Research Articles (Zoology and Entomology)

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A collection containing some of the full text peer-reviewed/ refereed articles published by researchers from
the Department of Zoology and Entomology

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Coleoptera of Brazil : what we knew then and what we know now : insights from the Catalogo Taxonômico da Fauna do Brasil
(Curitiba PR: Sociedade Brasileira de Zoologia, 2024-09) Caron, Edilson; Monne, Marcela L.; Ferreira, Vinicius S.; Costa, Cleide; Cupello, Mario; Aloquio, Sergio; Linzmeier, Adelita M.; Vaz-de-Mello, Fernando Z.; Leivas, Fernando W.T.; Souza-Gonçalves, Igor; Mermudes, José R.M.; Almeida, Lúcia M.; Moura, Luciano de A.; Júnior, Nelson Ferreira; Grossi, Paschoal C.; Vanin, Sergio A.; Ślipiński, Adam; Anichtchenko, Alexander; Newton, Alfred F.; Sampaio, Aline; Carelli, Allan; Puker, Anderson; Ferreira, André da S.; Fernandes, André S.; Roza, André S.; Cline, Andrew; Sampaio, Brunno H.L.; Clarkson, Bruno; De Castro, Camila F.; Bicho, Carla de L.; Benetti, César J.; Ribeiro-Costa, Cibele S.; Lopes-Andrade, Cristiano; Manfio, Daiara; Colpani, Daniara; Basílio, Daniel S.; Bená, Daniela de C.; Pollock, Darren A.; Souza, Diego de S.; Rodrigues, Diego F.; Chandler, Donald S.; Do Nascimento, Elynton A.; Spiessberger, Erich L.; Agrain, Federico A.; Barbosa, Felipe F.; Shockley, Floyd; Nascimento, Francisco E. de L.; Biffi, Gabriel; Powell, Gareth S.; Morse, Geoffrey E.; Flores, Gustavo E.; Escalona, Hermes; Quintino, Hingrid Y.S.; Rainho, Hugo L.; Maddalena, Italo S.C.P.; Hájek, Jiří; McHugh, Joseph V.; Botero, Juan P.; Fuhrmann, Juares; Churata-Salcedo, Julissa M.; Vieira, Letícia M.; Da Silveira, Luiz F.L.; Da Cruz, Luiza S.; Sekerka, Lukás; Bologna, Marco A.; Bevilaqua, Marcus V.O.; Passos, Maria I.; Chamorro, Maria L.; Cherman, Mariana A.; Bento, Matheus; Gimmel, Matthew; Segura, Melissa O.; Ivie, Michael A.; Thomas, Michael C.; Monné, Miguel A.; Lord, Nathan; Hamada, Neusa; Degallier, Nicolas; Dos Santos, Paula B.; Duarte, Paulo R.M.; Gnaspini, Pedro; Bulirsch, Petr; Regalin, Renato; Leschen, Richard A.B.; Constantin, Robert; Corrêa, Rodrigo C.; Gerstmeier, Roland; Rosa, Simone P.; Campos, Stéphanie V.N.; Peck, Stewart B.; Pacheco, Thaynara L.; Polizei, Thiago T.S.; McElrath, Thomas C.; Grzymala, Traci L.; Smith, Trevor R.; Da Costa-Silva, Vinicius; Sandoval-Gómez, Vivian E.; De Sousa, Wesley O.; Tomaszewska, Wioletta
In 2000, Cleide Costa published a paper presenting the state of knowledge of the Neotropical Coleoptera, with a focus on the Brazilian fauna. Twenty-four years later, thanks to the development of the Coleoptera section of the Taxonomic Catalog of the Brazilian Fauna (CTFB – Catálogo Taxonômico da Fauna do Brasil) through the collaboration of 100 coleopterists from all over the globe, we can build on Costa’s work and present an updated overview of the state of knowledge of the beetles from Brazil. There are currently 35,699 species in 4,958 genera and 116 families known to occur in the country, including representatives of all extant suborders and superfamilies. Our data show that the Brazilian beetle fauna is the richest on the planet, concentrating 9% of the world species diversity, with some estimates accounting to up to 15% of the global total. The most diverse family in numbers of genera is Cerambycidae (1,056 genera), while in number of species it is Chrysomelidae (6,079 species). Conotrachelus Dejean, 1835 (Curculionidae) is the most species-rich genus, with 570 species. The French entomologist Maurice Pic is the author who has contributed the most to the naming of species recorded from Brazil, with 1,794 valid names in 36 families, whereas the Brazilians Ubirajara R. Martins and Maria Helena M. Galileo are the only ones among the top-ten authors to have named species in the 21st century. Currently, approximately 144 new species of Brazilian beetles are described each year, and this average is projected to increase in the next decade to 180 species per year, or about one new Brazilian beetle every two days. KEY WORDS. Beetles, biodiversity, list, Neotropical, South America, CTFB.
Taxonomic revision of Mozambique dung beetle species in the genus Diastellopalpus van Lansberge, 1886 (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Scarabaeinae)
(Magnolia Press, 2024-05-03) Daniel, Gimo M.; Strumpher, Werner P.; Josso, Jean-Francois; Davis, Adrian L.V.
Recently, there has been growing attention paid to the Mozambican dung beetle fauna, including the description of several new species. In this paper, we revise the taxonomy of species recorded from Mozambique in the genus Diastellopalpus van Lansberge, 1886, including the description of Diastellopalpus scholtzi Daniel, Strümpher, Josso & Davis, new species. We also report a new country record for Diastellopalpus neavei (d’Orbigny, 1914). Moreover, Diastellopalpus orbignyi Péringuey, 1904 is removed from subjective synonymy with Diastellopalpus infernalis van Lansberge, 1887 and proposed as a valid species. Currently, Mozambique encompasses five valid species of the genus Diastellopalpus, namely: Diastellopalpus infernalis van Lansberge, 1887, D. quinquedens Bates, 1888, D. neavei, D. orbignyi and D. scholtzi, new species. We redescribe the former four species and include an examination of the types of their junior synonyms. Furthermore, we diagnose, illustrate, and provide a distribution map for all five species and compare them to the morphologically most similar species in the genus. We designate lectotypes for the following species-group taxa: Diastellopalpus nyassicus Kolbe, 1901, D. orbignyi, D. quinquedens Bates, 1888, Onthophagus ponderosus Péringuey, 1896, and O. tridepressus d’Orbigny, 1902. Finally, we provide an updated identification key for the species of Diastellopalpus recorded from Mozambique.
Road-associated variation in insect abundance differs between three common orders
(Springer, 2025-04) Sempe, Nhlanhla Pheletso Suzan; Sole, Catherine L.; Haussmann, Natalie S.; natalie.haussmann@up.ac.za
The ecological impacts of roads are well-researched for many vertebrates, but studies are relatively lacking with regards to invertebrates. Here, changes in the abundance of ground-dwelling species of the three most common insect orders, Hymenoptera (specifically ants), Hemiptera (true bugs) and Coleoptera (beetles), with distance from a gravel road in a grassland system in South Africa, are documented. Insects were collected by means of pitfall traps (n = 164) installed at 2, 5, 10 and 20 m perpendicular to a gravel road, and abundances of these three orders were compared statistically between the four distances. Whereas no significant differences in the numbers of Hymenoptera and Coleoptera were observed with distance from road, the abundance of Hemiptera was greater closer to the road. Our results show that quieter, low-traffic roads can affect the distribution of insect species at finer spatial scales.
Mitochondrial DNA diversity and phylogeographic patterns among South African Cape fur seals, Arctocephalus pusillus pusillus
(Wiley, 2025-08) Robbertse, M.; Hofmeyr, G.J.G.; De Bruyn, P.J. Nico; Dalton, Desire; Mwale, M.
Cape fur seals (Arctocephalus pusillus pusillus) are important apex predators and indicators of ecological health. Historically, their populations were severely reduced by the activities of sealers and guano collectors but has since increased due to legislation controlling, then banning these activities. This study aimed to assess the genetic diversity and population structure of Cape fur seals in Southern Africa's cool (Benguela) and warm (Agulhas) temperate regions. Cape fur seal genetic material (n = 263) was collected along the Agulhas Bank and analysed using mitochondrial cytochrome b and D-loop gene markers. Estimates of genetic parameters showed that the south and west populations of Cape fur seals had high levels of haplotype diversity and low levels of nucleotide diversity. Assessment of genetic structure indicated that there was no obvious phylogenetic pattern between haplotypes. Both markers denoted the absence of population differentiation (FST < 0) and the presence of high genetic flow with multiple migrants between colonies. Lack of genetic distinction between localities and high genetic diversity identified here may be attributed to a recent population expansion after the last glacial maximum. Although populations are currently stable, future monitoring of populations is advocated.
Factors influencing the capture of Japanese beetles : wind speed and direction, trap deployment protocol, lure type, and trap efficiency
(Oxford University Press, 2025-07) Guignard, Quentin; Goodwin, Joel; Kimoto, Troy; Haynes, Kenneth F.; Allison, Jeremy D.
In this study, factors affecting Japanese beetle (JB) trap captures (eg wind direction and speed, lure type, trap deployment and efficiency) were investigated in the field using semiochemical baited traps. Fifty-two percent of 667 JB observed flew directly upwind toward a trap with a dual lure (sex pheromone + floral kairomone), especially when wind speed exceeded 1.5 m/s. Within thirty seconds after approaching 2 m of a trap baited with a dual lure, 43%, 35%, and 22% of 138 observed beetles were captured, flew away, or landed on the trap, respectively. Of 265,884 beetles captured, 48% were captured by a cluster of 3 traps each with a single dual lure, 30% by a single trap baited with 3 dual lures, and 22% by a single trap baited with one dual lure. Traps baited with the floral lure (ie kairomone) and the floral lure and the sex pheromone (ie dual lure) captured similar numbers (39% and 41%, respectively) of JB and both captured more beetles than traps baited with the pheromone alone (12% and 8% for the sex-pheromone from the dual lure and sex-pheromone standard, respectively). Traps baited with the floral kairomone alone or with sex pheromone captured a 1:1 sex ratio (M:F) while pheromone-only traps captured a 3:1 (M:F) ratio of JB. No additive or synergistic effects of the pheromone and floral kairomone were observed. To our knowledge, this study is the first to quantify in real time the flight behavior of a beetle toward traps in the field.
Machine learning predicts non-preferred and preferred vertebrate hosts of Tsetse flies (Glossina spp.) based on skin volatile emission profiles
(Springer, 2025-04) Orubuloye, Olabimpe Y.; Tchouassi, David P.; Yusuf, Abdullahi Ahmed; Pirk, Christian Walter Werner; Masiga, Daniel K.; Kariuki, Edward; Torto, Baldwyn; orubuloye.olabimpe@tuks.co.za
Tsetse fly vectors of African trypanosomosis preferentially feed on certain vertebrates largely determined by olfactory cues they emit. Previously, we established that three skin-derived ketones including 6-methyl-5-hepten-2-one, acetophenone and geranyl acetone accounted for avoidance of zebra by tsetse flies. Here, we tested the hypothesis that these three ketones serve as biomarkers for tsetse flies to distinguish between non-preferred- and preferred-vertebrate hosts. We used coupled gas chromatography/mass spectrometry to analyze and compare the skin volatile emissions of two non-preferred- (waterbuck and zebra) and four preferred- (buffalo, donkey, horse, warthog) vertebrate hosts in two wildlife parks in Kenya. We detected a total of 96 volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the skin emissions composed mainly of aldehydes, ketones, alcohols, phenols and alkanes, which varied with the vertebrate host. Using random forest analysis, we found a weak correlation between the three skin-odor repellent ketones and non-preferred and preferred vertebrate hosts. However, we found that the three repellent ketones plus skin background odors may be more sensitive chemical signals for tsetse flies to discriminate vertebrate hosts. These results contribute to understanding tsetse fly vertebrate host preferences in their natural habitat across geographic scales.
Megaherbivores facilitate large grazing herbivores and suppress small mammals through vegetation structure and cryptic pathways
(Elsevier, 2025-10) McCleery, Robert A.; Kruger, Laurence; Monadjem, Ara; Tye, Donovan; Mhlava, Philip; Zwane, Emanuel; Bijl, Alison; Jones, Maggie M.; Hartfelder, Jack; Sibya, Muzi; Coetsee, Corli; Fletcher Jr, Robert J.
Variability in large mammalian herbivores can reshape smaller animal communities in complex ways. Accordingly, conservation strategies require a deeper understanding of the extent to which mesoherbivores (>20–1000 kg) and megaherbivores (>1000 kg) influence on animal communities are mediated by changes to vegetation structure, and the extent to which the influence of megaherbivores overlap with mesoherbivores. Using an exclusion experiment, we examined how megaherbivores altered mesoherbivore activity and how both groups influenced small mammals. We compared influences that were mediated by broad metrics of vegetation structure (i.e., indirect effects) with all other influences that were not mediated by vegetation structure (e.g., direct effects). We found megaherbivores were linked to increased mesoherbivore activity, particularly grazers, through both vegetation structure-mediated and other pathways. Alternatively, we found small mammals were suppressed where megaherbivores were present, and their population fluctuations were explained by both structure-mediated and other pathways. Small mammal abundance was higher where large herbivores were excluded compared to open plots, with no difference between plots excluding only megaherbivores and those excluding all herbivores. This suggests that these effects were produced by either megaherbivores alone, or by megaherbivores in conjunction with the increased mesoherbivore activity they facilitated. While small mammal abundance was linked to mesoherbivore-induced changes in grass biomass, their non-linear response, did not correspond with the exclusion of mesoherbivores. These findings highlight megaherbivores' capacity to reshape animal communities through interactions beyond broad metrics of vegetation structure, underscoring the importance of considering the varied influences of megaherbivores on mammal communities in conservation strategies. HIGHLIGHTS • The presence of Megaherbivores reduced small mammal densities. • Large herbivore activity increases in the presence of megaherbivores. • Responses were only partially due to megaherbivore changes to vegetation structure. • Megaherbivores' largest influences were not from vegetation structure. • Megaherbivores play a unique role in shaping animal communities.
A new and unusually ornate southern African dung beetle species in d’Orbigny’s Onthophagus Group 18 (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Onthophagini)
(Magnolia Press, 2024-08-09) Deschodt, Christian M.; Sole, Catherine L.; cdeschodt@zoology.up.ac.za
Onthophagus pragtig Deschodt, new species is described and illustrated from South Africa. Its known collection localities are shown. We also briefly describe and illustrate three distinct subgroups in the18th Onthophagus group of d’Orbigny (1913) and further provide a checklist of the known species in this group while dividing them into these subgroups where known.
Desert bugs (Hemiptera: Heteroptera : Thaumastellidae) : new records and review of the distribution and habitat of this relict group
(Magnolia Press, 2024-11-26) Kment, Petr; Jacobs, Dawid Hermanus; Carapezza, Attilio; Deckert, Jurgen; Rider, David A.; Kopbor, Peter
The known distribution and habitat information of the three described species of the genus Thaumastella Horváth, 1896 (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Pentatomomorpha: Pentatomoidea: Thaumastellidae) are reviewed. In addition a fourth, undescribed species is reported from South Africa (Western Cape). Thaumastella aradoides Horváth, 1896, is recorded for the first time from Egypt, Oman, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, and the states of Khartoum and Sennar in Sudan. Additional records of Thaumastella namaquensis Schaefer & Wilcox, 1971, from Namibia (Hardap, ||Kharas) and South Africa (Northern Cape), as well as information on habitat of Thaumastella namaquensis and Thaumastella elizabethae Jacobs, 1989, are provided. Photographs of the holotypes of the three already described species and their labels are also presented. The distribution of all four species is mapped.
Insights into the effects of geographical sourcing area on nutrient composition and sensory attributes of nine edible insects
(Nature Research, 2025-05) Ishara, Jackson; Matendo, Rehema; Ng'ang'a, Jeremiah; Niassy, Saliou; Katcho, Karume; Kinyuru, John
With the rapidly growing world population, climate change uncertainties and depletion of our natural resources, edible insects are seen as sustainable and viable bioresources for food and feed to tackle global food and nutritional security issues, for their nutritional value, taste, and environmental sustainability. In this study, we investigated the effect of geographical distribution on the nutrient composition and sensory attributes of commonly consumed edible insects, namely Acheta domesticus, Apis mellifera, Gnathocera trivittata, Gryllotalpa africana, Imbrasia oyemensis, Locusta migratoria, Macrotermes subhylanus, Nomadacris septemfasciata, and Rhyncophorus phoenicis collected from six different geographical areas namely Fizi, Kabare, Kalehe, Idjwi, Mwenge and Walungu, in the Eastern D. R. Congo. Depending on edible insect species, geographical sourcing area affected significantly macronutrient composition and mineral profile as well as sensory attributes of investigated commonly edible insects. A principal component analysis (PCA-Biplot) indicated that the two axes accounted for up to 97.7% of the observed variability in the nutrient composition and sensory attributes of commonly consumed edible insects sourced from different geographical area. Visualized results after cluster analysis using non-metric multidimensional scaling (NMDS) indicated that the geographical sourcing area has substantial and significant effect on the nutrient composition as well as sensory attributes of the studied commonly edible with a stress value of 0.185.
Do mixed-species groups travel as one? An investigation on large African herbivores monitored using animal-borne video collars
(University of Chicago Press, 2025-04) Dejeante, Romain; Valeix, Marion; Chamaillé-Jammes, Simon
Although prey foraging in mixed-species groups benefit from a reduced risk of predation, whether heterospecific groupmates move together in the landscape, and more generally to what extent mixed-species groups remain cohesive over time and space, remains unknown. Here, we used GPS collars with video cameras to investigate the movements of plains zebras (Equus quagga) in mixed-species groups. Blue wildebeest (Connochaetes taurinus), impalas (Aepyceros melampus), and giraffes (Giraffa camelopardalis) commonly form mixed-species groups with zebras in savanna ecosystems. We found that zebras adjust their movement decisions solely on the basis of the presence of giraffes, being more likely to move in zebra-giraffe herds, and this was correlated with a higher cohesion of such groups. Additionally, zebras moving with giraffes spent more time grazing, suggesting that zebras benefit from foraging in the proximity of giraffes. Our results provide new insights into animal movements in mixed-species groups, contributing to a better consideration of mutualism in movement ecology.
Estimation of earthquake recurrence parameters for a delimited seismic source model in Gujarat and the adjacent region of the Western Indian plate margin
(Springer, 2025-07) Chauhan, P.; Yadav, R.B.S.; Kijko, Andrzej
Please read abstract in the article.
Acoustic parameters of bat echolocation calls in Zambia : a collaborative effort to develop a call library for non-invasive research and monitoring
(Museum and Institute of Zoology, Polish Academy of Sciences, 2025-08) Taylor-Boyd, Helen; Fuentes-Montemayor, Elisa; Monadjem, Ara; Cooper-Bohannon, Rachael; Montaubans, Cecilia; Mata, Vanessa A.; Rebelo, Hugo; Kangwa, Bernard; Mateke, Clare; Park, Kirsty
Passive acoustic monitoring (PAM) of bats enables non-invasive research that improves monitoring efficiency, and can be used for species identification, documenting occurrence and measuring activity levels. However, equipment costs and a dearth of experienced personnel, as well as a lack of local open access reference datasets (call libraries), have limited the study of African bat communities using PAM. This study compiles the first publicly available call library of this scale from Zambia. Echolocation calls were recorded upon release of captured bats during various projects from 2015 to 2023, using full spectrum ultrasound detectors. Acoustic calls from 238 individuals of 22 species were collated. We aimed to determine whether Zambian bat species could be accurately distinguished using acoustic measures. We predicted that some species (or species groups) would be easily identifiable, while other species would have substantial similarities in their calls, which would hinder identification. After considering multicollinearity, we selected five acoustic parameters to analyse the recordings: ‘Frequency of Maximum Power’, ‘Preceding Interval’, ‘Start Slope’, ‘End Slope’ and ‘Ledge Duration’. Principal Component Analysis was conducted to identify parameters that were best able to separate the calls of different functional groups (identified by sonotype) or species. Discriminant Function Analysis was then used to determine the accuracy with which the parameters may be used to acoustically distinguish species or sonotypes. The parameters ‘Start Slope’ and ‘Frequency of Maximum Power’ were the most useful for separating the species considered. It was possible to separate some sonotypes and species with relatively high accuracy. Many species, however, could not be identified with certainty, underscoring the importance of other identification techniques, such as morphological measures or genetic sampling.
Sub-lethal impacts of lead poisoning on blood biochemistry, immune function and delta-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (d-ALAD) activity in Cape (Gyps coprotheres) and white-backed (G. africanus) vulture chicks
(Elsevier, 2024-03) Van den Heever, Linda; Naidoo, Vinny; Coetzer, Theresa; Eyssen, Lauren; Hewlett, Jennie; Smit-Robinson, Hanneline A.; McKechnie, Andrew E.
Although the prevalence of lead poisoning in southern Africa's Gyps vultures is now well-established, its finer physiological effects on these endangered species remain poorly characterised. We evaluated the sub-lethal impact of acute lead exposure on Cape and White-backed Vulture chicks from two breeding colonies in South Africa, by analysing its possible effects on key blood biochemistry parameters, immune function, packed cell volume and δ-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (δ-ALAD) activity. All 37 White-backed Vulture nestlings sampled displayed elevated lead levels (>10 μg/dL), and seven had blood [Pb] >100 μg/dL. Eight of 28 Cape Vulture nestlings sampled had blood [Pb] exceeding background exposure, with one showing blood [Pb] >100 μg/dL. Delta-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (δ-ALAD) activity was significantly and negatively related to blood [Pb] in nestlings from both species, with 50% inhibition of the enzyme predicted to occur at blood [Pb] = 52.8 μg/dL (White-backed Vulture) and 18.8 μg/dL (Cape Vulture). Although no significant relationship was found between % packed cell volume (PCV) and blood [Pb], the relatively lower mean PCV of 32.9% in White-backed Vulture chicks, combined with normal serum protein values, is likely indicative of depression or haemolytic anaemia. The leukogram was consistent in both species, although the presence of immature heterophils suggested an inflammatory response in White-backed Vulture chicks with blood [Pb] >100 μg/dL. Values for cholesterol, triglycerides, total serum protein, albumin, globulin, albumin/globulin ratio, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) were consistent with values previously reported. Calcium and phosphorus concentrations suggested no adverse effects on bone metabolism. A significant decrease in urea: uric acid (U:UA) ratio at blood [Pb] >100 μg/dL in White-backed Vulture chicks, brought about by a decrease in urea production, raises the possibility of hepatic abnormality. These results suggest that δ-ALAD activity may serve as a sensitive biomarker of lead toxicity in both species, while highlighting the need to better understand the significant variability in sensitivity that is observed, even between closely related members of the same genus. HIGHLIGHTS • A significant proportion of Cape and White-backed Vulture nestlings sampled experienced elevated blood lead levels. • Delta-aminolevulinic dehydratase (δ-ALAD) activity were significantly and negatively correlated to blood lead concentration in both species. • Cape and White-backed Vultures are predicted to experience 50% depression of the δ-ALAD enzyme at blood [Pb] = 18.8 and 52.8 μg/dL, respectively. • δ-ALAD activity may serve as a sensitive biomarker in both species. • In White-backed Vultures blood [Pb] > 100 μg/dL suggest hepatic abnormality. • Lead's ability to disrupt haem synthesis and cause hepatic injury may compromise young birds' survival as newly-fledged juveniles.
A best way forward to the organisation of entomological training courses in sub-Saharan Africa
(Elsevier, 2024-05) Jordaens, Kurt; De Meyer, Marc; Van Nuffel, Muriel; Kirk-Spriggs, Ashley H.; Sabuni, Christopher; Mwatawala, Maulid; Mujabwa, Ramadhani; Kabota, Sija; Bellingan, Terence; Goergen, Georg; Mansell, Mervyn W.; Manrakhan, Aruna; Sinzogan, Antonio; Schutze, Mark K.; Thomas-Cabianca, Arianna; Copeland, Robert; Muller, Burgert; Virgilio, Massimiliano; Bert, Ella; November, Eva; Midgley, John
Despite their significant impact on human life in the Afrotropical Region, Diptera remain understudied. For a large part this is due to a lack of Diptera taxonomic experts and collection curators from the Afrotropical Region (except for South Africa perhaps), the difficulties some developing countries face in maintaining collections, and the low number of digitised specimens. This impedes the use of these Diptera collections for identification services, taxonomic and phylogenetic research, and other biological research areas. The dire need for knowledge transfer and training of young and emerging entomologists in the Afrotropical Region has prompted the Royal Museum for Central Africa and collaborating institutes to organise entomological training courses in the Afrotropical Region. The training courses take place in Africa, in strategic locations, cover a period of ten working days, are taught in English, and are free of cost to participants and lecturers. Here, we first provide a brief history of the evolution of the training courses. Second, we give a short description of the gender, age, educational and professional profile of the applicants and participants of the training courses. Third, we provide as much information as possible on all aspects of the organisation of the training courses. All information is freely available and documents are provided in Word or Excel format to facilitate future use by others. It is to be hoped that this information shall stimulate and facilitate the organisation of other entomological (or similar) training courses in the Afrotropical Region and other biogeographical regions. Such training courses will stimulate South-South networks for entomology research and the simultaneous training of participants with a different educational or professional background might foster collaborations between universities, other scientific institutes in postgraduate training and research. They may also initiate collaboration between scientific institutes and those involved in management, policy making, outreach, or implementation of legal procedures. We believe that this kind of training courses presents a best way forward in the organisation of similar capacity building activities that will contribute to a sustainable network of entomologists. Finally, these training courses may be one of the many possible ways to reduce the gender inequality gap in biological sciences in the Afrotropical Region.
A randomized controlled trial combining house screening and insecticide-treated nets reduces malaria transmission in northwestern Ethiopia
(Nature Research, 2025-05) Belay, Aklilu; Asale, Abebe; Sole, Catherine L.; Yusuf, Abdullahi Ahmed; Torto, Baldwyn; Abro, Zewdu; Kassie, Menale; Mutero, Clifford Maina; Tchouassi, David P.
House screening (HS) of doors, eaves, and windows using wire-mesh has demonstrated potential in the integrated vector management of malaria. However, limited epidemiological data are available to guide its implementation across different ecological settings. In a 16-month randomized controlled trial (follow-up period) conducted across three agroecological areas (dry mountain, plateau highland, and semi-arid) in Jabi Tehnan district, northwestern Ethiopia, treatment houses were equipped with HS combined with insecticide-treated nets (ITNs), while control houses received ITNs only. The intervention led to a significant 2.3-fold reduction in indoor malaria vector density, the primary entomologic outcome, largely influenced by An. gambiae s.l. mosquitoes. Fewer blood-fed mosquitoes were found in screened houses, indicating reduced human bites, which translated to six-fold decline in malaria prevalence (0.7%), the primary epidemiologic outcome, compared to control houses (4.3%). In contrast, Plasmodium sporozoite infection rates showed no differences between screened and control houses or agroecological zones, with An. arabiensis and An. funestus s.l. identified as the primary vectors. A modest protective effectiveness (22.6%) was observed, based on the estimated entomological inoculation rate of 0.24 and 0.31 infectious bites/person/night in screened and control houses, respectively, with no variation by agroecology. Despite the synergistic impact of HS with existing ITNs in reducing vector densities, human bite rates, and household malaria prevalence, sustained transmission persisted, partly due to the presence of highly competent vectors such as An. funestus s.l. which had an overall sporozoite rate of 68%. Future research should explore the interactions between vector behavioral adaptations, ecological and social factors contributing to residual transmission, even with seemingly effective control measures.
Global impacts dataset of invasive alien species (GIDIAS)
(Nature Research, 2025-05) Bacher, Sven; Ryan-Colton, Ellen; Coiro, Mario; Cassey, Phillip; Galil, Bella S.; Nunez, Martin A.; Ansong, Michael; Dehnen-Schmutz, Katharina; Fayvush, Georgi; Fernandez, Romina D.; Hiremath, Ankila J.; Ikegami, Makihiko; Martinou, Angeliki F.; Mcdermott, Shana M.; Preda, Cristina; Vila, Montserrat; Weyl, Olaf L.F.; Aravind, Neelavar Ananthram; Angelidou, Ioanna; Athanasiou, Katerina; Atkore, Vidyadhar; Barney, Jacob N.; Blackburn, Tim M.; Brockerhoff, Eckehard G.; Carbutt, Clinton; Carisio, Luca; Castro-Diez, Pilar; Cespedes, Vanessa; Christopoulou, Aikaterini; Cisneros-Heredia, Diego F.; Cooling, Meghan; De Groot, Maarten; Demetriou, Jakovos; Dickey, James W.E.; Duboscq-Carra, Virginia G.; Early, Regan; Evans, Thomas E.; Flores-Males, Paola T.; Gallardo, Belinda; Gruber, Monica; Hui, Cang; Jeschke, Jonathan M.; Joelson, Natalia Z.; Khan, Mohd Asgar; Kumschick, Sabrina; Lach, Lori; Lapin, Katharina; Lioy, Simone; Liu, Chunlong; MacMullen, Zoe J.; Mazzitelli, Manuela A.; Measey, John; Mrugala-Koese, Agata A.; Musseau, Camille L.; Nahrung, Helen F.; Pepori, Alessia; Pertierra, Luis R.; Pienaar, Elizabeth F.; Pysek, Petr; Rivas Torres, Gonzalo; Rojas Martinez, Henry A.; Rojas-Sandoval, Julissa; Ryan-Schofield, Ned L.; Sanchez, Rocio M.; Santini, Alberto; Santoro, Davide; Scalera, Riccardo; Schmidt, Lisanna; Shivambu, Tinyiko Cavin; Sohrabi, Sima; Tricarico, Elena; Trillo, Alejandro; Van't Hof, Pieter; Volery, Lara; Zengeya, Tsungai Alfred
Invasive alien species are a major driver of global change, impacting biodiversity, ecosystem services, and human livelihoods. To document these impacts, we present the Global Impacts Dataset of Invasive Alien Species (GIDIAS), a dataset on the positive, negative and neutral impacts of invasive alien species on nature, nature’s contributions to people, and good quality of life. This dataset arises from the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services’ (IPBES) thematic assessment report of this topic. Data were compiled from published sources, including grey literature, reporting a direct observation of an invasive alien species’ impact. All impact records contain up to 52 fields of contextual information and attempt to link impacts to the global standard “environmental impact classification for alien taxa” (EICAT) and “socio-economic impact classification for alien taxa” (SEICAT). GIDIAS includes more than 22000 records of impacts caused by 3353 invasive alien species (plants, vertebrates, invertebrates, microorganisms) from all continents and realms (terrestrial, freshwater, marine), extracted from over 6700 sources. We intend GIDIAS to be a global resource for investigating and managing the variety of impacts of invasive alien species across taxa and regions.
Camera trap-based estimates reveal spatial variability in African clawless otter population densities and behaviour
(Cambridge University Press, 2025) Lewis, Candice B.; Majelantle, Tshepiso Lesedi; Haussmann, Natalie S.; Mcintyre, Trevor
Estimating the population size of shy and elusive species is challenging but necessary to inform appropriate conservation actions for threatened or declining species. Using camera-trap surveys conducted during 2017–2021, we estimated and compared African clawless otter Aonyx capensis population densities and activity times in six conserved areas in southern Africa. We used two different models to estimate densities: random encounter models and camera-trap distance sampling. Our results highlight a general pattern of higher estimated densities and narrower confidence intervals using random encounter models compared to camera-trap distance sampling. We found substantial variation in densities between study areas, with random encounter model estimates ranging between 0.9 and 4.2 otters/km2. Our camera-trap distance sampling estimates supported the relative density estimates obtained from random encounter models but were generally lower and more variable, ranging from 0.8 to 4.0 otters/km2. We found significant differences in otter activity patterns, with populations either being nocturnal, mostly nocturnal or cathemeral. As all study areas experience little human disturbance, our results suggest that there are large natural variations in otter densities and activity patterns between regions. When densities are converted to metrics that are comparable to previous studies, our estimates suggest that African clawless otter population numbers are generally lower than previously reported. This highlights a need for broader spatial coverage of otter population assessments and future studies to assess potential environmental drivers of spatial, and potentially temporal, variation in population numbers and activity patterns.
Camera trap assessment of bushpig (Potamochoerus larvatus)-domestic animal interactions and implications for pathogen transmission in rural habitats of Madagascar
(Elsevier, 2025-12) Rakotoarivony, Rianja; Payne, Ariane; Kassie, Daouda; Goodman, Steven M.; Andriamahefa, Alpha; Raliniaina, Modestine; Rakotozandrindrainy, Raphael; Jori, Ferran J.
In some rural areas of Madagascar, bushpigs (Potamochoerus larvatus) are reported to be attracted to human disturbed habitats and share the same environment with domestic animals, including pigs (Sus scrofa). Such cohabitation can facilitate the transmission of pathogens between bushpigs and other domestic animals. To assess bushpig-domestic animal interactions and their implications for pathogen transmission, 26 camera-traps were deployed for three months around 10 villages in two separate regions of western Madagascar. The camera-traps were positioned at animal attraction sites: trophic resources, resting areas, and water points, and captured 17,804 images. No direct interactions (simultaneous presence) between bushpigs and domestic species were observed after analysis of 2678 trap nights. However, 44 indirect interactions (non-simultaneous presence) were recorded. The median critical time window (CTW), calculated as the time interval between the consecutive presence of bushpigs and some domestic species, was 646 min [34–1412 min]) for pigs, 672 min for cats [range 44–886 min], and 690 min for cattle [range 584–765 min]. Such CTW estimates are shorter than the average survival rate of several infectious pathogens potentially present in the environment, including African swine fever virus, Mycobacterium bovis, and Toxoplasma gondii. Factors such as proximity to water sources and protected areas statistically increased the chances of these interactions. Our research provided novel information on the level of interaction between bushpigs and other domestic animals in anthropized rural areas and which can be used to design and implement strategies to mitigate the risk of pathogen spread at the wildlife/livestock/human interface. HIGHLIGHTS • First-ever study of bushpig-domestic animal spatio-temporal interactions in Madagascar, for which indirect contacts occur. • Frequent indirect interaction between bushpigs, cattle, and cats beyond domestic pigs. • Divergent activity patterns reduce direct bushpig-domestic pig contacts. • Pathogen transmission theoretically possible given environmental survival times.
Spatial spillover effects of smallholder households’ adoption behaviour of soil management practices among push–pull farmers in Rwanda
(MDPI, 2024-12-26) Kidoido, Michael M.; Agboka, Komi Mensah; Hailu, Girma; Belayneh, Yeneneh; Mutyambai, Daniel Munyao; Owino, Rachel; Kassie, Menale; Niassy, Saliou
Push–pull technology (PPT) integrates maize with the legume fodder Desmodium sp. and the border crop Brachiaria sp., aiming to enhance maize production in Rwanda. Despite its potential, the adoption of complementary soil management practices (SMP), vital for PPT’s success, remains low. This study employs spatial econometric methods to evaluate the determinants of SMP adoption and the interdependencies in decision-making among PPT-practicing farmers. We constructed a spatial weight matrix based on a global Moran’s I index and identified optimal model parameters through principal component analysis. Utilizing a spatial Durbin probit model (SDPM), we assessed the spatial interdependence of SMP adoption decisions among maize farmers. Our findings reveal significant spatial dependence in SMP adoption within a 1.962 km radius, with improved seed usage, household income, yield, farmer group membership and size of land cultivated being key factors positively influencing adoption. We propose a “nonequilibrium promotion strategy” to enhance SMP adoption, emphasizing the establishment of pilot regions to broaden outreach. Additionally, fostering technical training and selecting farmers with adequate resources as demonstration leaders can enhance spatial spillover effects. This research provides insights for developing policies to scale up push–pull technology in Rwanda and across Sub-Saharan Africa.

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