Observations on regeneration of the keystone plant species Hagenia abyssinica in Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda

et al. 2019

Sci Rep

The African montane bamboo Yushania alpina provides both habitat and food for many species in the Albertine Rift region. In Volcanoes National Park (VNP), Rwanda, it is especially important as a key food resource for the Endangered mountain gorilla Gorilla beringei beringei and Endangered golden guenon Cercopithecus mitis kandti. We examined temporal and spatial variation in bamboo shoots regeneration and consumption by primates, monitored between 2013 and 2018 in 82 16-m2 plots located along transects in VNP. Our analyses revealed a decline in vegetative regeneration of bamboo in recent years, which is mirrored by a decline in bamboo shoot consumption by primates; but an increase in proportional intake. Local declines in regeneration are potentially due to high intensities of herbivory, decreased amounts of rainfall during growing seasons, and natural processes that form part of the life cycle of bamboo. Moreover, spatial variation in bamboo regeneration can be explained by elevation, as well as by stand-level variation in soil acidity, vegetation density, and the density of dead bamboo culms. We discuss the potential mechanisms underlying observed temporal and spatial variations and outline possible effects of a decline in bamboo regeneration for primates and other aspects of biodiversity in VNP.

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Recent decline in vegetative regeneration of bamboo (Yushania alpina), a key food plant for primates in Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda

Hoek

Faida

et al. 2019

Sci Rep

“…It is thought that Hagenia requires fire to initiate germination (Lange et al 1997) – a process which is limited in recent years in the VNP due to its protected area status. First reported in Virungas in the 1980s (Troupin 1982) and supported more recently in the VNP (Fischer and Killmann 2008, Kayitete et al 2019), research has shown that H. abyssinica is mainly represented by large and old trees, with many more adults than saplings or seedlings in the VNP. Furthermore, the past decline in the VNP’s area has caused the park’s large herbivore population, including mountain gorillas, to be concentrated into a smaller area.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 84%

“…The Hagenia/Hypericum zone is not only particularly important habitat for birds, but also for mountain gorillas (Sarmiento et al 1996, Watts 1998) and other elements of biodiversity in the VNP (Seburanga et al 2014, Milner and Harris 1999; Sarmiento et al 1996). However, it is suspected that the Hagenia/Hypericum zone may be decreasing, since Hagenia abyssinica may not be regenerating properly in the VNP (Kayitete et al 2019). It is thought that Hagenia requires fire to initiate germination (Lange et al 1997) – a process which is limited in recent years in the VNP due to its protected area status.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Status, diversity and trends of the bird communities in Volcanoes National Park and surrounds, Rwanda

Derhé

Tuyisingize

Bird Conservation International

et al. 2019

Self Cite

SummaryThe Volcanoes National Park (VNP) in Rwanda, part of the Virunga massif in the Albertine Rift region, boasts some of Rwanda’s best remaining natural vegetation and is home to many endangered and endemic species. The park has suffered from high levels of degradation and destruction, reducing in size by 50% during the 1960s and 1970s, and remains under threat from illegal activities, human population pressure and climate change. This study is the first to investigate the status and trends of bird communities in the VNP, using a multi-year dataset. We use a five-year dataset, totalling over 3,200 point-counts, both within and around the VNP, to assess the conservation value of the VNP for birds in comparison with other national parks and non-protected areas. We assess bird communities and population trends within and around the parks and identify important habitat factors for birds within the VNP. We found that the VNP hosts a unique bird community compared to other localities, with several Albertine Rift endemics and threatened species occurring in the VNP. Hagenia/ Hypericum woodland, herbaceous vegetation, brush ridge and mixed forest host the highest levels of bird diversity in the VNP, whilst the park’s waterbodies provide key habitat for the endangered Albertine Rift endemic Grauer’s Swamp-warbler (Bradypterus graueri). Elevation had a negative effect on bird diversity in the VNP, whilst the basal area of dead trees, Hagenia and vines had a positive effect. Both inside and outside the VNP, there was a significant decline in abundance and species richness over the sampling years; however, we advocate for further monitoring to confirm these trends. Based on our findings, we recommend effective, targeted management of key habitats for birds within the park, including those identified in this study, in order to mitigate bird declines and conserve the unique bird communities in the VNP.

“…With a growing number of Masters and PhD degree holders joining the team at DFGF over the years, supervisory opportunities and expertize expanded, improving the research experience and skills gained by Memoir students and the quality of Memoir project outcomes substantially. The first Memoir project was published in a peer‐reviewed journal by Kayitete et al (2019). An additional two manuscripts have been accepted since, and three more are currently under review.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

A partnership to build scientific capacity of Rwanda's future conservationists: The Memoirs Program

Tuyisingize

Hoek

et al. 2020

American J Primatol

Self Cite

The future of primates depends on conservationists in primate range countries having the education and opportunities needed to facilitate conservation efforts. However, most primates are found in countries where conservation is underfunded. Rwanda is home to 14 primate species, with three being listed as endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List. Their remaining native habitats are scarce, highly fragmented, and surrounded by high human densities. Lacking education opportunities and the loss of qualified individuals following decades of political instability created a need for well‐trained conservationists to tackle conservation challenges in Rwanda. The Memoirs Program, a science capacity‐building partnership between Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund (DFGF), University of Rwanda (UR), the Rwanda Development Board, and Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, aims to train the next generation of Rwandan conservationists. Annually, the Memoirs Program provides 10–12 top students from the UR Conservation Biology undergraduate program the opportunity to conduct senior research projects (Memoirs) at DFGF addressing conservation issues in and around Rwanda's protected areas. Students receive one‐on‐one supervision by DFGF scientists and affiliates to supplement UR mentorship, along with targeted teaching modules that reinforce and complement UR curricula. In continuation of the Memoirs Program, participants are offered professional development, employment opportunities, and support to publish their research in peer‐reviewed journals. Since inception of the Program in 2003, 123 students have participated with 83% being employed or pursuing higher education degrees in conservation‐related fields in Rwanda and the region. Pre‐ and post‐training comparison of oral presentation skills, one of the teaching modules, involving 22 students demonstrated increased post‐training performance. The Memoirs Program represents an effective partnership between the government, an international conservation non‐governmental organization, and a public higher‐learning institution in a developing country to support high‐performing students to become tomorrow's conservation leaders. This model could be replicated within Rwanda and in other regions of the world.