Edem Eniang - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by Edem Eniang

Tropical Zoology, 2015

ABSTRACT Community composition and an index of relative abundance were analyzed for mammals (excl... more ABSTRACT Community composition and an index of relative abundance were analyzed for mammals (excluding most rodents, shrews and bats) of five forest reserves in the Niger Delta (Southern Nigeria). Twenty-nine species were recorded, 86.2% of them being found in all protected areas. Although most of the species were already known from the study area, there were unexpected patterns concerning the duikers. Indeed, the presence of only one species (Philantomba walteri) (CH Smith, 1827) was confirmed, whereas at least five additional duiker species were reported for the study area by earlier authorities. Another duiker species (Cephalophus niger Gray, 1846) was recorded once during the present surveys and is not known whether it represents a stabilized presence in the Niger Delta. The empirical Abundance Index suggested that only three species were very rare (Trichechus senegalensis (Link, 1795), C. niger, and Pan troglodytes (Blumenbach, 1775)). Diversity-dominance diagrams showed that the evenness profiles were similar across study areas. Linear distance (Km) between the barycenters of forest reserves was significantly positively correlated with relative community composition dissimilarity. Overall, a biotic homogenization process for the mammal communities of the five forest reserves was observed, likely as an outcome of the high deforestation of the last 50 years.

Revue D Ecologie-la Terre Et La Vie, 2008

Types d'aliments et écologie alimentaire de la Civette africaine (Civettictis civetta) en région ... more Types d'aliments et écologie alimentaire de la Civette africaine (Civettictis civetta) en région de Jimma, Éthiopie.-Les types d'aliments et l'écologie alimentaire de Civettes africaines ont été étudiés d'août 2005 à février 2006 dans trois zones (Kito, Beda Buna et Jeran) dans la région de Jimma en province d'Oromia, Éthiopie. Des fèces fraîches ont été récoltées et analysées au laboratoire. Il n'y avait aucune différence signifi cative entre les différents sites dans la variété des aliments. Durant la saison des pluies, 21 types de proie ont été identifi és contre 26 durant la saison sèche. Des variations signifi catives entre les saisons dans les proportions des types d'aliments ont été observées dans tous les sites. Les civettes éthiopiennes étudiées se sont avérées omnivores, complétant par des fruits, des oeufs, des poissons et des insectes leur régime carné (issu de la chasse, e.g. rongeurs et oiseaux, ou d'un comportement charognard).

Intensive field based African grey parrots (Psittacus erithacus) trade and trafficking survey las... more Intensive field based African grey parrots (Psittacus erithacus) trade and trafficking survey lasting 14 days was undertaken on the request of the Pheasant Conservation Group; International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN), to determine the existence or non-existence of parrots trapping, trade and trafficking in the Ikpan Forest Block of Oban group of forest, Nigeria. The surveys which identified and involved occupational parrots' trappers as guides was pursued with a view to identifying Nest sites, Nest density, Parrot roosts as well as investigate parrots trapping, trade and trafficking in the light of Nigeria's' biodiversity conservation policy thrust and the country's continued notoriety in the international conservation arena. Studies were conducted using standard field equipment like binoculars, photo camera, vinyl flagging, field camping equipment as well as protective wears. 5 occupational Parrot trappers (2 experienced and 3 trainees) were identified and recruited for the surveys as field guides, field assistants and porters. From the results, 5 trappers' stations were identified and explored and located on existing map. Practical trapping activities were observed and implements employed identified. Parrot catch per Man-day was 8 (range 4-12) and price per wild adult parrot N2000, range (N2500-4500) while trained parrots costs N5000 (range N10, 000-15,000). During the surveys 16 parrots were captured while 50 parrots (range 110-160) were seen flying overhead especially at dusk. It was discovered that trade and trafficking in parrots existed in the study area and beyond with birds coming in from various localities and sold at major cities of Calabar, Port Harcourt, Lagos, Abuja and Kano. Ineffective wildlife legislations have contributed to escalating illegal trade and trafficking in parrots which are protected by states and national laws. Effective legislation, monitoring, habitat protection and conservation education are recommended for sustainable biodiversity conservation in Nigeria.

African Journal of Ecology, Sep 2, 2014

Assemblage structure, diversity measures and diversity/ dominance patterns of snakes were studied... more Assemblage structure, diversity measures and diversity/ dominance patterns of snakes were studied between 1996 and 2013 in three types of plantation in the Niger River delta of southern Nigeria. The investigated plantation types were pineapple, banana/plantain, and cassava/yam. Over 74% of the census species (n = 27) were found in all three plantation types, with, overall, just two singletons (Bitis nasicornis, Lamprophis olivaceus) being observed. Despite an overall similarity in the taxonomic species composition, a principal component analysis placed the three plantation types in distinct zones of the multivariate space. Diversity/dominance diagrams for the three plantation types showed that banana/plantain and cassava/yam were nearly identical in terms of evenness profile, whereas the pineapple plantation had a higher evenness.

Herpetological Journal, 2018

The forest hingeback tortoises Kinixys homeana and Kinixys erosa are two of the most declining Af... more The forest hingeback tortoises Kinixys homeana and Kinixys erosa are two of the most declining African chelonians. Although the population size trends of these species have received attention in some specific areas of West Africa, an overall perception of their declining trajectories are still largely unexplored. We used interviews with rural people (hunters, farmers and snail gatherers) in order to explore the general perception that these experienced people have on the population trends of these threatened tortoises. Overall, we interviewed over 2000 people in three West African countries (Côte d'Ivoire, Togo and Nigeria), which mostly supported the notion that these tortoises are heavily declining in Togo and Nigeria, but less so in Côte d'Ivoire. In addition, many respondents suggested that snail gatherers are the main providers of tortoises to the bushmeat trade. Indeed, our market surveys revealed that, in Nigeria, there was a significantly positive correlation between number of wild snails traded by individual sellers and numbers of sold tortoises in their 'shops'.

Journal of Herpetology, Mar 1, 2003

The food habits of the snake Psammophis phillipsi were studied in the rainforest region of southe... more The food habits of the snake Psammophis phillipsi were studied in the rainforest region of southeastern Nigeria, where this is the most common snake species of the area. A total of 120 prey items were recorded from 327 specimens (73 juveniles; 55 gravid females); many gravid females contained prey. Lizards (mainly Agama agama and Mabuya skinks) were the most common prey type for adult snakes, both gravid and nongravid, and for subadults as well; small mammals were the second most common prey type for all snake categories. Insects and small snakes (including conspecifics) were occasionally consumed. Diet composition did not differ significantly between gravid and nongravid specimens, but gravid specimens more frequently contained small mammals and fewer lizards. Ontogenetic dietary change was relatively minor. Prey and predator mass were significantly related in both adults and subadults.

Biodiversity and Conservation, Jul 29, 2015

The Niger Delta (southern Nigeria) is a crucial region for biodiversity because it is (i) part of... more The Niger Delta (southern Nigeria) is a crucial region for biodiversity because it is (i) part of the West African forests hotspot, (ii) under considerable threats because of habitat devastations, and (iii) a minor centre of endemism for many faunal and floral groups. In this paper, we analyze the communities of mammals (excluding bats, shrews and murids) occurring in all vegetation zones of the region, using both original field data (direct sightings of live animals, bushmeat market specimens, skins, skulls, bones, tracks, reliable interviews) collected in 1996-2015 and literature data. We also explore the main drivers of community structure by using a suite of multivariate (cluster) and null models (co-occurrence) analyses, and the conservation consequences of our data. A total of 45 extant species was found; their ecological distribution was uneven across vegetation zones, with flood forest, marsh forest and eastern flank forests housing more species. Although most species were widespread, 33.3 % had narrow ecological preferences. Cluster analysis confirmed that the community composition was (i) similar in habitats that were suspected to derive from pristine flood forests, and that (ii) the mammal assemblages were different in the two sides of the River Niger main axis. The endemic rate was low (4.44 % of the species), with one endemic species for each of the two sides of the Niger Delta. Twentyone species were uncertain to occur in the study area, with a few being extinct (for instance, Choeropsis liberiensis). Co-occurrence models excluded that a competitively structured community of species is assembled in each of the vegetation zones, and cluster Communicated by Dirk Sven Schmeller.

Amphibia-reptilia, 2014

Niche partititioning patterns have not been studied so far in burrowing tropical snakes of the fa... more Niche partititioning patterns have not been studied so far in burrowing tropical snakes of the families Typhlopidae and Leptotyphlopidae. In this study, we analyze temporal (= monthly activity) and spatial (= habitat use) niche dimensions in three species of burrowing snakes from the Niger Delta, Nigeria. Null model analyses, using two randomization algorithms and 30 000 Monte Carlo permutations, showed that there was random resource partitioning patterns as for the spatial niche dimension. One species (Rhinotyphlops punctatus) clearly dominated in the sample, and appeared to be more habitat generalist than the others. All three species showed an uneven monthly activity, with peaks occurring by wet season, and statistically significant positive correlations between mean monthly rainfall and number of captured snakes. However, there were significantly negative correlations between mean monthly temperature and number of captured snakes in two of the three species (Rhinotyphlops congestus; Leptotyphlops cfr. sundewalli).

Herpetological Journal, 2013

Snake diversity of the Oban Division of Cross River National Park of Nigeria was surveyed with th... more Snake diversity of the Oban Division of Cross River National Park of Nigeria was surveyed with the aim of studying their seasonal mortality, adaptive strategies, feeding behaviour and implications on the environment. Through 24 field assistants who are conversant with the study area, specimens of dead snakes were collected on daily basis from six selected communities adjoining the Oban Division of Cross River National Park (CRNP). Specimens were also collected from Laboratories of the University of Calabar and Hospitals, and the museum of the Okwango Division of CRNP. Measurements of relevant morphological features such as head length, head width, inter orbital length, snout length, vent length and tail length were taken in centimetres using measuring tape and ruler. Ventral scales were counted, and sexes were determined by examining the anal portion of specimens. Appearances of pupils were also recorded. With these information, collected specimens were identified using standard keys, and vernacular names of snakes were determined through in-depth interview with selected individuals quite knowledgeable about snakes and their uses in the localities. Data obtained were analysed using descriptive statistics in form of percentages and tables. Results showed that a total of 960 individuals of dead snakes comprising 56 species in 6 families and 32 genera were observed. This includes such species as Thrasops Jacksonii which hitherto had not been recorded in the Niger Delta. These 56 species of snake observed in the Oban division of Cross River National Park, is the highest in snake diversity recorded in the Niger Delta Region and south eastern Nigeria. Atheris squamiger, Psammophis phillipsii and Caustus maculates were among typical savanna species of snakes observed in the study area. From all the snakes observed, only 6 species were dangerous enough to pose threat to human. Snake population density was low. Psammophis philipsii was more predominant in all seasons with a total of 211 (22.0%) followed by Naja nigricolis with a total individual of 154 (16.0%) snakes. Snake mortality peaked during the dry season (105 snakes) and was lower in the wet season (88 snakes).

Journal of Insect Conservation

Sur la base d’enquêtes dans le sud du Nigéria, cet article examine (i) si la viande de brousse es... more Sur la base d’enquêtes dans le sud du Nigéria, cet article examine (i) si la viande de brousse est toujours une source cruciale de protéines pour les communautés locales, (ii) si elle est toujours culturellement bien justifiée et (iii) si, selon les préférences des consommateurs, des valeurs différentes sont attribuées aux divers types d’espèces constituant cette viande de brousse. De plus, cet article fournit des informations sur la question de savoir (iv) si le commerce de la viande de brousse épuise localement les populations des espèces ciblées, et (v) si la disparition sur les marchés de grands animaux est signe de leur extermination locale. Une combinaison d’entretiens avec des hommes et des femmes de différentes classes d’âge, incluant des chasseurs, consommateurs et vendeurs, a été conduite dans divers localités nigérianes correspondant à différentes conditions d’habitat et de caractéristiques socio-économiques et ethniques. Les résultats suggèrent que la consommation de via...

The Herpetological Bulletin, 2017

Bulletin of animal health and production in Africa, 2012

Herpetological Journal, 2020

Journal of Zoology, 2021

Suitable habitats for anurans can be found in the ever‐growing tropical urban environments but an... more Suitable habitats for anurans can be found in the ever‐growing tropical urban environments but anurans' adaptations to urban conditions, including their trophic ecology remain largely unknown. We studied the food habits of two generalist, widespread West African Sclerophrys adult toads: African common (Sclerophrys regularis) and Hallowell's toad (Sclerophrys maculata). The first was studied in Lomé (Togo), Cotonou (Benin) and Ikeja (Nigeria), and the second in Port Harcourt and Ikeja (both Nigeria); the latter city represents the only studied sympatric occurrence. Mean dietary overlap between population pairs was relatively high, and diet composition of the two species when sympatric did not differ significantly. Food niche width was significantly positively correlated with local rainfall in both species, and diet composition changed significantly between the dry and wet seasons. Diversity metrics revealed that females had a more diversified diet, with higher evenness and lo...

Entomological Science, 2021

The sexually dimorphic dynastine centaurus beetle, genus Augosoma (Coleoptera: Scarabeidae), is e... more The sexually dimorphic dynastine centaurus beetle, genus Augosoma (Coleoptera: Scarabeidae), is endemic to tropical Africa where two species are found (A. centaurus and A. hippocrates). These beetles are consumed by rural populations, cause damage in plantations and are targets of insect collectors and traders. We present information on size differences and analyzed intersexual niche divergence and seasonality of A. centaurus in seven study sites in three West African countries (Ivory Coast, Togo and Nigeria). We recorded 711 light‐attracted and/or opportunistically encountered individuals, as well as another 97 beetles in standardized transect surveys. In the latter, we found the adult sex ratio was equal, but was significantly skewed towards females in light‐attracted and/or opportunistically encountered individuals. In a sample of 298 adult beetles, males were significantly larger than females, with almost no size overlap between sexes. Beetle activity was highly seasonal with mo...

Biological Conservation, 2021

Ebola virus disease, EVD, has been linked with wild meat. In Nigeria, strict restrictions on wild... more Ebola virus disease, EVD, has been linked with wild meat. In Nigeria, strict restrictions on wild meat sales were applied after the first case in July 2014. We quantified wild meat trade in nine markets in southern Nigeria, during Oct. 2010-Dec. 2019, and undertook consumer interviews during 2018-2019. Wild meat sales fell to low levels between during EVD (Jul.-Oct. 2014), after which Nigeria was declared Ebola-free. Prior to EVD (2012-2014), reptile carcass numbers declined markedly, collapsed during EVD, but rebounded immediately post-EVD until 2017 to values exceeding pre-EVD (especially true for turtles and tortoises). Reptile consumption increased as mammal numbers declined. After 2017, reptile numbers fell and remained low until the end of the study, indicating population collapses and depletion. Fruit bats and primates did not recover after EVD, but ungulates, rodents and carnivores increased significantly after EVD though never reached pre-EVD levels. Interviews revealed strong rural versus urban and age-specific differences regarding wild meat consumption and attitudes. Most people worried about Ebola and more than half of interviewees agreed that wild meat poses a transmission risk. Except urban males, over-60-year olds were least informed about the Ebola risk of wild meat, indicating that any future behavioural change campaign should focus on the younger age classes. Unlike other studies, our research clearly shows that changes in purchasing behaviour of consumers and education campaigns were effective in reducing the trade of bats and primates, animal groups likely to be implicated in the transmission of Ebola.