Publications
The Bonobo Pan paniscus (Mammalia: Primates: Hominidae) nesting patterns and forest canopy layers in the Lake Tumba forests and Salonga National Park, Democratic Republic of Congo
Research reveals a strong correlation between bonobo nesting patterns and specific forest structures within Salonga National Park, Democratic Republic of Congo. Bonobos preferentially nest in mixed mature forests with closed understories, where leaf-covered areas (LCA) at mid-storey elevations (4–16 m) are significantly higher compared to non-nesting sites. This preference is not observed in open or secondary forest types. The study systematically analyzed 134 transects, measuring canopy cover, structure, tree densities, and basal areas, while calculating LCA for seven forest types. Notably, nesting sites exhibited greater mid-storey leaf cover (55–55%) than non-nesting sites (39–42%), suggesting that bonobos favor habitats with complex vertical stratification. These findings highlight the importance of closed-canopy, mature forests in bonobo habitat selection and conservation efforts.
Use of forest products by the local people of the Salonga National Park in the Congo
Local communities in Salonga National Park, Congo, exhibit a positive attitude toward forest resources, with their diverse needs aligning closely with the park's vast potential for sustainable product exploitation. A survey across four villages revealed that the park's forests could meet population demands without compromising long-term resource conservation, suggesting a viable model for sustainable forest management. This study highlights the critical role of local knowledge and community participation in balancing material needs with ecological preservation, advocating for integrated policies that prioritize both human well-being and biodiversity protection.
Fishes of the Salonga National Park (Congo basin, central Africa): a list of species collected in the Luilaka, Salonga, and Yenge Rivers (Equateur Province, Democratic Republic of Congo)
A comprehensive list of 152 fish species, including nine potentially new taxa, has been documented from the Luilaka, Salonga, and Yenge Rivers around Salonga National Park, Africa's largest protected area. This study addresses a significant gap in knowledge regarding the ichthyofauna of the Congo basin, particularly in the central region where taxonomic and distributional data are scarce. The findings provide a foundational dataset for future research, though the authors acknowledge its likely incompleteness due to limited sampling efforts.
New evidence for self‐medication in bonobos: Manniophyton fulvum leaf‐ and stemstrip‐swallowing from LuiKotale, Salonga National Park, DR Congo
Researchers present new evidence supporting the hypothesis that bonobos engage in self-medication by consuming leaves and stemstrips of Manniophyton fulvum without chewing, a behavior observed at LuiKotale in Salonga National Park, Democratic Republic of Congo. The study meets four out of six criteria proposed by Huffman for identifying plants ingested for medicinal purposes, suggesting that bonobos may use this plant to alleviate parasite infestations or other stressors. Analysis of 1,094 dung piles and phenological data revealed that ingestion occurred seasonally, correlating with rain and temperature patterns, which are predictors for parasite development and immune response challenges in hosts. The findings also highlight potential pharmacological effects of the plant, drawing parallels to its ethnomedicinal uses by humans.
Congo Peafowl use both primary and regenerating forest in Salonga National Park, Democratic Republic of Congo
A study on the Congo Peafowl (Afropavo congensis) reveals that this endangered species, endemic to the Democratic Republic of Congo, significantly favors regenerating secondary forest over primary forest for habitat use. Researchers analyzed two contiguous forest blocks in Salonga National Park—one primary and one secondary, with regeneration exceeding 30 years—using systematic transect surveys and exhaustive searches for secondary signs like feathers and droppings. Results showed a higher frequency of peafowl presence in secondary forest, with 19 out of 31 bird sightings occurring there. Microhabitat preferences also differed: birds in secondary forest were closer to watercourses, had fewer large trees, and exhibited lower plant species richness. Additionally, droppings from secondary forest contained fewer taxonomic groups, suggesting dietary or ecological differences. This finding underscores the critical role of old regenerating forests in peafowl conservation, emphasizing their inclusion in habitat connectivity planning to support this vulnerable species.
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