<p>List of species of ungulates captured by camera traps in the Fathala reserve.</p
Research Interests:
Assessments of management effectiveness of protected areas offer vital information about threats and management issues at the protected area. However, these assessments are frequently conducted mainly at the internal management level,... more
Assessments of management effectiveness of protected areas offer vital information about threats and management issues at the protected area. However, these assessments are frequently conducted mainly at the internal management level, without input from the local communities that implicitly influence the resources of the protected areas. The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of three protected areas in Ghana—Kogyae Strict Nature Reserve, Gbele Resource Reserve, and Kalakpa Resource Reserve—using the Rapid Assessment and Prioritisation of Protected Areas Management assessment tool. The study included workshops with park managers and representatives from local communities, district assemblies, and the Environmental Protection Agency. Poaching, settlements, agricultural encroachment, poverty in nearby communities, and bush fires were identified as common pressures to all the assessed protected areas. The degree of these pressures was influenced by little or no funding, poor community relations, lack of staff and research, and natural resource inventories in the protected areas. Our study highlights the priority of remedial actions that are urgently needed to preserve the protected area resources.
Research Interests:
Sahelian savannah faces increasing pressure from human activities, leading to its degradation. The aim of this study was to investigate the possibility of restoration of dryland savannah vegetation by the elimination of disturbance... more
Sahelian savannah faces increasing pressure from human activities, leading to its degradation. The aim of this study was to investigate the possibility of restoration of dryland savannah vegetation by the elimination of disturbance factors on the ecosystem. Is degraded dryland savannah vegetation able to be restored by means of natural succession? What is the timescale for its recovery? The study took place in the Bandia Reserve, 65 km south‐east of Dakar (Senegal), a unique site with two successional stages due to the elimination of uncontrolled exploitation. The vegetation structure of 15 years (15YRS) and 5 years (5YRS) after fencing was compared with vegetation exposed to continuous livestock grazing and wood collection outside the fenced area. Calculated by redundancy analysis, a significant effect of selected areas on the cover of all species was revealed and successional stage explained more than 45% of data variability. Perennial forbs, annual forbs and perennial grasses achieved the highest cover in 5YRS, woody species in 15YRS and annual grasses in the area outside of the fenced reserve. The dominant woody species Acacia seyal, A. ataxacantha, A. nilotica subsp. adstringens and Balanites aegyptiaca reconstituted the dense formation of Acacia bushland by means of natural succession in the 15YRS area.
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests: Ecology and Home Range
Conservationists recognize that protected areas (PAs) have limited prospects without the involvement and support of local people. People inherently express positive perceptions to nature and support for wildlife conservation. Yet, people... more
Conservationists recognize that protected areas (PAs) have limited prospects without the involvement and support of local people. People inherently express positive perceptions to nature and support for wildlife conservation. Yet, people in rural and urban communities may differ in their knowledge and perceptions of benefits and costs of nearby small‐size PAs, which induce a vital impact on the effectiveness of PAs and conservation goal achievements. We investigated local people's knowledge, perceptions, and attitudes around rural PAs (Bomfobiri Wildlife Sanctuaries, Shai Hills Resource Reserve, and Ankasa Conservation Area) and urban PAs (Owabi Wildlife Sanctuaries) in Ghana. Based on a questionnaire survey (928 respondents) in communities surrounding the parks, the perception of benefits from PAs was mainly for ecological reasons and did not differ between PAs. However, the perception of costs incurred by PAs differed between urban and rural PAs. The locals of the urban PA per...
Research Interests:
Timber is the most important source of revenue in forestry and, therefore, is necessary to precisely estimate its volume. The share of timber volume produced by harvesters is annually growing in many European countries. Suitable settings... more
Timber is the most important source of revenue in forestry and, therefore, is necessary to precisely estimate its volume. The share of timber volume produced by harvesters is annually growing in many European countries. Suitable settings of harvesters will allow us to achieve the most accurate volume estimates of the produced timber. In this study, we compared the different methods of log volume estimation applied by control and information systems of harvesters. The aim was to analyze the price categories that can be set up in the StanForD standard and to determine the differences between the algorithms used for log volume estimations. We obtained the data from *.STM files collected from March 2017 until June 2018 on a medium-size harvester. We analyzed price categories and found seven different algorithms used to estimate the log volumes. Log volume estimates according to Algorithm A2 were considered as standard because these estimates should be closest to the true log volumes. Si...
Research Interests:
The global climate change processes are expected to impact African savanna ecosystems in their ecological functionality and availability of food resources for herbivores. To understand the feeding responses of large savanna herbivores... more
The global climate change processes are expected to impact African savanna ecosystems in their ecological functionality and availability of food resources for herbivores. To understand the feeding responses of large savanna herbivores placed to space-constrained and two environmentally distinct (semi-arid versus sub-humid savanna) conditions, we investigated the diet quality of five species living in a mixed community of species native and non-native for the West African savanna and compared them between the two sites as a proxy for a potential ecosystem shift due to climate change. Grazers and mixed feeders maintained diet quality in most nutrients at similar levels, while browser’s diet had lower nitrogen and fibres, specifically lignin, and more calcium in semi-arid savanna. Our findings suggest that adaptation to different ecosystems with no possibility to leave the area required changes in feeding behaviour across feeding types to maintain diet quality, especially mixed feeders...
Research Interests:
Research Interests: Economic History, Botany, Landscape Ecology, Geography, Archaeology, and 15 moreArchaeobotany, Conservation Biology, Biology, Ecology, Agriculture, Palaeoecology, Forest Ecology, Diatoms, Palaeobotany, Biodiversity Research, Holocene, Middle Ages, Grassland, Alpine and Arctic Research, and Palaeoclimates
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Rigorózní práce: Chování jalovic na intenzivní a extenzivní kontinuální druhově bohaté pastvě v České republice Autor: doc. Mgr. Pavla Hejcmanová, Ph.D. Abstrakt Příjem potravy je jednou z nejzákladnějších aktivit všech zvířat a tvoří... more
Rigorózní práce: Chování jalovic na intenzivní a extenzivní kontinuální druhově bohaté pastvě v České republice Autor: doc. Mgr. Pavla Hejcmanová, Ph.D. Abstrakt Příjem potravy je jednou z nejzákladnějších aktivit všech zvířat a tvoří rozhodující část při maximalizaci celkové zdatnosti jedince. Mechanismy potravního chování vycházejí z charakteristik zvířete, jeho kognitivních schopností a vnějšího prostředí, zejména množství a kvality dostupné potravy. K pochopení potravního rozhodování zvířete není možné bez znalosti jiných typů chování a faktorů, které je ovlivňují. Proto cílem tohoto výzkumu bylo vyhodnocení chování jalovic na druhově bohaté pastvině při režimu intenzivní (IG) a extenzivní (EG) pastvy, která je v současnosti nejběžnějším pastevním systémem ve střední Evropě. Deset nebo osm (IG) a šest nebo čtyři (EG) jalovice byly na kontinuální pastvě ve dvou úplně znárodnělých blocích od června do konce září v letech 1998, 1999, 2000, 2006 a 2007. Porosty pastviny byly udržová...
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
ABSTRACT Less than 200 wild individuals of the critically endangered Western Derby eland (Taurotragus derbianus derbianus) live in the Niokolo Koba National Park (NKNP) in Senegal. A semi-captive breeding programme was established in 2000... more
ABSTRACT Less than 200 wild individuals of the critically endangered Western Derby eland (Taurotragus derbianus derbianus) live in the Niokolo Koba National Park (NKNP) in Senegal. A semi-captive breeding programme was established in 2000 with six founding individuals (one male, five females) transferred from the NKNP. In 2013, the population consisted of 92 individuals living in seven separate herds in the two fenced reserves of Bandia and Fathala in Senegal. Because of the low number of founding individuals in the breeding programme and the resulting high kinship, we compared the results from genealogical and genetic approaches to assess the level of genetic diversity. We used the data from the founder, F1 and F2 generations. In F1, the founder contribution was highly biased towards the only founding male, which sired all the offspring. In F2, the founder contributions were more balanced, as the male descendants of founding females entered the reproduction. This resulted in higher genetic diversity and lower inbreeding (based on pedigree data) in F2 than in F1. Results of molecular analysis using microsatellite loci confirmed the highest level of heterozygosity and lowest level of inbreeding in the founder generation; however, the implementation of a management strategy was not reflected in the empirical results. The results differed for F2, where empirical values of heterozygosity continued to decrease and inbreeding continued to increase. However, the allelic richness corresponded with the results of pedigree analyses, reflecting the more equalized founder contributions. We conclude that the overall results for genetic parameters were comparable with other breeding programmes for endangered ungulates. Nevertheless, we suggest the use of comprehensive molecular data to refine the studbook and to correct relatedness of founders and assign the missing paternities. Our suggestions correspond with the Western Derby Eland Conservation Strategy and confirm the need to introduce new founders into the semi-captive population, in order to minimize the risk of inbreeding depression and improve genetic diversity and suitability for potential reintroduction.
Research Interests: Zoology and Conservation
Plant communities with Dwarf pine (Pinus mugo var. pumilio) form characteristic vegetation in the subalpine belt of the Giant Mountains (Krkonoše, Karkonosze and Riesengebirge, Czech Republic). This “island” of arcto-alpine tundra... more
Plant communities with Dwarf pine (Pinus mugo var. pumilio) form characteristic vegetation in the subalpine belt of the Giant Mountains (Krkonoše, Karkonosze and Riesengebirge, Czech Republic). This “island” of arcto-alpine tundra represents the northernmost edge of Dwarf pine natural range. We asked how concentration of sulphur in needles, growth, healthy status and fructification changed over three decades (1981–2011) with different air pollution in differently aged (45–120 years) autochtonous and allochtonous (introduced from the Alps) Dwarf pine stands. Different Dwarf pine stands above the alpine timberline were able to withstand 1980s, the period of heavy air pollution, without any decrease in growth rate or remarkable decrease in healthy status. Dwarf pine is thus highly tolerant to deposition of sulphur compounds. High concentration of SO2 in the air positively affected sulphur concentration in needles and eliminated thus sulphur deficiency. Higher germination rate of seeds in 2000s in comparison with 1980s indicate that the air pollution could decrease germination ability of seeds. High insect outbreaks (by Thecodiplosis brachyntera and Neodiprion sertifer) in 1990s and 2000s caused decrease in needle year classes. As there was a gradual increase in mean annual temperature over years 1981–2011, Dwarf pine stands can be more and more endangered by insect outbreaks in the future. There was no remarkable difference between autochtonous and allochtonous stands in all measured growth, healthy status and fructification characteristics. To determine real effects of air pollution and insect outbreaks on Dwarf pine stands from year to year fluctuations, decade-long monitoring is necessary.
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Hog deer (Axis porcinus) are an endangered species in Pakistan, and there is little information about their feed preference in captivity. Seven animals were offered weighed amount of feed in two seasonal binary combinations of fresh... more
Hog deer (Axis porcinus) are an endangered species in Pakistan, and there is little information about their feed preference in captivity. Seven animals were offered weighed amount of feed in two seasonal binary combinations of fresh fodder and one combination of grains. The fresh seasonal fodder included Oat (Avena sativa), Lucerne (Medicago sativa), Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor), and Maize (Zea mays); whereas grains included Wheat (Triticum aestivum) whole-grains and Chickpea (Cicer arietinum) seeds. Thirteen plant samples were collected from the wild habitat of Hog deer in Tunsa Barrage Wildlife Sanctuary. Plant samples from wild and captivity were analysed through proximate analysis for Crude protein, Fiber, Fat and Ash contents. The outcomes concluded that in combination C1, the hog deer preferred Oat over Lucerne (p < 0.05) with a mean percentage±standard error (Mean±SE) of 90.757±0.401 percent for Oat and 9.243±0.401 percent for Lucerne. The animals preferred Maize (p < 0.05...
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Background: The effective conservation of mammals on the brink of extinction requires an integrated socio-ecological approach, yet the knowledge of updated species distribution, population size, and life-history remain fundamental... more
Background: The effective conservation of mammals on the brink of extinction requires an integrated socio-ecological approach, yet the knowledge of updated species distribution, population size, and life-history remain fundamental steppingstones in designing successful conservation plans. This study presents the first clarification on the population status of the critically endangered Western Derby eland (WDE) within its last stronghold, based on the first camera trap monitoring in the Niokolo Koba National Park (NKNP, Senegal). The spatiotemporal pattern of WDE behaviour, their population structure (based on individual recognition), age-specific survival rates, and population size estimate were investigated.Results: WDE were recorded during 49 events using dry season deployments (2017, 2018), during which they showed substantially lower occupancy (< 5% of protected area) in comparison to other ungulates in the park. WDE distribution, as of that of many other large mammal species...
Research Interests:
Law enforcement in protected areas is critical for ensuring long-term conservation and achieving conservation objectives. In 2004, patrol-based monitoring of law enforcement was implemented in protected areas in Ghana. Here, we evaluate... more
Law enforcement in protected areas is critical for ensuring long-term conservation and achieving conservation objectives. In 2004, patrol-based monitoring of law enforcement was implemented in protected areas in Ghana. Here, we evaluate long-term trends and changes in patrol staff performance, and illegal activities, in the Kogyae Strict Nature Reserve. The assessment was based on ranger patrol-based monitoring data collected during January 2006–August 2017. Along the patrol routes, patrol officers recorded all encounters with illegal activities associated with hunting and capturing or harming of animals. Across all years, staff performance was lowest in 2006 as staff learned the system but increased in 2007 and peaked in 2010, the latter as a result of motivation of the patrol staff. After 2011, staff performance decreased, mainly because of the retirement of some patrol staff and insufficient logistical support for successful patrolling. Snares were the most commonly recorded indi...
Research Interests:
In Europe, Rumex obtusifolius L. is the most problematic grassland weed species, especially under the conditions of organic farming. The aims of this study were (1) to investigate the effectiveness of repeated mechanical weeding of R.... more
In Europe, Rumex obtusifolius L. is the most problematic grassland weed species, especially under the conditions of organic farming. The aims of this study were (1) to investigate the effectiveness of repeated mechanical weeding of R. obtusifolius from the permanent sward, cut two or three times per year, by digging the plants out from 5 cm below the soil surface, and (2) to test the effect of nutrient availability on the effectiveness of mechanical weeding. In 2007, the manipulative experiment was established on permanent grassland infested by R. obtusifolius using the following fertilizer treatments: control, P, N, NP and NPK. Plants of R. obtusifolius were removed eight times during three vegetation seasons. No significant decrease in the density of R. obtusifolius was recorded after three vegetation seasons and density was not significantly affected by fertilizer treatment. The cover of R. obtusifolius decreased slightly, but significantly, over the study period from 7.5% to 4.5...
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
In terms of origin, grasslands in Central Europe can be classified into (i) natural grasslands, predetermined by environmental conditions and wild herbivores; (ii) seminatural grasslands, associated with long-term human activity from the... more
In terms of origin, grasslands in Central Europe can be classified into (i) natural grasslands, predetermined by environmental conditions and wild herbivores; (ii) seminatural grasslands, associated with long-term human activity from the beginning of agriculture during the Mesolithic–Neolithic transition; and (iii) improved (intensive) grasslands, a product of modern agriculture based on sown and highly productive forage grasses and legumes. This review discusses the origin, history and development of grasslands in Central Europe from the Holocene (9500 BC) to recent times, using archaeobotanical (pollen and macroremains), archaeozoological (molluscs, dung beetles, animal bones) and archaeological evidence, together with written and iconographic resources and recent analogies.
Research Interests: Economic History, Botany, Landscape Ecology, Archaeology, Palaeoenvironment, and 15 moreArchaeobotany, Conservation Biology, Biology, Ecology, Agriculture, Palaeoecology, Forest Ecology, Diatoms, Palaeobotany, Prehistory, Biodiversity Research, Holocene, Middle Ages, Alpine and Arctic Research, and Palaeoclimates
The New Environmental Paradigm scale for children was developed and validated in Western nations but has seldom been applied in non-western countries. The aim of the current study is to examine the scale’s validity for schoolchildren in... more
The New Environmental Paradigm scale for children was developed and validated in Western nations but has seldom been applied in non-western countries. The aim of the current study is to examine the scale’s validity for schoolchildren in Senegal. The study was conducted in three regions of Senegal in November and December 2015, and a total 782 schoolchildren with an average age of 13 years participated. We used Cronbach’s alpha and confirmatory factor analysis to assess the consistency of the scale. The principal component analysis was used to reveal the different potential dimensions of our data-set. Given the low internal consistency of the scale and the unexpected responses to certain items, the scale seems to be rather unreliable for the investigated population. This difference could be caused by specific cultural features encompassing strong religious beliefs, different understandings of the place of humankind in nature, and weak awareness of humans’ impact on the natural world.
Research Interests:
SummaryData extraction from unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) imagery has proved effective in animal surveys and monitoring, but to date has scarcely been used for detailed population analysis and individual animal feature extraction. We... more
SummaryData extraction from unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) imagery has proved effective in animal surveys and monitoring, but to date has scarcely been used for detailed population analysis and individual animal feature extraction. We assessed the zoometric and feature extraction of the Arabian oryx (Oryx leucoryx) using data acquired from a captive population for comparison with reintroduced populations monitored by UAVs. Highly accurate scaled and geo-rectified imagery derived from UAV surveys allowed precise morphometric measurements of the oryx. The scaled top-view imagery combined with baseline data from known sex, age, weight and pregnancy status of captive individuals were used to develop predictive models. A bracketed index developed from the predictive models showed high accuracy for classifying the age group ≤16 months, animals with a weight >80 kg and pregnancy. The pregnancy classification decision tree model performed with 91.7% accuracy. The polynomial weight predict...
Research Interests:
Local communities in rural areas are dependent on hunting for their livelihoods and rely on their knowledge to understand wildlife ecology. Their knowledge and perceptions may be vital for forming effective and sustainable management... more
Local communities in rural areas are dependent on hunting for their livelihoods and rely on their knowledge to understand wildlife ecology. Their knowledge and perceptions may be vital for forming effective and sustainable management plans related to wildlife conservation. We aimed to examine perceptions of local people living inside (n = 153 households) and outside (n = 178 households) the Kogyae Strict Nature Reserve (KSNR, Ghana) regarding bushmeat prevalence and long-term trends in illegal hunting, and to explore people’s knowledge about hunting tools, species, and reasons to hunt illegally. Perceptions of bushmeat sightings and illegal hunting trends were influenced by living inside or outside the protected area, gender, and residence time. Residents living inside the reserve perceived bushmeat and hunting as frequently present in their environment mainly due to frequent sightings of bushmeat and other wildlife products, while people living adjacent to the KSNR were more knowle...
Research Interests:
The effective conservation of mammals on the brink of extinction requires an integrated socio-ecological approach, yet the updated ecological knowledge of species remains fundamental. This study brings spatiotemporal behaviour, population... more
The effective conservation of mammals on the brink of extinction requires an integrated socio-ecological approach, yet the updated ecological knowledge of species remains fundamental. This study brings spatiotemporal behaviour, population structure, age-specific survival rates, and population size estimate of the Western Derby eland (WDE) in the Niokolo Koba National Park (NKNP), Senegal, investigated during dry seasons 2017 and 2018. WDE was strongly localised in the core area of NKNP (
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests: Zoology and Waterbirds
Research Interests:
Activity time budget patterns and grazing response to sward and environmental conditions were investigated for paddocks of sheep and goats co-grazing for conservation purposes on a semi-natural species-rich dry grassland community... more
Activity time budget patterns and grazing response to sward and environmental conditions were investigated for paddocks of sheep and goats co-grazing for conservation purposes on a semi-natural species-rich dry grassland community endangered by shrub and tall perennial plant encroachment in a protected nature reserve in South Moravia (Czech Republic). Grazing was conducted by a rotational stocking system for 14 weeks in late grazing season in 2008 with 60 dry ewes and 20 goats. Twelve ewes and four goats were observed; grazing, ruminating, idling and other activities (salt licking, social interactions, walking), along with topographical position in the paddock were recorded at 5-minute intervals within 14 hours of daylight. Sheep and goats did not differ in their principal activity time budgets, such as the average total daylight time spent grazing (sheep: 8.57 h, goats: 8.59 h), ruminating (sheep: 1.42 h, goats: 1.44 h), or idling (sheep: 3.23 h, goats: 3.18 h), the duration of bou...
Chemical immobilisation is an integral component for the conservation of wild animals and can be stressful if proper protocols are not administered. References on the immobilisation of Arabian striped hyaena (Hyaena hyaena sultana) are... more
Chemical immobilisation is an integral component for the conservation of wild animals and can be stressful if proper protocols are not administered. References on the immobilisation of Arabian striped hyaena (Hyaena hyaena sultana) are scarce. The current study was designed to evaluate the physiological and clinical responses of Arabian striped hyaena, immobilised with ketamine-medetomidine (KM) and ketamine-xylazine (KX); and to compare immobilisation effectiveness of the two combinations in a cross-sectional clinical study. A total of 15 (six males, nine females) (semi-) captive and adult Arabian striped hyaena with an average weight of 31.39 ± 0.36 kg were immobilised 50 times for annual vaccination and translocation purposes from January 2014 till March 2018 on Sir Bani Yas Island, United Arab Emirates. A total of 34 immobilisations were executed with (Mean ± SE) 2.27 ± 0.044 mg/kg ketamine and 0.04 ± 0.001 mg/kg medetomidine; while 16 with 4.95 ± 0.115 mg/kg ketamine and 0.99 ±...
We present the first record of Ischnocnema octavioi from São Paulo state, Brazil. Until now, the species was thought to be endemic to Rio de Janeiro, where it was known from fewer than 10 localities. Based on recent data, we recommend... more
We present the first record of Ischnocnema octavioi from São Paulo state, Brazil. Until now, the species was thought to be endemic to Rio de Janeiro, where it was known from fewer than 10 localities. Based on recent data, we recommend that the IUCN Red List status for this species be re-evaluated.
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Rumex obtusifolius and Rumex crispus are problematic grassland weedy species, particularly under conditions of organic farming. They are avoided by cattle and horses, but they can be grazed by goats. The aim of this study was to... more
Rumex obtusifolius and Rumex crispus are problematic grassland weedy species, particularly under conditions of organic farming. They are avoided by cattle and horses, but they can be grazed by goats. The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of continuous goat grazing of moderate intensity on R. obtusifolius and R. crispus control. In 2008, 40 seedlings of each species were transplanted into pasture that was grazed by goats (crossbreed Czech white × Czech brown) on the target sward height of 7–10 cm. The number of leaves, proportion of grazed leaves and mortality of plants were monitored over the following 4 years. The number of leaves per plant was higher for R. obtusifolius than for R. crispus. The maximal number of leaves per plant of R. obtusifolius and R. crispus was 10 and 5, respectively. The proportion of grazed leaves was generally higher for R. obtusifolius than for R. crispus and ranged from 10% to 80%. No fertile plant was recorded during the experiment, as goat grazing totally prevented the flowering of both species. The level of mortality of the plants at the start of the fourth grazing season was 70% and 87% for R. obtusifolius and R. crispus, respectively, and no plant survived the fourth grazing season. It was concluded that continuous goat grazing of a moderate intensity that is carried out over 4 years seems to be an effective method for the non-chemical control of R. obtusifolius and R. crispus in grassland.
Research Interests:
ABSTRACT Little is known about the effects of nutrient availability in cut grasslands on growth characteristics of Urtica dioica and its aboveground chemical composition (N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Cu, Fe, Mn and Zn). The effects of N, P and K... more
ABSTRACT Little is known about the effects of nutrient availability in cut grasslands on growth characteristics of Urtica dioica and its aboveground chemical composition (N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Cu, Fe, Mn and Zn). The effects of N, P and K application on the growth of U. dioica were studied over five years in a Dactylis glomerata grassland cut twice per year under unfertilized control, P, N, NP and NPK treatments (300, 80 and 200 kg of N, P and K ha−1 per year). Nitrogen application in the form of NH4NO3 over five years decreased the soil pH, while P and K application increased P and K availability in the soil. Over five years, cover of U. dioica increased from 1% initially to 7, 9, 58, 83 and 99% in the control, P, N, NP and NPK treatments, respectively. Concentrations of N, P and Ca in the aboveground biomass of U. dioica were very high in comparison to other species and concentrations of Cu, Fe, Mn and Zn were comparable with other grassland species. N and P limitation of U. dioica growth was expected if concentrations of N and P in the aboveground biomass were lower than 25 g N kg−1 and 4 g P kg−1 in the phenological stage of flowering. We concluded that two cuts per year are not sufficient to suppress expansion of U. dioica under high N, P and K availability. This probably explains why U. dioica survive also in frequently cut intensive grasslands under adequately high nutrient supply.
Research Interests:
We study nature of abandoned villages in Niokolo-Koba National Park and surrounded villages. We do ethnobotany, palaeoecology and ethnoarchaeology of abandoned villages areas as well as dynamic of savanna/deciduous tropical forest in... more
We study nature of abandoned villages in Niokolo-Koba National Park and surrounded villages. We do ethnobotany, palaeoecology and ethnoarchaeology of abandoned villages areas as well as dynamic of savanna/deciduous tropical forest in relation to the past human occupation. Special attention is paid to dominant large trees, which played crucial role in local human culture.