Showing papers in "Oryx in 1993"
TL;DR: A synopsis of the conservation values of these three parks is presented, and the conservation problems and the efforts to help ensure their proper development and long-term viability are described.
Abstract: For many years the Fauna and Flora Preservation Society has supported efforts to conserve forests in the Albertine Rift Afromontane Region of east-central Africa. The biodiversity of these forests is especially high but most have been destroyed or badly degraded. There are a large number of local, national and international initiatives to conserve at least some of the forests that remain. In 1991 Uganda created the Rwenzori Mountains, Mgahinga Gorilla, and Bwindi-Impenetrable National Parks, thus protecting all three of its Albertine Rift montane forests. This paper presents a synopsis of the conservation values of these three parks, and describes the conservation problems and the efforts to help ensure their proper development and long-term viability. Considerable progress towards the conservation of all three areas has already been made and future prospects are good, particularly for the mountain gorilla Gorilla gorilla beringei.
51 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors surveyed tourist shops selling fur and other animal products in Kathmandu, Nepal and found that there was still substantial trade in furs, most of which appeared to have come from India, including furs from species that are protected in India and Nepal.
Abstract: In late December 1991 and January 1992 the authors surveyed tourist shops selling fur and other animal products in Kathmandu, Nepal. Comparing the results with a study conducted 3 years earlier showed that the number of shops had increased, but indirect evidence suggested that the demand for their products may have decreased. There was still substantial trade in furs, most of which appeared to have come from India, including furs from species that are protected in India and Nepal. While both Nepali and Indian conservation legislation are adequate to control the illegal wildlife trade, there are problems in implementation: co-ordination between the two countries, as well as greater law enforcement within each country, are needed
29 citations
TL;DR: Recent studies have revealed that two more introduced plant species - Memecylon floribunda and Clidemia hirta - are significant new threats to native vegetation on Mahe and Silhouette, respectively.
Abstract: The Seychelles are the only high oceanic islands of granitic origin and their native vegetation is thus of considerable botanical interest. In the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries widespread clearance for coconut and cinnamon plantations resulted in native forest being confined mainly to montane areas. Cinnamon has proved to be very invasive in natural forest and a number of other introduced plant species have also been recognized as problematic for some time. Recent studies have revealed that two more introduced plant species - Memecylon floribunda and Clidemia hirta - are significant new threats to native vegetation on Mahe and Silhouette, respectively.
25 citations
TL;DR: The Nazinga Game Ranch as mentioned in this paper provides a refuge for elephants escaping harassment elsewhere but this creates problems for local people whose crops suffer elephant damage, despite the problems, many villagers welcome the proximity of the ranch and its elephants and, while there are still problems to be solved, and funds needed to help solve them, the ranch is an excellent model for conservation action.
Abstract: Nazinga Game Ranch, which was established in 1979 in Burkina Faso and is the only one of its kind in the country, has achieved much success in reconciling wildlife conservation with the needs of local people. The ranch provides a refuge for elephants escaping harassment elsewhere but this creates problems for local people whose crops suffer elephant damage. Despite the problems, many villagers welcome the proximity of the ranch and its elephants and, while there are still problems to be solved – and funds needed to help solve them – the ranch is an excellent model for conservation action.
21 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors discuss the definition of the region and its included mammal fauna and divide the area into six subregions (most with further subdivisions) based on their mammal composition.
Abstract: An introduction discusses the definition of the region and its included mammal fauna and divides the area into six subregions (most with further subdivisions) based on their mammal composition. The processes of assigning available material to a classification in line with current nomenclatural practice are also discussed. In undertaking such a wide ranging review, the authors have tended to accept an existing view where available; nevertheless, it is somewhat surprising that only two new names are proposed and only 14 'original, unpublished or unorthodox' nomenclatural combinations are highlighted.
20 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the status of and threats to three species of threatened primate are identified: white-cheeked gibbon Hylobates leucogenys gabriellae, red-shanked douc langur Pygathrix nemaeus and blackshanked Douc langurus P. nigripes.
Abstract: Vietnam's exceptionally rich fauna is threatened by habitat loss and hunting. Although a system of protected areas has recently been developed, many of the sites selected are subject to human encroachment, hunting pressure and other forms of exploitation. Other protected areas may be too small to hold viable populations of primates. Following faunal surveys of existing and proposed protected areas in Vietnam between 1988 and 1991, this paper documents the status of and identifies threats to three species of threatened primate: white-cheeked gibbon Hylobates leucogenys gabriellae, red-shanked douc langur Pygathrix nemaeus and blackshanked douc langur P. nigripes.
19 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the status of forest-dwelling elephants in central African countries was investigated using a reconnaissance survey of the forests of four Central African countries, namely Gabon, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Equatorial Guinea, and Gabon.
Abstract: Reconnaissance surveys were made of the forests of four central African countries to establish, for the first time, the status of forest-dwelling elephants The results, when combined with information from previous surveys in other countries, provide a picture of the elephant situation in the forest zone, and especially the impact of poaching About one-third of the forest elephant population of central Africa is to be found in Zaire, and about one-third in Gabon The rest are in Cameroon, Central African Republic, Equatorial Guinea, and Congo It is poaching for ivory, rather than the growth of human populations, which threatens the elephants of the equatorial forests
18 citations
TL;DR: It would seem that caimans at their present numbers offer protection to local fish stocks by reducing the efficiency and financial viability of commercial fisheries, which would otherwise rapidly reduce fish yields for local rubber tappers.
Abstract: Rubber tapper communities along the large white-water rivers of central-western Brazilian Amazonia rely heavily on local fish stocks all year round. This subsistence fishing faces severe competition from commercial fishing boats from urban centres, which in some areas have over-fished the economically most important fish species. In the Jurua River and its oxbow lakes, two species of freshwater crocodilians - the black and the spectacled caiman - indirectly benefit subsistence fishermen by disrupting commercial fishing operations. The gill-nets used by commercial fishing boats are often damaged beyond immediate repair by the caimans as they make easy pickings of the catch. This appears to deter over-harvesting of important fish stocks in many sections of the river. In contrast, subsistence fishermen use fishing gear that is rarely damaged by caimans. It would seem that caimans at their present numbers offer protection to local fish stocks by reducing the efficiency and financial viability of commercial fisheries, which would otherwise rapidly reduce fish yields for local rubber tappers.
18 citations
TL;DR: From 1989 to 1991, captive-reared Andean condors Vultur gryphus were released into three protected areas in the Andes of Colombia to re-establish populations of these birds in protected habitat where the species had been extirpated, and to train local biologists in the conservation techniques necessary to recover their native condor.
Abstract: From 1989 to 1991,22 captive-reared Andean condors Vultur gryphus were released into three protected areas in the Andes of Colombia, South America. The goals of this reintroduction programme were to re-establish populations of these birds in protected habitat where the species had been extirpated, and to train local biologists in the conservation techniques necessary to recover their native condor. All birds were hatched, reared and released according to the protocols established by the US Fish and Wildlife Service and the California Department of Fish and Game for the California condor Gymnogyps californianus. At the time of release, the birds ranged in age from 11 to 26 months. Each bird was fitted with individually numbered wing tags and wing-mounted radio transmitters. Of the 22 released animals, 19 currently survive – a substantial increase to the wild population in Colombia, which had been estimated by Colombian biologists to number only 20 individuals.
18 citations
TL;DR: In 1992, a group of zoologists completed a faunal survey of Sibuyan Island, a small mountainous island in the central Philippines as mentioned in this paper, which is oceanic in origin and during the Pleistocene at least was not connected to any other island mass.
Abstract: In the spring of 1992 a group of zoologists completed a faunal survey of Sibuyan Island, a small mountainous island in the central Philippines. This island, which is oceanic in origin and during the Pleistocene at least was not connected to any other island mass, has an exceptional amount of intact primary forest, including lowland forest, a habitat that has all but been destroyed in the Philippines. The mammalian fauna of Sibuyan Island is exceptionally high in endemic species and also contains many other species that are threatened throughout the Philippines. Current logging operations severely threaten the remaining areas of lowland forest on the island. With forests of the Philippines under intense pressure, the most realistic hope for conservation lies in the protection of forests on islands where the population and political pressures are less intense. Sibuyan Island is an excellent candidate for such initiative.
15 citations
TL;DR: A survey of the distribution of the yellow-footed rock-wallaby Petrogale xanthopus was carried out in Queensland from 1984 to 1987 as discussed by the authors, and the species was found at 44 sites to the north and north-west of Adavale in south-western Queensland, mainly in the rugged country along the edges of low sandstone tablelands and hills.
Abstract: A survey of the distribution of the yellow-footed rock-wallaby Petrogale xanthopus was carried out in Queensland from 1984 to 1987. The species was found at 44 sites to the north and north-west of Adavale in south-western Queensland, mainly in the rugged country along the edges of low sandstone tablelands and hills. The size of the rock-wallaby population could not be estimated with accuracy, but is considered to be of the order of 5000–10,000 animals. The species is vulnerable because of property development in the area and possibly because of competition from other herbivores. The authors recommend regular monitoring of the population size.
TL;DR: A visit to the Tsingy de Bemaraha in Western Madagascar was undertaken in 1991 to survey the lemurs of this little known reserve as mentioned in this paper, and preliminary results of field observations and interviews with local inhabitants are presented together with notes on the forests, the human population and the conservation status of the region.
Abstract: A visit to the Tsingy de Bemaraha in Western Madagascar was undertaken in 1991 to survey the lemurs of this little known reserve. Preliminary results of field observations and interviews with local inhabitants are presented together with notes on the forests, the human population and the conservation status of the region.
TL;DR: Preliminary findings indicate that thorough surveys are required to establish the status of certain species, to investigate the possibility that new species remain undiscovered and to develop conservation plans to reduce the likelihood of further extinctions occurring.
Abstract: This paper describes a preliminary field survey of bushy-tailed cloud rats Crateromys spp. and slender-tailed cloud rats Phloeomys in the Philippines in April and May 1990. Brief visits were made to all islands/locations known to support these animals and also to neighbouring areas considered likely to do so. Comparing the results with information from previous surveys suggests that both genera, particularly Crateromys, are more widely distributed than formerly believed, but that some forms are threatened. Three of the four known species of Crateromys are known only from their holotype specimens, one of which awaits description. Another is extinct in its type locality on Ilin Island but may survive on neighbouring Mindoro. These preliminary findings indicate that thorough surveys are required to establish the status of certain species, to investigate the possibility that new species remain undiscovered and to develop conservation plans to reduce the likelihood of further extinctions occurring. The discovery of the Panay species means that the genus Crateromys is now known from widely separated locations in each of the four principal faunal regions or late Pleistocene
TL;DR: The Malabar and brown palm civets, Viverra civettina and Paradoxurus jerdoni, are both endemic to the Western Ghats of south-west India as discussed by the authors.
Abstract: The Malabar and brown palm civets, Viverra civettina and Paradoxurus jerdoni, are both endemic to the Western Ghats of south-west India. Little is known about them and in 1990 a survey was conducted in three parts of the Western Ghats to assess their status. This revealed that isolated populations of Malabar civet still survive in less disturbed areas of South Malabar but they are seriously threatened by habitat destruction and hunting because they are outside protected areas. The brown palm civet is not immediately threatened because there are about 25 protected areas within its distribution range. Recommendations have been made for conservation action to ensure the survival of these animals.
TL;DR: For the future, a solution needs to be found that integrates modern and traditional conservation with rural economic development as discussed by the authors, where traditional wildlife conservation has remained effective for more than a century despite great cultural changes.
Abstract: Traditional wildlife conservation has remained effective in Malawi for more than a century despite great cultural changes. The modern approach, based on a system of protected areas controlled by the government, has been less effective. It has failed to gain the support of local people and the result has been much illicit encroachment into protected areas. For the future, a solution needs to be found that integrates modern and traditional conservation with rural economic development.
TL;DR: The elusive and nocturnal clouded leopard is seldom seen but information collected in the course of a 6-year primate survey revealed that it still occurs in the forests of the state of Assam in India.
Abstract: The elusive and nocturnal clouded leopard is seldom seen but information collected in the course of a 6-year primate survey revealed that it still occurs in the forests of the state of Assam in India. The species has not been recorded in any of the state's protected areas, however, and it is threatened by deforestation.
TL;DR: A survey of the Western Area Peninsula Forest in Sierra Leone in 1990 located eight breeding sites of the white-necked picathartes, a striking endemic West African forest bird threatened with extinction as mentioned in this paper.
Abstract: A survey of the Western Area Peninsula Forest in Sierra Leone in 1990 located eight breeding sites of the white-necked picathartes–a striking endemic West African forest bird threatened with extinction. Several breeding sites were in areas of fairly intense human activity and in danger of imminent destruction. Subsequent observations revealed successful breeding in 1990 and unsuccessful attempts in 1991. This population is probably only just viable. The discovery of Jentink's duiker–Africa's rarest duiker–in the same forest in 1988 and the presence of three threatened primate species prompted calls for urgent conservation action. The precarious status of the white-necked picathartes population provides another compelling reason for such action.
TL;DR: This paper conducted a survey of Blanford's foxes in the mountainous desert regions of Israel and found that they are common in Israel, but restricted to a specific habitat, and that additional surveys in other Middle Eastern countries are essential for the conservation of this species.
Abstract: Blanford's fox Vulpes cana has been considered as one of the rarest mammals in south-west Asia. Recently it has been discovered in several locations in the Middle East. The authors conducted a survey of Blanford's foxes in the mountainous desert regions of Israel and found that they are common in Israel, but restricted to a specific habitat. Additional surveys in other Middle Eastern countries are essential for the conservation of this species.
TL;DR: However, the integrity of these sites is far from assured: some are "paper parks" which are being subjected to increasing human pressure as mentioned in this paper, and one site, Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park, has suffered some of the most extreme degradation.
Abstract: Thailand has the best protected-area system in South East Asia, comprising 74 national parks and 34 wildlife sanctuaries. However, the integrity of these sites is far from assured: some are ‘paper parks’, which are being subjected to increasing human pressure. One site, Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park, has suffered some of the most extreme degradation.
TL;DR: The Dominican Republic on the island of Hispaniola has the highest degree of biological diversity in the Caribbean and the country's wildlife service (Departamento de Vida Silvestre) carried out investigations at ecosystem and at species level in order to identify gaps in the representation of ecosystems within the nation's protected area system.
Abstract: The Dominican Republic on the island of Hispaniola has the highest degree of biological diversity in the Caribbean. The country's wildlife service (Departamento de Vida Silvestre) carried out investigations at ecosystem and – for the vertebrate fauna – at species level in order to identify gaps in the representation of ecosystems within the nation's protected area system. As a result of this exercise 15 new areas have been proposed for protected status. The information presented here is a summary of the report La Diversidad Biologica de la Republica Dominicana, published by SEA/Departamento de Vida Silvestre in December 1990 .
TL;DR: The Frontier-Tanzania Coastal Forest Research Programme has shown that at least 34 locations, and possibly another eight, support important coastal forests as mentioned in this paper, with most sites smaller than 20 square km.
Abstract: This paper presents the current results of a continuing survey of the distribution, status and biological importance of Tanzanian coastal forests. The Frontier-Tanzania Coastal Forest Research Programme has shown that at least 34 locations, and possibly another eight, support important coastal forests. There are probably 350–500 sq km of forest remaining, with most sites smaller than 20 sq km. Most sites, and 75–85 per cent of the total area, are located in Forest Reserves. Coastal forest supports many endemic taxa and many individual forests support species and subspecies known from nowhere else. All these forests are severely threatened and effective conservation action is a priority. The Frontier-Tanzania project findings are contributing to conservation programmes co-ordinated by the Wildlife Conservation Society of Tanzania and the World Wide Fund for Nature (Tanzania).
TL;DR: The snake Chironius vincenti (Colubridae) is endemic to the West Indian island of St Vincent, and for many years herpetologists considered the species to be extinct.
Abstract: The snake Chironius vincenti (Colubridae) is endemic to the West Indian island of St Vincent, and for many years herpetologists considered the species to be extinct. Recent field work has indicated that it still survives but that it is restricted to primary and secondary rain forest (at elevations between 275 and 600 m) primarily on the leeward side of the island and that it probably occurs at low population densities. The range of C. vincenti appears to overlap widely with that of the endangered St Vincent parrot (Amazona guildingii) and the snake will gain significant, direct benefits front the protection afforded the parrot.
TL;DR: The authors visited Yemen on behalf of WWF International in April 1992 to find out what had been happening to the rhino horn trade since their last visit to the country during the Gulf Crisis in November 1990 as discussed by the authors.
Abstract: The authors visited Yemen on behalf of WWF International in April 1992 to find out what had been happening to the rhino horn trade since their last visit to the country during the Gulf Crisis in November 1990. From 1985 to 1990, Yemen's rhino horn imports had decreased very sharply compared with the 1970s and early 1980s. From August 1990 to March 1992, however, a considerable increase in imports occurred, with just over 750 kg of rhino horn being brought into Yemen. The reason for the increase was not a rise in the wholesale price of rhino horn – this is still half that paid in Taiwan. The main reason for the increase is that new and easier trade routes have opened up, primarily from Tanzania by air to Saudi Arabia or the United Arab Emirates and then overland to Yemen.
TL;DR: The taxonomic relationship between Gazella bilkis and a possible subspecies of the Arabian gazelle, G. gazella erlangeri, is investigated in this paper.
Abstract: Bilkis gazelle Gazella bilkis was first described in 1985 from material collected in Yemen in 1951. No new information about the species has been forthcoming since then and the animal's current status is uncertain in two respects. First, it is difficult to establish the taxonomic relationship between G. bilkis and a possible subspecies of the Arabian gazelle, G. gazella erlangeri, which also occurs in the south-west Arabian peninsula. Secondly, uncontrolled hunting and the general lack of conservation measures in Yemen mean that, if it does still survive, its continued existence is far from assured. Systematic field surveys and taxonomic research are urgently needed to clarify the status of this animal and draw up conservation measures.