Department of Animal Biology and Conservation Science (DABCS)

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    The costs of living in the city: influence of urbanization on the trophic niche and body condition of the African rainbow lizard Agama picticauda
    (European Journal of Wildlife Research volume, 2023) Ofori, B.Y.; Martey, P.; Mensah, J.B.; Quartey, J.K.; Attuquayefio, D.K.; Anderson, R.S.
    Trophic niche is a fundamental aspect of the ecology and natural history of animals, influencing their behavior, health, survival, and population dynamics. Although urbanization can strongly affect the trophic niche of wildlife by altering prey availability, abundance, and distribution, this effect remains understudied in tropical reptiles. Here, we assessed the influence of urbanization on the trophic niche and body condition of the West African rainbow lizard Agama picticauda in the Accra Plains of Ghana. Gastrointestinal content analysis of 98 lizards sampled from urban, suburban, and rural areas revealed 1088 prey items belonging to 14 orders and ~47 families of arthropods. Generally, the lizards consumed insects, with Hymenoptera (Formicidae) and Coleoptera (Carabidae) being the most frequently consumed prey orders. Multinomial regression modeling indicated that sex and site strongly affected the diet and body condition of the lizards, with suburban and rural lizards scoring the highest and lowest on both trophic niche breadth and body condition, respectively. We found a weak positive association between body condition and the diversity of ingested prey orders. Our data indicated that urbanization negatively influenced the trophic niche and body condition of A. picticauda. Although the differences in body condition among sites were not statistically significant, these could have important biological ramifications. The negative body condition of the urban female lizards suggests that the city could be an ecological trap, which can reduce the long-term fitness of lizards living in the urban area. Our findings can inform urban land use planning and effective conservation of urban habitats. We caution, however, that the findings of this study may not necessarily reflect the long-term trophic dynamics of rainbow lizards in the Accra Plains of Ghana and other cities.
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    Urbanization influences small mammal composition, but not species richness in forest fragments in Accra, Ghana
    (Springer, 2022) Ofori, B.Y.; Obeng, E.A.; Attuquayefio, D.K.
    The Accra Plain of Ghana is experiencing rapid urbanization, but there is scant information on its impact on local biodiversity. We assessed the changes in land use/land cover of the Accra Plain since 1991 and evaluated how the observed changes have influenced local small mammals in forest fragments. We applied supervised classifcation and intensity analysis time-series Landsat imagery data to assess land use/land cover changes between 1991 and 2017. Small mammals were surveyed in two for est fragments, the Pinkwae and Adumanya forests from June 2019 to January 2020, using capture-mark-recapture technique. We compared our data with baseline data gathered in 1991–1992, when large areas of the city remained mostly undeveloped. Our data revealed that the urban area has increased by 832%, while the forest area declined by 85% between 1991 and 2017. The Pinkwae and Adumanya forests, which covered 120 and 1.5 ha, respectively, in 1991 have each been reduced to<1 ha. We found changes in the small mammal species composition in the forest fragments, but not species richness due to species turnover. Grammomys poensis and Dephomys defua are first records for the Accra Plain. Our data suggested that small forest fragments within the urbanizing landscape are important for maintaining the local small mammal species. For the conservation of local small mammals in urbanizing landscapes, it is important to maintain the greatest possible number of small forest fragments and establish policies that prevent forest remnants from being further depleted.
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    Ophidiophobia, myth generation, and human perceptions: Implications for snake conservation in a typical savanna community of northern Ghana
    (Taylor & Francis Group, 2021) Musah, Y.; Attuquayefio, D.K.; Pobee, A.N.A.; Holbech, L.H.
    Snakes have fascinated and terrified humans throughout history. Worldwide, innate fear (ophidiophobia), culturally-founded superstition, and myths have caused pervasive snake persecution, snakebite mismanagement, human injuries, and fatalities, particularly in the tropics. We analyzed 20 common snake myths narrated by 934 respondents inhabiting a typical rural savanna community of northern Ghana. The myths summarized perceived, self-assessed knowledge about snakes and were evaluated in their zoo-ecological contexts versus their folkloristic explanatory origins. Only eight snake myths (~40%) had any justifiable scientific basis, partially representing misinterpretations among predominantly male, less-educated respondents. Contrastingly, 70% of the myths were largely rooted in ophidiophobia, representing a major driver of human-wildlife conflict and indiscriminate snake persecution. To promote wildlife-friendly perceptions and behavior toward snakes and their conservation, we recommend innovative gap-bridging conservation education and public awareness that reconciles myths and realities about snakes, thus reducing snakebite incidences, mortality, and widespread persecution and killing of snakes.
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    Herpetofauna community diversity and composition of a changing coastal wetland in Ghana
    (West African Journal of Applied Ecology, 2019-08) Musah, Y.; Ofori, B.Y.; Attuquayefio, D.K.
    Despite concern about the negative effects of tropical wetland loss and degradation on biodiversity, data on impacts on amphibians and reptiles, remain scarce. Here, we assessed the herpetofauna at the Muni-Pomadze ramsar site for the first time in 14 years and report on the changes in diversity and composition at the coastal wetland. The methodology involved pitfall trapping, refuge examination and acoustic searches in the forest and grassland/ thickets habitats, as well as interviews of a cross-section of local inhabitants. Overall, 39 herpetofauna species were recorded at the study area. These comprised 19 amphibian species belonging to six families (Bufonidae, Ranidae, Hemisotidae, Hyperoliidae, Arthroleptidae and Petropedetidae), and 20 reptile species of nine families. The reptiles consisted of four lizard families (Agamidae, Scincidae, Gekkonidae and Varanidae), four snake families (Boidae, Colubridae, Elapidae and Viperidae) and one chelonian family (Pelome dusidae). Three families, Hemisotidae, Arthroleptidae and Viperidae are first records for the study area. Survey at the site in 1998 recorded 28 species, comprising 15 species of reptiles and 13 species of amphibians. Two families (Microhylidae and Testudinidae) recorded in 1998 were not recorded in the present survey. Although we recorded higher species richness in the present study, there was no significant change in the proportion of savanna and generalist species in the forest because of compensatory dynamics. Given that habitat loss at the patch and landscape levels is the main threat to herpetofauna at the ramsar site, conservation managers should focus on preventing further deforestation, particularly at Yenku Block A Forest Reserve to preserve the herpetofana at the Muni-Pomadze ramsar site.
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    Epidemiology, ecology and human perceptions of snakebites in a savanna community of northern Ghana
    (PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases, 2019-06-25) Musah, Y.; Ameade, E.P.K.; Attuquayefio, D.K.; Holbech, L.H.
    Worldwide, snakebite envenomations total ~2.7 million reported cases annually with ~100,000 fatalities. Since 2009, snakebite envenomation has intermittently been classified as a very important ‘neglected tropical disease’ by the World Health Organisation. Despite this emerging awareness, limited efforts have been geared towards addressing the serious public health implications of snakebites, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, where baseline epidemiological and ecological data remain incomplete. Due to poverty as well as limited infrastructure and public health facilities, people in rural Africa, including Ghana, often have no other choice than to seek treatment from traditional medical practitioners (TMPs). The African ‘snakebite crisis’ is highlighted here using regionally representative complementary data from a community-based epidemiological and ecological study in the savanna zone of northern Ghana. Methodology and findings Our baseline study involved two data collection methods in the Savelugu-Nanton District (in 2019 the district was separated into Savelugu and Nanton districts) in northern Ghana, comprising a cross-sectional study of 1,000 residents and 24 TMPs between December 2008 and May 2009. Semi-structured interviews, as well as collection of retrospective snakebite and concurrent rainfall records from the Savelugu-Nanton District Hospital and Ghana Meteorological Authority respectively over 10-years (1999–2008) were used in the study. Variables tested included demography, human activity patterns, seasonality, snake ecology and clinical reports. Complementary data showed higher snakebite prevalence during the rainy season, and a hump-shaped correlation between rainfall intensity and snakebite incidences. Almost 6% of respondents had experienced a personal snakebite, whereas ~60% of respondents had witnessed a total of 799 snakebite cases. Out of a total of 857 reported snakebite cases, 24 (~2.8%) died. The highest snakebite prevalence was recorded for males in the age group 15–44 years during farming activities, with most bites occurring in the leg/foot region. The highest snakebite rate was within farmlands, most severe bites frequently caused by the Carpet viper (Echis ocellatus). Conclusion The relatively high community-based prevalence of ~6%, and case fatality ratio of ~3%, indicate that snakebites represent an important public health risk in northern Ghana. Based on the high number of respondents and long recording period, we believe these data truly reflect the general situation in the rural northern savanna zone of Ghana and West Africa at large. We recommend increased efforts from both local and international health authorities to address the current snakebite health crisis generally compromising livelihoods and productivity of rural farming communities in West Africa.
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    Impact of Mining and Forest Regeneration on Small Mammal Biodiversity in the Western Region of Ghana
    (Environmental Monitoring and Assessment, 2017-04) Attuquayefio, D.K.; Owusu, E.H.; Ofori, B.Y.
    Much of the terrestrial biodiversity in sub-Saharan Africa is supported by tropical rainforest. Natural resource development, particularly surface mining in the rainforest, poses great risks to the region’s rich and endemic biodiversity. Here, we assessed the impact of surface mining and the success of forest rehabilitation on small mammal diversity in the Western Region of Ghana. We surveyed small mammals in the project area and two adjoining forest reserves (control sites) before the mining operation and 10 years after mine closure and forest rehabilitation (topsoil replacement and revegetation). The forest reserves recorded higher species abundance than the mining areas. Majority of the species captured in the forest reserves, including Hylomyscus alleni, Praomys tullbergi, Malacomys cansdalei, and Hybomys trivirgatus, are forest obligate species. Only one individual each of H. alleni and P. tullbergi was captured in the naturally regenerated areas (core areas of mining activities that were allowed to revegetate naturally), while 32 individuals belonging to four species (Lophuromys sikapusi, Mus musculoides, Mastomys erythroleucus, and Crocidura olivieri) were recorded in the rehabilitated areas. Our data suggested negative effects of mining on small mammal diversity and the restoration of species diversity and important ecological processes after rehabilitation of altered habitats. We strongly encourage deliberate conservation efforts, particularly the development of management plans that require the restoration of degraded land resulting from mining activities.
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    The secondary impact of mining on primates and other medium to large mammals in forest reserves in southwestern Ghana
    (Extractive Industries and Society, 2018-01) Owusu, E.H.; Ofori, B.Y.; Attuquayefio, D.K.
    The upsurge of mining in Africa promises substantial economic development opportunities, but poses serious threats to the continent’s natural environment and rich biodiversity. We assessed the impact of mining on medium to large mammals in the Western Region of Ghana. We surveyed mammals in the project area and two forest reserves (FRs) before the commencement of mining operations and 10 years after mine closure and forest rehabilitation. The methodology involved direct and indirect observations along transects as well as focus group discussions. We found declines in species diversity of primates and other medium to large mammals in the core mining areas and within FRs. Forest rehabilitation after mine closure did not allow recovery of mammals in the core areas to previous levels in the FRs, as potential sources of colonisers from the FRs were removed. The discussants consumed bushmeat regularly, and agreed that mammal diversity in the area had declined due to noise from mining operations and hunting within FRs. Our data suggest that mining impacted negatively on medium to large mammal diversity. Greater management effort is needed to regulate hunting in forest reserves adjoining mining areas to avoid extirpation of primates and other wildlife species from Ghana’s rainforest.
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    Species distribution of kobs (Kobus kob) in the Shai Hills Resource Reserve: an exploratory analysis
    (Environmental Monitoring and Assessment, 2018-02) Antwi, R.A.; Owusu, E.H.; Attuquayefio, D.K.
    The well-being of a species fundamentally rests on understanding its biology, home range, and distribution. The highly seasonal distribution of kobs poses conservation and management difficulties, particularly because of the capricious nature of the ever-changing ecological and vegetation dynamics of the ecosystem. Assessing the distribution of kobs and their associated vegetation provides insight into the vulnerability and conservation status of the species. Species distribution and habitat suitability maps were developed and created respectively for the management of kobs in the Shai Hills Resource Reserve. Kob presence data collected was analyzed using the spatial analyst and Hawth’s tool in the ArcGIS software where the gradients of kob distribution within the protected area landscape were plotted and mapped. Seven environmental variables including location, land cover/use, slope/elevation, nearness to dams and rivers, temperature, and rainfall were considered to have effect on kob distribution pattern and as such used in the development of species distribution and habitat suitability maps. The results indicated that kobs in the Shai Hills Resource Reserve (SHRR) assume a clumped or contagious distribution pattern where individual kobs are aggregated in patches. Rainfall, temperature, nearness to dams and rivers, slope/elevation, and land cover/use had influence in kob distribution. Of all the cataloged habitats, 86, 13, and 1% were moderately suitable, suitable, and unsuitable, respectively. Long-term survival of species depends on adequately large areas of suitable habitats and opportunities for home range activities between such areas. As such, it is recommended that suitable habitats for kobs be dedicated and designated as conservation areas, especially areas along the western boundary.
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    Urban green area provides refuge for native small mammal biodiversity in a rapidly expanding city in Ghana
    (Environmental Monitoring and Assessment, 2018-07) Ofori, B.Y.; Garshong, R.A.; Gbogbo, F.; Owusu, E.H.; Attuquayefio, D.K.
    Urbanization is a key driver of global biodiversity loss. Although sub-Saharan African countries are experiencing unprecedented urbanization and urban expansion, very little is known about how this impacts tropical biodiversity. Here, we assessed the effects of urban expansion and urban green space on local small mammal species diversity in Accra, Ghana. We surveyed small mammals in the University of Ghana botanical garden, an urban green area (UGA) and adjoining built-up environment (BE) and compared the results with baseline data (BLD) collected when large areas of the current city still remained mostly undeveloped. The methodology involved live-trapping using Sherman collapsible live-traps. Our data showed higher small mammal abundance and diversity in the UGA than BE. Similarity of species composition was higher between UGA and BLD than between BE and BLD. The small mammal species captured in BE (the rodents Mastomys erythroleucus, Rattus rattus, and Arvicanthis rufinus, and the shrew Crocidura olivieri) are known to easily adapt to human-modified landscapes. Our results suggest that urbanization negatively influenced the abundance, diversity, and community composition of small mammals. Efforts should be directed towards the integration of urban green areas into urban land development planning in developing countries in order to conserve local wildlife and ecological services that enhance the quality of urban life.
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    The Boabeng-Fiema Monkey Sanctuary, Ghana: A case for blending traditional and introduced wildlife conservation systems
    (West African Journal of Applied Ecology, 2010-07) Attuquayefio, D.K.; Gyampoh, S.
    The introduction of nationally-managed "western"-style protected area systems in Africa often led to antagonism between government authorities and local communities, because rural communities, which were largely excluded and displaced, often resorted to unsustainable activities like encroachment for settlement, illegal hunting and farming. It is the view of most biodiversity conservationists, however, that the management of natural resources must take into consideration both the introduced "western" model and traditional or local knowledge. The study aimed at assessing the Boabeng-Fiema Monkey Sanctuary in Ghana, as an example of blending traditional and introduced wildlife conservation systems, using interviews and questionnaire to obtain information from a cross-section of inhabitants of the area. The results indicated that the dual management system in operation at present has been largely successful, as the inhabitants appear to support the mechanisms put in place to manage the Sanctuary. Policy recommendations proposed to further enhance this success are in the areas of research and monitoring, education and awareness, tourism improvement, and introduction of community incentive schemes.