Ethnobotanical knowledge of Allanblackia parviflora: Implications for its domestication in Ghana
February 2026
This study sought to explore the ethnobotany of Allanblackia parviflora, describing indigenous knowledge and practices that can inform its sustainable management and future utilisation. A. parviflora is widely known and used in Ghana, especially in cocoa-growing regions, where farmers traditionally preserve the tree for its oil-rich seeds. Even though the oil is usually extracted for cooking, growing interest from the...
Vegetation and melliferous flora in the borders of the states of Sinaloa and Chihuahua, Mexico
February 2026
Vegetation in the border region of Sinaloa and Chihuahua, Mexico, comprises Tropical Deciduous Forest (TDF), Pine Forest (PF), Oak Forest (OF), and Riparian Vegetation (RV). 50 individuals were interviewed across 10 villages and documented 279 melliferous/polliniferous species belonging to 203 genera and 69 families, with Fabaceae (25 species) and Asteraceae with 23 being the most prominent. Of these, 95 species...
Synergic effect of Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and rhizobia on Vachellia nilotica subsp. adansonii (Guill. & Perr.) Kuntze's symbiotic properties and growth under salinity conditions
February 2026
The use of salinity-tolerant symbiotic plants to rehabilitate salt-affected lands is practiced in many areas in the world, but is often faced with the survival of introduced plants in their new environments. However, plant vitality could be improved by inoculation with symbiotic rhizobia and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), known to make available essential plant nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus. Vachellia...
Altitudinal changes in the floral diversity and carbon stock of a tropical montane forest in Cameroon
February 2026
Tropical montane forests (TMF) are under threat, as climate change is affecting their species composition and diversity in various ways across altitudinal gradients. This study aimed to assess the floral diversity and carbon biomass stored by the different components of the forests along an altitudinal gradient of the Mount Cameroon National Park. Three hectares of 1ha each were established at three different altitudes...
Address the root, not the fruit: Proactive measures outshine reactive ones in managing the human-wildlife conflict
February 2026
The complex challenges associated with human-wildlife conflict (HWC) require a thorough analysis and the careful adaptation of strategies to promote human-wildlife coexistence. Globally, strategies for addressing HWC are broadly categorized into preventive and mitigative approaches. While studies have investigated both approaches, a larger proportion of research focuses on preventive strategies. Mitigation strategies,...
Foraging behavior and the time budget activity of Asian wild buffalo (Bubalus arnee Kerr, 1792)
February 2026
A two-year study on the foraging behavior and time budget of Asian wild water buffaloes (Bubalus arnee) was conducted in Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve (KTWR), Nepal. Activities' time allocation (in minutes) was recorded using focal animal sampling, with 72 hours of observation per month (equivalent to six full days), totaling 864 hours of observation annually. In 2015, resting peaked in February (243.3 ± 5.3...
Effects of Eucalyptus grandis invasion on native woody species richness, diversity, abundance, and composition in Kindoroko Forest Reserve, Tanzania
January 2026
The effects of invasive plant species on native plant diversity are widely acknowledged, yet they remain under-studied in some mountain ecosystems in Tanzania. This study assessed the impact of Eucalyptus grandis invasion on woody species richness, diversity, abundance, composition, and overall plant community structure in the Kindoroko Forest Reserve (KFR), Tanzania. Vegetation data were collected from 60 concentric...
Hunting endangered pangolins: Motivations, vulnerabilities, and conservation issues in Ghana
January 2026
Hunting of wildlife species has contributed significantly to biodiversity loss, with pangolins being among the most endangered and heavily trafficked mammals. Although pangolins are protected by institutions and legislation in Ghana, hunting of the species persists. This study aimed to explore the motivations behind pangolin hunting and the species’ vulnerabilities that make it susceptible to exploitation. It also...
Avifauna diversity and occupancy in different habitat types: Key updates for biodiversity conservation in the Ruaha National Park, Tanzania
December 2025
Avifauna is a significant component in terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems and has socio economic and conservation benefits. However, information is scarce to ascertain their importance in terms of distribution, diversity, richness and abundance for conservation in the park. This study therefore attempted to determine the current species distribution, diversity, richness, and abundance in different zones and...
Activity patterns of colobus monkey (Colobus guereza) in core and transition zone of Kaffa Biosphere Reserve, Saylem District, South Western Ethiopia
November 2025
The black-and-white colobus monkey (Colobus guereza), which is currently classified as Data Deficient at the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List, receives minimal conservation focus despite ongoing habitat destruction in its range. Grasping the behavioral ecology, specifically activity patterns, is vital for developing sustainable management approaches. This research investigated the activity...
Germination potential of the soil seed bank in Yapo-Abbé classified forest, Côte D'ivoire
October 2025
This study, conducted in the Yapo-Abbé classified forest in southern Côte d'Ivoire, assessed the potential for natural regeneration from the soil seed bank. A total of 800 plots of 1 m², distributed across different biotopes, were sampled to a depth of 0 to 20 cm, and the soil samples were subsequently germinated under controlled conditions. Ninety-seven species were recorded. High germination...
Assessing the significance of floristic characteristics on primate distribution in the Kimbi-Fungom National Park, Northwest Region of Cameroon
October 2025
Most primates depend on flora characteristics for food, shelter, and water. This study assessed how floral diversity affects the distribution of primates in the Kimbi-Fungom National Park, Cameroon. To achieve this, the study employed the use of transects to determine plant species, structure, and diversity, as well as primate species. The park was divided into 20 blocks, and 10 blocks were randomly selected for a flora...
Analysis of factors affecting fish resources in Chad's Central Chari basin
August 2025
Inland artisanal fishing has always played a crucial role in local and national development. This study analyzes the factors contributing to the degradation of fishery resources in Gnala and Niellim, two fishing sites in the Central Chari Basin, southern Chad. Data collection involved semi-structured interviews with fishing stakeholders and direct site observations. The findings highlight that fish resource degradation...
The role of agriculture in deforestation and its implications for biodiversity conservation in the Kokofu community
August 2025
As the global quest for sustainable land use intensifies, the nexus between agricultural practices and environmental conservation has garnered paramount attention. This study navigates this intricate terrain, focusing on the dynamic interplay between agricultural expansion, deforestation, and ecological sustainability within Kokofu, a community in the Ashanti Region of Ghana. Grounded in a qualitative research paradigm,...
Status and future of fish biodiversity in Lake Fitri in the Sahelian Zone of Chad
August 2025
A study was carried out from August 2020 to July 2021 on eight islands located in several villages around Lake Fitri. The aim was to inventory the biodiversity of Lake Fitri's ichthyofauna. The quantitative analysis benefited from data collection through catches and measurements, interviews with fishermen, traditional authorities and other stakeholders. Only eight fish species were recorded: Marcusenius...
An ecophysiological study of the lycophyte Selaginella kraussiana
July 2025
Selaginella kraussiana, native to Sub-Saharan Africa and Macaronesia, has become naturalized in many other regions worldwide, including parts of Europe, North America, South America, Australia, and New Zealand. As a widely studied lycophyte species in the family Selaginellaceae, it is representative of this class of spore-bearing, vascular plants that form a significant part of forest understory flora and other...
Seasonal changes in the size of the common hippopotamus groups in the Comoe National Park’s River, Northeastern of Cote d’Ivoire
June 2025
Mitigating escalating human-hippopotamus conflicts and climate warming-related threats to Hippopotamus amphibius raises the need for comprehensive ecological data to inform and develop conservation strategies across West African countries. This study evaluated seasonal trends in H. amphibius group size and its drivers along the Comoé River within Comoé National Park (CNP) in northeastern Côte...
Human disturbances on the richness, diversity, and dominance of tree species regeneration: A case study of Gidabwanja Forest Reserve in Hanang’ District, Manyara region, Tanzania
May 2025
Tropical forests are acknowledged for their significant wealth essential to the well-being of people of the world. The study was done at Gidabwanja Forest Reserve (GFR) in 2022 to assess the human disturbance on tree species regeneration diversity and dominance. The 10 m × 20 m were set to assess trees with DBH (cm) ≥ 5 cm; 2 m × 5 m nested plots for saplings and poles, and 1 m × 1 m for seedlings....
Plant species composition, richness and diversity in different agroforestry practices of Moshi rural district, Northern Tanzania
February 2025
Agroforestry practices (AFPs) have the potential to improve species composition and the ecological integrity of various landscapes. However, site-specific studies on the role of AFPs in enhancing plant species composition, richness, and diversity are scarce. This study aimed to determine variations in useful plant species composition and diversity across five agroforestry practices: Boundary Planting Agroforestry...
Response of non-timber forest products (Garcinia Kola and Piper guineense) seedlings to NPK and urea fertilizers
February 2025
This study describes the effect of inorganic fertilizers (Urea and NPK 20:10:10) on Garcinia kola and Piper guineense seedlings in nursery for 28 weeks. The experiment involved 16 treatments, six replicates and 96 seedlings per species. Growth characters were assessed fortnightly. Fertilizer treatments significantly (P≤0.05) affected mainly the height, leaf number and, leaf area of G. kola and P guineense seedlings....
Using fruiting Ape food trees (Myrianthus holstii) to count sympatric mammals at Kahuzi-Biega National Park, Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo
December 2024
Understanding the diversity and distribution of flora and fauna, and their interactions, is a prerequisite for a successful protected area management program. Between 2020 and 2022, camera traps were installed at 34 different stations in front of fruiting Myrianthus holstii trees, a species whose fruits are eaten by various mammal species. A total of 699 photos and videos were recorded. At least 23 mammal species...
An ecophysiological study of the fern Onoclea sensibilis growing in three environmental locations varying in incident light intensity
November 2024
Onoclea sensibilis L. plants growing in three locations with varying light intensities (dense shade, partial shade, and open sun) at a temperate site in Palisades, New York, were studied to assess net photosynthesis rate, dark respiration rate, leaf micromorphology, and leaf fluorescence in relation to these light conditions. The mean maximum net photosynthesis rate (3.6 µmoles CO? m?² s?¹) was highest...
Density, abundance and spatial distribution niche overlap of large and medium-sized mammal populations in the Lomako-Yokokala Faunal Reserve, Congo
November 2024
Understanding the dynamics of large and medium-sized mammal populations is crucial for effective conservation and management strategies. This study conducted a wildlife inventory in the Lomako-Yokokala Faunal Reserve (RFLY), focusing on signs of activity from 34 species of large and medium-sized mammals. The findings revealed that a total of 3,261 signs were recorded within transects, with an additional 6,915 signs...
Rethinking conservation: Social injustices and the case for convivial conservation in Ghana’s Kyabobo National Park
November 2024
Conserving biodiversity for the benefit of present and future generations has driven global efforts toward the establishment of protected areas. However, balancing conservation goals with the need to sustain the livelihoods of local communities remains a significant challenge for protected area managers. The management of the Kyabobo National Park in Ghana, which employs restrictive conservation approaches, has been...
Comparative analysis of bird diversity, richness and evenness in three protected areas in Northern Tanzania
September 2024
Protected areas (PAs) play a crucial role in safeguarding and promoting ecological balance of bird diversity. This study presents a comparative analysis of bird diversity, richness, and evenness in three protected areas, Lake Manyara National Park (LMNP), Lake Natron Game Controlled Area (LNGCA), and Mtowambu Game Controlled Area (MGCA), during both wet and dry seasons. A standardized bird point count method was used to...
Assessment and valuation of provisioning ecosystem services (Non-Timber Forest Produce) in Medak Forest range, Telangana State
July 2024
The collection of Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFP) by communities living near forest fringe villages in India is a critical aspect of sustainable forest management and livelihoods. This practice involves the harvesting of various forest resources such as medicinal plants, fruits, nuts, resins, and fibers. The reliance on NTFPs by local communities contributes to biodiversity conservation and economic sustainability,...
Evidence from GPS collars reveal a novel movement pattern and site fidelity for wildebeest migratory population in the Serengeti-Mara Ecosystem
July 2024
Ungulate migrations in ecology encompass various aspects, including movement behavior and site fidelity among species. This study aimed to investigate whether the Loliondo/Pololeti and Laetoli/Kakesio wildebeest herds exhibited migratory behavior and site fidelity during both wet and dry seasons within the Serengeti-Mara Ecosystem. Six female wildebeest were immobilized by a wildlife veterinarian and fitted with GPS...
Plant species composition, abundance, diversity, and threats affecting their survival in Kiang'ombe and Kianjiru hills of Embu County, Kenya
April 2024
Forest cover loss is one of the major challenges facing Kenya; and there is insufficient data to guide sustainable biodiversity conservation stratagems. We determined the floristic and growth characteristics, plant species diversity, evenness, relative density, frequency, dominance, important value index, and indicators of biodiversity disturbance. From the 52 plots sampled in Kiang'ombe and Kianjiru hills, we...
An ecophysiological study of cultivated Nephrolepis exaltata (L.) Schott cv. Bostoniensis (Boston Fern)
April 2024
The Boston Fern, a cultivar of Nephrolepis exaltata native to tropical and sub-tropical environments, is widely cultivated. There is substantial published horticultural research on its cultivation. However, there is less research published on its physiological ecology. This is a report of the physiological ecology of laboratory cultivated N. exaltata cv. Bostoniensis, particularly focusing on the following aspects: Net...
Habitat preference and distribution of Himalayan Red Panda (Ailurus fulgens fulgens) in Ilam, Eastern Nepal
April 2024
In Nepal, red panda has been sparsely studied, although its range covers a wide geographical area. The current study was conducted in two community forests of Ilam district with the objective of examining the present distributional status and determining the habitat utilization of the species. Extensive field surveys were conducted to estimate species distribution by presence-absence of the species in the study site....
Diversity and abundance of butterflies along a land use: Land cover gradient in Eastern Sierra Leone
April 2024
Oil palm (Elaeis guineensis) is native to West Africa and has been cultivated for thousands of years. It is an essential part of the local cuisine and critical for food security. In Southeast Asia, oil palm plantations have been accused of being the main cause of deforestation and biodiversity loss. However, several recent studies assessing the impact of oil palm plantations have suggested that the conversion of primary...
Woody species composition and diversity in homegardens in Bekoji town, Southeast Ethiopia
March 2024
This study assessed the role of urban homegardens in woody species conservation in Bekoji town, southeast Ethiopia. Ninety-six homegardens were identified using multistage sampling technique. Woody species inventory was made in 3103 m × 10 m quadrants. Shannon and Weaver diversity index (H`), reciprocal of Simpson diversity index (1-D), evenness index (J`) and Margalef richness index (Dmg) were computed to...
Avian species composition, distribution and abundance in selected habitat types in Lake Manyara National Park, Northern Tanzania
February 2024
The study conducted at Lake Manyara National Park (LMNP) in 2021, covering both wet and dry seasons in aquatic, forest and woodland habitats, utilized the point count method to collect data on bird species composition, abundance and distribution. The results revealed a total of 171 identified bird species belonging to 52 families and 17 orders. Significant differences in species abundance were observed between woodland...
Conserving precious urban freshwater bodies: A case study of Telangana, India
February 2024
The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) recognizes sovereign rights of States over their bioresources and also determines terms of accessing them, which is subject to their national legislation. India is among the 196 Contracting Parties to CBD and enacted the Biological Diversity Act, 2002 to claim sovereign rights over its bioresources and associated traditional knowledge (TK), and to meet its national...
Soil physicochemical properties and macroarthropod abundance across two segments of a temperate forest in Darma Valley, Kumaun Himalaya, India
January 2024
The study focused on soil macroarthropods, exploring their characteristics, environmental interactions, and role in soil nutrient dynamics—a subject that has been relatively understudied. To fill this gap, research was conducted in a temperate forest of Darma Valley, District Pithoragarh, Kumaun Himalaya, India. The forest was divided into two segments: A (disturbed) and B (undisturbed), based on anthropogenic...
Spatio-temporal infestation dynamics and influence of silvicultural pruning on shea trees (Vitellaria paradoxa Gaertn. C.F.) to control Loranthaceae parasites in northern Côte d'Ivoire
January 2024
Parasitic plants of the Loranthaceae family are responsible for the loss of shea trees, limiting fruit production and the survival of shea parklands in northern Côte d'Ivoire. The study aims to quantify the frequency of infestation by Loranthaceae from 2019 to 2021 and to assess the impact of silvicultural pruning techniques on the recrudescence of infestations. The methodology consisted of successively...
Effect of density and management of oil palm plantations on the avifauna of Southeastern Sierra Leone
November 2023
Oil palm (Elaeis guineensis) is a tropical perennial plant that provides most of the vegetable oil traded internationally. Although native to Africa, oil palm is grown throughout the humid tropics, and the largest producers are now in Southeast Asia. In many regions of cultivation, oil palm has been identified as a leading cause of deforestation and biodiversity loss. In Sierra Leone, oil palm grows wild in secondary...
Effects of rangeland based integrated soil and water conservation practices on herbaceous species regeneration, diversity, biomass and growth of planted tree species in Haro-Bake Sub-Watershed, Yaballo District, and Southern Ethiopia
October 2023
Rangeland degradation is a significant threat to people in dryland areas, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa like Ethiopia. Rehabilitation of degraded land is challenging due to moisture limitations and drought. This study evaluated rangeland-based integrated watershed management. Three soil and moisture conservation structures were applied, and multi-purpose tree/shrub species like Faidherbia albida, Melia azedarach,...
Habitat preference and distribution of pangolin in Ala Forest Reserve and Onipanu Community Forest of Southwestern Nigeria
July 2023
Despite the ecological significance, social and economic values and the roles being played by pangolin, their ecological roles remain under-studied in context to Nigeria. There is dearth of information on the current status, distribution, habitat preferred by pangolin especially in the tropical rainforest ecoregion of Nigeria. Information on the overall habitat ecology, preference and the current distribution pattern of...
Rural women vulnerability to human-wildlife conflicts: Lessons from villages near Mikumi National Park, Southeast Tanzania
July 2023
Human-wildlife conflicts (HWC) remain a serious conservation problem in Tanzania, particularly for rural communities near national parks. Despite this prevalence, research on rural women’s experiences with human-wildlife conflicts is limited. To address this research gap, this study examined the impacts of HWC on rural women from two villages neighboring Mikumi National Park (MNP) in Southeast Tanzania. A total of...
Socioeconomic determinants of Cameroon’s Mefou Wildlife Sanctuary visitors' willingness to pay for seeing animals in the wild
July 2023
Protected areas (PAs) in Cameroon witness chronic underfunding, with most operating with only around 10% of the necessary funds. This study aimed to explore socioeconomic factors affecting Mefou Wildlife Sanctuary (MWS) visitors' willingness to pay (WTP) for wildlife species observation in their natural habitat. The study was based on semi-structured questionnaires conducted with 637 respondents and the contingent...
Phenology and early growth performance assessment of the endangered Afromosia (Pericopsis elata) of the high forest zones in Ghana
July 2023
Pericopsis elata is a tall tree of high commercial value within moist and dry semi-deciduous West African forests. It is threatened with extinction, mainly due to overexploitation. Information on the reproductive phenology of such threatened but highly demanded trees remains crucial for taking conservation measures. This study examined the reproductive phenology of 50 individual trees relative to climatic variables,...
A comparative ecophysiological study of two forest understory ferns (Dryopteris marginalis and Polystichum acrostichoides) during summer drought and excessive heat
July 2023
This is a study of the photophysiology of two understory fern species growing on Torrey Cliff, Palisades, N.Y. during the summer of 2022 when the northeast incurred a significant period of drought and elevated temperatures. During the peak period of stress (July and August), mean photosynthesis rates of both species were lower than during more moderate weather in early summer and in autumn. Leaf fluorescence analyses...
Contributions of Mount Cameroon National Park (MCNP) activities to livelihood of the local people, South West Region Cameroon
June 2023
The survival of Protected Areas (PAs) in Cameroon is very much dependent on alternative economic benefits derived by local people living around these areas. This study was set out to assess the contributions of Mount Cameroon National Park (MCNP) activities to livelihood of the local people. To achieve this, a household survey was conducted using simple random sampling technic where each household was given equal...
Traditional knowledge on wild edible vegetables consumed by communities around Serengeti ecosystem, northern Tanzania
June 2023
Globally traditional knowledge on wild edible vegetables (WEVs) exists in most communities, but this information is limited and incomplete in the Serengeti ecosystem. This study employed face to face interviews using semi-structured questionnaires to about 180 households to acquire the required information on the WEVs species they consume in their area. After analysis of the collected data, the results indicated that a...
Highlighting the diversity of the rhizosphere mycobiome of five native West African trees
March 2023
Soil microbial communities play a vital role in ecosystem functioning by enhancing mineral nutrition and protecting forest trees against pathogens through mycorrhizal symbiosis. However, knowledge of the diversity and assemblage of belowground fungal communities associated with native host trees in tropical Africa is incomplete. Using high-throughput sequencing, this study examined soil fungal communities in the...
Responses of soil microbial biomass carbon to tillage and fertilizer types in maize cultivation in Buea, Cameroon
February 2023
Although soil microbial biomass (MBC) comprises less than 5% of soil organic matter, it responds rapidly to changes in soil management practices and, therefore, is generally used as an early indicators of changes in soil carbon. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of tillage practices (conventional tillage and no-tillage) and fertilizer types (synthetic, organic, and no fertilizer) on soil MBC. The...
A framework for considering coral ecosystem services for biodiversity offsets
February 2023
Biodiversity offset practices often focus solely on securing ecological validity, despite biodiversity providing various human benefits such as ecosystem services (ES); the use of which is often lost by both the development project and the offset itself. In this paper, a framework is suggested to rationally examine the compensatory measures for ES use losses and tested with actual offset cases in developing countries,...
Phenotypic characterization of sorghum accessions on farmers’ fields in northern and eastern Uganda
December 2022
Sorghum is one of the most important cereal crops grown in arid/semi-arid regions of the world. Understanding and utilising the genetic variation in sorghum accessions is essential for improving the crop to adapt to abiotic and biotic constraints. Several authors have reported the loss of sorghum diversity, but there is limited available information on on-farm sorghum diversity in the major sorghum growing areas in...
Human-wildlife conflict in the Campo-Ma’an Technical Operational Unit, Southern Cameroon
December 2022
Human-Wildlife Conflict (HWC) is increasing in the Campo-Ma’an Conservation Area located in the southern region of Cameroon, thus threatening human livelihoods and wildlife; yet the sources and consequences of HWC in this region remain poorly understood. 127 households from three subdivisions were interviewed to investigate the extent of wildlife crop damage and identify humans’ impact on wildlife. Most...
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