Classification, Distribution, and Biodiversity of Terrestrial Ecosystems in the Gulf of Guinea Oceanic Islands

Dauby, Gilles; Stévart, Tariq; Barberá, Patricia; Benitez, Laura; Madureira, Maria do Céu; Soares, Filipa; Viennois, Gaëlle; Lima, Ricardo F. de

doi:10.1007/978-3-031-06153-0_3

Cited by 12 publications

(16 citation statements)

References 40 publications

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“…This diversity of geological features has been recognized by ten formations being proposed as geosites on São Tomé Island, which have a wide range of cultural, scientific, and scenic values (Henriques and Neto 2015). These landscapes have also promoted the appearance of distinct ecosystems (Dauby et al 2022) and species (Melo et al 2022). The location of the islands, at moderate distances from the mainland and at the crossroads of freshwater plumes from three large rivers, has likely further contributed toward the assembly of their rich biological communities.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Physical Geography of the Gulf of Guinea Oceanic Islands

Ceríaco

Santos

Lima

et al. 2022

Biodiversity of the Gulf of Guinea Oceanic Islands

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The Gulf of Guinea, in the Atlantic coast of Central Africa, has three oceanic islands that arose as part of the Cameroon Volcanic Line. From northeast to southwest these are Príncipe (139 km2), São Tomé (857 km2), and Annobón (17 km2). Although relatively close to the adjacent mainland, the islands have distinct climactic and geomorphologic characteristics, and have remained isolated throughout their geological history. Consequently, they have developed a unique biodiversity, rich in endemic species. We provide an integrated overview of the physical setting of the islands, including their geographic location, geological origin, topography, geology and soils, climate zones, and prevailing wind and ocean currents—key features that underlie the evolution of their biodiversity.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Physical Geography of the Gulf of Guinea Oceanic Islands

Ceríaco

Santos

Lima

et al. 2022

Biodiversity of the Gulf of Guinea Oceanic Islands

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“…This is followed by a revision of the classification and cartography of the terrestrial ecosystems (Chap. 3;Dauby et al 2022). Chapter 4 (Muñoz-Torrent et al 2022 analyzes the five centuries of human presence on the better-known island of São Tomé, presenting demographic trends, cultural heritage, and how the history of the main economic activities has impacted biodiversity.…”

Section: Book Structurementioning

confidence: 99%

Biodiversity in the Gulf of Guinea Oceanic Islands: A Synthesis

Ceríaco

Lima

Bell

et al. 2022

Biodiversity of the Gulf of Guinea Oceanic Islands

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The Gulf of Guinea oceanic islands (Príncipe, São Tomé, and Annobón) are among the most endemic-rich regions of the planet. Historical scientific studies of the islands’ unique biodiversity are scattered in a variety of publications, many of which are difficult to access. More recently, there has been a growing interest in the islands, which is reflected in a burst of new studies, reports, and ongoing projects. Here we aim to provide an updated and comprehensive synthesis, covering all the key information and references on the biodiversity of these islands. The goal of the book is to be a comprehensive reference for students, researchers, and conservationists dedicated to the study and preservation of this unique biodiversity. It also intends to serve as a basis for local stakeholders to make informed decisions, namely regarding conservation actions. The book is divided into three main sections: (1) a general overview of the islands and their biodiversity, including aspects of natural and human history (six chapters); (2) detailed accounts on different taxonomic groups (16 chapters); and (3) the conservation, environmental education, and research challenges that lie ahead (three chapters).

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“…7.1). Documenting plant species assemblages to classify vegetation is ongoing (Dauby et al 2022), although the main gradients have been described (Monod 1960;Stévart 1998;Ogonovszky 2003).…”

Section: Distributionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Among novel ecosystems, those that maintain dense tree cover and mimic the structure of the native vegetation seem to be preferred by native species (Jones and Tye 2006;Lima et al 2014). These include secondary forests, which result from vegetation regrowth after logging and agricultural abandonment, and agroforest systems, such as coffee and cocoa shade plantations, which integrate trees and agricultural crops (Jones et al 1991;Oyono et al 2014;Dauby et al 2022). Unfortunately, it is also clear that many taxa do not cope well in these novel ecosystems (e.g., Fundação Príncipe 2019; Soares et al 2020).…”

Section: Habitat Associationsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Altitude might be less relevant to explain the distribution of mobile terrestrial organisms with broad ecological niches, such as most birds (e.g., Soares et al 2020; but see: Dallimer et al 2009;Lima et al 2017), but it is crucial for other groups, such as snails (Tavares 2020), and notably plants (Exell 1944;Monod 1960;Stévart et al 2022). Since plants are key components of terrestrial ecosystems, altitude has thus fundamental implications for how ecosystems are distributed across the islands (Dauby et al 2022).…”

Section: Habitat Associationsmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Species Ecology in the Gulf of Guinea Oceanic Islands: Distribution, Habitat Preferences, Assemblages, and Interactions

Soares

Hancock

Palmeirim

et al. 2022

Biodiversity of the Gulf of Guinea Oceanic Islands

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The oceanic islands of the Gulf of Guinea (Príncipe, São Tomé, and Annobón) are an exceptional centre of endemism for flora and fauna. Remarkable progress has been made in biological research during the last few decades: from species being described and reported for the first time, to general patterns of species-habitat associations found across terrestrial, coastal, and marine taxa. Despite this increase in knowledge, key aspects of Gulf of Guinea species ecology remain poorly understood. This chapter reviews existing knowledge on the biodiversity of the islands, focusing on species distributions, population abundance estimates, traits, habitat associations and interactions. To promote these islands as ecological models, and to ensure the future of their endemic-rich biodiversity, it is essential to overcome current knowledge gaps and reduce existing taxonomic, spatial, and temporal biases in the information available. Therefore, future studies should favour systematic island-wide surveys and prioritize understudied areas and taxonomic groups. Moreover, long-term monitoring studies are urgently needed to assess biodiversity trends and to advise conservation actions. The future of ecological research and conservation of the unique biodiversity of these islands must increasingly rely on the development of local biodiversity-focused scientific expertise, through outreach, capacity building, and advanced training, paired with international collaborations and the development of local organizations.

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Classification, Distribution, and Biodiversity of Terrestrial Ecosystems in the Gulf of Guinea Oceanic Islands

Cited by 12 publications

References 40 publications

Physical Geography of the Gulf of Guinea Oceanic Islands

Physical Geography of the Gulf of Guinea Oceanic Islands

Biodiversity in the Gulf of Guinea Oceanic Islands: A Synthesis

Species Ecology in the Gulf of Guinea Oceanic Islands: Distribution, Habitat Preferences, Assemblages, and Interactions

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