on how best to manage tropical forests and their inhabitants, throughout the world. In addition to conservationists, policy makers, and ecologists, the book will serve as a useful text in courses on tropical conservation.

scholarly journals The Wildlife of Ethiopia

Oryx ◽  
1968 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 276-283 ◽  
Author(s):  
John Blower
Keyword(s):  
National Parks ◽  
National Park ◽  
Wildlife Conservation ◽  
Addis Ababa ◽  
Game Warden ◽  
African Mammals ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Awash National Park ◽  
Set Up

Still relatively rich in the larger African mammals despite the destruction of recent years, Ethiopia is tackling wildlife conservation problems in earnest. In 1965 the Imperial Government set up a Wildlife Conservation Department, and appointed John Blower as Senior Game Warden and adviser on wildlife conservation. Several national parks are now scheduled, and it is hoped that the first, the Awash National Park, will soon be officially opened by the Emperor. This is in the very rich Awash Valley to the east of Addis Ababa, where a wide range of animals includes greater and lesser kudu, beisa oryx, gerenuk, klipspringer, leopard, lion, cheetah, a few Swayne's hartebeest, now on the verge of extinction, and many birds. Two other proposed national parks, in the Siinien Mountains and the Bale Mountains, will protect Ethiopia's four endemic mammals, the rare walia ibex, the Simien fox, gelada baboon and the mountain nyala. A map of Ethiopia is on pages 284–5

scholarly journals Invasive alien species add to the uncertain future of protected areas

NeoBiota ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 57 ◽  
pp. 1-5 ◽  
Author(s):  
Desika Moodley ◽  
Llewellyn C. Foxcroft ◽  
Ana Novoa ◽  
Klára Pyšková ◽  
Jan Pergl ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Protected Areas ◽  
Alien Species ◽  
National Parks ◽  
Protected Area ◽  
Native Species ◽  
Invasive Alien Species ◽  
Global Environmental Change ◽  
General Interest ◽  
Current Conservation ◽  
Wide Range

Establishing and managing protected areas (national parks, nature reserves and other sites of conservation value) represent the most common approach to conserving species and ecosystems, but these areas are vulnerable to global environmental change. Recently, Golden Kroner et al. (2019) suggested protected area downgrading, downsizing, and degazettement (PADDD) as one of the main threats to biodiversity conservation. However, there are several other elements, of similar concern, that threaten conservation efforts in protected areas, such as climate change and pollution. Here, in a commentary to the Golden Kroner et al. (2019) paper, we address an additional important element affecting protected area dynamics and robustness that was overlooked by these authors – invasions by alien species. We argue that invasive alien species (IAS) contribute directly to the pressures of biodiversity loss by competing with native species and modifying the characteristics of the invaded ecosystems, and virtually no protected areas are free from these effects. Therefore, excluding IAS from legal instruments and policy frameworks underpinning current conservation approaches in protected areas presents a great risk for nature conservation. Consequently, this aligns poorly with the idea of protected areas being a cornerstone for conservation at local, regional and national levels. For that reason and to paint a more complete picture of the effectiveness of protected areas, we argue that when other factors threatening the existence and functioning of protected areas are discussed, we also need to account for biological invasions. This will ensure that adaptive conservation management strategies protect a wide range of species, ecosystems, and landscapes. Hence, this commentary aims to be of general interest for policymakers, managers and researchers.

scholarly journals Phenotypic Characterisation for Growth and Nut Characteristics Revealed the Extent of Genetic Diversity in Wild Macadamia Germplasm

Agriculture ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (7) ◽  
pp. 680
Author(s):  
Thuy T. P. Mai ◽  
Craig M. Hardner ◽  
Mobashwer M. Alam ◽  
Robert J. Henry ◽  
Bruce L. Topp
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Diversity ◽  
Growth Traits ◽  
Principal Component ◽  
Conservation Strategies ◽  
Wild Germplasm ◽  
Phenotypic Characterisation ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Genetic And Environmental Factors ◽  
Positive Correlations ◽  
Wild Accessions

Macadamia is a recently domesticated Australian native nut crop, and a large proportion of its wild germplasm is unexploited. Aiming to explore the existing diversity, 247 wild accessions from four species and inter-specific hybrids were phenotyped. A wide range of variation was found in growth and nut traits. Broad-sense heritability of traits were moderate (0.43–0.64), which suggested that both genetic and environmental factors are equally important for the variability of the traits. Correlations among the growth traits were significantly positive (0.49–0.76). There were significant positive correlations among the nut traits except for kernel recovery. The association between kernel recovery and shell thickness was highly significant and negative. Principal component analysis of the traits separated representative species groups. Accessions from Macadamia integrifolia Maiden and Betche, M. tetraphylla L.A.S. Johnson, and admixtures were clustered into one group and those of M. ternifolia F. Muell were separated into another group. In both M. integrifolia and M. tetraphylla groups, variation within site was greater than across sites, which suggested that the conservation strategies should concentrate on increased sampling within sites to capture wide genetic diversity. This study provides a background on the utilisation of wild germplasm as a genetic resource to be used in breeding programs and the direction for gene pool conservation.

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