Local Human Communities Research Articles

Parámetros biológicos básicos para la conservación de Pseudocurimata lineopunctata (Characiformes, Curimatidae) en el Río Anchicayá, Valle del Cauca, Colombia

Pseudocurimata lineopunctata represents an important nutritional source for local human communities in Colombia and Ecuador. Although the yearly catch of this fish is low (590 kg/year), there are no restrictions on minimum size, and this species is categorized as vulnerable with moderate extinction risk by the Regional Autonomous Corporation of the Cauca Valley (Colombia). To support conservation programs, biological data of the target species are required. Therefore, the aims of this study were to describe the sex ratio, distribution, size to weight ratio, macroscopic stages of reproductive maturity, fecundity, and size at first sexual maturity for P. lineopunctata. For this, fish samples were captured with nets over nine months (February-October) in 2007. The total length (Lt) of the captured fish ranged between 10.7 and 16.5 cm, with total weight (Pt) between 25.0 and 67.5 g. Females represented 52.6 % of the sample group while males represented 47.4 %, and differences in sex ratio were observed in relation to fish size. For all sampled months, the fish captured showed an advanced maturity state. Based on analyses of the gonadosomatic index (IGS), gonadic index (IG), and Fulton’s condition factor (K), and two spawning peaks were determined, one in June-July, and the other in September-October. The size at first sexual maturity was 9.2 cm for females and 10.1 cm for males. Absolute fecundity was estimated as 3 598 oocytes/g♀. It is necessary to carry out additional investigations on the reproduction of this species, to support future repopulation programs.

Genetic management and setting recovery goals for Mexican wolves (Canis lupus baileyi) in the wild

Mexican wolf recovery planning has spanned >3 decades, yet federal and state planners have not reached consensus on how to structure recovery efforts with the remaining inbred founder lineages to maximize genetic diversity while balancing many other demographic and social considerations. The US Fish and Wildlife Service and state wildlife agencies are working to draft a revised recovery plan specific to the Mexican wolf that will appropriately incorporate genetic concerns in recovery criteria that can be implemented on a human-dominated landscape. Inbreeding effects, where present in the remaining lineages, are stochastic and unpredictable in a management context. Despite these effects, population growth in Mexican wolves the past 5years rivals the rate observed in Yellowstone wolves during the last decade. While small populations risk extinction via inbreeding depression, there are often larger, more imminent threats of demographics, mortality, or habitat loss that may impact success of recovery efforts. Releasing captive-reared wolves is problematic and often creates conflict in local human communities, but fostering of captive-born wolves into wild wolf packs is a viable means of increasing genetic diversity and decreasing habituated wolf-human conflict. There are many alternative ways to estimate the number of wolves per population needed to recover the Mexican wolf. Efforts should thus be made to provide for sufficient genetic diversity, but not at the expense of more immediate factors that influence successful recovery.

Attitudes Towards Scorpions and Frogs: A Survey Among Teachers and Students from Schools in the Vicinity of an Amazonian Protected Area

Many conservation and management policies adopted in countries with megadiverse forest remnants largely neglect local human communities living in areas surrounding preserves. We investigated the attitudes and knowledge of teachers and students towards scorpions and frogs in the limits between a tropical rainforest reserve and a large Amazonian city. We aimed to identify possible deficiencies in environmental education and the level of knowledge about these animals. Data were collected from 110 students of both genders, aging between eight and 16 years old, representing four different schools located at the periphery of Manaus City, Amazonas State, Brazil. Written responses concerning personal experiences, knowledge, and background about the animals were collected from students and teachers through open- and closed-ended questions. Hand drawn responses were also gathered from the students. Members of the studied population showed more negative than positive attitudes towards scorpions and frogs. We found that gender and sex held similar attitudes in relation to these animals. However, boys tended to be more interested than girls were in the biology of scorpions. In addition, attitudes towards scorpions became more negative as age increased. Most students pictured scorpions and frogs as dangerous, lethal, or aggressive. Such conceptions were also recorded among teachers. We detected a huge lacuna in the knowledge on the importance and about biological and ecological aspects of both groups. Educational activities focused on emotional affinity of students with animals should be associated with traditional lessons, which can enhance conservation strategies.

Abundance, distribution and conservation status of Siberian ibex, Marco Polo and Blue sheep in Karakoram-Pamir mountain area

This study was carried out to investigate abundance, distribution, structure and conservation status of three major ungulate species viz., Capra sibirica, Pseudois nayaur and Ovis ammon polii, in the Karakoram-Pamir mountain area between China and Pakistan. Results showed that the entire study area had a scattered but worthwhile population of Siberian ibex, Blue sheep and Marco Polo sheep, except Khunjerab Pass, Koksil-Pateshek and Barkhun areas of Khunjerab National Park (KNP). Large groups of Blue sheep were sighted in Shimshal and Barkhun valleys (KNP) but it did not show up in the Muztagh part of Taxkorgan Nature Reserve (TNR) in China. Despite scarcity of natural vegetation and extreme climate, estimated abundance of ibex and Marco Polo sheep was not different from that in Protected Areas of Nepal, China, and India, except for Blue sheep. Marco Polo sheep, Blue sheep and Snow leopard roam across international borders among China, Pakistan and other adjacent countries. Illegal hunting and poaching, removal of natural vegetation for fodder and firewood, and over grazing of pastures by livestock were main habitat issues whereas, border fencing for security reasons, has been a major impediment restricting free movement of the wildlife across international borders. A science based conservation and development strategy is proposed to restore viable wildlife populations and maintain ecological flows of Karakoram Pamir Mountains to benefit both the wild species and the local human communities.

Environmental drivers for regeneration of Mauritia flexuosa L.f. in Colombian Amazonian swamp forest

Mauritia flexuosa L.f. (swamp forest palm) stands are widely distributed in the poorly drained zones of flood plains and low terraces. They provide several economic and cultural resources for local human communities and play an important ecological role in Amazonia. To identify the main factors involved in the natural regeneration dynamics of M. flexuosa, we surveyed the recruitment, mortality, and survival rates of seedlings from June 2010 to November 2012 on a 1-ha plot in a flooded forest area of Colombian Amazonia. The recorded mortality and recruitment rates of M. flexuosa were higher compared to its survival rates over time. These three parameters, included in a CCA, were positively correlated to the basal area (BA) of M. flexuosa adults. The CCA the first two axes explained 88% of data variance. While recruitment was positively related to flooding levels, mortality was positively related to basal area of species other than M. flexuosa and to the lowest organic matter percentages in the topsoil. In a PCA first two axes explained 57% of variance and showed positive correlation of both basal area and seedling abundance of M. flexuosa to soil organic matter content, and to poorly drained soils. Pore water pH and percentages of sand and clay increased with improved soil drainage conditions.

Influência da barragem de Tucuruí no desempenho da pesca artesanal, estado do Pará

O objetivo foi analisar a influência da barragem de Tucuruí no desempenho da pesca artesanal, desenvolvida a jusante. Partindo-se da hipótese de que o desequilíbrio do rio Tocantins repercutiu de forma intensa sobre a vida das comunidades humanas locais, afetando o desempenho da atividade pesqueira, procurou-se dar resposta para a seguinte questão: qual a influência da barragem de Tucuruí, estado do Pará, sobre o desempenho da pesca artesanal desenvolvida a jusante? Os dados utilizados são de origem primária e secundária. Utilizou-se o modelo de análise fatorial exploratória (AFE), para construir o Índice de Desempenho da Pesca Artesanal (IDPA). Os resultados mostram que 21% dos pescadores têm baixo desempenho e 79%, desempenho intermediário, fato que aponta para a difícil situação enfrentada pelos trabalhadores da pesca ao longo do tempo.

Salt marshes

Salt marshes are unique ecosystems that are brimming with diversity, and provide crucial shelter to coastal communities.

Fish-AMAZBOL: a database on freshwater fishes of the Bolivian Amazon

The Bolivian part of the Amazon Basin contains a mega diverse and well-preserved fish fauna. Since the last decade, this fish fauna has received an increasing attention from scientists and the national authorities as fishes represent one of the most important sources of proteins for local human communities. However, this fish fauna still remains poorly documented. Here, we present a database for fishes from the Bolivian Amazon. To build the database, we conducted an extensive literature survey of native and non-native (exotic) fishes inhabiting all major sub-drainages of the Bolivian Amazon. The database, named Fish-AMAZBOL, contains species lists for 13 Amazonian hydrological units, covering 100% of the Bolivian Amazon and approximately 65% (722,137 km2) of the all territory. Fish-AMAZBOL includes 802 valid species, 12 of them being non-native, that have been checked for systematic reliability and consistency. To put this number in perspective, this represents around 14% of the all Neotropical ichthyofauna and around 6% of all strictly freshwater fishes inhabiting the planet. This database is currently the most comprehensive database of native and non-native fish species richness available so far for the Bolivian Amazon.

The Leading Canadian NGOs’ Discourse on Fish Farming: From Ecocentric Intuitions to Biocentric Solutions

The development of the aquaculture industry in Canada has triggered a conflict of a scope never seen before. As stated in Young and Matthews’ The Aquaculture Controversy, this debate has “mushroomed over the past several decades to become one of the most bitter and stubborn face-offs over industrial development ever witnessed in Canada” (Young and Matthews in The aquaculture controversy in Canada. Activism, policy and contested science. UBC Press, Vancouver, p 3, 2010). It opposes a wide variety of actors: from industrial investors, scientists, politicians and environmentalists to Native associations and communities, citizens groups and local stakeholders. The opposition is fierce between those in favor of a flourishing and modern aquaculture of industrial nature and those who fear the dreadful consequences of such an industry. In particular, the possible implementation of biotechnology innovations, such as a genetically modified salmon, has made this debate coextensive with the GMO debate, thus multiplying the opposition’s spectrum of arguments against the industry. Throughout the debate, Canadian environmental NGOs like the Suzuki Foundation and Greenpeace Canada have assumed leadership over the opposition to aquaculture development with certain success. Their participation in the debate features numerous ethical concerns related to environmental health, a respect for wilderness and local human communities. Such a position can be associated overall with a form of ecocentric ethics or concern. Nevertheless, a careful examination of the technical solutions proposed by these NGOs reveals their embeddedness in biocentrism. Through the example taken from the Canadian debate on aquaculture development, this paper aims to highlight the conceptual difficulty of enacting ecocentric ethical positions beyond formal arguments. Because ecocentrism implies a true paradigm shift, not only in mentality, but also in the way we conceive our technical interventions in nature, biocentrism remains an important practical method to enact ethical positions related to environmental concerns in public debates.

Structural and compositional variations in undisturbed and disturbed tropical forests of Bhuban hills in south Assam, India

The present study describes the structure, composition and regeneration of tree species in undisturbed and disturbed tropical forests in Bhuban hills in southern Assam, India. The study area is part of one of the globally recognized biodiversity hot spots and in spite of the increasing human activities in these forests, so far no information is available on their impacts on plant assemblages in the area. In each forest, the vegetation was analysed through 50 quadrats (10 m × 10 m) in a belt transect of 500 m × 10 m. A total of 49, 47 and 42 tree species were recorded in disturbed forests and 62, 61 and 60 species in undisturbed forests. The average tree density and basal area were significantly higher in undisturbed forests (708.67 and 42.01 m2 ha−1, respectively) than disturbed forests (443.33 and 18.44 m2 ha−1, respectively). The population structure of tree species in disturbed forests showed a fluctuating curve, and in undisturbed forests, it was a reversed J-shaped curve. The present study reveals that the species richness, diversity, density and basal area have significantly declined (P < 0.01) due to anthropogenic disturbances. As reflected from the population structure, most of the tree species in disturbed forests showed poor regeneration status. If degradation of these forests continues at the present pace, several of these species which are providing various ecosystem services to the local human communities may disappear in the very near future.

Dispatches

Dispatches

Effects of salinity on fish assemblage structure: An evaluation based on taxonomic and functional approaches in the Casamance estuary (Senegal, West Africa)

The utility of taxonomic and functional approaches in assessing the structure of fish communities is tested in the hypersaline estuary of the Casamance river using data from surveys of commercial fisheries conducted between April and July of 2005. Both taxonomic and functional diversity decrease from downstream to upstream regions of the estuary. In terms of species composition, marine-estuarine species (33.3–46.3%, depending on the site) and estuarine species of marine origin (29.3–41.7%) dominate the exploited population in the Casamance estuary. In contrast, the proportion of strictly estuarine species observed upstream is twice that observed downstream.Quantitative analysis based on biomass landed distinguishes two groups in the population: (1) a group of species that is dominant downstream, containing primarily terminal predators and secondary consumers categorised as marine species that are occasional or accessory in estuaries, estuarine marine species, and estuarine species of marine origin; and (2) a group of species characteristic of the upstream region, dominated by a few species (Sarotherodon melanotheron, Tilapia guineensis, and Mugil cephalus) mainly of strictly estuarine and/or herbivorous categories and Elops lacerta, a carnivore fish. The outcomes of the two approaches are similar, and both indicate that the fish community in this estuary is under the influence of strong environmental disturbance. However, the scales at which the specific and functional approaches most reliably reflect environmental conditions are different. The taxonomic approach, i.e., the use of specific biomass is more appropriate at the ecosystem scale and therefore more accessible to local human communities, whereas the functional approach is better suited to regional and sub-regional studies because of the change in species composition from one environment to another.

Prediciendo la distribución de Polylepis: bosques Andinos vulnerables y cada vez más importantes

Polylepis woodlands are a vital resource for preserving biodiversity and hydrological functions, which will be altered by climate change and challenge the sustainability of local human communities. However, these highaltitude Andean ecosystems are becoming increasingly vulnerable due to anthropogenic pressure including fragmentation, deforestation and the increase in livestock. Predicting the distribution of native woodlands has become increasingly important to counteract the negative effects of climate change through reforestation and conservation. The objective of this study was to develop and analyze the distribution models of two species that form extensive woodlands along the Andes, namely Polylepis sericea and P. weberbaueri. This study utilized the program Maxent, climate and remotely sensed environmental layers at 1 km resolution. The predicted distribution model for P. sericea indicated that the species could be located in a variety of habitats along the Andean Cordillera, while P. weberbaueri was restricted to the high elevations of southern Peru and Bolivia. For both species, elevation and temperature metrics were the most significant factors for predicted distribution. Further model refinement of Polylepis and other Andean species using increasingly available satellite data demonstrate the potential to help define areas of diversity and improve conservation strategies for the Andes.

Reassessment of the 2010–2011 Haiti cholera outbreak and rainfall-driven multiseason projections

Mathematical models can provide key insights into the course of an ongoing epidemic, potentially aiding real-time emergency management in allocating health care resources and by anticipating the impact of alternative interventions. We study the ex post reliability of predictions of the 2010-2011 Haiti cholera outbreak from four independent modeling studies that appeared almost simultaneously during the unfolding epidemic. We consider the impact of different approaches to the modeling of spatial spread of Vibrio cholerae and mechanisms of cholera transmission, accounting for the dynamics of susceptible and infected individuals within different local human communities. To explain resurgences of the epidemic, we go on to include waning immunity and a mechanism explicitly accounting for rainfall as a driver of enhanced disease transmission. The formal comparative analysis is carried out via the Akaike information criterion (AIC) to measure the added information provided by each process modeled, discounting for the added parameters. A generalized model for Haitian epidemic cholera and the related uncertainty is thus proposed and applied to the year-long dataset of reported cases now available. The model allows us to draw predictions on longer-term epidemic cholera in Haiti from multiseason Monte Carlo runs, carried out up to January 2014 by using suitable rainfall fields forecasts. Lessons learned and open issues are discussed and placed in perspective. We conclude that, despite differences in methods that can be tested through model-guided field validation, mathematical modeling of large-scale outbreaks emerges as an essential component of future cholera epidemic control.

Mapping the Tso Kar basin in Ladakh

High-altitude wetlands are critical ecosystems at risk from global climatic changes and local human activities. Management plans for the conservation of these wetlands require spatial information, from remote sensing data and from local human communities. I describe my research aims and methodology working with the Changpa, a nomadic pastoral community who inhabit the high-altitude regions around the Tso Kar basin wetlands in Ladakh, India.

Bacteriological Pollution of Artesian Ground Water Sources Used by Local Communities Living in and Around Bukavu Town (Democratic Republic of Congo) as Sources of Potable Drinking Water

Pollution of water for human consumption is a major environmental challenge in hundreds of towns across Sub-Sahara Africa. The objective of this work was to evaluate the degree of bacterial pollution of ground water sourcesas sources of safe drinking water consumed by local human communities living in urban and peri-urban zones of Bukavu town (eastern DR Congo). Populations living in these zones are generally disfavored in terms of safe watersupply services by the national water corporation (REGIDESO). This study was conducted in 2011 during the dry and rainy seasons from 15 ground water sources used by the population from these peri-urban zones as sources of safe drinking water and as source of safe water for other domestic needs. In total, 150 samples were taken from these water sources. During both rainy and dry seasons, 5 water samples were taken for every source. These samples were analyzed for their physic-chemical and bacteriological properties in comparison to world health organization standards. Results indicated that the degree of bacterial pollution of water was high (T=4.56, P<0.05) during rainy season (20.6 ± 25.3 total coliforms/100 ml of water on average) than during the dry season (3.10 ± 6.023 total coliforms/100 ml of water on average) across all sources studied. Sources (sites) that were highly polluted included Mulehe I, Kaliba, Kahuranyi, Cemu, Bagira, Funu et Gihamba. Overall, bacterial pollution of drinking water sources was significantly (P<0.05) high during the rainy season than during the dry season. Similarly, cholera epidemic outbreak is high in these zones during the rainy season (September-December). In November-December 2011, more than 400 cases of death were registered in hospital and the victims were from these highly polluted areas where the study was conducted. In fact, the presence of Vibrio cholerae was detected in all rainy season water samples from these areas. The results of this study indicated that Vibrio cholerae is the principal dangerous pollutant agent of these drinking ground water sources used by more than half million people living in peri-urban areas and in over-populated areas in Bukavu town. There is a need to set a system of monitoring water quality for human consumption. Results (findings) of such a monitoring program may be used to inform policy makers and health agents on better strategies to control water pollution in Bukavu and in related Sub-Sahara African towns. There is a need for policy makers to develop new strategies to improve water sanitation and supply everyone safe drinking groundwater in Bukavu Town. The adoption of water sanitation, rainwater harvesting technologies may help in areas where the national water corporation can’t be able to supply water in short to mid terms.

Prediction of the spatial evolution and effects of control measures for the unfolding Haiti cholera outbreak

[1] Here we propose spatially explicit predictions of the residual progression of the current Haiti cholera outbreak accounting for the dynamics of susceptible and infected individuals within different local human communities, and for the redistribution among them of Vibrio cholerae, the causative agent of the disease. Spreading mechanisms include the diffusion of pathogens in the aquatic environment and their dissemination due to the movement of human carriers. The model reproduces the spatiotemporal features of the outbreak to date, thus suggesting the robustness of predicted future developments of the epidemic. We estimate that, under unchanged conditions, the number of new cases in the whole country should start to decrease in January. During this month the epidemic should mainly involve the Ouest department (Port-au-Prince) while fading out in northern regions. Our spatially explicit model allows also the analysis of the effectiveness of alternative intervention strategies. To that end our results show that mass vaccinations would have a negligible impact at this stage of the epidemic. We also show that targeted sanitation strategies, providing clean drinking water supply and/or staging educational campaigns aimed at reducing exposure, may weaken the strength of the residual evolution of the infection.

Effects of Unplanned Development on Marine Biodiversity: A Lesson from Albania (Central Mediterranean Sea)

Abstract Human activities determine dramatic changes in natural systems, especially in marine coastal areas. This is especially true when economic development is fast and scarcely regulated, representing a serious threat to biodiversity. Besides the obvious prediction of impairment of natural systems, forecasting the effects of human activities can be particularly challenging since they affect species and assemblages, the patterns of distribution and extent of which are often totally unknown. In Vlora Bay, we show through an interdisciplinary project that 15 y of coastal development can result in a loss of over 50% of seagrass cover and a decline in macroalgae cover such as Cystoseira spp., which are structurally and functionally crucial habitats that provide essential goods and services for local human communities and recreation. Furthermore, illegal fishery practices (date mussel fishery, trawling, and use of explosives) contribute to depict a scenario of fragmentation and loss of shallow species-rich a...

Abrupt spatial and numerical responses of overabundant foxes to a reduction in anthropogenic resources

Summary 1. Carnivore overabundance that results from exploitation of human derived resources can have numerous detrimental effects on local human populations and ecological communities. Experimental studies on the responses of overabundant carnivores to reductions of such resources are necessary to understand the effectiveness and impacts of resource reduction. 2. We conducted controlled experiments in two villages in which we drastically reduced the availability of anthropogenic food sources in half of each village. Spatial and numerical responses of radio‐collared red foxes Vulpes vulpes were recorded and contrasted with those of radio‐collared foxes in three similar untreated villages and pristine areas in the region. In total, we looked at survival rates of 134 foxes. 3. Prior to the resource manipulation, home range sizes (0·47 and 0·56 km2) and population densities (30 and 36 foxes km−2) in the two villages were comparable to documented low and high‐end values, respectively. 4. Fast and distinct spatial responses were observed in response to the resource manipulation, and were manifested in either increased home range size or home range shifts. In one village, foxes exposed to reduced resource availability more than doubled their home range size. 5. Survival rates of individuals in the treated areas were drastically reduced. Actual fox mortality in the two treated areas reached 100% and 64% within 12 months of the onset of resource manipulation. Estimated monthly survival in the two treated areas declined from 0·96–0·98 and 0·98–0·99 (∼0·69 and 0·78 derived annual survival) before treatment to 0·80–0·83 and 0·92–0·94 (∼&lt;0·01 and 0·42 derived annual survival) after treatment, respectively. By contrast, average monthly survivorship in pristine areas was nearly 0·97 (∼0·69 annual survival) and in the untreated areas and other non‐treated villages was 0·95–0·99 (∼0·54–0·89 annual survival). 6. Synthesis and applications. This study demonstrates that sound waste disposal measures are very effective in controlling populations of overabundant carnivores. Contrary to common notion, the response of foxes to reduced resources was fast, manifested more by reduced survival than by successful dispersal into adjacent pristine areas. The results offer support to the Resource Dispersion Hypothesis regarding both home range size and density (suggested by the sharp decrease in survival) as a function of the spatial and temporal dispersion of resource.

Long‐term field studies: positive impacts and unintended consequences

Long-term field studies of wild primates can have far-reaching impacts that transcend their contributions to science. These impacts can benefit not only the study animals, study areas, and local human communities, but they can also have unintended, potentially negative consequences. Examples of some of the positive impacts from the Northern Muriqui Project of Caratinga, in Minas Gerais, Brazil, include contributions to conservation efforts on behalf of this critically endangered species, capacity building through the training of Brazilian students, and employment opportunities for local people through our collaboration with a locally administered NGO that is facilitating ecotourism, education, and reforestation programs. Some concerns about unintended consequences of the research include the effects of our trails and trail traffic on surrounding vegetation and other aspects of the environmental "footprints" that both long-term researchers and short-term visitors may leave. In addition, although precautions against potential health risks from routine exposure to human observers are now standard protocol, little is known about the other ways in which our long-term research presence can affect the primates' experiences or alter their perceptions of their social and ecological environments. Risk analysis, which weighs both the positive and negative impacts can provide useful perspectives for addressing the ethical considerations that can arise during long-term field studies.