Forestry plantations as a pathway for invasive alien plants in the National Park at Réunion island

Identifying pathways of introduction remains a major priority to prevent future plant invasions into natural areas. In this study, we assessed whether forestry plantations favor alien plant dissemination into the National Park of Reunion. Results showed significant decrease in the percentage of alien plant biomass from the forestry plantations to the undisturbed areas. At one site, a significant difference was also found for the mean alien species number and the mean alien plant abundance. In both sites, numerous alien species were present in the understorey of Cryptomeria plantations only, with some already escaping and occurring at the entrance of the National Park. This study recommends strengthening early detection and rapid response of alien plants and suggests alternative management approaches in forestry plantations, including the use of community-based restoration programmes.Une des priorités pour contrôler les futures invasions floristiques est d’identifier les voies d’introduction aux abords des aires naturelles. Dans cette étude, nous avons testé si les forêts cultivées peuvent favoriser l’envahissement par les plantes exotiques à l’intérieur du Parc national de la Réunion. Les résultats montrent une diminution significative du pourcentage de la biomasse végétale des plantes exotiques des forêts cultivées vers le milieu naturel. Les différences sont également significatives au niveau d’un des deux sites étudiés concernant les moyennes du nombre de plantes exotiques et de la somme de l’abondance des plantes. Dans les deux cas, de nombreuses espèces sont présentes seulement en sous-bois de forêts cultivées ou également à l’entrée du Parc national. Cette étude préconise de renforcer les actions de détection précoce et de réponse rapide. Les auteurs proposent également la mise en place de méthodes de gestion alternatives de ces habitats incluant une approche participative de la population dans des programmes de restauration

Forestry plantations as a pathway for invasive alien plants in the National Park at Réunion island

Identifying pathways of introduction remains a major priority to prevent future plant invasions into natural areas. In this study, we assessed whether forestry plantations favor alien plant dissemination into the National Park of Reunion. Results showed significant decrease in the percentage of alien plant biomass from the forestry plantations to the undisturbed areas. At one site, a significant difference was also found for the mean alien species number and the mean alien plant abundance. In both sites, numerous alien species were present in the understorey of Cryptomeria plantations only, with some already escaping and occurring at the entrance of the National Park. This study recommends strengthening early detection and rapid response of alien plants and suggests alternative management approaches in forestry plantations, including the use of community-based restoration programmes.Une des priorités pour contrôler les futures invasions floristiques est d’identifier les voies d’introduction aux abords des aires naturelles. Dans cette étude, nous avons testé si les forêts cultivées peuvent favoriser l’envahissement par les plantes exotiques à l’intérieur du Parc national de la Réunion. Les résultats montrent une diminution significative du pourcentage de la biomasse végétale des plantes exotiques des forêts cultivées vers le milieu naturel. Les différences sont également significatives au niveau d’un des deux sites étudiés concernant les moyennes du nombre de plantes exotiques et de la somme de l’abondance des plantes. Dans les deux cas, de nombreuses espèces sont présentes seulement en sous-bois de forêts cultivées ou également à l’entrée du Parc national. Cette étude préconise de renforcer les actions de détection précoce et de réponse rapide. Les auteurs proposent également la mise en place de méthodes de gestion alternatives de ces habitats incluant une approche participative de la population dans des programmes de restauration

Changes in Grauer's gorilla (Gorilla beringei graueri) and other primate populations in the Kahuzi-Biega National Park and Oku Community Reserve, the heart of Grauer's gorilla global range

Grauer's gorillas (Gorilla beringei graueri) have declined drastically across their range in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Survey data analysed in 2016 estimated a 77% decline in numbers between the mid- 1990s and 2016 and predicted that Kahuzi-Biega National Park (KBNP), and the contiguous Oku Community Reserve (OCR) held much of the global population. An estimate of 3800 Grauer's gorillas was made across its range at that time. Here, we publish the most extensive survey of Grauer's gorilla numbers to date, using nest counts from 230 line transects across KBNP and OCR to derive more accurate estimates of both gorilla and chimpanzee numbers. Gorilla numbers were estimated from line transects at 1,571 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 824–2,993) within KBNP and at 2,244 (95% CI: 1,471–3,422) in OCR. Eastern chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes schweinfurthii) numbers were estimated at 2,500 (95% CI: 1,804–3,462) in KBNP and 687 (95% CI: 472–999) in OCR. Estimates of total numbers for the survey area were 5,252 (95% CI: 3,687–7,481) Grauer's gorillas and 4,275 (95% CI: 3,322–5,502) eastern chimpanzees. Chimpanzee numbers were not significantly different from the estimates in the mid-1990s but the gorillas had significantly declined, mostly in KBNP. Modeled densities of these apes indicated that distances to mines, villages, or roads significantly explained part of the distribution of these apes, with higher densities also found in more rugged and remote sites. Other primates have all declined in this region, likely due to bushmeat hunting, especially the Endangered Ulindi River Red Colobus Piliocolobus lulindicus. These results confirm the negative impact of insecurity on Grauer's gorilla but indicate that the population declines may not be as great as previously feared. Using our revised gorilla density estimate we revise the original estimate of global numbers from 3,800 to 6,800 individuals

High Risks of Losing Genetic Diversity in an Endemic Mauritian Gecko: Implications for Conservation

Genetic structure can be a consequence of recent population fragmentation and isolation, or a remnant of historical localised adaptation. This poses a challenge for conservationists since misinterpreting patterns of genetic structure may lead to inappropriate management. Of 17 species of reptile originally found in Mauritius, only five survive on the main island. One of these, Phelsuma guimbeaui (lowland forest day gecko), is now restricted to 30 small isolated subpopulations following severe forest fragmentation and isolation due to human colonisation. We used 20 microsatellites in ten subpopulations and two mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) markers in 13 subpopulations to: (i) assess genetic diversity, population structure and genetic differentiation of subpopulations; (ii) estimate effective population sizes and migration rates of subpopulations; and (iii) examine the phylogenetic relationships of haplotypes found in different subpopulations. Microsatellite data revealed significant population structure with high levels of genetic diversity and isolation by distance, substantial genetic differentiation and no migration between most subpopulations. MtDNA, however, showed no evidence of population structure, indicating that there was once a genetically panmictic population. Effective population sizes of ten subpopulations, based on microsatellite markers, were small, ranging from 44 to 167. Simulations suggested that the chance of survival and allelic diversity of some subpopulations will decrease dramatically over the next 50 years if no migration occurs. Our DNA-based evidence reveals an urgent need for a management plan for the conservation of P. guimbeaui. We identified 18 threatened and 12 viable subpopulations and discuss a range of management options that include translocation of threatened subpopulations to retain maximum allelic diversity, and habitat restoration and assisted migration to decrease genetic erosion and inbreeding for the viable subpopulations

Classification hiérarchique des zones boisées d’altitudes de l’île d’Anjouan, Comores

Avant la colonisation humaine de l’archipel des Comores, l’île d’Anjouan était couverte de forêt. Aujourd’hui, seuls quelques vestiges de forêts primaires subsistent sur des pentes escarpées et inaccessibles. Sous les pressions humaines, la perte des forêts au profit des zones agricoles continuait d’une façon exponentielle. La présente étude a examiné la végétation de l’île pour déterminer les types d’habitats qu’on pouvait trouver à Anjouan. En 2010, nous avons collecté des données liées aux arbres, à l’exploitation agricole et à l’altitude pour partitionner la couverture végétale en différentes classes. Nous avons utilisé l’Analyse en composante principale (ACP) et la Classification ascendante hiérarchique (CAH). Six classes d’habitats ont été identifiées : la classe des plantations des zones ouvertes de haute altitude, la classe des plantations des zones moins boisées, la classe de l’agroforêt dense de moyenne altitude, la classe de la forêt sévèrement dégradée et sous-plantée, la classe de forêt dégradée, et la classe de forêt dense humide. Les quatre premières sont associées aux activités agricoles. Des différences significatives entre les classes ont été observées pour les densités des arbres (natifs ou non-natifs), la diversité des espèces et les niveaux d’exploitations agricoles. La densité des arbres augmentait avec l’altitude, tandis que la diversité en espèces était liée à la classe de la couverture végétale. Les types d’exploitation agricole étaient liés à la classe d’habitat et à la localisation dans l’altitude. Cette étude sera utilisée pour la planification de la gestion des zones agroforestières et la mise en place des actions de conservation pour les habitats forestiers.The second largest island of the Comoros archipelago, Anjouan, was covered by forest before human colonization, whereas today only a few forest fragments remain on steep and inaccessible slopes. Under human pressure, the loss of forests to make place for agricultural areas continues. The present study investigated the vegetation of Anjouan to determine which habitat types can be found on the island. In 2010, we collected data on vegetation composition using a plot-based methodology. Two types of analyses were used to partition the habitat into different classes : principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA). Six habitat classes were identified : plantations in high altitude open areas, plantations in less wooded areas, low altitude agroforestry, severely degraded and under-planted forest, degraded forest and dense natural forest. The first four classes were associated with agricultural activities in varying intensities. Significant differences between habitat classes were distinguished by Kruskal-Wallis tests for tree densities (native and non-native), species diversification, and level of agricultural exploitation. The findings show that the vegetation cover in Anjouan is marked by human exploitation, which requires monitoring to avoid over-exploitation of the last remaining natural forests on the island. The results of this study will be used for the agroforestry management planning and the implementation of conservation actions for forest habitats on the island

Habitat selection of the Mauritian lowland forest day gecko at multiple spatial scales: A baseline for translocation

Of 30 known subpopulations of Phelsuma guimbeaui, 18 are in patches of exotic forest and are predicted to disappear in the next decade. One possible means of mitigating the reduction in genetic diversity associated with the loss of subpopulations is to translocate “at risk” subpopulations to more secure habitats. Prior to any such intervention, it is important to identify a species’ basic ecological needs. We had three main objectives: to calculate home range sizes of adult geckos; characterise habitat selection among age groups; and identify the order of importance of each habitat predictor. Habitat selection of P. guimbeaui was explored at the population, home range and microhabitat levels. Males had larger home ranges than females, and overlapped temporally with more females than males. We showed that habitat selection differed between age groups. In order of importance, tree diversity, tree species, tree height, trunk dbh and cavity density were important habitat predictors. We discuss how these data can be used to inform the choice of sites for the translocation of threatened subpopulations. Our results also highlight the importance of undertaking habitat restoration for the long-term conservation of the 12 subpopulations that survive in patches of endemic forest

Possible control of introduced giant African land snails (Achatina spp.) by the reintroduced endemic skink Leiolopisma telfairii, Ile aux Aigrettes, Mauritius

The giant African land snail (Achatinafulica) is one of the world’s worst invasive species, out‐competing endemic snails, consuming native vegetation and potentially altering nutrient cycles. Attempts to eradicate the snail from islands have only been successful with incipient populations. We present correlative evidence that native island predators may act as an effective control agent for the snail. In 2000 a population of between 37,300 and 45,100 African land snails was estimated on the 26ha nature reserve island of Ile aux Aigrette, Mauritius. Between 2006 and 2007, 260 endemic Telfair’s skink Leiolopisma telfairii were reintroduced to the reserve. Snail population surveys in 2008 and 2009 showed that the introduced snail population had declined to 5,569 (± 3,630) and 6,871 (±5,379), respectively. Previous studies showed that the introduced snails were selective over other invertebrate prey items. We suggest that predation by the endemic skink has been an important causal factor behind the snail population decline

Possible control of introduced giant African land snails (Achatina spp.) by the reintroduced endemic skink Leiolopisma telfairii, Ile aux Aigrettes, Mauritius

The giant African land snail (Achatina fulica) is one of the world’s worst invasive species, out‐competing endemic snails, consuming native vegetation and potentially altering nutrient cycles. Attempts to eradicate the snail from islands have only been successful with incipient populations. We present correlative evidence that native island predators may act as an effective control agent for the snail. In 2000 a population of between 37,300 and 45,100 African land snails was estimated on the 26ha nature reserve island of Ile aux Aigrette, Mauritius. Between 2006 and 2007, 260 endemic Telfair’s skink Leiolopisma telfairii were reintroduced to the reserve. Snail population surveys in 2008 and 2009 showed that the introduced snail population had declined to 5,569 (± 3,630) and 6,871 (±5,379), respectively. Previous studies showed that the introduced snails were selective over other invertebrate prey items. We suggest that predation by the endemic skink has been an important causal factor behind the snail population decline

Isolation and characterisation of Mauritius lowland day gecko Phelsuma guimbeaui microsatellite loci

We isolated 315 sequences from a Phelsuma guimbeaui microsatellite-enriched genomic library. Primer sets were designed for 44 loci and used to genotype 29 unrelated individuals belonging to a population in the west of Mauritius. All the loci were polymorphic and the number of alleles ranged from 6 to 34. Mean observed and expected heterozygosity varied from 0.29 to 1.00 and 0.48 to 0.97, respectively. Thirteen loci displayed evidence of deviation from Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium, of which 11 also had an estimated null allele frequency ?10 %. The microsatellite loci will be used to evaluate the population structure and genetic diversity of P. guimbeaui in Mauritius

Location and assignment to genetic clusters of ten subpopulations of <i>Phelsuma guimbeaui</i>.

<p><b>a</b> Subpopulations used for the microsatellite analyses. Colours in the pie charts indicate the proportion of genetic clusters identified using STRUCTURE 2.3.2. The three subpopulations only used for mtDNA analyses (L11, L12 and L13) are also shown in <a href="http://www.plosone.org/article/info:doi/10.1371/journal.pone.0093387#pone-0093387-g002" target="_blank">Figure 2a</a>; subpopulations marked with an asterisk are in the Black River mountains. <b>b</b> Bar plots showing the genetic identity of individual samples generated using STRUCTURE 2.3.2. <b>c</b> Bar plot output from TESS with each subpopulation's labelling assignment (%) from GENECLASS2 shown below. The box gives details of each subpopulation (Subpop): vegetation (Veg) was classified as exotic campeche forest (C), exotic eucalyptus forest (E), exotic mango orchard (M), native forest (N) and exotic terminalia forest (T); size is the area (km²) occupied by each subpopulation.</p