Survey of Loxodonta africana (Elephantidae)‐caused bark injury on Adansonia digitata (Malavaceae) within Pendjari Biosphere Reserve,Benin

This study assessed the level of bark damage on baobab trees (Adansonia digitata) as caused by elephants (Loxodonta africana), and the possibility of finding refuges where baobab could escape bark damage within the Pendjari Biosphere Reserve (PBR). Distributions of elephants and baobab trees within the PBR were compared using presence records of both species taken along transect lines. Two sites (National Park vs. hunting zone) that differ in elephant density were compared for intensity of bark damage and correlations between the intensity of bark damage and stem size of the baobab trees and population structure of the baobab trees. Elephants and baobabs showed co‐occurrence in PBR suggesting that there is nowhere to hide for baobabs. The intensity of bark damage was positively correlated with elephant density and baobab girth. Baobab population girth classes were not significantly different in areas with and without bark damage. Future studies should test whether there are certain baobab genotypes that can resist elephant damage. It could also be tested whether effective conservation of elephants in the PBR has resulted in a bull‐biased population over its carrying capacity.     

Size and crown shape predict reproductive maturity of Carapa guianensis in upland and floodplain forests in the northeastern Amazon

Comprehending the size distribution within a population and grasping its connection to tree maturation (onset of reproductive phase) is pivotal for formulating sustainable management strategies and conserving numerous tree species. The objective of this study was to compare the structure and probability of fruit production of Carapa guianensis in two types of forest (varzea, or floodplain, vs. terra firme, or upland) in the northeastern Amazon, Brazil. The study was conducted in four permanent plots of 300 × 300 m (two for each type of forest). All individuals ≥10 cm in diameter at breast height (DBH) were mapped and measured for DBH, height, and canopy characteristics (shape and position), and liana infestation. Sixty-seven trees were inventoried in the upland forest and 297 in the floodplain forest. The trees were larger in the upland (33.36 ± 1.84 cm) than in the floodplain (21.92 ± 1.5 cm) and more than half (56%) of the upland trees and more than two thirds (67%) of floodplain trees were reproductive. The minimum diameter for fruit production in the floodplain (10.2 cm of DBH) was more than two times smaller than in the upland (25.5 cm of DBH). The probability of fruit production of a tree of the same size was twice as high in the floodplain compared with the upland, and trees with rounded canopies had a higher probability of fruit production in the upland. Our results showed that the probability of fruit production can be modeled with variables of tree size and canopy shape, and that intrinsic factors of the forests influence the reproductive maturity of C. guianensis which presents greater precocity and productive potential of seeds in the estuarine floodplain forest of the Amazon River.     

Tree population studies in low-diversity forests, Guyana. II. Assessments on the distribution and abundance of non-timber forest products

Comparisons between two forest localities were undertaken to assess the potential availability of non-timber forest products (NTFPs) within the low-diversity forests of Guyana. Information on the abundance and distribution of tree species, and local and national ethnobotanical surveys were used classifying species into five categories (timber, construction, technological, edible and medicinal). A total of 152 species were recorded from the two localities; covering 236 different uses, 33 known commercial timber species and 106 species with potential non-timber product utilization. The most important plant families with the highest number of uses at both localities were Leguminosae (sub-families Caesalpinioideae and Mimosoideae), Arecaceae, Bombacaceae and Chrysobalanaceae, although these families were not the most abundant families at both localities. At both forest localities eight tree species represented over 50% of all the trees. At Kurupukari three species, each with more than three identified NTFPs, represented over 20% of the trees.Potential utilization of NTFPs are discussed in accordance with species richness, tree density, the number of different uses per species, and the percentage of trees represented by each utilizable species. Considering the constraints on the future potential commercialization of NTFPs, two scenarios for the extraction of NTFPs are discussed. Within relatively species-rich forest types the high diversity of products provides potentially viable multiple-species extractionism. In contrast, in low-diversity forest types, typical of the Guiana Shield, one or two NTFP species frequently represent over 50% of the canopy trees, and therefore substantially increase the potential sustainable extraction for single-species harvesting. It is suggested that these low-diversity types of forest are prioritized for conservation on the basis of ensuring future utilization, refuge, of non-timber forest products.     

Fulani Knowledge of the Ecological Impacts of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Khaya senegalensis</Emphasis> (Meliaceae) Foliage Harvest in Benin and its Implications for Sustainable Harvest

Fulani Knowledge of the Ecological Impacts of Khaya senegalensis (Meliaceae) Foliage Harvest in Benin and Its Implications for Sustainable Harvest. An improved understanding of how local people view their impacts on the resources they exploit and how they perceive that their resources are affected by other factors can provide insight into reasons some resources are overexploited and into strategies to conserve them. In West Africa, various tree species are heavily harvested by indigenous herders for foliage to feed their cattle. The reported declines in populations of several of these species have both biological and cultural implications, as cattle are an integral part of indigenous cultures and livelihoods. In this study we investigated Fulani herders’ practices, knowledge, and perceptions of the ecological impacts of harvesting foliage of African mahogany, Khaya senegalensis, in Benin, and we tested some of the factors that may influence them. Fulani herders have detailed ecological knowledge of their impacts on the resources they depend on, and this is finely tuned to local ecological conditions. This knowledge is also widely spread across different sectors of Fulani communities and is highly congruent with scientific findings. However, due to the open-access context of K. senegalensis populations, detailed knowledge of sustainability does not translate into sustainable practices. Fulani perceptions of threats to populations differ significantly between ecological regions and provide key insights for locally relevant resource management plans. Traditional Fulani practices such as the sopoodu provide a basis for sustainable management of proposed Fulani-owned K. senegalensis plantations. This study illustrates how the assessment of local ecological knowledge, practices, and perceptions can play a key role in the design of culturally-appropriate conservation plans.     

Population parameters and exploitation rate of Sarotherodon galilaeus galilaeus (Cichlidae) in Lakes Doukon and Togbadji,Benin

Growth, mortality, recruitment and relative yield per recruit of Sarotherodon galilaeus galilaeus from Lakes Doukon and Togbadji were studied. Data on total length, total weight and sex were recorded on a monthly basis between January and December 2013 for S. g. galilaeus captured by local fishers. The estimated asymptotic lengths L_∞ were 26.2 and 23.6?cm for Lakes Doukon and Togbadji, respectively, while the growth rate K was 0.73 in Lake Doukon and 0.87 in Lake Togbadji. Estimates of fishing mortality, 0.27 and 0.47 y^?1 for Doukon and Togbadji, respectively, were low relative to natural mortality, 1.51 and 1.74 y^?1, respectively. Sizes at first sexual maturity were 12.8 and 13.2?cm for females and males, respectively, in Lake Doukon, and 11.5 and 12.4?cm for females and males, respectively, in Lake Togbadji. The size at first capture was estimated at 13.3 and 12.7?cm for Lakes Doukon and Togbadji, respectively, which, in the light of the size at maturity estimates, indicates that fish spawn at least once before capture. The current exploitation rates of 0.15 for Lake Doukon and 0.21 for Lake Togbadji suggest that their stocks of S. g. galilaeus are not overexploited in either lake.     

Impact of Two Accidentally Introduced Encarsia Species (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae) and Other Biotic and Abiotic Factors on the Spiralling Whitefly Aleurodicus dispersus (Russell) (Homoptera: Aleyrodidae), in Benin, West Africa

In early 1993, the spiralling whitefly, Aleurodicus dispersus (Russell), was observed in Benin for the first time, inflicting damage to ornamental and shade trees and cassava. The parasitoids Encarsia ?haitiensis Dozier and E. guadeloupae Viggiani were observed in the second half of 1993. They were known to have the same host in the Pacific region, and were thought to have been introduced accidentally. The impact of these parasitoids was quantified using four surveys from 1993 to 1995 (on 2541 trees in 537 localities) and by population studies on guava. In 1993, A. dispersus occurred mostly in towns in the southern part of Benin; penetration into farmland was observed later. E. ?haitiensis was more abundant and widespread than E. guadeloupae , and by 1995 it had been recovered from most (84%) of the infested localities. On guava trees, the annual peaks of A. dispersus population declined by ca. 80% between 1993 and 1996. During the same period parasitism rates increased. Econometric multiple regression analyses based on 996 infested trees demonstrated that A. dispersus population densities, the proportion of infested trees and damage scores all declined significantly with increasing duration of the presence of the parasitoids, indicating their impact. Other variables were also significantly related to A. dispersus levels.     

梅花个体内花柱长度的变异及其对繁殖成功的影响

植物个体内花型的变异影响繁殖成功, 雌性繁殖性状的变异可能影响雌性的繁殖成功, 也可能作为花粉的受体影响雄性的繁殖成功。然而, 植物个体内不同花柱长度的花产生的花粉是否影响植物的繁殖成功却少有研究。梅(Armeniaca mume)是原产我国的重要木本花卉和经济果树, 我们的野外观察发现在同一植株内, 不同花的花柱长度有变异, 存在长柱型、短柱型和雄花型(雌蕊败育)三种花型, 是比较雌性繁殖性状的变异对两性繁殖成功的影响的理想材料。本文主要测量了不同花型的花部特征, 统计花期, 并开展体外花粉萌发以及人工控制授粉实验。结果表明: 长柱型的花冠直径、雌蕊长、单花花粉数、花粉体积显著大于短柱型和雄花型。长柱型的单花期以及雌花期显著长于短柱型。长柱型、短柱型以及雄花型花粉在活体柱头上的萌发率没有显著性差异, 雄花型的花粉管长度显著高于长柱型和短柱型。长柱型为母本的花粉萌发率以及花粉管的长度要显著高于短柱型。长柱型、短柱型、雄花型花粉授粉与自然对照处理的坐果率没有显著性差异, 而长柱型为母本的坐果率要显著高于短柱型为母本的坐果率。这些结果表明野生梅花的长柱型为母本有利于花粉的萌发和花粉管的伸长, 有高的坐果率; 但其作为花粉供体的雄性功能与其他花型没有差异。     

Seasonality and host utilization of the invasive fruit fly, Bactrocera invadens (Dipt., Tephritidae) in central Tanzania

Abstract:  The temporal occurrence of the invasive and economically important pest fruit fly, Bactrocera invadens was studied in three agro-ecological areas of Morogoro Region, central Tanzania, during 2004–2005. Weekly and monthly trappings were carried out with methyl eugenol, protein bait and synthetic food attractant. Bactrocera invadens was permanently present at low and mid-altitudes (380–520 m a.s.l.) with peak periods coinciding with the fruiting season of mango ( Mangifera indica ) and guava ( Psidium guajava ). At high altitude (1650 m a.s.l.) its incidence was only temporal and apparently the result of dispersal from lower altitudes after the mango fruiting season. Rearing results showed mango, loquat ( Eriobotrya japonica ), guava and grapefruit ( Citrus  ×  paradisi ) to be the favoured commercial host fruits. Other Citrus species, cucurbits, papaya ( Carica papaya ) and avocado ( Persea americana ) were less favoured.     

Reproductive performance of clonal and sexual bark beetles (Coleoptera: Scolytidae) in the field

In Ips acuminatus (Gyll.) parthenogenetic females occur together with sexual females and with sexual males upon which they depend for sperm. In a reciprocal‐transplant experiment, I studied fecundity differences among parthenogenetic and sexual females from two populations that differ dramatically in the proportion of clonal females. In a second experiment, I studied competition between larvae from different mothers and between females from the two source populations. Fecundity measured by the number of eggs per egg tunnel was influenced by the ambient environment at the sites of the experiment as well as the origin of the female, and was generally higher for clonal than for sexual females at both sites. In experimental groups where larvae competed with larvae from their own population (pure treatments), the number of surviving pupae was significantly lower than in groups where females from the two source populations were mixed. The high fecundity of clonal females makes coexistence of the two types of females difficult to explain. It makes the reproductive advantage associated with clonality in I. acuminatus even higher than the two‐fold difference due to asexuality per sé. The significant differences in the number of pupae in mixed vs. pure groups suggest ecological divergence between sexual and clonal females. This would make the mortality of larvae not only density dependent, but also frequency dependent, which could explain the coexistence of sexual and clonal females.     

Impacts of large mammals on movements of the pouched mouse (Saccostomus mearnsi) in central Kenya

Populations of large wild mammals are declining worldwide, while the abundance of livestock is increasing. The absence of large mammals frequently leads to increases in the abundance of small mammals such as rodents, but little is known about how the loss of large mammals affects the behaviour of small mammals. To investigate this question, we analysed long‐term data collected at the Kenya Long‐term Exclosure Experiment, which excludes different combinations of large mammals from a savannah ecosystem in central Kenya. We investigated the effects of excluding large mammals, both wild and domestic, on the movements of the pouched mouse (Saccostomus mearnsi), the most common species of small mammal in this habitat. Mice moved ~20% more in the presence of wildlife, but their movements were not significantly affected by the presence of cattle. An index of intraspecific contacts between mice was higher at higher mouse densities, and these high densities were more likely when wildlife and cattle were absent. The results suggest that the absence of large mammals led to higher densities of small mammals, which resulted in a greater probability of intraspecific contacts, despite lower average movement distances.     

The influence of matrix and edges on species richness patterns of ground beetles (Coleoptera: Carabidae) in habitat islands

Aim The aim of this study was to analyse whether, and how, the inclusion of habitat specialists and edge‐preferring species modifies the species–area relationship predictions of the island biogeography theory for an insect group (ground beetles, Coloptera: Carabidae) living in natural fragments. Species–habitat island area relationships applied to terrestrial habitat islands can be distorted by the indiscriminate inclusion of all species occurring in the fragments. Matrices surrounding terrestrial habitat fragments can provide colonists that do not necessarily distinguish the fragment from the matrix and can survive and reproduce there. Edge‐preferring species can further distort the expected relationship, as smaller fragments have larger edge:core ratios. Location Nineteen forest fragments were studied in the Bereg Plain, Hungary, and SW Ukraine. This area contains natural forest patches, mainly of oak and hornbeam, and supports a mountain entomofauna. Methods Ground beetles (Carabidae) present in the 19 forest patches were categorized into generalists, forest specialists and edge‐preferring species. We analysed the relationship between species richness and fragment area using species richness in the different categories. Results The assemblages contained a high share of generalist species (species that occur also in the surrounding matrix). Forest patch size and the number of generalist species showed a marginally significant negative relationship, indicating that generalist species were more important in smaller patches. Forest specialist species richness was correlated positively with patch area. Edge‐preferring species were shown to influence the species–area relationship: the number of edge‐preferring species increased with the edge:area ratio. Main conclusions Both generalist and edge‐preferring species can considerably distort the species–area relationship. Island biogeography theory can be applied to habitat islands only if the habitat islands are defined correctly from the viewpoint of the target species.     

The influence of nectar production and floral visitors on the female reproductive success of Inga (Fabaceae): a field experiment

Floral morphology, nectar secretion strategies and the contribution of pollinators to the reproductive success of plants provide important clues regarding the levels of generalization or specialization in pollination systems. Anthesis throughout the day and night allows flowers to be visited by diurnal and nocturnal pollinators, promoting generalization or specialization. We studied three species in the diverse tropical genus Inga to: (1) quantify the response of flowers to successive nectar extractions and (2) determine the contribution of diurnal and nocturnal floral visitors to female reproductive success. Inga flowers could be clearly distinguished mainly on the basis of the staminal tube diameter and the quantities of filaments and pollen grains. Successive nectar removals led to a decrease of 60% in the total nectar secretion in I. vera and to increases of 20% in I. ingoides and 10% in I. striata. Despite these differences, the studied Inga spp. exhibited similar patterns of visitation rates and shared diurnal and nocturnal pollinators. Nocturnal pollinators contributed ten times more than diurnal pollinators to the female reproductive success of Inga. Floral morphology, nectar secretion patterns and pollination ecology data suggest an evolutionary trend towards specialization for nocturnal pollinators in Inga spp. with crepuscular or nocturnal flowers. © 2014 The Linnean Society of London, Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society, 2015, 177 , 230–245.     

Revision of Pseudocorinna Simon and a new related genus (Araneae: Corinnidae): two more examples of spider templates with a large range of complexity in the genitalia

The genus Pseudocorinna Simon, 1910 is revised. The type species Pseudocorinna rutila Simon, 1910 from Guinea‐Bissau and Pseudocorinna septemaculeata Simon, 1910 from Bioko are redescribed. No material could be found of Pseudocorinna gracilior Simon, 1910 from Bioko which is to be considered nomen dubium. The genus further contains 27 species which are described as new: Pseudocorinna alligator, Pseudocorinna amicorum, Pseudocorinna amphibia, Pseudocorinna banco, Pseudocorinna bilobata, Pseudocorinna brianeno, Pseudocorinna celisi, Pseudocorinna christae, Pseudocorinna cymarum, Pseudocorinna doutreleponti, Pseudocorinna eruca, Pseudocorinna evertsi, Pseudocorinna febe, Pseudocorinna felix, Pseudocorinna gevaertsi, Pseudocorinna incisa, Pseudocorinna juakalyi, Pseudocorinna lanius, Pseudocorinna lobelia, Pseudocorinna natalis, Pseudocorinna naufraga, Pseudocorinna okupe, Pseudocorinna orientalis, Pseudocorinna perplexa, Pseudocorinna personata, Pseudocorinna ubicki, and Pseudocorinna victoria. The genus is characterized by the wide carapace and sternum and the dense network of dark warts on all sclerites of the prosoma. These structures are apparently outlets of underlying glands producing a gel‐like substance. The genus is restricted to the West and Central African forest area, ranging from Guinea‐Bissau to the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. The species are mainly found in very wet, temporarily inundated forests. A cladistic analysis strongly supported the erection of a new, closely related genus, Crinopseudoa gen. nov. , with very similar habitus but with poorly developed warts that have kept their original hair‐socket function. This genus contains 11 species, all of which are new, and has a distribution restricted to the West‐African refuge areas around Liberia and Cameroon. The type species is Crinopseudoa bong from Liberia. It further contains Crinopseudoa billeni, Crinopseudoa bongella, Crinopseudoa caligula, Crinopseudoa catharinae, Crinopseudoa ephialtes, Crinopseudoa flomoi, Crinopseudoa leiothorax, Crinopseudoa otus, Crinopseudoa paucigranulata, and Crinopseudoa titan. Both genera can be regarded as examples of successful somatic templates with a large range of morphologically different genitalia corroborating the ‘mate check’ hypothesis. Illustrated keys to the species of both genera are provided. © 2011 The Linnean Society of London, Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2011, 162 , 271–350.     

First observation on mating and reproductive seasonality in maned sloths <Emphasis Type="Italic">Bradypus torquatus</Emphasis> (Pilosa: Bradypodidae)

Information on mating season is of paramount importance for our understanding of reproductive behavior, yet little is currently known about the breeding season of Xenarhtra as a whole and sloths in particular. A pair of maned sloths was observed copulating in September 2005 in the Atlantic Forest region of south-eastern Brazil. Our studies on mating of the manned sloth as well of other hitherto unpublished records of newborn sloths seen in the wild, together with a review of previous information, indicate that B. torquatus is a seasonal breeder. Infants are born predominantly at the end of the wet season and beginning of the dry season (February–April), and copulation concentrates in the late dry and early wet seasons (August–October). This strategy allows for the energy-demanding gestation and lactation to take place during the less stressful period of the year.     

Importance of spittle bugs, Locris rubens (Erichson) and Poophilus costalis (Walker) on sorghum in West and Central Africa, with emphasis on Nigeria

Locris rubens (Erichson) (Cercopidae: Homoptera) and Poophilus costalis (Walker) (Aphrophoridae: Homoptera) are endemic pests of sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) in Nigeria and some other countries in West and Central Africa. Other hosts are maize, pearl millet, rice, sugarcane, and grasses. On sorghum, L. rubens lays eggs in the epidermis of the leaf sheath. There are five nymphal instars and development from egg to adult takes about 33 days. Both species of spittle bugs feed on all growth stages and all parts of sorghum, including the panicle. Feeding symptoms include yellow leaf blotching. Severe infestations often kill young leaves and plants. Under artificial infestation in cages, the severity of damage and associated symptoms as well as grain yield loss increased with an increase in the population density of spittle bugs. Infestation by 15 pairs of adult L. rubens     

Impact of environmental conditions on fruit production patterns of shea tree (Vitellaria paradoxa C.F.Gaertn) in West Africa

A better knowledge of the impact of environmental conditions on shea tree’s fruit production is critical to improve the species management. Fruit production of 237 shea trees was monitored over five successive years (2014–2018) to understand how climatic variables, shea tree population and land use could affect fruit production patterns of the species in Burkina Faso. Data were collected in 12 shea tree populations distributed in three climatic zones with two contrast land use systems. The results showed that fruit production was negatively correlated with mean annual temperature, temperature seasonality, rainfall seasonality and solar radiation, while it was positive with annual rainfall. Therefore, fruiting modelling is needed to predict the impact of future climate change on reproductive ability of the species. In each climatic zone, fruit production was significantly different among shea tree populations (p < 0.05). Within populations, fruit production greatly varies among years with specific patterns of variation. Land use had significant effect on fruit production of shea tree (p < 0.05). Annually, shea trees produced about 12 times more in agroforestry parklands than in protected areas. Interannual variation in fruit production at individual tree level was higher in protected areas. The cultivation of shea tree is recommended to improve its fruit productivity.     

Impacts of the season and reproductive status on fecal reproductive and adrenocortical steroid metabolites in zoo Cuban crocodiles (Crocodylus rhombifer)

Conservation strategies for crocodilians often include captive breeding to create stable assurance populations. Evaluating adrenal and gonadal hormone patterns can provide animal managers with data to more effectively monitor animal welfare and reproductive status. This study evaluated the effects of season (breeding, nesting, or off), sex (male and female), and reproductive status of females (egg-laying/housed with a male or non-laying/housed solo) on concentrations of fecal glucocorticoid metabolite (FGM), fecal androgen metabolite (FAM), and fecal progestogen metabolite (FPM) in seven Cuban crocodiles, Crocodylus rhombifer, at the Smithsonian's National Zoological Park. Overall, seasonal changes in FGM and FPM concentrations were only observed in egg-laying females; FGM and FPM concentrations were both higher during the nesting season compared to the breeding and off seasons. Seasonal changes in FAM concentrations were only observed in males; males had higher FAM concentrations during the breeding and nesting seasons compared to the off season. Future studies investigating the use of fecal hormone metabolites in crocodilians are necessary to understand differences between individuals and species, to further elucidate the interactions between hormones and environmental factors, such as social housing, and to develop long-term datasets for the management of this species.     

退耕还林(草)工程对渭河流域生态系统服务的影响

退耕还林(草)工程作为中国启动的重要生态补偿项目,对维护国家生态安全起着关键作用,系统剖析退耕还林(草)工程对生态系统服务的影响,有助于为健全生态补偿制度提供借鉴。本研究以渭河流域为例,基于土地利用数据、气象数据等资料,在分析退耕还林(草)工程实施以来渭河流域土地利用和生态系统服务时空变化的基础上,运用Invest模型、地理加权回归等方法,探究退耕还林(草)工程对渭河流域水源涵养、土壤保持、碳储量、生境质量等生态系统服务变化的影响。结果表明: 退耕还林(草)工程实施以来,渭河流域林草覆盖率呈波动上升趋势,林草面积增加2704.49 km²。2000—2018年间,渭河流域水源涵养、土壤保持、碳储量、生境质量均呈波动上升趋势,其中,水源涵养和固碳服务增幅较大,生境质量和土壤保持增幅较小。退耕还林(草)工程有效提升了渭河流域的水源涵养、土壤保持、固碳、生境质量等生态系统服务,但对不同地域单元生态系统服务影响强度不同。     

Effects of selective logging (50 years ago) on habitat use and ranging behaviour of a forest understorey bird (red-tailed bristlebill, Bleda syndactyla) in Uganda

To understand the effects of selective logging on animals we compared habitat use and ranging behaviour of a common understorey passerine bird, the red‐tailed bristlebill (Bleda syndactyla), in logged and unlogged forest in the Budongo Forest Reserve, Uganda. The secondary forest had been selectively logged about 50 years ago, and differed in vegetation structure from the unlogged, primary forest in particular by having a denser understorey. Home range size of radio‐tagged bristlebills was 10–20% larger (depending on data sample used) in unlogged forest compared with logged forest, but the difference was not significant. Movement rates during 1‐h observation periods were highest in unlogged forest. The bristlebill has been characterized as a bird of dense understorey vegetation, and data from unlogged forest in the present study suggested that areas with dense understorey were used more often than expected. In logged forest, no habitat preferences were found, probably because the forest had a dense understorey throughout. Assuming that smaller home ranges and lower movement rates indicate better habitat, there was no evidence that bristlebills were negatively affected by logging. The preference for dense understorey in unlogged forest suggests that the bristlebill may benefit from selective logging because this leads to an increase in dense understorey.     

Notes on the soil ciliate biota (Protozoa, Ciliophora) from the Shimba Hills in Kenya (Africa): diversity and description of three new genera and ten new species

A very diverse ciliate community was found in nine soil samples from the Shimba Hills Nature Reserve in Kenya, equatorial Africa. The ciliates, respectively, their resting cysts, were re-activated from air-dried samples using the non-flooded Petri dish method. Species were determined from life and by silver impregnation. 34 (27%) of the 125 taxa identified had not yet been described in 1985, when the samples were collected and investigated. The richest samples, each containing 59 species, were those from a deciduous primary forest and a young secondary pine forest. The most remarkable species discovered in the Shimba Hills were Krassniggia auxiliaris, Bresslauides terricola, Gigantothrix herzogi, and Afrothrix darbyshirei. They are flagships with a very distinct morphology and easy to recognise due to their extraordinarily large body size. Krassniggia auxiliaris occurs also in Australia and probably has a restricted Gondwanan distribution, like some other ciliates. Bresslauides terricola was later found in soils from all main biogeographical regions, except for Antarctica. Gigantothrix herzogi and Afrothrix darbyshirei are still unique to the Shimba Hills. The following taxa are described in detail: Sikorops woronowiczae nov. gen., nov. spec., Arcuospathidium multinucleatum nov. spec., Dileptus similis Foissner, 1995, Plagiocampa bitricha nov. spec., Drepanomonas exigua exigua Penard, 1922, D. exigua bidentata nov. sspec., Parafurgasonia protectissima (Penard, 1922) nov. comb., P. terricola nov. spec., Brachyosoma brachypoda mucosa nov. sspec., Gigantothrix herzogi nov. gen., nov. spec., Afrothrix darbyshirei nov. gen., nov. spec., Oxytricha africana nov. spec., and O. elegans nov. spec.