Publications
Afrolepisma zairense
A new species of silverfish, Afrolepisma zairense, has been documented exclusively within Garamba National Park, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). This discovery highlights the unique biodiversity of the region, with the species found only at its type locality, Nalugwambala, in shrub savanna habitat. The study confirms its ecological association with soil at the base of Acacia sieneriana trees and adheres to recent taxonomic rulings regarding genus gender. This research contributes to the understanding of lesser-known invertebrate diversity within UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Freshwater invertebrates of Garamba National Park (Haut- Uele/ DRC): conservation assessment
A comprehensive assessment of Garamba National Park's freshwater invertebrate biodiversity reveals that 44 families were identified, with insects dominating the aquatic fauna. The study highlights significant correlations between water physicochemical properties—such as depth, temperature, total dissolved solids (TDS), and substrate types—and macrozoobenthos community composition and diversity. Notably, changes in vegetation and increased human activities within and around the park have altered invertebrate compositions over time. Researchers recommend long-term monitoring of these species and their habitats, accounting for seasonal variations, alongside stricter legislation to mitigate anthropogenic impacts.
Cartographie et analyse des dynamiques d'appropriation territoriale. Entre la conservation, l'exploitation minière et la migration: étude géopolitique et socio-environnementale des nouvelles formes contemporaines d'occupation du Territoire de Faradje
Rapid transformations in land use and governance are reshaping the Territory of Faradje, northeastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), driven by refugee migration, park expansion, mining exploitation, and nomadic herding. These changes, often occurring outside legal frameworks, are fragmenting traditional territories, increasing resource pressure, and generating social tensions. The study reveals that conservation efforts in Garamba National Park conflict with local land-use practices, while unregulated mining causes ecological damage and displacement. Mbororo herders' presence further exacerbates land and security conflicts. Urgent reforms in territorial mapping and governance are needed to address these challenges through transparency, recognition of local rights, and inclusive dialogue.
Ethnozoological Knowledge of Buffalo (Syncerus Caffer, Sperman, 1779) in the Garamba National Park (Haut-Uélé, DRC) for DOI 10.35759/JAnmPlSci.v64-1.4
Local communities in Garamba National Park (DRC) hold deep ethnozoological knowledge about the African buffalo, highlighting its multifaceted role in their lives. The study reveals that buffalo are vital for food, medicine, and cultural practices, with meat serving as a primary protein source and by-products used in remedies. While 69% of participants view them as valuable tourist attractions, concerns about aggression were noted (24.5%), alongside recognition of their ecological role in seed dispersal (6.8%). Knowledge is predominantly transmitted orally (84%), underscoring its importance for conservation efforts. The research, based on surveys of 429 individuals using the Kobocollect app, emphasizes integrating local knowledge into sustainable biodiversity management strategies.
Isognathotermes antennalis
A recent taxonomic revision reclassifies Isognathotermes antennalis as a junior synonym of I. ugandensis ugandensis, resolving a long-standing uncertainty in termite taxonomy. The study, based on examinations of syntype subsamples and historical literature review, clarifies the species' placement within the genus Isognathotermes and its relationship to other subspecies. The research confirms that the 14-segmented antennae of I. antennalis soldiers, previously noted as distinctive, align with the morphological range of I. ugandensis. This revision builds on prior work by Williams (1966) and Krishna et al. (2013), integrating new insights from Hellemans et al. (2021). The findings contribute to a clearer understanding of termite biodiversity, particularly in UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Garamba National Park, where the species was first documented by Emerson (1928).
Micranops lacustris
A comprehensive taxonomic reassessment of the beetle species Micranops lacustris reveals its widespread distribution across northern sub-Saharan Africa, extending from Gambia and Senegal in the west to regions near Lake Victoria in Uganda. The study confirms new records for Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Gambia, Senegal, and South Sudan, while synonymizing Scopaeus fragilis under M. lacustris based on morphological analysis of type specimens. Researchers examined authentic syntypes from multiple collections, including those from the Field Museum of Natural History (Chicago) and the Natural History Museum (London), to validate taxonomic decisions. The species is characterized by its light brown to medium brown coloration, macropterous morphology, and distinct aedeagal structures in males. Collected using light traps, M. lacustris demonstrates flight capability, contributing to its broad geographic range.
Evaluation of an Innovative Rosette Flight Plan Design for Wildlife Aerial Surveys with UAS
An innovative rosette flight plan for UAS (unmanned aerial systems) wildlife surveys demonstrates comparable accuracy to traditional transect methods while significantly reducing sampling rates. Simulations showed that aggregating four repetitions of the rosette design achieves acceptable density estimates for antelopes, though it remains less precise for highly gregarious species like buffaloes. The study, conducted in Garamba National Park, highlights the potential of this method as a cost-effective alternative to manned aerial surveys, particularly for remote conservation areas. Despite logistical challenges, advancements such as solar-powered UASs could further enhance its feasibility.
Conservation Genomics of Two Threatened Subspecies of Northern Giraffe: The West African and the Kordofan Giraffe
Two critically endangered subspecies of northern giraffe, the West African and Kordofan, exhibit concerning genetic trends despite recent population recoveries. Analysis of 119 mitochondrial sequences and 26 whole genomes reveals a gradual decline in effective population size over the past 10,000 years for both subspecies, with higher recent inbreeding levels observed in the West African giraffe and Kordofan populations within Garamba National Park. While genome-wide heterozygosity remains moderate compared to other giraffe species, genetic differentiation exists between eastern and western Kordofan populations, suggesting fragmented distribution. These findings underscore the ongoing threats of habitat loss, climate change, and poaching, necessitating close genetic monitoring to preempt further declines in these vulnerable subspecies.
Diet DNA reveals novel African Forest elephant ecology on the grasslands of the Congo Basin
A groundbreaking study reveals that African forest elephants, typically frugivorous browsers, exhibit behavioral plasticity and shift their diet to include grasses during the early wet season in Garamba National Park. This challenges traditional ecological roles by demonstrating their potential as ecosystem drivers in grasslands, akin to savanna elephants. Researchers used diet DNA metabarcoding of non-invasively collected dung samples alongside GPS collar data to assess habitat use and dietary niche partitioning among megaherbivores. The findings highlight the forest elephants' unique role in maintaining grassland biodiversity, with males showing greater risk-taking behavior by foraging on fruit in human-altered landscapes. This adaptive behavior suggests a functional role for this recovering population in restoring and sustaining these ecosystems.
Analysis of Climate Variability and Relation to Vegetation in Garamba National Park from 1990-2020
A significant inverse correlation between temperature and precipitation (r = -0.876, p < 0.00001) was identified in Garamba National Park over three decades, with precipitation showing a positive association with vegetation indices (NDVI: r = 0.496; EVI: r = 0.496). The study analyzed climate-vegetation relationships using non-parametric tests and statistical analyses, revealing that increased rainfall corresponds to higher vegetation density. This finding underscores the sensitivity of Garamba's unique savanna-forest mosaic ecosystem to climatic shifts, critical for its conservation as a UNESCO-listed site.
Markus Borner, a life at the conservation front line
Markus Borner, a pioneering conservationist with the Frankfurt Zoological Society (FZS), left an indelible mark on African wildlife protection through his 43-year career. His strategic approach—empowering local rangers and governments while maintaining unwavering focus on conservation priorities—contributed to the establishment of iconic protected areas, including Garamba National Park, Serengeti, and Virunga. Borner’s legacy lies in his ability to foster political commitment for wilderness preservation, often operating in high-risk regions like post-war DRC and Zimbabwe. His work extended beyond species protection (e.g., rhinos, gorillas) to community-based conservation, leaving a lasting impact on Tanzanian scientists and global biodiversity efforts. Recognized with the Blue Planet Prize (2016), Borner’s pragmatic leadership and mentorship shaped modern conservation strategies.
Population structure and spatial ecology of Kordofan giraffe in Garamba National Park, Democratic Republic of Congo
Garamba National Park harbors one of the last isolated populations of Kordofan giraffe, with urgent conservation action needed to protect its remaining 45 individuals. This study reveals that the population is female-dominated and adult-heavy, with a limited distribution concentrated in the park's south-central sector. Surprisingly large home ranges, averaging 934.3 km² using autocorrelated kernel density estimation (AKDE) and 268.8 km² using traditional kernel density estimation (KDE), were observed despite the park's high humidity. The research employed GPS satellite collars and direct observations from September 2016 to August 2017, utilizing Continuous-Time Movement Modeling (CTMM) to analyze distribution patterns and movement dynamics. These findings highlight critical insights for informed conservation strategies.
Wildlife and warfare: a case study of pachyderms in Garamba National Park, DRC
Garamba National Park, DRC, demonstrates resilience in biodiversity conservation amid armed conflict. Over 40 years of systematic aerial surveys reveal trends in large mammal populations, particularly pachyderms, influenced by eight conflict crises and periods of peace between 1960 and 2016. The study highlights the park's ability to sustain wildlife despite international support fluctuations, offering critical lessons on conservation strategies during armed conflicts. Unlike typical scenarios where conflicts deter funding, Garamba serves as a model for maintaining biodiversity even in unstable environments.
Impacts of bush fires on biodiversity of Sudanian and Zambezian savanna of the Democratic Republic of Congo – Case study on three protected areas: Upemba, Kundelungu and Garamba national parks, and Bombo-Lumene hunting domain from 2000 to 2014.
A study analyzing the impact of bush fires on biodiversity in four protected areas of the Democratic Republic of Congo—Garamba, Upemba, Kundelungu national parks, and Bombo-Lumene hunting domain—revealed significant habitat loss due to fire activity from 2000 to 2014. Over 22,000 hectares of forest cover were lost, with the highest fire intensity occurring during the long dry season. The research identified fire hotspots through thematic mapping and proposed strategies for sustainable fire management in these ecosystems, which are also threatened by poaching. By quantifying fire points across the regions (ranging from 6,509 to 59,122), the study underscores the dual pressure of bush fires and wildlife poaching on Sudanian and Zambezian savannas.
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