Black-bellied pangolin Phataginus tetradactyla documented in Deng Deng National Park, Cameroon, using camera traps

Information on pangolin life history and ecology is becoming increasingly available in African countries through community based surveys and camera-trapping. However, there is a paucity of information on the largely arboreal black-bellied pangolin Phataginus tetradactyla, which is categorized as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. By targeting fallen trees or logs with camera traps we recorded the black-bellied pangolin opportunistically in Deng Deng National Park (East Region, Cameroon), a locality within the presumed distribution of the species within Cameroon. We obtained a low trapping rate of 0.063 events per 100 trap days and the capture probability was one event recorded over 1571 trap-days (0.0006 captures per day). Deploying camera traps that focus on fallen trees or logs could be explored as a method for detecting black-bellied pangolins

Using local ecological knowledge to improve the effectiveness of detecting white-bellied pangolins (Phataginus tricuspis) using camera traps: A case study from Deng-Deng National Park, Cameroon

First paragraph: Pangolins (Order: Pholidota) remain one of the most challenging groups of mammals to detect and study. Yet, locating and documenting pangolin presence is essential to provide data on their distribution and population, which help to build effective conservation strategies. Pangolins are considered to be elusive and many of their ecological traits, such as low population density, largely nocturnal and solitary lifestyle, and use of burrows and cavities make it difficult to gather relevant information from commonly used monitoring approaches that are effective for other mammals (Ingram, Willcox, & Challender, 2019; Nash, Wong, & Turvey, 2016; Willcox et al., 2019). The white-bellied pangolin, Phataginus tricuspis, is a semi-arboreal species that feeds exclusively on ants and termites (Akpona, Djagoun, & Sinsin, 2008; Kingdon et al., 2013). They typically inhabit dense forest though also occur in forest–savannah–crop mosaics at times(Pietersen et al., 2019). The ecology of this species is poorly known due in part, to the challenges of studying pangolins and a lack of standardised research methods. (Willcox et al., 2019). Here, we evaluate the utility of local ecological knowledge (LEK) in tailoring camera-trap surveys, a detection method increasingly used for pangolins, to improve detection efficiency for occurrence and ecological studies for the white-bellied pangolin

B.brassicae data file

The file encompasses the complete life table data of Brevicoryne brassicae monitored at 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, and 35 degree celcius on Marcanta cabbage cultiva

Understanding Local Ecological Knowledge, Ethnozoology, and Public Opinion to Improve Pangolin Conservation in the Center and East Regions of Cameroon

African pangolins are exceptionally difficult to monitor in the wild, which means that assessing threats and impacts to these species also remains a challenge. Local ecological knowledge (LEK) surveys have been recommended as an important tool to collect data for small elusive species. We carried out community-based interviews in 20 villages surrounding Mpem et Djim and Deng-Deng National Parks to gather information on local ecological and traditional medicine knowledge, perceived population status, and the level of conservation awareness amongst local people concerning giant pangolin (Smutsia gigantea), white-bellied pangolin (Phataginus tricuspis), and black-bellied pangolin (Phataginus tetradactyla). The arboreal black-bellied pangolin was least known by local people, and along with the giant pangolin was the least recently observed species. The white-bellied pangolin was reported to be the most recently observed species by most people. Local people reported seeing giant pangolins most around forest and savannah burrows and white-bellied pangolins in forests, commonly crossing dead fallen trees. Limited traditional or cultural uses of pangolins were reported, and most respondents were aware of threats to pangolins. Respondents showed great interest in pangolin conservation, suggesting various strategies for conservation activities, such as trade controls and provisioning of alternative sources of food. We show that working with local communities can provide useful information for pangolin conservation and management efforts within protected areas

Data from: Effect of temperature on the biological parameters of the cabbage aphid Brevicoryne brassicae

The cabbage aphid, Brevicoryne brassicae Linnaeus is a pest of many plants of the Brassicaceae family including cabbage, Brassica olearacae Linnaeus, 1753. We investigated the effect of temperature on the biological parameters of B. brassicae using different temperature-based models incorporated in the Insect Life Cycle Modelling software (ILCYM). Nymphs of first stage were individually placed in the incubators successively set at 10C, 15C, 20C, 25C, 30C, and 350C; 75±5% RH and L12: D12 hours photoperiods. We found that 1st nymph reached the adult stage after 18.45±0.04 days (10°C), 10.37±0.26 days (15°C), 6.42±0.07 days (20°C), 5.076±0.09 days (25°C) and 5.05±0.10 days (30°C); and failed at 35°C. The lower lethal temperatures for B. brassicae were 1.64C, 1.57C, 1.56C, and 1.62°C with a thermal constant for development of 0.88, 0.87, and 0.08, 0.79 degree/day for nymph I, II, III and IV respectively. The temperature 10, 30 and 35°C were more lethal than 15, 20 and 25°C. Longevity was highest at 10°C (35.07±1.38 days). Fertility was nil at 30°C and highest at 20°C (46.36±1.73 nymphs/female). The stochastic simulation of the models obtained from the precedent biological parameters revealed that the life table parameters of B. brassiace were affected by the temperature. The net reproduction rate was highest at 20°C and lowest at 30°C. The average generation time decreased from 36.85±1.5 days (15°C) to 6.86±0.1 days (30°C); the intrinsic rate of increase and the finite rate of increase were highest at 25°C. In general, the life cycle data and mathematical functions obtained in this study clearly illustrate the effect of temperature on the biology of B. brassicae. This knowledge will contribute to predicting the changes that may occur in a population of B. Brassiace in response to temperature variation

Pangolin hunting and trafficking in the forest–savannah transition area of Cameroon

Pangolins have long been hunted for food and scales. Information on local hunting strategies and the patterns of pangolin trafficking around sourcing areas is limited for African range countries, despite the potential of such knowledge to inform monitoring approaches and conservation interventions. Questionnaires were completed with 367 people from 20 villages around two national parks in Cameroon to learn about their hunting practices and local pangolin trading and trafficking patterns. We found that ‘tracking’ was the preferred method of hunting pangolins. Setting traps on dead fallen logs and burrows improved the likelihood of trapping pangolins. White-bellied pangolin Phataginus tricuspis (Rafinesque 1820) was the most traded species and giant pangolin Smutsia gigantea (Illiger 1815) the most sought after. No evidence was found for trade in black-bellied pangolin (Phataginus tetradactyla [Linnaeus 1766]). Most people said pangolin prices have increased. We also identified a pangolin scale trafficking network operating from rural communities to neighbouring cities. Though most recognize hunting pangolin is illegal, ~30% of respondents indicated that they are engage in pangolin hunting

Description of two new species of Turanogryllini crickets (Orthoptera, Gryllidae, Gryllinae) from Cameroon, with identification keys for African species

During a Gryllidae survey in the Southern Cameroonian Plateau, two new species of the tribe Turanogryllini Otte, 1987 were discovered and described, namely Turanogryllus zamakoensis Um Nyobe, Kekeunou & Bilong Bilong sp. nov. and Neogryllopsis gorochovi Um Nyobe, Kekeunou & Ma sp. nov. This finding extends the known distribution of the genera Turanogryllus Tarbinsky, 1940 and Neogryllopsis Otte, 1983. New environments are also recorded for these crickets, and an identification key for African species is proposed for these two genera

Anopheles funestus Populations across Africa Are Broadly Susceptible to Neonicotinoids but with Signals of Possible Cross-Resistance from the GSTe2 Gene

Evaluating the susceptibility of malaria vectors to the new WHO-recommended products is a key step before large-scale deployment. We mapped the susceptibility profile of Anopheles funestus to neonicotinoids across Africa and established the diagnostic doses of acetamiprid and imidacloprid with acetone + MERO as solvent. Indoor resting An. funestus were collected in 2021 in Cameroon, Malawi, Ghana and Uganda. Susceptibility to clothianidin, imidacloprid and acetamiprid was evaluated using CDC bottle assays and offsprings of the field-caught adults. The L119F-GSTe2 marker was genotyped to assess the potential cross-resistance between clothianidin and this DDT/pyrethroid-resistant marker. Mosquitoes were susceptible to the three neonicotinoids diluted in acetone + MERO, whereas low mortality was noticed with ethanol or acetone alone. The doses of 6 µg/mL and 4 µg/mL were established as diagnostic concentrations of imidacloprid and acetamiprid, respectively, with acetone + MERO. Pre-exposure to synergists significantly restored the susceptibility to clothianidin. A positive correlation was observed between L119F-GSTe2 mutation and clothianidin resistance with the homozygote resistant mosquitoes being more able to survive than heterozygote or susceptible. This study revealed that An. funestus populations across Africa are susceptible to neonicotinoids, and as such, this insecticide class could be effectively implemented to control this species using IRS. However, potential cross-resistance conferred by GSTe2 calls for regular resistance monitoring in the field

Description of two new species of Turanogryllini crickets (Orthoptera, Gryllidae, Gryllinae) from Cameroon, with identification keys for African species

During a Gryllidae survey in the Southern Cameroonian Plateau, two new species of the tribe Turanogryllini Otte, 1987 were discovered and described, namely Turanogryllus zamakoensis Um Nyobe, Kekeunou & Bilong Bilong sp. nov. and Neogryllopsis gorochovi Um Nyobe, Kekeunou & Ma sp. nov. This finding extends the known distribution of the genera Turanogryllus Tarbinsky, 1940 and Neogryllopsis Otte, 1983. New environments are also recorded for these crickets, and an identification key for African species is proposed for these two genera