Influences Des Zones Biogéographiques Sur La Diversité Avienne Des Galeries Forestières Au Bénin, Afrique De l’Ouest

This study examined the diversity and ecological distribution of riparian bird species across a climatic gradient in Benin. Riparian bird communities were compared among three climatic zones in Benin Republic from December 2012 to November 2015. The diversity and ecological distribution of riparian bird was examined from a census (inventory) of birds in forests galleries across the three climatic zones in Benin by means of a technique of sampling of limited (punctual) type centred on no listening of 20 minutes in a circular plot of 18 m of beam. A total of 140 species richness belonging to 18 orders and 44 families were recorded across climatic zones. The highest (73) species richness were recorded in Guinean zone, followed by Soudanean zone (70) and Soudano – guinean zones, the lowest (68). Similarly, species diversity was highest in Soudanean zone (H’=5.77 bits) and lowest in Soudano – guinean zone (4,28 bits). But we have a significant difference in species diversity between the study climatic zones, but relative abundance of bird are not differed between zones. Further, diverse bird guilds were recorded varying across the climatic gradients indicating the riparian forest conservation importance. Increasing farmland severs more suitable habitats with dire consequences on the survival of disturbance – sensitive bird species. These researches underpin the need for considering integrated bird conservation strategies and are important for planning local ecotourism activities and to protect riparian forest in Benin

Ethno-zoological use of bee products and by-products east of the W Transboundary Biosphere Reserve in Benin

La présente étude est menée à l’Est du Parc W dans les communes de Malanville, Karimama et Kandi. Elle a pour objectif global de contribuer à une meilleure connaissance des produits et sous-produits des abeilles. L’approche méthodologique utilisée est constituée de la recherche documentaire, des observations directes sur le terrain et des enquêtes ethno-zoologiques. Au total, 204 personnes choisies aléatoirement ont été interviewées dans sept groupes ethniques. Ainsi, les résultats des données ont été analysés grâce à l’application de l’analyse factorielle des correspondances (AFC), de l’analyse de variance et des tests de Kruskall W. et de Mann. Les résultats montrent qu’environ 100% des enquêtés utilisent le miel dans l’alimentation. Selon les résultats des tests utilisés, il n’y a pas de différence significative entre l’usage des produits d’abeilles par groupe ethnique et tranche d’âge. L’analyse sur les deux premiers axes factoriels explique 100% de la relation ’’produits-utilisation’’. Cette étude a permis de découvrir que tous les produits d’abeilles sont d’une grande utilité. Mots clés: Abeilles, produits, réserve transfrontalière, biosphère, BéninThe current study has been carried out in the park W in the communes of Malanville, Karimama and Kandi. Its overall objective is to contribute to a better knowledge of bee products and by-products. The methodological approach used consisted on literature search, direct observations in the field, socio-economic and ethno-zoological surveys. In total, 204 randomly chosen persons belonging to seven ethnic were interviewed. Data obtained was analyses using factorial correspondence analysis (FCA) and Kruskall Wallis and Mann Whitney tests. Results showed that 100% of the people investigated use honey in their diet. There was no significant difference between the use of bee products by ethnic groups and by age groups. The analysis on the first two factorial axis explains 100% of the relationship between bee products and their use. This study allowed us to find that all bees’ products were considered highly usefulness. Keywords: Bee products, cross-border reserves, biosphere, Beni

Protein profiling by MS shows evidence of royal protein pheromones in the cuticle extracts of the termite Reticulitermes flavipes

National audienc

Reproductives signature revealed by protein profiling and behavioral bioassays in termite

Abstract Proteins are known to be social interaction signals in many species in the animal kingdom. Common mediators in mammals and aquatic species, they have seldom been identified as such in insects' behaviors. Yet, they could represent an important component to support social signals in social insects, as the numerous physical contacts between individuals would tend to favor the use of contact compounds in their interactions. However, their role in social interactions is largely unexplored: are they rare or simply underestimated? In this preliminary study, we show that, in the termite Reticulitermes flavipes, polar extracts from reproductives trigger body-shaking of workers (a vibratory behavior involved in reproductives recognition) while extracts from workers do not. Molecular profiling of these cuticular extracts using MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry reveals higher protein diversity in reproductives than in workers and a sex-specific composition exclusive to reproductives. While the effects observed with extracts are not as strong as with live termites, these results open up the intriguing possibility that social signaling may not be limited to cuticular hydrocarbons or other non-polar, volatile chemicals as classically accepted. Our results suggest that polar compounds, in particular some of the Cuticular Protein Compounds (CPCs) shown here by MALDI to be specific to reproductives, could play a significant role in insect societies. While this study is preliminary and further comprehensive molecular characterization is needed to correlate the body-shaking triggering effects with a given set of polar compounds, this exploratory study opens new perspectives for understanding the role of polar compounds such as proteins in caste discrimination, fertility signaling, or interspecific insect communication

Intra-Household Decision-Making On Health And Resource Allocation In

terms of Cooperative Agreement number HRN-A-00-98-00012-00 (FRONTIERS). The opinions expressed herein are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of USAID. Intra-Household Decision-Making On Health And Resource Allocation In Borgou, BéninSUMMARY Bénin, as with many other West African countries, is characterized by high fertility and mortality levels, despite governmental efforts, backed up by the international donor community, to improve the overall health and well being of its population. To crystallize these efforts, the Government of Bénin initiated health sector reforms in 1994. To support this government initiative, USAID has funded the Integrated Family Health Project (PROSAF), which is working with the Departmental Directorate of Health and other partners in Borgou Department, which has the worst health and reproductive health indicators in the country. The African Population and Health Research Centre (APHRC) carried out this study, with support from FRONTIERS and USAID, in order to inform PROSAF about sociocultural factors that can impede health improvements in Borgou. More specifically, the study aims to identify key players in household decision-making processes, map out patterns of health seeking behaviour, elucidate how such patterns are associated with prevailing healt

Diadromous fish modified timing of upstream migration over the last 30 years in France

International audienc