With richest biodiversity in the world, Africa is the center of most conservation priorities. The difference in the composition of biodiversity is phenomenal between Africa and China, where the resources are almost co...With richest biodiversity in the world, Africa is the center of most conservation priorities. The difference in the composition of biodiversity is phenomenal between Africa and China, where the resources are almost complementary. This essay reviews the characteristics of African biodiversity, as well as the current status and international cooperation on biodiversity conservation. It also evaluates the significance and impendence of developing Sino-African research projects in this regard, and blueprints detailed plans for such an initiative in possible regions.展开更多
We examine the conservation status of Africa＇s ＂Big Five＂： lion, leopard, buffalo, black and white rhinoceros and elephant, and the role of behavioral knowledge in their conservation. Efforts to conserve these fla...We examine the conservation status of Africa＇s ＂Big Five＂： lion, leopard, buffalo, black and white rhinoceros and elephant, and the role of behavioral knowledge in their conservation. Efforts to conserve these flagship species consist of in situ conservation, captive breeding and reintroductions. With a few exceptions, we find limited evidence that knowledge of behavior informs conservation programs targeted at these species. For management in the wild, knowledge of infanticide and ranging can provide guidelines for realistic hunting quotas and corridors between protected areas, respectively. For ex situ and reintroduction programs, behavioral knowledge is chiefly focused on improved animal husbandry. Despite a formidable understanding of these species＇ behavior, the practicalities of using such knowledge may be diminished because exploitation of these species is so forceful and the bulk of efforts aimed at conserving these species （and indeed most other African species） are primarily in situ where behaviorally driven interventions are limited. Our comparative findings suggest that behavior has been of rather narrow use in the conservation of these flagship species [Current Zoology 60 （4）： 486--499, 2014].展开更多
文摘With richest biodiversity in the world, Africa is the center of most conservation priorities. The difference in the composition of biodiversity is phenomenal between Africa and China, where the resources are almost complementary. This essay reviews the characteristics of African biodiversity, as well as the current status and international cooperation on biodiversity conservation. It also evaluates the significance and impendence of developing Sino-African research projects in this regard, and blueprints detailed plans for such an initiative in possible regions.
文摘We examine the conservation status of Africa＇s ＂Big Five＂： lion, leopard, buffalo, black and white rhinoceros and elephant, and the role of behavioral knowledge in their conservation. Efforts to conserve these flagship species consist of in situ conservation, captive breeding and reintroductions. With a few exceptions, we find limited evidence that knowledge of behavior informs conservation programs targeted at these species. For management in the wild, knowledge of infanticide and ranging can provide guidelines for realistic hunting quotas and corridors between protected areas, respectively. For ex situ and reintroduction programs, behavioral knowledge is chiefly focused on improved animal husbandry. Despite a formidable understanding of these species＇ behavior, the practicalities of using such knowledge may be diminished because exploitation of these species is so forceful and the bulk of efforts aimed at conserving these species （and indeed most other African species） are primarily in situ where behaviorally driven interventions are limited. Our comparative findings suggest that behavior has been of rather narrow use in the conservation of these flagship species [Current Zoology 60 （4）： 486--499, 2014].
