Mount Nimba Research Articles

Evaluation and Monitoring of the Aerial Woody Plant Biomass of the Classified Forests of Forest Guinea on the Basis of Satellite Imagery Data

Guinea has a large block of tropical rainforests that reflect a high carbon dioxide (CO2) sequestration potential. Accurately determining the quantity and distribution of carbon in these forests will make it possible to assess CO2 emissions associated with deforestation and degradation. The objective of this research is to explore the contribution of remote sensing to the estimation of plant biomass in the classified forests of Forest Guinea (Guinea). The “Random Forest” method allowed us to predict the aboveground biomass by integrating the biomass samples from the study area. The results of the carbon stock estimates (in tonnes) for the three (3) Classified Forests and two (2) Biosphere Reserves of Forest Guinea were compared to the studies of Nasi et al. (2011) and Gibbs et al. (2014). Generally speaking, our methodology made it possible to arrive at estimates higher than those of Gibbs et al. (2014) and lower than those of Nasi et al. (2011). These results obtained from MODIS data could be considered as average values of the biomass gradient and carbon stock estimates for these different Forests and Reserves in the said area. However, we note the existence of two (2) Areas where we obtained higher values compared to the aforementioned studies, namely the Ziama classified forest (17.58 - 544.12 t/ha and 60.53 teCO2/ha) and the Mount Nimba Biosphere Reserve (25.39 - 300.44 t/ha and 42.18 teCO2/ha). Keywords: Assessment; Monitoring; Biomass; Woody Plant; MODIS; REDD; Forest

Four new species of Crinopseudoa (Araneae: Corinnidae) from West Africa.

Four new species of Crinopseudoa are described from West Africa. Crinopseudoa kru sp. nov. (male, female) and C. sinoensis sp. nov. (male, female) were collected as part of a new sustainable oil palm project in southern Liberia, C. nimba sp. nov. (male, female) from expeditions to Mount Nimba in Guinea, and C. elisabethae sp. nov. (male) from historic museum material from Ivory Coast. An updated key to species is presented as we increase the number of known species of Crinopseudoa from 11 to 15.

THE PERVERSE EFFECTS OF SHARED MANAGEMENT OF A CROSS-BORDER CONSERVATION AREA

Cross-border cooperation is gaining momentum across Africa, giving rise to a new type of natural resource management: shared management. The importance of this type of cooperation lies in the pooling of conservation efforts. The idea of this article is to contribute to this debate by analysing the functioning of transboundary governance in the field of natural resources within a transboundary conservation area (CTA) by providing an overview of the challenges caused by the institutionalisation of transboundary cooperation in the transboundary space. It is a question of taking into account the pernicious consequences of the cross-border project on symbolic representations, but also at the level of the cross-border institutional frameworks put in place. To provide an overview of these perverse effects and their nature, the methodology used is based on the analysis of perceptions and the study of the actors' interactions. The issue of shared management in a transboundary context is addressed through seven comparative case studies: W Park, Mount Nimba, Ziama-Wonogizi-Wologizi, Outamba Kilili Pensely Soya, Télé-Lac Tumba, Tri National de la Sangha and Virunga.

Species richness and abundance of small mammals from Nimba region, Northeastern Liberia

This study was carried out in a biodiversity hotspot within the Nimba region located in the northeastern part of Liberia. The Nimba region is known to harbor exceptional fauna diversity. However, the small mammal communities in Nimba region are poorly documented. The aim of this study was to determine the species richness and relative abundance of rodents and shrews in five sites: Bento, East Nimba, Gangra-Yuelliton, Tokadeh and Vayampah. A total of 244 individual of small mammals comprising 18 species were trapped on 4,375 trap nights. Rodent species recorded include: Arvicanthis rufinus, Dephomys defua, Grammomys buntingi, Graphiurus lorraineus, Hybomys planifrons, Hybomys trivirgatus, Hylomyscus simus, Lemniscomys striatus, Lophuromys sikapusi, Malacomys edwardsi, Mastomys erythroleucus, Mus muscoloides, Mus setulosus and Praomys rostratus. Shrew species were Crocidura eburnea, Crocidura jouvenetae, Crocidura muricauda and Crocidura obscurior. The most dominant species was Hylomyscus simus (22.95%), followed by Praomys rostratus, Crocidura muricauda and Crocidura eburnea. The highest species richness was recorded at Gangra-Yuelliton and lowest at Tokadeh. Diversity indexes were higher at East nimba (H’ = 2.01; 1-D = 0.82) and Gangra-Yuelliton (H’ = 2.00; 1-D = 0.83) and lower at Tokadeh (H’ = 1.57; 1-D = 0.75). Similarity index revealed high resemblance in species composition between Bento and Vayampah. The lowest similarity was observed between Tokadeh and Gangra-Yuelliton. This study highlighted the high biological diversity of small mammal communities in Liberia's Mount Nimba region. Thus, this zoological group should now be taken into account in the biodiversity conservation strategies of Mount Nimba

A new species of Trabea Simon, 1876 (Araneae: Lycosidae) from West Africa fills a huge zoogeographical gap

In the collections from Mount Nimba (Ivory Coast) made by M. Lamotte around 1950 and deposited in the Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle (Paris), a new species of Trabea was found. This is the first species from West Africa. In view of the known distribution range of this wolf spider genus, the discovery is remarkable and fills a large zoogeographical gap. More species of Trabea are to be expected from highlands in West Africa.

Shrews (Mammalia, Eulipotyphla) from a biodiversity hotspot, Mount Nimba (West Africa), with a field identification key to species

In this study, we collected 226 shrew specimens originating from 16 localities on the Guinean and Liberian sides of Mount Nimba. We surveyed all major vegetation zones from 400 to 1600 m above sea level (asl), including forest and savannah habitats. We recorded 11 species, whose identifications were confirmed by genetic analyses and classical morphometrics. Furthermore, we provide cytogenetic data for five of these species. The shrew community at Mount Nimba is composed of a mix of both savannah- and forest-dependent species, which is related to the peculiar position of Mount Nimba situated at the transition between lowland rainforest to the south and Guinean woodlands to the north. We recorded 11 species of shrews in syntopy in lowland rainforest, seven in edaphic savannah and mountain forest, and five in high-altitude savannah at 1600 m asl. Based on morphometric analyses, we show that these syntopic species separate along a size axis, allowing species to occupy different ecological niches, which we speculate allows them to access different food resources. We also highlight that Crocidura theresae Heim de Balsac, 1968 from Mount Nimba has a different karyotype from that described in Côte d'Ivoire. Finally, we develop a novel identification key for shrews from Mount Nimba using external characters and standard body measurements, allowing it to be used in the field on live specimens. In total 12 shrew species are now known from Mount Nimba, which highlights its exceptional position as a tropical African biodiversity hotspot.

On the nomenclatural status of some species of Haplotaxidae (Clitellata) from Guinea.

Our attention was recently drawn to a problem of homonymy with Villiersia d'Orbigny, 1837, a nudibranch genus, posed by Villiersia Omodeo, 1987, an oligochaete genus of the family Haplotaxidae described from the Segea cave near Kindia, Guinea (Omodeo 1987). Examination of this case of homonymy has revived an old nomenclatural issue that dates back to 1958 when several taxa of the family Haplotaxidae were first proposed in a work on the oligochaete fauna of Mount Nimba (West Africa) (Omodeo 1958). A re-examination of the nomenclatural history of these taxa shows that subsequent nomenclatural interpretations made by some were unjustified, leading to a confusing situation. The taxa concerned, as currently accepted (Reynolds Wetzel 2020), are the following:.

Ants response to mining prospection disturbances across vegetation zones in tropical mountain chains of Mount Nimba, Guinea, West Africa

Even though ants have been successfully used as biological indicators of mine site rehabilitation, studies focused on these insects during the early mining prospecting activities are rare. We conducted a snapshot study with the aim to provide data on possible rehabilitation success in mining sites after disturbances using ant as biological indicators. In this sense, we compared ant richness and species composition across three distinct vegetation zones (Highland meadows, transition savannahs and altitudinal forests) at six mining prospecting sites (Mining Area) and compared them with those of six nearby without mining activities (World heritage Site), all located in the Mount Nimba Strict Nature Reserve. Ants were sampled using pitfall traps and tuna lures. A total of 119 ant species and morphospecies ranged from 95 species at World Heritage Site to 69 species genera were recorded. Ant richness and species composition did not differ significantly among Meadows and Savannah habitats of both study sites, while there was a significant difference among forest habitats. The comparison of weather and soil variables showed only a significant difference for soil pH among surveyed sites. We found that weather and soil variables did not play a significant role in the segregation of ant assemblage, thus, suggesting that the structure of vegetation result in changes of ant assemblage, and consequently, future restoration action should be focused on the protection and rehabilitation of native forest. © 2019 International Formulae Group. All rights reserved Keywords: Ant communities, mining, rehabilitation, Mount Nimba Strict Nature Reserve

The conservation status of a poorly known range-restricted mammal, the Nimba otter-shrewMicropotamogale lamottei

AbstractWe have a poor understanding of the ecology of many African small mammals due to a lack of basic research. This has important conservation implications, particularly for range-restricted species in tropical regions. In this study, we provide new insight into the distribution and ecology of one such species, the Nimba otter-shrew (Micropotamogale lamotteiHeim de Balsac 1954). We apply niche and occupancy modeling to inform on the range and habitat use of this semi-aquatic species. We estimate that its global range [extent of occurrence (EOO)] is 14,725 km2. Using occupancy modeling, we show that mining has a direct impact on the occurrence of this species. We also provide preliminary observations of its movements through radio-tracking. Using maximum entropy (Maxent) modeling, we identify the North Lorma National Forest and the Wonegizi range (northern Liberia) that appear suitable for this species, but where it has not yet been recorded. We suggest that the Nimba otter-shrew has a global distribution centered on the Mount Nimba region, straddling the borders of Liberia, Guinea and Côte d’Ivoire, and that it requires urgent conservation attention to ensure its long-term persistence. Finally, we provide evidence to support an uplisting of its IUCN Red List conservation status to Vulnerable.

Species Richness, Functional Diversity and Assemblage Structure of Insectivorous Bats Along an Elevational Gradient in Tropical West Africa

Rising global temperatures cause severe changes to the environment resulting, for example, in shifts in biomes and assemblages to higher elevational ranges. Therefore, it is integral to understand how species and assemblages will respond to this threat. Elevational gradients present a useful framework to measure potential changes to diversity due to climate change and human land use. Most studies focus on taxonomic diversity, and ignore functional diversity which provides a measure of the ecological roles of species within ecosystems. The aim of this study was to investigate taxonomic and functional diversity of as well as variation in assemblage structure of the insectivorous bat communities along the Mount Nimba elevational gradient. We predicted that both taxonomic and functional diversity would be negatively correlated with elevation, and that bat assemblages would show a nested pattern along the elevational gradient. Taxonomic diversity was calculated using species richness. Functional diversity of univariate and multivariate traits was calculated using two diversity indices: mean pairwise distance and mean nearest taxon distance. As predicted, species richness of bats was significantly negatively correlated with elevation. Functional diversity however, decreased significantly only at the highest elevation (and this may even be a sampling artifact given high human activities there in recent times). Contrary to predictions, metacommunity analyses revealed quasi-Gleasonian structuring of bat assemblages, indicating weak structuring forces along the elevational gradient. These results suggest that bat assemblages shifting in response to climate change along elevational gradients may change taxonomically but stay largely intact functionally.

An African Bat Hotspot: The Exceptional Importance of Mount Nimba for Bat Diversity

Mount Nimba, covering 674 km2, straddles Liberia, Guinea and Cote d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast) in West Africa and is situated in the transition zone between the tropical forest zone to the south and moist woodlands to the north. Mount Nimba supports an exceptional biodiversity, with a number of endemic plants, invertebrates and vertebrates restricted to the massif, including the bat Hipposideros lamottei. Previous surveys suggested a high bat richness of 41 species associated with the mountain. During a series of surveys conducted in 2008–2012, we found that the bat diversity in this region far surpasses earlier figures and currently is 59 species. At least one bat species is entirely restricted to the mountain, with several other near-endemics or Upper Guinea forest endemics. Three species are listed as threatened by the IUCN, including one Critically Endangered. Furthermore, the conservation statuses of nine taxa have yet to be evaluated by the IUCN, several of which are recently described species and are likely to be threatened. This study highlights the irreplaceability of Mount Nimba for the conservation of bat diversity on the African continent, and draws attention to its protection.

Morphological and molecular evidence for new genera in the Afrotropical Cteninae (Araneae, Ctenidae) complex

Recent missions to Mount Nimba in West Africa led to the discovery of remarkable new ctenid morphospecies. Using both morphological and molecular data, we phylogenetically analysed 41 ctenid exemplars, 33 of which originate from Mt. Nimba. Partial fragments of two mitochondrial markers and one nuclear marker (COI, 16S and H3, respectively) were amplified and sequenced for the molecular analyses. The morphological analysis was updated from an earlier one. Our results reveal that Mt. Nimba harbours at least 22 species, and is the most species-rich area for ctenids in West Africa. Using both molecular and morphological data, five new genera are created to accommodate the many species that are misplaced in the genus Ctenus. Eight species new to science are described: Amicactenus mysticus gen. nov., sp. nov.; Macroctenus herbicola gen. nov., sp. nov.; Macroctenus nimba gen. nov., sp. nov.; Macroctenus vandenspiegeli gen. nov., sp. nov.; Nimbanahita montivaga gen. nov., sp. nov.; Perictenus molecula gen. nov., sp. nov.; Piloctenus haematostoma gen. nov., sp. nov.; and Piloctenus gryseelsi gen. nov., sp. nov. The following taxonomic changes are proposed: Ctenus eminens, C. pergulanus Arts, 1912 and C. fallax Steyn & Van der Donckt, 2003 are transferred to Amicactenus gen. nov.; C. kingsleyi and C. occidentalis F. O. Pickard-Cambridge, 1898 are transferred to Macroctenus gen. nov.; C. mirificus Arts, 1912 and C. pilosus Thorell, 1899 are transferred to Piloctenus gen. nov.

New Evidence of the Semi‐Aquatic Nimba Otter Shrew (Micropotamogale lamottei) at Mount Nimba and in the Putu Range of Liberia – Uncertain Future for an Evolutionary Distinct and Globally Endangered (EDGE) Species in the Face of Recent Industrial Developments

AbstractNew records of the endemic semi‐aquatic Nimba Otter Shrew Micropotamogale lamottei (Tenrecidae, Potamogalinae) were obtained during recent Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) in Liberia. We discuss the future of this Evolutionary Distinct and Globally Endangered (EDGE) species in the face of large‐scale landscape transformations. In an attempt to assess genetic diversity and genetic differentiation of M. lamottei throughout its distributional range, we examined two mitochondrial loci (cytochrome b and 12S rRNA) from five samples of Nimba Otter Shrews at three localities in Liberia and compared the 12S sequences with a GenBank sequence from Côte d'Ivoire. While all six individuals examined had unique mitochondrial haplotypes, the sequence divergence among these haplotypes was less than 1 %. However, the FST values indicated substantial differences between East Nimba and the other two populations. Recognizing that the genetic results are based on very small samples, the data suggest that the three populations experienced sufficient gene flow in the past, preventing sequence divergence, but currently there is substantially reduced gene flow with the East Nimba population. More targeted surveys in the Upper Guinea Region are recommended for this elusive species using aquatic traps in combination with an environmental DNA (eDNA) approach.

Obituary

Obituary

Le Peuplement Animal du Mont Nimba (Guinée, Côte d'Ivoire, Liberia)Le peuplement animal du Mont Nimba(Guinée, Côte d'Ivoire, Liberia) edited by M. Lamotte & R. Roy . Mémoires du Muséum d'Histoire Naturelle 190.2003. Pp. 724. Price: €137 (hardback). Publications scientifiques du Muséum, Paris. ISBN 2 85653 554 2

Mount Nimba, straddling the borders of three countries, is one of only three peaks (the other two are in Sierra Leone) above 1500 m in tropical West Africa to the west of Mount Cameroon. Thus it has many faunal elements distinct from the adjacent lowland areas. Despite a long history of biological research and the declaration of a Biosphere Reserve and World Heritage Site in 1981, uncontrolled hunting, and open-cast iron ore mining on the Liberian side, has had devastating effects on the environment.

Diversity of Hipposideridae in the Mount Nimba massif, West Africa, and the Taxonomic Status ofHipposideros lamottei

Several species complexes exist within the African representatives of the genus Hipposideros and the relationships between these taxa are not yet well understood. We present evidence showing that at least seven species of Hipposideros co-occur at Mount Nimba at the northern boundary of the Upper Guinean forest zone. The species H. lamottei has been misdiagnosed previously, partly as a result of errors in published measurements. This taxon is currently known only from high-altitude grasslands in northern (Guinean) Mount Nimba. Cytochrome b sequences and echolocation calls of this species, as well as for H. marisae, are presented for the first time. Also, at least two different species groups, previously lumped in H. ruber, co-exist syntopically here. Mount Nimba apparently represents a diversity hotspot for species of Hipposideros in West Africa, and as a result may be an important site for their conservation.

Octoblepharum Pocsii, Sp. Nov. A Fragile- and Long-Leaved Species in the O. Albidum – Complex from Africa

Abstract Octoblepharum pocsii (Calymperaceae) is described from Mount Nimba in Guinea, Africa. It is distinguished by very long, fragile leaves, 8 peristome teeth, small spores and growth on soil.

New records of bats (Mammalia: Chiroptera) and karyotypes from Guinean Mount Nimba (West Africa)

New bats were recorded from various habitats on the Guinean side of Mount Nimba during two surveys in 2008 and coupled with a cytotaxonomic survey. A total of 152 specimens comprising 15 species in 12 genera from five families were collected, of which 13 individuals were karyotyped. The most numerous species was Rhinolophus guineensis followed by four fruit bats (Epomops buettikoferi, Lissonycteris angolensis, Roussettus aegyptiacus, Nanonycteris veldkampii). We confirm the presence of Hipposideros lamottei in the mine adits at 1500 m as well as the exceptional diversity of this habitat. First standard karyotypes are provided for Epomops buettikoferi and Nanonycteris intermedia. We also document for the first time karyotypes for West African populations of Mops thersites, Lissonycteris angolensis and Roussettus aegyptiacus, and cytogenetical comparisons with the existing literature are provided. We add five new species to the list of Guinean Nimba and two to the whole Nimba list (including Liberian side), which now stands at 42 species. This confirms the importance of Mount Nimba as a hotspot of diversity and the necessity to protect it.

West Africa - A Safe Haven for Frogs? A Sub-Continental Assessment of the Chytrid Fungus (Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis)

A putative driver of global amphibian decline is the panzootic chytrid fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd). While Bd has been documented across continental Africa, its distribution in West Africa remains ambiguous. We tested 793 West African amphibians (one caecilian and 61 anuran species) for the presence of Bd. The samples originated from seven West African countries - Bénin, Burkina Faso, Côte d'Ivoire, Ghana, Guinea, Liberia, Sierra Leone - and were collected from a variety of habitats, ranging from lowland rainforests to montane forests, montane grasslands to humid and dry lowland savannahs. The species investigated comprised various life-history strategies, but we focused particularly on aquatic and riparian species. We used diagnostic PCR to screen 656 specimen swabs and histology to analyse 137 specimen toe tips. All samples tested negative for Bd, including a widespread habitat generalist Hoplobatrachus occipitalis which is intensively traded on the West African food market and thus could be a potential dispersal agent for Bd. Continental fine-grained (30 arc seconds) environmental niche models suggest that Bd should have a broad distribution across West Africa that includes most of the regions and habitats that we surveyed. The surprising apparent absence of Bd in West Africa indicates that the Dahomey Gap may have acted as a natural barrier. Herein we highlight the importance of this Bd-free region of the African continent - especially for the long-term conservation of several threatened species depending on fast flowing forest streams (Conraua alleni (“Vulnerable”) and Petropedetes natator (“Near Threatened”)) as well as the “Critically Endangered” viviparous toad endemic to the montane grasslands of Mount Nimba (Nimbaphrynoides occidentalis).

High diversity of pipistrelloid bats (Vespertilionidae:Hypsugo,Neoromicia, andPipistrellus) in a West African rainforest with the description of a new species

The pipistrelloid bats (genera Hypsugo, Neoromicia, and Pipistrellus) of Africa have been poorly studied, partly as a result of problems associated with species identification. This paper examines the diversity of pipistrelloid bats from Mount Nimba, a biodiversity hotspot in the Upper Guinean rainforest zone. Traditional morphometrics, the structure of the baculum, and sequences of the cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) gene were used to identify taxa. Species richness was exceptionally high and included at least ten taxa identifiable on molecular grounds. Of these, existing names could be assigned to six taxa. A seventh taxon was described as a species new to science, Neoromicia roseveari sp. nov., and was distinguished on molecular grounds, craniodental morphology, and baculum structure. The remaining taxa may refer to as-yet undescribed species but we lacked sufficient material to formally describe them here. The high species richness of pipistrelloid bats on Mount Nimba may be associated with the transition zone from lowland rainforest to moist savannah.