Western Angola Research Articles

Schistosoma haematobium infection and morbidity risk factors for pre-school age children in western Angola: A knowledge, attitudes and practices survey.

Urogenital schistosomiasis is one of the most prevalent parasitic diseases in sub-Saharan Africa. It is a poverty-related disease conditioned by behavioural practices. Our objective is to evaluate the awareness, mindset and habits about urogenital schistosomiasis in the community of Cubal (Angola), as well as its association with infection and urinary tract morbidity in pre-school age children. A cross-sectional study of knowledge, attitudes and practices at home was conducted between February and May 2022 with 250 participants. Overall, 93.6% of those surveyed had some prior knowledge about schistosomiasis and, among all the symptoms associated with this disease, blood in the urine was the best known (54.4%). Nevertheless, 57.6% obtained a medium knowledge score. Regarding attitude, the majority of respondents had a high attitude score (79.2%) with 96.0% willing to participate in mass drug administration campaigns. Laundry in the river was the most common risk practice (61.2%) and 55.2% out of the total were classified with a low practice score. Low knowledge about symptoms and transmission by caregivers was the outstanding risk factor for infection in pre-school age children (OR = 16.93, 95%CI: 3.93-72.82), and lack of knowledge that avoiding entering the river prevents schistosomiasis was the main risk factor for morbidity in PSAC (OR = 8.14, 95%CI: 1.14-58.25).

A new species of feather-tailed leaf-toed gecko, Kolekanos Heinicke, Daza, Greenbaum, Jackman, Bauer, 2014 (Squamata, Gekkonidae) from the poorly explored savannah of western Angola.

We here describe a new species of feather-tailed leaf-toed gecko, Kolekanos, from southern Benguela Province, Angola, based on morphological and osteological evidence, supported by phylogenetic analysis of mitochondrial data. The new species adds to the rapidly growing and newly-recognised endemic biodiversity of Angola, doubling the number of Kolekanos species, breaking the pattern observed within other closely-related African members of a clade of circum-Indian Ocean leaf-toed geckos - Ramigekko, Cryptactites and Afrogecko - all of which are presently monotypic. The new species is easily distinguished from K.plumicaudus, based on spine-like (as opposed to feather-like) scales on the margins of the original tail. Phylogenetic analyses also recovered the new taxon as monophyletic, with a well-supported sister relationship to K.plumicaudus, from which it differs by a substantial 24.1% NADH-dehydrogenase subunit 2 mitochondrial gene uncorrected p-distance.

Taxonomical review of Prosymnaangolensis Boulenger, 1915 (Elapoidea, Prosymnidae) with the description of two new species.

African Shovel-snout snakes (Prosymna Gray, 1849) are small, semi-fossorial snakes with a unique compressed and beak-like snout. Prosymna occur mainly in the savanna of sub-Saharan Africa. Of the 16 currently recognised species, four occur in Angola: Prosymnaambigua Bocage, 1873, P.angolensis Boulenger, 1915, P.frontalis (Peters, 1867), and P.visseri FitzSimons, 1959. The taxonomical status and evolutionary relationships of P.angolensis have never been assessed due to the lack of genetic material. This species is known to occur from western Angola southwards to Namibia, and eastwards to Zambia, Botswana and Zimbabwe. The species shows considerable variation in dorsal colouration across its range, and with the lower ventral scales count, an 'eastern race' was suggested. In recent years, Prosymna material from different parts of Angola has been collected, and with phylogenetic analysis and High Resolution X-ray Computed Tomography, the taxonomic status of these populations can be reviewed. Strong phylogenetic evidence was found to include the angolensis subgroup as part of the larger sundevalli group, and the existence of three phylogenetic lineages within the angolensis subgroup were identified, which each exhibit clear morphological and colouration differences. One of these lineages is assigned to the nominotypical P.angolensis and the other two described as new species, one of which corroborates the distinct eastern population previously detected. These results reinforce that a considerable part of Angolan herpetological diversity is still to be described and the need for further studies.

A revision of Angolan species in the genus Pedioplanis Fitzinger (Squamata: Lacertidae), with the description of a new species.

The genus Pedioplanis reaches its northernmost limit in western Angola, where it is represented by three species, Pedioplanis benguelensis, P. haackei and P. huntleyi. The taxonomic status of P. benguelensis remains problematic, mainly due to the vague original description and the loss of the original type material. Here we provide a revision of the Angolan representatives of the genus, with the description of a new species, Pedioplanis serodioi sp. nov., from the lowlands of southwestern Angola. Phylogenetic analyses using a combination of mitochondrial (16S and ND2) and nuclear (RAG-1) markers, as well as morphological data, support the recognition of the new species. For purposes of nomenclatural stability, we designate a neotype for P. benguelensis and provide motivation to correct the spelling of the specific epithet to benguelensis. The clarification of the status of P. benguelensis and the description of a new species contribute to a better understanding of the taxonomy and biogeography of the genus Pedioplanis, as well as the general biogeographic context of southwestern Angola, adding to the growing evidence in favor of the recognition of this region as a hotspot of lizard diversity and endemism. An updated key to the genus is also provided.

Tracing water mass mixing and continental inputs in the southeastern Atlantic Ocean with dissolved neodymium isotopes

In contrast to the vigorous deep ocean circulation system of the north- and southwestern Atlantic Ocean, no systematically sampled datasets of dissolved radiogenic neodymium (Nd) isotope signatures exist to trace water mass mixing and provenance for the more restricted and less well ventilated Angola Basin and the Cape Basin in the southeastern Atlantic Ocean, where important parts of the return flow of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation are generated. Here, to improve our understanding of water mass mixing and provenance, we present the first full water column Nd isotope (expressed as εNd values) and concentration data for a section across the western Angola Basin from 3° to 30° S along the Zero Meridian and along an E-W section across the northern Cape Basin at 30° S sampled during GEOTRACES cruise GA08. Compared with the southwestern Atlantic basin we find overall less radiogenic εNd signatures reaching −17.6 in the uppermost 200 m of the Angola and Cape basins. In the western Angola Basin these signatures are the consequence of the admixture of a coastal plume originating near 13° S and carrying an unradiogenic Nd signal that likely resulted from the dissolution of Fe-Mn coatings of particles formed in river estuaries or near the West African coast. The highly unradiogenic Nd isotope signatures in the upper water column of the northern Cape Basin, in contrast, originate from old Archean terrains of southern Africa and are introduced into the Mozambique Channel via rivers like the Limpopo and Zambezi. These signatures allow tracing the advection of shallow waters via the Agulhas and Benguela currents into the southeastern Atlantic Ocean. The Nd isotope compositions of the deep water masses in both basins primarily reflect conservative water mass mixing with the only exception being the central Angola Basin, where the signatures are significantly overprinted by terrestrial inputs. Bottom waters of the Cape Basin show excess Nd concentrations of up to 6 pmol/kg (20%), originating from resuspended bottom sediments and/or dissolution of dust, but without significantly changing the isotopic composition of the waters due to similar εNd values of particles and bottom waters ranging between −9.6 and −10.5. Given that bottom waters within the Cape Basin today are enriched in Nd, non-conservative Nd isotopic effects may have been resolvable under past glacial boundary conditions when bottom waters were more radiogenic.

Rhyacian-Orosirian isotopic records from the basement of the Araçuaí-Ribeira orogenic system (SE Brazil): Links in the Congo-São Francisco palaeocontinent

Assembled during the Rhyacian-Orosirian boundary, the Congo-São Francisco palaeocontinent remained linked by a continental bridge from ca. 2 Ga to the Atlantic Ocean opening in the Cretaceous. To the south of that bridge, precursor basins and orogenic outcomes encompassed by the Neoproterozoic-Cambrian Araçuaí-Ribeira orogenic system (AROS) and its African counterparts, developed. The AROS discloses reworked basement units, like the Juiz de Fora, Pocrane and Quirino complexes, which are key units to retrieve the Palaeoproterozoic history of the Congo-São Francisco palaeocontinent. This paper presents new U-Pb ages, and the first Lu-Hf in zircon signatures from those complexes. All magmatic zircon grains show Rhyacian and Orosirian ages, ranging from c. 2250 Ma to c. 1850 Ma. The best Concordia ages range from 2184 ± 9 Ma to 2080 ± 19 Ma. Hf in zircon and whole-rock Sm-Nd data disclose mantle-related signatures for both, the Pocrane and Juiz de Fora complexes, suggesting igneous protoliths with no or very few involvement of continental crust, similarly to juvenile magmatic arcs. Conversely, Hf in zircon data for the Quirino complex show an evolved signature compatible with a magmatic arc developed on a continental older crust with Archaean components. Together with a thorough compilation on Rhyacian-Orosirian orogenic systems (ROOS), our data allow us to envisage links within the Congo-São Francisco palaeocontinent, comprising orogens characterised by mostly evolved isotopic signatures and zircon inheritance. They are grouped into the: (i) W-ROOS, including the Mantiqueira complex, the west segment of the Eastern Bahia belt, intrusions in the south Gavião and Porteirinha blocks, and parts of the Mineiro belt; and (ii) E-ROOS, comprising the Quirino complex, basement rocks of the Cabo Frio tectonic domain, the coastal Eastern Bahia belt, and, in Africa, Eburnean and Kimezian complexes, as well as the western Angola shield. Assembled between the W-ROOS and E-ROOS, an orogenic system with prominent juvenile to moderately juvenile isotopic signature (JU-ROOS) includes the Juiz de Fora and Pocrane complexes, and the Buerarema complex at the central segment of the Eastern Bahia belt.

Prevalence and molecular characterization of Strongyloides stercoralis, Giardia duodenalis, Cryptosporidium spp., and Blastocystis spp. isolates in school children in Cubal, Western Angola

BackgroundHuman infections by the gastrointestinal helminth Strongyloides stercoralis and the enteric protozoans Giardia duodenalis, Cryptosporidium spp. and Blastocystis spp. are not formally included in the list of 20 neglected tropical diseases prioritised by the World Health Organization. Although largely underdiagnosed and considered of lower public health relevance, these infections have been increasingly demonstrated to cause significant morbidity and even mortality globally, particularly among children living in resource-poor settings.MethodsIn this cross-sectional survey the prevalence, frequency and molecular diversity of S. stercoralis, G. duodenalis, Cryptosporidium spp. and Blastocystis spp. were investigated in a school children population in the province of Benguela (Angola). A total of 351 stool samples were collected during January to June 2015. The presence of S. stercoralis and G. duodenalis was confirmed by qPCR methods. Giardia duodenalis assemblages and sub-assemblages were determined by multilocus sequence-based genotyping of the glutamate dehydrogenase and β-giardin genes of the parasite. Detection and identification of Cryptosporidium and Blastocystis species and subtypes was carried out by amplification and sequencing of a partial fragment of the small-subunit ribosomal RNA gene of both protozoan. Analyses of risk factors potentially associated with the transmission of these pathogens were also conducted.ResultsPrevalences of S. stercoralis, G. duodenalis, Cryptosporidium spp., and Blastocystis spp. were estimated at 21.4% (95% CI: 17.1–25.7%), 37.9% (95% CI: 32.8–43.0%), 2.9% (95% CI: 1.1–4.5%) and 25.6% (95% CI: 21.18–30.2%), respectively. Overall, 64.1% (225/351) of the children were infected by at least one of the pathogens investigated. Sequence analyses of the 28 G. duodenalis isolates that were successfully genotyped allowed the identification of sub-assemblages AI (14.3%), AII (14.3%), BIII (7.1%) and BIV (25.0%). Discordant typing results AII/AIII and BIII/BIV were identified in 7.1% and 14.3% of the isolates, respectively. A total of five additional isolates (17.9%) were identified as assemblage B. Three Cryptosporidium species including C. hominis (70%), C. parvum (20%) and C. canis (10%) were found circulating in the children population under study. A total of 75 Blastocystis isolates were assigned to the subtypes ST1 (30.7%), ST2 (30.7%), ST3 (36.0%), ST5 (1.3%) and ST7 (1.3%), respectively. Children younger than seven years of age had significantly higher risk of infections by protozoan enteropathogens (PRR: 1.35, P < 0.01), whereas being underweight seemed to have a protective effect against these infections (PRR: 0.74, P = 0.005).ConclusionsThe burden of disease attributable to human strongyloidiasis, giardiosis, cryptosporidiosis and blastocystosis in Angola is considerably higher than initially estimated in previous surveys. Surveillance and control of these infections should be jointly tackled with formally considered neglected tropical diseases in order to maximize effort and available resources. Our data also demonstrate the added value of using molecular diagnostic methods in high transmission areas.

A giant among dwarfs: a new species of galago (Primates: Galagidae) from Angola.

Based on vocalization recordings of an unknown galago species, our main objectives were to compare morphology and call structure with known closely-related taxa and describe a new species of galago. We conducted field surveys in three forest habitats along the escarpment region in western Angola (Kumbira Forest, Bimbe Area, and Northern Scarp Forest), and examined galago specimens from museums worldwide. We digitized and analyzed calls using Avisoft SASLab Pro software. We also compared museum specimens from Angola with other Galago and Galagoides specimens, and conducted comparative analyses (ANOVA and between group principle component analysis) based on a set of twelve linear measurements of skulls and teeth. We describe the new species to which we give the name Angolan dwarf galago, Galagoides kumbirensis sp. nov. The new species has a loud and characteristic crescendo call, used by other Galagoides spp. (sensu stricto) in West Africa to attract companions and repel rivals. However, this call shows species-typical differences from its closest relatives. Galagoides kumbirensis sp. nov. is also distinguished by differences in the skull morphology, pelage color and facial markings, as well as a larger body size, similar to that of Galago moholi, which is not known to be sympatric. This discovery points to the importance of Angolan forests as refuges for endemic biodiversity. These forests are under severe threat from overexploitation, and there is an urgent need to establish conservation measures and designate protected areas.

A brief botanical survey into Kumbira forest, an isolated patch of Guineo-Congolian biome.

Kumbira forest is a discrete patch of moist forest of Guineo-Congolian biome in Western Angola central scarp and runs through Cuanza Norte and Cuanza Sul province. The project aimed to document the floristic diversity of the Angolan escarpment, a combination of general walk-over survey, plant specimen collection and sight observation was used to aid the characterization of the vegetation. Over 100 plant specimens in flower or fruit were collected within four identified vegetation types. The list of species includes two new records of Guineo-Congolian species in Angola, one new record for the country and one potential new species.

A rapid survey of the invasive plant species in western Angola

Angola is one of the most neglected African countries in terms of botanical research, in respect of both native and naturalized species. We conducted a rapid assessment of invasive plant species in western Angola during August 2014. In thirteen primary vegetation types, we recorded populations of 44 naturalized plant species, nineteen of which are conclusively invasive (spreading far from introduction sites). Dense invasive populations of Chromolaena odorata, Inga vera and Opuntia stricta pose the greatest environmental and economic threats. Some species with known taxonomic and/or biogeographic uncertainties (e.g. Chromolaena odorata and Ageratina adenophora) or which lacked key characteristics for identification such as flowers during our survey (e.g. Eucalyptus spp.) were subjected to DNA barcoding for comparisons with available genetic data from other studies. This approach allowed us to confirm the identity of taxonomically challenging taxa such as Inga vera, Opuntia stricta and Prosopis chilensis, to conclusively differentiate Chromolaena odorata from Ageratina adenophora, and identify the subspecific identity of Acacia saligna. Canonical correspondence analysis was used to assess the presence and abundance of invasive plant species with respect to the major abiotic factors and vegetation types. Three fairly distinct groups of species emerge from this analysis: (i) species of dry lowland habitats (Calotropis gigantea, Leucaena leucocephala and Opuntia stricta); (ii) species of relatively wet habitats at mid elevations (Ageratum conyzoides, Bidens pilosa, Cardiospermum grandiflorum, Chromolaena odorata, Solanum mauritianum and Tithonia diversifolia); and (iii) upland species (Ageratina adenophora, Galinsoga parviflora and Tagetes minuta). Several invasive species that are widespread in other tropical and subtropical African countries are currently either missing (e.g. many Australian Acacia species, Azolla filiculoides, Broussonetia papyrifera, Clidemia hirta, Parthenium hysterophorus, Rubus rosaefolius, Salvinia molesta), have only very localized populations in Angola (e.g. Lantana camara, Prosopis chilensis) or exist only as planted individuals (e.g. Acacia mearnsii and A. saligna subsp. saligna).

Sand-spits systems from Benguela region (SW Angola). An analysis of sediment sources and dispersal from textural and compositional data

Sand spits are important coastline features in western Angola, but only limited knowledge on their recent evolution and sediment sources were obtained so far. The present study is focused on the Baía Farta and Lobito sand spits of coastal Benguela that develop to the north (i.e. downdrift) of the Coporolo and Catumbela river outlets. We used grain-size distributions, heavy-mineral suites and clay-mineral assemblages of sediments in the Coporolo-Baía Farta and Catumbela-Lobito coastal stretches to characterize the main depositional units and investigate sediment provenance. From the combined grain-size and mineralogical variability in mud and sand samples it is possible to infer sediment sources and dispersal in the two coastal stretches. Kaolinite is mainly derived from the Angola hinterland, and is particularly common in finer grained floodplain sediments from the Catumbela River. Expansive clays (smectite and illite-smectite mixed layers) are inferred to be mainly sourced by Meso-Cenozoic units of the Benguela Basin, being abundant in coarser grained fluvial deposits and in lagoonal deposits near Baía Farta. Sand supplied by the sedimentary units from Benguela Basin and their basement rocks tends to be enriched in epidote associated with blue–green hornblende. The Coporolo River sand is progressively diluted during the longshore northward transport by sand supplied by coastal units. Conversely, beach deposits in the Catumbela-Lobito coastal stretch are mainly sourced by the Catumbela River. A divergent longshore transport from Catumbela river-mouth occurs at Catumbela delta. Sand spit morphology and evolution reflect the patterns of dispersal of bedload and suspended load in settings of contrasting orography and human influence.

Four Conflicts : Four Mandates Comparative Analysis of the Conflicts and Mandates of United Nations Peacekeeping Missions in Western Sahara, Angola, Namibia and Central African Republic

During the 20th century, the United Nations led several peacekeeping missions into Africa, where civil wars and armed conflicts among states have followed each other. These conflicts differed in many aspects from each other, and the UN tried to give several answers to heal the conflicts. This essay attempts to present and compare these conflicts and the UN missions through the case of three states and a colony, Angola, Namibia, the Central African Republic, and Western Sahara.

A new species of the rodent genus Hylomyscus from Angola, with a distributional summary of the H. anselli species group (Muridae: Murinae: Praomyini).

A new species of Hylomyscus, H. heinrichorum, is described from mountains in western Angola. Based on morphological traits and cranial morphometry, the new species is assigned to the H. anselli species group and is hypothesized to be most closely related to H. anselli Bishop proper, a species named from Zambia. Members of both the H. anselli and H. denniae species groups occupy the Afromontane Biotic Zone, found in various mountain systems to the south and east of the Congo Basin. Evidence is reviewed that supports the independent radiation of these two species groups within montane forest from different Guineo-Congolian ancestral stocks.

Niche partitioning and environmental factors affecting abundance of strepsirrhines in Angola.

The African nocturnal primates (galagos, pottos, and angwantibos: suborder Strepsirrhini) are the result of the first major primate radiation event in Africa, and are found in different primate communities spread across the entire sub-Saharan Africa. Thus, they represent an interesting group of taxa to investigate community strategies to avoid interspecific competition. Here, we present the result of the first study on nocturnal primate communities in western Angola. We aimed to identify habitat factors influencing strepsirrhine abundance, collect evidence of spatial niche segregation, and discuss possible indications of competitive exclusion in this region. We conducted nocturnal surveys at four study sites: Kumbira, Bimbe, Northern Scarp, and Calandula. At each encounter we recorded species, group size, height of animals above ground, and GPS location. We sampled vegetation using the point-centered quarter method and collected data on canopy cover, disturbance, and undergrowth density. We observed a total of five strepsirrhine species with varying community structures. We did not encounter Galagoides thomasi but we recorded a new species Galagoides sp. nov. 4. Levels of disturbance, canopy cover and undergrowth density were the habitat factors that most influenced variation in abundance of Galagoides demidovii and Perodicticus edwardsi, the latter also preferring the habitat with higher tree density. Vertical separation between sympatric strepsirrhines was strongest in Northern Scarp, where overall relative abundance was also highest. Competitive exclusion between G. thomasi and G. sp. nov. 4 may explain why the former was not present within the Angolan Escarpment sites. We observed coexistence between mainly allopatric Otolemur crassicaudatus and P. edwardsi in Kumbira, and of Galago moholi and G. demidovii in Calandula. Both unusual combinations showed some levels of spatial segregation. Habitat characteristics of the Escarpment region are likely to allow for unique nocturnal primate species assemblages. We urge immediate conservation interventions in the Angolan Escarpment.

Drimia intricata var. visagieae (Hyacinthaceae), a new cliffdwelling variety from south-western Angola (Benguellia Province)

Drimia intricata var. visagieae Van Jaarsv. from sheer rock faces of the Serra Chella escarpment west of Lubango in south western Angola is described. At once distinguished by its pendent semi-terete succulent minutely tuberculate leaves, firm yellowish green bulbs and large pendent white flowers.

Directional shifts in migration pattern of rollers (Coracias garrulus) from a western European population

Individual migrants often fly detours when travelling between breeding and non-breeding sites, resulting in specific changes in flight directions along a migratory leg. Western European populations of the European Roller (Coracias garrulus), the only member of the roller family of birds to breed in Europe, differ substantially in their predicted flight directions, leading to different hypotheses being suggested for passage areas and non-breeding destinations. In this study we have tested the hypotheses on a western or eastern detour and different crossings of the Sahara desert by tracking European Rollers breeding in southern France using light-level geolocators. After the departure from the breeding site between mid and end July, the three European Rollers which were tracked crossed the Mediterranean and the Sahara desert heading in straight southern direction. When arriving in the Sahelian zone they abruptly changed their direction eastwards to circumvent the Gulf of Guinea and reached the western Lake Chad basin, where they made a final direction shift to reach the non-breeding sites in western Angola. Our findings support the hypothesis of a straight north–south Sahara crossing with subsequent directional shifts. Whether western Africa serves as the non-breeding residence of European Rollers from the Iberian Peninsula and northern Africa remains to be elucidated.

West Africa’s Atlantic humpback dolphin (Sousa teuszii ): endemic, enigmatic and soon Endangered?

Atlantic humpback dolphins (Sousa teuszii ) are endemic to nearshore West African waters between Western Sahara and Angola. They are considered Vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature based on restricted geographic range, low abundance and apparent decline in recent decades. We review the human activities most likely to affect the species and consider appropriate conservation actions. Bycatch (incidental capture) in gillnets is the greatest immediate threat. Deaths from entanglement have been documented in Mauritania, Senegal, Guinea-Bissau, Guinea and the Republic of the Congo. In Namibe Province, Angola, 4.8 artisanal fishing boats and two gillnets per km were observed in some areas within 1 km of the coast and gillnets are deployed regularly inside bays used by dolphins. Other concerns include the ‘marine bushmeat’ trade, habitat loss/degradation, overfishing, marine pollution, anthropogenic sound and climate change. Conservation challenges include a paucity of scientific data on the species, and widespread human poverty within most range states, resulting in high dependence on artisanal fisheries. Recommended conservation and research priorities include: (1) distribution and abundance surveys in known and potential range states, (2) bycatch monitoring programmes, (3) education/awareness schemes, and (4) protection of core areas via reduction/elimination of nearshore gillnetting.

Mount Moco: its importance to the conservation of Swierstra’s Francolin Pternistis swierstrai and the Afromontane avifauna of Angola

SummaryThe forests of the Angolan highlands are the smallest and most isolated of the Afromontane centres of endemism. Despite their high biodiversity value and small, fragmented extent of less than 200 ha, they remain entirely unprotected. Here we draw attention to their uniqueness and the threats to their conservation. We specifically highlight the importance of Mt Moco to bird conservation and describe current forest cover and condition. Sixty-four endemic/near-endemic species/subspecies and taxa with isolated populations are associated with the highlands of western Angola. All 19 forest-dependent taxa are among the 233 species recorded at Mt Moco, which include a rich diversity of montane specialists. Swierstra’s Francolin Pternistis swierstrai is the only threatened endemic. In 2009, 10 of 30 forest patches at Mt Moco larger than 0.5 ha were surveyed for this species. It occurred in seven of these surveyed patches, at a mean minimum density of 0.95 pair ha−1 in forest patches &gt; 1 ha. Based on extrapolations of this figure, we estimate a minimum of 75 pairs of Swierstra’s Francolin at Mt Moco, and 185–420 pairs worldwide. Due to both limited range and small population size, we propose the species be up-listed from ‘Vulnerable’ to ‘Endangered’. Total forest cover at Mount Moco in forest patches &gt; 0.5 ha in size is currently 85 ha. This is c.40% of the total cover of Afromontane forest estimated for Angola in 1974. Remaining forest cover at Mt Moco is being eroded by bush fires, removal of wood for fire and construction material, and clearance for subsistence agriculture by the c.330 inhabitants of Kanjonde village. In order to preserve the forest of Mt Moco, we propose the implementation of a protected area and define its boundaries. A similar proposal was made in 1974 for the creation of the Mount Moco Special Reserve.

Cataloguing the Lubango Bird Skin Collection: towards an atlas of Angolan bird distributions

Bull ABC Vol 17 No 1 (2010) – 43 W ith the sixth-longest bird list of any African country, Angola harbours an exceptionally rich biodiversity. Add to this one of Africa’s highest bird conservation priorities—the Western Angola Endemic Bird Area (Stattersfield et al. 1998) and its biologically important scarp forests—and the biological importance of the country becomes unquestionable. During the 1960s and 1970s the country’s biodiversity was investigated, plant and animal collections established, and several reserves were appropriately managed (Huntley 1974), but 30 years of civil unrest have left conservation and research in Angola well behind that of other southern African countries. Basic information on species distributions is poor, and the network of reserves is dysfunctional. Recent peace and stability have provided new opportunities for improving the situation. As a first step, old reserves need to be re-established, knowledge of species distributions updated and Cataloguing the Lubango Bird Skin Collection: towards an atlas of Angolan bird distributions

Angola’s central scarp forests: patterns of bird diversity and conservation threats

Despite Angola’s central scarp forests being recognised as a critical global priority for bird conservation, fine-scale information on threatened bird distributions and patterns of bird diversity are lacking. These data are essential to identify sites within the Western Angola Endemic Bird Area that should be targeted for conservation. First endemic and near-endemic species and subspecies, and species with isolated populations along the Angolan scarp were identified to highlight taxa of greatest priority for conservation and for use in studying the evolutionary origins of the region. Thereafter survey data collected during 2005 from 13 forest sites along the central scarp was analysed. These data show that there are three distinct bird communities across the width of the escarpment, each associated with a distinctive forest type. Of note is the finding that threatened and Near Threatened endemic species occur almost exclusively in the dry forests adjacent to the main escarpment, rather than in the moistest forests found on the main escarpment, which instead are richer in Congo Basin forest birds. Based on these data, summaries of ranges, populations and conservation threats are given for the seven most threatened bird species. Attention is drawn to threats to the habitats of greatest importance to these species. A conservation area network should be established that encompasses the full spectrum of bird diversity described, to ensure survival of current unique taxa and the future evolutionary potential of the area.