Western lowland gorilla populations and logging concessions: is the coexistence possible?

Conference (2013, April)

Timber exploitation is rapidly expanding throughout the Congo Basin. Around 26 % of the moist forests are devoted to logging activities. Logging concessions largely overlap with the range of western ... [more ▼]

Timber exploitation is rapidly expanding throughout the Congo Basin. Around 26 % of the moist forests are devoted to logging activities. Logging concessions largely overlap with the range of western lowland gorilla (WLG) considered as critically endangered by IUCN. However, this species could play an essential role in maintaining vegetal diversity notably through seed dispersal services. Particularly some tree species harvested for their timber may be dispersed by WLG. In this communication interactions between WLG and a timber exploitation are studied in Central Gabon. WLG density is estimated in an Annual Allowable Cut (AAC), and nesting behavior is described. Seeds dispersed by WLG are identified through fecal analysis and germination trials are conducted to assess seed viability after gut passage. Four treatments are realized for the most abundant species: passed seeds, passed seeds in fecal matrix, seeds surrounded by fresh pulp and seeds extracted from fresh fruits. A relatively high WLG density is observed in the AAC (2.0 weaned gorillas/km²). WLG nest preferentially in open terra firme forest and frequently use old logging road covered with herbaceous vegetation for nesting and feeding. They avoid nesting in closed terra firme forest. Seed dispersal and impacts of the passage in gorilla’s gut on seed germination are currently described. Germination success after gut passage depends on the seed species and varies from 0.0 to 100% in the course of monitoring time. The first results of this study suggest that timber exploitation and WLG conservation are not mutually exclusive. WLG are important agents of forest regeneration by dispersing seeds in logged areas. Nest sites in logging gaps could be particularly favorable for seedlings development. This consideration must encourage forest managers to strengthen WLG-conservative practices in their concessions. [less ▲]

Directed seed dispersal by western lowland gorillas (G. g. gorilla) at nest sites in Southeast Cameroon: implications for regeneration of logged forests

in Primate Tidings (2012)

Interactions between western lowland gorillas (Gorilla gorilla gorilla Savage & Wyman 1847) and timber exploitation: Preliminary insights in a Gabonese logging concession

Poster (2012, August 15)

Interactions between western lowland gorillas (WLG) and a timber exploitation were studied in Central Gabon. WLG densities were estimated in two sites with different logging histories (not logged vs ... [more ▼]

Interactions between western lowland gorillas (WLG) and a timber exploitation were studied in Central Gabon. WLG densities were estimated in two sites with different logging histories (not logged vs. logged one month before), and nesting behavior was described. Seeds dispersed by WLG were identified through fecal analysis and germination trials assessed seed viability after gut passage. Four treatments were realized for the most abundant species: passed seeds, passed seeds in fecal matrix, seeds surrounded by fresh pulp and seeds extracted from fresh fruits. Relatively high WLG densities were observed in the concession (3.7 weaned gorillas/km² in unlogged forest and 1.7 weaned gorillas/km² in logged forest). WLG nested preferentially in open areas (particularly open terra firme and swamp forest) and frequently used old logging road network for nesting and feeding. WLG dispersed sixteen species during the course of the study (February-May 2011). The most dispersed species was Santiria trimera (Burseraceae). The germination successes of S. trimera were significantly higher after gut passage (N=378; P<0.001) because of pulp removal and seed coat scarification. This pilot study suggests that timber exploitation and WLG conservation are not mutually exclusive. WLG are important agents of forest regeneration by dispersing seeds in logged areas. Nest sites in logging gaps could be particularly favorable for seedlings development. This consideration must encourage forest managers to strengthen WLG-conservative practices in their concessions. [less ▲]

Plant-animal mutualistic interaction: the case of the western lowland gorilla and the trees of the Uapaca genus in southeast Cameroon

Conference (2012)

Preliminary insight into seed effectiveness of western lowland gorilla (Gorilla g.gorilla)

in Primate Tidings (2011, December), 25

Evaluating the effectiveness of a 10-years old great ape conservation project in Cameroon

in Pan Africa News (2011), 18(2), 21-23

Preliminary insight into seed dispersal effectiveness of western lowland gorilla (Gorilla g. gorilla)

in de Crayencour, Frédéric (Ed.) Primate tidings (2011, October 26)

Western lowland gorilla (Gorilla gorilla gorilla) contribution to forest regeneration

in Primate Tidings (2010), 22