Household bushmeat consumption in Brazzaville, the Republic of the Congo.

in Tropical Conservation Science (2011), 4(2), 187-202

Wildlife meat is an important source of animal protein for rural and urban populations in Congo. Quantitative and qualitative surveys on the consumption of bushmeat were undertaken in Brazzaville in 2006 ... [more ▼]

Wildlife meat is an important source of animal protein for rural and urban populations in Congo. Quantitative and qualitative surveys on the consumption of bushmeat were undertaken in Brazzaville in 2006, in about 1,050 urban households. The main objective was to establish the profiles of consumers and of species concerned. The results showed that 88.3% of the surveyed households consumed bushmeat. Their average size was 5.7 ± 3.2 persons. The average monthly income of an urban consumer with a permanent job was 98,334 (US$197) ± 84,306 (US$169) FCFA. It appeared that households preferred to consume bushmeat for two major reasons: the taste or flavor (67.8%) and food habits (14.7%). Meat from mammals was preferred, the top three orders of this class being artiodactyls (48.3%), rodents (28.3%), and primates (13.0%). Some of them are listed as threatened in Congo Brazzaville and are included in the IUCN Red List. The results showed that in Brazzaville, bushmeat consumption remains important and is determined by socio-economic parameters. The promotion of game farming, and breeding of domestic species such as poultry and fish, in the Brazzaville suburbs could help to meet Congolese demand for bushmeat. [less ▲]

Structure démographique et mouvements saisonniers des populations d’hippopotame commun, Hippopotamus amphibius Linné 1758 dans la Réserve de Biosphère de la Mare aux Hippopotames en zone sud soudanienne du Burkina Faso

in Tropical Conservation Science (2010), 3(2), 175-189

The study was conducted in the “Mare aux Hippopotames” Biosphere Reserve of Burkina Faso and aimed at assessing the number, age structures and seasonal mobility of Hippopotamus amphibius. Methodology used ... [more ▼]

The study was conducted in the “Mare aux Hippopotames” Biosphere Reserve of Burkina Faso and aimed at assessing the number, age structures and seasonal mobility of Hippopotamus amphibius. Methodology used was based on three consecutive-year (2006-2008) monitoring and ground inventory inside and outside the reserve. The results of the inventories have led to the identification of 41 hippopotamus in 2008 versus 35 in 2006 which are divided into 3 distinct herds. The structure in age group of that population was composed of 32 were adults, 5 sub-adults and 4 juveniles. Location of places where they take a rest varies with the level of the water in the pond. The inventory has identified eight sites on each side of the pond as used by hippos to harvest food. In addition, exploration of the reserve has identified four temporary ponds located near the water meadows used by hippos during the rainy season. These areas were surrounded by agricultural fields that were often raided by these mammals for food. It is urgent to zone agricultural activity in the area and to grant a special conservation status to the four additional ponds to minimize conflicts between humans and hippopotamus. Finally, local participation in conservation activities is probably greatly responsible for an increase in the size of the hippo population. [less ▲]

Mise en relation de la diversité des vers de terre et des caractéristiques du sol de Thua Thien Hue (Centre Vietnam)

in Tropical Conservation Science (2009), 2(3), 282-298

The large proportion of sandy soils of Thua Thien Hue, in Central Vietnam, present a particular habitat for soil-inhabiting organisms among which earthworms represent close to 70% of total biomass. This ... [more ▼]

The large proportion of sandy soils of Thua Thien Hue, in Central Vietnam, present a particular habitat for soil-inhabiting organisms among which earthworms represent close to 70% of total biomass. This study identified relationships between the characteristics of soil and earthworms. Our inventories yielded the presence of seven species of earthworms belonging to the families Glossoscolecidae, Megascolecidae and Microchaetidae. These were: Pontoscolex corethrurus, Glyphidrilus papillatus, Pheretima rodericensis, Pheretima danangana, Pheretima sp., Perionyx excavatus, and Lampito mauritii. Those of the Microchaetidae were present in acid soils with a high rate of silt and clay. Species in the other families were associated with poor but less acid sandy soils. This study also showed that the number of P. corethrurus was significantly higher in orchards while L. mauritii was significantly more common in soils with cultures other than rice. The species G. papillatus was significantly more abundant in fallow and was the only species found in this habitat. Highest earthworm diversity (Shannon-Wiener index(H=0.97)) was found in crops like manioc and sweat potatoes rather than in rice. [less ▲]