The Vanishing De Brazza's Monkey (Cercopithecus neglectus Schlegel) in Kenya

We conducted a trail survey of De Brazza's monkey (Cercopithecus neglectus) on Mt. Elgon and the Cherangani Hills between October 1994 and February 1995. The objectives were to assess the status and distribution of the species and its habitats and to formulate recommendations on its conservation. We counted a total of 49 monkeys: 3 groups and 6 lone individuals near Kimothon River (Mt. Elgon) and 4 groups and 6 lone individuals at Kapolet Forest Reserve and its environs (Cherangani Hills). The mean group size is 6.6. Wanton habitat destruction was evident in all the forest habitats. The species now inhabits unprotected remnant strips of riverine forest. Furthermore, the Kapolet Forest Reserve offers little or no protection to De Brazza's monkeys or their habitat. Translocation of the monkeys from unprotected areas to a protected habitat is recommended as an urgent conservation measure to save the De Brazza's population in Mt. Elgon and the Cherangani areas of Kenya.     

A Taxonomic Study of European and East African Species of the Genera Pelecopsis and Trichopterna (Araneae, Linyphiidae), with Descriptions of a New Genus and Two New Species of Pelecopsis from Kenya

On the basis of the results of an analysis primarily of the morphology of the male palps and palpal organs the delimitation of the erigonine genera Pelecopsis Simon and Trichopterna Kulczyński and the phylogenetic relationships between European and East African species of these genera are discussed. For the East African species Pelecopsis convexa (Holm), and P. bacelarae (di Caporiacco), together with two undescribed species from Nigeria, the new genus Locketia is established. Pelecopsis humiliceps sp.n. and P. albifrons sp.n., both from Kenya, are described and P. tenera (Holm, 1962), preocc. P. tenera (Schenkel, 1927), is replaced by P. tenuipalpis nom.n. Viewpoints are presented on evolutionary trends and phylogeny of European and East African Pelecopsis species.     

A study of altitudinal zonation in the montane forest belt of Mt. Elgon,Kenya/Uganda

Altitudinal changes in the vegetation of the Montane Forest Belt of Mt. Elgon, East Africa, were investigated by analysis of aerial photographs and by sample plots along two transects, one on a relatively wet, and the other on a relatively dry aspect.Classifications for both tree and herb/shrub plots show that the forests along the two transects become increasingly similar floristically with altitude. The total number of tree species recorded is greater for the transect on the moister aspect. The mean altitudinal range for tree species increases on both transects with altitude, while that for herb/shrub species remains constant. It is suggested that the upper altitudinal limits of many species are determined principally by temperature-related factors, while the degree to which species extend their ranges downwards is much influenced by competition.Structural heterogeneity is particularly well marked at altitudes corresponding to the bamboo zone on the wetter slopes and, even in the absence of bamboo, tree density here is much reduced. it is suggested that thicket-forming species, including bamboo, have enhanced competitive ability in intermediate altitude montane forests.Previously advanced classificatory schemes for montane forest vegetation in eastern Africa are examined in the light of the findings.Nomenclature follows Agnew (1974) and Dale & Greenway (1961) with minor modifications after Chapman & White (1970), Mabberley (1973) and Pennington & Styles (1975).The work was funded by a grant from the Natural Environment Research Council (U.K.). We are grateful to the Government of Kenya and to the Forest Department, Kenya, for permission to work on Mt. Elgon. Dr. A. D. Q. Agnew and Miss C. Kabuye very kindly identified some of the plant specimens. The illustrations were drawn by Mr. J. Shaw and the manuseript was critically read by Dr. D. Riley.     

Disturbance indicators and population decline of logged species in Mt. Elgon Forest,Kenya

Mount (Mt) Elgon forest in western Kenya is important for biodiversity, environmental protection and socio‐economic development. Characterizing forest conditions is essential for evaluation of sustainable management and conservation activities. This paper covers findings of a study which determined and analysed indicators useful in monitoring disturbance levels in the Mt Elgon Forest. A systematic survey was carried out and covered 305 plots of 0.02 ha and 250 smaller nested regeneration plots along 10 belt transects that were distributed in five blocks within the moist lower montane forest type. Collected and analysed data include types of disturbance, tree species composition, abundance and logged species. Correlation breakdown among disturbance types revealed that, paths were indicators of the number of tree harvesting sites (r_s =1.00, P < 0.01) and of de‐vegetated areas through grass harvesting (r_s = 0.90, P = 0.04). Solanum mauritianum Scop. was an indicator of old‐charcoal production sites. Logging targeted 13 tree species and harvested trees with diameter at breast height above 20 cm. The most exploited species were Olea capensis L. and Deinbolia kilimandscharica Taub. All exploited species had low regeneration but tree regeneration was not an effective indicator of logging.     

Two new species of Justicia sect. Ansellia (Acanthaceae) from E and NE tropical Africa

The new species Justicia ornatopila from Sudan, Ethiopia, Somalia, Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania, and J. lorata from Kenya are described and illustrated. Information on pollen morphology is also provided     

Spiders of the genera Pachygnatha,Dyschiriognatha and Glenognatha (Araneae,Tetragnathidae), with a revision of the Afrotropical species*

Pachygnatha kiwuana Strand, P. leleupi Lawrence, P. longipes Simon. P. mucronata Tullgren, P. palmqvisti Tullgren, P. ruanda Strand and Dyschiriognatha argyrostilba (O.-P. Cambridge, 1876) (junior synonym: D. atlantica Holm, 1969) are redescribed. Puchygnutha hexutrucheutu, P. zuppu, P. procincta, P. okuensis, P. utromurginata, P. jansseni, P., goedeli, P. opdmwrdiue and Glenognatha smilodon, all species collected during the Belgian Cameroon expeditions, arc described as new. A key for all Afrotropical species is presented.     

Three new species of Justicia sect. Justicia (Acanthaceae) from tropical Africa

Three new species of Justicia sect. Justicia (Acanthaceae) are described: Justicia regis from Kenya, Justicia acutifolia from Tanzania, and Justicia telloensis from Cameroun.     

De Brazza's monkeys (Cercopithecus neglectus) in Kenya: Census,distribution, and conservation

The population of De Brazza's monkeys (Cercopithecus neglectus) in Kenya, East Africa, was surveyed from May to September of 1983 to estimate its numbers, distribution, and conservation status. A small number of De Brazza's monkeys are protected within Saiwa National Park; however, the vast majority of the population is endangered because they are restricted to small, isolated pockets of forests amid expanding farmland within the Trans-Nzoia area of western Kenya. A few animals are found on the slopes of Mt. Elgon and on the Cherangani Hills, although these areas offer little protection. The pressures now facing this population are loss of habitat, reproductive isolation, and a decline in numbers as the result of being killed, either as a food source or as agricultural pests. If the current situation continues and no attempt is made to conserve the remaining De Brazza's monkeys, the species faces almost certain extinction in Kenya.     

Haemaphysalis (Garnhamphysalis) rusae (Ixodoidea: Ixodidae): identity, deer and pig hosts, and distribution in Luzon and Mindanao

Haemaphysalis (Garnhamphysalis) rusae Kohls, previously known only from three male ticks from Mindanao, Philippines, is a seldom collected but probably common parasite of the Philippine deer, Cervus (Rusa) philippinus, and wild pig, Sus celebensis philippensis, in forests of Mindanao and Luzon. A single female taken from a wallaby in Papua New Guinea is presumed to result from an introduction with the Philippine deer. The male, originally briefly described, is redescribed to provide criteria for comparing this species and other members of the subgenus Garnhamphysalis. The female and nymph are described for the first time. The male H. (G.) rusae and H. (G.) calvus Nuttall and Warburton are structurally quite similar, differing only in palpal length:breadth ratio and size of the trochanter IV spur. Females differ more widely in the presence (rusae) or absence (calvus) of a large retrograde spur extending from the posteroventral margin of palpal segment 2. Conversely, qualitative and quantitative structural differences between most Haemaphysalis species are greater in males than in females.     

Description of the nymph and larva and redescription of the female of Ixodes neuquenensis Ringuelet, 1947 (Acari: Ixodidae), a parasite of the endangered Neotropical marsupial Dromiciops gliroides Thomas (Microbiotheria: Microbiotheriidae)

The female of Ixodes neuquenensis Ringuelet, 1947 (Acari: Ixodidae) is redescribed and the nymph and larva are described from specimens collected from the endangered marsupial Dromiciops gliroides Thomas (Microbiotheria: Microbiotheriidae) in Argentina. At first sight the female of I. neuquenensis resembles a member of the subgenus Ixodes Latreille, 1795. However, the female of I. neuquenensis is peculiar in having the combination of two spurs on coxae II-IV and a pair of chitinous plaques internal to coxa I. Both the nymph and larva have an anterior and posterior process on palpal article I, characteristics of the subgenus Ixodiopsis Filippova, 1957 and some representatives of the subgenus Pholeoixodes Schulze, 1942. Analysis of 16S mitochondrial rDNA sequences showed no strong relationship with any known Ixodes subgenus.     

On the ecology and distribution of subterranean insectivores in Kenya

The Golden mole, Chrysochloris stuhlmanni fosteri, occurs in the west of Kenya, on Mount Elgon and the Cherangani Hills, while the mole-shrews, Surdisorex pollulus and 5. norae occur on Mount Kenya and the Aberdare Mountains respectively (Fig. 1). These species were trapped and their stomach contents recorded over two months. Some ecological similarities between C.s. fosteri and Surdisorex are noted, and the factors responsible or their present-day distribution are suggested.     

The intertidal algal flora of Isipingo Beach,Natal, South Africa,and its phycogeographical affinities

The intertidal seaweed flora of Isipingo Beach, Natal, is described. Isipingo Beach lies on the sub-tropical east coast of southern Africa and is the only east coast locality studied in detail by pioneering biogeographers. A total of 172 species (37 chlorophytes, 26 phaeophytes and 109 rhodophytes) are recorded. A phycogeographical analysis of 124 species with sufficiently documented distributions, shows that 69% are warm water species also known from the tropical coasts of Mozambique, Tanzania and Kenya. The phycogeographical affinity of the Isipingo flora is certainly with sub-tropical and tropical floras.     

肯尼亚凤仙花属——新变种

报道了发现于东非肯尼亚塔易塔（Taita）地区亚乐森林（Yale Forest）的凤仙花属（Impatiens L.）一新变种,即：白花拟堇菜凤仙（I.pseudoviola Gilg var.alba G.W.Hu et Q.F.Wang）,该新变种与原变种拟堇菜凤仙（I.pseudoviola Gilg var.pseudoviola）的区别是：花冠纯白色,茎和叶柄均为浅绿色,植株整体缺乏紫色色素;花柄近无毛;低位侧生萼片与高位的侧生萼片近合生。     

湖南省蚋属绳蚋亚属二新种记述(双翅目,蚋科)

记述采自湖南省张家界国家森林公园的蚋属Simulium绳蚋亚属Gomphostilbia 2新种,即金鞭绳蚋S.(G.)jinbianense sp.nov,湖南绳蚋S.(G.)hunaiense sp.nov,二者分别以其产地命名.前者主要鉴别特征是两性胫节均具亚基黑环,而后者的雄性后足基跗节呈纺锤形.除对不同虫期作了形态描述外还提供了有关特征图.     

Coastal forests of eastern Africa: status, endemism patterns and their potential causes

Eastern African coastal forests are located within the Swahili regional centre of endemism and Swahili-Maputaland regional transition zone in eastern Africa, between 1d? North and 25d? South, and 34—41d? East. Approximately 3167 km² coastal forest remains: 2 km² in Somalia, 660 km² in Kenya, 697 km² in Tanzania, 16 km² in Malawi, 3 km² in Zimbabwe and perhaps 1790 km² in Mozambique. Most forests are small (≤ 20 km²), and all but 19 are under 30 km² in area. Over 80% of coastal forest is located on government land, principally Forest Reserves; only 8.3 km² is found in National Parks (6.2 km² in Kenya (Arabuko-Sokoke), 2 km² in Tanzania (Mafia Island) and tiny patches in Zimbabwe). Coastal forests are an important and highly threatened centre of endemism for plants (c 550 endemic species), mammals (6 species), birds (9 species), reptiles (26 species), frogs (2 species), butterflies (79 species), snails (>86 species) and millipedes (>20 species). Endemic species are concentrated in the forests of the Tana River, between Malindi in Kenya to Tanga in northern Tanzania, and in southern Tanzania. Forests with highest numbers of endemics are: lower Tana River, Arabuko-Sokoke, Shimba Hills (Kenya); lowland East Usambara, Pugu Hills, Matumbi Hills, Rondo and Litipo and other plateaux near Lindi (Tanzania); the Tanzanian offshore island of Pemba; Bazaruto archipelago (Mozambique), and tiny forest remnants of southern Malawi, eastern Zimbabwe and Mozambique. Most coastal forest endemics have a narrow distributional range, often exhibiting single-site endemism or with scattered or disjunct distributional patterns. They are best interpreted as relicts and not the result of recent evolution. Relictualization probably started with the separation of the ancient Pan African rainforest into two parts during the Miocene. The coastal forests are interpreted as a ‘vanishing refuge’ with the endemic species gradually becoming more and more relict (and presumably extinct) due historically to climatic desiccation and more recently to human destruction.     

Some like it hot: the influence and implications of climate change on coffee berry borer (Hypothenemus hampei) and coffee production in East Africa

The negative effects of climate change are already evident for many of the 25 million coffee farmers across the tropics and the 90 billion dollar (US) coffee industry. The coffee berry borer (Hypothenemus hampei), the most important pest of coffee worldwide, has already benefited from the temperature rise in East Africa: increased damage to coffee crops and expansion in its distribution range have been reported. In order to anticipate threats and prioritize management actions for H. hampei we present here, maps on future distributions of H. hampei in coffee producing areas of East Africa. Using the CLIMEX model we relate present-day insect distributions to current climate and then project the fitted climatic envelopes under future scenarios A2A and B2B (for HADCM3 model). In both scenarios, the situation with H. hampei is forecasted to worsen in the current Coffea arabica producing areas of Ethiopia, the Ugandan part of the Lake Victoria and Mt. Elgon regions, Mt. Kenya and the Kenyan side of Mt. Elgon, and most of Rwanda and Burundi. The calculated hypothetical number of generations per year of H. hampei is predicted to increase in all C. arabica-producing areas from five to ten. These outcomes will have serious implications for C. arabica production and livelihoods in East Africa. We suggest that the best way to adapt to a rise of temperatures in coffee plantations could be via the introduction of shade trees in sun grown plantations. The aims of this study are to fill knowledge gaps existing in the coffee industry, and to draft an outline for the development of an adaptation strategy package for climate change on coffee production. An abstract in Spanish is provided as Abstract S1.     

African Hepatics. XXXVI. Three new species of Colura

Abstract

The following new species are described: Colura usambariea E. W. Jones from Tanzania (Usambara Mountains) and Malawi; Colura saroltae T. Pócs and C. hedbergiana T. Pócs, both from Tanzania (Kilimanjaro).     

A new genus of African Karniellina (Orthoptera,Tettigoniidae, Conocephalinae,Conocephalini): integrating morphological,molecular and bioacoustical data

Melanoscirtes gen.n. is established within Karniellina. The members of this subtribe are small conocephaline bush crickets, confined to Africa. Melanoscirtes is erected on Phlesirtes kibonotensis, a species restricted to forest clearings and forest edge in the submontane and montane zones of Mt. Kilimanjaro. A subspecies, M. kibonotensis uguenoensis, is described from the North Pare mountains, a mountain range of the Eastern Arc adjacent to Mt. Kilimanjaro. Further species of Melanoscirtes occur on other mountain ranges of the northern branch of the Eastern Arc mountains of northern Tanzania and southern Kenya. The South Pare mountains harbour M. shengenae; the West Usambaras, M. usambarensis, and the Taita Hills, M. taitensis. All species and subspecies of Melanoscirtes exhibit a similar morphology and occupy analogous habitats on the respective mountains. The song patterns for all species found within this genus are very similar, and this, together with evidence from molecular data, suggests that allopatric speciation is the reason for the biogeographic pattern found in this genus. A key for the subspecies and species of Melanoscirtes is provided.     

A new heterostylous species of Streptopetalum (lurneraceae) from Somalia

Streptopetalum arenarium sp. nov., a heterostylous species apparently closely related to the homostylous 5. hildebrandtü in Kenya and north Tanzania, is described from deciduous bushland on sand in central and southern Somalia.