scholarly journals Spatial distribution and research trend of illegal activities and the factors associated with wild mammal population declines in protected areas

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alfan A. Rija ◽  
Rob Critchlow ◽  
Chris D. Thomas ◽  
Colin M. Beale
Keyword(s):  
Spatial Distribution ◽  
Protected Areas ◽  
Protected Area ◽  
Conservation Status ◽  
Population Decline ◽  
Research Trend ◽  
Population Declines ◽  
Wild Mammals ◽  
Persistent Problem ◽  
Illegal Activities

AbstractIllegal activities are a persistent problem in many protected areas, but an overview of the extent of this problem and its impact is lacking. We review 35 years (1980-1914) of research across the globe to examine the spatial distribution of research and socio-ecological factors influencing population decline within protected areas under illegal activities pressure. From 92 papers reporting 1048 species/site combinations, more than 350 species comprising mammals, reptiles, birds, fishes and molluscs were reported to have been extracted illegally from 146 protected areas across four continents. Research in illegal activities has increased substantially during the review period but also shows strong taxonomic and geographic biases towards large wild mammals and African continent respectively, suggesting persistent poaching pressures on wild mammals in African protected areas. Population declines were most frequent i) where there was commercial poaching as opposed to subsistence poaching alone, ii) in countries with a low human development index particularly in strict protected areas and iii) for species with a body mass over 100 kg. Habitat loss associated with greater land use change had an additional significant impact on population decline, particularly in the less-strict categories (IUCN III-VI) of protected area across the continents. Overall, these findings provide evidence that illegal activities are most likely to cause species declines of large-bodied animals in protected areas in resource-poor countries regardless of protected area conservation status (i.e. IUCN category). Given the mounting pressures of illegal activities, additional conservation effort such as improving anti-poaching strategies and conservation resources in terms of improving funding and personnel directed at this problem is a growing priority.

scholarly journals A globally threatened shark, Carcharias taurus, shows no population decline in South Africa

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Juliana D. Klein ◽  
Aletta E. Bester-van der Merwe ◽  
Matthew L. Dicken ◽  
Arsalan Emami-Khoyi ◽  
Kolobe L. Mmonwa ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Census Data ◽  
Demographic History ◽  
Conservation Status ◽  
Population Decline ◽  
Multilocus Genotype ◽  
Population Declines ◽  
Effective Population ◽  
Anthropogenic Pressures ◽  
Carcharias Taurus

Abstract Knowledge about the demographic histories of natural populations helps to evaluate their conservation status, and potential impacts of natural and anthropogenic pressures. In particular, estimates of effective population size obtained through molecular data can provide useful information to guide management decisions for vulnerable populations. The spotted ragged-tooth shark, Carcharias taurus (also known as the sandtiger or grey nurse shark), is widely distributed in warm-temperate and subtropical waters, but has suffered severe population declines across much of its range as a result of overexploitation. Here, we used multilocus genotype data to investigate the demographic history of the South African C. taurus population. Using approximate Bayesian computation and likelihood-based importance sampling, we found that the population underwent a historical range expansion that may have been linked to climatic changes during the late Pleistocene. There was no evidence for a recent anthropogenic decline. Together with census data suggesting a stable population, these results support the idea that fishing pressure and other threats have so far not been detrimental to the local C. taurus population. The results reported here indicate that South Africa could possibly harbour the last remaining, relatively pristine population of this widespread but vulnerable top predator.

scholarly journals Protected Area Downsizing; Challenges and Ecological Implications on Large Mammal and Biodiversity Conservation in Chirisa Safari Area (CSA)

2021 ◽  
Vol 4 (4) ◽  
pp. 134-149
Author(s):  
Mahakata I. ◽  
Bishi T.M.
Keyword(s):  
Land Cover ◽  
Biodiversity Conservation ◽  
Protected Area ◽  
Land Use Changes ◽  
Population Decline ◽  
Large Mammals ◽  
Large Mammal ◽  
Show Evidence ◽  
Mammal Conservation ◽  
Illegal Activities

Protected area (PA) downsizing has been documented worldwide, but associated challenges on biodiversity and large mammal conservation in Chirisa Safari Area (CSA) are poorly understood. This study assesses the challenges associated with CSA downsizing on large mammals and biodiversity conservation. Field observations and face-to-face interviews were done with park management of CSA and SWRI from the 28th May 2021 to 10th June 2021. Analysis of station records on illegal activities, human-wildlife conflict (HWC) reports and land cover changes from 2010 to 2020 was also done. Poaching, encroachment by local people and veld fires, habitat fragmentation and HWC were sighted as major threats to large mammal biodiversity conservation in CSA. Analysed land cover and land use changes show evidence of the expansion of cultivation land and human settlements into areas that previously served as wildlife habitats. These changes have implications on large mammal and biodiversity conservation in CSA related to species migration, population decline, habitat loss and conflicts. We recommend that further research be undertaken in other areas affected by downsizing in Zimbabwe to aid knowledge in explaining its effect on large mammals and biodiversity conservation in adjacent PAs.

scholarly journals Preserving an obscure bird: achievements and future challenges of Corncrake (Crex crex Linnaeus, 1758) conservation in Hungary

2016 ◽  
Vol 24 (2) ◽  
pp. 1-17
Author(s):  
István Szentirmai ◽  
Sándor András Boldogh ◽  
Károly Nagy ◽  
Béla Habarics ◽  
Tibor Szép
Keyword(s):  
Protected Areas ◽  
Protected Area ◽  
Conservation Management ◽  
Conservation Status ◽  
Population Trends ◽  
Protected Species ◽  
Breeding Sites ◽  
Future Challenges ◽  
Research Findings ◽  
Extract Information

Abstract The Corncrake is a strictly protected species in Hungary and a qualifying species of many Natura 2000 sites. Despite its Least concern global conservation status, it receives much attention and was elected as “Bird of the Year” by MME BirdLife Hungary in 2016. In this paper, we estimate its population trends and analyse the suitability of the protected area system and agri-environment schemes for the species. We compiled information on major threatening factors and conservation measures applied for the species. We reviewed international publications on the ecology and conservation management of the species to extract information for practical conservation. We estimated that 500–2000 pairs of Corncrakes breed in Hungary. Although their breeding sites are well covered by protected areas, Natura 2000 sites (42%) and High Nature Value Areas (67%), their population has declined by 55% over the last 20 years. We found that most of the major threatening factors are addressed by conservation management, and appropriate measures are applied in most cases. Recent research findings and recommendations by the BirdLife International Corncrake Conservation Team suggest that mowing of grasslands around nesting places should be delayed until 1–15 August either in the entire field or at least on 2 hectares around nests. Prescriptions of agri-environment schemes should also be adjusted to the above requirements and more farmers should be encouraged to enrol in Corncrake conservation programmes. We strongly suggest that more emphasis should be devoted to combat important threats for the most important breeding sites such as aridification and flooding.

scholarly journals Lianas, tree ferns and understory species: indicators of conservation status in the Brazilian Atlantic Rainforest remnants, southeastern Brazil

2016 ◽  
Vol 77 (2) ◽  
pp. 213-226 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. C. D. Castello ◽  
S. Coelho ◽  
E. Cardoso-Leite
Keyword(s):  
Protected Areas ◽  
Indicator Species ◽  
Protected Area ◽  
Conservation Status ◽  
Southeastern Brazil ◽  
Successional Stage ◽  
Management Actions ◽  
Protected Areas Management ◽  
Tree Ferns ◽  
Shade Tolerant Species

Abstract Indicators are applied faster and at lower costs than conventional surveys, providing quick and efficient responses that can facilitate protected areas management. Our aim was to select indicators from vegetation to monitor protected areas. For this purpose, we analyzed understory and quantified lianas and tree ferns in protected and non-protected areas, in order to find indicator species. Our study areas are located in Vale do Ribeira, southeastern São Paulo state, Brazil. One of the areas is under two protection categories (IUCN's categories II and V), and the other is a privately owned farm. Lianas with large diameters (> 13 cm) and tree ferns with great heights (> 19 m) were considered indicators of undisturbed areas (protected areas) because their growth is directly related to forest successional stage. Indicator species within the protected area were shade tolerant species, such as Bathysa australis (A.St.-Hil.) K.Schum., whereas outside the protected area were pioneer species, such as Pera glabrata (Schott) Poepp. ex Baill. e Nectandra oppositifolia Ness. All of the suggested indicators can be used in management actions, especially in protected areas, to guarantee forest maintenance and ensure fulfillment of the conservation objectives of these areas.

scholarly journals The conservation status and population decline of the African penguin deconstructed in space and time

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard B. Sherley ◽  
Robert J. M. Crawford ◽  
Andrew D. de Blocq ◽  
Bruce M. Dyer ◽  
Deon Geldenhuys ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
South African ◽  
Conservation Status ◽  
Population Decline ◽  
Iucn Red List ◽  
Population Declines ◽  
Posterior Density ◽  
Conservation Action ◽  
Space And Time ◽  
African Penguin ◽  
Highest Posterior Density

AbstractUnderstanding changes in abundance is crucial for conservation, but population growth rates often vary over space and time. We use 40 years of count data (1979–2019) and Bayesian state-space models to assess the African penguin Spheniscus demersus population under IUCN Red List Criterion A. We deconstruct the overall decline in time and space to identify where urgent conservation action is needed. The global African penguin population met the threshold for Endangered with a high probability (97%), having declined by almost 65% since 1989. An historical low of ~17,900 pairs bred in 2019. Annual declines were faster in the South African population (−4.2%, highest posterior density interval, HPDI: −7.8 to −0.6%) than the Namibian one (−0.3%, HPDI: −3.3 to +2.6%), and since 1999 were almost 10% at South African colonies north of Cape Town. Over the 40-year period, the Eastern Cape colonies went from holding ~25% of the total penguin population to ~40% as numbers decreased more rapidly elsewhere. These changes coincided with an altered abundance and availability of the main prey of African penguins. Our results underline the dynamic nature of population declines in space as well as time and highlight which penguin colonies require urgent conservation attention.

scholarly journals Rapid population declines of Himalayan Griffon Gyps himalayensis in Upper Mustang, Nepal

2009 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
pp. 99-107 ◽  
Author(s):  
RAJU ACHARYA ◽  
RICHARD CUTHBERT ◽  
HEM SAGAR BARAL ◽  
KARAN BAHADUR SHAH
Keyword(s):  
South Asia ◽  
Conservation Status ◽  
Population Decline ◽  
Population Trends ◽  
Himalayan Region ◽  
Veterinary Drug ◽  
Mountainous Region ◽  
Population Declines ◽  
Breeding Area ◽  
Population Collapse

SummaryThe population collapse of resident Gyps vulture species in South Asia, caused by the use of a veterinary drug diclofenac, has highlighted an urgent need to monitor numbers of other vulture species in the region. This study assessed population trends of Himalayan Griffon Gyps himalayensis in the mountainous region of Upper Mustang, Nepal, which is an important breeding area for the species. Vultures were surveyed in 2002, 2004 and 2005 by recording the number of birds sighted along 188 km of transects, and observing numbers of birds at breeding colonies. The number of birds recorded per day and per kilometre of transect declined by 67% and 70% respectively over the period of study. The number of active nests declined by 84% from 2002 to 2005. The veterinary drug diclofenac was available in pharmacies in the Mustang region. Young Himalayan Griffons, which migrate to the lowland areas of Nepal and, in increasing numbers to India, are highly likely to be subject to diclofenac poisoning. If this rate of population decline occurs throughout the Himalayan region, the conservation status of the species will need to be urgently reassessed.

scholarly journals Herpetological surveys in two proposed protected areas in Liberia, West Africa

2019 ◽  
Vol 95 (1) ◽  
pp. 15-35
Author(s):  
Mark-Oliver Rödel ◽  
Julian Glos
Keyword(s):  
New Species ◽  
Protected Areas ◽  
Protected Area ◽  
Conservation Status ◽  
Amphibian Species ◽  
Forest Zone ◽  
Term Survival ◽  
Geographic Ranges ◽  
Mining Sites ◽  
Species Of Conservation Concern

In March and April 2018 we surveyed amphibians and reptiles in two Proposed Protected Areas (PPAs) in Liberia. In the Krahn-Bassa Proposed Protected Area (KBPPA) in eastern Liberia 36 species of amphibians and 13 species of reptiles were recorded. In the Foya Proposed Protected Area (FPPA) in western Liberia 39 species of amphibians and 10 species of reptiles were recorded. The encountered herpetological communities in both sites were typical for West African rainforests. However, some species indicated disturbances, in particular at the edges of the study areas, the surrounding villages and plantations, and old artisanal gold mining sites within forests. Of particular conservation interest was the discovery of a high percentage of typical rainforest specialists with ranges restricted to the western part of the Upper Guinea rainforest biodiversity hotspot. Outstanding discoveries in KBPPA were two new species of puddle frogs, and the first country record for the arboreal, parachuting lizardHolaspisguentheri. Remarkable records in FPPA comprise a new species of stiletto snake, a new puddle frog and records of various frog species typically breeding in undisturbed rainforest streams, such asOdontobatrachusnatatorandConrauaalleni. Both study areas comprise an important proportion of the remaining rainforests in the Upper Guinea forest zone. The new discoveries indicate that within this biogeographic area, southeastern and western Liberian rainforest may still hold various undiscovered species and species of conservation concern. Further surveys in KBPPA and FPPA and nearby forests should clarify the distribution and conservation status of the new taxa.This study also emphasizes that the western part of the Liberian forests comprise at least partly a herpetofauna which differs from that of the East of the country. The recorded threatened amphibian species are all specialized on relatively undisturbed rainforests and they all have only small geographic ranges. The remaining parts of undisturbed or little disturbed forests thus have high importance for the long-term survival of these species. In conclusion the study areas have a high conservation potential and should be urgently protected from any further forest loss degradation and uncontrolled hunting.

scholarly journals Flesh-footed Shearwaters (Puffinus carneipes) in the northeastern Pacific Ocean: summary and synthesis of records from Canada and Alaska

2015 ◽  
Vol 129 (3) ◽  
pp. 263
Author(s):  
Alexander L. Bond ◽  
Jennifer L. Lavers
Keyword(s):  
Pacific Ocean ◽  
North Pacific Ocean ◽  
Conservation Status ◽  
Population Decline ◽  
Population Declines ◽  
Fishing Activity ◽  
The North ◽  
The Pacific ◽  
Northeastern Pacific ◽  
The North Pacific

Flesh-footed Shearwaters (Puffinus carneipes) breed in Australia and New Zealand, but spend the non-breeding season in the north Pacific Ocean. They are rare compared with most non-breeding pelagic seabirds that occur in the northeastern Pacific. Recent surveys at breeding colonies have indicated a significant population decline since the 1970s. We compiled records of Flesh-footed Shearwaters off the Pacific coast of Canada and Alaska from 1937 to 2013. Flesh-footed Shearwaters were recorded from May to October, with most sightings in August and September. Flocks of more than 20 birds have not been recorded since the 1940s, and most sightings have been of single birds, although some key areas (e.g., Goose Island Bank) have not been surveyed in recent years and previous surveys are confounded by fishing activity. Given the significant population declines at breeding colonies, the conservation status of Flesh-footed Shearwaters should be revisited.

scholarly journals A globally threatened shark, Carcharias taurus, shows no population decline in South Africa

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Juliana D. Klein ◽  
Aletta E. Bester-van der Merwe ◽  
Matthew L. Dicken ◽  
Arsalan Emami-Khoyi ◽  
Kolobe L. Mmonwa ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Census Data ◽  
Demographic History ◽  
Conservation Status ◽  
Population Decline ◽  
Multilocus Genotype ◽  
Population Declines ◽  
Effective Population ◽  
Anthropogenic Pressures ◽  
Carcharias Taurus

AbstractKnowledge about the demographic histories of natural populations helps to evaluate their conservation status, and potential impacts of natural and anthropogenic pressures. In particular, estimates of effective population size obtained through molecular data can provide useful information to guide management decisions for vulnerable populations. The spotted ragged-tooth shark Carcharias taurus (also known as the sandtiger or grey nurse shark) is widely distributed in warm-temperate and subtropical waters, but has suffered severe population declines across much of its range as a result of overexploitation. Here, we used multilocus genotype data to investigate the demographic history of the South African C. taurus population. Using approximate Bayesian computation and likelihood-based importance sampling, it was found that the population underwent a historical range expansion that may have been linked to climatic changes during the late Pleistocene. There was no evidence for a recent anthropogenic decline. Together with census data suggesting a stable population, these results support the idea that fishing pressure and other threats have so far not been detrimental to the local C. Taurus population. The results reported here indicate that South Africa could possibly harbour the last remaining, relatively pristine population of this widespread but vulnerable top predator.

scholarly journals EU protected area network did not prevent a country wide population decline in a threatened grassland bird

PeerJ ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 6 ◽  
pp. e4284 ◽  
Author(s):  
João P. Silva ◽  
Ricardo Correia ◽  
Hany Alonso ◽  
Ricardo C. Martins ◽  
Marcello D’Amico ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Protected Area ◽  
Conservation Status ◽  
Population Decline ◽  
Natura 2000 ◽  
Area Network ◽  
Bird Conservation ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Male Density ◽  
Tetrax Tetrax ◽  
Farmland Bird

Background Few studies have assessed the effectiveness of the Protected Area networks on the conservation status of target species. Here, we assess the effectiveness of the Portuguese Natura 2000 (the European Union network of protected areas) in maintaining a species included in the Annex I of the Bird Directive, namely the population of a priority farmland bird, the little bustard Tetrax tetrax. Methods We measured the effectiveness of the Natura 2000 by comparing population trends across time (2003–2006 and 2016) in 51 areas, 21 of which within 12 Special Protection Areas (SPA) that were mostly designated for farmland bird conservation and another 30 areas without EU protection. Results Overall, the national population is estimated to have declined 49% over the last 10–14 years. This loss was found to be proportionally larger outside SPA (64% decline) compared to losses within SPA (25% decline). However, the absolute male density decline was significantly larger within SPA . Discussion In spite of holding higher population densities and having prevented habitat loss, we conclude that Natura 2000 was not effective in buffering against the overall bustard population decline. Results show that the mere designation of SPA in farmland is not enough to secure species populations and has to be combined with agricultural policies and investment to maintain not only habitat availability but also habitat quality.

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