Rutela lineola (Linnaeus, 1758) is aphytophagous Neotropical beetle and the most widely distributed species of the genus in South America. However, there is a lack of detailed knowledge regarding the distribution and seasonality of this species in any geographic area. This information would be useful for horticulture and agriculture. To fill this gap, this study presents data on the distribution and seasonality of R. lineola based on adult beetles from the South Region of Brazil.
Nahan’s Partridge Ptilopachus nahani is a lowland forest bird species, classified as Vulnerable. This study reports new camera trap detections in southeastern Cameroon, suggesting a potential westward range extension of over 1,000 km, given that the nearest known population is located in western Uganda. Between May 2016 and December 2023, six detection events confirmed the presence of at least nine distinct individuals within semi-deciduous logged forests. These findings highlight the need to update distribution maps and conservation strategies for this vulnerable species. Future ecological and genetic studies are essential to clarify the species’ full range, assess population connectivity, and guide conservation efforts.
Understanding the activity budgets of primates is essential for assessing behavioral adaptations to environmental changes. This study investigates the seasonal variation in activity budgets of olive baboons (Papio anubis) in Kainji Lake National Park, Nigeria. Data were collected over two consecutive years using direct observations and scan sampling to categorize behaviors, including feeding, grooming, resting, locomotion, and social interactions. We observed that feeding remained the dominant activity across seasons, with no significant differences between wet and dry periods. Grooming and social interactions declined during the wet season, likely due to environmental constraints such as heavy rainfall. Enforced resting increased significantly in the wet season, while movements remained consistent in duration but increased in distance traveled, suggesting seasonal behavioral shifts in response to resource availability. Our results confirmed the adaptability of olive baboons in response to climatic variations, demonstrating behavioral flexibility to optimize energy expenditure and foraging efficiency. Our study also revealed a remarkable impact of environmental variables, such as temperature and precipitation, on primate activity patterns. Understanding these adaptive responses is crucial for conservation planning, particularly as climate change, habitat disturbances and other anthropogenic activity affect primate habitats in tropical savannahs.
Terrestrial small mammals, including rodents, shrews and a few allied species, are a diverse group among mammals. Nyungwe National Park, located in Rwanda, is a biologically rich tropical rainforest in the Albertine Rift. This article generates an annotated species checklist of terrestrial small mammals of Nyungwe National Park, considering the results of field reassessments from 2009 to 2023 and existing checklists. Voucher specimens and Cytb sequencing results were examined to confirm the identification of many cryptic species. The results indicated 58 species of terrestrial small mammals of Nyungwe natural habitat, including 40 rodents (Rodentia), 16 shrews (Eulipotyphla), one mole, and one otter-shrew (Afrosoricida). Six species were recorded outside the natural forest, such as the buffer zone or agricultural lands. An annotation on each species indicates details of its occurrence, updated taxonomic information, and key ecological characteristics based on our surveys and the literature. Around 20 species were added to the existing checklists of Nyungwe terrestrial small mammals owing to field survey efforts and advanced taxonomic approaches. The current checklist promotes small mammal studies in Nyungwe and will be a valuable reference for future studies. Furthermore, the park managers will use this checklist in tourism and biodiversity monitoring plans.
The malacological biodiversity of the Tizi-Ouzou region was studied in two areas, Ait Bouaddou and Yakouren. Sampling was carried out on 100 m² sites across seven stations in the two areas. Three sampling methods were used in the field: sight hunting, trapping and litter sieving. A soil sample was taken at each site. The results revealed a richness of 27 snail and slug species, divided into 16 families and 23 genera. The results of the Pearson correlation analysis showed a positive correlation between species richness and the levels of Fine Sand (LF) and Coarse Sand (LG), and a negative correlation between species richness and coarse sand (SG). Soil physico-chemical parameters have a significant influence on the distribution and abundance of terrestrial gastropod species.
Dry forests in Brazil and their biodiversity are experiencing increasing anthropogenic pressures, leading to habitat fragmentation and loss. Monitoring and understanding local biodiversity provide essential data to support conservation efforts. Medium- and large-sized terrestrial mammals in a protected area within the Caatinga biome, Brazil, were assessed using camera traps. Twelve species were documented, including the nationally threatened taxa Leopardus tigrinus and Kerodon rupestris. The persistence of Subulo gouazoubira and felids indicates a functional food web and the ecological health of the area. The unexpected detection of Dicotyles tajacu emphasizes the need for further ecological research. Data on diel activity patterns provided novel insights, as such information is limited for these species in this habitat. However, threats such as poaching and invasive domestic animals within the Monumento Natural do Rio São Francisco disrupt these ecological interactions. Our findings underscore that conserving these mammals is critical for ecosystem resilience, emphasizing the need for urgent anti-poaching measures and habitat restoration to protect this unique dry forest community.
Gelada (Theropithecus gelada) is the only extant species in the genus Theropithecus that is endemic to the Ethiopian highlands. At present, three subspecies of geladas, namely the northern, central, and southern subspecies, are recognized. This study focused on the central gelada subspecies (T. g. obscurus). We documented the population size estimate and activity budget of geladas in the North Wollo Highlands, Ethiopia, from January 2019 to August 2019 during the dry and wet seasons. The study site was divided into four blocks and a simultaneous total count method within each block was used for data collection to estimate the population size of geladas. Activity budget data were collected using the instantaneous scan sampling method from two groups of geladas. The population size of geladas varied between the dry and the wet seasons with more individuals counted during the wet season. Mean group sizes of geladas were also higher during the wet season than the dry season. Geladas spent relatively more time foraging compared to other activities. The findings of the study provide important implications for conservation and thus by briefly mentioning the potential threats to the endemic gelada population could further emphasize the urgency of conservation efforts.
Two new species, Remaster boninensis n. sp. and Peribolaster niveus n. sp., from Japanese waters have been described. These species have been included in the family Korethrasteridae, based on the presence of a plump and petaloid body shape, absence of a supradorsal membrane, interradial grooves floored by chevron plates, and transversely extending adambulacral plates. These were the first species of Korethrasteridae found in Japanese waters. Remaster boninensis n. sp. was assigned to the genus Remaster in having distally flaring abactinal spines that are united by the skin into hollow funnel-shaped paxillae, but it differs from the congeners in the number of arms, absence of noticeable primary radial plates, and length of interradial grooves. Peribolaster niveus n. sp. was assigned to the genus Peribolaster in having acicular abactinal spines that are united by the skin into hollow funnel-shaped paxillae, but it differs from the congeners in the presence of noticeably flaring actinolateral spines, one suboral spine on each oral plate, and biserial tube feet.
Newly discovered cave-restricted species found within the Jandaíra karst formation in Rio Grande do Norte state, northeastern Brazil, have unveiled three new calabozoid species. To accommodate their unique differences based in the shape of the head shield, the pleon morphology, and the pleopods exopod shape, the genera Oiticicarcinia n. gen., Itararecarcinia n. gen., and Poicarcinia n. gen. were established. Specifically, Oiticicarcinia epikarstica n. sp. was discovered in cave epikarst pools within Felipe Guerra municipality, while Itararecarcinia yapyra n. sp. was found in two karst resurgence caves along the Apodi-Mossoró River in Governador Dix-Sept Rosado municipality. Additionally, Poicarcinia jandairensis n. sp. was identified in Jandaíra municipality. This study presents detailed descriptions of these new genera and associated species, complemented by ecological insights, habitat descriptions, and conservation status.
We report the first observation of mating in the endangered forest musk deer (Moschus berezovskii Flerov, 1929) in the wild. The mating took place on 21 January 2023 at a latrine site within karst habitat in Huu Lien Nature Reserve, northern Vietnam. In total, we obtained around ten minutes of camera-trap video footage showing two different mating events of the same individuals. The event highlights the potential importance of latrine sites for interactions among forest musk deer. Our observation provides new insight into the ecology and behavior of this rare and elusive species.
Predictive species distribution models allow identifying suitable areas of animal for their conservation. Gelada (Theropithecus gelada) is an endemic primate species to Ethiopia, and the exact distribution ranges and suitable habitats of this species are not well known due to limited surveys. The species distribution model was prepared using MaxEnt to predict the potential geographic distribution and to identify the environmental factors that influence the distribution of gelada in Ethiopia. To prepare the model, 23 occurrence records of the species were used along with 20 climatic and topographic variables. The results show that the distribution of gelada is influenced by climatic and non-climatic variables. The minimum temperature of coldest month, altitude and mean temperature of driest quarter were the most important predictor variables. The predictive map of the species shows that high habitat suitability is found in the northern highlands (a majority in the Amhara region and few parts of the Tigray region) and in the central highlands (Oromia region). The present study indicates that gelada has a potential distribution in the highlands of Ethiopia, and this requires further exploration for conservation and management.
New collections from caves in Bahia state, northeastern Brazil, have revealed additional occurrences of Xangoniscus species. These findings have led to the identification of previously unknown, taxonomically significant morphological features for the genus, including the presence of a depression on the propodus and an expansion of the carpus in pereopod 6 in males of certain species. This study reports new records of X. aganju and provides updated illustrations of the genus’ type species. Moreover, four new species are described: Xangoniscus paiabare n. sp., collected from caves in the Padre Cave System in Santana municipality; Xangoniscus tymaopeba n. sp., from Serra Solta II and III caves; Xangoniscus ykanhema n. sp., from Google Cave, both in Serra do Ramalho municipality; and Xangoniscus puku n. sp., found in PEA- 445 Cave, in Santa Maria da Vitória municipality, all in Bahia state. The discovery of these new species underscores the remarkable diversity of Xangoniscus in subterranean habitats and highlights the Serra do Ramalho region as a significant center of endemism for the species of this genus. The descriptions of these taxa not only expand the known biodiversity of troglobitic isopods in Brazil but also shed light on their morphological variation, offering valuable insights into the evolutionary adaptations of these cave-dwelling organisms.
The current distribution of Campbell's monkeys Cercopithecus campbelli extends from southwestern Gambia to the western Ivory Coast. In Senegal, it has only been confirmed in the western part of the country. Here, we report for the first time its presence in southeastern Senegal. We obtained camera trap footage of a Campbell's monkey individual in the Dindefelo Community Nature Reserve located in Kedougou region, 174 km away from its known distribution range. In the footage, a single Campbell's monkey appears alongside a group of at least nine green monkeys Chlorocebus sabaeus. We discuss different hypotheses that could explain the presence of the Campbell's monkey in Dindefelo, and conclude that this individual may be a single migrant.
Fish of the genus Tlaloc are distributed from southern Mexico to Central America and are a distinctive example of the endemic fauna of the Mesoamerican highlands, which has been scarcely studied in Mexico. The present study provides basic life-history data for the species Tlaloc hildebrandi, T. candalarius, and T. labialis, which are native to the headwaters of the Grijalva-Usumacinta basin in southeastern Mexico. We collected 918 specimens to determine their Length-Weight Relationship (LWR), Relative Condition Factor (Kr), sex ratio, Gonadosomatic Index (GSI), fecundity, and size at first sexual maturity. Both sexes of all species had positive allometric growth, except for T. candalarius females (isometric). Mean Kr and sex ratio values differed significantly among species. Females’ GSI values differed significantly among species but were highest during the dry season in all three species. Absolute fecundity was positively correlated with standard length and weight. Sexual maturity was reached at different lengths among species. Based on these results, we suggest that all three species present an opportunistic life strategy, which is very common in fish of the order Cyprinodontiformes. These results represent a first contribution on the life-history of this group of fish and provide basic information that is fundamental to ensuring their conservation.
The continuous changes and increase of land use into ranching and agriculture have caused shifts in the composition and structure of dung beetle communities due to the modification of vegetation structure. The impact of these changes can be approached using dung beetles as ecological indicators. Agricultural, ranching, and forestry are often integrated into the same farm in different proportions (landscape level), and their degree of integration with habitats changes over time and space. We assessed if different habitat proportions of crop, pasture, and forest land on three farms affect the structure and diversity of dung beetle (Coleoptera: Scarabaeinae) communities. Farms included from three to four habitat conditions each (plantations of timber species, banana-coffee plantation, living fences, pastures, secondary and riparian forest). Pitfall traps with dung and carrion as bait were placed across each habitat condition of each farm during three different sampling periods. Across all samplings, 1,198 dung beetle individuals belonging to 21 species were captured. Species diversity and composition vary according to the type of farm and the main factor that modifies this tendency is the proportion of pasture land composing the farm. Farms with a lower proportion of grazing land (11.96% for forestry farms and 32.19% for agricultural farms) and denser vegetation canopy, which cast more shadows, had greater beetle diversity. Conversely, farms having a greater proportion of grazing land had low diversity and a dominant tendency in the species abundance curve. Umbraphile species dominated the forest farm, indicating a strong affinity for shaded environments such as the one provided there, while species displaying no habitat preference exhibited higher abundance in the ranching farm. Additionally, a notable prevalence of small-sized species was observed in the ranching farm, contrasting with a relatively even distribution of sizes in the remaining landscapes. These tendencies suggest that shade positively influences biodiversity conservation. Riparian vegetation, living fences, and banana-coffee plantations are important connectivity elements in agricultural landscapes for shade-adapted dung beetle species.
The current distribution of Campbell’s monkeys Cercopithecus campbelli extends from southwestern Gambia to the western Ivory Coast. In Senegal, it has only been confirmed in the western part of the country. Here, we report for the first time its presence in southeastern Senegal. We obtained camera trap footage of a Campbell’s monkey individual in the Dindefelo Community Nature Reserve located in Kedougou region, 174 km away from its known distribution range. In the footage, a single Campbell’s monkey appears alongside a group of at least nine green monkeys Chlorocebus sabaeus. We discuss different hypotheses that could explain the presence of the Campbell’s monkey in Dindefelo, and conclude that this individual may be a single migrant.
The East African common mole rat, scientifically known as Tachyoryctes splendens, is a solitary rodent mole that inhabits subterranean environments. This research focused on assessing the abundance, distribution, population structure, and dietary preferences of the East African common mole rat in three specific locations within the Dawachefa locality, Ethiopia, during both the wet and dry seasons. The research was conducted between June 2022 and February 2023. The abundance and distribution of the common mole rat were estimated through fresh mound counts, while live and locally crafted snap conical traps were utilized for capturing them. Stomach content analysis was performed to identify food fragments. Excavations were conducted to examine the burrow system, revealing three elements: a single multi-functional nest, one or more foraging tunnels, and a bolthole. A total of 45 common mole rats (30 males and 15 females) were captured across the three study sites during both seasons. Adults constituted 62.2% of the captured individuals, sub-adults accounted for 24.44%, and juveniles made up 13.33%. The male-to-female ratio was 2:1, with a significant difference in proportions (t=7.746, p=0.001). Although the abundance of common mole rats did not vary significantly among the selected sites, it showed a significant difference between the wet and dry seasons. The analysis of stomach contents revealed a total of 661 isolated food fragments. Grass comprised the largest portion at 34%, followed by sugarcane (31.2%), banana (24.5%), and papaya (10.3%). Understanding the abundance, distribution, population structure, and food preferences of T. splendens in the study area is crucial for developing strategies to address the agricultural yield loss caused by this species.
The endangered Zambezi flapshell turtle, Cycloderma frenatum Peters, 1854, is endemic to southern and eastern Africa. Habitat ecology and usage are not well known for the Zambezi flapshell turtle, although its population has been reported to have undergone massive declines in recent years. This review examined the i) population trends, ii) habitat range shifts, and iii) threats and conservation options for the Zambezi flapshell turtle in its range states. The species is data deficient because of a lack of assessments of trends in population size and distribution. Trafficking, overfishing, poaching, habitat degradation, and infrastructural developments in riparian zones affect the distribution of the Zambezi flapshell turtle. Conservation options such as deterrent punishments and protection of aquatic habitats are important, although they need to be consistently implemented. Carefully managed harvest plans supported by captive breeding, highly controlled incubation of eggs, hatching of larvae, and remotely sensed tracing of specimens to curb trafficking are potentially effective conservation options for the Zambezi flapshell turtle. Inclusion in international wildlife trade regulations, integration of local ecological knowledge into management, and development of connectivity conservation strategies are priority actions for sustaining the Zambezi flapshell turtle populations across the shared basins where it is endemic.
We note thanatological behavioural displays by clan members of a deceased spotted hyaena, Crocuta crocuta (Erxleben, 1777) in a fenced reserve. A matriarch had a lethal altercation with lions, Panthera leo (Linnæus 1758), on 10.V.2022. The carcass was monitored with a camera trap that recorded videos until the carcass was completely decayed. Four instances of clan members were recorded observing and sniffing the genitalia of the deceased hyaena over a period of six days. Within one month, the clan killed the deceased’s cubs and moved their den location. We recommend further research be conducted into thanatological behaviours of spotted hyaenas as these behaviours could affect ethical considerations of management practices.
West-African populations of the African subspecies of leopards (Panthera pardus pardus) are very fragmented, particularly so in Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation. We compile historical and recent information about the occurrence of these big cats in what is likely their last remaining stronghold: Gashaka Gumti National Park (GGNP) in Adamawa and Taraba States along the border with Cameroon. Leopards in GGNP’s northern Gumti sector are close to extinction, given that its open plains of savannah are heavily encroached upon by illegal cattle grazing. However, in GGNP’s southern Gashaka sector, leopards are better protected, given its often mountainous and densely forested landscape. We present specific data for a 30 km2 forest-savannah area around a research station at Kwano, which harbours sizeable populations of 35 species of prey species leopards target elsewhere. Here, direct evidence for leopard presence (e.g., footprints, scratchmarks, predation incidences, vocalizations, sightings, cameratrap images) amounts to 1 per year. Albeit this encounter rate is very low, it is relatively steady throughout the last 30 years and into the present. We assume that GGNP’s Gashaka sector represents one of the best chances for leopards to survive in Nigeria.
