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1
BAREJ, MICHAEL F., ANDREAS SCHMITZ, MICHELE MENEGON, et al. "Dusted off—the African Amietophrynus superciliaris-species complex of giant toads." Zootaxa 2772, no. 1 (2011): 1. http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.2772.1.1.
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Amietophrynus superciliaris is known to occur in rain forests from West Africa to eastern Democratic Republic of Congo and Gabon. We herein present morphological and molecular data indicating the existence of three distinct taxa. The name A. superciliaris superciliaris is restricted to toads from the western Lower Guinean Forest (eastern Nigeria, Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon). We resurrect A. s. chevalieri for the Upper Guinean forest (Sierra Leone, Guinea, Liberia, Ivory Coast, Ghana) and describe a new species occurring in the eastern part of the Lower Guinean Forest (eastern Democratic Republic of Congo). Amietophrynus channingi sp. nov. from eastern Lower Guinean Forest differs from both other taxa by its brownish lateral coloration (reddish-purple in the other taxa). The new species differs morphologically from western Lower Guinean A. s. superciliaris by a less pointed eyelid process, a dark coloured posterior abdominal region and a dark coloured vertebral line (both absent in A. s. superciliaris), the shape of the parotid glands (bulged and rounded at the posterior tip in the new species, slender drop shaped and pointed at the posterior tip in A. s. superciliaris), and juvenile interorbital markings (V-shaped in the new species, usually interrupted and broken in A. s. superciliaris). Amietophrynus channingi sp. nov. differs from the Upper Guinean A. s. chevalieri by the presence of an eyelid process (absent in A. s. chevalieri), presence of a dark vertebral line and a pair of dark spots on the posterior part of the back (both absent in A. s. chevalieri). The Upper Guinean A. s. chevalieri differs from western Lower Guinean A. s. superciliaris by the absence of an eyelid process, a dark coloured posterior abdominal region (absent in A. s. superciliaris) and lacking a pair of dark spots in the posterior part of the back (present in A. s. superciliaris). The new species differs from both other taxa by 2.2–2.8% in the investigated 16S rRNA gene. West African and western Central African populations differ by only 0.9–1.1% in 16S rRNA, lacking any intra-taxon variation within each clade, and are cautiously regarded as subspecies although the genetic distinction is mirrored by strong morphological differences and distinct geographic distribution which may support its elevation to species status once that more comprehensive data become available. A key to the taxa of the A. superciliaris-species complex is provided.
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Hawthorne, William D., and Marc P. E. Parren. "How important are forest elephants to the survival of woody plant species in Upper Guinean forests?" Journal of Tropical Ecology 16, no. 1 (2000): 133–50. http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/s0266467400001310.
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Elephant populations have declined greatly in the rain forests of Upper Guinea (Africa, west of the Dahomey Gap). Elephants have a number of well-known influences on vegetation, both detrimental and beneficial to trees. They are dispersers of a large number of woody forest species, giving rise to concerns that without elephants the plant diversity of Upper Guinean forest plant communities will not be maintained. This prospect was examined with respect to four sources of inventory and research data from Ghana, covering nearly all (more than 2000) species of forest plant. Evidence supporting the hypothesis that plant populations are collapsing without elephants is conspicuously absent in these datasets, although Balanites wilsoniana is likely to suffer dramatically on a centennial scale in the absence of forest elephants. A few other species are likely to decline, although at an even slower rate. In the context of other processes current in these forests, loss of elephants is an insignificant concern for plant biodiversity. Elephant damage of forests can be very significant in Africa, but loss of this influence is more than compensated for by human disturbance. Elephants have played a significant part in the shaping of West African rain forest vegetation. However, it is the conservation of elephants that should be of primary concern. Tree populations should be managed to promote them, rather than vice versa.
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GRIESBAUM, FREDERIC, GREGORY F. M. JONGSMA, JOHANNES PENNER, et al. "The smallest of its kind: Description of a new cryptic Amnirana species (Amphibia, Anura, Ranidae) from West African rainforests." Zootaxa 5254, no. 3 (2023): 301–39. http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5254.3.1.
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The distribution of the White-Lipped Frog Amnirana albolabris was long assumed to extend from eastern-central to western African rainforests. However, recent molecular phylogenetic analyses revealed that this taxon likely represents several undescribed species. Because the name-bearing types were collected in Gabon, the distantly related West African populations clearly represent an undescribed species that partly occurs in sympatry with Amnirana fonensis. Based on an integrative taxonomic approach, including molecular, morphological, and acoustic data, we describe the ‘albolabris’ populations from the Upper Guinean Forest Zone as a new species, and redescribe the morphologically similar A. fonensis on the bases of a larger series of genotyped individuals, including the first known females. We also provide new biological information for A. fonensis, including their advertisement call, habitat, and reproductive data. The new species is sister to A. fonensis and the two species differ by 5.8% in the mitochondrial 16S ribosomal RNA gene. Morphologically, males of the new species are smaller and have relatively smaller humeral glands. Females of the new species seem to have shorter legs than A. fonensis. In comparison to A. fonensis, the advertisement call of the new species has a higher dominant frequency and more pronounced frequency modulation. The two species differ in their distribution and habitat preferences, as revealed by environmental niche modelling. Whereas the new species is restricted to the Upper Guinean forests and thus is a true lowland-rainforest inhabitant, A. fonensis lives predominantly in Guinean montane forests in the forest-savanna mosaic zone. 
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Segniagbeto, Gabriel Hoinsoudé, Kokouvi Gbétey Akpamou, Yawo Konko, et al. "Diversity and Relative Abundance of Ungulates and Other Medium and Large Mammals in Flooded Forests in the Dahomey Gap (Togo)." Animals 12, no. 21 (2022): 3041. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/ani12213041.
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“The Dahomey Gap” is a human-derived mostly savannah region that separates the Guineo-Congolian rainforest block into two major units: the Upper Guinean and the Lower Guinean Forest blocks. Several forest patches are distributed throughout this savannah-dominated habitat. The mammal communities in the Dahomey Gap region have been poorly studied. In this paper we analyse the species richness and abundance of, as well as conservation implications for, medium and large mammals (especially ungulates) inhabiting a complex of flooded forests near the Mono river in south-eastern Togo. We use several field methods to describe the species richness of mammals in this area, including camera-trapping, recce transects, Kilometric Index of Abundance (KIA) estimates, examination of hunters’ catches and face-to-face hunter interviews. Overall, we directly recorded 19 species that coexist in these forests. Based on interviews, nine other species were confirmed as present in the study area. Only five species were common: Cephalophus rufilatus, Tragelaphus scriptus, Chlorocebus aethiops, Atilax paludinosus and Herpestes ichneumon. The area still contains various threatened species such as Tragelaphus spekii and Hippopotamus amphibius. We stress that to ensure the protection of the Dahomey Gap mammals, it is important to seriously consider protecting not only the forest patches but also the surroundings, mainly savannah landscapes.
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Weber, Natalie, Ricarda Wistuba, Jonas Astrin, and Jan Decher. "New records of bats and terrestrial small mammals from the Seli River in Sierra Leone before the construction of a hydroelectric dam." Biodiversity Data Journal 7 (June 18, 2019): e34754. https://doi.org/10.3897/BDJ.7.e34754.
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Sierra Leone is situated at the western edge of the Upper Guinean Forests in West Africa, a recognised biodiversity hotspot which is increasingly threatened by habitat degradation and loss through anthropogenic impacts. The small mammal fauna of Sierra Leone is poorly documented, although bats and rodents account for the majority of mammalian diversity. Based on morphological, genetic and echolocation data, we recorded 30 bat (Chiroptera), three shrew (Soricomorpha) and eleven rodent (Rodentia) species at the Seli River in the north of the country in 2014 and 2016, during a baseline study for the Bumbuna Phase II hydroelectric project. In 2016, 15 bat species were additionally documented at the western fringe of the Loma Mountains, a recently established national park and biodiversity offset for the Bumbuna Phase I dam. Three bat species were recorded for the first time in Sierra Leone, raising the total number for the country to 61. Further, two bat species are threatened and endemic to the Upper Guinean Forest and several taxa of small mammals are poorly known or represent undescribed species. Overall, the habitats of the project area supported a species-rich small mammal fauna including species of global conservation concern. Suitable mitigation measures and/or offsets are necessary to maintain biodiversity and ecosystems in a region that is under high human pressure.
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MASSA, BRUNO. "Orthoptera Tettigoniidae as indicators of biodiversity hotspots in the Guinean Forests of Central and West Tropical Africa." Zootaxa 4974, no. 3 (2021): 401–58. http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.4974.3.1.
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The present paper has two aims: 1) to present the results of the study of selected species of Orthoptera Tettigoniidae collected in the Guinean forests of West Africa and in the important hotspot of Dzanga-Ndoki National Park (Central African Republic); 2) to carry out a check-list of six subfamilies of Tettigoniidae (Pseudophyllinae, Conocephalinae, Hexacentrinae, Phaneropterinae, Mecopodinae and Hetrodinae) living in Central-West tropical Africa, in particular in two main tropical forests, in the subregion of upper Guinea, and in the subregion Nigeria-Cameroon plus the biodiversity hotspots of Central African Republic and Gabon. Many new records are reported and the following new species are described: Plangia astylata n. sp. from Central African Republic and Gabon, Plangia chopardi n. sp. from Côte d’Ivoire, and Catoptropteryx lineata n. sp. from Liberia. In addition the male of Plangia karschi Chopard, 1954 is described and some taxonomical notes on the recently described Arantia marginata Massa, 2021 are discussed. The new name Pseudorhynchus raggei is proposed for Pseudorhynchus robustus Ragge, 1969, junior primary homonym of Pseudorhynchus robustus Willemse, 1953. Then, the author lists all the Tettigoniidae of the above listed subfamilies presently known in central-west tropical Africa (Guinean forests). This wide tropical area holds important biodiversity hotspots that the author highlights through the study of katydids. Many groups of species tend to isolate and speciate probably more than other groups of insects. Overall, the total number amounts to 332 species, of which 242 live in Cameroon-Nigeria subregion plus Central African Republic and Gabon, 216 in the Upper Guinea subregion. The occurrence of endemic taxa is 35.9 and 40.3%, respectively; this resulted a very high percentage compared to that known for plants and animals in the area. Starting from the list of Tettigoniidae three remarkable biodiversity hotspots were examined, Dzanga-Ndoki National Park (Central African Republic), Mt. Tonkoui and Taï National Park (both in Côte d’Ivoire); overall they hold 134, 81 and 88 species, respectively. It seems that in tropical Africa there is a specific richness gradient with an East-West impoverishment, but also a possible increase of endemism occurrence. However, presently this richness suffers a high decline risk, due to deforestation and environmental degradation, in turn dependent on the inequality between human populations, wars and political instability in some tropical areas.
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Blackburn, David C., Joachim Kosuch, Andreas Schmitz, et al. "A New Species of Cardioglossa (Anura: Arthroleptidae) from the Upper Guinean Forests of West Africa." Copeia 2008, no. 3 (2008): 603–12. http://dx.doi.org/10.1643/ch-06-233.
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Mudge, Alan D., Jesús Orozco, T. Keith Philips, and Philippe Antoine. "The cetoniine fauna of the Upper Guinean forests and savannas of Ghana (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Cetoniinae)." Terrestrial Arthropod Reviews 5, no. 2 (2012): 113–74. http://dx.doi.org/10.1163/187498312x635319.
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The cetoniine fauna of Ghana (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Cetoniinae, excluding the tribes Valgini and Trichiini) is presented based on results from the Ghana Insect Project (GIP). Data from 1,571 specimens including the species and number found at each of 16 collecting sites, collecting methods, months collected, ‘common’ species and habitat associations are presented. The fauna now consists of 109 species in 51 genera. Previously known distributions and specimen label data are given for 31 species (including Genuchina, a subtribe of Cremastocheilini) recorded from Ghana for the first time.Comparisons with the works of Endrödi (1973, 1976) and Joly (2001) are made and several misidentifications are annotated and corrected. GIP results suggest moist evergreen/semi-deciduous forest and Guinea savanna/semi-deciduous forest are species-rich habitats. Faunal lists for four protected areas (Ankasa Resource Reserve, Atewa Range Forest Reserve, Bia National Park and Mole National Park) sampled by both the GIP and Joly (2001, 2011) are presented.PAST (Hammer et al., 2001) was used to estimate GIP inventory completeness through individual rarefaction. EstimateS (Colwell, 2009) was used to estimate total species richness using several classic nonparametric species richness estimators. Based on a data matrix of species abundances from each of the 16 GIP sites, the Chao 2 estimator stabilizes at ca. 113 taxa, and the jackknife 2 estimator at ca. 130 taxa. Richness estimates based on a broader, incidence-based matrix from all three sources GIP, Endrödi (1973, 1976) and Joly (2001, 2011) were: Chao 2 = 153, jackknife 1 = 157, jackknife 2 = 173. Additional sampling in under-sampled habitats such as wet and moist evergreen forest and Guinea savanna, and during the dry and early wet seasons should yield additional species.
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Fayiah, M. "Uncertainties and trends in the forest policy framework in Sierra Leone: an overview of forest sustainability challenges in the post-independence era." International Forestry Review 23, no. 2 (2021): 139–50. http://dx.doi.org/10.1505/146554821832952744.
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Sierr a Leone is part of the Upper Guinean Forests with a climate that enhances great floral biodiversity. The exploitation of forest resources in Sierra Leone has seen a steady increase over the years while the establishment of forest plantations has witnessed a drastic decline. The relationship between forest exploitation and plantation forest decline is broadly assumed to be influenced by population growth, weak forest policies, legislatures, forest management and monitoring policies over the past century. The paper examines forests status and forest resources policy evolution since the pre-colonial era but pays particular attention to policies developed from 1988, in the post-colonial era, and the challenges facing their implementation. The paper highlights major challenges facing the healthy and sustainable growth of forest resources in Sierra Leone. The challenges range from the attachment of the Forestry Division to the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Food Security (MAFFS), the overlap in ministerial mandates about forest protection, corrupt government officials, poverty, illegal logging, inadequate funding and staff, natural disaster and outdated forestry instruments. Natural factors such as climate change, drought, and landslides are considered among the issues affecting the sustainable expansion of forest resources in Sierra Leone. A flowchart of forest sustainability challenges in Sierra Leone was designed, and classified forest challenges into natural and man-made causes. The inability of the Forestry Division to become an independent body and the continued reliance of the Division on the 1988 Forestry Act to make informed decisions in the 21st century is serving as a major barrier in sustaining forests resources in Sierra Leone. Improving forest management in the country requires the collective efforts of both national and international forests protections entities and organizations. Sound forests conservation policies and adequate funding and staffing can strengthen the Forestry Division in enforcing its constitutional mandates. Adopting the best practices models from countries such as China, India and the USA will help towards the goal of managing forest resources sustainably for current and future generations.
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Read, Jennifer, John M. Ferris, and Tanguy Jaffré. "Foliar mineral content of Nothofagus species on ultramafic soils in New Caledonia and non-ultramafic soils in Papua New Guinea." Australian Journal of Botany 50, no. 5 (2002): 607. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/bt01091.
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Nothofagus species dominate the upper canopy of some New Caledonian rainforests on ultramafic soils. The characteristics of Nothofagus that facilitate its dominance of these forests are uncertain, but may include a superior capacity to resist the severe soil conditions. In this study, we compared foliar concentrations of macronutrients and heavy metals of Nothofagus species from ultramafic soils in New Caledonia with those from non-ultramafic soils in New Guinea. The concentrations of N and P were significantly lower (4–5-fold difference) and Fe, Cr and Ni significantly higher (140–600-fold difference) in the New Caledonian soils than in the New Guinean soils. The magnitude of difference between the two regions in mean foliar mineral concentrations was considerably less. Analysis of the full leaf data set indicated significant differences between the five New Caledonian and five New Guinea species only in P (c. 2.5-fold higher in New Guinean species) and Cr (c. 6-fold higher in New Caledonian species). The absence of significant differences between regions for most foliar elements is associated with leaf : soil ratios (foliar concentration : soil concentration) that show negative correlations with soil mineral-element concentrations. The highest leaf : soil ratios were recorded in New Caledonian species in K and Ca : Mg. The lowest ratios were recorded in the New Caledonian species in Cr, Ni and Fe. There is no evidence of accumulation of heavy metals in the New Caledonian species, with foliar concentrations similar to those of other New Caledonian species growing on non-ultramafic soils. Instead, the limited evidence suggests they are 'excluders'. In general, the New Caledonian Nothofagus species appear to have relatively low foliar concentrations of macronutrients compared with other New Caledonian rainforest species, suggesting that canopy dominance may be in part due to high nutrient efficiency in terms of growth rate per unit nutrient uptake.
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Schmidt, Ray C., Henry L. Bart, and Frank Pezold. "High levels of endemism in suckermouth catfishes (Mochokidae: Chiloglanis) from the Upper Guinean forests of West Africa." Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution 100 (July 2016): 199–205. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ympev.2016.04.018.
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Segniagbeto, Gabriel Hoinsoudé, Jeanne Kafui Dekawole, Guillaume Koffivi Ketoh, Daniele Dendi, and Luca Luiselli. "Herpetofaunal Diversity in a Dahomey Gap Savannah of Togo (West Africa): Effects of Seasons on the Populations of Amphibians and Reptiles." Diversity 14, no. 11 (2022): 964. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/d14110964.
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The Dahomey Gap is a human-derived savannah zone, interspersed by patches of moist tropical forest, that separates the forest zone into two blocks, the Upper Guinean and the Lower Guinean forests. Community ecology aspects of amphibians and reptiles are still relatively unexplored in this ecological zone of West Africa. Here, the overall species richness and the variation of the diversity metrics (dominance, evenness) of a whole herpetofaunal community in Togo was studied, with emphasis on the effects of the seasons (wet and dry) on the population structure. Overall, we observed 998 amphibian individuals from 27 species: 148 individuals belonging to 11 species during the dry season and 849 individuals belonging to 25 species during the wet season. For reptiles, we observed 517 individuals belonging to 44 species: 323 individuals belonging to 41 species during the dry season and 194 individuals belonging to 28 species during the wet season. The analyses on the diversity metrics showed opposite patterns between amphibians and reptiles in each season. Indeed, the dry season rank–abundance curve was systematically higher in reptiles than in amphibians for each rank of abundance, while the opposite pattern occurred in the wet season rank–abundance curve. Singletons and doubletons were much more numerous in the reptiles. Concerning the diversity indices, the Dominance index was significantly higher in amphibians during the dry season than in all other pairwise comparisons, whereas the Shannon’s index was significantly lower in dry season amphibians and significantly higher in wet season reptiles. Evenness index was significantly lower in reptiles than in amphibians and the mean number of individuals was significantly higher in amphibians by wet season compared to dry season amphibians or reptiles during both seasons. The ecological implications of these data are discussed. Most species were of minor conservation concern.
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Neuenschwander, Peter, and Aristide C. Adomou. "Reconstituting a rainforest patch in southern Benin for the protection of threatened plants." Nature Conservation 21 (August 30, 2017): 57–82. https://doi.org/10.3897/natureconservation.21.13906.
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In a twenty-year effort at Drabo, southern Benin, small remnant forests, young fallow and agricultural fields were linked and rehabilitated to develop a 14 ha forest reserve. Forest regrowth was encouraged by managing the natural growth of the local fallow vegetation and by bringing in seeds and other propagules from forest islands of Benin. The succession to shade-tolerant woody forest species of Guineo-Congolian origin at the expense of extra-regional herbs, the co-existence of species with slightly different requirements, and the fate of exotic trees in this natural forest are described. A quantitative assessment of a homogeneous lot indicated 397 trees per ha, with stem diameters >10 cm, 43.7% of them below 20 cm, and a rich undergrowth of 72600 smaller plants per ha, proof of active rejuvenation. Only 4.2% of all plants resulted from the 1041 introduction events, i.e., species per date, mostly of the 253 plant species that were new to Drabo. A total of 635 species were recorded, but 50 did not survive and four are yet to be identified. In June 2016, the total of 581 known living species included 224 trees. Among all plants, 244 hailed from the Guineo-Congolian zone with 17 of Upper Guinean and four of Lower Guinean origin, 113 from the three savannah zones, and 224 were of extra-regional origin. Overall, 72.8% of all woody plants, such as many climbers, all shrubs and trees, were of forest and savanna origin (GC, SG, SZ and S), whereas 70.4% of all herbs came from other regions (At, PAL and Pt). Only 7.0% of all species from the GC zone were in decline; but the further away the plants originated from, the larger the decline in numbers and vigour, up to 64.6% among plants of pan-tropical origin. Particularly pan-tropical herbs became ever rarer, with 80.0% of them declining and confined to the few open spaces along paths. In 2017 the forest harboured 52 threatened species, with threat categories EW, CR, EN or VU on the Red List of Benin, out of 73 IUCN-listed species that could possibly survive in Drabo. Some of these species occur in only one or two other locations in Benin. The biodiversity richness of the rehabilitated forests of Drabo now rivals that of natural rainforest remnants of the region. As the surrounding landscape becomes ever more impoverished because of the high human population and its ever increasing impact, the maintenance of such managed islands of biodiversity is critical. By establishing rare local species from other locations we can compensate for direct human destruction and long-term stochastic loss of species in this highly fragmented landscape where natural seed dispersal is difficult. Benin, sacred forest, threatened plants, IUCN Red List, forest regeneration, Guineo-Congolese semi-deciduous forest
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Roedel, Mark-Oliver, Mike Emmrich, Johannes Penner, Andreas Schmitz, and Michael Barej. "The taxonomic status of two West African Leptopelis species: L. macrotis Schiøtz, 1967 and L. spiritusnoctis Rödel, 2007 (Amphibia: Anura: Arthroleptidae)." Zoosystematics and Evolution 90, no. (1) (2014): 21–31. https://doi.org/10.3897/zse.90.7120.
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We herein examine the taxonomic status of two West African forest-dwelling Leptopelis species. The small L. spiritusnoctis, described from the Upper Guinean forests of West Africa, was recently synonymized with L. aubryi, described from Gabon. The large L. macrotis, known from Ghana to Sierra Leone, was downgraded to a subspecies of L. millsoni, ranging from the Niger Delta to eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. These taxonomic decisions are in contrast to the general biogeographic pattern of African forest anurans and we consequently tested if the morphologically similar taxon pairs are indeed conspecifics by applying acoustic and molecular techniques. Both techniques confirmed that populations from West Africa differ significantly from their Central African morphological equivalents. Consequently, we herein resurrect L. spiritusnoctis as a valid species. The acoustic data indicate that L. aubryi may comprise a complex of cryptic species. We further advocate using the name L. macrotis for West African and L. millsoni for Central African populations of these larger arboreal frogs. However, we had neither genetic nor acoustic data from the type locality of L. millsoni available and could not clarify if these frogs belong to the more western or eastern taxon or even represent a Nigerian endemic. Thus, it is possible that West African populations need to be termed L. millsoni in the future. For populations east of the Cross River, Nigeria, the name L. guineensis would be available.
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NEIRA-SALAMEA, KARLA, CALEB OFORI-BOATENG, N’GORAN G. KOUAMÉ, et al. "A new critically endangered slippery frog (Amphibia, Conrauidae, Conraua) from the Atewa Range, central Ghana." Zootaxa 4995, no. 1 (2021): 71–95. http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.4995.1.4.
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Forty-nine years after the last description of a slippery frog, we describe a seventh species of the genus Conraua. The new Conraua is endemic to the Atewa Range Forest Reserve, central Ghana, and is described based on genetic, bioacoustics, and morphological evidence. Recent molecular phylogenetic and species delimitation analyses support this population as distinct from nominotypical C. derooi in eastern Ghana and adjacent Togo. The new species is sister to C. derooi, from which it differs ~4% in the DNA sequence for mitochondrial ribosomal 16S. Genetic divergences in 16S to other species of Conraua range from 4–12%. The new species is distinguished morphologically from its congeners, including C. derooi, by the combination of the following characters: medium body size, robust limbs, lateral dermal fringing along edges of fingers, cream ventral color with brown mottling, the presence of a lateral line system, indistinct tympanum, the presence of inner, outer, and middle palmar tubercles, and two subarticular tubercles on fingers III and IV. We compare the advertisement calls of the new species with the calls from C. derooi and find that they differ by duration, frequency modulation, and dominant frequency. We discuss two potential drivers of speciation between C. derooi and the new species, including river barriers and fragmentation of previously more widespread forests in West Africa. Finally, we highlight the importance of the Atewa Range Forest Reserve as a critical conservation area within the Upper Guinean biodiversity hotspot.
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Petrozzi, Fabio, Stephanie N. Ajong, Nic Pacini, et al. "Spatial Niche Expansion at Multiple Habitat Scales of a Tropical Freshwater Turtle in the Absence of a Potential Competitor." Diversity 13, no. 2 (2021): 55. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/d13020055.
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Resource partitioning, the division of limited resources by species to help avoid competition, has been observed in freshwater turtle assemblages in several natural systems but has rarely been studied in tropical African ecosystems. Here, we investigate habitat preferences of two congeneric species in the family Pelomedusidae, Pelusios castaneus and P. cupulatta, in riverine/wetland habitats in the southern Ivory Coast (West Africa). Pelusios castaneus is a widespread species across West-central African savannahs and open forests, whereas P. cupulatta is endemic to the Upper Guinean forest region in West Africa. The two species have a similar diet composition (mainly carnivorous) but diverge considerably in body size, P. cupulatta being much larger. We use hand-fishing-nets and fishing funnel traps to record turtles in 18 distinct sites and analyze habitat preferences by species at two spatial scales. At a macro-habitat scale, P. castaneus is captured mainly in marshlands, whereas P. cupulatta is found in both rivers and wetlands. The two species differ significantly in their use of: (i) banks (P. castaneus being found primarily in spots with grassy banks, whereas P. cupulatta is found in spots with forested banks), and (ii) aquatic vegetation (P. cupulatta prefers spots with more abundant aquatic vegetation than P. castaneus), but both species select sites with no or moderate current. Additionally, in sites where P. cupulatta is not found, P. castaneus expands its spatial niche at multiple habitat scales, notably invading waterbodies with forested banks. Our results suggest that these two Pelomedusid turtle species potentially compete in the freshwater habitats in the southern Ivory Coast.
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Curaudeau, Manon, Camille Besombes, Emmanuel Nakouné, Arnaud Fontanet, Antoine Gessain, and Alexandre Hassanin. "Identifying the Most Probable Mammal Reservoir Hosts for Monkeypox Virus Based on Ecological Niche Comparisons." Viruses 15, no. 3 (2023): 727. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/v15030727.
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Previous human cases or epidemics have suggested that Monkeypox virus (MPXV) can be transmitted through contact with animals of African rainforests. Although MPXV has been identified in many mammal species, most are likely secondary hosts, and the reservoir host has yet to be discovered. In this study, we provide the full list of African mammal genera (and species) in which MPXV was previously detected, and predict the geographic distributions of all species of these genera based on museum specimens and an ecological niche modelling (ENM) method. Then, we reconstruct the ecological niche of MPXV using georeferenced data on animal MPXV sequences and human index cases, and conduct overlap analyses with the ecological niches inferred for 99 mammal species, in order to identify the most probable animal reservoir. Our results show that the MPXV niche covers three African rainforests: the Congo Basin, and Upper and Lower Guinean forests. The four mammal species showing the best niche overlap with MPXV are all arboreal rodents, including three squirrels: Funisciurus anerythrus, Funisciurus pyrropus, Heliosciurus rufobrachium, and Graphiurus lorraineus. We conclude that the most probable MPXV reservoir is F. anerythrus based on two niche overlap metrics, the areas of higher probabilities of occurrence, and available data on MPXV detection.
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Ernst, Raffael, and Mark-Oliver Rödel. "Patterns of community composition in two tropical tree frog assemblages: separating spatial structure and environmental effects in disturbed and undisturbed forests." Journal of Tropical Ecology 24, no. 2 (2008): 111–20. http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/s0266467407004737.
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Abstract:An on-going controversy in community ecology involves the debate about the many factors that affect the assembly and composition of a given species assemblage. Theory suggests that community composition is influenced by environmental gradients or biotic processes. This study examines patterns of community composition in two tropical tree frog assemblages of primary and exploited lowland rain-forest sites in the Guiana Shield area of central Guyana, South America and the Upper Guinean rain-forest block of south-western Côte d'Ivoire, West Africa. We tested community composition and species abundance data of two adult tree frog communities collected on 21 standardized transects during a period of 5 y for evidence of spatial correlation in community composition. We applied simple and partial Mantel tests to separate the effects of environmental variables, spatial distance and spatial autocorrelation on community composition. Whenever environmental effects were accounted for, we found significant positive spatial correlation of community composition. All assemblages appeared to be spatially structured, i.e. sites in close proximity had similar species assemblages. However, spatially structured environmental variation (autocorrelation) did not account for the spatial structure of species incidence. Environmental factors did not prove to be significant predictors of species incidence in any of the assemblages analysed, even if we controlled for spatial effects. Observed correlation patterns of species composition were consistent within respective realms and disturbance regimes. Moreover, general correlation patterns were consistent between geographic regions. These results are in contrast to previously published results from a study on leaf-litter anurans and indicate that group-specific differences must not be neglected when analysing patterns of species composition in anurans as they may drastically alter the outcome of the analysis.
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Kpan, Tokouaho Flora, Patrick Joel Adeba, N'Goran Germain Kouamé, Inza Koné, Kouassi Philippe Kouassi, and Mark-Oliver Roedel. "The anuran fauna of a Volunteer Nature Reserve: the Tanoé-Ehy Swamp Forests, south-eastern Ivory Coast, West Africa." Zoosystematics and Evolution 90, no. (2) (2014): 261–70. https://doi.org/10.3897/zse.90.8796.
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We report the results of an amphibian survey in the Tanoé-Ehy Swamp Forests, south-eastern Ivory Coast. During 26 days we recorded at least 33 frog species. These include a new record for the recently described Morerella cyanophthalma, which seems to be endemic to the south-eastern Ivorian forests. Some individuals of the genus Phrynobatrachus may represent the so far unknown males of P. intermedius, described from neighboring Ghana and only known from the type locality, or a species new to science. Based on the IUCN Red List more than one quarter of the recorded species are threatened. The study sites comprise an amphibian fauna mainly consisting of forest specialists that are endemic to the Upper Guinea forest zone. Although some regional endemics were lacking from our records, the Tanoé-Ehy Swamp Forests have great value for amphibian conservation in Ivory Coast. However, the presence of some invasive species is a clear hint to past and present forest alteration. We urge for the protection of these forests as they represent an important refuge for the forest fauna in the south-eastern Ivory Coast, a region where only few forests persisted until today.
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Labouisse, Jean-Pierre, Philippe Cubry, Frédéric Austerlitz, Ronan Rivallan, and Hong Anh Nguyen. "New insights on spatial genetic structure and diversity of Coffea canephora (Rubiaceae) in Upper Guinea based on old herbaria." Plant Ecology and Evolution 153, no. 1 (2020): 82–100. http://dx.doi.org/10.5091/plecevo.2020.1584.
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Backgrounds and aims – Previous studies showed that robusta coffee (Coffea canephora Pierre ex A.Froehner), one of the two cultivated coffee species worldwide, can be classified in two genetic groups: the Guinean group originating in Upper Guinea and the Congolese group in Lower Guinea and Congolia. Although C. canephora of the Guinean group is an important resource for genetic improvement of robusta coffee, its germplasm is under-represented in ex situ gene banks and its genetic diversity and population structure have not yet been investigated. Methods – To overcome the limitations of living collections, we explored old herbarium specimens collected in Guinea and Côte d’Ivoire and conserved at the Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle, Paris. First, we reviewed the history of collection missions in both countries and how the C. canephora herbaria from the Muséum were assembled. Then, using 23 nuclear microsatellite markers, factorial and model-based Bayesian analyses, we investigated the genetic diversity of 126 specimens and 36 controls, analysed their distribution among the Congolese and Guinean groups, and estimated admixture proportions for each individual.Key results – For the first time, we detected population genetic structure within the Guinean group of C. canephora. The Guinean genotypes can be assigned to five sub-groups with distinct geographic distribution, especially in Guinea where two sub-groups (Maclaudii and Gamé) are characterized by a low level of admixture due to geographical isolation.Conclusions – We showed how combining a literature review and genetic data from old herbarium specimens can shed light on previous observations made by botanists and guide further actions to better preserve native coffee plants in forest remnants of West Africa.
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Labouisse, Jean-Pierre, Philippe Cubry, Frédéric Austerlitz, Ronan Rivallan, and Hong Nguyen. "New insights on spatial genetic structure and diversity of Coffea canephora (Rubiaceae) in Upper Guinea based on old herbaria." Plant Ecology and Evolution 153, no. (1) (2020): 82–100. https://doi.org/10.5091/plecevo.2020.1584.
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<b>Backgrounds and aims</b> – Previous studies showed that robusta coffee (<em>Coffea canephora</em> Pierre ex A.Froehner), one of the two cultivated coffee species worldwide, can be classified in two genetic groups: the Guinean group originating in Upper Guinea and the Congolese group in Lower Guinea and Congolia. Although <em>C. canephora</em> of the Guinean group is an important resource for genetic improvement of robusta coffee, its germplasm is under-represented in <em>ex situ</em> gene banks and its genetic diversity and population structure have not yet been investigated. <b>Methods</b> – To overcome the limitations of living collections, we explored old herbarium specimens collected in Guinea and Côte d'Ivoire and conserved at the Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, Paris. First, we reviewed the history of collection missions in both countries and how the <em>C. canephora</em> herbaria from the Muséum were assembled. Then, using 23 nuclear microsatellite markers, factorial and model-based Bayesian analyses, we investigated the genetic diversity of 126 specimens and 36 controls, analysed their distribution among the Congolese and Guinean groups, and estimated admixture proportions for each individual.<b>Key results</b> – For the first time, we detected population genetic structure within the Guinean group of <em>C. canephora</em>. The Guinean genotypes can be assigned to five sub-groups with distinct geographic distribution, especially in Guinea where two sub-groups (Maclaudii and Gamé) are characterized by a low level of admixture due to geographical isolation.<b>Conclusions</b> – We showed how combining a literature review and genetic data from old herbarium specimens can shed light on previous observations made by botanists and guide further actions to better preserve native coffee plants in forest remnants of West Africa.
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SÁFIÁN, SZABOLCS, KLAUDIA FLORCZYK, and HITOSHI TAKANO. "A new species in the genus Precis Hübner, [1819] (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae: Nymphalinae), another surprising discovery in the Nimba Mountains, Guinea and the broader Guinea Highlands in West Africa." Zootaxa 5249, no. 4 (2023): 465–76. http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5249.4.4.
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A new species in the genus Precis (Papilionoidea, Nymphalidae, Nymphalinae), described in this paper as P. koivoguii sp. n., was discovered in the Nimba Mountains, Guinea, West Africa, and specimens were also identified from the neighbouring mountainous area in Ivory Coast in the broader Guinea Highlands. In appearance the species is similar to some wet season forms of the widely distributed P. pelarga and the Madagascan P. andremiaja, but in size and wingshape, it also resembles P. ceryne, and could have been a natural hybrid between this latter species and P. pelarga. The specific distinction from these taxa was confirmed by marked differences in male genitalia and constant phenotypic characteristics. Based on the type series, it was thought that the new species might be endemic to mid- and high-altitude habitats, particularly forest-scrub-grassland edges or wetlands in the broader Guinea Highlands but a new photographic record from western Ghana suggests a much wider distribution in suitable habitats of the Upper Guinean forest zone.
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Rödel, Mark-Oliver, and Julian Glos. "Herpetological surveys in two proposed protected areas in Liberia, West Africa." Zoosystematics and Evolution 95, no. (1) (2019): 15–35. https://doi.org/10.3897/zse.95.31726.
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In March and April 2018 we surveyed amphibians and reptiles in two Proposed Protected Areas (PPAs) in Liberia. In the Krahn-Bassa Proposed Protected Area (KBPPA) in eastern Liberia 36 species of amphibians and 13 species of reptiles were recorded. In the Foya Proposed Protected Area (FPPA) in western Liberia 39 species of amphibians and 10 species of reptiles were recorded. The encountered herpetological communities in both sites were typical for West African rainforests. However, some species indicated disturbances, in particular at the edges of the study areas, the surrounding villages and plantations, and old artisanal gold mining sites within forests. Of particular conservation interest was the discovery of a high percentage of typical rainforest specialists with ranges restricted to the western part of the Upper Guinea rainforest biodiversity hotspot. Outstanding discoveries in KBPPA were two new species of puddle frogs, and the first country record for the arboreal, parachuting lizard Holaspis guentheri. Remarkable records in FPPA comprise a new species of stiletto snake, a new puddle frog and records of various frog species typically breeding in undisturbed rainforest streams, such as Odontobatrachus natator and Conraua alleni. Both study areas comprise an important proportion of the remaining rainforests in the Upper Guinea forest zone. The new discoveries indicate that within this biogeographic area, southeastern and western Liberian rainforest may still hold various undiscovered species and species of conservation concern. Further surveys in KBPPA and FPPA and nearby forests should clarify the distribution and conservation status of the new taxa. This study also emphasizes that the western part of the Liberian forests comprise at least partly a herpetofauna which differs from that of the East of the country. The recorded threatened amphibian species are all specialized on relatively undisturbed rainforests and they all have only small geographic ranges. The remaining parts of undisturbed or little disturbed forests thus have high importance for the long-term survival of these species. In conclusion the study areas have a high conservation potential and should be urgently protected from any further forest loss degradation and uncontrolled hunting.
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Arihafa, Arison, Sebastian Dalgarno, and Ezra Neale. "An estimate of above-ground carbon stock in tropical rainforest on Manus Island, Papua New Guinea." Pacific Conservation Biology 21, no. 4 (2015): 307. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/pc15015.
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Forest carbon emission mitigation schemes seek to protect tropical forest, combat effects of climate change, and offer potential cash and development opportunities. Reducing emissions from deforestation and degradation (REDD+) projects based on a foundation of accurate carbon stock assessment provide such an opportunity for Papua New Guinea. The objective of this study was to quantify the carbon stock of the central forests of Manus Island, Papua New Guinea, and identify factors that underpin any observed variation within it. We employed the Winrock Standard Operating Procedures for Terrestrial Carbon Measurement for plots and associated measurements. In 75 variable-radius nested plots (total area = 14.4 ha), we assessed above-ground and total carbon stock of stems ≥5 cm diameter at breast height via general linear models in a model-selection framework. The top models described variation in average carbon stock at 95% lower and upper confidence interval in above-ground biomass solely in terms of forest type: primary hill forest 165.0 Mg C ha–1 (148.3–183.7, n = 48), primary plain forest 100.9 Mg C ha–1 (78.0–130.6, n = 10) and secondary hill forests 99.7 Mg C ha–1 (80.9–122.9, n = 17). To a lesser extent, above-ground carbon stock increased with slope and varied idiosyncratically by the nearest village. Our estimates are comparable with published studies for Papua New Guinea and the wider tropical region. These data should strengthen pre-existing knowledge and inform policies on carbon accounting for REDD+ projects in the region.
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Rödel, Mark-Oliver, and Julian Glos. "Herpetological surveys in two proposed protected areas in Liberia, West Africa." Zoosystematics and Evolution 95, no. 1 (2019): 15–35. http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zse.95.31726.
Full textAbstract:
In March and April 2018 we surveyed amphibians and reptiles in two Proposed Protected Areas (PPAs) in Liberia. In the Krahn-Bassa Proposed Protected Area (KBPPA) in eastern Liberia 36 species of amphibians and 13 species of reptiles were recorded. In the Foya Proposed Protected Area (FPPA) in western Liberia 39 species of amphibians and 10 species of reptiles were recorded. The encountered herpetological communities in both sites were typical for West African rainforests. However, some species indicated disturbances, in particular at the edges of the study areas, the surrounding villages and plantations, and old artisanal gold mining sites within forests. Of particular conservation interest was the discovery of a high percentage of typical rainforest specialists with ranges restricted to the western part of the Upper Guinea rainforest biodiversity hotspot. Outstanding discoveries in KBPPA were two new species of puddle frogs, and the first country record for the arboreal, parachuting lizardHolaspisguentheri. Remarkable records in FPPA comprise a new species of stiletto snake, a new puddle frog and records of various frog species typically breeding in undisturbed rainforest streams, such asOdontobatrachusnatatorandConrauaalleni. Both study areas comprise an important proportion of the remaining rainforests in the Upper Guinea forest zone. The new discoveries indicate that within this biogeographic area, southeastern and western Liberian rainforest may still hold various undiscovered species and species of conservation concern. Further surveys in KBPPA and FPPA and nearby forests should clarify the distribution and conservation status of the new taxa.This study also emphasizes that the western part of the Liberian forests comprise at least partly a herpetofauna which differs from that of the East of the country. The recorded threatened amphibian species are all specialized on relatively undisturbed rainforests and they all have only small geographic ranges. The remaining parts of undisturbed or little disturbed forests thus have high importance for the long-term survival of these species. In conclusion the study areas have a high conservation potential and should be urgently protected from any further forest loss degradation and uncontrolled hunting.
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HOLBECH, LARS H. "The implications of selective logging and forest fragmentation for the conservation of avian diversity in evergreen forests of south-west Ghana." Bird Conservation International 15, no. 1 (2005): 27–52. http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/s0959270905000031.
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The urgent global objective of developing sustainable tropical forestry management practices, which also target biodiversity conservation, requires rapid comparative studies that address both biogeography and logging practices. This paper examines avifaunal implications (focusing on species diversity and composition) of forest fragmentation and selective logging, by comparing 15 selected reserved forests in south-west Ghana. The regeneration time since last logging varied from 0 (logging continuing) to 21 years, with one unlogged site as control. Extraction levels ranged between 0.20 and 3.75 trees per ha (mean 0.90). Bird sampling involved understorey mist-netting and standardized line-transect walks, which respectively accumulated 8,348 captures and 22,452 single records of 147 species. Mist-net data showed that understorey bird diversity was positively correlated with logging intensity up to c. 3 trees per ha, reflecting increased influx of open-land species and a persistence of forest obligates during the first 5 years after logging. The overall abundance of forest interior species tended to decrease 5–10 years after logging, but recovered fairly well thereafter. Canopy birds were generally more logging-resilient. Rare forest obligates with high conservation importance were found to be equally abundant in virgin and logged, large forests, whereas these birds were poorly represented in small heavily logged forests. The results are compared with findings from other regions, and conservation implications and constraints are discussed in a global perspective. Finally, recommendations on size-related sustainable extraction levels and regeneration time are presented for the Upper Guinea Forest.
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Lindsell, Jeremy A., Erik Klop, and Alhaji M. Siaka. "The impact of civil war on forest wildlife in West Africa: mammals in Gola Forest, Sierra Leone." Oryx 45, no. 1 (2011): 69–77. http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/s0030605310000347.
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AbstractHuman conflicts may sometimes benefit wildlife by depopulating wilderness areas but there is evidence from Africa that the impacts tend to be negative. The forested states of West Africa have experienced much recent human conflict but there have been no assessments of impacts on the wildlife. We conducted surveys of mammals in the 710-km2 Gola Forest reserves to assess the impact of the 1991–2001 civil war in Sierra Leone. Gola is the most important remaining tract of lowland forest in the country and a key site for the conservation of the highly threatened forests of the Upper Guinea region. We found that Gola has survived well despite being in the heart of the area occupied by the rebels. We recorded 44 species of larger mammal, including 18 threatened, near-threatened and endemic species, accounting for all species recorded in pre-war surveys and adding several more (African buffalo Syncerus caffer nanus and water chevrotain Hyemoschus aquaticus). Populations of primates were healthy with little evidence of decline. Duiker detection rates were low and further work is required to confirm their numbers as they include five species endemic (or near endemic) to the Upper Guinea region, three of which are threatened. However, the population of African forest elephants Loxodonta cyclotis has collapsed, with only a few individuals remaining from c. 110 in the mid 1980s. We conclude that peacetime pressures from the bushmeat trade, clearance for agriculture, logging and mining are likely to be far greater for Gola than the pressures from the civil war.
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Dijkstra, Klaas-Douwe B., and Jochen Lempert. "Odonate assemblages of running waters in the Upper Guinean forest." Archiv für Hydrobiologie 157, no. 3 (2003): 397–412. http://dx.doi.org/10.1127/0003-9136/2003/0157-0397.
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Koenen, Erik J. M. "Osodendron gen. nov. (Leguminosae, Caesalpinioideae), a new genus of mimosoid legumes of tropical Africa." PhytoKeys 205 (August 22, 2022): 453–70. http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.205.82821.
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The genus Osodendron is here newly described to accommodate three species and one subspecies of African mimosoid legumes. These taxa have previously been included by several authors in Albizia, Cathormion and/or Samanea, but they have been shown to be phylogenetically unrelated to any of these, being instead the sister-group of the recently described Neotropical genus Robrichia, which is similar in vegetative morphology and especially its very similar indumentum, but is decidedly different in pod morphology. A taxonomic treatment of the three species in the genus is presented, with species descriptions, photographs, distribution maps and an identification key. The type species Osodendron altissimum (Hook. f.) E.J.M. Koenen occurs in swamp and riverine rainforest and gallery forests, with the typical subsp. altissimum widespread across tropical Africa, while Osodendron altissimum subsp. busiraensis (G.C.C. Gilbert) E.J.M. Koenen is only known from the Busira river catchment in the western part of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Of the other two species, Osodendron dinklagei (Harms) E.J.M. Koenen is a common tree of rainforest and the forest-savannah transition including semi-deciduous and secondary forest as well as gallery forest and is restricted to Upper Guinea and the similar, but vegetatively more variable Osodendron leptophyllum (Harms) E.J.M. Koenen occupies comparable vegetation types in Lower Guinea and extends marginally into the Sudanian and Zambezian savannahs in gallery forest.
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Koenen, Erik J. M. "Osodendron gen. nov. (Leguminosae, Caesalpinioideae), a new genus of mimosoid legumes of tropical Africa." PhytoKeys 205 (August 22, 2022): 453–70. https://doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.205.82821.
Full textAbstract:
The genus Osodendron is here newly described to accommodate three species and one subspecies of African mimosoid legumes. These taxa have previously been included by several authors in Albizia, Cathormion and/or Samanea, but they have been shown to be phylogenetically unrelated to any of these, being instead the sister-group of the recently described Neotropical genus Robrichia, which is similar in vegetative morphology and especially its very similar indumentum, but is decidedly different in pod morphology. A taxonomic treatment of the three species in the genus is presented, with species descriptions, photographs, distribution maps and an identification key. The type species Osodendron altissimum (Hook. f.) E.J.M. Koenen occurs in swamp and riverine rainforest and gallery forests, with the typical subsp. altissimum widespread across tropical Africa, while Osodendron altissimum subsp. busiraensis (G.C.C. Gilbert) E.J.M. Koenen is only known from the Busira river catchment in the western part of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Of the other two species, Osodendron dinklagei (Harms) E.J.M. Koenen is a common tree of rainforest and the forest-savannah transition including semi-deciduous and secondary forest as well as gallery forest and is restricted to Upper Guinea and the similar, but vegetatively more variable Osodendron leptophyllum (Harms) E.J.M. Koenen occupies comparable vegetation types in Lower Guinea and extends marginally into the Sudanian and Zambezian savannahs in gallery forest.
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Schmidt, Ray C., Pedro H. N. Bragança, John P. Friel, Frank Pezold, Denis Tweddle, and Henry L. Bart. "Two New Species of Suckermouth Catfishes (Mochokidae: Chiloglanis) from Upper Guinean Forest Streams in West Africa." Ichthyology & Herpetology 111, no. 3 (2023): 376–89. https://doi.org/10.1643/i2022067.
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Schmidt, Ray C., Bragança, Pedro H. N., Friel, John P., Pezold, Frank, Tweddle, Denis, Bart, Henry L. (2023): Two New Species of Suckermouth Catfishes (Mochokidae: Chiloglanis) from Upper Guinean Forest Streams in West Africa. Ichthyology & Herpetology 111 (3): 376-389, DOI: 10.1643/i2022067, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1643/i2022067
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Barnett, Adrian, Madeleine Prangley, Peter V. Hayman, Djiramba Diawara, and Jeremie Koman. "A preliminary survey of Kounounkan Forest, Guinea, West Africa." Oryx 28, no. 4 (1994): 269–75. http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/s0030605300028672.
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Biological studies in Guinea have been very patchy, leaving much of the country almost unsurveyed. In 1992 the Fauna and Flora Preservation Society funded a 10-day field visit to Kounounkan, a relict forest at the northern edge of the Upper Guinea Forest Block. The survey found a variety of habitats and high biodiversity, including two vulnerable and one endangered species. Hunting pressure appears to be low and the site is very well suited for the development of further conservation initiatives.
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Ziegler, Stefan, Gerhard Nikolaus, and Rainer Hutterer. "High mammalian diversity in the newly established National Park of Upper Niger, Republic of Guinea." Oryx 36, no. 1 (2002): 73–80. http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/s003060530200011x.
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This paper presents the results of a mammal survey conducted between 1995 and 1997 in the newly established National Park of Upper Niger in the Republic of Guinea, West Africa. Ninety-four species of mammals were recorded in the park area and its environs; 19 of these species were newly recorded or confirmed for Guinea. The fauna of the park includes about 50% of the known mammalian diversity of the country. Among the species found are West African endemics such as the Gambian mongoose Mungos gambianus. The park, although situated in the Guinea savannah belt, includes some remnant forest, which harbours tropical forest mammals such as Thomas's galago Galagoides cf. thomasi, hump-nosed mouse Hybomys planifrons, soft-furred rat Praomys rostratus and flying squirrel Anomalurops sp.. This National Park is a high priority area for the conservation of the vertebrate diversity of West Africa.
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Aissatou, BOIRO, Dos CAMARA Taliby, BOUMBALY Sanaba, NAYDENOVA Ekaterina, and Yéro BOIRO Mamadou. "Epidemiology and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay of Leptospira spp. in humans in the Republic of Guinea." World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews 19, no. 3 (2023): 404–10. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.11658705.
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<strong>Introduction</strong>: Leptospirosis is a zooanthroponosis caused by spirochete bacteria called leptospire of the genus Leptospira. <strong>Objective</strong>: To contribute to the knowledge and circulation of the <em>Leptospira</em> germ in humans in the Republic of Guinea. <strong>Methods</strong>: This prospective and descriptive cross-sectional study lasted 18 months, from June 2019 to December 2020. <strong>Results</strong>: Of 2346 human blood samples analysed in the laboratory using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for IgG antibodies against leptospirosis, the largest number of samples was taken in Lower Guinea (31.58%), followed by Forest Guinea (27.66%), Middle Guinea (20.97%) and Upper Guinea (19.77%). More samples were taken from females (50.89%) than males (49.10%), for a sex ratio of 1.03 in favour of females. In terms of natural regions, Basse Guinée recorded the highest number of female samples (36.85%). On the other hand, the highest number of male samples was observed in Guinée Forestière with 28.55%. The results of anti-<em>leptospira </em>class G immunoglobulin tests identified the germ in 93 patients, representing a prevalence of 4%. The average age of the patients was 45, with extremes ranging from 10 to 90 years. Of the 93 positive cases, the prevalence of <em>Leptospira</em> infection was highest in subjects aged 31 to 40 (46.23%), followed by individuals in the 41 to 50 age group (18.27%). Prevalence was lower in the 11-20 age group (9.67%), the 51-60 age group (7.52%) and the 61-70 age group (3.22%). No cases of Leptospire infection were recorded in the 0-10, 71-80 and 81-90 age groups. Males accounted for 53.76% of Leptospire infections, compared with 46.23% for females, with a 95% confidence interval (CI) ranging from [13.08-20.82]. Lower Guinea recorded 25.80%, followed by Middle Guinea with 32.25%, Upper Guinea with 20.43% and Forest Guinea with a prevalence of 21.51%. The prevalence of <em>Leptospira</em> infection is higher among women in Middle Guinea (21.50%) than in the other natural regions. We also note that Lower Guinea recorded the highest rate of positivity among males at 18.28% compared with the other regions of Guinea. Farmers are the most affected by infections with 46.23%, followed by veterinarians with 25.80%, health workers with 18.28%, retired people with 4.30% and commercial workers with 3.22% (3/93). Students and workers were the least represented in this study, with 1 case each, representing a prevalence of 1.07%. <strong>Conclusion</strong>: The results obtained prove that the leptospirosis pathogen does exist in the Republic of Guinea in the entire human population.
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Ziegler, Stefan, Gerhard Nikolaus, and Rainer Hutterer. "High mammalian diversity in the newly established National Park of Upper Niger, Republic of Guinea." Oryx 36, no. 1 (2002): 73–80. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.13483331.
Full textAbstract:
(Uploaded by Plazi for the Bat Literature Project) Abstract This paper presents the results of a mammal survey conducted between 1995 and 1997 in the newly established National Park of Upper Niger in the Republic of Guinea, West Africa. Ninety-four species of mammals were recorded in the park area and its environs; 19 of these species were newly recorded or confirmed for Guinea. The fauna of the park includes about 50% of the known mammalian diversity of the country. Among the species found are West African endemics such as the Gambian mongoose Mungos gambianus. The park, although situated in the Guinea savannah belt, includes some remnant forest, which harbours tropical forest mammals such as Thomas's galago Galagoides cf. thomasi, hump-nosed mouse Hybomys planifrons, softfurred rat Praomys rostratus and flying squirrel Anomalurops sp.. This National Park is a high priority area for the conservation of the vertebrate diversity of West Africa.
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Ziegler, Stefan, Gerhard Nikolaus, and Rainer Hutterer. "High mammalian diversity in the newly established National Park of Upper Niger, Republic of Guinea." Oryx 36, no. 1 (2002): 73–80. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.13483331.
Full textAbstract:
(Uploaded by Plazi for the Bat Literature Project) Abstract This paper presents the results of a mammal survey conducted between 1995 and 1997 in the newly established National Park of Upper Niger in the Republic of Guinea, West Africa. Ninety-four species of mammals were recorded in the park area and its environs; 19 of these species were newly recorded or confirmed for Guinea. The fauna of the park includes about 50% of the known mammalian diversity of the country. Among the species found are West African endemics such as the Gambian mongoose Mungos gambianus. The park, although situated in the Guinea savannah belt, includes some remnant forest, which harbours tropical forest mammals such as Thomas's galago Galagoides cf. thomasi, hump-nosed mouse Hybomys planifrons, softfurred rat Praomys rostratus and flying squirrel Anomalurops sp.. This National Park is a high priority area for the conservation of the vertebrate diversity of West Africa.
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Ziegler, Stefan, Gerhard Nikolaus, and Rainer Hutterer. "High mammalian diversity in the newly established National Park of Upper Niger, Republic of Guinea." Oryx 36, no. 1 (2002): 73–80. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.13483331.
Full textAbstract:
(Uploaded by Plazi for the Bat Literature Project) Abstract This paper presents the results of a mammal survey conducted between 1995 and 1997 in the newly established National Park of Upper Niger in the Republic of Guinea, West Africa. Ninety-four species of mammals were recorded in the park area and its environs; 19 of these species were newly recorded or confirmed for Guinea. The fauna of the park includes about 50% of the known mammalian diversity of the country. Among the species found are West African endemics such as the Gambian mongoose Mungos gambianus. The park, although situated in the Guinea savannah belt, includes some remnant forest, which harbours tropical forest mammals such as Thomas's galago Galagoides cf. thomasi, hump-nosed mouse Hybomys planifrons, softfurred rat Praomys rostratus and flying squirrel Anomalurops sp.. This National Park is a high priority area for the conservation of the vertebrate diversity of West Africa.
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Ziegler, Stefan, Gerhard Nikolaus, and Rainer Hutterer. "High mammalian diversity in the newly established National Park of Upper Niger, Republic of Guinea." Oryx 36, no. 1 (2002): 73–80. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.13483331.
Full textAbstract:
(Uploaded by Plazi for the Bat Literature Project) Abstract This paper presents the results of a mammal survey conducted between 1995 and 1997 in the newly established National Park of Upper Niger in the Republic of Guinea, West Africa. Ninety-four species of mammals were recorded in the park area and its environs; 19 of these species were newly recorded or confirmed for Guinea. The fauna of the park includes about 50% of the known mammalian diversity of the country. Among the species found are West African endemics such as the Gambian mongoose Mungos gambianus. The park, although situated in the Guinea savannah belt, includes some remnant forest, which harbours tropical forest mammals such as Thomas's galago Galagoides cf. thomasi, hump-nosed mouse Hybomys planifrons, softfurred rat Praomys rostratus and flying squirrel Anomalurops sp.. This National Park is a high priority area for the conservation of the vertebrate diversity of West Africa.
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OFORI-BOATENG, CALEB, ADAM D. LEACHÉ, BRIGHT OBENG-KANKAM, N’GORAN GERMAIN KOUAMÉ, ANNIKA HILLERS, and MARK-OLIVER RÖDEL. "A new species of Puddle Frog, genus Phrynobatrachus (Amphibia: Anura: Phrynobatrachidae) from Ghana." Zootaxa 4374, no. 4 (2018): 565. http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.4374.4.6.
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We describe a new species of Phrynobatrachus from the eastern part of the Upper Guinea forest region, Ghana, West Africa. Morphologically, the new species can be distinguished from all of its congeners by the combination of a slender body, short and pointed snout, a relatively warty dorsum, a black-spotted throat in both sexes, a gular flap in males, a dark spotted chest, a white-greyish venter with occasional blackish spots, rudimentary pedal webbing, none to slightly dilated finger tips and strongly delated toe tips, presence of both inner and outer metatarsal tubercles and absence of a dark face mask, eyelid tubercles and longer dorsal ridges. We collected mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) sequence data from the 16S rRNA gene to measure the genetic diversity of the new species, and to estimate phylogenetic relationships. The new species is a distinct and monophyletic evolutionary lineage most closely related to Phrynobatrachus gutturosus, P. fraterculus and P. maculiventris. The discovery of this new species highlights that the biodiversity of West African forests is still incompletely known and that the few remaining forests need urgent protection.
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Allport, Gary A., M. J. Ausden, Lincoln D. C. Fishpool, P. V. Hayman, Peter A. Robertson, and Peter Wood. "Identification of Illadopses Illadopsis spp in the Upper Guinea Forest." Bulletin of the African Bird Club 3, no. 1 (1996): 26–30. http://dx.doi.org/10.5962/p.308900.
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Nkrumah, Evans Ewald, Heather Joan Baldwin, Ebenezer Kofi Badu, et al. "Diversity and Conservation of Cave-Roosting Bats in Central Ghana." Tropical Conservation Science 14 (January 2021): 194008292110346. http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/19400829211034671.
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Background Ghana is one of the six bat diversity hotspots on the African continent, yet its caves have not been fully explored for the bats they host. Research Aims We aimed to assess the species composition and diversity of five caves in central Ghana and identified those needing immediate conservation attention. Methods Using mist-nets, we captured bats over 102 full nights between October 2010 and July 2012 from the Upper Guinean forest and Savannah regions in central Ghana. Results A total of 10,226 bats belonging to nine species were recorded. PERMANOVA suggested significant variation in species composition among the caves. A SIMPER analysis revealed Coleura afra and Hipposideros jonesi to be the main discriminating species between caves, with a dominance of Hipposideros cf. ruber in all caves. The Bat Cave Vulnerability Index (BCVI) revealed Mframabuom cave from the Upper Guinean forest region as a high priority cave hosting threatened species, yet highly disturbed. The remaining caves were identified as medium priority caves. Conclusion The results of the study suggest the need for further research and an immediate conservation strategy as essential for approaching national conservation goals.
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Nkrumah, Evans Ewald, Heather Joan Baldwin, Ebenezer Kofi Badu, et al. "Diversity and Conservation of Cave-Roosting Bats in Central Ghana." Tropical Conservation Science 14 (June 12, 2021): 194008292110346. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.13439710.
Full textAbstract:
(Uploaded by Plazi for the Bat Literature Project) Background: Ghana is one of the six bat diversity hotspots on the African continent, yet its caves have not been fully explored for the bats they host. Research Aims: We aimed to assess the species composition and diversity of five caves in central Ghana and identified those needing immediate conservation attention. Methods: Using mist-nets, we captured bats over 102 full nights between October 2010 and July 2012 from the Upper Guinean forest and Savannah regions in central Ghana. Results: A total of 10,226 bats belonging to nine species were recorded. PERMANOVA suggested significant variation in species composition among the caves. A SIMPER analysis revealed Coleura afra and Hipposideros jonesi to be the main discriminating species between caves, with a dominance of Hipposideros cf. ruber in all caves. The Bat Cave Vulnerability Index (BCVI) revealed Mframabuom cave from the Upper Guinean forest region as a high priority cave hosting threatened species, yet highly disturbed. The remaining caves were identified as medium priority caves. Conclusion: The results of the study suggest the need for further research and an immediate conservation strategy as essential for approaching national conservation goals.
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Nkrumah, Evans Ewald, Heather Joan Baldwin, Ebenezer Kofi Badu, et al. "Diversity and Conservation of Cave-Roosting Bats in Central Ghana." Tropical Conservation Science 14 (June 7, 2021): 194008292110346. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.13439710.
Full textAbstract:
(Uploaded by Plazi for the Bat Literature Project) Background: Ghana is one of the six bat diversity hotspots on the African continent, yet its caves have not been fully explored for the bats they host. Research Aims: We aimed to assess the species composition and diversity of five caves in central Ghana and identified those needing immediate conservation attention. Methods: Using mist-nets, we captured bats over 102 full nights between October 2010 and July 2012 from the Upper Guinean forest and Savannah regions in central Ghana. Results: A total of 10,226 bats belonging to nine species were recorded. PERMANOVA suggested significant variation in species composition among the caves. A SIMPER analysis revealed Coleura afra and Hipposideros jonesi to be the main discriminating species between caves, with a dominance of Hipposideros cf. ruber in all caves. The Bat Cave Vulnerability Index (BCVI) revealed Mframabuom cave from the Upper Guinean forest region as a high priority cave hosting threatened species, yet highly disturbed. The remaining caves were identified as medium priority caves. Conclusion: The results of the study suggest the need for further research and an immediate conservation strategy as essential for approaching national conservation goals.
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Nkrumah, Evans Ewald, Heather Joan Baldwin, Ebenezer Kofi Badu, et al. "Diversity and Conservation of Cave-Roosting Bats in Central Ghana." Tropical Conservation Science 14 (July 3, 2021): 194008292110346. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.13439710.
Full textAbstract:
(Uploaded by Plazi for the Bat Literature Project) Background: Ghana is one of the six bat diversity hotspots on the African continent, yet its caves have not been fully explored for the bats they host. Research Aims: We aimed to assess the species composition and diversity of five caves in central Ghana and identified those needing immediate conservation attention. Methods: Using mist-nets, we captured bats over 102 full nights between October 2010 and July 2012 from the Upper Guinean forest and Savannah regions in central Ghana. Results: A total of 10,226 bats belonging to nine species were recorded. PERMANOVA suggested significant variation in species composition among the caves. A SIMPER analysis revealed Coleura afra and Hipposideros jonesi to be the main discriminating species between caves, with a dominance of Hipposideros cf. ruber in all caves. The Bat Cave Vulnerability Index (BCVI) revealed Mframabuom cave from the Upper Guinean forest region as a high priority cave hosting threatened species, yet highly disturbed. The remaining caves were identified as medium priority caves. Conclusion: The results of the study suggest the need for further research and an immediate conservation strategy as essential for approaching national conservation goals.
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Nkrumah, Evans Ewald, Heather Joan Baldwin, Ebenezer Kofi Badu, et al. "Diversity and Conservation of Cave-Roosting Bats in Central Ghana." Tropical Conservation Science 14 (July 10, 2021): 194008292110346. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.13439710.
Full textAbstract:
(Uploaded by Plazi for the Bat Literature Project) Background: Ghana is one of the six bat diversity hotspots on the African continent, yet its caves have not been fully explored for the bats they host. Research Aims: We aimed to assess the species composition and diversity of five caves in central Ghana and identified those needing immediate conservation attention. Methods: Using mist-nets, we captured bats over 102 full nights between October 2010 and July 2012 from the Upper Guinean forest and Savannah regions in central Ghana. Results: A total of 10,226 bats belonging to nine species were recorded. PERMANOVA suggested significant variation in species composition among the caves. A SIMPER analysis revealed Coleura afra and Hipposideros jonesi to be the main discriminating species between caves, with a dominance of Hipposideros cf. ruber in all caves. The Bat Cave Vulnerability Index (BCVI) revealed Mframabuom cave from the Upper Guinean forest region as a high priority cave hosting threatened species, yet highly disturbed. The remaining caves were identified as medium priority caves. Conclusion: The results of the study suggest the need for further research and an immediate conservation strategy as essential for approaching national conservation goals.
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Sáfián, Szabolcs, Gábor Csontos, and Dániel Winkler. "Butterfly community recovery in degraded rainforest habitats in the Upper Guinean Forest Zone (Kakum forest, Ghana)." Journal of Insect Conservation 15, no. 1-2 (2010): 351–59. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10841-010-9343-x.
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Flacke, Gabriella L., and Jan Decher. "Choeropsis liberiensis (Artiodactyla: Hippopotamidae)." Mammalian Species 51, no. 982 (2019): 100–118. http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/mspecies/sez017.
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Abstract Choeropsis liberiensis (Morton, 1849), commonly called the pygmy hippopotamus or pygmy hippo, is the only extant species in the genus Choeropsis. A solitary, forest-dwelling ungulate endemic to the Upper Guinean forest ecosystem in West Africa, it is classified as “Endangered” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources and is a Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna (CITES) Appendix II species. The smaller of the two extant hippopotamids, it is relatively uncommon in zoological facilities and private collections worldwide.
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Kouame, O.M.L., N. Jengre, M. Kobele, et al. "Key Biodiversity Areas identification in the Upper Guinea forest biodiversity hotspot." Journal of Threatened Taxa 04, no. 08 (2012): 2745–52. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.13450108.
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(Uploaded by Plazi for the Bat Literature Project) Priority-setting approaches and tools are commons ways to support the rapid extinction of species and their habitats and the effective allocation of resources for their conservation. The Key Biodiversity Area (KBA) approach is a method for the identification of fine-scale priority areas for conservation. This process led bottom-up has been used in the Upper Guinea Forest Ecosystem of West Africa where humaninduced changes have increased the extinction risk of several endemic and threatened species. The irreplaceability and vulnerability criteria commonly used in conservation planning have been used to identify key biodiversity areas in Ghana, Cote d'Ivoire, Liberia, Guinea and Sierra Leone. Point locality data were compiled from scientific reports, papers published in scientific journals and museum records. The delineation was conducted following a series of decision rules. In most cases existing IBA polygons and protected areas boundaries were used. For the new sites, temporary boundaries have been drawn and will be confirmed with land-use data. Preliminary KBA data were reviewed by specialists during formal workshops. One hundred and fifty four KBA have been identified in the five countries with 202 globally threatened species. Currently 63% of the KBA are protected. Two AZE sites still exist in the region. This assessment is a first step and is driven from the best available data at the time. There is a need to refine it with recent biodiversity surveys to assist decision-makers in achieving their conservation management goals.
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Kouame, O.M.L., N. Jengre, M. Kobele, et al. "Key Biodiversity Areas identification in the Upper Guinea forest biodiversity hotspot." Journal of Threatened Taxa 04, no. 08 (2012): 2745–52. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.13450108.
Full textAbstract:
(Uploaded by Plazi for the Bat Literature Project) Priority-setting approaches and tools are commons ways to support the rapid extinction of species and their habitats and the effective allocation of resources for their conservation. The Key Biodiversity Area (KBA) approach is a method for the identification of fine-scale priority areas for conservation. This process led bottom-up has been used in the Upper Guinea Forest Ecosystem of West Africa where humaninduced changes have increased the extinction risk of several endemic and threatened species. The irreplaceability and vulnerability criteria commonly used in conservation planning have been used to identify key biodiversity areas in Ghana, Cote d'Ivoire, Liberia, Guinea and Sierra Leone. Point locality data were compiled from scientific reports, papers published in scientific journals and museum records. The delineation was conducted following a series of decision rules. In most cases existing IBA polygons and protected areas boundaries were used. For the new sites, temporary boundaries have been drawn and will be confirmed with land-use data. Preliminary KBA data were reviewed by specialists during formal workshops. One hundred and fifty four KBA have been identified in the five countries with 202 globally threatened species. Currently 63% of the KBA are protected. Two AZE sites still exist in the region. This assessment is a first step and is driven from the best available data at the time. There is a need to refine it with recent biodiversity surveys to assist decision-makers in achieving their conservation management goals.
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Kouame, O.M.L., N. Jengre, M. Kobele, et al. "Key Biodiversity Areas identification in the Upper Guinea forest biodiversity hotspot." Journal of Threatened Taxa 04, no. 08 (2012): 2745–52. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.13450108.
Full textAbstract:
(Uploaded by Plazi for the Bat Literature Project) Priority-setting approaches and tools are commons ways to support the rapid extinction of species and their habitats and the effective allocation of resources for their conservation. The Key Biodiversity Area (KBA) approach is a method for the identification of fine-scale priority areas for conservation. This process led bottom-up has been used in the Upper Guinea Forest Ecosystem of West Africa where humaninduced changes have increased the extinction risk of several endemic and threatened species. The irreplaceability and vulnerability criteria commonly used in conservation planning have been used to identify key biodiversity areas in Ghana, Cote d'Ivoire, Liberia, Guinea and Sierra Leone. Point locality data were compiled from scientific reports, papers published in scientific journals and museum records. The delineation was conducted following a series of decision rules. In most cases existing IBA polygons and protected areas boundaries were used. For the new sites, temporary boundaries have been drawn and will be confirmed with land-use data. Preliminary KBA data were reviewed by specialists during formal workshops. One hundred and fifty four KBA have been identified in the five countries with 202 globally threatened species. Currently 63% of the KBA are protected. Two AZE sites still exist in the region. This assessment is a first step and is driven from the best available data at the time. There is a need to refine it with recent biodiversity surveys to assist decision-makers in achieving their conservation management goals.