Publications
Linking crop availability, forest elephant visitation and perceptions of human–elephant interactions in villages bordering Ivindo National Park, Gabon
A study reveals that forest elephant visits to rural villages near Gabon's Ivindo National Park are strongly linked to local crop availability, though this pattern varies among individuals. Using GPS tracking data from two elephants and surveys of 101 farmers across seven villages, researchers found a positive correlation between crop planting/harvesting cycles and elephant visitation, driven primarily by one individual. Local perceptions of elephant behavior aligned with empirical data, with crops (53%) and logging (39%) cited as key attractants. Farmers proposed solutions like government intervention (32%), lethal removal (30%), or compensation (22%). The findings highlight the complexity of predicting human-elephant interactions and underscore the need for targeted research in high-conflict zones, while also exploring the feasibility of proposed mitigation strategies.
Tenebrionidae (Coleoptera) from Ivindo National Park in Gabon, Central Africa, with descriptions of four new species
A recent study of Tenebrionidae beetles from Ivindo National Park, Gabon, identifies four new species: Enicmosoma ivindoense, Platydema telnovi, Diaclina gabonica, and Uloma gabonica. The research, which analyzed 72 species across three subfamilies (excluding Alleculinae and Lagriini), highlights the biodiversity of this UNESCO-listed park. Challenges in definitive identification persist due to the lack of comprehensive taxonomic revisions for some genera. This discovery underscores the importance of Ivindo National Park as a hotspot for beetle diversity, contributing valuable data for conservation efforts.
Species Composition and Diurnal Activity Rhythm of Tabanids (Diptera: Tabanidae) at the Ivindo National Park and Its Environs
A study conducted at Ivindo National Park (INP) and surrounding areas revealed significant differences in tabanid species composition and diurnal activity between secondary forest and anthropized environments. Tabanids, particularly those of the genus Tabanus, were more abundant in the forest (7.12 per trap/day) compared to village-town sites (0.77 per trap/day), with a peak activity period between 12-14H in INP and 14-16H in anthropized areas, dominated by females. Eleven species of Tabanus were recorded at INP, with T. taeniola being the most prevalent (57.76%), alongside two species of Chrysops and one of Haematopota, which were exclusively found in the park. In contrast, village-town sites hosted five Tabanus species, with T. ricardae dominating (73.91%). The study highlights the ecological differences in tabanid populations between protected and human-altered landscapes.
Potamonautes nheenae, a new species of freshwater crab from Gabon, Central Africa, with a description of the first known male of Erimetopus brazzae (A. Milne-Edwards, 1886) from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Central Africa (Brachyura: Potamoidea: Potamonautidae)
A new species of freshwater crab, Potamonautes nheenae, has been discovered in Ivindo National Park, Gabon. This crab is distinguished by unique morphological traits, including its male first gonopod, anterior sternum, mouthparts, and major cheliped, setting it apart from other species in the region. It is closely related to Potamonautes paecilei from the Lower Congo River basin. Additionally, the study provides the first detailed illustration of a male specimen of Erimetopus brazzae, a rare freshwater crab species from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, since its original description in 1886.
Repartition Des Glossines Dans La Province De L’ogooue Ivindo Ancien Foyer De Trypanosomose Humaine Africaine
A recent study reveals that the Ogooué Ivindo province in Gabon, historically a focal region for Human African Trypanosomosis (HAT), remains infested with tsetse flies, major vectors of the disease. The research identified seven species of Glossina, with Glossina palpalis palpalis being the most abundant at 46%, followed by Glossina fusca congolensis and Glossina nashi. The study employed Vavoua and Nzi traps across four distinct habitats: Ivindo National Park, Zadié Village, Forest of Zadié, and Momba clearing, capturing a total of 2383 flies. These findings underscore the ongoing risk of HAT transmission in the region, emphasizing the need for further monitoring to assess its epidemiological significance on human health.
Distribution and abundance of hematophagous flies (Glossinidae,Stomoxys, and Tabanidae) in two national parks of Gabon
A seasonal inventory of hematophagous flies in Ivindo and Moukalaba-Doudou National Parks, Gabon, revealed distinct habitat preferences among three fly groups: Glossinidae, Stomoxys, and Tabanidae. Glossinidae, the most abundant group (60% of captures), thrived in primary forests and research camps, while Stomoxys (28%) were more prevalent in secondary forests and village borders in Ivindo Park, or savannahs in Moukalaba-Doudou Park. Tabanidae showed no clear habitat preference. This study highlights the ecological differentiation of these fly populations, which could inform pathogen transmission risk management in ecotourism development.
Inventory of potential vectors of trypanosoma and infection rate of the Tsetse fly in the National Park of Ivindo, Gabon
A study conducted in Gabon's Ivindo National Park has revealed that tsetse flies, potential vectors of trypanosomiasis, are infected with Trypanosoma parasites. This finding underscores the risk of human and animal trypanosomiasis infection within the park. The research involved an inventory of tsetse fly species and an assessment of their infection rates. Conducted by a team from Gabon, the study highlights the importance of monitoring vector-borne diseases in protected areas to mitigate public health risks.
Trade of the most popular Indigenous fruits and nuts, threats and opportunities for their sustainable management around the Ivindo National Park (INP), Gabon
A study on the trade of indigenous fruits and nuts around Ivindo National Park (INP), Gabon, reveals that Coula edulis, Irvingia gabonensis, and Dacryodes buettneri are the most sold species, with I. gabonensis fetching the highest prices and serving as a significant income source for sellers. Despite their importance, sellers acknowledge resource decline driven by logging, climate change, and unsustainable harvesting practices. The research, based on semi-structured interviews with 79 market sellers near INP, highlights the need for innovative mechanisms to regulate demand and sustainably manage these resources. It also underscores the role of social factors like marital status and ethnicity in trade participation and suggests further studies on quota-based harvesting approaches.
Large-scale automatic acoustic monitoring of African forest elephants' calls in the terrestrial acoustic recordings
An automatic detection system for African forest elephants' rumble calls, developed and tested using 432 hours of acoustic recordings from eight locations in Gabon, achieved a true positive rate of 79.19% with just 5.70 false positives per hour. The system's F1-score reached 0.77 when a high score threshold was applied, demonstrating its effectiveness in processing large-scale acoustic data. Applied to a dataset spanning 420 days over three years from Ivindo National Park, the system revealed distinct seasonal and daily patterns of call activity, as well as temporal variations, offering valuable insights into the communication behavior of these elusive animals.
Regulation of usages and dependency on indigenous fruits (IFs) for livelihoods sustenance of rural households: A case study of the Ivindo National Park (INP), Gabon
A comprehensive study of the Ivindo National Park (INP) in Gabon reveals that indigenous fruits (IFs) play a crucial role in the livelihoods of rural households, serving as both a food source and income generator. The research, involving 152 households near the park and 100 farther away, found that nearly all participants (99.2%) harvested six fruit species, with Coula edulis, Dacriodes buettneri, and Irvingia gabonensis being the most popular due to their higher market prices. The study highlights significant variations in usage trends based on ethnic group, distance from the park, and residential period, emphasizing the need for flexible regulations to balance resource conservation with rural livelihoods.
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