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Gygax et al (2025) Evaluation of nanopore sequencing for increasing accessibility of eDNA studies in biodiverse countries
We directly compared the latest portable nanopore sequencing methods with established Illumina sequencing for vertebrate eDNA metabarcoding of Zambian water samples. We also evaluated cost-effective versus established water filtration approaches, and contrasted a comprehensive, computationally intensive taxonomic database search with a streamlined, manually curated database search. Our results show that due to recent improvements in sequencing chemistry and optimized basecalling, nanopore sequencing can recover many of the species detected by Illumina sequencing, demonstrating the feasibility of in situ biodiversity assessment using portable platforms.
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Sun et al (2025) First rangewide density estimate of the endemic and isolated Luangwa giraffe in Zambia
We conducted the most spatially extensive and systematic survey to date of Luangwa giraffe across its distribution, extending survey effort 120 km south of their officially recognized extent. Using spatial capture recapture modeling, we estimated 651–890 giraffe and an overall density of 0.04–0.05 giraffe/km2. Density decreased to nought beyond 7.5 km from permanent rivers, consistent with preferred forage concentrated in riparian areas. Increasing giraffe density estimates up to a threshold of the Human Footprint Index suggested that limited human presence may have negligible consequences on movement and resource selection. This was likely due to suitable habitat and minimal conflict despite human presence. However, without mitigating land-use planning, rapid land conversion threatens human-giraffe coexistence. An even sex ratio and small proportion of subadults implied a stable population, but sex-biased and temporal dynamics in space use, impacts of predation, and stochastic risks necessitate continued monitoring. This study highlights the value of systematic large-scale monitoring and opportunities for data integration across long-term monitoring programs to evaluate factors driving Luangwa giraffe dynamics and to inform science-based conservation of this unique and isolated population.
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Riffel, Riffel (2022) Luangwa – das Tal des Leoparden, Natur- und Artenschutz in Sambia
Die Existenz von wilden, größtenteils vom Menschen unbeeinflussten Ökosystemen wird heutzutage in Afrika, ähnlich wie in Europa, zu einer immer größeren Seltenheit. Sambia ist eines der verbliebenen Länder mit großen Wildnisgebieten und einer beeindruckenden Artenvielfalt. Im Osten des zentralafrikanischen Binnenlandes Sambia erstreckt sich das Tal des Luangwa (Abbildung 1) als eines der letzten großen Wildnisgebiete Afrikas über eine Fläche von rund 40.000 km². Das südwestlich ausgerichtete Luangwatal wird auf beiden Seiten ähnlich wie der Rheingraben durch Grabenränder begrenzt, die zum sambischen und malawischen Hochplateau überleiten.
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Galluba, Riffel, Riffel (2017) Assessing Human-Wildlife Conflicts and Pesticide Use in Agricultural Practices: A Case Study of Chitungulu Chiefdom, Lumimba Game Management Area, Zambia
This study surveyed human-wildlife conflicts, agriculture, and pesticide use in the Chitungulu community, in eastern Zambia, in June 2016. Forty farmers (65% male, 35% female) representing 276 inhabitants were interviewed. Farmers grew an average of 2.8 crops, predominantly maize and cotton, on 1.5 to 22 lima of land, and 90% kept livestock. Major agricultural issues included droughts and pests. Pesticide use was common (92.5%), with many reporting health problems from exposure (91.9%). Human-wildlife conflicts were significant, with 95% reporting large game entering the village and 40% experiencing property damage, mainly from elephants. Crop damage, primarily affecting cotton and maize, was mostly caused by kudus, baboons, bush pigs, and elephants. Livestock losses to predators were reported by 91%. The study concludes that conservation efforts should address multiple species by introducing novel mitigation methods to effectively reduce agricultural damage and increase yields, as elephants are not the sole cause of the issues.
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