Dense Humid Forest Research Articles

Novitates neocaledonicae XII: Two additional new species of Cryptocarya R.Br. from New Caledonia

Two endemic species of Cryptocarya R.Br. are described from New Caledonia. Cryptocarya conduplicata Munzinger & McPherson, sp. nov. was previously confused with C. aristata Kosterm., which it resembles in its typically numerous lenticels and oblate fruit, but from which it differs most noticeably in its leaf blades partly folded longitudinally (vs blades flat), and its smaller fruits (13-15 mm long vs 20-30 mm long). Cryptocarya ovoidea Munzinger & McPherson, sp. nov. can be distinguished most easily from C. pluricostata, its sister species according to molecular data, by its indument (hairs sparse, whitish, cream-grey to blackish, quickly falling vs. hairs dense, ferrugineous sublanate and subpersistent in C. pluricostata). As well, the fruit of C. ovoidea, sp. nov. is ovoid and its perianth is caducous, in contrast to the fruit of C. pluricostata, which is ellipsoid and retains its perianth. The two new species are trees occurring in dense humid forest, and are restricted to non-ultramafic substrate. Cryptocarya conduplicata sp. nov. is common, known from three protected areas, and is assigned a preliminarily Least Concern IUCN status, while C. ovoidea sp. nov. is only known from two individuals on Mont Aoupinié, a protected area, where many inventory plots were established without finding any individuals; thus, we assign it a preliminary status of Critically Endangered (CR).

Perceptions des fragments forestiers par les habitants des forêts tropicales humides malgaches

Malgré des mesures de protection, la forêt dense humide de l’Est malgache tend à se réduire à des fragments forestiers. Le processus de fragmentation n’est pas pris en compte dans les suivis de la déforestation par télédétection qui comparent le couvert forestier entre plusieurs dates ; la question est de savoir s’il est perçu par les populations riveraines au point de les mobiliser dans des actions de conservation ou de restauration. Des enquêtes ethnobotaniques sont menées dans deux communes contrastées de l’Est malgache, la commune de Ranomafana-Est au nord (région Antsiranana) à fragments forestiers et la commune d’Androy au sud (région Haute Matsiatra) à massif forestier, pour recueillir auprès des villageois leurs perceptions de la forêt, son évolution, sa fragmentation, sa biodiversité végétale et animale, ses ressources et les mesures de protection envisagées localement. Les différences de réponses entre les deux sites traduisent les différences de contextes et de niveaux de fragmentation ; elles sont marquées sur la perception des forêts résiduelles et leur dynamique passée, avec une hiérarchie spécifique des usages (la construction de l’habitation venant en premier), une attention particulière à la biodiversité animale et des propositions de conservation surtout issues des interventions d’ONG. Un prolongement serait nécessaire pour co-construire avec les habitants une vision de la fragmentation.

A New Micro-Endemic Species of Alectryon (Sapindaceae) from Koghis Forest, New Caledonia

Abstract—The new species Alectryon hirsutus is described from New Caledonia. It is distinguished from the only other member of the genus occurring on this southwest Pacific island, A. carinatus, by its uniformly densely hirsute indumentum (vs. glabrous or with short, appressed trichomes) as well as features of its leaves [(2‐)3‐5 pairs of leaflets vs. 1‐2]) and fruits (9‐16 × 16‐28 mm vs. 5.6‐13 × 5.7‐10.6 mm), along with its presence in dense humid forest (vs. sclerophyllous or lowland dry forest). A preliminary conservation status of Critically Endangered [CR] is suggested following IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria.

Dynamics of Land Use and the Evolution of Agroforestry Practices in the Dja Biosphere Reserve (DBR) Southeast Cameroon

The study had as objective to investigate the land use/land cover change from 1980 to 2019 in the Dja Biosphere Reserve using GIS and remote sensing techniques and the evolution of agroforestry practices. Semi structured questionnaires were administered to 320 farmers who were randomly selected from 35 villages of the Dja Biosphere Reserve characterized by the presence of agroforestry systems. The land use map revealed six classes which were dense humid forest, perennial crop-based agroforestry practices, river, wetland, built up and bare areas. Between 1980 and 2008, dense humid forest lost -4.9% of its area to the benefits of perennial crop-based agroforestry practices, built up and bare land. Between 2008 and 2019, dense humid forest gain 1.77% of its area due to increase in perennial crop-based agroforestry practices and a subsequent increase in vegetation cover. Perennial crop-based agroforestry practices and built up increase progressively from 1980 to 2019. Farmers perceived hunting (36.3%), slash and burn agriculture (43.3%) and harvesting of tree-based products (20.3%) as the anthropogenic activities impacting the reserve negatively. The evolution of agroforestry practices were observed on the field, but the precise area under agroforestry practices in the study area need to be estimated. As a mitigation strategy to livelihood needs as well as the rehabilitation of degraded land, the conversion of pure cultivated agricultural land into agroforestry is a major opportunity.

Natural Regeneration of Marker Species of the Tropical Dense Humid Ecosystems in the Loukaya Peri-Urban Forest, Brazzaville-Congo

The study aimed at evaluating the natural regeneration of some characteristic species in the Loukaya peri-urban forest was carried out in Brazzaville, over three surveys of one hectare each. The botanical inventory of the 23 species monitored covers the subjects of 2 ≤ d0.20 1.30 ≥ 10 cm. The study shows 1255 individuals of which 68.27% are 2 ≤ d0.20 < 10 cm. While being tropophilic and mesophilic, this ecosystem is pauciflorous and paucispecific. The phytoecological data show that this formation, which is a link in the African dense humid forest, presents values far below those known elsewhere; while being faithful to the forests of the Cataractes Plateau. As for the rate of natural regeneration, this index is greater than or equal to 100 for 69.56% of the taxa. Sarcochores and heliophytes are the taxa that best support this natural regeneration. This high rate of regeneration would be correlated with the high level of anthropization, whose large canopy gaps are accompanied by a flow of light conducive to the installation of seedlings.

Which allometric models are the most appropriate for estimating aboveground biomass in secondary forests of Madagascar with Ravenala madagascariensis?

Abstract In Madagascar, allometric models have been developed only for the primary forests. There have been no specific models for the secondary forests. However, with a view to extending the geographic scope of the REDD+ 1 mechanism, it deems important to consider the secondary forests of which the potential of carbon sequestration remains unknown. In eastern part of Madagascar, the secondary forests are mostly colonized by Ravenala madagascariensis, an endemic monocotyledonous plant. The main goal of this study was to develop local allometric models for secondary forests with Ravenala madagascariensis. Models for Ravenala madagascariensis were developed separately from those of other woody species. The second goal was to test the validity of the existing allometric equations for the woody species into the study sites, namely three pantropical models developed by Brown, Chave et al. and the best fitted local model developed by Vieilledent et al. for the dense humid forest in Madagascar. Using the destructive method, 120 stems of Ravenala madagascariensis and 115 trees were harvested, weighed and measured. As results, the best fitted local model for the woody species was A G B = E X P ( − 1.515 + 1.912 ln ( D ) + 0.471 ln ( H ) + 0.732 ln ( ρ ) ), where AGB is the aboveground biomass in kg, H the total height in m, D the diameter at the breast height in cm and ρ the wood specific gravity. For Ravenala madagascariensis, the model which only considered total height was the most appropriate: A G B = E X P ( − 4.996 + 5.654 ln ( H ) − 0.772 ( ln ( H ) ) 2 ). Comparing with the existing equations, errors of estimates were higher for the pantropical models and a slight overestimation was observed while applying that of Vieilledent et al. It is thus recommended to choose the local site specific models for estimating the aboveground biomass for the secondary forests with Ravenala madagascariensis in the eastern part of Madagascar.

English

This study characterizes the floristic and structural traits of trees in three sites of rainforest of Cameroon. The sites were exposed to dii¬€erent intensities of disturbances: Mangombe, highly and frequently disturbed; Bidou, moderately disturbed and Campo, undisturbed. Data collection were carried in a disposive comprising 65 plots of 20 m × 20 m randomly installed in each site for inventory, identification and measurement of diameter of trees greather than 10 cm at 1.30 m height. In total, 4717 plants belonging to 130 species and 43 families were recorded in all the sites. Basal area showed a declining trend with the increase in disturbance intensity while tree density, species richness and families increase with disturbances: Campo (87 m²/ha, 569 trees/ha, 75 species and 29 families); Bidou (54, 538, 88 and 32); Mangombe (49, 708, 91 and 38). The vegetation indices showed a high diversity in all the sites. The Shannon index (5.40 to 5.52) and generic diversity (1.10 to 1.16) had greater value. According to the sample, the floristic composition of Mangombe considerably differs from those of Bidou and Campo. The undisturbed site (Campo) contained young tree population showing a vigorous regeneration while in the highly disturbed site (Mangombe), tree density was scarce, with few big size trees having high cultural importance and low economic value. Low shrub density was recorded in Mangombe and Bidou due to frequent human disturbances. Canopy gaps favor direct sunlight which enhanced the abundance of Shrub in all the sites. More protection is needed for the restoration in the long term of forest cover in Mangombe, which can be done naturally due to high density of small trees composed of species generally found in the upper strata. Key words: Cameroon, dense humid forest, disturbance, species richness, structure of population.

Seasonal and individual predictors of diet in a free‐ranging population of mandrills

AbstractDeciphering the dietary habits of a species is central to understanding its ecology, resource requirements, and the evolution of its life history traits. Detailed information on how primates use their environment to address their nutritional needs is available for many primate species. Such basic, but necessary data are, however, fragmented for secretive primates, especially regarding direct behavioral observations of individuals. In this study, we evaluated the impact of seasonality and demographic characteristics on diet and feeding habits in the only free‐ranging population of habituated mandrills (Mandrillus sphinx), a forest‐dwelling species inhabiting the dense humid forests of Central Africa. We collected fine‐grained quantitative data on feeding behavior of 57 individually‐recognized animals of both sexes and different age classes during a 17‐month period. We identified most consumed plant species and determined their abundance in the habitat of the studied mandrills. We showed that diet in this species was extremely diverse and included approximately 150 different plant species, but also mushrooms, invertebrates, and vertebrates. This omnivorous and highly diverse diet presented, however, a clear frugivorous tendency. While we identified three food items largely consumed throughout the year, we also found a strong seasonal signature on diet that was partly, but not only, related to food availability. Age and sex also influenced feeding habits with some feeding specializations according to the individual categories considered and their associated nutritional needs. Our quantitative data provide a basis for future studies examining the nutritional and mineral content of food items, which will further elucidate important aspects of the ecology of this little studied forest primate.

Herbal Medicine and Treatment of Diabetes in Africa: Case Study in Cameroon

African population lives in widespread ecosystems which are generally interconnected with many countries. Therefore, in the eyes of the situation of Cameroon from the Gulf of Guinea to the Sahel, medicinal plants used in this country, are frequently found in other African countries. The migrations of population and Fulani’ moving’s in African savannahs or in African altitude forests have encouraged the oral transmission of medical practices. The objective of this study was to determine the diabetic patients who use herbal medicine and collect and identify the types of plants used and the type of diabetic patients using familial herbal treatment. An ethnopharmacological and ethnomedical data form was prepared and addressed to diabetic patients, previously diagnosed in the hospitals between January 1988 and April 4, 2016. A total of 116 diabetic patients responded. These patients were constituted by 70 type 2 diabetic patients, 36 type 1 diabetic patients and 10 diabetics with hypertension patients. Twenty-one plants were recorded in 58 socio-cultural groups, living in several phytogeographic units. Twelve recipes, nine recipes and three recipes were respectively recorded in coastal dense humid rain forests, in continental dense humid rain forests and in soudano- Guinean-Zambesian savannahs. From this sample of plants, the chemical and pharmacological investigation may reveal interesting properties important for drugs discover.

Diabetes and arterial hypertension resorts of treatments and plants used for their treatments in three phytogeographic areas of Cameroon

There are three principal resorts of diseases’ treatment in Africa that include the mixed traditional and conventional medicine, the pure traditional medicine and the pure conventional medicine. The objective of this study was to determine the importance of resorts of treatment for selecting efficacious medicinal plants used for the management of diabetes and/or arterial hypertension in Cameroon. The resorts of diabetes and/or arterial hypertension treatment preferred by 1131 Cameroonians, selected in 58 socio-cultural groups and plants used were evaluated. This sample of interviewees was distributed as follow: 293 in coastal dense humid rain forests (phytogeographic area 1), 577 in continental dense humid rain forests (phytogeographic area 2) and 561 in Guinean and Soudano-Zambesian savannahs (Phytogeographic area 3). The combination of traditional and conventional medicine was the most favorable therapeutic resort of diabetes and/or arterial hypertension treatment (58,89%), following by pure traditional medicine (38,72 %) and pure conventional medicine (2,39%). These main resorts present manifold variances in many social groups including. The more important variances include Self herbal medication and consultation of traditional healers (21,75%); self herbal medication and consultation of medical doctors (33,08%); traditional healers, self herbal medication and consultation of medical doctors (22,64%). The percentages in brackets correspond to the proportion of interviewees recorded. The interviewees who preferred traditional medicine know more available and efficacious medicinal plants. Therefore with their aid 33 plants which relieve the health condition of some diabetic and/or hypertensive suspected or indirect and confirmed patients were recorded. The most important of these plants that include Azadirachta indica, Momordica charantia, Phyllanthus amarus, Phyllanthus niruri, Laportea ovalifolia, Ceiba pentandra, Allium cepa, Persea americana and Catharanthus roseus relieve the followed up diabetic with hypertension patients. These plants revealed interesting for the potential management of diabetes and hypertension. Meanwhile the recorded plants needed to be detailed investigated for their chemical and pharmacological properties necessary for drugs discovery.

Novitates neocaledonicae IV: Three new species ofCryptocaryaR.Br. (Lauraceae)

Three endemic new species of Cryptocarya R.Br. are described from New Caledonia. Cryptocarya adpressa Munzinger & McPherson, sp. nov., is a small-leaved, pinnately veined species resembling species such as C. leptospermoides Kosterm. and C. gracilis Schltr., but differing most notably in its persistent and strongly appressed indument of the inflorescence. Cryptocarya barrabeae Munzinger & McPherson, sp. nov., resembles C. pluricostata but can be distinguished most easily by its elliptical leaf shape and longer, straighter indument. Cryptocarya chrysea Munzinger & McPherson, sp. nov., resembles C. guillauminii Kosterm. in its ovate, densely and persistently pubescent leaves with ascendant lateral veins, but differs most notably in its prominently lenticellate stems and abaxially golden leaves. All three new species are trees occurring in dense humid forest. Two are restricted to non-ultramafic substrate while C. chrysea, sp. nov., occurs on both substrates. They are all known from at least three protected areas, and do not appear to be threatened; thus they are all assigned a preliminarily Least Concern IUCN status.

Can the Mangombe forest plantation contribute to restore and conserve biodiversity?

This research, conducted in the tropical rainforest, is focused on restoration of tree diversity through natural regeneration mechanism in the 49 year-old Mangombe forest plantation. 12 plots were surveyed, 6 with large transects and the 6 others under regrowth. In each plot, two subplots with 400 m² each were demarcated for the inventory of all stems with diameter greater than 2.5 cm. A total of 2239 stems comprising 107 species distributed in 93 genera and 42 families were identified over 9600 m². There was a slight difference between species richness of plots with large transect (79 species, 72 genera and 35 families) and regrowth plots (85 species, 76 genera and 38 families) while the basal area in the plots with large transects (10.76 m²/ha) was significantly greater than that of regrowth (8.65 m²/ha). Species with high important value index have an affinity with forest undergrowth such as: Tabernaemontana pachysiphon , T. crassa , Mallotus oppositifolius and Heinsia crinita . The undergrowth is diversified with different life feature and a high number of small size trees indicating a vigorous regeneration. This can be favoured by: microclimate undergrowth, canopy gaps, abundance of litter fall that brings humus to the soil, type and age of plots, planted species and the complexity of spatial and vertical structure of the stand. © 2016 International Formulae Group. All rights reserved. Keywords: Mangombe – Cameroon, Natural regeneration, dense humid forest, tree plantation, biodiversity

SPATIAL DISTRIBUTION AND POPULATION STRUCTURE OF PALMS (ARECACEAE) IN A FOREST FRAGMENT OF LOWLAND DENSE HUMID FOREST IN SOUTH BRAZIL

http://dx.doi.org/10.5902/1980509820577In the state of Rio Grande do Sul, the Dense Humid Forest is reduced to less than 5% of its original cover. However, it still has the highest richness of palms in this state, which constitute an important and economically relevant group. Environmental and demographic aspects of plant populations in forest fragments are of great importance for their management and conservation. We conducted a study on the spatial distribution and age structure of five palm species in a forest fragment at the municipality of Três Cachoeiras, in the north coast of Rio Grande do Sul. We delimited 25 10×10 m plots and counted the number of individuals in the stages of seedling, juvenile and adult for each palm species. Aggregation Indices were calculated with software SADIEShell. We performed variation partitioning analyses among species distribution and environmental variables canopy openness and soil moisture. A total of 1,443 plants were counted and the most abundant species was Euterpe edulis. The average density was of 57.72 ind. 100 m-2. Three species showed a pattern of “inverse J”, which indicated that they have a potential for regenerating in that palm community. The predominant spatial pattern was aggregated (Ia&gt;1) and canopy openness did not influence species abundances. Only the distribution of Bactris setosa and Geonoma gamiova, both understory species, was explained by soil moisture, suggesting that other abiotic or biotic factors may be influencing the spatial arrangement of the canopy species.

Differentiation of neotropical ecosystems by modern soil phytolith assemblages and its implications for palaeoenvironmental and archaeological reconstructions II: Southwestern Amazonian forests

Accurate archaeological and palaeoenvironmental reconstructions using phytoliths relies on the study of modern reference material. In eastern Acre, Brazil, we examined whether the five most common forest types present today were able to be differentiated by their soil phytolith assemblages, and thus provide analogues with which to compare palaeoecological assemblages from pre-Columbian earthwork sites in the region. Surface soils and vegetation from dense humid evergreen forest, dense humid evergreen forest with high palm abundance, palm forest, bamboo forest and fluvial forest were sampled and their phytoliths analysed. Relative phytolith frequencies were statistically compared using Principal Components Analyses (PCAs). We found the major differences in species composition to be well-represented by the phytolith assemblages as all forest types, apart from the two sub-types of dense humid evergreen forest, could be differentiated. Larger phytoliths from the sand fraction were found to be more ecologically diagnostic than those from the silt fraction. The surface soil phytolith assemblages we analysed can therefore be used as analogues to improve the accuracy of archaeological and palaeoecological reconstructions in the region.

NATURE AND PERIODICITY OF GROWTH RINGS IN AFRICAN TIMBER: CAN THEY BE USED TO DETERMINE THE AGE OF TREES?

Dans une démarche de planification de l’exploitation forestière, il est nécessaire de connaître à quel âge les arbres afri- cains peuvent être exploités, ceci autant pour le bois d’œuvre en forêt dense hu- mide que pour le bois énergie en savane. Or, le suivi de la croissance sur plusieurs années est rarement assuré. Les cernes de croissance peuvent-ils dès lors fournir une estimation au moins approximative de l’âge des arbres exploitables ? Cet article méthodologique publié en français il y a bientôt 40 ans, aujourd’hui traduit en anglais, présente d’abord de manière générale et dans une première partie la nature et l’anatomie des cernes des arbres de bois africains. Il précise alors de quelle manière ces cernes, quand ils sont peu visibles à la loupe, peuvent être individualisés et comptabilisés par traitement mécanique de surface puis radiographie aux rayons X. La seconde partie est consacrée aux moyens de dé- terminer la périodicité de formation des cernes. Elle intègre bien entendu la dif- ficulté principale représentée, pour une même espèce tropicale, par le décalage entre la croissance végétative et la suc- cession des saisons. Diverses méthodes ont été utilisées dès les années 1920 pour analyser la dynamique de formation du bois chez des essences forestières tropi- cales. Les prélèvements périodiques de cambium réalisés en tournant autour de l’arbre constituent une méthode intéres- sante, cependant destructive. Des inci- sions pratiquées dans l’écorce laissent dans le bois des cicatrices qui permettent de dater différents points dans le bois. Une autre méthode consiste à pratiquer une incision annuelle et à poser un ruban dendrométrique autour de l’arbre, dont le suivi régulier et mensuel permet de révéler les périodes de formation du bois. Deux ans d’observation suffisent à obtenir de bons résultats.

In Search of the Forest in Côte D’ivoire, parts 1 &amp; 2

Jusqu’à 1935, on pouvait encore voir en Côte d’Ivoire des forêts intactes le long des routes. Depuis, avec l’extension démesu- rée de la culture du café et du riz pluvial, le défrichement s’emballe. L’agriculteur fuyant les agoutis et le parasitisme fami- lial défriche dans des forêts éloignées. En 1957, il faut aller à sa recherche pour aper- cevoir la forêt primaire. L’ouverture d’une route la condamne en une décennie, et l’exploitation forestière ne passe qu’une fois. Avec la disparition des forêts denses humides africaines, les régions soudano- sahéliennes subiront une saison sèche plus longue. En outre, il importe d’établir des cartes d’aires de présence avant la disparition des forêts primaires. L’étude ici présentée vise à classifier la végétation fo- restière ivoirienne et repose sur le parcours de 12 transects en forêt dense humide. L’approche phytosociologique est en effet trop imparfaite pour analyser cette végéta- tion. Deux ensembles caractérisés par des groupes botaniques spécifiques ont été distingués : les « forêts denses semi-déci- dues humides à malvacées et ulmacées », et les « forêts denses humides à légumi- neuses sempervirentes ». Les espèces à grand pouvoir de dispersion, abondantes dans les brousses secondaires, notam- ment des genres Triplochiton ou Termina- lia, échappent cependant à cette classifi- cation. Les ruptures d’aires de présence chez certaines espèces tiennent ainsi à la dispersion des semences, mais aussi à la paléohistoire floristique et climatique. De même, la notion d’aire écologique ne peut s’appliquer pour les espèces rares ou pour les zones d’endémisme local. L’étude évoque également plusieurs espèces inva- sives indigènes, comme Scaphopetalum amoemum et Chidlowia sanguinea, dont le développement bloque la régénération forestière. Elle traite enfin de l’inclusion de savanes dans des forêts humides, dont l’origine est toujours édaphique et non pas anthropique.Résumé adapté par la rédaction de la revue.

Wildfire risk for main vegetation units in a biodiversity hotspot: modeling approach in New Caledonia, South Pacific.

Wildfire has been recognized as one of the most ubiquitous disturbance agents to impact on natural environments. In this study, our main objective was to propose a modeling approach to investigate the potential impact of wildfire on biodiversity. The method is illustrated with an application example in New Caledonia where conservation and sustainable biodiversity management represent an important challenge. Firstly, a biodiversity loss index, including the diversity and the vulnerability indexes, was calculated for every vegetation unit in New Caledonia and mapped according to its distribution over the New Caledonian mainland. Then, based on spatially explicit fire behavior simulations (using the FLAMMAP software) and fire ignition probabilities, two original fire risk assessment approaches were proposed: a one-off event model and a multi-event burn probability model. The spatial distribution of fire risk across New Caledonia was similar for both indices with very small localized spots having high risk. The patterns relating to highest risk are all located around the remaining sclerophyll forest fragments and are representing 0.012% of the mainland surface. A small part of maquis and areas adjacent to dense humid forest on ultramafic substrates should also be monitored. Vegetation interfaces between secondary and primary units displayed high risk and should represent priority zones for fire effects mitigation. Low fire ignition probability in anthropogenic-free areas decreases drastically the risk. A one-off event associated risk allowed localizing of the most likely ignition areas with potential for extensive damage. Emergency actions could aim limiting specific fire spread known to have high impact or consist of on targeting high risk areas to limit one-off fire ignitions. Spatially explicit information on burning probability is necessary for setting strategic fire and fuel management planning. Both risk indices provide clues to preserve New Caledonia hot spot of biodiversity facing wildfires.

First Discovery of Plasmobatidae (Acari, Oribatida) in Gabon, redefinition and new species of the genusSolenozetesGrandjean, 1932

ABSTRACT The family Plasmobatidae is herewith reported for the first time from Gabon and Solenozetes makokouensis n. sp. is described. The holotype was collected from litter in dense evergreen humid forest, Makokou, Province Ogoove-Ivindo, north-eastern Gabon. The species is described and illustrated based on adult females. The new species is easily distinguishable by the following combination of character states: cerotegumental layer amorphous, with small tuberculations mixed with granulations; ro seta falcate, inserted on forward-extending visorlike protuberance; in seta wrapped in cerotegumental granulate layer; prodorsal anterior zone complex with irregular protuberances; bothridium horseshoe-shaped, internal rings appearing gear-like; sensillus filiform; notogaster anteriorly with semicircular furrow and depressed zone; macropores opening on foveae; notogastral microsculpture irregular foveate pattern; opisthosomal gland apophysis conical with rounded tip; five pairs of notogastral setae. The genus S...

Influence of some expressive genes mutation on growth and body measurements of scavenging chickens in the dense humid forest of Cameroon

Seven hundred and fifty one (751) mature local chickens reared in the dense humid forest zone of Cameroon were described to identify expressive genes mutation and their influences on growth and body measurements of birds in the rural environment of three provinces in Cameroon (Center, South and East). The major results showed thathens from the Center Province bearing CR*CR mutation (Crested) were heavier (87g; P

Identification and characterization of floristic groups in dry forests relicts of a West Coast region of New Caledonia

We describe the floristic composition of dry forest relicts on the west coast of New Caledonia. Using multivariate techniques, four floristic groups were defined from 71 floristic samples. The large proportion of species with rain forest affinities in all floristic groups shows similarities with the ?dry? rainforest of Australia. The two more open and disturbed groups have the highest proportion of species associated with dry areas, the strongest level of endemism and more ?most threatened? species. The two more closed groups have the highest proportion of rain forest species, but are slightly less original and have fewer threatened species. This raises the question of the exact relation of the dry forest still present in the study area to mesic forest, which has not yet been studied separately from dense humid forest in New Caledonia. The influence of the local micro-climatic conditions on the distribution of floristic groups appears critical. A good knowledge of these conditions is necessary for a sound delimitation of new protected areas, and for the implementation of protective and restorative measures appropriate to each vegetation category.