The underused traditional crop Moringa has the potential to impact the widespread problem of malnutrition in sub-Saharan Africa. Traditionally consumed for its nutritional and therapeutic value, Moringa has significant potential for improvement through better use of genetic resources, understanding of its phenology and the factors affecting its nutritional content, and […]
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Human-wildlife conflict – such as crop-raiding by elephants – is becoming a significant socioeconomic and political issue in many African countries such as Gabon. In Gabon, where my research is based, particularly at Lopé National Park, owners of small local farms are complaining of losing more and more crops due […]
The behaviour and life cycles of the largest animals on the planet are incredibly important for the healthy functioning of our planet’s life support systems. Unfortunately, many big species now face extinction due to their value in the illegal wildlife trade, vulnerability to habitat degradation and because they often come into conflict with humans.
At the start of my PhD on liana ecology in 2018, I was scarcely familiar with the term phenology. I had never given it a consideration as something I would like to pursue until my PhD advisor suggested it. I was interested in a one-off vegetation survey, possibly in several places rather than stay at something for very long. I had no prior experience collecting phenological data; however, I was soon to realize there is a lot of variability surrounding phenological observations.
Today, a brand-new collection of papers has been released by Biotropica as a Special Section – “Rethinking tropical phenology: insights from long‐term monitoring and novel analytical methods” – edited by Katharine Abernethy, Irene Mendoza and Bryan Finegan. Of the nine research papers making up the release, six derive from Africa, and […]
On May 9th 2018, Biotropica will publish a Special Section on tropical phenology, edited by Katharine Abernethy, Irene Mendoza and Bryan Finegan. Papers include contributions from over 100 authors, both new names and those already prominent in the field, including Fred Babweteera, Emma Bush, Osvaldo Caldéron, Colin Chapman, Rick Condit, […]