Search

Tree hyraxes (Dendrohyrax) are one of only three genera currently recognized in Procaviidae, the only extant family in the mammalian order Hyracoidea. Their taxonomy and natural history have received little attention in recent decades. All tree hyrax populations of Guineo-Congolian forests of Africa are currently treated as a single species, Dendrohyrax dorsalis , the western tree hyrax, but many other groups of mammals distributed across this large biome have been shown to consist of several different species, each restricted to a distinct biogeographical region. We analysed variation in loud-call structure, pelage colour, skull morphometrics and mitochondrial genomes in populations across much of the range of D. dorsalis. This integrative approach uncovered considerable cryptic variation. The population found between the Niger and Volta Rivers in West Africa is particularly distinctive, and we describe it herein as a new species. Our study highlights the need to revise the taxonomy of the genus Dendrohyrax in light of modern systematics and current understanding of its distribution. It also adds to a growing body of evidence that the Niger–Volta interfluvium has a distinct meso-mammal fauna. Unfortunately, the fauna of this region is under major threat and warrants much greater conservation attention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of Python spp. for traditional medicine purposes has been recorded, but there is a dearth of information on the versatility of body parts used for the treatment of human ailments. This study aimed to determine the medicinal knowledge and level of agreement among traditional medicine practitioners in Ghana on the use of pythons for the treatment of human ailments. Ethnozoological data on the use of pythons for the treatment of human ailments were gathered from 45 traditional medicine practitioners using semi-structured interviews. The use value index and informant agreement ratio were calculated to ascertain the most sought after python body part and the level of agreement of a python body part for the treatment of human ailments. The python head, bones, and skin were the body parts found to be used for traditional medicine purposes together with the fat and eggs. Python fat had the highest use value and informant agreement ratio. Rheumatism, headache, bedwetting, diabetes, and spiritual protection were among the human ailments that were treated with python. Overall, python medicinal use was mainly for spiritual ailments rather than medical ailments. Although the python is currently of less international conservation importance, there is a need to reconcile the high use values of species by traditional medicine practitioners with their conservation status to evaluate their current threats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vultures form an important ingredient used by traditional medicinal practitioners for the preparation of their therapeutic remedies. The aim of this study was to determine the vulture body parts used for alleviating human ailments by traditional medicinal practitioners in Ghana. Data on the vulture body parts used and human ailments used to alleviate were collected from 28 traditional medicinal practitioners using semi-structured questionnaires. The vulture head, brain, claw, beak, bones and feathers were identified as the body parts used for traditional medicinal purposes. Use values and informant agreement ratio were calculated; the vulture head was found to be the most culturally important body part for treating human ailments, while the feathers had the highest informant agreement ratio. Human ailments that vulture body parts were used to treat include rheumatism, headache, bedwetting and diabetes, while protection against witchcraft was the main spiritual ailment that vulture body parts were used for. This study revealed the high cultural importance of vultures to traditional medicinal practitioners in Ghana. Vulture body parts were particularly important for spiritual ailments that have no orthodox treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The status of Lowe's Monkey Cercopithecus lowei was assessed during a survey in Kakum Conservation Area, Ghana. Within the reserve logging and hunting was banned 20 years ago, and the forest underwent two decades of natural regeneration. The main objectives of the study were to evaluate the impact of conservation measures on the local population of Lowe's Monkey and assess its relationships with other primates and non-primate mammals. Data on population status were collected during line transect surveys. Comparing the present mean encounter rate of 1.03 (±0.03) groups/km to that recorded in 1993 (0.31±0.16 groups/km) suggests an average population growth rate of 13.6% per annum. Conservation measures such as banning illegal logging and hunting have likely contributed to the population increase. Lowe's monkeys were often observed in close proximity to other primates (e.g., Black and White Colobus) and non-primate mammals (e.g., Maxwell's Duiker), but neither socio-positive nor antagonistic interactions were observed. Recommendations are made for further improvement and studies of the species elsewhere. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]