Forest Reserve Research Articles

Integrated use of field sensors, PhenoCam, and satellite data for pheno-phase monitoring in a tropical deciduous forest of Dalma Wildlife Sanctuary, Jharkhand, India: initial results from the Indian Phenology Network

Integrated use of field sensors, PhenoCam, and satellite data for pheno-phase monitoring in a tropical deciduous forest of Dalma Wildlife Sanctuary, Jharkhand, India: initial results from the Indian Phenology Network

A decadal-scale qualitative comparison of lotic Odonata nymph surveys in northwestern Pennsylvania, USA, reveals possible assemblage restructuring

Detecting long-term changes to Odonata assemblages requires repeated sampling at fixed locations over decadal periods. However, few such biomonitoring efforts exist for Odonata, especially at low taxonomic resolution and immature life stages. We repeated a survey of Odonata nymphs conducted nearly thirty years ago in ten streams from a northern Pennsylvania forest reserve to qualitatively explore assemblage-scale changes and identify streams supporting species of conservation concern. Our survey collected five more species among all sites than the original survey, reflecting a 15% increase in richness despite a reduced sampling effort. Rank abundances of many species changed substantially between surveys. Some, such as Calopteryx maculata, fell in rank while other species like Boyeria vinosa and Phanogomphus lividus that were rare in 1994 became the most numerically dominant. We did not detect patterns in species richness or changes in richness between surveys along gradients of unconventional natural gas extraction or timber harvest among streams. The fraction of species deemed vulnerable or imperiled within Pennsylvania grew from 22 to 38% between surveys, highlighting the regional conservation value of protected area we sampled. Our sampling methodology precludes population estimates or quantitative community comparisons due to the sampling design and inconsistencies in the literature used for identification between surveys. However, the substantial differences in rank-abundance among species between surveys suggests potential long-term changes in these lotic Odonata assemblages. The collective findings presented here emphasize the high value of data from repeated surveys with species-level taxonomic resolution.

Do forest reserves help maintain pollinator diversity and pollination services in tropical agricultural highlands? A case study using Brassica rapa as a model

Do forest reserves help maintain pollinator diversity and pollination services in tropical agricultural highlands? A case study using Brassica rapa as a model

Traditional medicine insights: exploring ethnomedicinal leafy vegetables of the Bhunjia and Paharia tribes in Sunabeda Wildlife Sanctuary, Odisha, India

Traditional medicine insights: exploring ethnomedicinal leafy vegetables of the Bhunjia and Paharia tribes in Sunabeda Wildlife Sanctuary, Odisha, India

Assessment of Beetles Diversity and Abundance in Forest Edge and Grassland Ecosystems of Ngel-Nyaki Forest Reserve

This survey of beetles abundance and diversity was conducted at the Nigerian Montane Forest Project, Ngel-Nyaki Forest Reserve (NMFP). The study aimed to assess the abundance and diversity of beetles at the Ngel-Nyaki Forest Reserve located at Latitude 7°05′ N and Longitude 11°04′ E. It was carried out for one month from September to October 2021. Stratified sampling method was used to divide the study location into two major habitats; forest fragment and grassland and subsequently plots. A total of 200m line transect was established each on the selected habitat types. Pitfall traps were placed at 50m intervals along a 200m transect for the selected habitats. Hand-pick was adopted for beetle collection along the line transects. Sample collections were carried out in the morning and in the evening between the hours of 6 am and 8pm respectively. A total of 233 beetles were collected consisting of 24 species. The highest species diversity was recorded in the grassland (H’= 2.65). The relative Abundance is 0.69 and 0.3 from the 2 habitats. The Abundance of beetles in the forest reserve contributes to the ecosystem of the forest.

Multi-temporal land use classification and change detection using remotely sensed imagery: The case of Hirpora Wildlife Sanctuary, Western Himalayas

Multi-temporal land use classification and change detection using remotely sensed imagery: The case of Hirpora Wildlife Sanctuary, Western Himalayas

A new cloud forest tree Lychnodiscus bali (Sapindaceae), Critically Endangered from the Bali-Ngemba Forest Reserve, NW Region, Cameroon

SummaryWe describe and illustrate Lychnodiscus bali Cheek (Sapindaceae), a new species to science, from the Bali Ngemba Forest Reserve of NW Region Cameroon, the last major remnant of cloud forest in the Bamenda Highlands of Cameroon, recently evidenced as a Tropical Important Plant Area (TIPA or IPA). Confined on current evidence to upper submontane forest, the new species is threatened by expanding habitat clearance for farms and is assessed as Critically Endangered. A small tree, attaining 3 – 4 m height, it is the first new species to be added to this Guineo-Congolian tree genus in 50 years, the third recorded from Cameroon and takes the number of species in the genus to eight. It has the highest known altitudinal range (1700 – 1950 m alt.) of any species of the genus. We discuss its discovery in the context of other recently discovered and highly threatened or even extinct plant species in the Cameroon Highlands, and the importance of their conservation. The new species was previously identified as Lychnodiscus grandifolius Radlk., but differs in the shorter length of the distal leaflets (12 – 18 cm vs 22 – 39 cm long); in the abaxial leaf surface lacking glands (vs glands flat and conspicuous); in being sparsely hairy all over (vs glabrous except the main veins) and in its larger flowers, 8 – 11 mm long at anthesis (vs 5 – 7 mm long). We present an identification key of the species of Lychnodiscus and discuss their classification in the context of recent molecular phylogenetic and phylogenomic studies. The authors contend that Lychnodiscus Radlk., previously placed in Cupanieae by Radlkofer, should now be placed in the reconstituted Nephelieae in the revised 2021 intrafamilial classification of Buerki et al., probably close to the genera Aporrhiza Radlk. and Laccodiscus Radlk. However, until the genus is included in molecular studies this cannot be confirmed and a sister relationship remains speculative.

Prioritization of Forest Resources for Sustainable Management of Iyiocha Stream Forest Reserve, Delta State, Nigeria

Prioritization of Forest Resources for Sustainable Management of Iyiocha Stream Forest Reserve, Delta State, Nigeria

An Insight of Village Community Banks as the Tool of Forest Resource Conservation: A Case of Selected Villages Adjacent Pugu and Kazimzumbwi Forest Reserve.

An Insight of Village Community Banks as the Tool of Forest Resource Conservation: A Case of Selected Villages Adjacent Pugu and Kazimzumbwi Forest Reserve.

Assessment of Community Participation in Forest Conservation in Ondo State, Nigeria

This study examines community participation in forest conservation in Ondo State, Nigeria, exploring the socio-economic dynamics and the effectiveness of decentralized forest management. Amidst escalating environmental degradation and forest depletion, this research highlights the critical role local communities’ play in the stewardship of forest reserves. Data were collected through surveys, interviews, and field observations involving 200 households across multiple communities adjacent to forest reserves. The findings reveal a strong community willingness to engage in forest conservation, with a substantial proportion of respondents prepared to accept financial incentives to aid in conservation efforts. The study also uncovers a significant correlation between socioeconomic factors—such as income levels, educational attainment, and proximity to forests—and the willingness to participate in conservation initiatives. Despite the readiness to support forest preservation, the research identifies a glaring lack of awareness and involvement in existing forest conservation programs. It is recommended that enhanced community education on the benefits of forest conservation, the introduction of more robust economic incentives, increased community involvement in conservation decision-making, and the strengthening of legal frameworks to protect forest resources. These steps are essential for sustainable forest management and biodiversity conservation in the area, which could serve as a model for similar regions globally.

Растительный покров лесных фитоценозов заповедника «Кологривский лес»

При исследованиях структуры растительных сообществ только описание флористического состава является недостаточным, а необходимо выявление функциональных связей между отдельными видами растений, между растениями и окружающей средой, обилия и эколого-ценотических групп видов. Цель исследования – выявление особенностей растительного покрова лесных фитоценозов по данным наблюдений на постоянных пробных площадях в условиях государственного природного заповедника «Кологривский лес» (Костромская область). Объектом исследования послужили 34 постоянные пробные площади, заложенные на Кологривском (28 пробных площадей) и Мантуровском участках заповедника (6 пробных площадей). В исследовании использованы данные учетов 2018–2022 гг. Проведенный анализ геоботанических описаний на постоянных пробных площадях заповедника «Кологривский лес» позволил выделить семь основных групп по общности растительного покрова, каждая из которых характеризуется индивидуальным эколого-ценотическим спектром: i) сосновые формации с преобладанием вереска в травянистом ярусе Мантуровского участка; ii) ельники липняково-ильмовые; iii) коренные ельники и производные от них насаждения в местах старых вырубок; iv) насаждения на участках с нарушенным почвенным покровом с преобладанием лугово-опушечной эколого-ценотической группы, v) еловые насаждения с нарушенной структурой верхнего полога и vi) насаждения на участках с нарушенным почвенным покровом с преобладанием боровой эколого-ценотической группы; vii) сосняки черничные Мантуровского участка. Ординации геоботанических описаний в абстрактных осях факторов по экологическим шкалам Д.Н. Цыганова позволила выделить две основные группы местообитаний: i) с сильно кислыми/кислыми почвами очень бедными/бедными азотом в пергумидных климатических условиях, где получаемого солнечного тепла недостаточно для испарения поступающей влаги; ii) с кислыми/слабокислыми почвами бедными азотом, относящихся к эугумидной экологической группе. На исследуемых пробных площадях наблюдений должны быть продолжены для выявления динамических процессов в составе и структуре растительного покрова без воздействия антропогенных факторов в условиях заповедного режима территории. When studying the structure of plant communities, only a description of the floristic composition is insufficient, but it is necessary to identify functional relationships between individual plant species, between plants and the environment, the abundance and ecological-coenotic groups of species. The purpose of the study is to identify the features of the vegetation cover of forest phytocenoses according to observations on permanent sample plots in the conditions of the Kologrivsky Forest Nature Reserve (Kostroma region). The object of the study was 34 permanent trial plots laid out on the Kologrivsky (28 trial plots) and Manturovsky areas of the reserve (6 trial plots). The study used survey data from 2018–2022. The analysis of geobotanical descriptions on the permanent sample plots of the Kologrivsky Forest Nature Reserve made it possible to identify seven main groups according to the common vegetation cover, each of which is characterized by an individual ecological and coenotic spectrum: i) pine formations with a predominance of heather in the herbaceous layer of the Manturovsky area, ii) linden-elms spruce forests, iii) native spruce forests and plantations derived from them in places of old clearings, iv) forest stands in areas with disturbed soil cover with a predominance of the meadow-edge ecological-coenotic group, v) spruce stands with a disturbed structure of the upper canopy and vi) forest stands on areas with disturbed soil cover with a predominance of boron ecologicalcenotic group; vii) blueberry pine forests of the Manturovsky area. Ordinations of geobotanical descriptions in abstract axes of factors according to D.N. Tsyganov ecological scales made it possible to distinguish two main groups of habitats: i) with strongly acidic/acidic soils, very poor/poor nitrogen in perhumid climatic conditions, where the received solar heat is not enough to evaporate the incoming moisture; ii) with acidic/slightly acidic soils poor in nitrogen, belonging to the euhumid ecological group. On the sample plots under study, observations should be continued to identify dynamic processes in the composition and structure of the vegetation cover without the impact of anthropogenic factors under the conditions of the protected regime of the territory.

Population Structure and Regeneration Status of Tree Species in Eastern Himalaya, Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary, West Bengal

The study provides information on the tree diversity, stand structure, and regeneration pattern of the Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary. Tree diversity and its relation to habitat have been explored using 88 plots with dimensions of 50 × 20 m. A survey of 8.8 ha of the study area was conducted during the fieldwork. Plants with a circumference of 30 cm and above were enumerated as trees, while plants with a circumference between 30–10 cm were considered juveniles (saplings and seedlings). A total of 1677 tree individuals belonging to 67 genera of 43 families were recorded. Five species - Shorea robusta, Schima wallichii, Acer oblongum, Magnolia pterocarpa and Ficus benghalensis contributed to the maximum stand density and species richness. The total stand density per hectare was recorded as 2160 individuals/ha, with a total basal area of 8.86 m²/ha. The regeneration status has been evaluated as ‘Good’, with 4336 regenerating individuals/ha recorded during the study. Diversity indices were calculated: Shannon-Weiner index was 3.607, Simpson dominance index was 0.937, Margalef index was 11.45, and evenness was 0.428.

Molecular characterization and zoonotic potential of Entamoeba spp., Enterocytozoon bieneusi and Blastocystis from captive wild animals in northwest China

BackgroundParasites Entamoeba spp., Enterocytozoon bieneusi and Blastocystis are prevalent pathogens causing gastrointestinal illnesses in animals and humans. Consequently, researches on their occurrence, distribution and hosts are crucial for the well-being of both animals and humans. Due to the confined spaces and frequent interaction between animals and humans, animal sanctuaries have emerged as potential reservoirs for these parasites. In this study, the wildlife sanctuary near the Huang Gorge of the Qinling Mountains in northwest China is chosen as an ideal site for parasite distribution research, considering its expansive stocking area and high biodiversity.ResultsWe collected 191 fecal specimens from 37 distinct wildlife species and extracted genomic DNA. We identified these three parasites by amplifying specific gene regions and analyzed their characteristics and evolutionary relationships. All the parasites exhibited a high overall infection rate, reaching 90.05%. Among them, seven Entamoeba species were identified, accounting for a prevalence of 54.97%, with the highest infection observed in Entamoeba bovis. In total, 11 Enterocytozoon bieneusi genotypes were discovered, representing a prevalence of 35.08%, including three genotypes of human-pathogenic Group 1 and two novel genotypes (SXWZ and SXLG). Additionally, 13 Blastocystis subtypes were detected, showing a prevalence of 74.87% and encompassing eight zoonotic subtypes. All of the above suggests significant possibilities of parasite transmission between animals and humans.ConclusionsThis study investigated the occurrence and prevalence of three intestinal parasites, enhancing our understanding of their genetic diversity and host ranges in northwest China. Furthermore, the distribution of these parasites implies significant potential of zoonotic transmission, underscoring the imperative for ongoing surveillance and implementation of control measures. These efforts are essential to mitigate the risk of zoonotic disease outbreaks originating from wildlife sanctuary.

Antibacterial activity and biosynthetic potential of Streptomyces sp. PBR19, isolated from forest rhizosphere soil of Assam.

An Actinomycetia isolate, designated as PBR19, was derived from the rhizosphere soil of Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary (PWS), Assam, India. The isolate, identified as Streptomyces sp., shares a sequence similarity of 93.96% with its nearest type strain, Streptomyces atrovirens. This finding indicates the potential classification of PBR19 as a new taxon within the Actinomycetota phylum. PBR19 displayed notable antibacterial action against some ESKAPE pathogens. The ethyl acetate extract of PBR19 (EtAc-PBR19) showed the lowest minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of ≥ 0.195µg/mL against Acinetobacter baumannii ATCC BAA-1705. A lower MIC indicates higher potency against the tested pathogen. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) findings revealed significant changes in the cytoplasmic membrane structure of the pathogen. This suggests that the antibacterial activity may be linked to the disruption of the microbial membrane. The predominant chemical compound detected in the EtAc-PBR19 was identified as phenol, 3,5-bis(1,1-dimethylethyl), comprising 48.59% of the area percentage. Additionally, PBR19 was found to contain the type II polyketide synthases (PKS type II) gene associated with antibiotic synthesis. The predicted gene product of PKSII was identified as the macrolide antibiotic Megalomicin A. The taxonomic distinctiveness, potent antibacterial effects, and the presence of a gene associated with antibiotic synthesis suggest that PBR19 could be a valuable candidate for further exploration in drug development and synthetic biology. The study contributes to the broader understanding of microbial diversity and the potential for discovering bioactive compounds in less-explored environments.

Species Composition and Feeding Behaviors of Vector Mosquitoes of Avian Infectious Diseases at a Wild Bird Rehabilitation Facility in Japan.

Although wild bird rehabilitation facilities are important for the conservation of wild species, individuals may be kept within the facilities for long periods, consequently posing a risk for the bird to be infected with pathogens to which they are not naturally exposed. In turn, novel pathogens may be introduced through rescued migratory species. Avian malaria and West Nile fever are important avian diseases transmitted by mosquitoes. To understand the transmission dynamics of such diseases at rehabilitation facilities, the ecology of vector mosquitoes, including species composition, seasonality, and feeding behaviors, were explored. Mosquitoes were collected at a wild bird rehabilitation facility and wildlife sanctuary in Japan from 2019 to 2020 using mouth aspirators, sweep nets, and light traps. A total of 2,819 mosquitoes of 6 species were captured, all of which are potential vectors of avian diseases. Culex pipiens pallens and Cx. pipiens form molestus were the dominant species (82.9% of all collected mosquitoes). Density and seasonality differed between sampling locations, presumably because of differences in mosquito behaviors including feeding preferences and responses to climatic factors. Blood-fed Culex mosquitoes fed solely on birds, and many mosquito species are thought to have fed on birds within the facility. Particularly, Cx. pipiens group probably fed on both rescued and free-living birds. The rehabilitation facility may be an important site for the introduction and spread of pathogens because 1) numerous mosquitoes inhabit the hospital and its surroundings; 2) blood-fed mosquitoes are caught within the hospital; 3) there is direct contact between birds and mosquitoes; 4) both birds within the hospital and wild birds are fed upon. Furthermore, blood-fed Cx. pipiens form molestus were observed in the winter, suggesting that pathogens might be transmitted even during the winter when other mosquito species are inactive.

Medium and large-sized mammals in human-dominated landscape of the former Dhidhessa wildlife sanctuary, Western Ethiopia

Abstract Assessment of medium- and large-sized mammals’ species diversity, abundance, distribution, and habitat association is necessary to promote their conservation measures. The study was conducted in the former Dhidhessa wildlife sanctuary (FDWS), to assess the medium- and large-sized mammals’ composition, distribution, and diversity. Transect lines were used to collect the data. A total of 1,146 ± 91 individuals belonging to 25 species, seven orders, and 14 families were recorded. Among these, 607 ± 186.5 (52.97%) were recorded during the wet season, whereas 539 ± 144.5 (47.03%) during the dry season. The order Carnivora was the most diverse one, followed by Artiodactyla and Primates, respectively, while Rodentia, Hyracoidea, Tubulidentata, and Lagomorpha were the least diverse orders. Olive baboon (Papio anubis) was the most abundant species (19.2%), followed by Hippopotamus (Hippopotamus amphibious) (17.63%) and Vervet monkey (Chlorocebus aethiops) (13.18%). Species diversity was higher in the savanna-wooded than in the riverine forest during both the wet (H’ = 2.72, Fisher’s alpha = 6.33) and dry (H’= 2.79, Fisher’s alpha = 6.26) seasons. Species evenness was higher in the savanna-wooded habitat than in the riverine forest habitat during both the wet (J’ = 0.87 and J’ = 0.77, respectively) and dry (J’ = 0.9 and J’ = 0.80, respectively) seasons. The highest similarity in species composition was between the wet and dry seasons in the riverine forest habitat (SI = 85.58%). The lowest similarity was recorded between the dry and wet seasons of the riverine forest and the wet season of the savanna wooded habitat (SI = 45.46% and SI = 46.49%, respectively). The study suggests that mammals are at risk of anthropogenic factors in the area. So, an urgent conservation measure that involves the participation of the local community has paramount significance for the sustainable conservation of mammals in the former Dhidhessa wildlife sanctuary.

Parks can effectively protect ungulates and elephants despite a constant poaching threat

Establishing protected areas is a key element of most conservation strategies, but continuous effective management is needed to ensure that biodiversity is protected. Here we provide an evaluation of park effectiveness by quantifying changes in the abundance of the commonly occurring ungulates (bushbuck - Tragelaphus scriptus; red duiker - Cephalophus harveyi; blue duiker - Cephalophus moniticola, bushpigs - Potomochoerus larvatus, and giant forest hogs - Hylochoerus meinertzhageni), and African elephants (forest elephants - Loxodonta cyclotis, savanna elephants - Loxodonta africana, and their hybrids) in Kibale National Park, Uganda and consider the financial commitment needed to ensure protection. Following the upgrading of the protection of Kibale from a forest reserve to a national park, wildlife populations generally increased. Bushpigs are an exception and their populations appear stable. The increases of ungulate and elephant populations typically happened soon after park establishment, with the exception of the giant forest hog that only recently showed an increase. We conducted an assessment of Uganda Wildlife Authorities budget and those of the small NGOs working in the area and considered the contribution that Makerere University Biological Field Stations makes to the community. This analysis indicates that with a small budget UWA and its collaborators have been successful in protecting the park’s ungulate and elephant populations. While the past decades have demonstrated the park’s ability to conserve biodiversity with limited resources, the changing climate and mounting pressures faced by the park will necessitate significantly increased investments.

Ecological Perspective on Avian Faunal Diversity of Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary, Trans-Himalayan Region, Himachal Pradesh, India

Ecological Perspective on Avian Faunal Diversity of Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary, Trans-Himalayan Region, Himachal Pradesh, India

Impacts of urbanization on multiple dimensions of bird diversity in Atlantic forest landscapes

Urbanization is resulting in habitat loss and fragmentation around the world, but its effects on biodiversity remain poorly understood. We investigated how the increase of urban cover surrounding nine Brazilian Atlantic forest reserves (14 ha - 1058 ha) affects the taxonomic, functional and phylogenetic diversity of bird communities, considering forest and non-forest species separately. Using a multi-scale local landscape approach, we estimated the percentage of urban cover in circular buffers of varying radii (200–1000 m). We calculated 10 complementary metrics of bird diversity and modelled them against the percentage of urban cover using generalized additive models. Urbanization had a negative, non-linear impact on the taxonomic diversity of bird communities, with a sharp decrease of up to 50 % in the effective number of rare, typical and dominant species in landscapes with 20–40 % of urbanization. This decrease was not restricted to forest species (urban avoiders), but also affected non-forest ones (urban utilizers and dwellers). The impact of urbanization on functional and phylogenetic diversity were less evident, suggesting that the vulnerability to urbanization has a weak phylogenetic and phenotypic signal. We conclude that urbanization impacts a broad spectrum of bird clades and traits and drastically reduce the taxonomic diversity of bird communities.

Influences of camp refugees on the environment of Minawao in Cameroon

Since 2013, Minawao, in Cameroon's Far North region, has been home to a camp for Nigerian refugees fleeing the violence perpetrated by the Boko Haram movement. The long-term establishment of the base has significantly impacted all aspects of the locality, particularly the environment. This article focuses on the influence of the refugee camp's presence on the territory of Minawao and its surroundings, emphasising changes in vegetation cover and land-use dynamics. The article was carried out using a methodology that included household surveys, cartographic analysis, and the collection of testimonies in the field. The investigation results reveal that the camp installation first led to declining agricultural and grazing activities. Secondly, the cutting of wood by the refugees has further degraded the region's vegetation cover, particularly in the forest reserve, showing a regression rate of minus 37.38% between 2015 and 2022. Lastly, the land occupied by the camp has gradually grown to exceed 1,493.11 ha of the area initially granted, and signs of soil degradation, mainly erosion (77.04%), are already visible. Initiatives have been implemented to combat this environmental degradation, including the "Make Minawao Green Again" project, activities to promote ecological charcoal and improved stoves, and waves of formal repatriation of refugees. However, these measures have not yet produced satisfactory results due to socio-economic and cultural constraints. Therefore, further humanitarian action to improve environmental management is needed to remedy these problems.