Occupancy and habitat use by six species of forest ungulates on Tiwai Island, Sierra Leone

Forest ungulates in West Africa are common bushmeat species and are subject to habitat degradation through deforestation. Based on historical data, there are possibly 12 species of forest Bovidae and Tragulidae found in eastern Sierra Leone. We used camera trapping to assess occupancy by forest ungulates on and around a small protected area, Tiwai Island, Sierra Leone. We then assessed habitat over two field seasons during 2008–2011 for those species where we had sufficient numbers of detections. We detected 6 of 12 potential species and obtained enough data to further assess the habitat of two species. Species detected included the black duiker (Cephalophus niger), bongo (Tragelaphus eurycerus), bushbuck (Tragelaphus scriptus), Maxwell’s duiker (Philantomba maxwellii), water chevrotain (Hyemoschus aquaticus) and yellow-backed duiker (Cephalophus silvicultor). Among detected species, the bongo is considered near threatened. Several of the species not detected might be extirpated from the region, but for several species we found no records of them in the area. For the two species with sufficient detections for analysis, we found that Maxwell’s duikers were common throughout woody and swamp habitat and yellow-backed duikers preferred old growth forests with open understory. Despite widespread deforestation in Sierra Leone, a recent civil war and continued bushmeat trade, it appears that small wildlife refuges such as Tiwai Island continue to provide sanctuary for many of the forest ungulates of the region. Conservation implications: The Guinea Rainforest ecosystem of West Africa has undergone significant human impact and deforestation, negatively impacting all aspects of the biodiversity of the region. In addition, a long-standing civil war in Sierra Leone further exacerbated conservation concerns of many wildlife species. There are some recognised reserves in Sierra Leone, but small reserves managed by local people and conservation organisations have a role to play. Our work on Tiwai Island, along the Moa River in Sierra Leone, demonstrated that a significant proportion of the forest dwelling ungulate biodiversity of the region has been maintained in a small reserve despite isolation and effects of the war. Our work also suggests that Tiwai Island continues to have significant ecological value for ungulate conservation in the region and should be considered a model for establishment of other small reserves to help maintain the region’s biodiversity

Kori Bustards (\u3ci\u3eArdeotis kori\u3c/i\u3e) respond to vegetation density and elevation in the Northern Tuli Game Reserve, Botswana L\u27abondance de l\u27Outarde kori (\u3ci\u3eArdeotis kori\u3c/i\u3e) varie selon la végétation et l\u27élévation dans la réserve de chasse de Northern Tuli, Botswana

Conservation planning and decision making for species of concern requires precise information on abundance and habitat associations. We conducted transect surveys throughout the Northern Tuli Game Reserve, Botswana during June–July 2014 and May– July 2015 to estimate the occupancy and abundance of Kori Bustards (Ardeotis kori). The probability of occupancy of Kori Bustards was greater in areas with tree canopy cover ≤ 50% (ψ2014 = 0.37, SE ± 0.09; ψ2015 = 0.39, SE ± 0.06) when compared with areas with tree canopy cover \u3e 50% (ψ2014 = 0.00, SE ± 0.00; ψ2015 = 0.00, SE ± 0.00). Densities of Kori Bustards ranged from 0.03–5.02 individuals/km² at our study sites. They showed annual variation, and densities were highest in areas where vegetation was classified as sparse or bare soil. Areas at low (≤ 540 m above sea level) and high (≥ 540 m above sea level) elevations at our study sites also exhibited differences in density of Kori Bustards but elevational differences varied among years. Areas categorized as both sparse vegetation and higher elevation had the highest estimated densities in 2014 with 5.02 individuals/km². Areas categorized as sparse vegetation and lower elevation had the highest densities in 2015 with 2.20 individuals/km². Our study demonstrates that areas of sparse vegetation and open canopy areas are important to Kori Bustards. However, open canopy areas outside of reserves may be at risk of conversion to row crop and other forms of agriculture as human populations and demands for food increase. Habitat-specific information will be useful for future studies to identify risks during landscape conservation planning within the range of the Kori Bustard. La planification de la conservation et la prise de décisions pour les espèces préoccupantes requièrent des données précises sur leur abondance et leurs associations avec l\u27habitat. Nous avons effectué des relevés par transects dans la réserve de chasse de Northern Tuli, au Botswana, en juin-juillet 2014 et mai-juillet 2015, afin de déterminer l\u27occurrence et la densité d\u27Outardes kori (Ardeotis kori). La probabilité d\u27occurrence des outardes était supérieure dans les endroits où la voûte forestière couvrait ≤ 50 % (ψ2014 = 0,37, écarttype ± 0,09; ψ2015 = 0,39, écart-type ± 0,06) comparativement aux endroits où la voûte couvrait \u3e 50 % (ψ2014 = 0,00, écart-type ± 0,00; ψ2015 = 0,00, écart-type ± 0,00). Les densités de cette outarde s\u27élevaient de 0,03 à 5,02 individus/km² dans nos sites d\u27étude. Les densités montraient des variations annuelles et étaient plus élevées dans les endroits où la végétation était classée comme « éparse » ou « sol nu ». Les densités ont aussi différé selon les endroits de basse (≤ 540 m au-dessus du niveau de la mer) ou de haute (≥ 540 m ASL) élévation dans nos sites d\u27étude, et ces différences ont varié entre les années. Les endroits classés à la fois comme de végétation éparse et de haute élévation ont hébergé les densités les plus élevées en 2014, soit 5,02 individus/km². Les endroits classés à la fois comme de végétation éparse et de basse élévation ont hébergé les densités les plus élevées en 2015, soit 2,20 individus/km². Notre étude indique que les endroits de végétation éparse et ceux où la voûte est ouverte sont importants pour les Outardes kori. Toutefois, les endroits où la voûte forestière est ouverte à l\u27extérieur des réserves risquent peut-être d\u27être affectés à la culture en rangs ou à d\u27autres formes d\u27agriculture considérant que la population humaine et la demande alimentaire augmentent. Les données relatives à l\u27habitat seront utiles pour les éventuelles recherches visant à identifier les risques au moment de la planification de la conservation du paysage dans l\u27aire de répartition de l\u27Outarde kori

Occupancy and habitat use by six species of forest ungulates on Tiwai Island, Sierra Leone

Forest ungulates in West Africa are common bushmeat species and are subject to habitat degradation through deforestation. Based on historical data, there are possibly 12 species of forest Bovidae and Tragulidae found in eastern Sierra Leone. We used camera trapping to assess occupancy by forest ungulates on and around a small protected area, Tiwai Island, Sierra Leone. We then assessed habitat over two field seasons during 2008–2011 for those species where we had sufficient numbers of detections. We detected 6 of 12 potential species and obtained enough data to further assess the habitat of two species. Species detected included the black duiker (Cephalophus niger), bongo (Tragelaphus eurycerus), bushbuck (Tragelaphus scriptus), Maxwell’s duiker (Philantomba maxwellii), water chevrotain (Hyemoschus aquaticus) and yellow-backed duiker (Cephalophus silvicultor). Among detected species, the bongo is considered near threatened. Several of the species not detected might be extirpated from the region, but for several species we found no records of them in the area. For the two species with sufficient detections for analysis, we found that Maxwell’s duikers were common throughout woody and swamp habitat and yellow-backed duikers preferred old growth forests with open understory. Despite widespread deforestation in Sierra Leone, a recent civil war and continued bushmeat trade, it appears that small wildlife refuges such as Tiwai Island continue to provide sanctuary for many of the forest ungulates of the region. Conservation implications: The Guinea Rainforest ecosystem of West Africa has undergone significant human impact and deforestation, negatively impacting all aspects of the biodiversity of the region. In addition, a long-standing civil war in Sierra Leone further exacerbated conservation concerns of many wildlife species. There are some recognised reserves in Sierra Leone, but small reserves managed by local people and conservation organisations have a role to play. Our work on Tiwai Island, along the Moa River in Sierra Leone, demonstrated that a significant proportion of the forest dwelling ungulate biodiversity of the region has been maintained in a small reserve despite isolation and effects of the war. Our work also suggests that Tiwai Island continues to have significant ecological value for ungulate conservation in the region and should be considered a model for establishment of other small reserves to help maintain the region’s biodiversity

Finishing the euchromatic sequence of the human genome

The sequence of the human genome encodes the genetic instructions for human physiology, as well as rich information about human evolution. In 2001, the International Human Genome Sequencing Consortium reported a draft sequence of the euchromatic portion of the human genome. Since then, the international collaboration has worked to convert this draft into a genome sequence with high accuracy and nearly complete coverage. Here, we report the result of this finishing process. The current genome sequence (Build 35) contains 2.85 billion nucleotides interrupted by only 341 gaps. It covers ∼99% of the euchromatic genome and is accurate to an error rate of ∼1 event per 100,000 bases. Many of the remaining euchromatic gaps are associated with segmental duplications and will require focused work with new methods. The near-complete sequence, the first for a vertebrate, greatly improves the precision of biological analyses of the human genome including studies of gene number, birth and death. Notably, the human enome seems to encode only 20,000-25,000 protein-coding genes. The genome sequence reported here should serve as a firm foundation for biomedical research in the decades ahead

A História da Alimentação: balizas historiográficas

Os M. pretenderam traçar um quadro da História da Alimentação, não como um novo ramo epistemológico da disciplina, mas como um campo em desenvolvimento de práticas e atividades especializadas, incluindo pesquisa, formação, publicações, associações, encontros acadêmicos, etc. Um breve relato das condições em que tal campo se assentou faz-se preceder de um panorama dos estudos de alimentação e temas correia tos, em geral, segundo cinco abardagens Ia biológica, a econômica, a social, a cultural e a filosófica!, assim como da identificação das contribuições mais relevantes da Antropologia, Arqueologia, Sociologia e Geografia. A fim de comentar a multiforme e volumosa bibliografia histórica, foi ela organizada segundo critérios morfológicos. A seguir, alguns tópicos importantes mereceram tratamento à parte: a fome, o alimento e o domínio religioso, as descobertas européias e a difusão mundial de alimentos, gosto e gastronomia. O artigo se encerra com um rápido balanço crítico da historiografia brasileira sobre o tema

Occupancy Analysis and Density Estimation of Kori Bustards (\u3ci\u3eArdeotis kori\u3c/i\u3e) and Helmeted Guineafowl (\u3ci\u3eNumida meleagris\u3c/i\u3e) for Use in Landscape Conservation Planning in the Northern Tuli Game Reserve, Botswana

For understudied species, more informed conservation planning and decision-making on both the local and landscape levels may be attained through the use of occupancy and abundance estimations. Here, we focus on two iconic bird species in eastern Botswana, kori bustards (Ardeotis kori) and helmeted guineafowl (Numida meleagris). The overall goal of this project was to better understand the hierarchy of factors that influence occupancy (ψ) and density of kori bustard and helmeted guineafowl populations within the Northern Tuli Game Reserve and how these factors may interact to affect landscape conservation and usage. We performed distance sampling for both species over two field seasons throughout the Northern Tuli Game Reserve, Botswana during June 2014-July 2014 and May 2015-July 2015. We found that kori bustard probability of occupancy was influenced by open canopies (ψ2014open=0.373, SE±0.086; ψ2015open=0.392, SE±0.061) when compared to closed canopies (ψ2014closed=0.000, SE±0.000; ψ2015closed=0.000, SE±0.000). Kori bustard densities were highest in 2014 in areas of sparse vegetation at higher elevations with 5.02 individuals/km2 (95% confidence interval: 1.04 – 24.2 individuals) and lowest in areas of dense vegetation at upper elevation with 0.02 individuals/km2 (95% confidence interval: 0.005 – 0.140 individuals). In 2015 highest densities were found in areas of sparse vegetation at lower elevations with 2.20 individuals/km2 (95% confidence interval: 1.73 – 2.80 individuals) and lowest in areas of sparse vegetation at upper elevations with 0.130 individuals/km2 (95% confidence interval: 0.071 – 0.239 individuals). Helmeted guineafowl occupancy was most influenced by dense vegetation (ψ2014dense =0.800, SE±0.103; ψ2015dense =0.752, SE±0.116) and closed canopy (ψ2014closed=0.857, SE±0.132; ψ2015closed=0.755, SE±0.181), with some influence by lower elevations (ψ2014lower=0.514, SE±0.084; ψ2015lower=0.637, SE±0.082) when compared to sparse vegetation (ψ2014sparse=0.405, SE±0.065; ψ2015sparse=0.436, SE±0.067), open canopy (ψ2014open=0.448, SE±0.061; ψ2015open=0.477, SE±0.064) and upper elevations (ψ2014upper=0.462, SE±0.082; ψ2015upper=0.367, SE±0.082). In 2014, helmeted guineafowl were found at highest densities in areas of sparse vegetation at lower elevations with 828 individuals/km2 (95% confidence interval: 564 – 1217 individuals) and lowest densities in areas of sparse vegetation at upper elevations 49.1 individuals/km2 (95% confidence interval: 30.9 – 78.1 individuals). In 2015, helmeted guineafowl were found at highest densities in areas of dense vegetation at higher elevations with 2,085 individuals/km2 (95% confidence interval: 905 – 4803) and at lowest densities in areas of sparse vegetation at upper elevations with 38.9 individuals/km2 (95% confidence interval: 23.81 – 63.81 individuals). By determining which habitat and landscape factors influence kori bustard and helmeted guineafowl density and occupancy we will be able to make more informed decisions to aid in the conservation of both species and species that utilize the same types of habitats and resources. We discuss how using these data for landscape conservation planning could have a positive impact on the future of the study site and surrounding area. Habitat-specific information may identify risks during landscape conservation planning within the range of the kori bustard and helmeted guineafowl. Advisors: John P. Carroll and Larkin A. Powel

Greater prairie-chickens and sharp-tailed grouse have similarly high nest survival in the Nebraska Sandhills

The ranges of two native galliform species overlap in the Nebraska Sandhills, the largest contiguous grassland in North America. We monitored nests of greater prairie-chickens (Tympanuchus cupido) and sharp-tailed grouse (Tympanuchus phasianellus) in Cherry County, Nebraska, in 2015 and 2016. Our objectives were to 1) compare daily probability of nest survival between species, 2) evaluate vegetation structure at nests for potential effects on nest survival, 3) compare nest site topography between species, and 4) use a simple model of breeding season success to evaluate the potential for stable populations at our study sites. We captured and radiomarked 87 birds, and we monitored nests for known fate analyses of survival. The two species did not vary in daily nest survival (pooled DNS = 0.9667, SE = 0.0085), and pooled probability of nest success (24-day) was high (0.4436). Sharp-tailed grouse used nest sites with taller vegetation and nested lower on slopes than greater prairie-chickens, but survival did not vary with vegetation structure. Our modeling suggested that grouse in the Sandhills region have high potential for stable populations with the level of productivity documented in our study

Occupancy and habitat use by six species of forest ungulates on Tiwai Island, Sierra Leone

Forest ungulates in West Africa are common bushmeat species and are subject to habitat degradation through deforestation. Based on historical data, there are possibly 12 species of forest Bovidae and Tragulidae found in eastern Sierra Leone. We used camera trapping to assess occupancy by forest ungulates on and around a small protected area, Tiwai Island, Sierra Leone. We then assessed habitat over two field seasons during 2008–2011 for those species where we had sufficient numbers of detections. We detected 6 of 12 potential species and obtained enough data to further assess the habitat of two species. Species detected included the black duiker (Cephalophus niger), bongo (Tragelaphus eurycerus), bushbuck (Tragelaphus scriptus), Maxwell’s duiker (Philantomba maxwellii), water chevrotain (Hyemoschus aquaticus) and yellow-backed duiker (Cephalophus silvicultor). Among detected species, the bongo is considered near threatened. Several of the species not detected might be extirpated from the region, but for several species we found no records of them in the area. For the two species with sufficient detections for analysis, we found that Maxwell’s duikers were common throughout woody and swamp habitat and yellow-backed duikers preferred old growth forests with open understory. Despite widespread deforestation in Sierra Leone, a recent civil war and continued bushmeat trade, it appears that small wildlife refuges such as Tiwai Island continue to provide sanctuary for many of the forest ungulates of the region. Conservation implications: The Guinea Rainforest ecosystem of West Africa has undergone significant human impact and deforestation, negatively impacting all aspects of the biodiversity of the region. In addition, a long-standing civil war in Sierra Leone further exacerbated conservation concerns of many wildlife species. There are some recognised reserves in Sierra Leone, but small reserves managed by local people and conservation organisations have a role to play. Our work on Tiwai Island, along the Moa River in Sierra Leone, demonstrated that a significant proportion of the forest dwelling ungulate biodiversity of the region has been maintained in a small reserve despite isolation and effects of the war. Our work also suggests that Tiwai Island continues to have significant ecological value for ungulate conservation in the region and should be considered a model for establishment of other small reserves to help maintain the region’s biodiversity

Kori Bustards (\u3ci\u3eArdeotis kori\u3c/i\u3e) respond to vegetation density and elevation in the Northern Tuli Game Reserve, Botswana L\u27abondance de l\u27Outarde kori (\u3ci\u3eArdeotis kori\u3c/i\u3e) varie selon la végétation et l\u27élévation dans la réserve de chasse de Northern Tuli, Botswana

Conservation planning and decision making for species of concern requires precise information on abundance and habitat associations. We conducted transect surveys throughout the Northern Tuli Game Reserve, Botswana during June–July 2014 and May– July 2015 to estimate the occupancy and abundance of Kori Bustards (Ardeotis kori). The probability of occupancy of Kori Bustards was greater in areas with tree canopy cover ≤ 50% (ψ2014 = 0.37, SE ± 0.09; ψ2015 = 0.39, SE ± 0.06) when compared with areas with tree canopy cover \u3e 50% (ψ2014 = 0.00, SE ± 0.00; ψ2015 = 0.00, SE ± 0.00). Densities of Kori Bustards ranged from 0.03–5.02 individuals/km² at our study sites. They showed annual variation, and densities were highest in areas where vegetation was classified as sparse or bare soil. Areas at low (≤ 540 m above sea level) and high (≥ 540 m above sea level) elevations at our study sites also exhibited differences in density of Kori Bustards but elevational differences varied among years. Areas categorized as both sparse vegetation and higher elevation had the highest estimated densities in 2014 with 5.02 individuals/km². Areas categorized as sparse vegetation and lower elevation had the highest densities in 2015 with 2.20 individuals/km². Our study demonstrates that areas of sparse vegetation and open canopy areas are important to Kori Bustards. However, open canopy areas outside of reserves may be at risk of conversion to row crop and other forms of agriculture as human populations and demands for food increase. Habitat-specific information will be useful for future studies to identify risks during landscape conservation planning within the range of the Kori Bustard. La planification de la conservation et la prise de décisions pour les espèces préoccupantes requièrent des données précises sur leur abondance et leurs associations avec l\u27habitat. Nous avons effectué des relevés par transects dans la réserve de chasse de Northern Tuli, au Botswana, en juin-juillet 2014 et mai-juillet 2015, afin de déterminer l\u27occurrence et la densité d\u27Outardes kori (Ardeotis kori). La probabilité d\u27occurrence des outardes était supérieure dans les endroits où la voûte forestière couvrait ≤ 50 % (ψ2014 = 0,37, écarttype ± 0,09; ψ2015 = 0,39, écart-type ± 0,06) comparativement aux endroits où la voûte couvrait \u3e 50 % (ψ2014 = 0,00, écart-type ± 0,00; ψ2015 = 0,00, écart-type ± 0,00). Les densités de cette outarde s\u27élevaient de 0,03 à 5,02 individus/km² dans nos sites d\u27étude. Les densités montraient des variations annuelles et étaient plus élevées dans les endroits où la végétation était classée comme « éparse » ou « sol nu ». Les densités ont aussi différé selon les endroits de basse (≤ 540 m au-dessus du niveau de la mer) ou de haute (≥ 540 m ASL) élévation dans nos sites d\u27étude, et ces différences ont varié entre les années. Les endroits classés à la fois comme de végétation éparse et de haute élévation ont hébergé les densités les plus élevées en 2014, soit 5,02 individus/km². Les endroits classés à la fois comme de végétation éparse et de basse élévation ont hébergé les densités les plus élevées en 2015, soit 2,20 individus/km². Notre étude indique que les endroits de végétation éparse et ceux où la voûte est ouverte sont importants pour les Outardes kori. Toutefois, les endroits où la voûte forestière est ouverte à l\u27extérieur des réserves risquent peut-être d\u27être affectés à la culture en rangs ou à d\u27autres formes d\u27agriculture considérant que la population humaine et la demande alimentaire augmentent. Les données relatives à l\u27habitat seront utiles pour les éventuelles recherches visant à identifier les risques au moment de la planification de la conservation du paysage dans l\u27aire de répartition de l\u27Outarde kori

Kori Bustards (Ardeotis kori) respond to vegetation density and elevation in the Northern Tuli Game Reserve, Botswana

Conservation planning and decision making for species of concern requires precise information on abundance and habitat associations. We conducted transect surveys throughout the Northern Tuli Game Reserve, Botswana during June-July 2014 and May-July 2015 to estimate the occupancy and abundance of Kori Bustards (Ardeotis kori). The probability of occupancy of Kori Bustards was greater in areas with tree canopy cover ⤠50% (Ï2014 = 0.37, SE ± 0.09; Ï2015 = 0.39, SE ± 0.06) when compared with areas with tree canopy cover > 50% (Ï2014 = 0.00, SE ± 0.00; Ï2015 = 0.00, SE ± 0.00). Densities of Kori Bustards ranged from 0.03-5.02 individuals/km² at our study sites. They showed annual variation, and densities were highest in areas where vegetation was classified as sparse or bare soil. Areas at low (⤠540 m above sea level) and high (⥠540 m above sea level) elevations at our study sites also exhibited differences in density of Kori Bustards but elevational differences varied among years. Areas categorized as both sparse vegetation and higher elevation had the highest estimated densities in 2014 with 5.02 individuals/km². Areas categorized as sparse vegetation and lower elevation had the highest densities in 2015 with 2.20 individuals/km². Our study demonstrates that areas of sparse vegetation and open canopy areas are important to Kori Bustards. However, open canopy areas outside of reserves may be at risk of conversion to row crop and other forms of agriculture as human populations and demands for food increase. Habitat-specific information will be useful for future studies to identify risks during landscape conservation planning within the range of the Kori Bustard