John Hart - Academia.edu (original) (raw)
Papers by John Hart
Molecular Ecology, 2015
The African elephant consists of forest and savanna subspecies. Both subspecies are highly endang... more The African elephant consists of forest and savanna subspecies. Both subspecies are highly endangered due to severe poaching and habitat loss, and knowledge of their population structure is vital to their conservation. Previous studies have demonstrated marked genetic and morphological differences between forest and savanna elephants, and despite extensive sampling, genetic evidence of hybridization between them has been restricted largely to a few hybrids in the Garamba region of northeastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Here, we present new genetic data on hybridization from previously unsampled areas of Africa. Novel statistical methods applied to these data identify 46 hybrid samplesmany more than have been previously identifiedonly two of which are from the Garamba region. The remaining 44 are from three other geographically distinct locations: a major hybrid zone along the border of the DRC and Uganda, a second potential hybrid zone in Central African Republic and a smaller fraction of hybrids in the Pendjari-Arli complex of West Africa. Most of the hybrids show evidence of interbreeding over more than one generation, demonstrating that hybrids are fertile. Mitochondrial and Y chromosome data demonstrate that the hybridization is bidirectional, involving males and females from both subspecies. We hypothesize that the hybrid zones may have been facilitated by poaching and habitat modification. The localized geography and rarity of hybrid zones, their possible facilitation from human pressures, and the high divergence and genetic distinctness of forest and savanna elephants throughout their ranges, are consistent with calls for separate species classification.
mBio, Mar 27, 2018
Classical ecology provides principles for construction and function of biological communities, bu... more Classical ecology provides principles for construction and function of biological communities, but to what extent these apply to the animal-associated microbiota is just beginning to be assessed. Here, we investigated the influence of several well-known ecological principles on animal-associated microbiota by characterizing gut microbial specimens from bilaterally symmetrical animals () ranging from flies to whales. A rigorously vetted sample set containing 265 specimens from 64 species was assembled. Bacterial lineages were characterized by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Previously published samples were also compared, allowing analysis of over 1,098 samples in total. A restricted number of bacterial phyla was found to account for the great majority of gut colonists. Gut microbial composition was associated with host phylogeny and diet. We identified numerous gut bacterial 16S rRNA gene sequences that diverged deeply from previously studied taxa, identifying opportunities to discover ne...
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, Jan 3, 2015
A large stable isotope dataset from East and Central Africa from ca. 30 regional collection sites... more A large stable isotope dataset from East and Central Africa from ca. 30 regional collection sites that range from forest to grassland shows that most extant East and Central African large herbivore taxa have diets dominated by C4 grazing or C3 browsing. Comparison with the fossil record shows that faunal assemblages from ca. 4.1-2.35 Ma in the Turkana Basin had a greater diversity of C3-C4 mixed feeding taxa than is presently found in modern East and Central African environments. In contrast, the period from 2.35 to 1.0 Ma had more C4-grazing taxa, especially nonruminant C4-grazing taxa, than are found in modern environments in East and Central Africa. Many nonbovid C4 grazers became extinct in Africa, notably the suid Notochoerus, the hipparion equid Eurygnathohippus, the giraffid Sivatherium, and the elephantid Elephas. Other important nonruminant C4-grazing taxa switched to browsing, including suids in the lineage Kolpochoerus-Hylochoerus and the elephant Loxodonta. Many modern h...
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 2013
The author notes that on page 10470, middle column, first paragraph, lines 13 and 16, "∂13C ‰" sh... more The author notes that on page 10470, middle column, first paragraph, lines 13 and 16, "∂13C ‰" should instead appear as "δ13C ‰." Also, on page 10471, middle column, first paragraph, line 3 "65%" should instead appear as "35%." Both the online article and the print article have been corrected.
PLoS Biology, 2007
Debate over repealing the ivory trade ban dominates conferences of the Convention on Internationa... more Debate over repealing the ivory trade ban dominates conferences of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). Resolving this controversy requires accurate estimates of elephant population trends and rates of illegal killing. Most African savannah elephant populations are well known; however, the status of forest elephants, perhaps a distinct species, in the vast Congo Basin is unclear. We assessed population status and incidence of poaching from line-transect and reconnaissance surveys conducted on foot in sites throughout the Congo Basin. Results indicate that the abundance and range of forest elephants are threatened from poaching that is most intense close to roads. The probability of elephant presence increased with distance to roads, whereas that of human signs declined. At all distances from roads, the probability of elephant occurrence was always higher inside, compared to outside, protected areas, whereas that of humans was always lower. Inside protected areas, forest elephant density was correlated with the size of remote forest core, but not with size of protected area. Forest elephants must be prioritised in elephant management planning at the continental scale.
Bird Conservation International, 1997
summaryBetween 1993 and 1995 the occurrence and status of Congo Peafowl Afropavo congensis were a... more summaryBetween 1993 and 1995 the occurrence and status of Congo Peafowl Afropavo congensis were assessed at 89 sites in eastern Zaire based on interviews with local hunters (114 locations) and forest surveys (24 locations). The survey region covered approximately 125,000 km2 and was bounded by the Lomami River (24° 30′) to the west, the Albertine Rift Highlands (29°) to the east, the Aruwimi River (20° 30′) to the north and the Kahuzi Biega Park (3° S) to the south. Congo Peafowl have been extirpated or were only doubtfully present at 16 of 65 sites where survey coverage was adequate and where the species was reported to have occurred in the past. Occurrence of the species was confirmed or probable at the remaining 49 sites. Congo Peafowl were reported as locally common (> five reported encounters since 1990) at only 12 sites. We observed or heard peafowl at five sites. A single nest was found which contained two eggs. Observations on group size and habitat associations were also...
African Primates, 2010
Following the invasion of the BiliUéré Domaine de Chasse by illegal gold miners in June 2007 and... more Following the invasion of the BiliUéré Domaine de Chasse by illegal gold miners in June 2007 and the subsequent abandonment of a long-term community conservation and research project there, the first author conducted a survey of chimpanzees and other large mammals on ...
PloS one, 2017
We report here where the most recent common ancestor (MRCA) of bonobos (Pan paniscus) ranged and ... more We report here where the most recent common ancestor (MRCA) of bonobos (Pan paniscus) ranged and how they dispersed throughout their current habitat. Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) molecular dating to analyze the time to MRCA (TMRCA) and the major mtDNA haplogroups of wild bonobos were performed using new estimations of divergence time of bonobos from other Pan species to investigate the dispersal routes of bonobos over the forest area of the Congo River's left bank. The TMRCA of bonobos was estimated to be 0.64 or 0.95 million years ago (Ma). Six major haplogroups had very old origins of 0.38 Ma or older. The reconstruction of the ancestral area revealed the mitochondrial ancestor of the bonobo populations ranged in the eastern area of the current bonobos' habitat. The haplogroups may have been formed from either the riparian forests along the Congo River or the center of the southern Congo Basin. Fragmentation of the forest refugia during the cooler periods may have greatly aff...
Nature communications, Nov 21, 2017
Malaria parasites, though widespread among wild chimpanzees and gorillas, have not been detected ... more Malaria parasites, though widespread among wild chimpanzees and gorillas, have not been detected in bonobos. Here, we show that wild-living bonobos are endemically Plasmodium infected in the eastern-most part of their range. Testing 1556 faecal samples from 11 field sites, we identify high prevalence Laverania infections in the Tshuapa-Lomami-Lualaba (TL2) area, but not at other locations across the Congo. TL2 bonobos harbour P. gaboni, formerly only found in chimpanzees, as well as a potential new species, Plasmodium lomamiensis sp. nov. Rare co-infections with non-Laverania parasites were also observed. Phylogenetic relationships among Laverania species are consistent with co-divergence with their gorilla, chimpanzee and bonobo hosts, suggesting a timescale for their evolution. The absence of Plasmodium from most field sites could not be explained by parasite seasonality, nor by bonobo population structure, diet or gut microbiota. Thus, the geographic restriction of bonobo Plasmod...
Human Ecology, 1978
This article describes the recent transition from subsistence to market hunting of some net-hunti... more This article describes the recent transition from subsistence to market hunting of some net-hunting Mbuti, a nomadic society of the Ituri Forest of Zaire. The history of this development dates to the late 1950s, as the Mbuti began to have increasing contact with commercial meat traders, called bachuuzi, from outside markets. Before this, the Mbuti had a long history of contact with local swidden agriculturalists, called bakbala, a relationship that continues today. It is sanctioned by religious beliefs, but material exchanges are also important. The Mbuti provide bakbala with meat and other forest resources and receive in return iron implements, tobacco, and cultivated food. The Mbuti view such items now as necessities; however, this does not allow the bakbala to subjugate or control them. Most exchanges take place in the bakbala's village at the Mbuti's discretion, and exchange rates are not fixed. Finally it appears that such trade does not undermine the resource base of either group. The Mbuti's commercial exchanges contrast with this subsistence-oriented system. Unlike the bakbala, the bachuuzi traders establish themselves in the Mbuti's forest camps, where they can promote intensified net hunting and monopolize trade of meat. The Mbuti tolerate the alien traders in camp because they are often a convenient source of food and other desired material goods; however, they do not share the traders' commercial motives. The Mbuti freely manipulate credit to their own advantage and they are often able to evade the traders' efforts at economic control. The future of market hunting is uncertain. Mbuti material needs are 1 A fellowship from the Thomas J. Watson Foundation provided financial support for this research. I am also thankful to Citoyen Bokanga Ekanga Botombele, Commissaire d'Etat du Zaire for his interest in my work and support in obtaining necessary visas, and to P~re Thyert of the Catholic Mission of Biambwe for his generous hospitality.
Developments in Primatology: Progress and Prospects, 2008
Conservation of the bonobo, Congo's endemic ape, is one of the most important conservati... more Conservation of the bonobo, Congo's endemic ape, is one of the most important conservation priorities in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Bonobos are classified as endangered by both the IUCN (1996) and CITES (2001). In determin-ing where bonobos occur, their ...
Developments in Primatology: Progress and Prospects, 2008
... ungulates serious injury probable Small cane, Designed to hold Low: death nylon noose rodents... more ... ungulates serious injury probable Small cane, Designed to hold Low: death nylon noose rodents, birds unlikely, injury to hands or feet possible Barrier Designed for Low: Visible small animals and avoided Arboreal Designed for Negligible squirrels, pangolins, birds Pitfall Large ...
Belg. J. …, 2005
ABSTRACT. We carried out a small mammal (rodents and shrews) inventory in the Okapi Fauna Reserve... more ABSTRACT. We carried out a small mammal (rodents and shrews) inventory in the Okapi Fauna Reserve in the Ituri Forest, Democratic Republic of Congo. Using snap traps and life traps we collected 1577 specimens of small mammals belonging to 7 species of ...
Oryx, 1999
In 1996, the first major biological surveys in the Itombwe Massif in over 30 years revealed that ... more In 1996, the first major biological surveys in the Itombwe Massif in over 30 years revealed that sig-Congo bay owl Phodilus prigoginei, which was previously nificant areas of natural habitat and remnant faunal known from a single specimen collected in Itombwe nearly 50 years ago. No part of Itombwe is officially populations remain, but that these are subject to ongoing degradation and over-exploitation. At least 10 areas protected and conservation initiatives are needed urgently. Given the remoteness and continuing political of gorilla Gorilla gorilla graueri occurrence, including eight of 17 areas identified during the first survey of the instability of the region, conservation initiatives must collaborate with traditional authorities based in the species in the massif in 1959, were found. Seventy-nine gorilla nest sites were recorded and at least 860 gorillas massif, and should focus at the outset on protecting the gorillas and limiting further degradation of key areas. were estimated to occupy the massif. Fifty-six species of mammals were recorded. Itombwe supports the highest Keywords Afromontane forests, Albertine Rift, Demo-representation, of any area, of bird species endemic to the Albertine Rift highlands. Twenty-two of these cratic Republic of Congo, endemic avifauna, gorillas. remarkable new species and subspecies, including the type specimen of the gorilla that now bears his name, Gorilla gorilla graueri (Plate 1). These first explorations were followed by other surveys that continued the discovery of new taxa, most notably of forest birds, adding to the documented biological richness of the region (Prigogine, 1971). Nearly half (83 species) of the total montane bird fauna of the African continent occurs in the Itombwe Massif, including 35 of 43 species and distinctive subspecies endemic to the Albertine Rift highlands and adjacent submontane forests (Dowsett-Lemaire & Dowsett, 1990; Butynski et al., 1997; Stattersfield et al., 1998). Itombwe is the only known location for the Congo bay owl Phodilus prigoginei, Schouteden's swift Schoutedenapus schoutedeni and Prigogine's nightjar Caprimulgus prigoginei. The first systematic surveys of gorillas in Itombwe in 1959 located 17 discrete areas of occurrence (Emlen & Schaller, 1960). A recent global survey of Grauer's gorilla shows that Itombwe supports one of the most important concentrations of gorillas in eastern Congo (Hall et al., 1998a). Most of the biological exploration of Itombwe was undertaken before independence in 1960, and was capped by Alexander Prigogine's monumental collections of the region's avifauna made between 1950 and 1967, totalling 565 species (Stubbs, 1988). In the years following independence, armed rebels occupied portions of the massif. Despite the potential for further discoveries, and its significance as one of the most
Oecologia, 2004
The Ituri Forest, Democratic Republic of Congo (formerly Zaire) is an example of a closed canopy ... more The Ituri Forest, Democratic Republic of Congo (formerly Zaire) is an example of a closed canopy forest showing extreme depletion in 13 C. δ 13 C values for plants from the canopy top, from gaps in the canopy, and from the subcanopy average −29.0±1.7‰, −30.4±0.9‰, and −34.0±1.5‰, respectively. The δ 13 C of forest mammals show these differences, with the subcanopy browsers (okapi, dwarf antelope) having δ 13 C values for tooth enamel much more negative than subcanopy frugivores who derive their food from the canopy top, and from folivores and omnivores living in gap or clearing areas. Nitrogen isotopes in plants from this ecosystem have an average δ 15 N value of 5.4±1.8‰ and do not show significant differences at the 95% confidence interval between plants from the canopy top, from gaps in the canopy, and from the subcanopy. The δ 18 O SMOW values of surface waters in the study area are between −2.0 and −2.7. The δ 18 O PDB for tooth enamel ranged from −3 to +7‰.
Journal of Zoology, 2008
... We compare the stable isotope ecology of hippos with other large mammals in Tsavo National Pa... more ... We compare the stable isotope ecology of hippos with other large mammals in Tsavo National Park, Kenya (mean annual temperature ... Waterbuck, buffalo and oryx are intermediate between the dry-land water-dependent mammals and the relatively water-independent giraffe. ...
Conservation Biology, 1997
Conservation Biology, 1996
African Journal of Ecology, 1996
Page 1. Afr. J. Ecol. 1996, Volume 34, pages 364-379 Diet, prey selection and ecological relation... more Page 1. Afr. J. Ecol. 1996, Volume 34, pages 364-379 Diet, prey selection and ecological relations of leopard and golden cat in the Ituri Forest, Zaire JA HART'*, M. KATEMB02 and K. PUNGA' International Programs, The Wildlife Conservation Society, 18Sth St. ...
Molecular Ecology, 2015
The African elephant consists of forest and savanna subspecies. Both subspecies are highly endang... more The African elephant consists of forest and savanna subspecies. Both subspecies are highly endangered due to severe poaching and habitat loss, and knowledge of their population structure is vital to their conservation. Previous studies have demonstrated marked genetic and morphological differences between forest and savanna elephants, and despite extensive sampling, genetic evidence of hybridization between them has been restricted largely to a few hybrids in the Garamba region of northeastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Here, we present new genetic data on hybridization from previously unsampled areas of Africa. Novel statistical methods applied to these data identify 46 hybrid samplesmany more than have been previously identifiedonly two of which are from the Garamba region. The remaining 44 are from three other geographically distinct locations: a major hybrid zone along the border of the DRC and Uganda, a second potential hybrid zone in Central African Republic and a smaller fraction of hybrids in the Pendjari-Arli complex of West Africa. Most of the hybrids show evidence of interbreeding over more than one generation, demonstrating that hybrids are fertile. Mitochondrial and Y chromosome data demonstrate that the hybridization is bidirectional, involving males and females from both subspecies. We hypothesize that the hybrid zones may have been facilitated by poaching and habitat modification. The localized geography and rarity of hybrid zones, their possible facilitation from human pressures, and the high divergence and genetic distinctness of forest and savanna elephants throughout their ranges, are consistent with calls for separate species classification.
mBio, Mar 27, 2018
Classical ecology provides principles for construction and function of biological communities, bu... more Classical ecology provides principles for construction and function of biological communities, but to what extent these apply to the animal-associated microbiota is just beginning to be assessed. Here, we investigated the influence of several well-known ecological principles on animal-associated microbiota by characterizing gut microbial specimens from bilaterally symmetrical animals () ranging from flies to whales. A rigorously vetted sample set containing 265 specimens from 64 species was assembled. Bacterial lineages were characterized by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Previously published samples were also compared, allowing analysis of over 1,098 samples in total. A restricted number of bacterial phyla was found to account for the great majority of gut colonists. Gut microbial composition was associated with host phylogeny and diet. We identified numerous gut bacterial 16S rRNA gene sequences that diverged deeply from previously studied taxa, identifying opportunities to discover ne...
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, Jan 3, 2015
A large stable isotope dataset from East and Central Africa from ca. 30 regional collection sites... more A large stable isotope dataset from East and Central Africa from ca. 30 regional collection sites that range from forest to grassland shows that most extant East and Central African large herbivore taxa have diets dominated by C4 grazing or C3 browsing. Comparison with the fossil record shows that faunal assemblages from ca. 4.1-2.35 Ma in the Turkana Basin had a greater diversity of C3-C4 mixed feeding taxa than is presently found in modern East and Central African environments. In contrast, the period from 2.35 to 1.0 Ma had more C4-grazing taxa, especially nonruminant C4-grazing taxa, than are found in modern environments in East and Central Africa. Many nonbovid C4 grazers became extinct in Africa, notably the suid Notochoerus, the hipparion equid Eurygnathohippus, the giraffid Sivatherium, and the elephantid Elephas. Other important nonruminant C4-grazing taxa switched to browsing, including suids in the lineage Kolpochoerus-Hylochoerus and the elephant Loxodonta. Many modern h...
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 2013
The author notes that on page 10470, middle column, first paragraph, lines 13 and 16, "∂13C ‰" sh... more The author notes that on page 10470, middle column, first paragraph, lines 13 and 16, "∂13C ‰" should instead appear as "δ13C ‰." Also, on page 10471, middle column, first paragraph, line 3 "65%" should instead appear as "35%." Both the online article and the print article have been corrected.
PLoS Biology, 2007
Debate over repealing the ivory trade ban dominates conferences of the Convention on Internationa... more Debate over repealing the ivory trade ban dominates conferences of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). Resolving this controversy requires accurate estimates of elephant population trends and rates of illegal killing. Most African savannah elephant populations are well known; however, the status of forest elephants, perhaps a distinct species, in the vast Congo Basin is unclear. We assessed population status and incidence of poaching from line-transect and reconnaissance surveys conducted on foot in sites throughout the Congo Basin. Results indicate that the abundance and range of forest elephants are threatened from poaching that is most intense close to roads. The probability of elephant presence increased with distance to roads, whereas that of human signs declined. At all distances from roads, the probability of elephant occurrence was always higher inside, compared to outside, protected areas, whereas that of humans was always lower. Inside protected areas, forest elephant density was correlated with the size of remote forest core, but not with size of protected area. Forest elephants must be prioritised in elephant management planning at the continental scale.
Bird Conservation International, 1997
summaryBetween 1993 and 1995 the occurrence and status of Congo Peafowl Afropavo congensis were a... more summaryBetween 1993 and 1995 the occurrence and status of Congo Peafowl Afropavo congensis were assessed at 89 sites in eastern Zaire based on interviews with local hunters (114 locations) and forest surveys (24 locations). The survey region covered approximately 125,000 km2 and was bounded by the Lomami River (24° 30′) to the west, the Albertine Rift Highlands (29°) to the east, the Aruwimi River (20° 30′) to the north and the Kahuzi Biega Park (3° S) to the south. Congo Peafowl have been extirpated or were only doubtfully present at 16 of 65 sites where survey coverage was adequate and where the species was reported to have occurred in the past. Occurrence of the species was confirmed or probable at the remaining 49 sites. Congo Peafowl were reported as locally common (> five reported encounters since 1990) at only 12 sites. We observed or heard peafowl at five sites. A single nest was found which contained two eggs. Observations on group size and habitat associations were also...
African Primates, 2010
Following the invasion of the BiliUéré Domaine de Chasse by illegal gold miners in June 2007 and... more Following the invasion of the BiliUéré Domaine de Chasse by illegal gold miners in June 2007 and the subsequent abandonment of a long-term community conservation and research project there, the first author conducted a survey of chimpanzees and other large mammals on ...
PloS one, 2017
We report here where the most recent common ancestor (MRCA) of bonobos (Pan paniscus) ranged and ... more We report here where the most recent common ancestor (MRCA) of bonobos (Pan paniscus) ranged and how they dispersed throughout their current habitat. Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) molecular dating to analyze the time to MRCA (TMRCA) and the major mtDNA haplogroups of wild bonobos were performed using new estimations of divergence time of bonobos from other Pan species to investigate the dispersal routes of bonobos over the forest area of the Congo River's left bank. The TMRCA of bonobos was estimated to be 0.64 or 0.95 million years ago (Ma). Six major haplogroups had very old origins of 0.38 Ma or older. The reconstruction of the ancestral area revealed the mitochondrial ancestor of the bonobo populations ranged in the eastern area of the current bonobos' habitat. The haplogroups may have been formed from either the riparian forests along the Congo River or the center of the southern Congo Basin. Fragmentation of the forest refugia during the cooler periods may have greatly aff...
Nature communications, Nov 21, 2017
Malaria parasites, though widespread among wild chimpanzees and gorillas, have not been detected ... more Malaria parasites, though widespread among wild chimpanzees and gorillas, have not been detected in bonobos. Here, we show that wild-living bonobos are endemically Plasmodium infected in the eastern-most part of their range. Testing 1556 faecal samples from 11 field sites, we identify high prevalence Laverania infections in the Tshuapa-Lomami-Lualaba (TL2) area, but not at other locations across the Congo. TL2 bonobos harbour P. gaboni, formerly only found in chimpanzees, as well as a potential new species, Plasmodium lomamiensis sp. nov. Rare co-infections with non-Laverania parasites were also observed. Phylogenetic relationships among Laverania species are consistent with co-divergence with their gorilla, chimpanzee and bonobo hosts, suggesting a timescale for their evolution. The absence of Plasmodium from most field sites could not be explained by parasite seasonality, nor by bonobo population structure, diet or gut microbiota. Thus, the geographic restriction of bonobo Plasmod...
Human Ecology, 1978
This article describes the recent transition from subsistence to market hunting of some net-hunti... more This article describes the recent transition from subsistence to market hunting of some net-hunting Mbuti, a nomadic society of the Ituri Forest of Zaire. The history of this development dates to the late 1950s, as the Mbuti began to have increasing contact with commercial meat traders, called bachuuzi, from outside markets. Before this, the Mbuti had a long history of contact with local swidden agriculturalists, called bakbala, a relationship that continues today. It is sanctioned by religious beliefs, but material exchanges are also important. The Mbuti provide bakbala with meat and other forest resources and receive in return iron implements, tobacco, and cultivated food. The Mbuti view such items now as necessities; however, this does not allow the bakbala to subjugate or control them. Most exchanges take place in the bakbala's village at the Mbuti's discretion, and exchange rates are not fixed. Finally it appears that such trade does not undermine the resource base of either group. The Mbuti's commercial exchanges contrast with this subsistence-oriented system. Unlike the bakbala, the bachuuzi traders establish themselves in the Mbuti's forest camps, where they can promote intensified net hunting and monopolize trade of meat. The Mbuti tolerate the alien traders in camp because they are often a convenient source of food and other desired material goods; however, they do not share the traders' commercial motives. The Mbuti freely manipulate credit to their own advantage and they are often able to evade the traders' efforts at economic control. The future of market hunting is uncertain. Mbuti material needs are 1 A fellowship from the Thomas J. Watson Foundation provided financial support for this research. I am also thankful to Citoyen Bokanga Ekanga Botombele, Commissaire d'Etat du Zaire for his interest in my work and support in obtaining necessary visas, and to P~re Thyert of the Catholic Mission of Biambwe for his generous hospitality.
Developments in Primatology: Progress and Prospects, 2008
Conservation of the bonobo, Congo's endemic ape, is one of the most important conservati... more Conservation of the bonobo, Congo's endemic ape, is one of the most important conservation priorities in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Bonobos are classified as endangered by both the IUCN (1996) and CITES (2001). In determin-ing where bonobos occur, their ...
Developments in Primatology: Progress and Prospects, 2008
... ungulates serious injury probable Small cane, Designed to hold Low: death nylon noose rodents... more ... ungulates serious injury probable Small cane, Designed to hold Low: death nylon noose rodents, birds unlikely, injury to hands or feet possible Barrier Designed for Low: Visible small animals and avoided Arboreal Designed for Negligible squirrels, pangolins, birds Pitfall Large ...
Belg. J. …, 2005
ABSTRACT. We carried out a small mammal (rodents and shrews) inventory in the Okapi Fauna Reserve... more ABSTRACT. We carried out a small mammal (rodents and shrews) inventory in the Okapi Fauna Reserve in the Ituri Forest, Democratic Republic of Congo. Using snap traps and life traps we collected 1577 specimens of small mammals belonging to 7 species of ...
Oryx, 1999
In 1996, the first major biological surveys in the Itombwe Massif in over 30 years revealed that ... more In 1996, the first major biological surveys in the Itombwe Massif in over 30 years revealed that sig-Congo bay owl Phodilus prigoginei, which was previously nificant areas of natural habitat and remnant faunal known from a single specimen collected in Itombwe nearly 50 years ago. No part of Itombwe is officially populations remain, but that these are subject to ongoing degradation and over-exploitation. At least 10 areas protected and conservation initiatives are needed urgently. Given the remoteness and continuing political of gorilla Gorilla gorilla graueri occurrence, including eight of 17 areas identified during the first survey of the instability of the region, conservation initiatives must collaborate with traditional authorities based in the species in the massif in 1959, were found. Seventy-nine gorilla nest sites were recorded and at least 860 gorillas massif, and should focus at the outset on protecting the gorillas and limiting further degradation of key areas. were estimated to occupy the massif. Fifty-six species of mammals were recorded. Itombwe supports the highest Keywords Afromontane forests, Albertine Rift, Demo-representation, of any area, of bird species endemic to the Albertine Rift highlands. Twenty-two of these cratic Republic of Congo, endemic avifauna, gorillas. remarkable new species and subspecies, including the type specimen of the gorilla that now bears his name, Gorilla gorilla graueri (Plate 1). These first explorations were followed by other surveys that continued the discovery of new taxa, most notably of forest birds, adding to the documented biological richness of the region (Prigogine, 1971). Nearly half (83 species) of the total montane bird fauna of the African continent occurs in the Itombwe Massif, including 35 of 43 species and distinctive subspecies endemic to the Albertine Rift highlands and adjacent submontane forests (Dowsett-Lemaire & Dowsett, 1990; Butynski et al., 1997; Stattersfield et al., 1998). Itombwe is the only known location for the Congo bay owl Phodilus prigoginei, Schouteden's swift Schoutedenapus schoutedeni and Prigogine's nightjar Caprimulgus prigoginei. The first systematic surveys of gorillas in Itombwe in 1959 located 17 discrete areas of occurrence (Emlen & Schaller, 1960). A recent global survey of Grauer's gorilla shows that Itombwe supports one of the most important concentrations of gorillas in eastern Congo (Hall et al., 1998a). Most of the biological exploration of Itombwe was undertaken before independence in 1960, and was capped by Alexander Prigogine's monumental collections of the region's avifauna made between 1950 and 1967, totalling 565 species (Stubbs, 1988). In the years following independence, armed rebels occupied portions of the massif. Despite the potential for further discoveries, and its significance as one of the most
Oecologia, 2004
The Ituri Forest, Democratic Republic of Congo (formerly Zaire) is an example of a closed canopy ... more The Ituri Forest, Democratic Republic of Congo (formerly Zaire) is an example of a closed canopy forest showing extreme depletion in 13 C. δ 13 C values for plants from the canopy top, from gaps in the canopy, and from the subcanopy average −29.0±1.7‰, −30.4±0.9‰, and −34.0±1.5‰, respectively. The δ 13 C of forest mammals show these differences, with the subcanopy browsers (okapi, dwarf antelope) having δ 13 C values for tooth enamel much more negative than subcanopy frugivores who derive their food from the canopy top, and from folivores and omnivores living in gap or clearing areas. Nitrogen isotopes in plants from this ecosystem have an average δ 15 N value of 5.4±1.8‰ and do not show significant differences at the 95% confidence interval between plants from the canopy top, from gaps in the canopy, and from the subcanopy. The δ 18 O SMOW values of surface waters in the study area are between −2.0 and −2.7. The δ 18 O PDB for tooth enamel ranged from −3 to +7‰.
Journal of Zoology, 2008
... We compare the stable isotope ecology of hippos with other large mammals in Tsavo National Pa... more ... We compare the stable isotope ecology of hippos with other large mammals in Tsavo National Park, Kenya (mean annual temperature ... Waterbuck, buffalo and oryx are intermediate between the dry-land water-dependent mammals and the relatively water-independent giraffe. ...
Conservation Biology, 1997
Conservation Biology, 1996
African Journal of Ecology, 1996
Page 1. Afr. J. Ecol. 1996, Volume 34, pages 364-379 Diet, prey selection and ecological relation... more Page 1. Afr. J. Ecol. 1996, Volume 34, pages 364-379 Diet, prey selection and ecological relations of leopard and golden cat in the Ituri Forest, Zaire JA HART'*, M. KATEMB02 and K. PUNGA' International Programs, The Wildlife Conservation Society, 18Sth St. ...