scholarly journals A large mammal survey in Koyli Alpha Community Wildlife Reserve and its surroundings in the Great Green Wall extension area in Senegal

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (9) ◽  
pp. 19223-19231
Author(s):  
Anna Niang ◽  
Papa Ibnou Ndiaye

Wildlife in the Great Green Wall (GGW) area, northern Senegal, is threatened by the cumulative effects of anthropogenic activities, drought, and climatic changes. To support conservation planning in line with the GGW management objectives, we studied large mammal diversity in the Koyli Alpha Community Wildlife Reserve in the GGW extension area. We interviewed local communities, made reconnaissance & transect walks, placed camera traps, and carried out fixed point surveys to map the distribution of mammals & to estimate their relative abundance. The surveys were conducted between May 2017 and December 2019. We identified the presence of nine mammal species belonging to six families: one lagomorph, Cape Hare Lepus capensis; seven carnivores, Common Jackal Canis aureus, Pale/Sand Fox Vulpes pallida, Wild Cat Felis silvestris, Marsh Mongoose Atilax paludinosus, Honey Badger Mellivora capensis, Zorilla Ictonyx striatus, Common Genet Genetta genetta, and one primate, Patas Monkey Erythrocebus patas. Our results indicate that the most of the observed species range broadly across the Koyli Alpha Reserve. The Wild Cat and the Sand Fox were also found outside the reserve around the village of Koyli Alpha. Camera trapping events of humans and domestic animals were high throughout the survey area, and the majority of the large mammals observed were mainly nocturnal. The diversity of large wild mammals identified during this study points to the urgent need for the implementation of a management plan of the biodiversity in this area of the Ferlo. 

Oryx ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 51 (2) ◽  
pp. 290-297 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marcelo Mazzolli ◽  
Taiana Haag ◽  
Beatriz G. Lippert ◽  
Eduardo Eizirik ◽  
Matthias L.A. Hammer ◽  
...  

AbstractWe compared the effectiveness of various methods for surveying medium and large wild mammals in southern Oman. Working with volunteers recruited by Biosphere Expeditions, wildlife professionals and local rangers, we used direct observation, camera traps, sign surveys (tracks and/or dung) and molecular scatology to study 66 sampling units of 2 × 2 km (grid cells) in an area of 32 × 36 km during a 4-week period in February–March 2011. Sixteen mammal species were recorded, and the largest numbers of species were recorded by sign surveys and camera traps (both n = 9); sign surveys, direct sightings and DNA scatology recorded species across the largest number of grid cells. For species with a sample size large enough for comparison (i.e. detected in ≥ 8 grid cells), DNA scatology proved most effective for detecting caracal Caracal caracal, signs for hyaena Hyaena hyaena, ibex Capra nubiana, porcupine Hystrix indica and hyrax Procavia capensis, and signs and direct sightings for mountain gazelle Gazella gazella. Clustering, in which records from multiple methods are either adjacent or overlapping, was highest (≥ 76%) for the wolf Canis lupus, porcupine, ibex and gazelle. Our results indicate the best methods to detect and record the distributions of individual species in the study area, and demonstrate the advantage of using multiple methods to reduce the risk of false absences or partial detections. Our findings also highlight the potential of clustering as a means of cross-checking results of observations that are skill-dependent, which is particularly useful when employing a large workforce.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brian Wood ◽  
Riccardo S. Millar ◽  
Nicholas Wright ◽  
Joshua Baumgartner ◽  
Hannah Holmquist ◽  
...  

In many regions of sub Saharan Africa large mammals occur in human-dominated areas, yet their community composition and species-specific densities have rarely been described in areas occupied by traditional hunter-gatherers and pastoralists. Surveys of mammal populations in such areas provide important measures of biodiversity and provide ecological context for understanding hunting practices. Using a sampling grid centered on a Hadza hunter-gatherer camp and covering 36 km² of semi-arid savannah in northern Tanzania, we assessed mammals using camera traps (n = 19 stations) for c. 5 months (2,182 trap nights). In the study area (Tli’ika in the Hadza language), we recorded 36 wild mammal species, resembling a near complete mammal community. Rarefaction curves suggest that sampling effort was sufficient to capture mammal species richness. Species-specific densities were estimated using a random encounter model and site- and species’ body mass- specific estimates of the area sampled at each camera; confidence intervals were estimated using bootstrapping. Point estimates of densities varied by c. four orders of magnitude, from 0.003 ind./km² (African wild dog) to 27.5 ind./km² (Kirk’s dik dik). Densities of livestock (cattle, donkey, sheep and goat) were high, particularly when estimated using directly observed herd sizes. Cumulative biomass density of herbivorous livestock species exceeded that of all wild mammals by a factor of 3.3-38.7. We compare our study’s data to camera trap rates recorded in a fully protected area of northern Tanzania with similar precipitation (Lake Manyara National Park), revealing that abundance indices of most wildlife species in Tli’ika were much lower. We discuss how these data inform studies of Hadza hunting and models of hunter-gatherer foraging ecology and diet.


Therya ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 461-475
Author(s):  
Héctor E. Ramírez-Chaves ◽  
Daniela Velásquez-Guarín ◽  
Juan D. Ocampo-Velásquez ◽  
Ingrith Y. Mejía-Fontecha ◽  
Amilvia E. Acosta ◽  
...  

The Department of Caldas, Central Andes of Colombia, has two National Natural Parks protecting strategic Andean ecosystems.  However, the available information on mammals in these protected areas has not been compiled or updated recently.  Here, we present an updated inventory of the mammals present in the Selva de Florencia National Natural Park.  To construct the inventory, we used historical (museum vouchers) and recent records obtained during field activities over the last 20 years.  We used several trapping methods including Sherman and Tomahawk traps, mist nets, and camera traps.  We documented 81 mammal species belonging to nine orders, 25 families and 59 genera.  Bats (Chiroptera: 30 spp.), rodents (Rodentia: 17 spp.), and carnivores (Carnivora: 13 spp.) were the most diverse groups, representing 73.2 % of recorded species.  We also recorded orders such as Didelphimorphia (8 species), Primates (5), Pilosa (3), Artiodactyla (2), Cingulata (2), and Eulipotyphla (1).  Also, we recorded two endemic species (Marmosops chucha and Cryptotis colombianus) and two new species for the Department of Caldas (Bassaricyon neblina and Heteromys aff. anomalus).  These species constitute elements of the Andean region and the Nor-Andean and Chocó-Magdalena biogeographic provinces.  We highlight the presence of four endangered primates (Aotus lemurinus, Ateles hybridus, Cebus versicolor, and Saguinus leucopus), two of which are endemic to Colombia: S. leucopus and C. versicolor. This work is the baseline to update the management plan of the protected area, from the review of its conservation targets, the definition of the specific management goals, to its effective monitoring.


2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (3) ◽  
pp. 258-270
Author(s):  
Jigme Tenzin ◽  
Phub Dhendup ◽  
Dago Dorji ◽  
Sangay Nidup ◽  
Phuntsho Thinley

Bhutan has a total geographical area of 38,394 Km² located in between the Indo-Malayan and Palearctic region, out of which 51.44% (19750.75 km²) of its total geographical area has been designated as the protected area.  However, none of the districts have a structured baseline checklist of mammal species documented till date. Therefore, Sarpang Forest Division under the Department of Forests and Park Services had carried out five rigorous camera trap surveys including a nationwide tiger survey that covers representable areas of the district from 2014 till 2020. The survey shows that district has 36 mammal species that belong to 18 families under seven orders. Felidae and Cervidae families has the highest species abundance (n = 17%), while, Canidae, Herpestidae, Leporidae, Manidae, Melinae, Muridae, Mustelidae, Tupaiidae, Proboscidae, Pteromyidae, Suidae and Ursidae were the lowest (n = 3%). Above all, Sarpang homed 29.90% of total mammal species of Bhutan, out of which 3% of mammal species were categorized under Critically Endangered, 14% Endangered, 14% Vulnerable, 22% Near Threatened, and 47% Least Concern as per IUCN Red List. However, only 20 mammal species are listed under CITES and nine in Schedule I of Forest and Nature Conservation Act of Bhutan, 1995. Therefore, landscape-based planning such as the Division-based Conservation & Management plan; periodic monitoring of wildlife species using camera traps, and validation of Schedule I species are suggested for long-term conservation and management of globally threatened species inside the landscape of Sarpang district in Bhutan. 


Author(s):  
J. J. M. Guedes ◽  
C. L. Assis ◽  
R. N. Feio ◽  
F. M. Quintela

Exotic species are major threats to biodiversity worldwide. Domestic dogs (Canis familiaris) are among the most common invasive predators in the world, interacting with wildlife in many ways. We present ecological data based on camera traps and occasional observations of free–roaming domestic dogs from localities within the Brazilian Atlantic forest and Cerrado hotspots. Canis familiaris was the second most abundant mammal species, and the most abundant carnivore. Dogs chased, killed, and/or competed with at least 26 native species. They consumed none of the killed animals, which together with the predominant records of solitary individuals acting during the daytime indicates they are mainly free–roaming dogs relying on humans for food and shelter. The high numbers of dogs and the wide range of prey suggest wildlife could be greatly impacted by domestic dogs, especially in areas that are highly threatened by anthropogenic activities, such as biodiversity hotspots. We highlight possible measures (such as the eradication or removal of dogs from natural areas) that could help to reduce the environmental damage caused by domestic dogs in the region.


2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 23-33
Author(s):  
Jigme Thinley ◽  
Ugyen Dorji ◽  
Ugyen Tshering ◽  
Arjun Nepal ◽  
Lekey Chaida ◽  
...  

Natural saltlicks are used by mammal species mainly to supplement mineral deficiency playing critical role in animal ecology. There is information gap on the use of natural saltlicks by mammals in Bhutan. Nine natural saltlicks from Jomotsangkha Wildlife Sanctuary were purposively selected to fill this gap of information. The study aimed to assess mineral composition and ecological behaviour of mammals at natural saltlicks. Nine composite soil samples were randomly collected and nine camera traps were set up at nine saltlicks for a duration of 56 days from 2 January to 28 February, 2019. Data management and analysis were carried out using camerabase and R software. Potassium, phosphorus and sodium elements were found in the saltlicks. Camera traps yielded 419 independent events of 12 species under 10 families. Herbivores were most common (n = 390) and non-herbivores the least (n = 12). Wild dog was also captured licking salts (n = 1) which is least reported across the world. Mineral composition (r = 0.70, p < .05) and anthropogenic activities (r = 0.60, p < .05) were key factors affecting the visitation rate and ecological behaviour of mammal species. Disturbed saltlicks from Samdrupcholing Range revealed fewer individuals of mammals (n = 71) with disturbed ecological behaviour while undisturbed saltlicks from Jomotsangkha Range revealed higher individuals of mammals (n = 340) with undisturbed ecological behaviour. Therefore, anthropogenic activities at disturbed saltlicks call for planned monitoring.


2010 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 24 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael Hofreiter ◽  
Ian Barnes

2014 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 1 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tiberio C. Monterrubio-Rico ◽  
Juan Felipe Charre Medellín ◽  
Cristina Z. Colín-Soto ◽  
Livia León Paniagua

 RESUMEN Los mamíferos silvestres han sido estudiados en Michoacán desde el siglo XVIII por renombrados zoólogos y naturalistas. Sin embargo, todavía en 1949 se reconocía solo 85 especies, y hasta el año 2005 se proporcionó estimaciones completas basadas en integración de registros disponibles tanto nacionales como de colecciones científicas internacionales, ya que la información disponible para el estado se encontraba dispersa. Como resultado de proyectos recientes con nuevos registros, el objetivo de este análisis es proporcionar una cifra actualizada sobre la riqueza taxonómica de los mamíferos silvestres terrestres en el estado de Michoacán. Existen registros de 161 especies en 9 Ordenes, 25 familias, y 94 géneros que representan el 32% de las especies de México. El Orden con mayor número de especies es Chiroptera con 74 especies que representan el 53% de las especies del Orden en México. A pesar de la ubicación central de Michoacán en el país, y ser un estado muestreado por numerosos investigadores, todavía existe carencia de información para regiones remotas, y en algunos grupos de mamíferos. Por ejemplo, el jaguar, que a pesar de ser el mayor felino del país, se carecía de confirmación para el estado, afortunadamente durante 2010 se localizó una población en el estado. Otro aspecto limitante para la interpretación adecuada de la estimación actual, es la antigüedad de muchos registros, ya que los estudios más completos realizados a escala regional, como en la costa Michoacana son de hace 30 años, y durante ese periodo se ha incrementado la deforestación de selvas tropicales, por lo que desconocemos la situación actual que presentan las poblaciones de mamíferos en el estado. En Michoacán encuentran su límite más norteño en el Pacífico tres especies de amplia distribución en el Neotrópico, Tamandua mexicana,  Potos flavus y Sphiggurus mexicanus, por lo que deben limitarse áreas que protejan sus poblaciones. Palabras clave: Distribución, Mochoacán, mamíferos, especies.ABSTRACT The wild mammals in Michoacan state have been studied since the XVIII century by reknown zoologists and naturalists. However, still in 1949 only 85 mammals species were recognized, and until 2005 a complete estimate based on the integration of national and international data bases records available from Scientific collections, since all available information was scattered. As a result of recent surveys with new records, the aim of this analysis was to provide an updated statistic of the terrestrial wild mammals taxonomic richness in the Michoacan state. Available records correspond to 161 species in 9 Orders, 25 families and 94 genera which represent 32% of the Mexican mammal species. The Order with the major number of species is Chiroptera that includes 74 species thet represent 53% of the Order in Mexico. Despite its central location in the country, and considering that the state has been surveyed by several prestigious academics, there is still a lack of information for remote regions, and for some mammal groups. For example, the jaguar, even though constitute the largest wild felid in the country, no information was available for the state, fortunately during 2010 a population was localized in the state. Another limiting factor for the adequate interpretation of the current estimate is that many records are outdated, since the most complete studies performed at a regional scale, like in the Michoaca coast, are 30 years old, and during that time-frame, tropical forest loss increased dramatically, for instance, the current situation that present the mammal populations in the state are unknown. In Michoacan three species with a broad neotropical distribution present its northernmost limit on the Pacific, Tamandua mexicana, Potos flavus, and Sphiggurus mexicanus and there is the need to establish protected areas oriented to protect their populations. Key words: Distribution, Michoacan, mammals, species.


Author(s):  
Jason Fisher ◽  
Joanna Burgar ◽  
Melanie Dickie ◽  
Cole Burton ◽  
Rob Serrouya

Density estimation is a key goal in ecology but accurate estimates remain elusive, especially for unmarked animals. Data from camera-trap networks combined with new density estimation models can bridge this gap but recent research has shown marked variability in accuracy, precision, and concordance among estimators. We extend this work by comparing estimates from two different classes of models: unmarked spatial capture-recapture (spatial count, SC) models, and Time In Front of Camera (TIFC) models, a class of random encounter model. We estimated density for four large mammal species with different movement rates, behaviours, and sociality, as these traits directly relate to model assumptions. TIFC density estimates were typically higher than SC model estimates for all species. Black bear TIFC estimates were ~ 10-fold greater than SC estimates. Caribou TIFC estimates were 2-10 fold greater than SC estimates. White-tailed deer TIFC estimates were up to 100-fold greater than SC estimates. Differences of 2-5 fold were common for other species in other years. SC estimates were annually stable except for one social species; TIFC estimates were highly annually variable in some cases and consistent in others. Tests against densities obtained from DNA surveys and aerial surveys also showed variable concordance and divergence. For gregarious animals TIFC may outperform SC due to the latter model’s assumption of independent activity centres. For curious animals likely to investigate camera traps, SC may outperform TIFC, which assumes animal behavior is unaffected by cameras. Unmarked models offer great possibilities, but a pragmatic approach employs multiple estimators where possible, considers the ecological plausibility of assumptions, and uses an informed multi-inference approach to seek estimates from models with assumptions best fitting a species’ biology.


Therya ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 213-236
Author(s):  
Amanda K. Jones ◽  
Schuyler W. Liphardt ◽  
Jonathan L. Dunnum

A study of the mammals of the Gila region of New Mexico was conducted from 2012 through 2020, with 2,919 voucher specimens collected through fieldwork and collaborations with commercial trappers, in addition to data from camera traps, review of major holdings at 46 museums (n = 12,505 georeferenced specimens), and literature review.  Specimens cover a 170-year span, dating back to 1850 and were unevenly distributed spatially and temporally across the Gila region.  Most areas were very poorly represented and when summed across all mammal species, ranged from 0.02 to 3.7 specimens per km2.  The survey documented 108 species (104 now extant) for the region.  High species richness, greater than that reported for 38 states in the United States, is likely due to the juxtaposition of multiple biomes in the Gila, including the Sonoran, Chihuahuan, and Great Basin deserts, the Rocky Mountains and Sierra Madre Occidental, and nearby “sky islands’’ of the Southwest.  Two species, Leptonycteris yerbabuenae and Zapus luteus, are documented for the first time from the study area.  Expansions of the known range of these species, and Sciurus arizonensis are described from specimen and camera data.  Preliminary phylogeographic studies of four species (Notiosorex crawfordi, Neotoma albigula, Perognathus flavus, and Thomomys bottae) using the mitochondrial cytochrome-b gene reveal the dynamic biogeographic history of the region and reinforce how landscape complexity and climate change have jointly contributed to diversification and thus high mammalian diversity in the region.


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