Hippopotamus population trends in Ndumo Game Reserve, South Africa, from 1951 to 2021

Fritsch, Camille J.; Hanekom, Catharine C.; Downs, Colleen T.

doi:10.1016/j.gecco.2021.e01910

Cited by 8 publications

(4 citation statements)

References 54 publications

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“…The hippopotamus is one of the fascinating creatures residing in Africa 119 . This animal falls under the classification of vertebrates and specifically belongs to the group of mammals within the vertebrate category 120 .…”

Section: Hippopotamusmentioning

confidence: 99%

Hippopotamus Optimization Algorithm: A Novel Nature-Inspired Optimization Algorithm

Amiri,

Hashjin,

Montazeri

et al. 2023

Preprint

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The novelty of this article lies in introducing a novel nonparametric metaheuristic technique named the Hippopotamus Optimization (HO) algorithm. The HO is conceived by drawing inspiration from the inherent behaviors observed in hippopotamuses, showcasing an innovative approach in metaheuristic methodology. The HO is conceptually defined using a trinary-phase model that incorporates their position updating in rivers or ponds, defensive strategies against predators, and evasion methods, which are mathematically formulated. It attained the top rank in 132 out of 161 benchmark functions in finding optimal value, encompassing unimodal and high-dimensional multimodal functions, fixed-dimensional multimodal functions, as well as the CEC 2019 test suite and CEC 2014 test suite dimensions of 10, 30, 50, and 100 and Zigzag Pattern benchmark functions, this suggests that the HO demonstrates a noteworthy proficiency in both local search and exploitation, as well as in global search and exploration. Moreover, it effectively balances exploration and exploitation, supporting the search process. The performance of the HO consistently surpassed that of the top 3 algorithms in achieving optimal value, except for 29 functions. However, although it did not exhibit strong convergence in these 29 functions, the standard deviation for them was lower than the other investigated algorithms, illustrating its ability to manage the functions effectively. In light of the results from addressing four distinct engineering design challenges, the HO has effectively achieved the most efficient resolution while concurrently upholding adherence to the designated constraints. The Wilcoxon signed test demonstrates that HO exhibits a notable and statistically significant advantage over the investigated algorithms in effectively addressing the optimization problems examined in this study.

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Section: Hippopotamusmentioning

confidence: 99%

Hippopotamus Optimization Algorithm: A Novel Nature-Inspired Optimization Algorithm

Amiri,

Hashjin,

Montazeri

et al. 2023

Preprint

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“…Continuous habitat loss across continental Africa and gaps in national population monitoring data threaten hippo populations, which are listed as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List of endangered species (Lewison & Pluhacek, 2017). Hippos are semi‐aquatic mammals and depend on the diel use of aquatic and terrestrial systems for wading and feeding resources (Fritsch et al, 2021, 2022; Fritsch & Downs, 2020; Prinsloo et al, 2020). Hippos make unique physical and allochthonous nutrient contributions to aquatic habitats, including increasing aquatic habitat connectivity and deposition of allochthonous nutrients used by aquatic species (Schoelynck et al, 2019).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…

Common hippopotamus (Hippopotamus amphibius) (hereafter hippo) populations are restricted to protected areas in South Africa, with few occurring outside (Fritsch et al, 2021(Fritsch et al, , 2022 Fritsch & Downs, 2020;Lewison & Pluhacek, 2017). Continuous habitat loss across continental Africa and gaps in national population monitoring data threaten hippo populations, which are listed as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List of endangered species (Lewison & Pluhacek, 2017).

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confidence: 99%

Activity and nocturnal home range size of male common hippopotamus in Kruger National Park, South Africa

2023

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The common hippopotamus (Hippopotamus amphibius) is a driver of ecological processes in African savannah aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. Recent studies have highlighted the ecological impacts of hippos in these systems; however, these lack behavioural data to contextualise their ecological inputs. We fitted global positioning system (GPS) transmitter bracelets on male hippos (n = 3) in Kruger National Park, South Africa. The mean home range size for hippos using Adaptive Local Convex Hull (a‐LoCoH) home range (~6 km2) was smaller than previously documented. This study contributes baseline behavioural data for managing hippos in Kruger National Park and southern Africa.

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“…In addition, mosquitoes were aspirated adjacent to a livestock-owning household located about 6 km from NGR and mid-way between the two pans. Blood-fed mosquitoes were also collected from Ndumo Game Reserve (NGR, -26.880935, 32.251996), a 10,117 ha wildlife reserve bordering Mozambique to the north [33]. The reserve is a home to many animals including crocodiles, hippos, bushpigs, warthogs and various antelopes [34].…”

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confidence: 99%

Characterization of mosquito host-biting networks of potential Rift Valley fever virus vectors in north-eastern KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa

Makhanthisa,

Guarido,

Kemp

et al. 2024

Preprint

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Background Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) is a zoonotic mosquito-borne virus with serious implications for livestock health, human health, and the economy in Africa, and is suspected to be endemic in north-eastern KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), South Africa. The vectors of RVFV in this area are poorly known although several species such as Aedes mcintoshi, Ae. circumluteolus, Ae. durbanensis and Culex poicilipes may be involved. The aim of the study was to determine the blood hosts of potential RVFV mosquito vectors in north-eastern KZN and to characterize the host-biting network. Methods Blood-fed mosquitoes were collected monthly (January 2022 – February 2023) using a backpack aspirator in the vicinity of water bodies and livestock farming households. Additional blood-fed mosquitoes were trapped monthly (November 2019-November 2022) using CO2-baited CDC miniature light traps and tent traps. Blood-fed mosquitoes were morphologically identified. DNA was extracted from individual mosquitoes and used as templates to amplify the vertebrate cytochrome c oxidase I (COI) and cytochrome b (cytb) genes using conventional PCR. Amplicons were sequenced and queried in GenBank and the Barcode of Life Data systems to identify the blood meal sources and confirm mosquito identifications. All mosquitoes were screened for RVFV using real time RT-PCR. Results We identified the mammalian (88.8%) and avian (11.3%) blood hosts from 409 blood-fed mosquitoes. Aedes circumluteolus (n = 128) made up the largest proportion of collected mosquitoes. Cattle (n = 195) and nyala (n = 61) were the most frequent domestic and wild hosts, respectively. Bipartite network analysis showed that the rural network consisted of more host-biting interactions than the reserve network. Conclusion Several mosquito species including Ae. circumluteolus, and vertebrate blood host species including cattle and nyala could play a central role in RVFV transmission. Future research in this region should focus on these species to better understand RVFV amplification.

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Hippopotamus population trends in Ndumo Game Reserve, South Africa, from 1951 to 2021

Cited by 8 publications

References 54 publications

Hippopotamus Optimization Algorithm: A Novel Nature-Inspired Optimization Algorithm

Hippopotamus Optimization Algorithm: A Novel Nature-Inspired Optimization Algorithm

Activity and nocturnal home range size of male common hippopotamus in Kruger National Park, South Africa

Characterization of mosquito host-biting networks of potential Rift Valley fever virus vectors in north-eastern KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa

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