Landscape structure indicators of savanna ecosystems in regard to large herbivores ecology in Chinko Nature Reserve, Central African Republic

Matouš Hladovec

Bachelor's thesis

Abstract:

The global ecological landscape is undergoing rapid transformation, with various environmental phenomena and rising temperatures indicating significant shifts. Human influence on increasing the impact on natural cycles is undeniable in this. In response to such changes, proactive steps are necessary in order to protect vulnerable species and ecosystems. Understanding landscape structure and ecological resources allows for assessing and predicting species distributions and planning consequent conservation measures. This thesis aims to assess landscape structure indicators and ecological resources for large herbivores in the Chinko Nature Reserve, Central African Republic (CAR). The methods used to achieve this include a literature review and data analysis. The study is focusing on understanding the dynamics of large herbivores' ecology within the savanna ecosystems of CAR. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) tool ArcGIS is utilized for data processing and analysis. The data were generously provided by the organization African parks. The study area, Chinko Nature Reserve, situated in the southwestern part of CAR, is characterized by diverse ecosystems, including tropical rainforest and savanna. The landscape structure analysis examines various components, such as patches, matrix, corridors, and edges, to understand the spatial relationships between different ecological units. Considering that large herbivore ecology varies across spatiotemporal scales (from minutes to years/ from a head movement to home ranges), there is a list of different landscape features in the literature research. Then, I provided a description of basic visualization and map making principles for specific landscape features, namely habitat types and patches with edge assessment. The study provides further basis for further research of large herbivore movement ecology, resource selection and conservation initiatives aimed at preserving wildlife in the Central African Republic.

Keywords

Landscape structure, African savanna, large herbivores, Chinko Nature Reserve, wildlife ecology

Language used: English

Date on which the thesis was submitted / produced: 20. 4. 2024

Thesis defence

• Date of defence: 29. 5. 2024
• Supervisor: prof. RNDr. Pavla Hejcmanová, Ph.D.
• Reader: Kristýna Stehlíková, Ing.

Czech University of Life Sciences Prague

Faculty of Tropical AgriSciences

Bachelor programme:
Tropical Agriculture