scholarly journals A checklist of rheophytes of Cameroon

PhytoKeys ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 121 ◽  
pp. 81-131 ◽  
Author(s):  
Felix Kuetegue ◽  
Bonaventure Sonké ◽  
Gabriel K. Ameka
Keyword(s):  
Aquatic Macrophytes ◽  
Conservation Status ◽  
Extreme Environments ◽  
Dam Construction ◽  
River Health ◽  
Tropical River ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Plantation Development ◽  
River Rapids ◽  
Biological Group

Rivers in Cameroon were surveyed to collect and document rheophytic plants. Rheophytes are the dominant aquatic macrophytes in tropical river systems, where they are adapted to extreme environments of rushing water (e.g., river rapids, waterfalls and flash floods). Rheophytic plants are useful indicators of river health. However, their habitats are threatened by human activities such as agriculture, plantation development, alluvial mining and dam construction, particularly in tropical countries. In this survey we documented 66 rheophytic species in 29 genera and 16 families. Two ferns, 8 monocotyledons and 56 dicotyledons were listed. Apart from the Podostemaceae family in which all species are rheophytic, the other 15 families have few species which are rheophytic. Five of these families have up to four species and the remaining 10 have only one member as a rheophytic species. The conservation status of each species is assessed and discussed. This work urges botanists, conservationists, and policy makers to do more to protect the habitats of rheophytes and put in place strategies and action plans for the conservation of this important biological group.

scholarly journals Understanding Public Views on a Dam Construction Boom: the Role of Values

2019 ◽  
Vol 33 (14) ◽  
pp. 4687-4700 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christopher Schulz ◽  
Julia Martin-Ortega ◽  
Klaus Glenk
Keyword(s):  
General Public ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Political Legitimacy ◽  
Household Survey ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Dam Construction ◽  
Hydroelectric Power ◽  
Value Conflict ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Under Construction

AbstractLarge numbers of dams for hydroelectric power production are currently planned or under construction in many areas around the world. While positive and negative social and environmental impacts of dams are increasingly well understood, little is known about attitudes of the general public towards dams, even though benefits to wider society are often cited to legitimise their construction. In Brazil’s Upper Paraguay River Basin, more than 100 mostly small-scale hydropower dams are planned or under construction in what can be considered a regional dam construction boom. Here we analyse public preferences for strategies to manage dam impacts in the area by investigating the value base that underpins such preferences, drawing on the recently proposed Value Landscapes Approach as our theoretical framework and data from a large representative household survey (N = 1067). We find that contrasting attitudes towards dams, expressed in preferences for economically or ecologically oriented water policies are informed by opposing underlying value landscapes, that is, groups of closely related fundamental, governance-related, and assigned (water) values. While such tensions between opposing values can never be fully eliminated, our research nevertheless gives insights to policy-makers seeking to minimise value conflict and to improve the political legitimacy of public decision-making on dam construction. Moreover, we find that a majority of members of the general public would prefer concentrating dam construction on some rivers while keeping others free-flowing, with direct implications for ecosystems and inland fisheries. This finding may guide policy-makers wishing to develop publicly supported water resources management strategies.

Limbless geckoes hanging on? Lessons in exploiting arid-zone unpredictability from an elusive habitat-specialist pygopod

2014 ◽  
Vol 41 (3) ◽  
pp. 266
Author(s):  
Reece Pedler ◽  
Robert Brandle ◽  
Aaron Fenner ◽  
Shontelle Lennon
Keyword(s):  
Conceptual Models ◽  
Arid Zone ◽  
Conservation Status ◽  
Extreme Environments ◽  
Data Sources ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Published Data ◽  
Low Area ◽  
Potential Habitat ◽  
Area Of Occupancy

Context The study of threatened species is often challenged by their rarity and secretive life-history traits. Species adapted to extreme environments prone to stochastic conditions present further challenges because of fluctuating populations and patchy distributions. We employed a variety of methods to gather records and habitat information on the bronzeback legless lizard (Ophidiocephalus taeniatus), an endemic, nationally vulnerable monotypic pygopod reptile that is poorly understood because of fossorial, cryptic behaviour and remote distribution in the stony deserts of inland Australia. Aims Our aim was to determine foundational information on the distribution and landscape parameters relevant to this species and its disturbance-prone habitat and to formulate conceptual models to guide understanding, future research and management of threats. Methods We used multiple data sources, including targeted field surveys with Antakarintja traditional land owners across ~5000 km2 of previously unsurveyed habitat, sampled the catch of uncapped mine shafts with community volunteers, trialled artificial refuge substrates and elicited public opportunistic sightings. Key results We gathered 30 new records of the species from leaf litter mats of six shrub species, across four land systems. Examination of these records in the context of land system boundaries demonstrated a continuous distributional link between previously known areas of habitat and suggested large tracts of potential habitat that remain unsurveyed for the species. This information in combination with other published data was used to create conceptual models of habitat preference, population and disturbance, in which we suggest that O. taeniatus favours microhabitats that are prone to severe and long-lasting disturbance in some parts of the landscape, exacerbated by human land use practices. Conclusions Our study suggests that O. taeniatus distribution is unlikely to be severely fragmented, as had previously been suggested. Its total extent of occurrence may be greater than previously thought, despite a very low area of occupancy within this. Implications This study emphasises the value of using multiple, innovative data sources when studying rare and cryptic species. Further distributional surveys in identified areas of potential habitat in combination with testing and refinement of our conceptual model of habitat and population drivers are needed to fully assess the distribution, conservation status and ecological drivers of O. taeniatus.

scholarly journals Sediment yield of the lower Tana River, Kenya, is insensitive to dam construction: sediment mobilization processes in a semi-arid tropical river system

2015 ◽  
Vol 40 (13) ◽  
pp. 1827-1838 ◽  
Author(s):  
Naomi Geeraert ◽  
Fred Ochieng Omengo ◽  
Fredrick Tamooh ◽  
Paolo Paron ◽  
Steven Bouillon ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sediment Yield ◽  
River System ◽  
Dam Construction ◽  
Tropical River ◽  
Tana River ◽  
Semi Arid ◽  
Sediment Mobilization

Monitoring Threatened Species and Ecological Communities

2018 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Threatened Species ◽  
Conservation Status ◽  
Ecological Communities ◽  
Biodiversity Monitoring ◽  
Management Effectiveness ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Monitoring Programs ◽  
Current Monitoring ◽  
Monitoring Activity

Monitoring is integral to all aspects of policy and management for threatened biodiversity. It is fundamental to assessing the conservation status and trends of listed species and ecological communities. Monitoring data can be used to diagnose the causes of decline, to measure management effectiveness and to report on investment. It is also a valuable public engagement tool. Yet in Australia, monitoring threatened biodiversity is not always optimally managed. Monitoring Threatened Species and Ecological Communities aims to improve the standard of monitoring for Australia's threatened biodiversity. It gathers insights from some of the most experienced managers and scientists involved with monitoring programs for threatened species and ecological communities in Australia, and evaluates current monitoring programs, establishing a baseline against which the quality of future monitoring activity can be managed. Case studies provide examples of practical pathways to improve the quality of biodiversity monitoring, and guidelines to improve future programs are proposed. This book will benefit scientists, conservation managers, policy makers and those with an interest in threatened species monitoring and management. Joint recipient of the 2018 Whitley Certificate of Commendation for Conservation Zoology

Tricky Morphology: A New Species of Chamaecrista (Leguminosae) Shows Strong Morphological Convergence Among Not Closely Related Species Found in Similar Habitat

2021 ◽  
Vol 46 (4) ◽  
pp. 962-972
Author(s):  
Matheus Martins Teixeira Cota ◽  
Juliana Gastaldello Rando ◽  
Cristiane Snak ◽  
Luciano Paganucci de Queiroz
Keyword(s):  
New Species ◽  
Leaf Morphology ◽  
Phylogenetic Analyses ◽  
Conservation Status ◽  
Extreme Environments ◽  
Similar Species ◽  
Campos Rupestres ◽  
Closely Related Species ◽  
Morphological Convergence ◽  
A New Species

Abstract— Plants from Brazilian campos rupestres usually present morphological strategies that allow them to survive in extreme environments. However, in Chamaecrista (Leguminosae, Caesalpinioideae), one of the most diverse genera in the campos rupestres, needle-like leaflets are rare. Reviewing the species that present such leaf morphology, we describe Chamaecrista acicularis, a new species from the Canastra Range, in the southwestern region of the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. Phylogenetic analyses revealed that C. acicularis is not closely related to other quite similar needle-like leafleted species and that this trait evolved convergently. We also present comments on the phylogenetic relationships of needle-like leafleted species as well as the evolution of the leaflet amplitude, and a detailed description of C. acicularis alongside illustrations, photos, geographical distribution, a key to the needle-like leafleted species and taxonomic notes on similar species. Additionally, we expand the description of Chamaecrista strictifolia and present an informal conservation status for all needle-like leafleted species.

scholarly journals ANALISIS USAHA TANI LADA DAN ARAHAN PENGEMBANGANNYA DI KABUPATEN BANGKA TENGAH

2016 ◽  
Vol 18 (2) ◽  
pp. 76
Author(s):  
Maryadi Maryadi ◽  
Atang Sutandi ◽  
Ivanovich Agusta
Keyword(s):  
Development Effort ◽  
High Demand ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
White Pepper ◽  
Suitability Evaluation ◽  
Land Suitability Evaluation ◽  
Development Policies ◽  
Plantation Development ◽  
Major Producer ◽  
Marketing Margins

<div><p class="AbstractEnglish">Indonesia is the producer of pepper number two in the world after Vietnam. Pepper is one of the leading commodity that has a major role as source of foreign exchange, the source of farmer’s income, and job creation. The high demand on the international market is an opportunity for the development of pepper pepper. In Indonesia, Bangka Belitung Province is a major producer of white pepper which one is the producing regions of District of Bangka Tengah. The development effort pepper plants must be based on land suitability evaluation for optimal production. Moreover, analyzing the feasibility of farming of pepper, analyze marketing margins in the marketing system of white pepper, and arrange referrals pepper plantation development is needed to guide policy makers in Central Bangka Regency. Pepper development requires commitment and effort which is based on plantation development policies implemented proportionately and professionally .</p></div>

Action Plan for Australian Lizards and Snakes 2017

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
David Chapple ◽  
Reid Tingley ◽  
Nicola Mitchell ◽  
Stewart Macdonald ◽  
J Scott Keogh ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Action Plan ◽  
Conservation Status ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Squamate Reptiles ◽  
The Past ◽  
European Settlement ◽  
Sea Snakes ◽  
Reptile Species ◽  
Conservation Assessments ◽  
Essential Resource

Lizards and snakes (squamate reptiles) are the most diverse vertebrate group in Australia, with approximately 1000 described species, representing about 10% of the global squamate diversity. Squamates are a vital part of the Australian ecosystem, but their conservation has been hindered by a lack of knowledge of their diversity, distribution, biology and key threats. The Action Plan for Australian Lizards and Snakes 2017 provides the first comprehensive assessment of the conservation status of Australian squamates in 25 years. Conservation assessments are provided for 986 species of Australian lizards and snakes (including sea snakes). Over the past 25 years there has been a substantial increase in the number of species and families recognised within Australia. There has also been an increase in the range and magnitude of threatening processes with the potential to impact squamates. This has resulted in an increase in the proportion of the Australian squamate fauna that is considered Threatened. Notably over this period, the first known extinction (post-European settlement) of an Australian reptile species occurred – an indication of the increasingly urgent need for better knowledge and management of this fauna. Six key recommendations are presented to improve the conservation management and plight of Australian squamates. This Action Plan represents an essential resource for research scientists, conservation biologists, conservation managers, environmental consultants, policy makers from Commonwealth and State/Territory governments, and the herpetological community.

Freshwater Fisheries

2019 ◽  
pp. 92-100
Author(s):  
Ray Hilborn ◽  
Ulrike Hilborn
Keyword(s):  
Food Security ◽  
Exotic Species ◽  
The Political ◽  
Dam Construction ◽  
Economic Potential ◽  
Marine Fisheries ◽  
Tropical River ◽  
Potential Yield ◽  
Scientific Discussion ◽  
Lake Systems

Freshwater Fisheries. Be it conservation concerns associated with overfishing, food production of large fisheries, or the economic potential of a nation’s fisheries, marine fisheries dominate the political and scientific discussion. However, freshwater fisheries are the most important for food security and employment in areas around tropical river and lake systems. It is estimated that the potential yield from freshwater fisheries is comparable to marine fisheries, but data on catch are poor. What we do know is that in many tropical countries, freshwater fisheries are very important but, generally, they are poorly regulated and studied. Major threats to freshwater fisheries include dam construction, pollution, and introduction of exotic species.

scholarly journals Potential impact on biodiversity in Kwale's forest reserve by power plant establishments

2009 ◽  
Vol 9 (30) ◽  
pp. 1878-1900
Author(s):  
Akeem Lameed ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Power Plant ◽  
Conservation Status ◽  
Decision Makers ◽  
Natural Ecosystem ◽  
Resource Base ◽  
Forest Reserve ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Bush Meat ◽  
Natural Resource Base ◽  
Impact On Biodiversity

Kwale forest reserve with gazetted area of 3km 2 in the present Delta state, south eastern Nigeria, is surrounded by numbers of adjoining communities such as Okpai, Umu-uzor, Ugbome, Nkwor, Amama and Asa. The fringe ecosystem is endowed with important conservation-status species like primate: Cercopithecus spp; family of artiodactyla, Tragelaphus scriptus, rodentia : Dendrohyrax arborea, Thryonomys swinderianus; carnivores Panthera leo, Vulpes pallida and numbers of avifauna species as well as reptilea. The natural high forest ecosystem consists of emergent trees, such as: Ceiba pentandra , Landolphia oweriensis ; the under storeys: Strychnos spinosa , Lindaclearia dentata and the surrounding inhabitant drawn most of their livelihood from the natural ecosystem like bush meat which provide protein, firewood, water for cooking and other basic necessities. The use of Kwale forest reserve and the surrounding ecosystem by the Independent Power Plant (IPP) for electricity generation will continue to contribute to the loss of most natural resource base (flora and fauna). Many of such developmental projects (eco-development) are executed daily in the country and have resultant ecosystem damage, species erosion and environmental degradation. The exploitation over past decades has left a wasteland with serious environmental problems. The percentage preference for hunting of primate, rodent, antelope and avifauna are 55%, 20%, 20%, 5%, respectively, while the preference for consumption of meat indicated that bush meat is mostly preferred (33.5%) by the inhabitants, compared to other conventional sources such as beef, pork, fish, and chicken with 20.6%, 10.5%, 25.6% and 10.0%, respectively. It is pertinent to note that strategic management will be needed to protect, sustain, and manage the Kwale forest reserve along side with IPP developmental concept, thus, there is a need for Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) as a tool for decision makers as well as ecosystem managers. This is necessary for timely communication of information between the policy makers (government) and stakeholders conducting specific projects that have mutual benefits to the general public.

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