The International Journal of Conservation
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Volume 41 - Issue 1 - January 2007
Page/Article number: low to high Page/Article number: high to low Title Type Online publication date
Charles Sheppard
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 05 March 2007, pp. 1-2
Elizabeth Allen, Martin Fisher, Patricia Medici, Michelle Reynolds, Anthony Rylands
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 05 March 2007, pp. 3-12
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 05 March 2007, pp. 13-18
The impacts of climate change on marine mammals: early signs of significant problems
Mark P. Simmonds, Stephen J. Isaac
Climate change is now known to be affecting the oceans. It is widely anticipated that impacts on marine mammals will be mediated primarily via changes in prey distribution and abundance and that the more mobile (or otherwise adaptable) species may be able to respond to this to some extent. However, the extent of this adaptability is largely unknown. Meanwhile, within the last few years direct observations have been made of several marine mammal populations that illustrate reactions to climate change. These observations indicate that certain species and populations may be especially vulnerable, including those with a limited habitat range, such as the vaquita Phocoena sinus, or those for which sea ice provides an important part of their habitat, such as narwhals Monodon monoceros, bowhead Balaena mysticetus and beluga Delphinapterus leucas whales and polar bears Ursus maritimus. Similarly, there are concerns about those species that migrate to feeding grounds in polar regions because of rapidly changing conditions there, and this includes many baleen whale populations. This review highlights the need to take projected impacts into account in future conservation and management plans, including species assessments. How this should be done in an adequately precautionary manner offers a significant challenge to those involved in such processes, although it is possible to identify at this time at least some species and populations that may be regarded as especially vulnerable. Marine ecosystems modellers and marine mammal experts will need to work together to make such assessments and conservation plans as robust as possible.
Land cover in the Northern Forest Complex of Myanmar: new insights for conservation
Swen C. Renner, John H. Rappole, Peter Leimgruber, Daniel S. Kelly, Nay Myo Shwe, Thein Aung, Myint Aung
We classified land cover in the Northern Forest Complex in Myanmar using satellite imagery (MODIS/NDVI) and field surveys carried out in 2001, 2004 and 2005. Using Landsat TM/ETM+ images from 1991 and 1999 we determined deforestation rates. The c. 22,000 km2 Northern Forest Complex, including the Hkakabo Razi National Park in northern Kachin State, is characterized by tropical to subtropical pristine forests with low human impact. The area studied, which includes land beyond the boundaries of Hkakabo Razi National Park, is of special conservation importance because it provides a refuge for many rare plant and animal species. Less than 1.4% of the area is affected by humans (excluding hunting) and deforestation rates are low at <0.01% annually. We observed several bird and mammal species that are considered threatened elsewhere. Based on our data, those of previous surveys, and the fact that >10 new vertebrate species have been described in the region since 1999, it is likely there are still undescribed vertebrate species to be discovered. We recommend extending the boundaries of Hkakabo Razi National Park to the south and west, connecting it to Hpongkan Razi Wildlife Sanctuary, and/or adding an additional sanctuary in the Naung Mung area, to protect the vast yet still pristine rainforest habitats that are home to many of the most important aspects of the region's biodiversity.
Dramatic decline of François' langur Trachypithecus francoisi in Guangxi Province, China
Youbang Li, Chengming Huang, Ping Ding, Zheng Tang, Chris Wood
Interviews with local people and a survey were carried out in 23 counties of south-west Guangxi Province from April 2002 to June 2003 to evaluate the conservation status of François' langur Trachypithecus francoisi and assess the extent and nature of threats to the species' survival. François' langurs were found in only 10 counties compared with their presence in 23 counties before 1990. The total population size is estimated to be 307 individuals in 14 isolated populations. This represents a 90% decrease in population size since the early 1980s and an 85% decrease since the mid 1990s. The primary threat to the langur is hunting, mainly for traditional medicine. Our results suggest that conservation efforts for the species have been ineffectual during the last decade and, even within reserves, few direct management measures seem to have been taken to protect and conserve the langurs. Without the instigation of such measures it seems likely that François' langur will disappear both inside and outside reserves. To ensure the long-term survival of Francois' langur in Guangxi Province increased investment and improved management, planning, and training of reserve managers and staff is required, with a particular focus on the key remaining reserves and sites for the langur. Some of this work is now underway.
The decline of the endemic Fijian crested iguana Brachylophus vitiensis in the Yasawa and Mamanuca archipelagos, western Fiji
Peter S. Harlow, Martin Fisher, Marika Tuiwawa, Pita N. Biciloa, Jorge M. Palmeirim, Charlene Mersai, Shivanjani Naidu, Alifereti Naikatini, Baravi Thaman, Jone Niukula, Erica Strand
The endemic Fijian crested iguana Brachylophus vitiensis, categorized as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List, has been recorded from several islands in western Fiji. We conducted a survey for the crested iguana on 12 uninhabited and five inhabited islands in the Yasawa and Mamanuca archipelagos of western Fiji in September 2000. Night searches for sleeping iguanas along a total of 11.2 km of forest transects suggest that crested iguanas are either extremely rare or extinct on all of these islands. Although we collectively searched a total of 44 km of transect over 123 person hours, we located crested iguanas on only four islands: three small uninhabited islands (all <73 ha) and one large inhabited island (22 km). In July 2003 we resurveyed two islands identified as having the best potential for the long-term conservation of crested iguanas, and found that populations were continuing to decline. We suggest that the scarcity of crested iguanas on all islands surveyed is due to the combination of habitat loss and the introduction of exotic predators. All islands surveyed have free ranging goats, forest fires have occurred repeatedly over the last few decades, and feral cats are established on many islands. To reverse the population decline of this species immediate intervention is required on selected islands to halt continuing forest degradation and to clarify the effects of introduced predators.
Critical condition of the jaguar Panthera onca population in Corcovado National Park, Costa Rica
Roberto Salom-Pérez, Eduardo Carrillo, Joel C. Sáenz, José M. Mora
The jaguar Panthera onca is threatened throughout its range and categorized as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List. To inform conservation of the jaguar population in Corcovado National Park, Costa Rica, population size was estimated using data from a 3-month camera trap study. Individuals were identified from their coat patterns. The resulting density estimate of 6.98 ± SD 2.36 individuals per 100 km2 was lower than expected. The sex ratio was 1.33 males per female, and the minimum home ranges of two males were 25.64 and 6.57 km2. Hunting pressure on jaguar and white-lipped peccaries Tayassu pecari, the jaguar's main prey in the Park, may be responsible for the low jaguar density as space does not seem to be a limiting factor. The numbers of females may have been underestimated because of sampling bias and therefore the sex ratio obtained in this and similar studies must be interpreted cautiously. Better protection of the corridor that connects the Park with other protected areas is essential to guarantee long-term survival of the jaguar in Costa Rica.
Bird species diversity captured by protected areas in the Andes of Colombia: a gap analysis
Padu Franco, Carlos A. Saavedra-Rodríguez, Gustavo H. Kattan
Formed by three Andean ranges and two peripheral elements, the complex mountainous system of Colombia harbours a diverse avifauna (>1,500 spp.) characterized by high large-scale beta diversity and endemism. In these mountains there are 25 protected areas covering c. 3.5 million hectares but not all ecosystems are adequately represented. We conducted an analysis of representation of bird species in these protected areas for eight subregions of the Colombian mountains by means of a comparison between potential and recorded faunas in each area. Potential faunas were compiled by considering the distribution of species across the subregions, their elevational ranges, and the elevational extent covered by each protected area in each subregion. Analyses were performed separately for all species and for migrant species, with an emphasis on threatened species. Bird inventories are lacking for nine of the protected areas. Existing inventories have representation values of 4–91% for all species, and 3–72% for migrant species. Assuming that all potential species occur within protected areas, representation values for the subregions were high (74–100%) but may be as low as 26% when representation values are estimated using recorded species only. For most Andean subregions representation decreased with decreasing elevation, revealing a lack of protected areas at lower elevations. In addition, 31 threatened species (26% of total), which mainly occur at lower elevations and in adjacent lowlands, are not covered by protected areas. Thus, although birds are relatively well protected by the system of reserves in the mountains of Colombia, significant gaps remain, particularly for threatened species.
Saving the Island in the Sky: the plight of the Mount Mulanje cedar Widdringtonia whytei in Malawi
Julian Bayliss, Steve Makungwa, Joy Hecht, David Nangoma, Carl Bruessow
The Endangered Mulanje cedar Widdringtonia whytei, endemic to the Mount Mulanje massif in Malawi, has undergone a drastic decline due to increased fire incidence and illegal logging. Valued for its fine timber, attractive fragrance, and pesticide-resistant sap, the tree has been regarded as highly desirable since its discovery in the late 19th century. Because of its steep slopes and isolated high altitude plateau, Mount Mulanje is also a refuge for a number of other endemic plant species. The first assessment of the Mulanje cedar since 1994 was commissioned by the Mulanje Mountain Conservation Trust to ascertain the species' current extent and status. This study identified an area of 845.3 ha of Mulanje cedar, which represents a loss of 616.7 ha over the previous 15 years. Of the recorded trees 32.27% (37,242 m3) were dead cedars. Therefore, under current Department of Forestry harvest licensing, there remains in theory sufficient dead cedar to last >30 years. At this stage it is imperative that cedar nurseries are established and saplings planted out across the mountain on an annual basis, small cedar clusters are protected to facilitate regeneration, and a strict monitoring programme is followed to prevent the cutting of live cedar.
Remote camera-trap methods and analyses reveal impacts of rangeland management on Namibian carnivore communities
Matthew J. Kauffman, M. Sanjayan, Jacob Lowenstein, Adam Nelson, Richard M. Jeo, Kevin R. Crooks
Assessing the abundance and distribution of mammalian carnivores is vital for understanding their ecology and providing for their long-term conservation. Because of the difficulty of trapping and handling carnivores many studies have relied on abundance indices that may not accurately reflect real abundance and distribution patterns. We developed statistical analyses that detect spatial correlation in visitation data from combined scent station and camera-trap surveys, and we illustrate how to use such data to make inferences about changes in carnivore assemblages. As a case study we compared the carnivore communities of adjacent communal and freehold rangelands in central Namibia. We used an index of overdispersion to test for repeat visits to individual camera-trap scent stations and a bootstrap simulation to test for correlations in visits to camera neighbourhoods. After distilling our presence-absence data to the most defensible spatial scale, we assessed overall carnivore visitation using logistic regression. Our analyses confirmed the expected pattern of a depauparate fauna on the communal rangelands compared to the freehold rangelands. Additionally, the species that were not detected on communal sites were the larger-bodied carnivores. By modelling these rare visits as a Poisson process we illustrate a method of inferring whether or not such patterns are because of local extinction of species or are simply a result of low sample effort. Our Namibian case study indicates that these field methods and analyses can detect meaningful differences in the carnivore communities brought about by anthropogenic influences.
The decline of the bumble bees and cuckoo bees (Hymenoptera: Apidae: Bombini) of Western and Central Europe
Andrzej Kosior, Waldemar Celary, Paweł Olejniczak, Jan Fijał, Wieslaw Król, Wojciech Solarz, Piotr Płonka
The bumble and cuckooo bees (Hymenoptera: Apidae: Bombini; Bombus spp. and Psithyrus spp., respectively) are important plant pollinators and any decline in numbers or species constitutes a significant threat both to biological diversity and to whole economies. The distribution, status and factors threatening all 60 known taxa (species and subspecies) of Bombini of 11 countries of Western and Central Europe (Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, Denmark, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Poland) were assessed from the beginning of the 20th century. The analysis was based on a literature review, unpublished data, personal communications, our own observations, and an expert review. The IUCN Red List categories were used for assessing the threat of extinction. Eighty per cent of taxa were threatened in at least one country of the region, and 30% of taxa were threatened throughout their range in the countries considered. More species went extinct per country in the second than in the first half of the 20th century, and four taxa went extinct in all 11 countries during 1951–2000. Amongst the factors adversely affecting the Bombini anthropogenic factors (particularly those associated with large-scale farming schemes) appear to be of greater importance than natural factors. To halt population declines and species extinctions it will be necessary to preserve aspects of traditional farming practices and for all Bombini to be afforded legal protection in all countries of the region. The implementation of the European Union's Common Agricultural Policy is likely to have the greatest single impact upon pollinators in the near future.
Recovery of snow leopard Uncia uncia in Sagarmatha (Mount Everest) National Park, Nepal
Som B. Ale, Pralad Yonzon, Kamal Thapa
From September to November 2004 we conducted surveys of snow leopard Uncia uncia signs in three major valleys in Sagarmatha (Mount Everest) National Park in Nepal using the Snow Leopard Information Management System, a standardized survey technique for snow leopard research. We walked 24 transects covering c. 14 km and located 33 sites with 56 snow leopard signs, and 17 signs incidentally in other areas. Snow leopards appear to have re-inhabited the Park, following their disappearance c. 40 years ago, apparently following the recovery of Himalayan tahr Hemitragus jemlahicus and musk deer Moschus chrysogaster populations. Taken together the locations of all 73 recent snow leopard signs indicate that the species is using predominantly grazing land and shrubland/open forest at elevations of 3,000–5,000 m, habitat types that are also used by domestic and wild ungulates. Sagarmatha is the homeland of c. 3,500 Buddhist Sherpas with >3,000 livestock. Along with tourism and associated developments in Sagarmatha, traditional land use practices could be used to ensure coexistence of livestock and wildlife, including the recovering snow leopards, and ensure the wellbeing of the Sherpas.
Preparations for the reintroduction of Asiatic lion Panthera leo persica into Kuno Wildlife Sanctuary, Madhya Pradesh, India
A.J.T. Johnsingh, S.P. Goyal, Qamar Qureshi
Approximately 300 Asiatic lions Panthera leo persica are confined to the 1,883 km2 Gir forests in Gujarat, western India. To establish a second home for the Asiatic lion in its former range, Kuno Wildlife Division (1,280 km2, with a core 345 km2 Sanctuary) has been identified in Madhya Pradesh. To assess whether the Sanctuary has sufficient wild ungulates to support a population of lions 17 transects totaling 461 km were surveyed over an area of 280 km2 in early 2005. The density of potential ungulate prey was 13 animals km−2. There are also c. 2,500 feral cattle, left behind by translocated villagers; the cattle are considered to be buffer prey in case droughts adversely affect the populations of wild ungulates. Control of poaching, moving of two villages, grassland management and building a rubble wall around the Division to keep out livestock would lead to a substantial rise in the population of ungulates (to c. 20 animals km−2) by the end of 2007. This density would support the first group of five lions (three females and two males) due to be reintroduced in the beginning of 2008. Even if all the three females raise cubs there will be sufficient wild prey by the end of 2009 to support the males, females and cubs.
Are tortoises and freshwater turtles still traded illegally as pets in Singapore?
Ter Yang Goh, Ruth M. O'Riordan
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 05 March 2007, pp. 97-100
The red-eared slider Trachemys scripta elegans is currently the only reptile species that can be legally sold as a pet in Singapore. We report on the species of tortoises and freshwater turtles that were found for sale during a survey of 27 pet shops in 2004. Although the red-eared slider was the most common species for sale, small numbers of 11 other species were available. Of these, the import of one species (the Chinese soft-shell turtle Pelodiscus sinensis) is allowed for food but import of the other 10 species is not permitted for either food or the pet trade. We found that illegally held chelonians are often not kept on the pet shop premises. Our findings suggest that the Singaporean authorities' efforts to address illegal wildlife trade have to include other methods in addition to conducting raids on shop premises.
Decline of the Tucumán parrot Amazona tucumana in Argentina: present status and conservation needs
Luis Rivera, Natalia Politi, Enrique H. Bucher
The Tucumán parrot Amazona tucumana is a rare, Near Threatened species on CITES Appendix I with a restricted range in the tropical and subtropical montane forests of Argentina and Bolivia. We assessed the conservation status of the species in Argentina based on a detailed review of available information and an extensive survey throughout its range. A total of 6,015 individuals were detected in 14 sites, eight of which are new localities. The total number recorded in this study represents less than a third of the number exported from Argentina between 1985 and 1989 (18,641), indicating a significant reduction in population size. Research needs to be extended to additional sites, especially in Bolivia, to assess further the global status of the species, and high priority given to the creation of state and private reserves for the species.
Holding on in the Djebela: Barbary macaque Macaca sylvanus in northern Morocco
Siân S. Waters, Mustapha Aksissou, Ahmed El Harrad, Maria-Elisa Hobbelink, John E. Fa
A survey of Vulnerable Barbary macaque Macaca sylvanus populations in the Djebela region of northern Morocco was conducted in October-November 2004 and the species' presence verified in four areas. This macaque occurs in habitat types ranging from matorral (shrub vegetation) to higher altitude fir forest. A total of 89 individuals were observed in nine groups. Comparisons of our survey with the previous one undertaken in the same area in 1980 indicate that group sizes are similar but the total population size may have decreased. We estimate there is a population of 200–300 Barbary macaques in the Djebela. Although some areas where the species is found are now protected, further work will be crucial to safeguarding this species in northern Morocco.
Confirmation of the survival of the Critically Endangered dama gazelle Gazella dama in south Tamesna, Mali
François Lamarque, Amewey Ag Sid'Ahmed, Stéphane Bouju, Gaoussou Coulibaly, Daouda Maïga
In February 2005 a survey confirmed the existence of Critically Endangered dama gazelle Gazella dama in south Tamesna, eastern Mali. Two zones, covering an area of 1,775 km2, were systematically surveyed. Seven gazelles were seen and evidence was found of 18 additional individuals, giving an estimated density of 0.047 gazelles km−2. The dama gazelles are taking refuge in places where it is difficult to drive because of a strongly-marked relief and the presence of grassy tussocks. Preliminary genetic analysis of faeces indicates that these gazelles belong to the subspecies Gazella dama dama. These populations are of particular importance for the conservation of the dama gazelle, and an aerial survey has been planned to confirm the terrestrial observations. The government of Mali has, however, already decided to create three protected areas in Tamesna for the conservation of the dama gazelle and Vulnerable dorcas gazelle Gazella dorcas.
Global Environmental Governance by James Gustave Speth & Peter M. Haas (2006), xii + 179 pp., Island Press, Washington, DC, USA. ISBN 1597260819 (pbk), USD 19.95.
Jeffrey A. McNeely
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 05 March 2007, p. 113
Corridor Ecology: The Science and Practice of Linking Landscapes for Biodiversity Conservation by Jodi A. Hilty, William Z. Lidicker, Jr & Adina M. Merenlender (2006), xix + 324 pp., Island Press, Washington, DC, USA. ISBN 1559630477 (hbk), USD 60.00; ISBN 1559630965 (pbk), USD 30.00.
Anton Nurcahyo