scholarly journals Population density and structure of diurnal primates in Pandam wildlife park, Plateau State, Nigeria.

2018 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Gabriel Ortyom Yager ◽  
James Oshita Bukie ◽  
Avalumun Emmanuel Kaa
Keyword(s):  
Population Density ◽  
State Government ◽  
Riparian Forest ◽  
Direct Method ◽  
Diversity Indices ◽  
Mean Value ◽  
Primate Species ◽  
Individual Species ◽  
Papio Anubis ◽  
Savannah Woodland

A survey of diurnal primate species in Pandam wildlife park, Nigeria was conducted to determine its population density and structure. Eight transect lines (2.0km length, 0.02km width) at interval of 1.0km were located as representative samples in the park within the three range stratum (riparian forest, savannah woodland and, swampy area) based on proportional to size in providing information on the primate’s species present in the park. These include (Cercopithecus mona, Erythrocebus pata, Papio anubis and, Chlorocebus tantalus). Direct method of animal sighting was employed. Data was collected and analyzed using descriptive statistics, ANOVA and diversity indices. The result showed that savannah woodland strata had more number of individual species encountered (132) and the lowest was the swampy area. Also the savannah woodland had the highest species diversity and richness while the riparian forest strata had the highest number of species evenness. More so, Cercopithecus tantalus was widespread throughout the park among other primates and Cercopithecus mona is most likely to decline even more rapidly than others since they inhabit the very tall trees. However, the variation in mean value of species sampled were not statistically significance (P>0.05). Generally, atleast one primate can be sighted in every km2 of range strata covered within the park. This census provides update information on the status of primate diversity and numbers within the park which can help to direct conservation efforts of the primates and other animals by the state government. This will further enhance the sustainability and elevation of the park to a National park.Keywords:  Population status, Diurnal Primates, ecology, Pandam Wildlife Park,

scholarly journals Structure and Function in the Nematodes: Internal Pressure and Cuticular Structure in Ascaris

1957 ◽  
Vol 34 (1) ◽  
pp. 116-130 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. E. HARRIS ◽  
H. D. CROFTON
Keyword(s):  
Internal Pressure ◽  
Direct Method ◽  
Pressure Gauge ◽  
Longitudinal Axis ◽  
Mean Value ◽  
Mechanical Factors ◽  
And Function ◽  
Longitudinal Muscles ◽  
High Internal Pressure ◽  
A Direct Method

1. Experimental determinations of the hydrostatic pressure in the pseudocoel of living Ascaris lumbricoides were made by a direct method, using a glass helix pressure gauge and by an indirect method using an indentation gauge, both of which are described. 2. The mean value of this pressure was 70 mm. Hg (95 cm. of water), and showed wide and often rhythmical variations from 16 mm. to as high as 225 mm. Hg. Observations on the behaviour of artificially distended worms and of the tension developed by the muscles confirm these results. 3. The mechanical structure of the cuticle, with its inextensible spiral fibrils, forming a basketwork at an angle of 75° to the longitudinal axis, provides for an anisometric expansion and contraction under the action of the longitudinal muscles which is closely in accordance with the observed changes in volume and length. 4. A discussion of the significance of this mechanism and of the high internal pressure suggests that the great similarity of form among nematodes is determined to a considerable extent by mechanical factors.

scholarly journals The Pituitary Gland is a Novel Major Site of Action of Metformin in Non-Human Primates: a Potential Path to Expand and Integrate Its Metabolic Actions

2018 ◽  
Vol 49 (4) ◽  
pp. 1444-1459 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mari C. Vázquez-Borrego ◽  
Antonio C. Fuentes-Fayos ◽  
Manuel D. Gahete ◽  
Justo P. Castaño ◽  
Rhonda D. Kineman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pituitary Gland ◽  
Signaling Pathways ◽  
Pituitary Hormones ◽  
Pituitary Cell ◽  
Metabolic Effects ◽  
Primate Species ◽  
Whole Body ◽  
Endocrine Gland ◽  
Papio Anubis ◽  
Human Primate

Background/Aims: Biguanides are anti-hyperglycaemic agents used to treat diabetes by acting primarily on the liver, inhibiting hepatic gluconeogenesis. However, biguanides may target other key metabolic tissues to exert beneficial actions. As the “master endocrine gland”, the pituitary is a true homeostatic sensor that controls whole body homeostasis and metabolism by integrating central and peripheral signals. However, whether the pituitary is a primary site of biguanides action in normal adult humans/primates remains unknown. Therefore, we aimed to elucidate the direct effects of two biguanides (metformin/phenformin) on the expression and secretion of all anterior pituitary hormones in two non-human primate species (Papio anubis and Macaca fascicularis), and the molecular/signalling-mechanisms behind these actions. Methods: Primary pituitary cell cultures from baboons and macaques were used to determine the direct impact of metformin/phenformin (alone and combined with primary regulators) on the functioning of all pituitary cell-types (i.e. expression/secretion/signaling-pathways, etc). Results: Metformin/phenformin inhibited basal, but not GHRH/ghrelin-stimulated GH/ACTH/ FSH-secretion and GH/POMC-expression, without altering secretion or expression of other pituitary hormones (PRL/LH/TSH), FSH-expression or cell viability in both primate models. These biguanide actions are likely mediated through modulation of: 1) common (mTOR/PI3K/intracellular-Ca2+mobilization) and distinct (MAPK) signaling pathways; and 2) gene expression of key receptors regulating somatotrope/corticotrope/gonadotrope function (i.e. upregulation of SSTR2/SSTR5/INSR/IGF1R/LEPR). Conclusion: The pituitary gland is a primary target of biguanide actions wherein they modulate somatotrope/corticotrope/gonadotrope-function through multiple molecular/signaling pathways in non-human primate-models. This suggests that the well-known metabolic effects of biguanides might be, at least in part, influenced by their actions at the pituitary level.

A Test of Foraging Models Using Dietary Diversity Indices for the Lomako Forest Bonobos

2021 ◽  
Vol 92 (4) ◽  
pp. 211-226
Author(s):  
Alexana J. Hickmott ◽  
Michel T. Waller ◽  
Monica L. Wakefield ◽  
Nicholas Malone ◽  
Colin M. Brand ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Food Availability ◽  
Dietary Diversity ◽  
Diversity Indices ◽  
Behavioral Observation ◽  
Foraging Strategies ◽  
Primate Species ◽  
Data Sets ◽  
Observation Data ◽  
Optimal Diet ◽  
Foraging Models

Optimal diet and functional response models are used to understand the evolution of primate foraging strategies. The predictions of these models can be tested by examining the geographic and seasonal variation in dietary diversity. Dietary diversity is a useful tool that allows dietary comparisons across differing sampling locations and time periods. Bonobos (<i>Pan paniscus</i>) are considered primarily frugivorous and consume fruits, leaves, insects, vertebrates, terrestrial herbaceous vegetation, and flowers. Frugivores, like bonobos, are valuable for examining dietary diversity and testing foraging models because they eat a variety of species and are subject to seasonal shifts in fruit availability. Frugivorous primate species thus allow for tests of how variation in dietary diversity is correlated with variation in ecological factors. We investigated measures of dietary diversity in bonobos at two research camps across field seasons within the same protected area (N’dele and Iyema) in Lomako Forest, Democratic Republic of the Congo. We compared the results of behavioral observation (1984/1985, 1991, 1995, 2014, and 2017) and fecal washing analysis (2007 and 2009) between seasons and study period using three diversity indices (Shannon’s, Simpson’s, and SW evenness). The average yearly dietary diversity indices at N’dele were Shannon’s <i>Hʹ</i> = 2.04, Simpson’s D = 0.82, and SW evenness = 0.88 while at Iyema, the indices were Shannon’s <i>Hʹ</i> = 2.02, Simpson’s D = 0.82, and SW evenness = 0.88. Behavioral observation data sets yielded significantly higher dietary diversity indices than fecal washing data sets. We found that food item (fruit, leaf, and flower) consumption was not associated with seasonal food availability for the 2017 behavioral observation data set. Shannon’s index was lower during periods when fewer bonobo dietary items were available to consume and higher when fruit was abundant. Finally, we found that optimal diet models best-explained patterns of seasonal food availability and dietary diversity. Dietary diversity is an essential factor to consider when understanding primate diets and can be a tool in understanding variation in primate diets, particularly among frugivores. Dietary diversity varies across populations of the same species and across time, and it is critical in establishing a complete understanding of how primate diets change over time.

scholarly journals Event-Based Rainfall Interception Modeling in a Cerrado Riparian Forest—Central Brazil: An Alternative Approach to the IS Method for Parameterization of the Gash Model

Water ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (8) ◽  
pp. 2128
Author(s):  
Bruno Esteves Távora ◽  
Sérgio Koide
Keyword(s):  
Confidence Interval ◽  
Hydrological Modeling ◽  
Riparian Forest ◽  
Phenomenological Approach ◽  
Mean Value ◽  
Confidence Bands ◽  
High Temporal Resolution ◽  
Central Brazil ◽  
Alternative Approach ◽  
Event Based

Although being the second largest biome in South America, the Cerrado biome is understudied in terms of hydrological modeling of the interception processes of its different vegetation types. To better understand its net precipitation components, high-temporal-resolution throughfall data were used to parameterize the Gash Analytical Model on a per storm basis. Two different methods (Single Event Regression—SI, and Particle Swarm Optimization—PSO) for parametrizing the Gash model were tested. Simulated throughfall from 35 events showed the Nash coefficient ranging from 0.779 to 0.989, confirming the good phenomenological approach of the Gash model. One of the most important results presented in this work was the analysis of the variability of the parameters. Considering the PSO method, we observed a mean free throughfall (ρ) of 0.17, with a confidence interval ranging from 0.16 to 0.18. The storage (S) confidence intervals ranged from 1.11 mm to 1.62 mm, with a mean value of 1.37 mm. The observed saturation depth (P′G) mean value was 1.66 mm, with a confidence interval from 1.35 mm to 1.97 mm. Finally, the mean evaporation precipitation rate (E/R) was of 0.20, with confidence bands from 0.15 to 0.24. Overall, there were observed higher losses from the Cerrado compared to other Brazilian biomes such as the Amazon and Atlantic Forest. These findings can contribute to the parameterization of hydrological models applied to the Brazilian Cerrado.

scholarly journals Cercopithecine and Colobine Abundance Across Protected and Unprotected Land in the Greater Mahale Ecosystem, Western Tanzania

2019 ◽  
Vol 40 (6) ◽  
pp. 687-705 ◽  
Author(s):  
Edward McLester ◽  
Lilian Pintea ◽  
Fiona A. Stewart ◽  
Alex K. Piel
Keyword(s):  
Protected Areas ◽  
Human Activity ◽  
Riparian Forest ◽  
Conservation Strategies ◽  
Red Colobus ◽  
Papio Anubis ◽  
Forest Reserves ◽  
Black And White ◽  
Chlorocebus Pygerythrus ◽  
Western Tanzania

AbstractMost primates live in unprotected land where abundances and threats may differ from those in protected areas. We therefore need to establish population densities in both unprotected and protected areas to effectively inform conservation planning. The Greater Mahale Ecosystem in western Tanzania is a region of mixed protected status with seven cercopithecine and colobine species: blue (Cercopithecus mitis doggetti), red-tailed (C. ascanius schmidi), and vervet (Chlorocebus pygerythrus) monkeys; ashy red colobus (Piliocolobus tephrosceles); black-and-white colobus (Colobus angolensis); and olive (Papio anubis) and yellow (P. cynocephalus) baboons. These species may be threatened by increasing human activity; however, except for ashy red colobus, no data on local abundances are available. We walked over 350 km of line transects in legally protected (Village Forest Reserves) and unprotected general land between August 2011 and October 2012 to estimate densities of primates and human activity. Primate densities were consistently low across the Greater Mahale Ecosystem. Blue and red-tailed monkey and ashy red colobus densities were especially low compared to populations in predominantly forested landscapes. Primate and human activity densities did not differ significantly inside and outside of reserves. Low primate densities could be natural responses to the lower proportions and quality of riparian forest habitat in the region. High levels of human activity and the absence of significantly higher primate densities in reserves suggest unprotected land could provide important refuges for primates in the Greater Mahale Ecosystem. This result further reinforces a broad need to include unprotected areas in primate conservation strategies.

Model-Based Actuator Trajectories Optimization for a Diesel Engine Using a Direct Method

2010 ◽  
Vol 133 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael Benz ◽  
Markus Hehn ◽  
Christopher H. Onder ◽  
Lino Guzzella
Keyword(s):  
Numerical Optimization ◽  
Fuel Injection ◽  
Direct Method ◽  
Optimization Methods ◽  
Optimization Method ◽  
Mean Value ◽  
Pollutant Emissions ◽  
Pollutant Emission ◽  
Transient Operation ◽  
Engine Model

This paper proposes a novel optimization method that allows a reduction in the pollutant emission of diesel engines during transient operation. The key idea is to synthesize optimal actuator commands using reliable models of the engine system and powerful numerical optimization methods. The engine model includes a mean-value engine model for the dynamics of the gas paths, including the turbocharger of the fuel injection, and of the torque generation. The pollutant formation is modeled using an extended quasi-static modeling approach. The optimization substantially changes the input signals, such that the engine model is enabled to extrapolate all relevant outputs beyond the regular operating area. A feedforward controller for the injected fuel mass is used to eliminate the nonlinear path constraints during the optimization. The model is validated using experimental data obtained on a transient engine test bench. A direct single shooting method is found to be most effective for the numerical optimization. The results show a significant potential for reducing the pollutant emissions during transient operation of the engine. The optimized input trajectories derived assist the design of sophisticated engine control systems.

scholarly journals Encounter rates and group sizes of diurnal primate species of Mole National Park, Ghana

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (5) ◽  
pp. 13523-13530
Author(s):  
Edward Debrah Wiafe
Keyword(s):  
National Park ◽  
Iucn Red List ◽  
Primate Species ◽  
Papio Anubis ◽  
Erythrocebus Patas ◽  
Patas Monkey ◽  
Encounter Rates ◽  
Olive Baboon ◽  
Green Monkey ◽  
The Status

Primate species are not widely explored in Ghana’s savannah ecosystems.  We report data on encounter rates and group sizes of primates at the Mole National Park in Ghana.  Forty transects, each of 5km length, were randomly laid in the park for the study.  Four species of primates were visually recorded during field surveys: Olive Baboon Papio anubis, Patas Monkey Erythrocebus patas, Green Monkey Chlorocebus sabaeus and Colobus vellerosus.  The status of C. vellerosus is Critically Endangered, the status of the other species is Least Concern according to the IUCN Red List.  Encounter rates (groups/km) were 0.98, 0.65 and 0.45 for Olive Baboons, Patas Monkeys and Green Monkeys respectively.  The mean group sizes were: Olive Baboon 10.8 (SE=1.1, range=1-38), Patas Monkey 12.2 (SE=3.3, range=1-35), and Green Monkey 10.0 (SE=1.9, range=1-25).  Only one group of White-thighed Colobus with a group size of six was encountered.  Encounter rates and group sizes of the same species varied in different parts of the park, and factors such as resource distribution and security against secret hunting may have influenced this variation.  Authors recommend further studies to facilitate better understanding of these primates.

scholarly journals Small Landscape Elements Double Connectivity in Highly Fragmented Areas of the Brazilian Atlantic Forest

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Flávia Freire Siqueira ◽  
Dulcineia de Carvalho ◽  
Jonathan Rhodes ◽  
Carla L. Archibald ◽  
Vanessa Leite Rezende ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Atlantic Forest ◽  
Riparian Forest ◽  
Landscape Connectivity ◽  
Agricultural Landscapes ◽  
Landscape Configuration ◽  
Individual Species ◽  
Forest Fragments ◽  
Landscape Elements ◽  
Habitat Patches ◽  
Seed Disperser

The Atlantic Forest in Brazil is a biodiversity hotspot, yet its diverse ecosystems and species are becoming increasingly threatened by habitat loss and extreme habitat fragmentation. Most habitat patches of Atlantic Forest are dispersed across agricultural landscapes (e.g., grazing and cropping) in relatively small and isolated fragments (80% &lt; 50 ha). Forest fragments &lt; 1 ha, scattered trees in pastures, tree lines on trenches and fences, and remnant riparian forest, collectively called here Small Landscape Elements (SLEs), are very common in this context. While these SLEs make up much of the Atlantic Forests footprint, very little is known about their role or impact on the persistence and conservation of species. In this study, we investigate the role of SLEs on landscape configuration, particularly their contribution toward landscape connectivity of individual species and the genetic flow of species between larger forest fragments. We randomly selected 20 buffers of 707 hectares within a 411,670 hectare area of the Atlantic Forest that was completely covered by forest in the past located in the south of Minas Gerais State, Brazil. The forest cover randomly varied between these buffers. We used graph theory to measure landscape connectivity as the probability of connectivity for different disperser movement types between landscape knots (habitat patches). We used three estimated dispersal distances in the models: pollen disperser insect (50 m), low-mobility seed disperser bird (100 m) and high-mobility seed disperser bird (760 m). The SLEs together increased the probability of connection by roughly 50%, for all model dispersers, if compared to a theoretical baseline landscape containing no SLEs. Of all SLEs, riparian forests contribute the most toward enhancing landscape connectivity. In these highly fragmented landscapes, such as the Atlantic Forest (&gt;70%), the position of SLEs within the landscapes was more important than their respective areas for connectivity. Although the landscapes were deeply fragmented, we showed that the presence of SLEs can increase connectivity and reduce further biodiversity loss in the Atlantic Forest.

scholarly journals Wildlife species diversity indices and seasonal distribution assessment in road-side markets of South-west Nigeria

2021 ◽  
Vol 62 (1) ◽  
pp. 60-70
Author(s):  
M. O. Mustafa ◽  
O. A. Lawal ◽  
O. O. Fafioye ◽  
A. A. Aladesida ◽  
F. B. Olowoyo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Direct Method ◽  
Diversity Indices ◽  
Seasonal Distribution ◽  
Systematic Random Sampling ◽  
The Public ◽  
Wildlife Species ◽  
South West ◽  
Rural And Urban ◽  
Species Diversity Indices ◽  
Mean Differences

Wildlife species are under serious exploitation by the rural populace in Nigeria because hu­man beings have understood their ecology. The need to update the existing knowledge of wildlife population is therefore essential. Twenty-three games markets along five Roads in South-west Nigeria were visited to document the wildlife displayed for sale. Two hundred and fifty copies of structured questionnaire were administered using systematic random sampling (odd) method for wildlife species information from market stakeholders. Direct method was counting for species and their numbers. Data generated were analysed through Species Diver­sity Indices Assessment. All emergent species were compared with International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) abundance rating. Road seasonal distribution of the marketed wildlife was determined by percentages, standard deviation, standard error of mean, mean differences, t-test, and tests of significance and Diversity Indices. Results revealed that 69,398 wild animals were displayed. Also more wildlife were sold during rainy than dry seasons. Appropriate recommendations of government sensitization of rural and urban settlers against over-utilization of wildlife resources, encouragement of the public towards animal domesti­cation and others were made.

Ground vegetation as an indicator of ecological integrity

2009 ◽  
Vol 17 (NA) ◽  
pp. 249-265 ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard LaPaix ◽  
Bill Freedman ◽  
David Patriquin
Keyword(s):  
Plant Species ◽  
Ecological Integrity ◽  
Diversity Indices ◽  
Permanent Plots ◽  
Individual Species ◽  
Ground Vegetation ◽  
Individual Plant ◽  
Ecological Processes ◽  
Assessment Index ◽  
Anthropogenic Stressors

Indicators are being sought for monitoring the ecological integrity of forests and other kinds of ecosystems. Biological measures are commonly used as indicators because of their inherent ecological importance and ability to provide insight into environmental change. Such measures are commonly based on data from sets of permanent plots in which the abundances of plant species are monitored. However, the data may be difficult to interpret, especially if corresponding information on natural and anthropogenic stressors is lacking. In this review, we examine general principles of indicator use and discuss the types of plot-based compositional measures obtained from vegetation that may be most relevant for monitoring ecological integrity. Our focus is on the ground vegetation of forested ecosystems, but the principles discussed are relevant to other vegetation types. Individual plant species, guilds, aliens, diversity indices, Ellenberg indicator values, the floristic quality assessment index, multivariate and multimetric indicators are examined, as well as concepts of threshold changes and the need for reference states. The usefulness of any given approach tends to be highly context specific. In particular, the value of using individual species as indicators is highly dependant on factors such as the character of the floristic community of interest and the types and intensities of anthropogenic stressors. Alien species are considered to be especially valuable indicators of changes in ecological integrity due to their established relationships with anthropogenic stressors, known historical state, relevance to all floristic communities, and ability to cause undesirable changes to biodiversity and ecological processes.

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