Showing papers in "Oryx in 1994"
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors examine the conflict between elephants and humans in areas of differing land use and make suggestions for resolving at least some of the problems, including poisoning, snares or spearing.
Abstract: About 3000 elephants live in the Laikipia/Sambnru region of northern Kenya – the largest remaining population outside the country's formal protected areas. The elephants occasionally kill or injure people, damage the crops of small-scale farmers, drive cattle away from water sources and cause a range of other problems for the human population. As a result, a number of elephants have been shot for control purposes in recent years and others have died as a result of poisoning, snares or spearing. The author examines the conflict between elephants and humans in areas of differing land use and makes suggestions for resolving at least some of the problems.
110 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors discuss attempts to measure the sustainability of hunting in tropical forests and examine five indices of sustainability in current use and two models that attempt to model sustainability in the context of tropical forests.
Abstract: Wild animals are an important source of protein for the rural peoples living in or near tropical forests. However, the resource can easily be overexploited and game species can become locally depleted, or even extinct. This paper discusses attempts to measure the sustainability of hunting in tropical forests. It examines five indices of sustainability in current use and two models that attempt to model sustainability.
102 citations
TL;DR: One of India's five major populations of elephants lives in north-west India, where 90% of the total 750 elephants occur in Rajaji and Corbett National Parks and adjacent reserve forests as mentioned in this paper.
Abstract: One of India's five major populations of elephants lives in north-west India, where 90 per cent of the total 750 elephants occur in Rajaji and Corbett National Parks and adjacent reserve forests. This 3000-sq-km habitat is also home to many other endangered species. While the 520-sq-km core area of Corbett National Park is free from human impact, the rest of the range is subject to increasing pressures, both from the pastoral Gujjar community within the forests and villagers outside. The elephant habitat has been fragmented by hydrological development work and human-elephant conflict is increasing. The authors recommend measures that need to be implemented to ensure that the elephants and other wildlife of the area are conserved.
44 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors examine some of the ways in which wildlife can be valuable to local people and made to pay for its own conservation, such as game viewing, sport hunting, game cropping and ranching.
Abstract: Conservation philosophy is swinging away from the traditional approach of setting up reserves to give absolute protection to wildlife and is replacing it with more realistic strategies. To succeed today, conservationists should take into account the needs of the people who share their land with wild species. The author examines some of the ways in which wildlife can be valuable to local people and made to pay for its own conservation – game viewing, sport hunting, game cropping and ranching. The advantages and pitfalls are discussed and it is concluded that while these uses are possible for some some wildlife species, others will never have a direct economic value. Someone will have to pay for their conservation – and it should not be those who can least afford it.
40 citations
TL;DR: Evidence of fishermen and dealers in turtle products, measurement of captured animals and personal observations of the authors all point to declines in numbers and average size for green and hawksbill turtles coupled with marked declines in nesting rates for these and the olive ridley.
Abstract: Five species of sea turtles are known from Madagascar's coastal waters. Fishermen on the western and south-western coasts take green turtle Chelonia mydas, loggerhead turtle Caretta caretta and olive ridley Lepidochelys olivacea for their meat. The hawksbill turtle Eretmochelys imbricata is taken mainly for its shell and for making stuffed specimens while the leatherback Dermochelys coriacea is seldom caught. Anecdotal evidence of fishermen and dealers in turtle products, measurement of captured animals and personal observations of the authors all point to declines in numbers and average size for green and hawksbill turtles, coupled with marked declines in nesting rates for these and the olive ridley.
38 citations
TL;DR: To preserve the diversity and abundance of amphibians, nature reserves should retain a central core of primary forest to ensure the survival of the more specialized species, surrounded by a buffer zone of degraded vegetation to sustain the presence of more adaptable frog species.
Abstract: Surveys of the amphibians (Order: Anura) of Ranomafana National Park, a midaltitude rainforest in central-eastern Madagascar, and nearby areas of disturbed habitats were carried out in two seasons (December 1991 and August 1992). A total of 40 frog species was recorded. In undisturbed areas many strictly terrestrial species were present, most of them belonging to the endemic family Mantellidae. These species showed changes in abundance between August and December, probably due to temperature variation. In contrast, most of the species found in altered habitats were arboreal or semiarboreal. These are ‘ecologically opportunistic’ species, not so sensitive to habitat variations and able to reproduce whenever conditions are favourable. These species were equally abundant in December and August and they appear to be able to live in a more varied habitat patchwork. To preserve the diversity and abundance of amphibians, nature reserves should retain a central core of primary forest to ensure the survival of the more specialized species, surrounded by a buffer zone of degraded vegetation to sustain the presence of more adaptable frog species.
38 citations
TL;DR: The brown howler monkey Alouatta fusca once had a wide geographical distribution throughout a large part of the Atlantic forest in Brazil, but today only 5 per cent of these forests remain and the species is endangered.
Abstract: The brown howler monkey Alouatta fusca once had a wide geographical distribution throughout a large part of the Atlantic forest in Brazil. Today only 5 per cent of these forests remain and the species is endangered. Howler monkeys can thrive in small forest fragments but they are more vulnerable to hunting, disease, and predation in these habitats than in undisturbed forests. Brown howler monkeys are important seed dispersers of several plant species, particularly in isolated forest fragments where specialized frugivores are absent. In protected areas without large predators howlers can reach high densities and the management of these populations is necessary to avoid inbreeding.
37 citations
TL;DR: The majority of animals were captured by drug immobilization, using a 5:1 ketamine/xylazine mixture at a mean dosage of 8.47 mg/kg body weight, and transferred to Tabin Wildlife Reserve, which already has a low-density population of orang-utans.
Abstract: Sabah is faced with a problem of small groups of orang-utans isolated from their parent populations in fragments of secondary forest, mainly on oil-palm plantations. The Wildlife Department has recently captured 84 such animals in three locations and translocated most of them to Tabin Wildlife Reserve, which already has a low-density population of orang-utans. The majority of animals were captured by drug immobilization, using a 5:1 ketamine/xylazine mixture at a mean dosage of 8.47 mg/kg body weight (range 3.76–22.64 mg/kg). This proved an effective and safe method. Others, mainly immatures, were captured manually. Few injuries or other problems were encountered. The cost of the rescue operations was $US175 per animal. A satisfactory way of monitoring the released orangutans is under development.
26 citations
TL;DR: This is the first attempt to census the marsh deer numbers in the Iberd Natural Reserve, the Argentine stronghold of the species, and found only 1100 individuals with a smaller percentage of yearlings than would be expected in a healthy population.
Abstract: The marsh deer Blastocerus dichotomus is one of the largest mammals in South America. It is classified as vulnerable by IUCN (1990) and is listed on Appendix I to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna (CITES). Very little field-work has been done to ascertain its status and current distribution and the survey described here is the first attempt to census the marsh deer numbers in the Iberd Natural Reserve, the Argentine stronghold of the species. The survey found only 1100 individuals with a smaller percentage of yearlings than would be expected in a healthy population. Hunting, competition with domestic stock for grazing and transmission of diseases from cattle may be combining to limit population growth and further research is needed to form the basis of a mangement plan for the species.
25 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors investigated pangolin status in Ogun State, Nigeria and interviewed hunters, forest workers and market traders selling wild animals or their parts for medicinal use.
Abstract: Despite being officially listed as endangered in Nigeria, pangolins are still hunted in Ogun State, where deforestation has fragmented and reduced their forest habitat. To investigate pangolin status in the state, the authors interviewed hunters, forest workers and market traders selling wild animals or their parts for medicinal use. The authors also counted pangolins stocked by market traders during weekly visits to markets in six towns/villages. Only one of Nigeria's three pangolin species, Manis tricuspis, was encountered frequently. Hunters' reports and evidence of forest destruction suggest that even this species is becoming rare. An estimate of extinction-susceptibility shows that pangolins are at fairly high risk. Creation of sanctuaries for pangolins and other important sympatric vertebrates in forest relicts in south-west Nigeria and the establishment of semicaptive pangolin populations are advocated.
25 citations
TL;DR: The Madagascar radiated tortoise, already beset by habitat destruction and human exploitation, suffered another blow when many individuals died as a result of a road improvement scheme in the heart of their range.
Abstract: The Madagascar radiated tortoise, already beset by habitat destruction and human exploitation, suffered another blow when many individuals died as a result of a road improvement scheme in the heart of their range. When the authors of this paper reported the problem the Malagasy government authorities acted swiftly to modify the road to prevent tortoises being trapped there in the future.
TL;DR: The Vu Quang ox was discovered in 1992 and the discovery of three pairs of horns in the only remaining area of pristine forest in northern Vietnam led to the description of a new species of ox as discussed by the authors.
Abstract: In May 1992 the discovery of three pairs of horns in the only remaining area of pristine forest in northern Vietnam led to the description of a new species of ox. A total of 20 specimens have now been found, most of them consisting of only the horns and part of the skull. The Ministry of Forestry in Vietnam is enlarging and upgrading protected areas in the suspected 4000-sq-km range of the Vu Quang ox and surveys are under way in two proposed reserves in neighbouring Laos where the ox is also reported to occur. Meanwhile a local campaign is necessary to inform villagers of the valuable nature of this species and to ban further hunting.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors summarized recent developments, emphasizing centralized co-ordination of rural cottage industries, to indicate progress in integration of trade and larger scale species and habitat sustainability.
Abstract: Butterfly ranching is an important facet of promoting habitat conservation in tropical regions. Recent developments, emphasizing centralized co-ordination of rural cottage industries, are summarized to indicate progress in integration of trade and larger scale species and habitat sustainability.
TL;DR: The Magombera Forest in Tanzania contains the most viable population of the endangered Uhehe red colobus monkey, three other primates, and rare and endemic plants and animals as discussed by the authors.
Abstract: The Magombera Forest in Tanzania contains the most viable population of the endangered Uhehe red colobus monkey, three other primates, and rare and endemic plants and animals. In 1980 almost half of the Magombera Forest Reserve was surrendered for settlement in exchange for the southern part being incorporated into the Selous Game Reserve. Due to an oversight, the southern part was not legally annexed into the Selous and now the Kilombero Sugar Company has claimed a portion of it. The forest is currently in good condition and offers the best opportunity to conserve the Uhehe red colobus. The author recommends a number of measures to save the forest and its wildlife and to ensure that the needs of the local people are met.
TL;DR: The Asiatic wild buffalo Bubalus bubalis was widely distributed in the river systems of south and South East Asia, but habitat destruction, hunting and interbreeding with domestic water buffalo have resulted in only relict wild populations remaining as mentioned in this paper.
Abstract: The Asiatic wild buffalo Bubalus bubalis was widely distributed in the river systems of south and South East Asia, but habitat destruction, hunting and interbreeding with domestic water buffalo have resulted in only relict wild populations remaining. Unless protection measures are intensified, the species could disappear in India within a few decades.
TL;DR: In 1992, the Fauna and Flora Preservation Society funded a 10-day field visit to Kounounkan, a relict forest at the northern edge of the Upper Guinea Forest Block as discussed by the authors.
Abstract: Biological studies in Guinea have been very patchy, leaving much of the country almost unsurveyed. In 1992 the Fauna and Flora Preservation Society funded a 10-day field visit to Kounounkan, a relict forest at the northern edge of the Upper Guinea Forest Block. The survey found a variety of habitats and high biodiversity, including two vulnerable and one endangered species. Hunting pressure appears to be low and the site is very well suited for the development of further conservation initiatives.
TL;DR: Field studies at distant sites in Brazilian Amazonia have brought to light two new species of primate, the black-headed marmoset Callithrix nigriceps and the Ka'apor capuchin Cebus kaapori, highlighting the urgent need for more detailed information from many areas, especially southern Amazonia, where habitat destruction is increasing.
Abstract: Field studies at distant sites in Brazilian Amazonia have brought to light two new species of primate, the black-headed marmoset Callithrix nigriceps and the Ka'apor capuchin Cebus kaapori. Little is known about either species, although both appear to have small geographical ranges in regions with relatively high human densities and where habitat-degrading activities, such as logging and mining, have been intensifying over the past two decades. These discoveries highlight the uncertain nature of our understanding of primate diversity in what is probably the biologically richest nation on earth. They also underline the urgent need for more detailed information from many areas, especially southern Amazonia, where habitat destruction is increasing.
TL;DR: A community-based conservation scheme on the upper catchment of the Kairezi River, eastern Zimbabwe, has been based on financial returns from trout fishing, which undermines the justification for conservation as discussed by the authors.
Abstract: A community-based conservation scheme on the upper catchment of the Kairezi River, eastern Zimbabwe, has been based on financial returns from trout fishing. Despite consistent stocking, trout catches have been declining, which undermines the justification for conservation. Fishery managers believed that Cape clawless otters Aonyx capensis preyed on trout and competed with them for food. An analysis of otter and trout diets in 1993 indicated that this was not the case and the otter was not the cause of the lack of trout. The future of the scheme and the conservation of otters in the catchment are more likely to be threatened by poaching and uncontrolled agricultural activities.
TL;DR: This article reviewed the nature of threats to these animals and outlined some measures designed to help counter them and found that current evidence suggests that Europe's dolphins in the 1990s require urgent action to conserve them.
Abstract: Current evidence suggests that Europe's dolphins in the 1990s require urgent action to conserve them This paper reviews the nature of the threats to these animals and outlines some measures designed to help counter them
TL;DR: The three species of crowned pigeons are endemic to New Guinea and nearby islands where they are declining in numbers, especially near human settlements where hunting pressure is high as discussed by the authors. But little is known about their biology and ecology or about the magnitude of the impact of the threats from hunting, capture for trade, and loss of their lowland forest habitat.
Abstract: The three species of crowned pigeons are endemic to New Guinea and nearby islands where they are declining in numbers, especially near human settlements where hunting pressure is high. Little is known about their biology and ecology or about the magnitude of the impact of the threats from hunting, capture for trade, and loss of their lowland forest habitat. The authors make recommendations for action needed to secure the future for these large and attractive birds.
TL;DR: In this paper, the management of the barasingha Cervus duvauceli population in the Suklaphanta Wildlife Reserve is discussed and six periods of field study are undertaken between 1988 and 1993 to investigate the environmental impact of the construction of a main irrigation canal and other works in the proposed extension of the Sukla Wildlife Reserve and to recommend protective measures.
Abstract: Between 1988 and 1993 six periods of field study were undertaken to investigate the environmental impact of the construction of a main irrigation canal and other works in the proposed extension of Suklaphanta Wildlife Reserve and to recommend protective measures. Suklaphanta is administered by His Majesty's Government of Nepal through the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation. Special emphasis was placed upon the barasingha Cervus duvauceli population because it is the largest remaining group of this endangered deer species in the world. This paper presents recommendations for the management of the barasingha and its habitat.
TL;DR: The bay cat Catopuma badia has been rediscovered in Borneo, where it is endemic and where there have been no confirmed sightings since 1928 as discussed by the authors, and was only the seventh known specimen and the first of a whole animal.
Abstract: The bay cat Catopuma badia has been rediscovered in Borneo, where it is endemic and where there have been no confirmed sightings since 1928. In November 1992 an adult female, which had been captured by native trappers on the Sarawak-Indonesian border and kept in captivity for some months, was brought into the Sarawak Museum on the point of death. It was only the seventh known specimen and the first of a whole animal. In appearance it bears a striking resemblance to Temminck's cat C. temminckii, although it is much smaller. Genetic analysis of blood and tissue samples will assist in clarifying its taxonomic status.
TL;DR: The hog deer Axis porcinus was believed to be extinct in Sri Lanka until a recent preliminary survey revealed a single remaining population in a 35-sq-km area of the south-western coastal belt as discussed by the authors.
Abstract: The hog deer Axis porcinus was believed to be extinct in Sri Lanka until a recent preliminary survey revealed a single remaining population in a 35-sq-km area of the south-western coastal belt. The authors describe the results of their 3-month study, outline potential threats to the survival of the population and discuss possible conservation measures.
TL;DR: The Kitulo Plateau of southern Tanzania is a lava plateau covering 273 sq km at an altitude of over 2500 m as discussed by the authors, and vegetation is predominately grassland with more than 350 taxa of vascular plants, of which nearly 5 per cent are of restricted distribution.
Abstract: The Kitulo Plateau of southern Tanzania is a lava plateau covering 273 sq km at an altitude of over 2500 m. The vegetation is predominately grassland with more than 350 taxa of vascular plants, of which nearly 5 per cent are of restricted distribution. Although the plateau is extensive, much of it is now cultivated. Digital analysis of satellite images showed that at least 24 per cent of the plateau was bare soil, modified grassland or cultivation between 1973 and 1989. The botanical importance of the plateau and increase in cultivation make a strong case for the establishment of a nature reserve to protect its rare and threatened plants.
TL;DR: The authors of as mentioned in this paper suggest that the GEF has to be reformed radically if it is to become an effective force in conservation, based on Conservation International's experience with the Global Environmental Facility over the last three years in more than 10 countries.
Abstract: Biodiversity – a measure of the wealth of species, ecosystems and ecological processes that make up our living planet –received public prominence as a result of the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro in June 1992. The loss of biodiversity, say the authors, is the greatest environmental problem the world faces but the issue has not been given the attention it deserves. With the emergence of the Global Environmental Facility in 1990 came the chance to fund biodiversity conservation on a unprecedented scale and in 1992 the GEF was adopted as the interim funding mechanism for the Convention on Biological Diversity signed at the Earth Summit. Three years after its foundation, the authors of this paper suggest that the GEF has to be reformed radically if it is to become an effective force in conservation. Their conclusions are based on Conservation International's experience with the GEF over the last 3 years in more than 10 countries.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors discuss the factors that will influence the manager's decision about the best sustainable hunting strategy for the saiga antelope: the climatic unpredictability of the region in which it lives and the effects of highly selective hunting for males on the population dynamics.
Abstract: The saiga antelope is exploited principally for its horn. Two major factors will influence the manager's decision about the best sustainable hunting strategy for the saiga: the climatic unpredictability of the region in which it lives and the effects of highly selective hunting for males on the population dynamics of the species. This paper discusses these factors and assesses the prospects for sustainable management of the saiga.