Publications
A Spatio-Temporal Machine Learning Benchmark for Forest-Habitat Disturbance Prediction around Salonga National Park
Forest-habitat disturbance around Salonga National Park exhibits strong spatial clustering and temporal persistence. Machine learning models, particularly Random Forest, achieved high predictive accuracy (ROC-AUC: 0.980, PR-AUC: 0.980) for one-year-ahead disturbance prediction, outperforming simpler baselines like persistence and historical hotspot models. The study leveraged open geospatial data and a grid-cell-year dataset to classify disturbances based on forest loss thresholds. While tree-based models demonstrated superior performance, the findings underscore the reproducibility of machine learning benchmarks in tropical protected areas and their potential for biodiversity management support.
Conception culturelle de la conservation des ressources forestières par les Twa (Pygmées) dans le corridor biologique du Parc national de Salonga en République Démocratique du Congo
A study reveals that the Twa (Pygmies) in Salonga National Park, DRC, employ ancestral strategies for sustainable forest management, including self-consumption and respect for customary taboos. These practices, rooted in indigenous ecological knowledge, are threatened by modern conservation policies perceived as exclusionary. The research highlights the potential of integrating traditional knowledge into national environmental policies to foster inclusive forest governance and ecological sustainability.
Hunting strategies, success, and sustainability: A case study in a community forest on the edge of Salonga National Park, DRC
Excessive hunting pressure on ungulate populations threatens biodiversity sustainability in Salonga National Park, DRC. Analysis of 1769 hunting trips revealed that metal snares (41%), bow and arrow (30%), and guns (25%) were the primary methods used, with significant seasonal variations. Ungulates accounted for 76.4% of biomass harvested, while reproductive data indicated potential population decline, with only 16.7% of hunted females pregnant and 10.3% lactating. These findings underscore the need for adaptive hunting management policies, including quotas and seasonal closures, to balance wildlife conservation with local livelihoods.
Importance of non-timber forest products in the livelihoods of rural communities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo
Rural communities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo rely heavily on non-timber forest products (NTFPs) for food and medicine, with 74 species used by households near Salonga National Park. While commercialization could diversify income and reduce wildlife pressure, infrastructure limitations hinder its viability. The study, monitoring 457 households over a year, found that NTFP consumption was consistent but varied seasonally, with cultural differences in usage patterns. Though NTFPs provided economic benefits, their contribution to household wealth was minimal due to poor market access. Researchers recommend further research on sustainable harvesting before promoting NTFP commercialization.
A new Xymmer Santschi, 1914 (Formicidae: Amblyoponinae) species from the Congo Basin, with male and female descriptions of X. muticus (Santschi, 1914)
Researchers have identified a new species of ant, Xymmer paniscus, within the Amblyoponinae subfamily, marking the third known species in the genus and the second from the Afrotropical region. This discovery was made during a biodiversity survey in Salonga National Park, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Additionally, the study provides detailed descriptions of the previously known Xymmer muticus, including its alate gyne and male forms, which were hitherto undescribed. The findings contribute to our understanding of ant diversity in the Congo Basin and offer a dichotomous key for identifying Xymmer species.
An eastern Congolian endemic, or widespread but secretive? New data on the recently described Afrixalus lacustris (Anura, Hyperoliidae) from the Democratic Republic of the Congo
New research reveals that the Great Lakes spiny reed frog (Afrixalus lacustris), previously thought to be endemic to the Albertine Rift mountains, has a broader range extending westward into lowland rainforests of the Northeastern and Central Congolian Lowlands. DNA barcoding and phylogeographic analysis indicate that A. lacustris likely diversified in isolated forest refugia during the Middle Pleistocene, while its sister species, A. phantasma, thrived in montane forests. The study also highlights distinct differences in oviposition behavior between A. lacustris and related species, such as laying eggs in folded leaves—a trait not previously documented for this frog.
Patterns of wild meat and other protein consumption in the periphery of Salonga National Park, Democratic Republic of the Congo
Wild meat is a critical, year-round protein source for rural communities near Salonga National Park, contributing 18% to daily protein needs but failing to meet requirements outside peak fishing and insect seasons. A 12-month study of 457 households in six villages revealed that wild meat—sourced from at least 35 mammal species—was the only product purchased in over half of cases, outpacing domestic meat due to cost disparities. Consumption patterns were influenced by socioeconomic factors, with higher income and education levels correlating with greater reliance on wild meat, while household size and breastfeeding women reduced intake. The research highlights the unsustainable pressure on wildlife in biodiversity hotspots, emphasizing the need for alternative livelihoods and conservation strategies to balance human dietary needs with ecological preservation.
Spatial Ecology and Home Range Drivers of the Weyns's Duiker (Cephalophus weynsi) in Rainforest Habitat
Weyns's duikers (Cephalophus weynsi) in Salonga National Park exhibit stable core home ranges averaging 29.38 hectares, with dynamic boundaries influenced by breeding status and anthropogenic disturbances. A study using GPS/VHF collars revealed that breeding pairs overlap significantly (72.8%), maintaining close proximity (~288 m), while non-breeding individuals show minimal overlap (4.5–52.2%) and greater spacing (~533 m). The research, employing both day net captures and night torch captures, highlights the species' spatial behavior as critical to its reproductive success and conservation, emphasizing the need for further study on forest ungulate ecology in Central Africa.
A new species of Scelidocteus Simon, 1907 (Araneae: Palpimanidae: Chediminae) from Salonga National Park, D. R. Congo
Researchers have identified a new species of spider, Scelidocteus mbembai, from Salonga National Park, the Democratic Republic of Congo. This discovery, published in Arachnology, adds to the park's known biodiversity, bringing its total spider species count to seven. The new species is distinguished by unique structures in both male and female copulatory organs, setting it apart from its congeners. The study highlights the significance of Salonga National Park, Africa's largest rainforest reserve, as a critical area for biological diversity and conservation efforts.
Bonobo (Pan paniscus) Density and Distribution in Central Africa's Largest Rainforest Reserve: Long-term Survey Data Show Pitfalls in Methodological Approaches and Call for Vigilance
Salonga National Park, Democratic Republic of the Congo, stands as a critical stronghold for bonobos (Pan paniscus), potentially housing between 8,244 and 18,308 mature individuals with an estimated density of 0.31 individuals per km². A long-term study spanning 2002 to 2018, involving 8,310 km of transect walks and 27,045 days of camera trapping across ~42,000 km²—representing about 27% of bonobo-suitable habitat—revealed non-significant population decline but underscored the park's importance. The study highlighted methodological discrepancies: nest counts yielded lower density estimates in areas with Marantaceae understorey and farther from rivers, while camera traps provided higher estimates in regions with lower human presence. Bonobos were rarer near villages but more abundant in dense forest cover and proximity to ranger posts. These findings emphasize the need for continued vigilance and monitoring to preserve this biologically and culturally significant site.
Discovery of three new species of Thiratoscirtus (Araneae: Salticidae: Thiratoscirtinae) from Central African rainforest
Researchers have discovered three new species of jumping spiders, Thiratoscirtus iyomii, T. kalisia, and T. khonvoum, within Salonga National Park, the largest tropical rainforest reserve in Africa. These findings represent the second documented report of spider collections from this UNESCO World Heritage Site, highlighting its rich biodiversity. The species were identified during a rapid biodiversity inventory conducted on the forest floor, emphasizing the importance of such surveys in uncovering hidden diversity in protected areas.
The Congo’s Salonga Park
Salonga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Democratic Republic of Congo, serves as a critical nexus for biodiversity and human communities. This book offers a comprehensive perspective on how the park's forests, waters, and species interact to sustain its ecological richness. Unlike traditional research reviews, it adopts a holistic approach, integrating wildlife, forest dynamics, aquatic ecosystems, and contemporary human history within the broader regional context. The work highlights the intricate relationships between these elements, providing insights into the park's significance as both an ecological stronghold and a cultural landscape. By synthesizing diverse data sources, it underscores Salonga's role in preserving global biodiversity while addressing its complex socio-ecological dynamics.
Three small species of shrews (Soricidae) from the Salonga National Park, Democratic Republic of the Congo, representing two new taxa and a new record
A recent study identifies two new species of shrews, Crocidura salonga and Crocidura binco, from the Salonga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Additionally, it records a first-time sighting of Crocidura lwiroensis since its 2013 description near Lake Tanganyika. The research is based on a small collection of shrews from the central part of the country, utilizing morphological and likely genetic analyses to distinguish these taxa. This discovery contributes significantly to the understanding of shrew biodiversity in this UNESCO World Heritage Site, highlighting the importance of Salonga National Park as a hotspot for small mammal diversity.
Two new species of Machaerotidae from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, with some additional records of the family (Hemiptera: Cercopoidea)
Researchers have identified two new species of the rare Machaerotidae family, Labramachaerota luilaka and Labramachaerota salonga, within Salonga National Park and its buffer zone in the Democratic Republic of Congo. These discoveries expand the known diversity of this paleotropical insect group, which is poorly documented in Africa. The study also records two additional species, Enderleinia bispina and Neuromachaerota discigutta, for the first time in the region. The findings highlight the ecological significance of Salonga National Park as a biodiversity hotspot, particularly within the Congo Basin. The research combines morphological analysis with field observations to document these new taxa, contributing critical data to our understanding of Hemiptera diversity and distribution.
Myrmarachnini (Araneae: Salticidae: Salticinae: Astioida) of Salonga National Park, D.R. Congo, with description of a new species and two new species records
Researchers have identified three species of Myrmarachnini jumping spiders within Salonga National Park, the largest tropical rainforest reserve in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Notably, they describe a new species, Myrmarachne salongensis, distinguished by unique genitalic morphology, cheliceral dentition, and dorsal color pattern. Additionally, two previously recorded species—Myrmarachne foenisex and Belippo calcarata—are reported for the first time from the park. This discovery underscores the significant biodiversity of Salonga National Park, which, despite its size (36,000 km²), had no prior spider records. The study highlights the understudied nature of Afrotropical spider fauna and suggests that the D.R. Congo may harbor at least 500 salticid species, far exceeding the current 66 recorded.
A New Species of Air-Breathing Catfish (Clariidae: Clarias) from Salonga National Park, Democratic Republic of the Congo
Researchers have identified a new species of air-breathing catfish, Clarias monsembulai, from the Congo River tributaries within and around Salonga National Park, Democratic Republic of the Congo. This discovery is notable for its exceptionally long white barbels, which distinguish it from similar species like Clarias buthupogon. The study also revisits the classification of this species within the subgenus Clarioides, though acknowledges limited morphological data to support this grouping. Additionally, the validity of the subspecies Clarias angolensis macronema is discussed.
Assessing the effects of survey-inherent disturbance on primate detectability: Recommendations for line transect distance sampling
Survey-inherent disturbance significantly underestimates primate density, with recovery times varying by species. This study found that cutting transects during surveys led to reduced observations of both primate groups and individuals, affecting five species in Salonga National Park, Democratic Republic of the Congo. Piliocolobus tholloni and Colobus angolenis resumed normal behavior within 24 hours, while Lophocebus aterrimus, Cercopithecus ascanius, and Cercopithecus wolfi required at least 10 days. The research used line transect distance sampling over 378 km of transects, highlighting the need to account for survey disturbance in future density estimates. Recommendations include evaluating habitat type, niche occupation, and hunting pressure to minimize bias.
Bonobo Sexual Behavior and Psychology
A study of bonobo sexual behavior within Salonga National Park reveals complex social dynamics and psychological strategies. Bonobos exhibit nuanced communication through genital swelling and vocalizations to signal receptivity, while dominant females like Martha use a range of solicitations—including physical gestures and infantile whimpering—to encourage sexual interactions. Rejection by subordinates, such as Wilma, can trigger extreme reactions in dominant individuals, including temper tantrums and voluntary descent from trees. This behavior underscores bonobos' sophisticated social hierarchies and the psychological impact of status violations. The research combines observational fieldwork with behavioral analysis to provide insights into the evolutionary significance of sexual psychology in this critically endangered species.
In Danger
Salonga National Park, located in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, was removed from the UNESCO List of World Heritage in Danger during the 44th session of the World Heritage Committee (16–31 July 2021). This decision followed significant improvements in its state of conservation. The removal reflects progress in addressing previous threats to the park's ecological integrity, which had previously warranted its inclusion on the endangered list. While the specific criteria for improvement are not detailed in this brief review, the outcome underscores the effectiveness of conservation efforts in safeguarding one of Africa's most significant biodiversity hotspots.
Investigating the impact of a long-term research and conservation project on the expansion of land use and land cover in a remote area of central DRC
A long-term research and conservation project, the LuiKotale Bonobo Project (LKBP), established in 2002 within Salonga National Park's buffer zone in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), has shown mixed impacts on land use and land cover. While deforestation decreased in the primary collaborating village, Lompole, neighboring villages experienced continuous increase due to population growth and cash income from the project. This study combines satellite imagery data with population records over 31 years (1987–2018) to assess the project's influence on land use changes, revealing unintended consequences of conservation efforts that provide economic benefits.
A new species of Typhonoya Prozorov (Lepidoptera, Lasiocampidae, Lasiocampinae, Gastropachini) from the moist broadleaf forest of the Democratic Republic of the Congo
Researchers have identified and described a new species of moth, Typhonoya kravchenkoi, within the genus Typhonoya, previously thought to be monotypic. This discovery was made during a year-long expedition in the buffer zone of Salonga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The study provides detailed morphological comparisons between T. kravchenkoi and its congener, T. prozorovi, including illustrations of their wing patterns, heads, legs, venation, and genitalia. This finding expands our understanding of the biodiversity within this unique moist broadleaf forest ecosystem, contributing to the broader knowledge of Lepidoptera diversity in Central Africa.
Drawn out of the shadows: Surveying secretive forest species with camera trap distance sampling
A groundbreaking study demonstrates the effectiveness of camera trap distance sampling (CTDS) for estimating population densities and abundances of diverse vertebrate species in Salonga National Park, Democratic Republic of the Congo. The research, involving 160 camera traps across 743 locations covering 17,127 km² of evergreen lowland rainforest, successfully recorded 43 animal taxa, including secretive species like the Congo peafowl and giant ground pangolin. The study found that CTDS provides reliable estimates for homogenously distributed species, with minor differences between two availability estimation methods (ACa and ARo) when sample sizes were large. However, low detectability and reactivity to cameras posed challenges. This methodology offers a rapid tool for assessing species' status and trends, potentially influencing conservation strategies and IUCN Red List assessments.
Performances Des « Fermes Modèles » Du Corridor De Monkoto Dans La Province De La Tshuapa, République Démocratique Du Congo
A study assessing the performance of 'model farms' in the Monkoto corridor, located between the North and South Blocks of Salonga National Park, reveals significant inefficiencies and low profitability among these agricultural ventures. Only 4 out of 10 farms surveyed were profitable, with an average net income of CDF 233,965.55 and an efficiency score of 0.1266, far below the agro-ecological potential of the region. Despite these challenges, the research highlights that all farms operate under increasing returns to scale, suggesting substantial room for improvement in production volume and profitability. This could potentially enhance farmers' livelihoods, thereby reducing pressure on biodiversity within Salonga National Park. The study employed qualitative methods, including in-depth interviews and observations, to gather data from 10 model farmers out of the 20 established in the area.
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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