Manatee Capture and Release: First Documentation in Rogolié River Wetland, Gabon | InformativeBD

Christy Achtone Nkollo-Kema Kema, Judicael Régis Kema Kema, Igor Akendengue Aken, Mariella Nzambe,  Anaclet Mombo, and Christophe Roland Zinga Koumba, from the different institute of the Gabon. wrote a research article about, Manatee Capture and Release: First Documentation in Rogolié River Wetland, Gabon. entitled, First documentation of the capture and release of a manatee in the Rogolié River wetland (Ntoum, Gabon). This research paper published by the Journal of Biodiversity and Environmental Sciences (JBES). an open access scholarly research journal on Biodiversity under the affiliation of the International Network For Natural Sciences | INNSpub. an open access multidisciplinary research journal publisher.

Abstract

A large number of marine mammals are seriously threatened by fisheries. Although the issue of by-catches in fisheries is a major threat to marine mammals, it has not yet been tackled in a concrete way in Gabon. Artisanal fishing accounts for 95% of fishing activity. Their impact on vulnerable megafauna can therefore be significant, either as bycatch or as target species. However, detailed information on the composition of fisheries catches is limited because of a lack of monitoring and reporting due to limited financial and logistical capacity. The aim of this paper is to document a rare phenomenon of the release of an African manatee (Trichechus senegalensis) caught in fishing nets at the mouth of the Rogolié River in the Gabon estuary.

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Introduction

Of all sirenians species the West African manatee (Trichechus senegalensis) is the least well known biologically (Reynolds and Odell 1991). The species is considered vulnerable by the IUCN (Keith Diagne, 2015) due to the persistence of a wide range of threats, primarily of human-induced. This species occurs in most of the coastal marine waters, brackish estuaries, and adjacent rivers along the West African coast from southern Mauritania (16°N) to the Cuanza and Longa Rivers in Angola (9°S) (Dodman et al. 2008; Perrin 2001; Powell 1996; Grigione 1996; Nishiwaki 1984; Husar 1978; Robinson 1971; Blancou 1960; Beal 1939). Gabon may have one of the highest densities of Manatees remaining in Africa (Nkollo 2022; Powell 1996). The decline of the Trichechus senegalensis population has been largely attributed to hunting and incidental capture in fishing nets (Dodman et al. 2008; Blancou 1960; Cadenat, 1957).

Bycatch in fishing gear is also a major threat in all African countries, and even when caught alive, most manatees caught incidentally are not released, but killed (Nkollo 2017; Mbina 2001).

The aim of this note is to document the phenomenon of accidental captures and rescue efforts for the African manatee, a vulnerable species. We believe that the lessons learned from this event can be beneficial to manatee conservation stakeholders and can contribute to the development of better manatee release practices.

Reference

Auil N. 1998. Belize manatee recovery plan. UNDP/GEF Coastal Zone Management Project, Belize (BZE/92/G31). 67 pp

Beal WP. 1939. The manatee as a food animal. Nigerian. Field 8, 124-126.

Blancou L. 1960. Destruction and Protection of the fauna of French Equatorial and of French West Africa. African Wildlife 14, 241-244.

Cadenat J. 1957. Observations de cétacés, siréniens, cheloniens et sauriens en 1955-1956. Bulletin IFAN 19(A), 1358-1383.

Dodman T, Angola In, Dodman T, Diop MD, Sarr K. 2008a. Conservation strategy for the West African Manatee, UNEP, Nairobi, Kenya and Wetlands International Africa, Dakar, Senegal.

Domning DP, Marsh H, O’Shea TJ, Reynolds III JE. 2011. Ecology and Conservation of the Sirenia: Dugongs and Manatees. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, United Kingdom, 536 pp. Series : Conservation Biology No. 18. ISBN-978-0-521-88828-8. Journal of Mammalogy 93(5), 1405‑1406. https://doi.org/10.1644/12-mamm-r-126.1

Grigionemm. 1996. Observations on the status and distribution of the West African manatee in Cameroon. African Journal of Ecology 34(2), 189‑195. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2028.1996.tb

Husar SL. 1978. Trichechus senegalensis, Mammalian Species 89, 1-3.

Keith L, Collins T. 2007. Report on West African Manatee (Trichechus senegalensis) survey activities in Gabon 2007, Wildlife Trust in association with Tim Collins, WCS-Marine Program p. 14

Keith-Diagne L. 2015. Trichechus senegalensis. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2015: e.T22104A97168578. http://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IU CN. UK.2015-4.RLTS.T22104A81904980.en

Marsh H, Lefebvre LW. 1994. Sirenian status and conservation efforts. Aquatic Mammals 20, 155-170

Mbina C. 2001. Evaluation and statut of manatees (Trichechus senegalensis) of Ogooue Bassin in Gabon in Sirenews, 9 p. http://www.sirenian.org/mbinapr elimreport.pdf

Nishiwaki M, Yamaguchi M, Shokita S, Uchida S, Kataoka T. 1982. Recent survey on the distribution of the African manatee. Scientific Reports of the Whales Research Institute 34, 137-147.

Nkollo CA. 2016. Étude des interactions potentielles entre la pêche et le lamantin (Trichechus Senegalensis) dans la Lagune Ndougou (Gabon)-Période de Décembre 2015- Avril 2016, 2016, Rapport Technique WWF EFN.

Nkollo CA. 2022. Distribution et Conservation du lamantin africain (Trichechus senegalensis) dans les sites Ramsar de Petit Loango et de Setté Cama (Gabon), Thèse de doctorat Thèse de doctorat en Géographie option Biogéographie, Université Omar Bongo 274p.

Okanga-Guay M, Ondo Assoumou E, Akendengue Aken I, Mpie Simba C, Mombo JB, Obiang Ebanega M, Mbadinga M, Rogombe L, Mouketou-Tarazewicz D. 2019. Suivi des changements spatiaux et environnementaux dans les mangroves de la province de l’Estuaire du Gabon, Actes de la Conférence: Des images satellites pour la gestion durable des territoires en Afrique, Mertens, B. Orekan, V. Eds, Mars, Cotonou, Bénin pp. 313-339.

Okanga-Guay M, Rogombe LG, Ondo Assoumou E, Lembe Bekale A, Akendengue Aken I, Mombo JB. 2022. Les moteurs de la déforestation des mangroves urbaines du Grand Libreville (Gabon), VertigO- la revue électronique en sciences de l’environnement [En ligne], Volume 22 numéro

Perrin WF. 2001. Conservation Status of the West African Manatee Sirenews (36): 6-11 Conservation Status of the West African Manatee. Sirenews 36, 6-11

Powell JA. 1996. The distribution and biology of the West African manatee (Trichechus senegalensis Link, 1795). Nairobi, Kenya: United Nations Environmental Program, Regional Seas Program, Ocean and Coastal Areas.

Robinson PT. 1971. Wildlife Trends in Liberia and Sierra Leone. Oryx 11, 117-122

 Source : First documentation of the capture and release of a manatee in the Rogolié River wetland (Ntoum,Gabon) 

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Marantaceae in Central Gabon: Identification and Marketing | InformatoveBD

Pamphile Nguema Ndoutoumou, Gino Boussiengui Bousssiengui, Armelle Lyvane Ntsame Affane, Charlène Kady Ignanga Mouyombi,  and Crépin Ella Missang, from the different institute of the Gabon. wrote a research article about, Marantaceae in Central Gabon: Identification and Marketing, entitled, Identification and marketing of Marantaceae in the Ndjolé area, in central Gabon. This research paper published by the International Journal of Agronomy and Agricultural Research | IJAAR.  an open access scholarly research journal on Agronomy, under the affiliation of the International Network For Natural Sciences | INNSpub. an open access multidisciplinary research journal publisher.

Abstract

The forests of the Congo Basin cover an area of 200 million hectares, of which just over 10% is in Gabon. In this country, crop products and non-timber forest products (NTFPs) are abundant because of its favourable climate. There is significant biodiversity and great potential for non-timber forest products. This study is interested in the identification and the supply chain of the Marantaceae, one of these NTFPs of plant origin in central Gabon, whose exploitation is national. Through a survey of the main actors in the sector and field visits in the locality of Bifoun, it emerges the existence of three large groups of exploited marantaceae, whose harvest and transport are mainly done by women, in various containers. The storage of this NTFPs does not exceed four days, with the risk of losing its commercial value due to drying out. The uses of this resource are multiple: processing cassava, cooking food, making handicrafts, etc. The income it provides to producers is mainly use towards small family expenses but helps to monetize the rural world. The difficulties inherent in the distance from harvesting points, the low price of the product and the impossibility of long-term storage of the marantaceae leaves constitute a brake on the development of this activity. It would therefore be wise to envisage the domestication of the species listed for a sustainable use of this plant genetic resource. 

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Introduction

Non-timber forest products (NTFPs), through their multiple uses, contribute to the subsistence of populations and provide them with income (Shankar et al., 2001; Walter, 2001; Mbolo et al., 2002; Biloso & Lejoly, 2006; Vermeulen et al., 2009). The use of various categories of non-timber forest products is sometimes the only source of income for some rural populations (Nguenang et al., 2010; Thiombiano et al., 2010; Ngoya-Kessy, 2011). In recent years, NTFPs have considerably aroused interest worldwide as it contribution to household economy and food security is increasingly recognized (Lescuyer, 2010; Loubelo, 2012), as well as to the achievement of environmental objectives such as the conservation of plant biodiversity (Arnold & Ruiz, 2001; Doucet, 2006; Tchatat & Ndoye, 2006). According to the abovementioned authors and Lehoux and Chakib (2012), these products play a role in terms of food, economic value and their usage for divers purposes (Sunderland et al., 2003; Tchiegang & Mbougueng, 2005; Betti & Lejoly, 2010; Priso et al., 2011). 

According to Tchatat and Ndoye (2006), the question of reasonable management of NTFPs is of great importance in meeting sustainable development objective. Vermeulen et al. (2009) point out the need to know the techniques used for the exploitation of plant genetic resources on the one hand, and the promotion of the domestication of these resources in their different regions, on the other hand. Plants of the Marantaceae family are mainly distributed across the ecologies of tropical America and Africa (Cabezas et al., 2005; Tchatat & Ndoye, 2006).

These are monocotyledons with fairly significant genetic variability, which offers many uses to the populations. For example, the use of Haumania liebrechtsiana (De Wild. & T. Durand) is preferred over other Marantaceae because of its flexible stem used for building huts, basketwork and making fishing vessels. The bevelled pieces of internodes are also used to build cages for rat traps. The stem rings can be made and used to hold bundles of wood and leaves (Tchatat & Ndoye, 2006). According to the same authors, the stems of Hypselodelphys violacea (Ridl.) are also used for traps making. The rings formed with these stems are used to hold together bundles of wood and leaves. The strips detached from the petiole of Marantochloa manii (Benth.) are used in basketry, in cooking as ties for cassava sticks and various packets of food, as well as ties for bundles Marantaceae leaves. 

According to Ndouano & Ada-Ntoutoume (2002), the leaves of Megaphrynium macrostachyum (Benth.) were used as vegetable roof tiles to cover huts or waterproof clothing. However, the most prominent use of those leaves is for food packaging (e.g., cassava sticks) as well as food storage and food cooking of various types of food products. The cortical strips of the petioles (free from the pith) are used for weaving fishing tools, but also as ties to fix the leaves on the roofs or consolidate bundles. The short leaves of Sarcophrynium brachystachys (Benth.) are widely used by women for wrapping short cassava sticks.

The aim of this present study is twofold: firstly, to identify the species of Marantaceae exploited by the peasants in the central Gabon, and secondly laying the foundations of the domestication of this perishable resource. This study is therefore of multiple interest, from a social, economic, ecological and scientific standpoint.

Reference 

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Biloso A, Lejoly J. 2006. Etude de l’exploitation et du marché des produits forestiers non ligneux à Kinshasa. Tropicultura 24(3), 183-188.

Cabezas FJ, De la Estrella M, Aedo C, Velayos M. 2005. Marantaceae of Equatorial Guinea. Ann. Bot. Fennici 42, 173-184. ISSN 0003-3847.

Doucet JL. 2006. L’alliance délicate de la gestion forestière et de la biodiversité dans les forêts du Centre du Gabon. Thèse de doctorat, Faculté Universitaire des Sciences Agronomiques de Gembloux, Belgique. 390 pp.

Koechlin J. 1964. Scitaminales : Musacées, Strélitziacées, Zingibéracées, Cannacées, Marantacées. — In : Aubréville, A. (ed.) Flore du Gabon 9, 1-172. Musée National d’Histoire Naturelle, Paris, France.

Lehoux H, Chakib A. 2012. Rapport provisoire PFNL au Gabon. Food and Agriculture Organization, FOPP. http://www.fao.org/forestry/nwfp/78836/fr.

Lescuyer G. 2010. Importance économique des produits forestiers non ligneux dans quelques villages du Sud-Cameroun. Bois et Forêts des Tropiques 304(2), 15-24.

Lompo D, Ouedraogo M, Theilade I, Boussim IJ. 2007. Use of Non-Wood Forest Products by local people bordering the “Parc National Kaboré Tambi”, Burkina Faso. The Journal of Transdisciplinary Environmental Studies 6(1), 21.

Loubelo E. 2012. Impact des Produits Forestiers Non Ligneux (PFNL) sur l’économie des ménages et la sécurité alimentaire : cas de la République du Congo. Thèse de Doctorat, Université Rennes 2, France, 260 pp.

Mbolo M, Walter S, Lejeune J. 2002. La collecte et l’analyse des données statistiques sur les Okafor JC, 1980. Edible indigeneous woody plants in the rural economy of the Nigerian forest zone. For. Ecol. Man 3, 45-65.

Ndouano A, Ada-Ntoutoume E. 2002. Utilisation des produits forestiers non-ligneux dans le cadre de la gestion forestière durable au Gabon.

Ngoya-Kessy AM. 2011. Commerce responsable des produits forestiers : Rôle des Etats dans le processus de certification des concessions forestières dans le bassin du Congo: Cas du Congo Brazzaville. Communication lors du séminaire international sur la gestion des forêts comme outil de coopération et de développement rural en Afrique Central

Nguenang GM, Fongnzossie FE, Nkongmeneck BA. 2010. Importance des forêts secondaires pour la collecte des plantes utiles chez les Badjoué de l’Est Cameroun. Tropicultura 28(4), 238-245.

Nyare EN, Bouanga E, Ntoutoume C. 2012. Stratégie nationale et plan d’actions pour le développement du secteur des produits forestiers non ligneux en République Gabonaise. Projet GCP/ RAF/441/GER.

Priso RJ, Nnanga JF, Etame J, Din-Ndongo, Amougou-Akoa. 2011. Les produits forestiers non ligneux d’origine végétale : valeur et importance dans quelques marchés de la région du Littoral – Cameroun. J. of Appl. Biosci. 40, 2715-2726.

Schackleton S, Shanley P, Ndoye O. 2007. Invisible but viable : recognising local markets for Non-Timber Forest Products. Intern. of Forestry Review 9(3), 697-712.

Shankar U, Lama SD, Bawa KS. 2001. Ecology and economics of domestication of non-timber forest products: an illustration of Broomgram in Darjeeling Himalaya. Journal of Tropical Forest Science               13(1), 171-191.

Sunderland TCH, Besong S, Ayeni JSO. 2003. Distribution, utilization and sustainability of Non-Timber Forest products from Takamanda Forest reserve, Cameroon. In: Comiskey. J. A., Sunderland, T. C. H., Sunderland, G. J. L. (eds) 2003. Taka Manda: The biodiversity of an African Rainforest, SI/MAB Series c 8, 155-172.

Tchatat M, Ndoye O. 2006. Étude des produits forestiers non ligneux d’Afrique centrale : réalités et perspectives. Bois et Forêts des tropiques 288(2), 27-39.

Tchiegang C, Mbougueng PD. 2005. Composition chimique des épices utilisées dans la préparation du Nah-poh et du Nkui de l’Ouest Cameroun. Tropicultura 23(4), 193-200.

Thiombiano DNE, Lamien N, Dibong SD, Boussim IJ. 2010. Etat des peuplements des espèces ligneuses de soudure des communes rurales de Pobé-Mengao et de Nobéré (Burkina Faso). Journal of Animal & Plant Sciences 9(1), 1104-1116.

Vermeulen C, Schippers C, Larrubia CJ, Ntoune M, Bracke C, Doucet JL. 2009. Enjeux méthodologiques autour des produits forestiers non ligneux dans le cadre de la certification en Afrique Centrale. Bois et Forêts des Tropiques 300(2), 69-78. DOI: 10.19182/bft2009.300.a20416

Walter S. 2001. Non-Wood Forest Products in Africa: a regional and national overview. EC-FAO. http://www.fao.org/docrep/019/y1515b/y1515b.pdf

 Source : Identification and marketing of Marantaceae in the Ndjolé area, in central Gabon

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