Showing papers in "Oryx in 1988"
TL;DR: A 15-month study of the mandrill in Gabon and discovered that it was not as widely distributed as had been believed as mentioned in this paper, leading to the need for appropriate conservation measures.
Abstract: Little is known about the mandrill Mandrillus sphinx in the wild. It is an elusive primate and thus difficult to study in its rain-forest habitat in equatorial Africa. As human pressure on its habitat grows it has become increasingly urgent to discover more about the species so that appropriate conservation measures can be planned. The author made a 15-month study of the mandrill in Gabon and discovered that it was not as widely distributed as had been believed. Although it is threatened by hunting pressure and habitat disruption, populations still remain and five reserves protect some of these.
68 citations
TL;DR: Proboscis monkeys, endemic to the island of Borneo, are declining in Sarawak and their mangrove and peat swamp forest habitats are being degraded or destroyed as discussed by the authors.
Abstract: Proboscis monkeys, endemic to the island of Borneo, are declining in Sarawak. Their mangrove and peat swamp forest habitats are being degraded or destroyed and people continue to hunt them despite their protected status. Surveys between 1984 and 1986 established the status of this monkey and its habitats in this Malaysian state. The author who participated in the surveys, receiving some financial support from the Oryx 100% Fund, discusses the results and makes recommendations for future conservation action.
66 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors discuss Suriname's plans to extend its already excellent network of protected areas and proposals to amend the hunting regulations and consider the country's eight monkey species, whose status can be regarded as indicative of that of the rest of the wildlife.
Abstract: Suriname is a small country, but it still has large tracts of undisturbed forests and rich wildlife. The authors discuss Suriname's plans to extend its already excellent network of protected areas and proposals to amend the hunting regulations. They also consider the country's eight monkey species, whose status can be regarded as indicative of that of the rest of the country's wildlife.
53 citations
TL;DR: Sierra Leone's surveys in 1986–1987 showed that manatees are still widely distributed in coastal districts of the country, but that they are being regularly caught in some places, at levels that may not be sustainable.
Abstract: West African manatees are believed to be declining over much of their range, including in Sierra Leone. They are nominally protected there, but they are traditionally caught and eaten because of their delicious meat and also because they are considered as pests by rice growers and fishermen. The authors' surveys in 1986–1987 showed that manatees are still widely distributed in coastal districts of the country, but that they are being regularly caught in some places, at levels that may not be sustainable. Much more needs to be known to guide appropriate action to ensure that the manatee remains a part of Sierra Leone's wildlife. It is encouraging that one of the authors has begun, under the government Fisheries Division, to implement a manatee research programme.
31 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors conducted a survey in Xinjiang to assess China's high-altitude wildlife resources and found that one area has the potential to become one of the best refuges for the snow leopard in its entire range.
Abstract: Snow leopards live in the mountains of Central Asia, their range stretching from Afghanistan to Lake Baikal and eastern Tibet. They are endangered throughout their range, being hunted as predators of man's livestock and for their skin. Much of the snow leopard's range lies in China, but not enough is known about its status there for effective conservation. As part of a project to assess China's high-altitude wildlife resources the authors conducted a survey in Xinjiang—a vast arid region of deserts and mountains. Although the snow leopard and other wildlife have declined steeply in Xinjiang in recent decades, the cat still persists and one area has the potential to become one of the best refuges for the species in its entire range. Its future in Xinjiang, however, depends on well-protected reserves, enforcement of regulations against killing the animal, and proper management of the prey species.
26 citations
TL;DR: There has never been a thorough survey of Taiwan's clouded leopard population, and some believe it may no longer survive there, and the last reported sighting of the species was in 1983.
Abstract: There has never been a thorough survey of Taiwan's clouded leopard population, and some believe it may no longer survive there. The author conducted a preliminary survey in 1986 and discovered that the last reported sighting of the species was in 1983.
23 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors present the scanty information on the distribution of clouded leopard in Sumatra and stress the urgent need for a survey to establish the whereabouts of viable populations.
Abstract: Few people see the clouded leopard, and its elusiveness makes it a difficult subject for scientific study. In Sumatra, there has been no serious research on the species, and the authors present the scanty information on its distribution there and stress the urgent need for a survey to establish the whereabouts of viable populations.
22 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors have rated the species according to their conservation needs using a method based on one developed for identifying conservation priorities for African primates and compared their results with those of the Asian Action Plan for Primates and makes recommendations for conservation action in India.
Abstract: Many of India's primates are threatened, especially by forest destruction, and in some areas they are also hunted for food. The 15 species involved are not threatened equally—some are widespread and common, even in the hearts of cities, while others survive only in small populations over a limited area. In order to make best use of the limited resources available for primate conservation it is necessary to identify those species needing urgent attention. The author, who is at present carrying out research on the primates of Assam, has rated the species according to their conservation needs using a method based on one developed for identifying conservation priorities for African primates. He compares his results with those of the Asian Action Plan for Primates and makes recommendations for conservation action in India.
22 citations
TL;DR: Palawan is one of the last relatively undeveloped islands in the Philippines and has extensive forest cover, and is of considerable conservation importance as discussed by the authors, however, the remaining forests are disappearing fast in the face of rapid population growth and uncontrolled logging.
Abstract: Palawan is one of the last relatively undeveloped islands in the Philippines. It still has extensive forest cover, and is of considerable conservation importance. However, the remaining forests are disappearing fast in the face of rapid population growth and uncontrolled logging. The authors visited the island to carry out ecological fieldwork in 1984. Here they report on threats to the forests, and discuss the prospects for sustainable development on Palawan.
15 citations
TL;DR: A team of nine British biologists, three doctors, two Malagasy palaeontologists, an entomologist and a botanist spent the end of the 1986 dry season (mid-August to mid-October) producing the first catalogue of the fauna and flora of the Ankarana Massif as discussed by the authors.
Abstract: Over the centuries the Ankarana Massif has been home to at least 12 lemur species, reflecting the incredible ecological wealth and diversity of this small forest reserve. Yet almost no systematic biological work had been done there, until the Southampton University team (supported by the Oryx 100% Fund) visited Ankarana in 1981. Oryx published a report of this expedition in January 1987. A new team of nine British biologist–cavers, three doctors, two Malagasy palaeontologists, an entomologist and a botanist spent the end of the 1986 dry season (mid–August to mid–October) producing the first catalogue of the fauna and flora. The team rediscovered the rare white-breasted mesite, an endemic bird last seen at Ankarana in 1931 and known from only two other small areas in Madagascar; special efforts were also made to assess the conservation status of lemurs, bats and the Nile crocodiles, which have refuges there.
13 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors suggest that semen preservation should be reconsidered as a practical means of preserving the genetic diversity currently contained within captive stocks of wild animals and suggest that serious consideration should now be given to the establishment of banks of genetic material from rare and endangered species.
Abstract: This article proposes that serious consideration should now be given to the establishment of banks of genetic material from rare and endangered species. In the light of advances in the technology associated with semen assessment and preservation, the limitations that have so far discouraged the practice of semen freezing and banking can now be minimized and circumvented. The authors review these developments and suggest that semen preservation should be reconsidered as a practical means of preserving the genetic diversity currently contained within captive stocks of wild animals.
TL;DR: Urgent action is required to remove the introduced species from Assumption, not only to protect Aldabra, but also to pave the way for conservation efforts on Assumption itself.
Abstract: When the Indian Ocean atoll of Aldabra was added to the World Heritage List in 1982 it concluded 20 years of conservation effort to gain international recognition of its scientific importance. Its native wildlife, which is still remarkably intact, is, however, under threat. Only 27 km away, on Assumption Island, introduced bird species have established and are breeding. The author made a survey in October 1986 and among his findings was the particularly alarming discovery of a large population of red-whiskered bulbuls Pycnonotus jocosus, a nest predator of small passerines. Urgent action is required to remove the introduced species from Assumption, not only to protect Aldabra, but also to pave the way for conservation efforts on Assumption itself.
TL;DR: The captive population is now increasing rapidly and has the potential to provide reasonable numbers of animals for reintroduction programmes without jeopardizing the maintenance of the population that serves as an ex-situ gene pool nucleus.
Abstract: Efforts are under way to re-establish free-living populations of Przewalski's horse Equus przewalskii from zoo-bred individuals. The time is opportune to begin such initiatives as there are more than 660 individuals dispersed in over 70 zoological collections. In addition, the captive population is now increasing rapidly and has the potential to provide reasonable numbers of animals for reintroduction programmes without jeopardizing the maintenance of the population that serves as an ex-situ gene pool nucleus.
TL;DR: The author, who worked as a naturalist guide and biologist on the Tambopata Reserve Zone in 1984, 1985 and 1986, discusses the importance of this enterprise.
Abstract: The Tambopata Reserve Zone covers 55 sq km of tropical rain forest bordering the Tambopata River, a tributary of the upper Amazon. Set up by the Peruvian Government in 1977 to conserve an unusually diverse wildlife community, the reserve has already established a variety of world records for species numbers in vertebrate and invertebrate groups. It also protects a number of threatened species. The fact that the reserve exists at all is largely due to the implementation of a policy that has successfully integrated its conservation objectives with its commercial interests and applied science activities. The author, who worked as a naturalist guide and biologist on the reserve in 1984,1985 and 1986, discusses the importance of this enterprise.
TL;DR: In a two-year exploration of the evergreen forests of the country conducted for the Forestry Department, the authors surveyed the distribution and status of the flora and fauna, and identified threats to the survival of the rarer taxa.
Abstract: Malawi has a large number of isolated highland forests on either side of the Rift Valley. While those in the north do not at present suffer from serious degradation, in the south several have been much encroached upon for fuel wood and land for cultivation. As a result localized birds, reptiles, butterflies and plant species are threatened. In a two-year exploration of the evergreen forests of the country conducted for the Forestry Department, the authors surveyed the distribution and status of the flora and fauna, and identified threats to the survival of the rarer taxa.
TL;DR: A major extinction spasm is under way, threatening to eliminate millions of species as mentioned in this paper. But there is still much we can do to contain the scale of extinctions, and the scope for an expansive effort to limit the phenomenon, and to save species in their millions.
Abstract: A major extinction spasm is under way, threatening to eliminate millions of species. Fortunately we still have time—although only just—to slow and stem the tide of extinctions that is washing over earth's biotas. We cannot stop the mass extinction altogether; the processes of broad-scale habitat depletion have generated too much momentum to be halted overnight. But there is still much we can do to contain the scale of extinctions. In short, the prospect of a broad-scope depletion of earth's biodiversity is all too real: a profound problem. All too real also is the scope for an expansive effort to limit the phenomenon, and to save species in their millions: a splendid opportunity.
TL;DR: The author lived in the Mt Apo National Park in the Philippines while working on the Philippine Eagle Conservation Programme, witnessing the problems first-hand and believing they could be overcome.
Abstract: In 1984 international attention was focused on Mt Apo National Park in the Philippines when the IUCN declared it one of the world's most threatened protected natural areas. Human settlements had destroyed large areas of the park and in 1983 the Philippine Government reclassified over half of the park for agricultural development, although this was revoked in 1986. The author lived in the park while working on the Philippine Eagle Conservation Programme, witnessing the problems first-hand. He describes the park and the problems it faces, which he believes could be overcome.
TL;DR: The author describes the results of the first detailed ecological survey of the black snub-nosed monkey Rhinopithecus bieti, which he describes as "the most threatened monkey in the world".
Abstract: The black snub-nosed monkey Rhinopithecus bieti is facing extinction. Although some work has been done on the other Chinese snub-nosed monkeys, R. roxellanae and R. brelichi , very little is known about R. bieti . The author describes the results of the first detailed ecological survey of this species.
TL;DR: The few remaining forests where the Sichuan hill-partridge lives are all being logged as mentioned in this paper, and the authors say a reserve should be set aside for the partridge before it is too late; such action could save not only this species but others of restricted ranges, which also live in the same broad-leaved forests.
Abstract: The few remaining forests where the Sichuan hill-partridge lives are all being logged. This species, with its very restricted range, is one of China's most endangered birds and yet it has no protection at all. The authors say a reserve should be set aside for the partridge before it is too late; such action could save not only this species but others of restricted ranges, which also live in the same broad-leaved forests.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors proposed a different approach, one that would concentrate on controlling sleeping sickness in humans, and on conserving the indigenous vegetation and fauna in a part of northern Zambia where sleeping sickness is endemic.
Abstract: Tsetse eradication and control programmes are often carried out in order that cattle can be introduced into the cleared area. The resultant destruction to habitats and wildlife can be considerable, and the majority of Africa's human population does not benefit from increased beef production. The authors say that we need a different approach, one that would concentrate on controlling sleeping sickness in humans, and on conserving the indigenous vegetation and fauna. They illustrate their approach by describing what could be done in a part of northern Zambia where sleeping sickness is endemic.
TL;DR: In this paper, the author has identified one candidate, Dihaila Jheel in Madhya Pradesh state, and exciting new initiatives are now being taken to protect and manage it with a view to recommending it as a Ramsar site.
Abstract: Wetland and waterfowl protection has become a major concern of the Indian Government recently. Among the 300 or so wildlife sanctuaries and national parks in India, wetland habitat is under-represented. There are nearly 20 bird sanctuaries, but only two wetlands—Bharatpur and Chilka—are listed under the Convention on Wetlands of International Importance especially as Waterfowl Habitat (Ramsar Convention). There is certainly great scope to add more sites to the Ramsar list of wetlands. The author has identified one candidate—Dihaila Jheel in Madhya Pradesh state—and exciting new initiatives are now being taken to protect and manage it with a view to recommending it as a Ramsar site.
TL;DR: The ghor-khar is a rare subspecies of onager, or Asiatic wild ass, and its habits are little known, and the authors made four visits to Gujarat to study wild asses between 1984 and 1986.
Abstract: The ghor-khar is a rare subspecies of onager, or Asiatic wild ass, and its habits are little known. The only known wild population inhabits the Little Rann of Kutch Desert in Gujarat State in western India and, after its numbers fell dramatically in the 1960s, it was declared a protected species. Conservation measures, including the establishment of a Wild Ass Sanctuary in 1973, have been so successful that the most recent census, in 1983, recorded nearly 2000 individuals, compared with 362 in 1967. The authors made four visits to Gujarat to study wild asses between 1984 and 1986.