- Saint-Cloud, Île-de-France, France
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The publication of Antelope Survey Update No. 9, covering Central and West Africa, is an important milestone in African antelope conservation. The current issue particularly focuses on two regions of the African continent, West and... more
The publication of Antelope Survey Update No. 9, covering Central and West Africa, is an important milestone in African antelope conservation. The current issue particularly focuses on two regions of the African continent, West and Central Africa, too rarely covered by publications. It also focuses on the savannah wildlife of these regions, since forest wildlife is a rather different topic as such, even though both savannah and forest wildlife communities are indeed sympatric in some forested facies of the savannah landscape
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Fig. 6. Postcards of the Senegal giraffe at the beginning of the 20th century. A. "Une Girafe des Jardins de Shor", photo taken by P. Tacher in 1909... more
Fig. 6. Postcards of the Senegal giraffe at the beginning of the 20th century. A. "Une Girafe des Jardins de Shor", photo taken by P. Tacher in 1909 (https://oldthing.ch/AK-Saint-Louis-Une-Girafe-des-Jardinsde-Shor-Giraffe-im-Gehege-0033371252). B. "Girafe originaire du Sénégal" (https://www.ebay.fr/sch/ Cartes-postales/914/i.html?cmd=Blend%7CBlend&_nkw=girafe). C. "Mission du Sénégal – girafe à Dakar" (https://www.picclickimg.com/d/400/pict/192836173148_/CPA-DAKAR--SENEGAL- MISSION-DU-SENEGAL-UNE.jpg).
Fig. 3. Median-joining network of mitochondrial haplotypes. The network was constructed in PopART 1.7 (Leigh & Bryant 2015) based on the mitochondrial sequences of 548 giraffes. The number of mutations between haplotypes is indicated by... more
Fig. 3. Median-joining network of mitochondrial haplotypes. The network was constructed in PopART 1.7 (Leigh & Bryant 2015) based on the mitochondrial sequences of 548 giraffes. The number of mutations between haplotypes is indicated by perpendicular lines on the branches and is specified if greater than 10. The size of the circles is proportional to the number of individuals sharing a certain haplotype with colours assigned by subspecies. The sample locations are indicated by triangles in the map and highlighted in bold capital letters for museum specimens. The subspecies marked with an asterisk represent formerly recognized subspecies, which were synonymized in recent classifications (e.g., Shorrocks 2016). Historical key specimens are highlighted by the respective abbreviation of the museum and the catalogue number.
Fig. 5. Giraffe subspecies of the Nile region. The map (extracted from Google Earth; https://www.google.com/intl/de/earth/) shows the geographical barriers (rivers and mountains) that may have isolated (at least temporarily) the... more
Fig. 5. Giraffe subspecies of the Nile region. The map (extracted from Google Earth; https://www.google.com/intl/de/earth/) shows the geographical barriers (rivers and mountains) that may have isolated (at least temporarily) the subspecies Giraffa camelopardalis camelopardalis (Linnaeus, 1758) (red), G. c. antiquorum (Jardine, 1835) (yellow), G. c. rothschildi Lydekker, 1903 (green) and G. c. reticulata de Winton, 1899 (magenta). The question mark refers to the uncertain geographic origin of Zarafa (left) and the two specimens from Abyssinia (right) (see Discussion for more details).
Fig. 1. Distribution range of giraffe subspecies. A. Within historic times (after Dagg 1962). B. At present (after Muller et al. 2018). The subspecies are distinguished by different colours on both maps, whereby the assignment of colours... more
Fig. 1. Distribution range of giraffe subspecies. A. Within historic times (after Dagg 1962). B. At present (after Muller et al. 2018). The subspecies are distinguished by different colours on both maps, whereby the assignment of colours for the nine currently recognized subspecies (B) was modified from https://giraffeconservation.org/giraffe-species/. The type locality for each subspecies is indicated by a triangle in map A and detailed in Table 1.
Peste des petits ruminants (PPR) virus causes a major disease in domestic and wild small ruminants. Understanding the role of wildlife in PPR virus ecology is important for PPR control and its eradication targeted worldwide in 2030.... more
Peste des petits ruminants (PPR) virus causes a major disease in domestic and wild small ruminants. Understanding the role of wildlife in PPR virus ecology is important for PPR control and its eradication targeted worldwide in 2030. Developing diagnostic tools that provide reliable data for PPR detection in wildlife will help monitor wild populations for PPR and support the eradication program. We analyze a continental-scale dataset from African free-ranging wild ungulates (n = 2570) collected between 1994 and 2007. A Bayesian model estimated the performance of ELISA tests against PPR and rinderpest and their prevalence in African buffalo. The H- and N-ELISA tests used, not initially developed for wildlife, showed poor sensitivities for the detection of PPR antibodies in African buffalo. The estimations of PPR antibody prevalence derived from the results of these tests for animals presumably not exposed or potentially exposed to PPR were uncertain. Thus, poor performances of these P...
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<i>Giraffa camelopardalis senegalensis</i> Petzold, Magnant &amp; Hassanin, subsp. nov. urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act: 838C1DB1-59BA-49DD-B5AA-F5432F36B112DiagnosisBeige ground colour covered with dark brown spots following a... more
<i>Giraffa camelopardalis senegalensis</i> Petzold, Magnant &amp; Hassanin, subsp. nov. urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act: 838C1DB1-59BA-49DD-B5AA-F5432F36B112DiagnosisBeige ground colour covered with dark brown spots following a reticulated pattern separated by narrow lines, skull features detailed in Blainville (1864), one ES in the <i>Cytb</i> gene: 732 A=&gt; G; four ES in the CR: 92 dC, 95 A=&gt;G, 359 C =&gt;T, 463 A=&gt;G. Type material examined<b>Holotype</b> (here designated) SENEGAL • 1 specimen (skeleton); Bakel; MNHN-A10617.Past distributionProbably extinct, former range extended over Senegal (holotype) and potentially Gambia, Mauritania and Mali.
Fig. 2. Illustrations of historical giraffe specimens. A. The ʻGiraffe of Levaillant', anonymous painting made in the late 18th century and early 19th century, exhibited in ʻhôtel de Magny', Jardin des Plantes in Paris (France).... more
Fig. 2. Illustrations of historical giraffe specimens. A. The ʻGiraffe of Levaillant', anonymous painting made in the late 18th century and early 19th century, exhibited in ʻhôtel de Magny', Jardin des Plantes in Paris (France). B. The ʻGiraffe from Sennaar', representing a lithography of Zarafa (MNHN-1845-211) and the skull of a giraffe from the Cape region (Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire 1827). C. Drawing of the holotype of Giraffa camelopardalis congoensis Lydekker, 1903 (RMCA-452), housed in the Royal Museum of Central Africa, Tervuren (Belgium) (Lydekker 1904). D. Head drawings of the holotypes of G. c. cottoni Lydekker, 1904 (NHMUK-1904.1.21.1, left) and G. g. wardi Lydekker, 1904 (NHMUK-1903.11.18.1, right) (Lydekker 1914).
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A number of recent studies have suggested that large carnivores are rapidly disappearing in West Africa, including in protected areas (PAs). The extent of this extinction process, however, is poorly known. Here, we quantify the extinction... more
A number of recent studies have suggested that large carnivores are rapidly disappearing in West Africa, including in protected areas (PAs). The extent of this extinction process, however, is poorly known. Here, we quantify the extinction of three large carnivore species ( Panthera leo (lion), Acinonyx jubatus (cheetah) and Lycaon pictus (wild dog)) in 41 West and Central African PAs by comparing historical and current data of occurrence. We found that lions have gone (near-) extinct in 23 out of the 38 PAs (63%) where they historically occurred and that extinction is significantly more pronounced in West (15 extinctions out of 18 historical occurrence, 64%) than in Central Africa (8/20, 40%). Cheetahs have disappeared from 11 out of 15 PAs (73% of site extinction). Wild dogs persist in only one PA in West Africa and two in Central Africa out of a total of 31 historical occurrences (90% of site extinction). For all three species combined, the number of extinctions in PAs in West Afr...
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Research Interests: Evolutionary Biology, Geography, Conservation, Phylogeography, Molecular Systematics, and 15 moreBiology, Mammalogy, Central Africa, Ruminants, Biological Sciences, Phylogeny, Dna Sequencing, mtDNA, Mitochondrial DNA, Animals, Animal Conservation, Population Density, Genetic variation, Base Sequence, and Molecular Sequence Data
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The giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis) still survives in four countries of West and central Africa. The populations of Niger and Cameroon are generally assigned to the subspecies peralta, but those of Chad and the Central African Republic... more
The giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis) still survives in four countries of West and central Africa. The populations of Niger and Cameroon are generally assigned to the subspecies peralta, but those of Chad and the Central African Republic are taxonomically problematic, as they are referred to as either peralta ,o rantiquorum ,o rcongoensis. In this study, a mitochondrial fragment of 1765 nucleotide sites, covering the complete cytochrome b gene, three transfer RNAs and a large part of the control region, was sequenced to assess the relationships between several populations of giraffe. The phylogenetic analyses performed on the 12 identified haplotypes indicate that northern giraffes constitute a natural group, distinct from that of southern giraffes. Surprisingly, the giraffes of Niger are found to be more closely related to the giraffes of East Africa (subspecies rothschildi and reticulata )t han to those of central Africa. We conclude therefore that the subspecies peralta contains o...
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The publication of Antelope Survey Update No. 9, covering Central and West Africa, is an important milestone in African antelope conservation. The current issue particularly focuses on two regions of the African continent, West and... more
The publication of Antelope Survey Update No. 9, covering Central and West Africa, is an important milestone in African antelope conservation. The current issue particularly focuses on two regions of the African continent, West and Central Africa, too rarely covered by publications. It also focuses on the savannah wildlife of these regions, since forest wildlife is a rather different topic as such, even though both savannah and forest wildlife communities are indeed sympatric in some forested facies of the savannah landscape
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Alors que l'on assiste a une reduction, voire a l'elimination des populations d'elephants africains Loxodonta africana dans de nombreux pays, l'observation au Togo d'une augmentation de leurs effectifs apparait comme... more
Alors que l'on assiste a une reduction, voire a l'elimination des populations d'elephants africains Loxodonta africana dans de nombreux pays, l'observation au Togo d'une augmentation de leurs effectifs apparait comme un fait unique en Afrique occidentale et centrale qu'il convient de souligner. Cette constatation resulte d'une enquete recente effectuee a travers tout le Togo et qui revele une population riche de 145 tetes, soit un accroissement de 81, 2 p. 100 par rapport aux estimations faites en 1980 qui n'indiquaient que 80 tetes
... applicable Hartebeest Lelwel not applicable stable Korrigum stable to decreasing not applicable Alcelaphini Damaliscus Tiang not applicable ... stable stable Neotragini Klipspringer not enough information not enough information Bush... more
... applicable Hartebeest Lelwel not applicable stable Korrigum stable to decreasing not applicable Alcelaphini Damaliscus Tiang not applicable ... stable stable Neotragini Klipspringer not enough information not enough information Bush duiker stable stable Blue duiker increasing ...
Intensified exploration of sub-Saharan Africa during the 18th and 19th centuries led to many newly described giraffe subspecies. Several populations described at that time are now extinct, which is problematic for a full understanding of... more
Intensified exploration of sub-Saharan Africa during the 18th and 19th centuries led to many newly described giraffe subspecies. Several populations described at that time are now extinct, which is problematic for a full understanding of giraffe taxonomy. In this study, we provide mitochondrial sequences for 41 giraffes, including 19 museum specimens of high importance to resolve giraffe taxonomy, such as Zarafa from Sennar and two giraffes from Abyssinia (subspecies camelopardalis), three of the first southern individuals collected by Levaillant and Delalande (subspecies capensis), topotypes of the former subspecies congoensis and cottoni, and giraffes from an extinct population in Senegal. Our phylogeographic analysis shows that no representative of the nominate subspecies camelopardalis was included in previous molecular studies, as Zarafa and two other specimens assigned to this taxon are characterized by a divergent haplogroup, that the former subspecies congoensis and cottoni ...
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In recent years, there has been a trend for African states to delegate protected area management to private partners. Central Africa is confronted with rapidly declining wildlife populations, with scarce funding and poor incentives as... more
In recent years, there has been a trend for African states to delegate protected area management to private partners. Central Africa is confronted with rapidly declining wildlife populations, with scarce funding and poor incentives as root causes. This raises the question as to whether management delegation can counter this trend. However, our understanding of the efficiency of such partnerships and how they need to be handled is poor. Based on hands-on experiences and external evaluations, we developed best practices of delegated management partnerships in Central Africa. This triggered the development of the here presented Central African perspective, enriching a debate that is biased toward other parts of the continent and dominated by private conservation partners. In particular, we emphasize that in Central Africa, (a) protected areas with delegated management are among the most prestigious ones, albeit with serious management challenges; (b) it is the importance of the protected area that justifies its inclusion in formal development cooperation agreements—the dominant source of funding; (c) lack of legal provisions has been an obstacle to initiate delegated management partnerships for some countries and its wider use in others; (d) increasingly, foundations are being created as implementing national entities; and (e) raising national capacities in handling delegated management should be at the forefront of partnerships. We conclude by highlighting the importance of the new regional best practices that are based on the four stages: identification, preparation, negotiation, and implementation, of which the first three have often been neglected by Central African governments.
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Bouché et al. [1] recommend the continued reliance on sport hunting of African lions (Panthera leo) for the conservation of the W-Arly-Pendjari Protected Area complex (WAP). However, their survey techniques are inappropriate for providing... more
Bouché et al. [1] recommend the continued reliance on sport hunting of African lions (Panthera leo) for the conservation of the W-Arly-Pendjari Protected Area complex (WAP). However, their survey techniques are inappropriate for providing precise estimates of lion population size at the scale used in their model, and their suggested quotas are excessive; consequently , their conclusions are unsupported. Bouché et al. present lion numbers based on lion spoor (pugmarks) found while driving on unpaved roads and converted to lion numbers using a widely adopted methodology [2]. However, [2] demonstrated that calculations based on fewer than 30 separate spoor yield unreliable results (Coefficient of Variation (CV)>20%), so surveys should be designed to attain this minimum. We combined data from their S2 Table, with information from their report at http://aires-protegees.uemoa.int/sites/default/files/inv_carnivore_arly_ pendjari2014.pdf to calculate CVs (our S1 Table). Although their 2014 survey provided robust estimates across the entire WAP complex (based on 97 independent spoor records), their research effort was not adequate for separate consideration of each of the 16 Hunting Zones (HZs). Our S1 Table shows a mean total transect length of 45.2km and a mean of 2.9 spoor per HZ. Only one HZ (with 12 spoor) had a CV of 41%, in the remaining HZs CVs varied from 94–141%, with an average of 105%. Nine HZs had 0 or 1 spoor, thus a CV could not be calculated, but if we use the mean value of 105%, we would find an estimated range of 18– 414 lions in all HZs combined. The estimates we recalculated based on the raw data are higher due to two discrepancies; (1) the original survey report lists Porga and Batia as two separate HZs with a total area of 1823 km 2 , but Bouché et al. list them as one HZ with an area of 1513 km 2 , and (2) we were unable to reproduce the stratification based on distance to water. However, out critique is not about accuracy of estimates at ecosystem level for which we accept the figures reported by Bouché et al., the point here is rather the precision at HZ level. The confidence interval for almost every separate HZ includes a value of zero, thus it is impossible to make inferences about HZ-specific sustainable hunting quotas from these data. The data requirements for the analyses attempted by Bouché et al. are unlikely to be obtained through spoor transects, but we can use this method and the available data for an alternative analysis, leading to different conclusions about adequate quotas for WAP, which we will set out below. In a parallel argument, Bouché et al. claim that any lion footprint over 12cm long represents a large adult male, and estimated a total of 168 large adult males (equivalent to 40% of the
Korrigum and tiang were reputedly once the most abundant of any African antelope (Rowland Ward, 1998), living in large numbers from Senegal to the Sudan. Subsequently, the distribution became very discontinuous, and now it is restricted... more
Korrigum and tiang were reputedly once the most abundant of any African antelope (Rowland Ward, 1998), living in large numbers from Senegal to the Sudan. Subsequently, the distribution became very discontinuous, and now it is restricted to a few pockets, because of factors such as agricultural encroachment, competition with cattle, expansion of human settlements, desertification and poaching, among others. During 3 years' work studying the diseases of the cattle-wildlife interface in West and Central Africa, numerous observations and additional information (through interviews) were collected about the korrigum and tiang. These are presented here. Additional information on Sudan is also included, as this country was a late addition to the work's operational area. We follow the distinction between korrigum and tiang, as in R.East (The African Antelope Database, 1998) and Kingdon (1998). The borderline between the 2 subspecies is a line from the Chari River to the north, along ...
Les Aires Protégées d'Afrique Centrale offrent une multitude d'aires classées dont beaucoup ne contribuent pas à la conservation. Leur existence est, pour certaines, virtuelles.Cela conduit à penser qu'une redistribution de... more
Les Aires Protégées d'Afrique Centrale offrent une multitude d'aires classées dont beaucoup ne contribuent pas à la conservation. Leur existence est, pour certaines, virtuelles.Cela conduit à penser qu'une redistribution de ces aires doit être envisagée, tenat compte des différents intervenants, pour réellement contribuer à la conservation.
RESUME Un recensement aérien de l'ensemble des aires classées des bassins des rivières Arly et Singou, dans l'est du Burkina Faso a été réalisé deux fois en 1999. Le premier recensement a eu lieu en milieu de saison sèche... more
RESUME Un recensement aérien de l'ensemble des aires classées des bassins des rivières Arly et Singou, dans l'est du Burkina Faso a été réalisé deux fois en 1999. Le premier recensement a eu lieu en milieu de saison sèche (février) et le deuxième en début de saison pluvieuse, après environ 200 mm de pluie (juillet). La population d'éléphants de la zone survolée est d'environ 3 000, soit une densité moyenne de 0,41/km². A cette densité il n'y a pas de conflits avec les populations humaines et la végétation n'ap-paraît pas dégradée. Selon les zones, les densités sont très variables allant en saison sèche de 0,03 (Koakrana) à 1,1 (Pama centre sud), et en saison pluvieuse de 0 (Koakrana) à 0,79 (Pama sud), indi-quant une répartition plus large en saison pluvieuse. La valeur individuelle des zones varie donc de un à 37. Avec l'arrivée des pluies, on assiste à un mouvement centripète vers le centre de la zone survolée. Les seuls mouvements en dehors de la zone ...
Strategies to control transboundary diseases have in the past generatedunintended negative consequences for both the environment and local human populations. Integrating perspectives from across disciplines, including livestock,... more
Strategies to control transboundary diseases have in the past generatedunintended negative consequences
for both the environment and local human populations. Integrating perspectives from across disciplines, including
livestock, veterinary and conservation sectors, is necessary for identifying disease control strategies that optimise
environmental goods and services at the wildlife-livestock interface. Prompted by the recent development of a global
strategy for the control and elimination of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD), this paper seeks insight into the
consequences of, and rational options for potential FMD control measures in relation to environmental, conservation
and human poverty considerations in Africa. We suggest a more environmentally nuanced process of FMD
control that safe-guards the integrity of wild populations and the ecosystemdynamics on which human livelihoods
depend while simultaneously improving socio-economic conditions of rural people. In particular, we outline five
major issues that need to be considered: 1) improved understanding of the different FMDviral strains and how they
circulate between domestic and wildlife populations; 2) an appreciation for the economic value of wildlife formany
African countries whose presencemight preclude the country from ever achieving an FMD-free status; 3) exploring
ways in which livestock production can be improved without compromising wildlife such as implementing commodity-
based trading schemes; 4) introducing a participatory approach involving local farmers and the national
veterinary services in the control of FMD; and 5) finally the possibility that transfrontier conservation might offer
new hope of integrating decision-making at the wildlife-livestock interface.
for both the environment and local human populations. Integrating perspectives from across disciplines, including
livestock, veterinary and conservation sectors, is necessary for identifying disease control strategies that optimise
environmental goods and services at the wildlife-livestock interface. Prompted by the recent development of a global
strategy for the control and elimination of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD), this paper seeks insight into the
consequences of, and rational options for potential FMD control measures in relation to environmental, conservation
and human poverty considerations in Africa. We suggest a more environmentally nuanced process of FMD
control that safe-guards the integrity of wild populations and the ecosystemdynamics on which human livelihoods
depend while simultaneously improving socio-economic conditions of rural people. In particular, we outline five
major issues that need to be considered: 1) improved understanding of the different FMDviral strains and how they
circulate between domestic and wildlife populations; 2) an appreciation for the economic value of wildlife formany
African countries whose presencemight preclude the country from ever achieving an FMD-free status; 3) exploring
ways in which livestock production can be improved without compromising wildlife such as implementing commodity-
based trading schemes; 4) introducing a participatory approach involving local farmers and the national
veterinary services in the control of FMD; and 5) finally the possibility that transfrontier conservation might offer
new hope of integrating decision-making at the wildlife-livestock interface.
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The role which West and Central African wildlife populations might play in the transmission dynamics of FMD is not known nor have studies been performed in order to assess the distribution and prevalence of FMD in wild animal species... more
The role which West and Central African wildlife populations might play in the transmission dynamics of FMD is not
known nor have studies been performed in order to assess the distribution and prevalence of FMD in wild animal species
inhabiting those specific regions of Africa. This study reports the FMD serological profile extracted from samples (n = 696)
collected from wildlife of West and Central Africa between 1999 and 2003. An overall prevalence of FMDV NSP reactive
sera of 31.0% (216/696) was estimated, where a significant difference in seropositivity (p = 0.000) was reported for buffalo
(64.8%) as opposed to other wild animal species tested (17.8%). Different levels of exposure to the FMDV resulted for
each of the buffalo subspecies sampled (p = 0.031): 68.4%, 50.0% and 0% for Nile Buffalo, West African Buffalo and African
Forest Buffalo, respectively. The characterisation of the FMDV serotypes tested for buffalo found presence of antibodies
against all the six FMDV serotypes tested, although high estimates for type O and SAT 3 were reported for Central Africa.
Different patterns of reaction to the six FMDV serotypes tested were recorded, from sera only positive for a single
serotype to multiple reactivities. The results confirmed that FMDV circulates in wild ruminants populating both West and
Central Africa rangelands and in particular in buffalo, also suggesting that multiple FMDV serotypes might be involved
with type O, SAT 2 and SAT 1 being dominant. Differences in serotype and spill-over risk between wildlife and livestock
likely reflect regional geography, historical circulation and differing trade and livestock systems.
known nor have studies been performed in order to assess the distribution and prevalence of FMD in wild animal species
inhabiting those specific regions of Africa. This study reports the FMD serological profile extracted from samples (n = 696)
collected from wildlife of West and Central Africa between 1999 and 2003. An overall prevalence of FMDV NSP reactive
sera of 31.0% (216/696) was estimated, where a significant difference in seropositivity (p = 0.000) was reported for buffalo
(64.8%) as opposed to other wild animal species tested (17.8%). Different levels of exposure to the FMDV resulted for
each of the buffalo subspecies sampled (p = 0.031): 68.4%, 50.0% and 0% for Nile Buffalo, West African Buffalo and African
Forest Buffalo, respectively. The characterisation of the FMDV serotypes tested for buffalo found presence of antibodies
against all the six FMDV serotypes tested, although high estimates for type O and SAT 3 were reported for Central Africa.
Different patterns of reaction to the six FMDV serotypes tested were recorded, from sera only positive for a single
serotype to multiple reactivities. The results confirmed that FMDV circulates in wild ruminants populating both West and
Central Africa rangelands and in particular in buffalo, also suggesting that multiple FMDV serotypes might be involved
with type O, SAT 2 and SAT 1 being dominant. Differences in serotype and spill-over risk between wildlife and livestock
likely reflect regional geography, historical circulation and differing trade and livestock systems.
Research Interests:
The giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis) still survives in four countries of West and central Africa. The populations of Niger and Cameroon are generally assigned to the subspecies peralta, but those of Chad and the Central African Republic... more
The giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis) still survives in four countries of West and central Africa. The populations of Niger and
Cameroon are generally assigned to the subspecies peralta, but those of Chad and the Central African Republic are taxonomically
problematic, as they are referred to as either peralta, or antiquorum, or congoensis. In this study, a mitochondrial fragment of
1765 nucleotide sites, covering the complete cytochrome b gene, three transfer RNAs and a large part of the control region, was
sequenced to assess the relationships between several populations of giraffe. The phylogenetic analyses performed on the 12 identified
haplotypes indicate that northern giraffes constitute a natural group, distinct from that of southern giraffes. Surprisingly, the
giraffes of Niger are found to be more closely related to the giraffes of East Africa (subspecies rothschildi and reticulata) than to
those of central Africa. We conclude therefore that the subspecies peralta contains only the Niger giraffes, whereas the subspecies
antiquorum includes all populations living in Cameroon, Chad, the Central African Republic, and southwestern Sudan.We suggest
that the ancestor of the Nigerian giraffe dispersed from East to North Africa during the Quaternary period and thereafter migrated
to its current Sahelian distribution in West Africa, in response to the development of the Sahara desert. This hypothesis implies
that Lake Mega-Chad acted as a strong geographical barrier during the Holocene, preventing any contact between the subspecies
peralta and antiquorum. Our study has direct implications for conservation management, as we show that no subspecies peralta
is represented in any European zoos, only in Niger, with a small population of less than 200 individuals.
Cameroon are generally assigned to the subspecies peralta, but those of Chad and the Central African Republic are taxonomically
problematic, as they are referred to as either peralta, or antiquorum, or congoensis. In this study, a mitochondrial fragment of
1765 nucleotide sites, covering the complete cytochrome b gene, three transfer RNAs and a large part of the control region, was
sequenced to assess the relationships between several populations of giraffe. The phylogenetic analyses performed on the 12 identified
haplotypes indicate that northern giraffes constitute a natural group, distinct from that of southern giraffes. Surprisingly, the
giraffes of Niger are found to be more closely related to the giraffes of East Africa (subspecies rothschildi and reticulata) than to
those of central Africa. We conclude therefore that the subspecies peralta contains only the Niger giraffes, whereas the subspecies
antiquorum includes all populations living in Cameroon, Chad, the Central African Republic, and southwestern Sudan.We suggest
that the ancestor of the Nigerian giraffe dispersed from East to North Africa during the Quaternary period and thereafter migrated
to its current Sahelian distribution in West Africa, in response to the development of the Sahara desert. This hypothesis implies
that Lake Mega-Chad acted as a strong geographical barrier during the Holocene, preventing any contact between the subspecies
peralta and antiquorum. Our study has direct implications for conservation management, as we show that no subspecies peralta
is represented in any European zoos, only in Niger, with a small population of less than 200 individuals.
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Today in sub-Saharan Africa, very large areas are used for big game hunting (approximately 1.4 million km²), which is 22% more than all national Parks of the region. Therefore, it is an important component of African rural landscapes.... more
Today in sub-Saharan Africa, very large areas are used for big game hunting (approximately 1.4 million km²), which is 22% more than all national Parks of the region. Therefore, it is an important component of African rural landscapes. This study clarifies the role of big game hunting, with an emphasis on West Africa. The data gathered has been analysed to clarify the pertinence of big game hunting according to conservation, socioeconomic and good governance criteria.
Regarding conservation, big game hunting shows mixed results. Some areas are geographically stable, and wildlife populations are significant, but this is not the norm. Large disparities are seen between areas. Where
management levels are similar, the conservation results from big game hunting are lower than those of
neighbouring national parks or reserves.The economic results of big game hunting are low. Land used for hunting generates much smaller returns than that used for agriculture or livestock breeding. Hunting contributions to GDP and States' national budgets are insignificant, especially when considering the size of the areas concerned. Economic returns per hectare, for the private sector and for governments are insufficient for proper management. Returns for local populations,
even when managed by community projects (CBNRM) are insignificant, and cannot prompt them to change
their behaviour regarding poaching and agricultural encroachment.Hunting used to have, and still has, a key role to play in African conservation. It is not certain that the conditions will remain the same. Hunting does not however play a significant economic or social role and does not contribute at all to good governance.
Regarding conservation, big game hunting shows mixed results. Some areas are geographically stable, and wildlife populations are significant, but this is not the norm. Large disparities are seen between areas. Where
management levels are similar, the conservation results from big game hunting are lower than those of
neighbouring national parks or reserves.The economic results of big game hunting are low. Land used for hunting generates much smaller returns than that used for agriculture or livestock breeding. Hunting contributions to GDP and States' national budgets are insignificant, especially when considering the size of the areas concerned. Economic returns per hectare, for the private sector and for governments are insufficient for proper management. Returns for local populations,
even when managed by community projects (CBNRM) are insignificant, and cannot prompt them to change
their behaviour regarding poaching and agricultural encroachment.Hunting used to have, and still has, a key role to play in African conservation. It is not certain that the conditions will remain the same. Hunting does not however play a significant economic or social role and does not contribute at all to good governance.