scholarly journals Community, conflict and conservation: response of mammalian fauna to ecological and anthropological correlates ‒ a critical habitat in Indo-Bhutan transboundary landscape urges multiagency cooperation

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anukul Nath ◽  
Bibhuti P Lahkar ◽  
Namita Brahma ◽  
Pranjit Sarmah ◽  
Arup Kr Das ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Armed Conflict ◽  
Anthropogenic Pressure ◽  
Occupancy Models ◽  
Mammalian Fauna ◽  
Critical Habitat ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Community Based Conservation ◽  
Community Conflict ◽  
Reserve Forest ◽  
Species Specific

Abstract The impacts of conflict on nature are devastatingly adverse but differ widely in different socio-political regimes. Armed conflict often facilitates illegal plunder and unsustainable use of natural resources, variously by rebel groups and impoverished or displaced people challenged with limited subsistence options. We studied the response of mammals in Ripu Reserve Forest (Assam) that suffers prolonged anthropogenic pressure due to armed conflict instigated by social unrest. We used standard single-season (spatial-dependence) occupancy models using sign survey to assess the factors affecting the space use of mammals and subsequently build capacity of conservation volunteers for long-term sustenance of Ripu. Our study revealed that Ripu has a high proportion of occupied area by prey species of large carnivores. Asian elephant, barking deer, and wild pig occupied most of the habitat, whereas gaur, sambar and spotted deer restricted themselves to selected patches within the Ripu. Common leopards found to be positively associated with prey occupancy. The studied mammals responded variably to different ecological and anthropological covariates and urge for species-specific management alongside landscape scale conservation approach. Our ground effort to strengthen community patrolling and operational execution of various alternative livelihood has helped to empower the economic condition of patrolling staff. Strategic implementation of law enforcement could support dispersal of tigers from Phibsoo WLS (Bhutan), potentially linked with the larger tiger and elephant landscape far west (Buxa Tiger Reserve) in the Terai region of India. Community-based conservation initiatives required continuous support from various agencies, including national, international, and local bodies, to restore this critical habitat.

scholarly journals Using areas of known occupancy to identify sources of variation in detection probability of raptors: taking time lowers replication effort for surveys

2016 ◽  
Vol 3 (10) ◽  
pp. 160368 ◽  
Author(s):  
Campbell Murn ◽  
Graham J. Holloway
Keyword(s):  
Detection Probability ◽  
Spatial Scales ◽  
Survey Methods ◽  
A Priori ◽  
Low Density ◽  
Occupancy Models ◽  
Imperfect Detection ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Sources Of Variation ◽  
Time Of Year

Species occurring at low density can be difficult to detect and if not properly accounted for, imperfect detection will lead to inaccurate estimates of occupancy. Understanding sources of variation in detection probability and how they can be managed is a key part of monitoring. We used sightings data of a low-density and elusive raptor (white-headed vulture Trigonoceps occipitalis ) in areas of known occupancy (breeding territories) in a likelihood-based modelling approach to calculate detection probability and the factors affecting it. Because occupancy was known a priori to be 100%, we fixed the model occupancy parameter to 1.0 and focused on identifying sources of variation in detection probability. Using detection histories from 359 territory visits, we assessed nine covariates in 29 candidate models. The model with the highest support indicated that observer speed during a survey, combined with temporal covariates such as time of year and length of time within a territory, had the highest influence on the detection probability. Averaged detection probability was 0.207 (s.e. 0.033) and based on this the mean number of visits required to determine within 95% confidence that white-headed vultures are absent from a breeding area is 13 (95% CI: 9–20). Topographical and habitat covariates contributed little to the best models and had little effect on detection probability. We highlight that low detection probabilities of some species means that emphasizing habitat covariates could lead to spurious results in occupancy models that do not also incorporate temporal components. While variation in detection probability is complex and influenced by effects at both temporal and spatial scales, temporal covariates can and should be controlled as part of robust survey methods. Our results emphasize the importance of accounting for detection probability in occupancy studies, particularly during presence/absence studies for species such as raptors that are widespread and occur at low densities.

scholarly journals Factors Affecting Zoo Visitors’ Conservation Beliefs and Knowledge of Large Carnivores in 2009 and a Dozen Years Later

2022 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
pp. 890
Author(s):  
Vesna Oražem ◽  
Aleksandra Majić Skrbinšek ◽  
Andrej Šorgo ◽  
Iztok Tomažič
Keyword(s):  
Brown Bear ◽  
Eurasian Lynx ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Large Carnivore ◽  
Gender Influence ◽  
Carnivore Species ◽  
Conservation Actions ◽  
Species Specific ◽  
Gender Factor ◽  
Learning Institutions

Teaching in a formal learning environment mainly focuses on gaining knowledge, and scarcely on the development of pro-environmental attitudes. Knowledge can also be gained in informal learning institutions, such as zoos, and their potential use in general public education should not be neglected. This paper explores factors influencing the conservation beliefs of zoo visitors about brown bears, grey wolves, and Eurasian lynx. The study undertaken in Zoo Ljubljana (Slovenia) consisted of surveys performed in 2009 (n = 613) and in 2021 (n = 257). The levels of knowledge and education influenced both supporting and opposing beliefs about the three large carnivore species. The gender factor was less uniform: both supporting and opposing beliefs about lynx were demonstrated, but only opposing beliefs about brown bear and wolf. The study indicates that knowledge has the most significant influence on conservation beliefs, thus highlighting the importance of educational and communication activities in management and conservation actions regarding large carnivore species. The varied gender influence suggests that species-specific educational activities should be encouraged.

Contemplating the Five Domains model of animal welfare assessment: UK horse owner perceptions of equine well-being

2021 ◽  
Vol 30 (3) ◽  
pp. 259-268
Author(s):  
KA Fletcher ◽  
LJ Cameron ◽  
M Freeman
Keyword(s):  
Animal Welfare ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Empirical Studies ◽  
Affective State ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Equine Welfare ◽  
Species Specific ◽  
Sentient Beings ◽  
Horse Owners

Traditionally, assessment of animal welfare generally focused on physiological signs of health with less consideration of psychological well-being. More recently, the Five Domains model highlighted the concept of all aspects of an animal's life influencing their affective state. In equestrianism, however, there is a lack of awareness of the Five Domains model and, specifically, how different factors may affect the mental well-being of horses (Equus caballus). This divide between scientific research and lay horse owners could compromise equine welfare by failing to recognise horses as sentient beings with species-specific needs. The present study therefore aimed to explore how evidence-based information can be effectively communicated to equestrians (n = 259) through an online survey and whether increased knowledge of equine welfare needs has any impact on horse caregivers' assessment of their own horses' quality of life. Results showed that a simple educational infographic based on the Five Domains model had a significant impact on equestrians' assessment of equine welfare, although longitudinal, empirical studies are needed. Scores on a Likert scale for health, behaviour/human interactions and overall welfare were significantly lower following the intervention but scores for emotional well-being were significantly higher. This may suggest that, whilst the infographic increased participant awareness of the importance of emotional state and the factors affecting welfare, there were difficulties or inconsistencies in objectively assessing these emotions. This highlights the need for equine welfare science to be communicated more proactively to horse owners in an accessible, engaging format.

scholarly journals Fruiting Species Influence the Seasonal Use of the Habitat by Sloth Bear in and around Balaram Ambaji Wildlife Sanctuary, Gujarat, India

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 183-190
Author(s):  
Tana P. MEWADA ◽  
Umeshkumar L. TIWARI ◽  
Amit KOTIA
Keyword(s):  
Forest Type ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Scientific Basis ◽  
Wildlife Sanctuary ◽  
Feeding Site ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Sign Surveys ◽  
Common Resource ◽  
Reserve Forest ◽  
Sloth Bear

Sloth bear populations in India are threatened, and the ecology and distribution of the species occurring in the region's protected areas are known, but there is no scientific basis underlying management strategies for sloth bear. We used bear indirect and opportunistic direct signs like feeding site, scats, foot print trails, claw marks on climbing trees, to study habitat use and distribution of sloth bear (Melurus ursinus) across Balaram Ambaji Wildlife Sanctuary and Danta Reserve Forest, Gujarat, India from April, 2010 to January 2011. We survey 40 grids (5 × 5 km) 3 km signs survey = 120 km × 3 = 360 km and total 766 bear signs were recorded, and for vegetation we surveyed 40 grids × 2 km vegetation transect = 80 km were sampled. A total of nine (9) vegetation types were recorded and the bear sign where crossed check with the vegetation forest type. Fruits appear to be a key resource for sloth bears, and factors affecting fruit abundance or seasonality will affect bear foraging as well as the humans to depend on such fruits as a food common resource. Knowledge of this relationship will allow managers to be more proactive in managing bears. We recommend using sign surveys for monitoring changes in sloth bear presence, as they are inexpensive, efficient, and can be conducted by trained rangers.

Rapid, sensitive two-site ELISA for detection of cows' milk in goats' or ewes' milk using monoclonal antibodies

1994 ◽  
Vol 61 (1) ◽  
pp. 91-99 ◽  
Author(s):  
Didier Levieux ◽  
Annie Venien
Keyword(s):  
Monoclonal Antibodies ◽  
Sandwich Elisa ◽  
High Specificity ◽  
Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Assay Performance ◽  
Capture Antibody ◽  
Constant Quality ◽  
Species Specific ◽  
Β Lactoglobulin

SummaryA sandwich ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) of the two-site type has been successfully developed for the detection of cows' milk in goats' or ewes' milk. The assay uses two monoclonal antibodies (MAb) raised in mice against cows' β-lactoglobulin (β-lg). These MAb recognize different epitopes of the β-lg, which are sufficiently distinct to allow simultaneous binding of the corresponding antibodies. One of the MAb recognizes a species-specific epitope of the bovine β-lg and was adsorbed to a plastic microtitration plate (capture antibody). The second MAb was labelled with peroxidase and used to detect the captured cows' β-lg. Factors affecting assay performance were investigated. The optimized assay is highly specific, reproducible (intra- and inter-assay CV were 8 and 13% respectively) and sensitive: as little as 5 ng β-lg/ml or 1 part cows' milk per 100000 parts goats' or ewes' milk can be detected. The technique is robust, cheap, rapid, reliable and suitable for high sample throughput, semi-automation and screening surveys. The MAb used guarantee the high specificity of the assay and indefinite reagent supply of constant quality once approved by collaborative national or international trials.

scholarly journals Interpersonal Conflict over Water Is Associated with Household Demographics, Domains of Water Insecurity, and Regional Conflict: Evidence from Nine Sites across Eight Sub-Saharan African Countries

Water ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (9) ◽  
pp. 1150
Author(s):  
Amber Pearson ◽  
Elizabeth Mack ◽  
Amanda Ross ◽  
Richard Marcantonio ◽  
Andrew Zimmer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Survey Data ◽  
Current Literature ◽  
Armed Conflict ◽  
Interpersonal Conflict ◽  
African Countries ◽  
Water Insecurity ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Regional Conflict ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
Multiple Domains

Water insecurity may precipitate interpersonal conflict, although no studies to date have rigorously examined these relationships. We examined relationships between household demographics, water insecurity, regional conflict, and interpersonal conflict over water. Using survey data from eight sub-Saharan African countries, we found that interpersonal conflict within and outside the home is associated with multiple domains of water insecurity, particularly accessibility. Furthermore, we found that higher levels of remote violence and protests are associated with greater within household conflict, whereas riots and violent armed conflict are associated with greater conflict between neighbors. Our findings expand upon the current literature by examining factors affecting interpersonal conflict over water, which may become increasingly important as precipitation patterns and land temperatures change in this region.

scholarly journals A mix of community-based conservation and protected forests is needed for the survival of the Endangered pygmy hippopotamus Choeropsis liberiensis

Oryx ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 51 (2) ◽  
pp. 230-239
Author(s):  
Annika Hillers ◽  
Graeme M. Buchanan ◽  
Jerry C. Garteh ◽  
Solomon M. Tommy ◽  
Mohamed L. Fofana ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Protected Areas ◽  
Sierra Leone ◽  
Habitat Associations ◽  
Border Region ◽  
Area Network ◽  
Anthropogenic Pressure ◽  
Distribution Models ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Community Based Conservation ◽  
Protected Forests

AbstractThe contribution of protected areas to biodiversity conservation is well attested but many taxa in many regions remain dependent on the unprotected wider landscape. To develop conservation plans for large mammals such as the Endangered pygmy hippopotamus Choeropsis liberiensis of West Africa's Upper Guinea Forests it is critical to understand the importance of unprotected land. Despite being a conservation priority, little is known about the habitat associations of this species, or its distribution across its range. Through a combination of field surveys, species distribution models and community questionnaires we investigated the use of unprotected areas by the pygmy hippopotamus in the Sierra Leone–Liberia border region. We found signs of the species in 128 of 525 1-km2 cells surveyed. Our analysis suggested that the species is reasonably widespread in this region and is associated with major rivers. It occurred close to, but rarely within, large areas of intact forest, and 80.4% of pygmy hippopotamus signs were recorded outside protected areas. The expansion of the protected area network in this area is unrealistic in Sierra Leone and to some extent in Liberia, mainly because of anthropogenic pressure and the overlap of proposed protected areas with mining and logging concessions. Thus pygmy hippopotamus conservation activities in the region need to include programmes on community lands while maintaining a robust network of protected forests. Community-based conservation of the pygmy hippopotamus may prove valuable for other threatened and endemic species that are not confined to protected areas in this region.

Foraging ecology and time budgets of non-breeding shorebirds in coastal Cuba

2014 ◽  
Vol 30 (4) ◽  
pp. 347-357 ◽  
Author(s):  
Erica Nol ◽  
Kate MacCulloch ◽  
Lisa Pollock ◽  
Laura McKinnon
Keyword(s):  
Breeding Season ◽  
Foraging Ecology ◽  
Niche Partitioning ◽  
Time Budgets ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Breeding Grounds ◽  
Main Determinants ◽  
Species Specific ◽  
Average Body ◽  
Foraging Time

Abstract:During the non-breeding season, shorebirds, a large and important group of wetland vertebrates, divide their time between foraging, resting and maintenance activities. We examined factors affecting time budgets, foraging techniques and rates, and spacing patterns of 14 to 92 individuals each of 10 shorebird species spending the non-breeding season in Cayo Guillermo, Cuba. We hypothesized that all species would spend the majority of their time foraging. Time spent foraging ranged from 20–85% of total time and was significantly negatively related to average body size. Apparent aggression (e.g. chasing or being chased) occurred in < 10% of individuals in all species and was not related to maximum counts of conspecifics. Aggression was most common in the black-necked stilt but did not vary in frequency as a function of activity. Vigilance varied in occurrence from 0–53% of individuals, but the frequency was not related to maximum counts. Intraspecific distances were generally greater between foraging than non-foraging birds. For most species interspecific distances were similar to intraspecific distances during foraging but greater than intraspecific differences during non-foraging, suggesting some overlap in foraging habitat and niche partitioning during non-foraging. Shorebirds that used primarily tactile techniques foraged closer together than primarily visual foragers. Low rates of aggression, as an index of potential competition, suggest that species-specific energy requirements rather than competitive interactions are the main determinants of foraging behaviour on these tropical non-breeding grounds.

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