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Large herbivore loss has complex effects on mosquito ecology and vector-borne disease risk

Loss of biodiversity can affect transmission of infectious diseases in at least two ways: by altering host and vector abundance or by influencing host and vector behavior. We used a large herbivore exclusion experiment to investigate the effects of wildlife loss on the abundance and feeding behavior of mosquito vectors and to explore consequences for vector-borne disease transmission. Large herbivore loss affected both mosquito abundance and blood-feeding behavior. For Aedes mcintoshi, the dominant mosquito species in our study and a

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Spatial and temporal dynamics of human–wildlife conflicts in the Kenya Greater Tsavo Ecosystem

Biodiversity conservation in developing countries is faced with many and mounting challenges, including increasing human–wildlife conflicts (HWCs). In Africa and other developing countries, increasing HWCs, particularly those adjacent to protected areas, can adversely affect local stakeholder perceptions and support for conservation. We analyzed HWC reports for multiple wildlife species compiled >23 years (1995–2017) from the Greater Tsavo Ecosystem (GTE) in Kenya to determine HWC trends. The GTE is the largest protected area in Kenya, covering 22,681 km2. Overall, 39,022 HWC

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Functional significance of ungulate diversity in African savannas and the ecological implications of the spread of pastoralism

The African savanna biome supports a higher diversity of ungulate species than is found in any other biome or continent. This exceptional faunal diversity and herbivore biomass density is directly linked to the high spatial heterogeneity of African savanna ecosystems. The dependence of herbivore dietary tolerance on body size translates into important size-related differences between savanna ungulate species in terms of habitat specificity, geographical range, and the share of community resources exploited. Intact savanna ungulate communities, with species distributed across

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From savannah to farmland: effects of land-use on mammal communities in the Tarangire–Manyara ecosystem, Tanzania

Land-use change is considered a major driver of biodiversity loss. In the western part of the Tarangire–Manyara ecosystem, we assessed large mammal species richness along a land-use gradient (national park, uninhabited pastoral area and settled pastoral- and farmland). We found the highest species richness in the national park and in the pastoral area and lowest species richness in the settled and farmed area. There was little evidence of seasonal changes in species diversity. Except for top-order carnivores, all functional feeding

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Woodland loss and restoration in a savanna park: a 20-year experiment

Woodland loss is a major cause of biodiversity decline in African savanna parks. Decisions about whether remedial steps are possible and warranted depend on the cause. Climate, fire, elephants and human impact, often in combination, have been cited as major causes. The almost complete extinction of woodland in Amboseli National Park since 1950 has been at the centre of such debate. A 20-year study based on an experimental design to test overgrazing, pathogen, climate and elephant browsing theories of woodland

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Studies of coprophilous ascomycetes in Kenya, Podospora species from wildlife dung

Moist chamber cultures were made from wildlife dung (including giraffe dung) obtained from national parks in Kenya. Ten dung types produced 28 specimens of Podospora. Five species, Podospora anserina, P. argentinensis, P. australis, P. communis and P. minor are described using their morphological features. Podospora minor seems to be a rare species and is recorded for the first time in Kenya. Podospora communis, P. anserina and P. australis are the most common species on dung types examined.

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Impacts of Bush thinning to livestock and Biodiversity in Soysambu Conservancy

The continuing bush thinning in Soysambu Conservancy (Delamere estates) to increase the grazing fields lead to establishment of the study. The main objective of this study was therefore to determine the effectiveness of bush thinning as management tool in rangeland management and determine the utilization of the thinned areas by both livestock and wild animals while estimating the impacts on species diversity of the activity Acacia totilis, Acacia Seyal and Acacia Xanthpholea was the main target for thinning as they

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The past distribution of giraffe in KwaZulu-Natal

Giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis) are though to be introduced aliens in KwaZulu-Natal, an area in which they flourish today. This perception was based on lack of reference to sightings of giraffe in early colonial literature and the lack of giraffe remains in archeological sites within KwaZulu-Natal. We have reviewed the literature and found no reliable reference to giraffe in early colonial writings and no reports of rock art featuring giraffe in the area. However, there are recent reports of the recovery

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Population Constraints Associated with the Use of Black Rhinos as an Umbrella Species for Desert Herbivores

The numerous tactics used to conserve biodiversity include the designation of protected areas, political change, and research and education, the latter involving paradigms such as insular biogeography and the “umbrella species concept.” In Namibia lands removed from national park status in 1970 and currently under the jurisdiction of indigenous people now contain one of the few unfenced populations of black rhinos (Diceros bicornis) remaining in Africa. Theory predicts that the protection of umbrella species will ensure the survival of other

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