Troublesome neighbours: Changing attitudes towards chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) in a human-dominated landscape in Uganda

Long-term human–wildlife sympatry depends on the willingness and capacity of local people to coexist with wild animals. With human population growth and deforestation for agriculture, farmers increasingly live in proximity to wildlife, including large mammals of conservation concern. Understanding local perspectives and concerns regarding wildlife is essential for informing appropriate management strategies that reduce conflicts and promote sustainable coexistence. Social science approaches therefore have a critical role in integrated conservation programmes. We undertook an attitude survey to understand residents’ perspectives about sharing a landscape with chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) in an unprotected forest–agriculture mosaic in Uganda. Interviews (n = 134) in 12 villages demonstrate residents’ ambivalence towards living alongside these protected yet potentially troublesome mammals. Chimpanzee behaviour is reported to have undergone recent changes. Residents claim apes increasingly enter villages for food, threaten people, and pose a particular threat to children's safety. Chimpanzee numbers are believed to have increased locally. Most interviewees fear chimpanzees, considering them dangerous. Crop losses to chimpanzees were widely reported. Farmers tolerate raiding of domestic fruits, but not cash-crops. Results demonstrate that attitudes towards wildlife are not fixed. Reported changes to chimpanzee behaviour are challenging villagers’ traditionally benign attitude towards them. Even so, residents acknowledge benefits to chimpanzees because they reportedly displace other crop-raiding wildlife which, unlike chimpanzees, damage important staple food crops. Survey findings are contextualised with respect to recent, major land-use changes in Uganda (clearance of unprotected forest for timber and agriculture) that have precipitated a sharp rise in farmer–chimpanzee interactions. We discuss the study's broader implications for protected mammal management and conflict mitigation in human-dominated landscapes, and ask whether it is appropriate to expect impoverished rural farmers to accommodate large-bodied mammals that pose a potential threat to their safety and livelihoods.     

The impact on native mammals of land-use changes and exotic species in the Bega district,New South Wales,since settlement

Historical records for the Bega district were examined to chart the environmental changes wrought by Europeans through habitat alteration and the introduction of exotic species, and to interpret the impact of these on native mammals. Early recorded increases in native mammal populations, particularly koalas, may have been attributable to a decline in Aboriginal hunting pressure. After settlement in 1830, the valley forest was cleared progressively, ecosystems were altered by grazing and improved pastures, and many introduced plants became weeds in the disturbed environment. The timber industry exploited the forests of the valley and then the slopes of the surrounding mountains. Three exotic mammal species had a major impact on the district — hares, rabbits and foxes. Of the native fauna, the large and medium sized mammal species were those recorded most frequently. Dramatic fluctuations in numbers occurred in most of these species, and many reached plague proportions between 1880 and 1910, after which their numbers fell sharply. The peaks of exotic mammals and the decline of native mammals coincided with the clearing of the remaining forests in the Bega Valley. Many native mammal species are now rare, four are in danger of extinction, and at least six species have become locally extinct since settlement. As most of the native mammal populations in the district now occur in the State Forests surrounding the Bega Valley, the importance of preserving or managing these forests for wildlife must be weighed against proposals to manage the forests for pulpwood (woodchip) production.     

Habitat structure is more important than vegetation composition for local‐level management of native terrestrial reptile and small mammal species living in urban remnants: A case study from Brisbane,Australia

Abstract As urban areas continue to expand and replace natural and agricultural landscapes, the ability to manage and conserve native wildlife within urban environments is becoming increasingly important. To do so we first need to understand species' responses to local‐level habitat attributes in order to inform the decision‐making process and on‐ground conservation actions. Patterns in the occurrence of native terrestrial reptile and small mammal species in 59 sites located in remnant urban habitat fragments of Brisbane City were assessed against local‐level environmental characteristics of each site. Cluster analysis, multidimensional scaling ordination, and principal axis correlation were used to investigate relationships between species' occurrences and environmental characteristics. Native reptiles were most strongly associated with the presence of termite mounds, a high amount of fallen woody material, and a moderate amount of weed cover. Native small mammals were most strongly associated with the presence of grass trees (Xanthorrhoea spp.), and both reptiles and small mammals were negatively influenced by increased soil compaction. Significant floristic characteristics were considered to be important as structural, rather than compositional, habitat elements. Therefore, habitat structure, rather than vegetation composition, appears to be most important for determining native, terrestrial reptile and small mammal species assemblages in urban forest fragments. We discuss the management implications in relation to human disturbances and local‐level management of urban remnants.     

Mosquito bloodmeal preferences in two zoological gardens in Germany

Because they provide a high density and diversity of vertebrate species, small water pools and shaded environments, zoological gardens offer ideal living conditions for numerous mosquito species. Depending on their host preferences and vector competencies, these species may be able to transmit pathogens between native and non‐adapted exotic blood host species, thereby causing morbidity and mortality among valuable zoo animals. To determine the extent to which native mosquito species feed on captive and wild animals, as well as on humans, in two German zoological gardens, mosquitoes were collected over two seasons by trapping and aspirating. A total of 405 blood‐fed specimens belonging to 16 mosquito taxa were collected. Genetic bloodmeal analysis revealed 56 host species, mainly representing mammals of the zoo animal population, including exotic species previously not known as blood hosts of the mosquito species collected. These results indicate opportunistic feeding patterns with low host‐specificity in the analysed mosquitoes, although these could be grouped, according to their bloodmeals, into ‘amphibian‐’, ‘non‐human mammal‐’ and ‘non‐human mammal and human‐’ feeding species. As the blood‐feeding preferences of vector‐competent mosquito species are major determinants of vector capacity, information on the blood‐feeding behaviour of mosquitoes in zoos is crucial to the success of targeted vector management.     

基于红外相机技术调查长青国家级自然保护区兽类和鸟类多样性

野生动物多样性的有效保护与管理,需要大范围、长时间的系统监测网络的支持。红外相机调查技术近年来已成为自然保护区鸟兽调查的最有效工具之一,为了解和掌握区域性乃至全国性的生物多样性现状,提供了最直接和最基础的数据。长青国家级自然保护区位于秦岭南坡,地处秦岭自然保护区群的核心地带。自2008年至2011年,使用被动式红外触发相机调查技术在长青保护区内调查了大中型兽类与鸟类的本底资源。共完成有效调查位点435个,相机工作日15767d。获得兽类有效拍摄3 282次,记录到分属5目12科的21种野生兽类和1种家畜,其中国家一级和二级重点保护野生动物各有5种,被IUCN物种红色名录评估为濒危（EN）、易危（VU）、近危（NT）的物种分别有2、3、4种。食肉目和偶蹄目是本次调查兽类记录中物种数量（分别有9种和7种）和有效拍摄数（分别占兽类有效拍摄数的13.5%和84.0%）最高的两个类群,食肉目中相对多度指数最高的物种是大熊猫（Ailuropoda melanoleuca, 12.30）,偶蹄目中最高的物种是羚牛（Budorcas taxicolor, 114.04）。保护区内大型兽类（食肉目和偶蹄目）物种多样性沿海拔梯度,大体呈现中部高、两侧低的单峰模式,海拔1600-2200 m的中等海拔段是大型兽类多样性最高的区域。鸟类有效拍摄191次,记录到分属4目8科的17种鸟类,其中国家二级重点保护野生动物物种8种。鸡形目雉科鸟类是有效拍摄数最高的类群,占全部鸟类拍摄数的79.8%。调查中记录到的林猬（Mesechinus hughi）和鹰雕（Spizaetus nipalensis）为长青自然保护区的新记录种。调查结果提供了较为全面的区内大中型兽类和鸟类群落的本底信息,为后续的保护管理规划和长期监测提供了数据支持和指导。     

Facilitative interactions between an exotic mammal and native and exotic plants: hog deer (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Axis porcinus</Emphasis>) as seed dispersers in south-eastern Australia

Endozoochory by exotic mammalian herbivores could modify vegetation composition by facilitating the dispersal and establishment of exotic and native plant species. We examined the potential for endozoochoric dispersal of native and exotic plants by exotic hog deer (Axis porcinus) in south-eastern Australia. We quantified the germinable seed content of hog deer faecal pellets collected in five vegetation types within a 10,500-ha study area that was representative of their Australian range. Twenty exotic and 22 native species germinated from hog deer faecal pellets and significantly more native species germinated compared to exotic species. Seedlings of the encroaching native shrub Acacia longifolia var. sophorae emerged, but no native trees emerged and the percentage of grasses that germinated was low (11%). The species composition of germinants was similar among the five vegetation types. We estimated that the hog deer population in our study area could potentially disperse >130,000 viable seeds daily. Our study shows how an exotic mammal can disperse seeds from both native and invasive plants and highlights the need for endozoochory to be considered more widely in studies assessing the impacts of exotic mammals on plant communities.     

广西猫儿山自然保护区的兽类和鸟类多样性初步调查-基于红外相机监测数据

红外相机技术是监测兽类和鸟类的重要方法,目前已广泛应用于野生动物资源调查、种群评估和行为生态学等研究领域。2014年7月至2015年1月期间,在广西猫儿山国家级自然保护区布设51个红外相机监测位点（分别位于4种生境和7个海拔区域）,对区内大中型兽类及林下鸟类资源多样性进行了初步调查。研究期间共记录到兽类17种、鸟类30种,包括2种国家I级和7种II级重点保护野生动物。小泡巨鼠（Leopoldamys edwardsi）、红腿长吻松鼠（Dremomys pyrrhomerus）、隐纹松鼠（Tamiops swinhoei）、野猪（Sus scrofa）和赤腹松鼠（Callosciurus erythraeus）的相对丰富度居于兽类前5位,白鹇（Lophura nycthemera）、紫啸鸫（Myophonus caeruleus）、红嘴相思鸟(Leiothrix lutea)的相对丰富度居于鸟类前3位。在不同生境和海拔,兽类和鸟类物种数、多样性指数和均匀度指数存在显著差异。混交林中兽类和鸟类的物种数量、多样性和均匀度指数明显高于其它生境;海拔1400-1600 m鸟类物种数明显高于其它海拔区域。本次监测结果初步了解了猫儿山保护区内大中型兽类及林下鸟兽物种组成、相对数量及空间分布,为后期的科研工作及保护管理提供了丰富的基础资料。     

利用红外相机技术对广东车八岭国家级自然保护区兽类和鸟类资源的初步调查

为深入了解广东车八岭国家级自然保护区野生动物资源现状,于2014年9月至2016年11月在保护区内布设101个红外相机调查位点,累计11 399相机日。共获得有动物的独立有效照片2 549张,鉴定兽类和鸟类有9目19科43种(兽类13种,鸟类30种),包括6种国家Ⅱ级重点保护野生动物：斑灵狸(Prionodon pardicolor)、中华鬣羚(Capricornis milneedwardsii)、白鹇(Lophura nycthemera)、仙八色鸫(Pitta nympha)、褐翅鸦鹃(Centropus sinensis)和松雀鹰(Accipiter virgatus)。红腿长吻松鼠(Dremomys pyrrhomerus)、小泡巨鼠(Leopoldamys edwardsi)、仙八色鸫、橙头地鸫(Zoothera citrina)和白冠燕尾(Enicurus leschenaultia)为保护区的新纪录物种。相对丰富度指数较高的兽类有红腿长吻松鼠、赤麂(Muntiacus vaginalis)和野猪(Sus scrofa),相对丰富度指数较高的鸟类有白鹇和黑领噪鹛(Garrulax pectoralis)。此外,鸟兽物种数呈现一定的海拔分布趋势,以海拔450~600 m之间的物种多样性最高,但差异不显著。与南岭山脉邻近保护区相比,就已发表的红外相机监测结果而言,车八岭的鸟类多样性最高,而南岭保护区的兽类多样性较高,鸟兽的不同分布可能与保护区亚热带常绿阔叶林的面积和生态系统的完整性有关。本次初步调查掌握了车八岭保护区的鸟兽多样性数据,为以后该保护区及整个南岭山脉野生动物资源长期监测积累了基础资料。     

Native and non-native mammals disperse exotic ectomycorrhizal fungi at long distances from pine plantations

We aimed to evaluate if exotic ectomycorrhizal fungi from exotic pine plantations disperse through non-native, but also native, mammals in a mountain ecosystem devoid of native ECM plants. Among four non-native and three native mammal species, feces of non-native wild boar (Sus scrofa) and brown hare (Lepus europaeus), and native pampa fox (Lycalopex gymnocercus) were selected to inoculate seedlings of Pinus elliottii. These feces came from two transects in an elevation gradient (1350–2250 m asl) and different distances from a pine plantation (100–6000 m). We show that feces of wild boar, brown hare (non-native), and pampa fox (native) were effective as inoculum for establishing ectomycorrhizal pine seedlings. Through molecular analyses, we determined that two species are mostly consumed and successfully form ectomycorrhizas with pine roots: Suillus granulatus and Rhizopogon pseudoroseolus. We provide novel evidence for the long-distance dispersal of exotic ectomycorrhizal fungi by non-native and native animal vectors.     

运用红外相机对太行山猕猴国家级自然保护区（济源）鸟兽多样性的调查

河南太行山猕猴国家级自然保护区（济源）内野生动物种类非常丰富,但已多年未进行过野生动物本底资源调查。于2015年1月至7月,在保护区4个林场内设置了51个2km×2km网格,采用红外相机技术对保护区内兽类和地栖性鸟类资源进行调查。经过6,014个捕获日的调查,共记录到野生兽类5目13科17种,鸟类6目12科28种,其中东北刺猬（Erinaceus amurensis）、红腹锦鸡（Chrysolophus pictus）、灰林鸮（Strix aluco）、宝兴歌鸫（Turdus mupinensis）、虎斑地鸫（Zoothera dauma）、紫啸鸫（Myophonus caeruleus）、普通（Sitta europaea）、黄腹山雀（Parus venustulus）、斑胸钩嘴鹛（Pomatorhinus gravivox）、画眉（Garrulax canorus）等10个种类为保护区新记录种。首次在该保护区拍摄到国家Ⅰ级重点保护动物——豹（Panthera pardus）和林麝（Moschus berezovskii）,以及国家Ⅱ级重点保护动物猕猴（Macaques mulatta）、黄喉貂（Martes flavigula）、勺鸡（Pucrasia macrolopha）、红腹锦鸡和灰林鸮。兽类以猪獾（Arctonyx collaris）的相对丰富度指数最高为4.57;鸟类以红腹锦鸡的相对丰富度指数最高为2.03。调查结果显示保护区仍保存较为完整的大中型兽类群落,但顶级捕食者数量稀少,应加大对其栖息地及猎物的保护恢复力度。此外,相机拍摄到大量放牧活动照片,说明当地人为干扰严重,应加强管理。本次调查初步掌握了太行山猕猴国家级自然保护区（济源）内兽类和地栖性鸟类的资源现状,为保护区开展红外相机野生动物长期监测积累了基础资料。     

Variation in behavioral traits of two frugivorous mammals may lead to differential responses to human disturbance

Human activities can lead to a shift in wildlife species’ spatial distribution. Understanding the specific effects of human activities on ranging behavior can improve conservation management of wildlife populations in human‐dominated landscapes. This study evaluated the effects of forest use by humans on the spatial distribution of mammal species with different behavioral adaptations, using sympatric western lowland gorilla and central chimpanzee as focal species. We collected data on great ape nest locations, ecological and physical variables (habitat distribution, permanent rivers, and topographic data), and anthropogenic variables (distance to trails, villages, and a permanent research site). Here, we show that anthropogenic variables are important predictors of the distribution of wild animals. In the resource model, the distribution of gorilla nests was predicted by nesting habitat distribution, while chimpanzee nests were predicted first by elevation followed by nesting habitat distribution. In the anthropogenic model, the major predictors of gorilla nesting changed to human features, while the major predictors of chimpanzee nesting remained elevation and the availability of their preferred nesting habitats. Animal behavioral traits (body size, terrestrial/arboreal, level of specialization/generalization, and competitive inferiority/superiority) may influence the response of mammals to human activities. Our results suggest that chimpanzees may survive in human‐encroached areas whenever the availability of their nesting habitat and preferred fruits can support their population, while a certain level of human activities may threaten gorillas. Consequently, the survival of gorillas in human‐dominated landscapes is more at risk than that of chimpanzees. Replicating our research in other sites should permit a systematic evaluation of the influence of human activity on the distribution of mammal populations. As wild animals are increasingly exposed to human disturbance, understanding the resulting consequences of shifting species distributions due to human disturbance on animal population abundance and their long‐term survival will be of growing conservation importance.     

Impact of alien trees on mammal distributions along an ephemeral river in the Namib Desert

Ephemeral rivers and the vegetation they support have numerous ecological and economic values to the mammals and people who rely on these systems. Yet, these crucial environments are believed to be threatened by exotic plant invasion. In Africa, invasive trees of the genus Prosopis have detrimental effects on native vegetation, bird and dung beetle communities; however, to date, there is no evidence that Prosopis establishment has affected indigenous wild mammalian distribution and ecology in its introduced range. Using a combination of camera traps and vegetation surveys, we tested the hypothesis that Prosopis invasion has a negative impact on the mammals of the ephemeral Swakop River in Namibia by reducing mammal species richness and species occupancies. Prosopis was found to have no negative impact on species richness; however, evidence for species‐specific responses to Prosopis abundance was found. This is the first study to confirm an impact of Prosopis on sub‐Saharan African mammals, providing a foundation for future research and the development of appropriate management policy.     

Combining citizen science and recreational hunters to monitor exotic ungulates and native wildlife in a protected area of northeastern Argentina

Monitoring wildlife population trends is essential for resource management and invasive species control, but monitoring data are hard to acquire. Citizen science projects may monitor species occurrence patterns in time and space in a cost-effective way. A systematic management program of exotic wild boar (Sus scrofa) and axis deer (Axis axis) in a protected area of northeastern Argentina (El Palmar National Park) provided a framework for implementing a wildlife monitoring system based on park-affiliated hunters. We assessed the level of agreement between three indices of relative abundance: hunter sightings and camera trapping for wild boar, axis deer, capybaras (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris), brown brocket deer (Mazama guazoubira), and crab-eating and pampas foxes combined (Cerdocyon thous and (Lycalopex gymnocercus), and catch per unit effort (CPUE) for both exotic ungulates only. Most (74%) hunting parties participated in the monitoring program and contributed to its sustainability. Bland-Altman plots displayed large levels of agreement between methods across species, with larger systematic differences between sighting and camera-trapping indices for native species. Restricting camera-trapping to the same time window as hunter sightings substantially increased the agreement between methods across species. Sighting and CPUE indices revealed similar temporal trends and large variations in spatial patterns between species. Comparison of the number of sighted and killed exotic ungulates indicated that, on average, 17% of wild boar and 75% of axis deer escaped hunters. The three indices were appropriate metrics for management purposes and corroborated the sustained, high-level abundance of axis deer and low numbers of wild boar in recent years.

     

基于红外相机研究野生动物对地震灾害体的利用特征

地震及其引发的次生地质灾害是影响野生动物多样性及空间利用的重要因素,为探究地震后野生动物对地震灾害体的利用特征,为震后生物多样性保护与生态资源恢复方案制定提供基础资料,本研究在四川卧龙国家级自然保护区的不同损毁程度地震灾害体内及周边设置红外相机调查野生动物组成和相对多度指数。经过2 833个相机工作日的调查,在地震灾害体内共探测到野生动物28种 (兽类15种,鸟类13 种),其中出现频率较高的为红腹锦鸡 (Chrysolophus pictus)、马来豪猪 (Hystrix brachyura)、中华斑羚 (Naemorhedus griseus) 等喜食植物 (根、茎、叶和果实) 的动物,而记录到的兽类中,有60%被IUCN红色名录评估为濒危 (EN)、易危 (VU) 和近危 (NT),表明珍稀野生动物会利用恢复过程中的地震灾害体,反映出地震灾害体对保护珍稀濒危动物具有潜在生态价值。轻度、中度、重度损毁程度区的物种种类构成差异大,动物相对多度指数 (RAI) 也存在较大差异：中度 > 轻度 > 重度。地震灾害体外的野生动物种数与相对多度指数均高于灾害体内,表明汶川地震引发的次生地质灾害仍在持续影响野生动物生境选择与利用。建议针对震后受损区域的野生动物生境利用展开长期监测与研究。     

Assessing the Potential Threat Landscape of a Proposed Reintroduction Site for Carnivores

This study provides a framework to assess the feasibility of reintroducing carnivores into an area, using African wild dogs (Lycaon pictus) as an example. The Great Fish River Nature Reserve in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa, has been identified as a potential reserve to reintroduce wild dogs, and we applied this framework to provide a threat assessment of the surrounding area to determine potential levels of human-wildlife conflict. Although 56% of neighbouring landowners and local communities were positive about a wild dog reintroduction, data collected from questionnaire surveys revealed that human-wild dog conflict is a potential threat to wild dog survival in the area. Additional potential threats include diseases, snaring, poaching and hunting wild dogs for the use of traditional medicine. A threat index was developed to establish which properties harboured the greatest threats to wild dogs. This index was significantly influenced by the respondent’s first language (isiXhosa had more positive indices), education level (poorer education was synonymous with more positive threat indices), land use (wildlife ranching being the most negative) and land tenure (community respondents had more positive indices than private landowners). Although threats are present, they can be effectively mitigated through strategies such as carnivore education programs, vaccination campaigns and anti-snare patrols to promote a successful reintroduction of this endangered canid.     

利用红外相机技术对九连山国家级自然保护区兽类和鸟类资源的初步调查

九连山国家级自然保护区是我国中亚热带与南亚热带常绿阔叶林的过渡地带,动植物种类丰富多样。为进一步掌握该保护区野生动物资源现状,我们于2014年11月至2015年7月在保护区布设了31个红外相机监测点,对大中型兽类和林下活动鸟类进行了初步摸底调查。相机累计工作4 692个捕获日,共获得有动物的独立有效照片3 341张,鉴定出鸟兽物种共10目16科33种（兽类12种,鸟类21种）。属于国家Ⅱ级重点保护动物有斑灵狸（Prionodon pardicolor）、白鹇（Lophura nycthemera）和灰脸鵟鹰（Butastur indicus）等。兽类以赤腹松鼠（Callosciurus erythraeus）、白腹鼠种类（Niviventer rats）、小泡巨鼠（Leopoldamys edwardsi）和倭松鼠（Tamiops maritimus）等物种的相对丰富度指数较高。相对丰富度指数较高的鸟类物种依次为白鹇、紫啸鸫（Myophonus caeruleus）和黑领噪鹛（Garrulax pectoralis）等。结合以往记录,灰头绿啄木鸟（Picus canus）、乌灰鸫（Turdus cardis）、绿翅金鸠（Chalcophaps indica）、白眉鸫（Turdus obscurus）和白冠燕尾（Enicurus leschenaulti）等为保护区的鸟类新记录种。本研究的调查结果为进一步在九连山自然保护区开展鸟兽资源的长期监测奠定了基础。     

祁连山国家公园牧民对雪豹(Panthera Unica)保护的态度认知及其影响因素

祁连山地区是中国乃至全球雪豹(Panthera Unica)分布最集中、种群密度最高的地区之一，该地区的雪豹科学保护对于全球雪豹种群具有重要意义。了解祁连山国家公园牧民对雪豹保护的态度认知、探究影响牧民对雪豹保护态度的主要因素，对于保护国家公园生态系统的原真性、促进人与野生动物和谐共处具有重要意义。基于半结构式访谈对祁连山国家公园牧民进行了随机抽样调查，结果表明：(1)受访者认为狼(n=34, 91.89%)和雪豹(n=16, 43.24%)是最重要的两种致害野生动物；(2)所有受访者对雪豹保护均持积极态度；(3)受访者认为野生动物捕杀(n=14, 50.00%)和草场退化(n=9, 32.14%)是家畜面临的两大威胁因素；(4)“雪豹捕杀家畜”和“为家畜购买商业保险”是影响牧民对雪豹保护态度的关键因素(P<0.05)。为促进人与野生动物长期共存，需要各级政府以国家公园体制建设为契机，进一步加强科学研究，制定更加科学合理的野生动物保护与管理措施。     

Attitudes,knowledge and wild animals as pets in Costa Rica

Abstract

A nationwide survey in Costa Rica, using Kellert's conceptual framework (Kellert, S. R. 1996. The Value of Life. Washington D.C., Island Press), revealed at least five attitude dimensions toward animals. Overall, Costa Rican adults have a strong sentimental attitude toward animals, an expression of feelings of affection toward animals. In contrast, the materialistic attitude, which regards animals as resources and praises acts of control over them, is weak. This reflects a prevailing opposition to the act of hunting per se, rather than to its potentially detrimental effect on natural populations. There is a strong inquisitive attitude, corresponding to a widespread interest in learning about the biology of animals and their habitats. High scores on the ethical attitude indicate concern for the ethical treatment of animals and nature. The schematic attitude emphasizes the role of aesthetic appearance in the preferences for certain animals and acknowledges feelings of aversion, dislike or fear of some animals. Scores for this attitude were weakly positive. The attitude profile of Costa Ricans is probably incomplete, given the small battery of questions used in this study and differences between this and Kellert's study in the assignment of questions to particular attitudes resulting from the factor analysis. Aesthetic appeal of the animals, compassion, affection and a desire to please and stimulate the children are important motives for the acquisition of wild animals as pets. These positive feelings and a misguided empathy for animals backfire by condemning these pets to an alien environment and inadequate care. The current study also showed that adults who keep wildlife have better biological knowledge than those who never kept wildlife as pets. In addition, Costa Ricans ranked highest in the percentage of correct answers to five questions about animals, in comparison to Kellert's data for US and Japanese citizens (Kellert S.R. 1993. Journal of Social Issues 49: 53–69). Such knowledge of natural history and an animal protection profile, however, do not translate into more animal friendly practices, as seen by the keeping of wildlife as pets under conditions of concern. Rather than changing the attitudes of Costa Ricans toward animals, the challenge is to increase the awareness about the animals' needs and thereby trigger the ethical concern for their well-being.     

Mammal community structure in relation to disturbance and resource gradients in southern Africa

The arrangements of mammals differ along environmental gradients, such as of disturbance and resources. We examined how mammal community composition in the Kalahari, Botswana, varied in relation to disturbance and resource gradients. We predicted that livestock-keeping villages are disturbances and pans are resources for wildlife, that the responses of mammals to disturbance and resources depend on their functional types and that increased disturbance over time has reduced the numbers and distributions of wildlife. The methods involved road-side counts of mammals >0.2 kg and trapping of small mammals, <0.2 kg. The disturbance gradient was more important than the resource gradient for explaining the distribution of mammals >0.2 kg. Communities in low disturbance-high resource areas were most diverse regarding species and functional types. Small mammal species richness and abundances were unaffected by villages, but increased with distance from pans. Villages were particularly deterring to large wild herbivores, functionally similar to livestock. Most large wild herbivores had decreased since 1975–1983. We conclude that large and medium-sized mammals are highly affected by large-scale disturbance gradients, while small mammals are most dependent on small-scale variation in resources, probably shelter and food. Increased disturbance over time leads to decreasing ranges and numbers of the large wild herbivores.     

Invasive mammalian wildlife and the risk of zoonotic parasites

Invasive wild mammals are present in all continents, with Europe, North America, and the Asian-Pacific region having the largest number of established species. In particular, Europe has been the continent with the highest number of zoonotic parasites associated with invasive wild mammals. These invasive species may represent a major threat for the conservation of native ecosystems and may enter in the transmission cycle of native parasites, or act as spreaders of exotic parasites. Here, we review the role of invasive wild mammals as spreaders of zoonotic parasites, presenting important examples from Europe, America, and the Asia-Pacific region. Finally, we emphasize the need for more research on these mammals and their parasites, especially in areas where their monitoring is scantily performed.