Same but Different: Intersexual and Age‐Related Habitat Use of the Threatened West African <i>Trionyx triunguis</i> Clade—A Four‐Country Comparative Study
ABSTRACT Biological communities are structured by a variety of biotic and abiotic relationships, whose understanding forms the basis for effective conservation. Among the myriad factors influencing community dynamics, resource partitioning stands out, potentially enriching ecosystem complexity but also carrying risks for conservation if disregarded. In this study, we investigated intersexual and ontogenetic niche differences among populations of the West African softshell turtle Trionyx triunguis in Liberia, Cote d'Ivoire, Ghana and Nigeria. We observed that these distinct populations exhibited similar habitat preferences, favouring large rivers with abundant riverbank and aquatic vegetation, and muddy substrates. Disparities in habitat preferences were evident among populations and across various life stages, indicating the adaptability of the species. We found that the species was active throughout the year, but most of our sightings and captures occurred during the wet season. In light of the species' vulnerability to overhunting, our research findings provide important data on the ecology of this species that can assist in its effective conservation across all life stages.
Authors
- Fabio Petrozzi (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5114-3816)
- Luca Luiselli (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6878-2916)
- Mathias Behangana (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1335-4989)
- Daniele Dendi (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1417-9091)
- Sery Gonedelé Bi (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2760-2795)
- Nioking Amadi (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1200-0492)
- Nic Pacini (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9717-0449)
- P.T. McGovern
- Gabriel Hoinsoudé Segniagbeto (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4697-3671)
- Eniang Inemesit Edem
- Sulemana Bawa Gbewaa
- Julia E. Fa (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3611-8487)
- Stephanie N. Ajong
- Godfrey C. Akani
- Andrew D. Walde
- Edem A. Eniang (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9479-6964)
Institutions
- Manchester Metropolitan University (GB)
- Lagos State University (NG)
- University of Leicester (GB)
- Genetic Alliance (US)
- University of Uyo (NG)
- Nature Conservation Research Centre (GH)
- Nature Uganda (UG)
- Swiss Centre for Scientific Research (CI)
- University of Lomé (TG)
- University of Calabria (IT)
- Université Félix Houphouët-Boigny (CI)
- Center for International Forestry Research (ID)
- Rivers State University (NG)
- Michael Okpara University of Agriculture (NG)
Publication Details
- Journal
- African Journal of Ecology
- Published
- 2024-09-01
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1111/aje.13323
- Citations
- 1
- Primary Topic
- Turtle Biology and Conservation
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 0.69
Funders
- Rufford Foundation
- Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund