Publications
Perceptions and uses of pangolins (Pholidota) among remote rural communities in the Republic of the Congo: A baseline study from the Odzala‐Kokoua National Park
A survey of 65 rural communities near Odzala-Kokoua National Park, Republic of the Congo, reveals high recognition (98.2%) and diverse traditional uses—including medicinal and culinary—of pangolins, with meat taste ranked highly by respondents (71.3%). The study identifies sociocultural and demographic variations in local knowledge and market value perceptions, noting higher familiarity along the northern park boundary, likely due to better infrastructure and proximity to Cameroon. These findings provide critical baseline data for conservation policies targeting pangolin protection in Central Africa.
Movement patterns of forest elephants (Loxodonta cyclotis Matschie, 1900) in the Odzala‐Kokoua National Park, Republic of Congo
Forest elephants (Loxodonta cyclotis) exhibit distinct movement patterns influenced by environmental and anthropogenic factors, with females traveling farther than males. The study, conducted in Odzala-Kokoua National Park using GPS-collared individuals tracked over 16 months, found that roads and human settlements disrupt elephant behavior, leading to faster displacements. Elephants moved more rapidly along watercourses and in Marantaceae-dominated forests but slowed in savannahs. Flood-prone areas and higher temperatures also hindered longer movements. These findings provide critical insights into the species' habitat use, aiding conservation efforts.
Population numbers, density and activity patterns of servals in savannah patches of Odzala‐Kokoua National Park, Republic of Congo
A study in Odzala-Kokoua National Park, Republic of Congo, provides the first robust density estimates for servals (Leptailurus serval) in Central Africa, with densities ranging from 7.7 to 9.8 individuals per 100 km². The research used camera-trapping over eight months, capturing 51 individuals, predominantly the servaline morph characterized by small 'freckled' spots. Analysis revealed distinct activity patterns between males and females, with males being largely nocturnal while females were mainly diurnal, likely influenced by the presence of spotted hyaenas (Crocuta crocuta). The study also highlights the importance of incorporating individual and trap placement covariates to improve precision in density estimates for future research.
Population ecology, conservation status and genetics of the spotted hyena (Crocuta crocuta) in the Odzala-Kokoua National Park, Republic of Congo, including an assessment of the status of spotted hyenas in southeast Gabon
A critical decline of the last remaining spotted hyena (Crocuta crocuta) population in Central Africa, confined to Odzala-Kokoua National Park (OKNP), Republic of Congo, is imminent due to poaching with illegal wire snares. This study reveals that the population—comprising five clans and eight transient individuals—has shrunk by nearly 50% within two years, with 11 likely deaths recorded. The hyenas' survival hinges on the abundance of key prey species like forest buffalo (Syncerus caffer nanus), red river hog (Potamocherus porcus), and bushbuck (Tragelaphus scriptus), which dominate their diet but show minimal activity overlap, indicating high energy investment for foraging. The study also highlights the vulnerability of this isolated population to stochastic threats like disease and inbreeding. Camera trapping and acoustic monitoring of communal den sites—critical for clan survival—reveal human infrastructure disturbances as additional risks. Immediate intervention is required to prevent extinction.
Description of Hylopanchax paucisquamatus (Cyprinodontiformes: Poeciliidae), a new lampeye species from the Odzala-Kokoua National Park, Republic of Congo
Researchers have identified and described Hylopanchax paucisquamatus, a new species of deep-bodied lampeye fish (Cyprinodontiformes: Poeciliidae) from the Odzala-Kokoua National Park in the Republic of Congo. This discovery represents the first deep-bodied Hylopanchax species found outside the Kasaï River drainage, distinguishing it from related congeners like H. leki and H. ndeko. The species is characterized by a unique combination of morphological traits, including a low number of mid-longitudinal and transverse scales, dorsal-fin ray count, and the position of its dorsal fin relative to the anal fin. The study highlights the biodiversity significance of the Odzala-Kokoua region, contributing to our understanding of freshwater fish diversity in the Congo basin.
The status of savanna carnivores in the Odzala-Kokoua National Park, northern Republic of Congo
Lions (Panthera leo) are likely extinct in the Republic of Congo and neighboring Gabon, with no signs detected during extensive surveys in Odzala-Kokoua National Park. However, the park remains critical for hyena tachetée (Crocuta crocuta) conservation, as 46 individuals were documented through 154 camera-trap photographs over 424 days of monitoring. The study also recorded smaller carnivores like leopards (Panthera pardus), servals (Leptailurus serval), and African golden cats (Caracal aurata). Researchers covered 460 km on foot, combining trail surveys with camera traps to assess the status of savanna carnivores in this isolated mosaic landscape. These findings underscore Odzala-Kokoua's regional importance for hyenas and smaller predators amid declining lion populations.
African weakly electric fishes of the genus Petrocephalus (Osteoglossomorpha: Mormyridae) of Odzala National Park, Republic of the Congo (Lékoli River, Congo River basin) with description of five new species
Researchers identify five new species of weakly electric fishes (genus Petrocephalus) in Odzala National Park, Republic of the Congo. These discoveries expand the known biodiversity of the Lékoli River within the Congo River basin, contributing to the understanding of electric fish diversity in African freshwater ecosystems. The study employs morphological and genetic analyses to distinguish these species, highlighting the importance of Odzala's unique aquatic habitats for conservation efforts.
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