1,721,078 research outputs found
Cameroon’s lessons in conservation for sub-Saharan Africa
No full textThe editorial discusses the need for Sub-Saharan Africa to improve its standards of nature conservation and environmental protection. The author addresses the need to prevent illegal tree cutting, including harvesting wood for fuel and agricultural forest clearance, as well as the need to eliminate invasive species and poaching. Particular attention is given to the difficulties facing conservation efforts in the country of Cameroon
Wildlife protection: seize diplomats smuggling ivory
No full textOne route for the smuggling of wildlife parts, such as rhino horn and elephant ivory, could be closed without the need for new international conventions or treaties (B. I. Kaaria and N. L. Muchiri Proc. 9th Int. Conf. Environ. Compliance Enforc. 204–208; 2011). Rogue diplomats must be stopped from exploiting their consular immunity to flout customs regulations and support this illicit trade.The scale of the problem is unquantifiable, but anecdotal evidence indicates that it is widespread. Diplomatic bags containing horn were reported to be evading customs checks as long ago as the 1980s (E. B. Martin Pachyderm 21, 28–34; 1996). In 2011, a South Korean diplomat was caught smuggling ivory (see go.nature.com/fuo43s).Countries could adopt the UK practice of giving full immunity only to diplomats who are accredited to that country; others who pass through British territory are subject to regular checks. Because there are few direct flights between African and Asian capitals, diplomats would run the risk of also being checked at European airports when changing flights.Apprehending diplomats carrying illegal materials would generate negative publicity, forcing countries to punish errant civil servants and reduce the problem. Immunity should not mean impunit
Invasive species in Southeast Asia: the knowledge so far
No full textThis review deals with alien species invasion in Southeast Asia, an important conservation and management concern in the region. I report on the current and potential future impacts of biological invasions on biodiversity in Southeast Asia. Current knowledge of the invasive species in Southeast Asia is mostly based on anecdotal observations. Nevertheless, I attempt to compile existing empirical evidence on the negative effects of the biological invaders found in the region. These impacts include displacement of native biota, modification of ecosystems, hybridization, environmental disturbance, and economic loss. Any effective counter-measure will need to involve a multi-national strategy, yet such measure is challenging due to a broad spectrum of political and economic development models among the Southeast Asian countries. An overview of the taxonomic structure of the invasive species in Southeast Asia shows that the invasive plant and fish are the most represented taxonomic groups in all countries. The current research effort in invasion ecology from Southeast Asia is not being up to international standard in comparison to other regions, and the absence of recent international journal articles on invasive plant species reveals the biases in biological invasion-related research. The lack of research capacity and financial support from governments, and the inability to disseminate scholarly data in international journals are the possible reasons for the dearth of research literature on biological invasions from the region. Finally, a forward-looking agenda for the region should include improving the quality and quantity of biological invasion research; adopting a tough approach to the illegal release of wildlife; and applying multi-national strategies that integrate data sharing, prioritization, public awareness, policy work, capacity building, conservation actions and surveillance
Roosting behaviour of house crow (Corvus splendens) in relation to enviromental variables
No full textEvening roosting behaviour of house crow (Corvus splendens)w as monitored from 27 locations in the heavily urbanised mainland of Singapore. This paper describes thegeneral roosting behaviour of house crows. I analysed the relationships between crows' roosting times and environmental parameters (such as sunset time, temperature, light intensity and relative humidity). Sunset time was significantly correlated with all the roosting parameters: first arrival time, half arrival time, last arrival time and last vocalisation time. My study suggested that the roosting behaviour might be influenced by several environmental variables
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