Department of Animal Biology and Conservation Science (DABCS)
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Item Wildlife species as potential sources of human exposure to parasitic pathogens in Accra, Ghana(West African Journal of Applied Ecology, 2019-08-23) Aboagye, I.F.; Nkansa-Gyamfi, N.A.; Obimpeh, M.A.; Ansa-Tuah, A.K.; Owusu, E.H.Handling and consumption of wildlife species pose risks of exposure to the infective stages of parasitic pathogens and disease transmission. This study assessed protozoan and helminth infections in some wildlife species commonly consumed as meat in Accra, Ghana. Using Zinc Sulphate centrifugal flotation and microscopic techniques, seven protozoan species (Entamoeba sp., Giardia sp. Iodamoeba sp., Cryptosporidium sp., Balantidium sp., Endolimax sp. and Eimeria sp.) and 11 genera of intestinal helminths including Haemonchus, Trichostrongylus, Ascaris, Monieza, Schistosoma and Trichuris were identified. Kruskal-Wallis tests showed significant difference in intensity of protozoan [χ2(3) = 11.59; p = 0.009] and helminth [χ2(3) = 31.41; p < 0.0001] infections among the four groups of wildlife species. For protozoans, the differences were observed between the mean cyst and oocyst (Cryptosporidium sp.) intensities of Maxwell’s Duiker and Bushbuck (U = 5, p = 0.006) as well as Grasscutter and Bushbuck (U = 3, p = 0.004). However, the differences in mean helminth egg intensities were observed between Grasscutter and Maxwell’s Duiker (U = 6, p < 0.0001), Grasscutter and Bushbuck (U = 16, p < 0.0001) as well as Grasscutter and Royal Antelope (U = 4, p < 0.0001). The results highlight the need for awareness of the risks of parasitic diseases as a prerequisite for their effective prevention.Item 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.Item 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.Item 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.Item Economic Growth as a Major Cause of Environmental Crisis: Comment to Ripple et al.(BioScience, 2018-03) Pacheco, L.F.; Altrichter, M.; Beck, H.; Buchori, D.; Owusu, E.H.Economic Growth as a Major Cause of Environmental Crisis: Comment to Ripple et al. We have read with great interest the “World Scientists’ Warning to Humanity: Second Notice” article, by Ripple and colleagues (2017). We believe they touch major points and concur with them that the time is ripe for a new call for change. Although Ripple and colleagues raise several important points, as the authors of the first warning to humanity (Union of Concerned Scientists 1992) did years ago, we are highly concerned that one major cause of global environmental crisis—economic growth—has been overlooked. Although Ripple and colleagues call for a reassessment of our economy rooted in growth, none of the twelve recommended examples of effective steps toward sustainability touches economic growth directly. Here, we argue that economic growth is one of the two major causes of the environ- mental crisis, along with population growth, which is correctly addressed by Ripple and colleagues (2017). A transition to sustainability cannot be achieved if our economic system is not radically changed, simply because lim- itless economic growth is impossible within a limited planet.Item 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.Item An evaluation of the level of human disturbance to waterbirds at Mole National Park in Ghana(Wetlands Ecology and Management, 2018-08) Aikins, T.K.; Gbogbo, F.; Owusu, E.H.Anthropogenic activities including recreation were known to cause disturbances to waterbirds in their natural habitat. The Mole National Park, which is considered the largest and oldest in Ghana, attracted significant number of tourists over the years, and consequently induced pressures and disturbances to waterbirds. Thus, there is a need to study the human-wildlife interactions and conflicts. This study established the species list of waterbirds at Mole between August 2015 and February 2016, assessed the nature and levels of human disturbance to the birds and determined the alert and flight initiation distances of selected species. A total of 29 waterbird species were recorded of which White-faced Whistling Duck was the most abundant. At a flush rate of 2.5 per hour with each flush lasting 34.0 s, waterbirds at the park spend 85.0 s/h as a result of flushing of which only 17.6 s/h was attributed to human disturbance. Majority of the flushes (70.5%) were caused by indeterminate factors but the potential adverse impact of human induced flushing and the need to minimize or prevent increased rates in the park was indicated by birds perceiving disturbance from tourist/staff to be of the same risk as predation. It was recommended that a setback distance based on the longest Alert Distance (120.8 ± 31.9 m) and Flight Initiation Distance (32.7 ± 23.8 m), both of which were recorded for the Grey Heron, should be considered in the management of the park’s wetlands. © 2018, Springer Science+Business Media B.V., part of Springer Nature.Item Seasonal variation in species richness and abundance of waterbirds in Mole National Park, Ghana: Implication for conservation and ecotourism(Koedoe, 2018-10) Aikins, T.K.; Gbogbo, F.; Owusu, E.H.Mole National Park is the largest and the oldest national park in Ghana and an important bird area, yet its waterbird fauna is poorly documented because it is situated in the northern ecological zone far away from the coast of Ghana. Information on the seasonal variation in the park's bird abundance and diversity is generally patchy but necessary for effective birdwatching planning and management of the park's birds. Therefore, as a guide to potential ecotourists interested in waterbirds, this study described the seasonal variation in waterbird species diversity and abundance at Mole National Park. As waterbirds mostly congregate around open wetlands and their abundance is more appropriately determined by counting all individuals in the congregant, data were collected using the total area count of waterbirds from August 2015 to October 2015 (the wet season) and from December 2015 to February 2016 (the dry season). Secondary data on arrival of tourists in the park were also analysed. The park's waterbird species richness was 29 in the dry season compared to 18 in the wet season. There was significant difference (p < 0.05) in the abundance of waterbirds in the dry season in which 4014 waterbirds were encountered compared to 646 in the wet season. The yearly tourist arrival data at Mole National Park shows an increasing trend with peak visitation period occurring during the wet season. The chances of tourists encountering more species and numbers of waterbirds in the park are higher in the dry season compared to the wet season. Conservation implications: Species richness and abundance of waterbirds in Mole National Park varied according to the wet and dry seasons with both the number of species and abundance higher in the dry season than the wet season. It is therefore indicative that most birdwatchers who visit the park in the wet season miss out on a number of species and numbers of waterbirds. To achieve effective birdwatching, management should schedule birdwatching activities to coincide with the dry season as the chances of encountering more species and numbers of waterbirds are higher.Item Terrestrial birds of the Muni-Pomadze Ramsar site(Biodiversity and Conservation, 2000-01) Ntiamoa-Baidu, Y.; Owusu, E.H.; Daramani, D.T.This study was undertaken as part of the environmental baseline studies designed under the Ghana Coastal Wetlands Management Project to collect data for the description of the ecological character of selected coastal wetland sites in Ghana and provide baseline data for long-term monitoring of the sites. We provide data on the species richness, species composition, relative abundance and conservation status of terrestrial avifauna of the Muni-Pomadze Ramsar site. The terrestrial bird study was concentrated in the two reserved forest blocks, Yenku Blocks A and B within the Ramsar site. A total of 114 species belonging to 25 families were recorded. Of this, the Yenku Block A site contributed 57 species belonging to 16 avian families, while the Yenku Block B reserve contributed 91 species belonging to 24 families. The most dominant group at both sites was the Muscicapidae. Encounter rates ranged from 12.0 to 28.7 species per km and 34.7 to 141.3 individual birds per km at Yenku Block A; and 14.0 to 26.0 species per km and 45.3 to 172.7 birds per km at Block B. Mist net catch rates were 1.9 to 2.2 birds per 100 mnh and 1.8 to 4.9 birds per 100 mnh at Block A and Block B respectively. The Little Greenbul was the dominant species in the transect counts at Block A, accounting for 16% of bird sightings, and five species, Grey-backed Camaroptera, Blue-bill, Olive Sunbird, Yellow-whiskered Greenbul and Grey-headed Bristle-bill accounted for nearly 60% of the mist net captures at the site. At Block B the dominant species in transect counts was the Barbary Shrike while the Yellow-mantled Whydah dominated the mist net captures. The status of the vegetation at the sites influenced the species composition and bird communities found. The Yenku Block A site had the greatest number of forest associated species and the highest proportion of rare/uncommon bird species (10.5% of total number of species recorded). Moulting was observed in 11 species of birds and evidence of breeding activity was observed in 13 species. The site supported seven species of birds listed as wholly protected on Ghana's list of protected species and 20 biome restricted species, comprising 19 Guinea-Congo forest biome restricted species and one Sudan/Guinea savannah biome restricted species. Despite the degraded nature of the Muni forest, the terrestrial bird species richness and composition is of sufficiently high conservation value for the site to merit more effective protection and management.Item Avifauna of two upland evergreen forest reserves, the Atewa range and Tano Offin, in Ghana(Ostrich, 2000-03) Ntiamoa-Baidu, Y.; Asamoah, S.A.; Owusu, E.H.; Owusu-Boateng, K.Data are presented on the avifauna of two Upland Evergreen forest reserves in Ghana: Atewa Range Forest Reserve and the Tano Offin Forest Reserve. The data obtained for the two reserves using three survey techniques: transect counts, timed species counts and mist-netting are compared. A total of 105 species were recorded for the Atewa Range Forest Reserve while the Tano-Offin Forest Reserve yielded 110 species. Mean species encounter rate in the transect counts at Atewa was 24.2 per km while individual bird encounter rate was 52.6 per km; encounter rates at Tano Offin were 31.2 per km. and 98.2 per km for species and individual birds respectively. The most common species encountered in Atewa was the Yellow-whiskered Greenbul Andropadus latimstris (7.1% of observations in transect counts and 6.7% in spot counts), while the Green-crested Touraco (6.6% of transect counts) and Green Hylia (5.7% of spot counts) were the most abundant at Tan0 Offin. The records for Atewa included four globally threatened species while Tano yielded three threatened species. Two species of birds, the Equatorial Akalat Sheppardia aequatorialis and the yellow-bellied Greenbul Phyllastrepus flavostn’atus were recorded for the first time in Ghana from the two reserves. The bird community at Tan0 Ofin was significantly more diverse than that at Atewa. In both reserves, spot counts yielded more species (67.6% and 74.5% of total recorded at Atewa and Tan0 respectively), than transect counts and mist nets. 31 species recorded in both spot counts and transect counts at Atewa were not captured in mist nets, while nine species caught in mist nets were not recorded by the two methods. The figures for the Tano Offin reserve were 43 and six respectively. We conclude that of the three survey techniques, the timed species counts offer the most comprehensive results for rapid assessment of forest avifauna, but a combination of all three methods is necessary for complete coverage. The need for management of the two reserves to maintain their unique biodiversity in the face-of threats from mining and logging is discussed. © 2000, Taylor & Francis Group, LLC. All rights reserved.
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