Watalinga Forest: Difference between revisions
No edit summary Tag: Manual revert |
No edit summary |
||
| (One intermediate revision by the same user not shown) | |||
| Line 16: | Line 16: | ||
= Site characteristics = | = Site characteristics = | ||
Watalinga Forest is encompassed within the northern sector of [[Virunga National Park]], in North Kivu province of eastern DRC. The site is bisected from north to south by the Semliki river (Nixon & Lusenge 2008). The site represents the southeastern limit of the extensive Ituri Forest. Mixed mature lowland tropical forest dominated by ''Cynometra alexandra'' are the principal vegetation types, but other habitats include riverine forest, broken canopy ''Marantaceae'' forest, seasonally-inundated swamp forest, papyrus swamps by the Semliki river, isolated secondary forest formations around tree falls and other sites of natural or anthropogenic disturbance (Nixon & Lusenge 2008). The forest cover is almost complete (Nixon & Lusenge 2008). | Watalinga Forest is encompassed within the northern sector of [[Virunga National Park]], in North Kivu province of eastern DRC. The site is bisected from north to south by the Semliki river ([[#R01923|Nixon & Lusenge 2008]]). The site represents the southeastern limit of the extensive Ituri Forest. Mixed mature lowland tropical forest dominated by ''Cynometra alexandra'' are the principal vegetation types, but other habitats include riverine forest, broken canopy ''Marantaceae'' forest, seasonally-inundated swamp forest, papyrus swamps by the Semliki river, isolated secondary forest formations around tree falls and other sites of natural or anthropogenic disturbance ([[#R01923|Nixon & Lusenge 2008]]). The forest cover is almost complete ([[#R01923|Nixon & Lusenge 2008]]). | ||
'''Table 1. Basic site information for Watalinga Forest''' | '''Table 1. Basic site information for Watalinga Forest''' | ||
| Line 42: | Line 42: | ||
= Ape status = | = Ape status = | ||
During a 2008 survey, chimpanzee sign was widespread but rare; in total 137 individual chimpanzee nests were observed in 30 nest group sites throughout the site (Nixon & Lusenge 2008). Mean nest group size was 4.9 individuals (range 1-12). Chimpanzees were not directly observed, but vocalisations were heard on six occasions. The highest nest encounter rates (1.77 nests/km) were observed in the Rwenzori mountains adjacent to Ndama village and on the east side of the Semliki river in the Mukakati South survey block (1.66 nests/km). Encounter rate (nests/km)s were lowest in the Ndama and Djuma survey blocks. On the Rwenzori recce, chimpanzee nests, dung and trail sign were recorded over a wide range of altitudes between 1010 m and 2400 m (Nixon & Luesenge 2008). | During a 2008 survey, chimpanzee sign was widespread but rare; in total 137 individual chimpanzee nests were observed in 30 nest group sites throughout the site ([[#R01923|Nixon & Lusenge 2008]]). Mean nest group size was 4.9 individuals (range 1-12). Chimpanzees were not directly observed, but vocalisations were heard on six occasions. The highest nest encounter rates (1.77 nests/km) were observed in the Rwenzori mountains adjacent to Ndama village and on the east side of the Semliki river in the Mukakati South survey block (1.66 nests/km). Encounter rate (nests/km)s were lowest in the Ndama and Djuma survey blocks. On the Rwenzori recce, chimpanzee nests, dung and trail sign were recorded over a wide range of altitudes between 1010 m and 2400 m ([[#R01923|Nixon & Luesenge 2008]]). | ||
'''Table 2. Ape population estimates reported for Watalinga Forest''' | '''Table 2. Ape population estimates reported for Watalinga Forest''' | ||
| Line 68: | Line 68: | ||
|Camera trap, Reconnaissance walk | |Camera trap, Reconnaissance walk | ||
| | | | ||
|[ | |[[#R01923|Nixon & Lusenge 2008]] | ||
|survey effort: 216 km | |survey effort: 216 km | ||
| | | | ||
| Line 81: | Line 81: | ||
|Line transects & recces | |Line transects & recces | ||
| | | | ||
|[ | |[[#R01924|Plumptre et al. 2010]] | ||
| | | | ||
| | | | ||
| Line 89: | Line 89: | ||
= Threats = | = Threats = | ||
During a 2008 okapi survey in Watalinga Forest, human activities were recorded throughout the site and hunting was the most frequently encountered of all activities recorded. Locals also reported that military stationed nearby had shot and eaten three chimpanzees one week before the survey (Nixon & Lusenge 2008). A significant amount of deforestation and land conversion has occurred along the base of the Rwenzoris at this site, and a lack of clarity concerning the boundaries of the park in the region was noted (Nixon & Lusenge 2008). | During a 2008 okapi survey in Watalinga Forest, human activities were recorded throughout the site and hunting was the most frequently encountered of all activities recorded. Locals also reported that military stationed nearby had shot and eaten three chimpanzees one week before the survey ([[#R01923|Nixon & Lusenge 2008]]). A significant amount of deforestation and land conversion has occurred along the base of the Rwenzoris at this site, and a lack of clarity concerning the boundaries of the park in the region was noted ([[#R01923|Nixon & Lusenge 2008]]). | ||
'''Table 3. Threats to apes reported for Watalinga Forest''' | '''Table 3. Threats to apes reported for Watalinga Forest''' | ||
| Line 102: | Line 102: | ||
|4.1 Roads & railroads | |4.1 Roads & railroads | ||
|Present (unknown severity) | |Present (unknown severity) | ||
|Mbau-Kamango road rehabilitated, facilitating access to forest (Nixon & Lusenge 2008). | |Mbau-Kamango road rehabilitated, facilitating access to forest ([[#R01923|Nixon & Lusenge 2008]]). | ||
|Ongoing (2008) | |Ongoing (2008) | ||
|- | |- | ||
| Line 108: | Line 108: | ||
|5.1 Hunting & collecting terrestrial animals | |5.1 Hunting & collecting terrestrial animals | ||
|High (more than 70% of population affected) | |High (more than 70% of population affected) | ||
|Hunting signs were frequently found during a 2008 survey of the area (Nixon & Lusenge 2008). | |Hunting signs were frequently found during a 2008 survey of the area ([[#R01923|Nixon & Lusenge 2008]]). | ||
|Ongoing (2008) | |Ongoing (2008) | ||
|- | |- | ||
| Line 114: | Line 114: | ||
|5.3 Logging & wood harvesting | |5.3 Logging & wood harvesting | ||
|High (more than 70% of population affected) | |High (more than 70% of population affected) | ||
|Charcoal production from primary forest trees (''Cynometra alexandra'') is widespread to the east of the park boundary and trade is greatly facilitated by the presence of the recently completed Mbau-Kamango road (Nixon & Lusenge 2008). | |Charcoal production from primary forest trees (''Cynometra alexandra'') is widespread to the east of the park boundary and trade is greatly facilitated by the presence of the recently completed Mbau-Kamango road ([[#R01923|Nixon & Lusenge 2008]]). | ||
|Ongoing (2008) | |Ongoing (2008) | ||
|} | |} | ||
| Line 136: | Line 136: | ||
|6 Safety and stability | |6 Safety and stability | ||
|6.3 Civil unrest/war | |6.3 Civil unrest/war | ||
|Nixon & Lusenge 2008, Plumptre et al. 2010 | |[[#R01923|Nixon & Lusenge 2008]], [[#R01924|Plumptre et al. 2010]] | ||
| | | | ||
|} | |} | ||
| Line 209: | Line 209: | ||
| | | | ||
| | | | ||
|Nixon & Lusenge 2008 | |[[#R01923|Nixon & Lusenge 2008]] | ||
| | | | ||
| | | | ||
| Line 219: | Line 219: | ||
| | | | ||
| | | | ||
|Nixon & Lusenge 2008 | |[[#R01923|Nixon & Lusenge 2008]] | ||
| | | | ||
| | | | ||
| Line 236: | Line 236: | ||
= References = | = References = | ||
Nixon, S.C., & Lusenge, T. (2008). Conservation status of okapi in Virunga National Park, Democratic Republic of Congo. ZSL Conservation Report No. 9. The Zoological Society of London, London. Online: https://www.zsl.org/sites/default/files/Nixon%20and%20Lusenge%202008%20-%20Conservation%20status%20of%20okapi%20in%20Virunga%20National%20Park%2C%20DRC.pdf | <span id="R01923"></span>Nixon, S.C., & Lusenge, T. (2008). Conservation status of okapi in Virunga National Park, Democratic Republic of Congo. ZSL Conservation Report No. 9. The Zoological Society of London, London. Online: https://www.zsl.org/sites/default/files/Nixon%20and%20Lusenge%202008%20-%20Conservation%20status%20of%20okapi%20in%20Virunga%20National%20Park%2C%20DRC.pdf [https://web.archive.org/web/20221208012940/https://www.zsl.org/sites/default/files/Nixon%20and%20Lusenge%202008%20-%20Conservation%20status%20of%20okapi%20in%20Virunga%20National%20Park,%20DRC.pdf link] | ||
Plumptre, A.J., Rose, R., Nangendo, G., Williamson, E.A., Didier, K., Hart, J., Mulindahabi, F., Hicks, C., Griffin, B., Ogawa, H., Nixon, S., Pintea, L., Vosper, A., McClennan, M., Amsini, F., McNeilage, A., Makana, J.R., Kanamori, M., Hernandez, A., Piel, A., Stewart, F., Moore, J., Zamma, K., Nakamura, M., Kamenya, S., Idani, G., Sakamaki, T., Yoshikawa, M., Greer, D., Tranquilli, S., Beyers, R., Furuichi, T., Hashimoto, C. and Bennett, E. (2010). Eastern Chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes schweinfurthii): Status Survey and Conservation Action Plan 2010–2020. IUCN/SSC Primate Specialist Group, Gland, Switzerland. 52pp. Online: https://www.iucngreatapes.org/eastern-chimpanzee | <span id="R01924"></span>Plumptre, A.J., Rose, R., Nangendo, G., Williamson, E.A., Didier, K., Hart, J., Mulindahabi, F., Hicks, C., Griffin, B., Ogawa, H., Nixon, S., Pintea, L., Vosper, A., McClennan, M., Amsini, F., McNeilage, A., Makana, J.R., Kanamori, M., Hernandez, A., Piel, A., Stewart, F., Moore, J., Zamma, K., Nakamura, M., Kamenya, S., Idani, G., Sakamaki, T., Yoshikawa, M., Greer, D., Tranquilli, S., Beyers, R., Furuichi, T., Hashimoto, C. and Bennett, E. (2010). Eastern Chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes schweinfurthii): Status Survey and Conservation Action Plan 2010–2020. IUCN/SSC Primate Specialist Group, Gland, Switzerland. 52pp. Online: https://www.iucngreatapes.org/eastern-chimpanzee [http://www.primate-sg.org/PDF/ECCAP.pdf link] | ||
'''Page created by: '''APES Atlas Team''' Date:''' 2022-03-04 | '''Page created by: '''APES Atlas Team''' Date:''' 2022-03-04 | ||
Latest revision as of 20:10, 14 October 2026
Central Africa > Democratic Republic of the Congo > Watalinga Forest
Français | Português | Español | Bahasa Indonesia | Melayu
Summary
- Eastern chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes schweinfurthii) are present in Watalinga Forest.
- It has been estimated that 645 individuals occur in the site.
- The chimpanzee population trend is unknown.
- The site has a total size of 2,256 km².
- Key threats to chimpanzees are hunting and charcoal production.
- Conservation activities are not documented.
- The site is found within Virunga National Park.
Site characteristics
Watalinga Forest is encompassed within the northern sector of Virunga National Park, in North Kivu province of eastern DRC. The site is bisected from north to south by the Semliki river (Nixon & Lusenge 2008). The site represents the southeastern limit of the extensive Ituri Forest. Mixed mature lowland tropical forest dominated by Cynometra alexandra are the principal vegetation types, but other habitats include riverine forest, broken canopy Marantaceae forest, seasonally-inundated swamp forest, papyrus swamps by the Semliki river, isolated secondary forest formations around tree falls and other sites of natural or anthropogenic disturbance (Nixon & Lusenge 2008). The forest cover is almost complete (Nixon & Lusenge 2008).
Table 1. Basic site information for Watalinga Forest
| Species | Pan troglodytes schweinfurthii |
| Area | 2,256 km² |
| Coordinates | Lat: 0.813033 , Lon: 29.834703 |
| Type of site | Protected area (National Park) |
| Habitat types | Subtropical/tropical moist lowland forest, Subtropical/tropical swamp forest |
| Type of governance |
Types of sites Governance types Habitat types
Ape status
During a 2008 survey, chimpanzee sign was widespread but rare; in total 137 individual chimpanzee nests were observed in 30 nest group sites throughout the site (Nixon & Lusenge 2008). Mean nest group size was 4.9 individuals (range 1-12). Chimpanzees were not directly observed, but vocalisations were heard on six occasions. The highest nest encounter rates (1.77 nests/km) were observed in the Rwenzori mountains adjacent to Ndama village and on the east side of the Semliki river in the Mukakati South survey block (1.66 nests/km). Encounter rate (nests/km)s were lowest in the Ndama and Djuma survey blocks. On the Rwenzori recce, chimpanzee nests, dung and trail sign were recorded over a wide range of altitudes between 1010 m and 2400 m (Nixon & Luesenge 2008).
Table 2. Ape population estimates reported for Watalinga Forest
| Species | Year | Occurrence | Encounter or vistation rate (nests/km; ind/day) | Density estimate [ind./ km²] (95% CI) | Abundance estimate (95% CI) | Survey area | Sampling method | Analytical framework | Source | Comments | A.P.E.S. database ID |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pan troglodytes schweinfurthii | 2008 | 0.74 | Watalinga Forest | Camera trap, Reconnaissance walk | Nixon & Lusenge 2008 | survey effort: 216 km | |||||
| Pan troglodytes schweinfurthii | Unknown | 0.29 | 645.0 | Watalinga Forest (2,256 km²) | Line transects & recces | Plumptre et al. 2010 |
Sampling methods Analytical frameworks
Threats
During a 2008 okapi survey in Watalinga Forest, human activities were recorded throughout the site and hunting was the most frequently encountered of all activities recorded. Locals also reported that military stationed nearby had shot and eaten three chimpanzees one week before the survey (Nixon & Lusenge 2008). A significant amount of deforestation and land conversion has occurred along the base of the Rwenzoris at this site, and a lack of clarity concerning the boundaries of the park in the region was noted (Nixon & Lusenge 2008).
Table 3. Threats to apes reported for Watalinga Forest
| Category | Specific threats | Threat level | Description | Year of threat |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 Transportation & service corridors | 4.1 Roads & railroads | Present (unknown severity) | Mbau-Kamango road rehabilitated, facilitating access to forest (Nixon & Lusenge 2008). | Ongoing (2008) |
| 5 Biological resource use | 5.1 Hunting & collecting terrestrial animals | High (more than 70% of population affected) | Hunting signs were frequently found during a 2008 survey of the area (Nixon & Lusenge 2008). | Ongoing (2008) |
| 5 Biological resource use | 5.3 Logging & wood harvesting | High (more than 70% of population affected) | Charcoal production from primary forest trees (Cynometra alexandra) is widespread to the east of the park boundary and trade is greatly facilitated by the presence of the recently completed Mbau-Kamango road (Nixon & Lusenge 2008). | Ongoing (2008) |
Conservation activities
Challenges
Table 5. Challenges reported for Watalinga Forest
| Challenges | Specific challenges | Source | Year(s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 Safety and stability | 6.3 Civil unrest/war | Nixon & Lusenge 2008, Plumptre et al. 2010 |
Enablers
Table 6. Enablers reported for Watalinga Forest
| Enablers | Specific enablers | Source | Year(s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Site management | |||
| 2 Resources and capacity | |||
| 3 Engaged community | |||
| 4 Institutional support | |||
| 5 Ecological context | |||
| 6 Safety and stability |
Research activities
Documented behaviours
Table 7. Behaviours documented for Watalinga Forest
| Category | Behavior | Observation type | Prevalence | Observation dates | Source | Habituation | Species | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| bamboo feeding | Nixon & Lusenge 2008 | |||||||
| ground nesting | Nixon & Lusenge 2008 |
Exposure to climate change impacts
External links
References
Nixon, S.C., & Lusenge, T. (2008). Conservation status of okapi in Virunga National Park, Democratic Republic of Congo. ZSL Conservation Report No. 9. The Zoological Society of London, London. Online: https://www.zsl.org/sites/default/files/Nixon%20and%20Lusenge%202008%20-%20Conservation%20status%20of%20okapi%20in%20Virunga%20National%20Park%2C%20DRC.pdf link
Plumptre, A.J., Rose, R., Nangendo, G., Williamson, E.A., Didier, K., Hart, J., Mulindahabi, F., Hicks, C., Griffin, B., Ogawa, H., Nixon, S., Pintea, L., Vosper, A., McClennan, M., Amsini, F., McNeilage, A., Makana, J.R., Kanamori, M., Hernandez, A., Piel, A., Stewart, F., Moore, J., Zamma, K., Nakamura, M., Kamenya, S., Idani, G., Sakamaki, T., Yoshikawa, M., Greer, D., Tranquilli, S., Beyers, R., Furuichi, T., Hashimoto, C. and Bennett, E. (2010). Eastern Chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes schweinfurthii): Status Survey and Conservation Action Plan 2010–2020. IUCN/SSC Primate Specialist Group, Gland, Switzerland. 52pp. Online: https://www.iucngreatapes.org/eastern-chimpanzee link
Page created by: APES Atlas Team Date: 2022-03-04