Spatial and temporal activity patterns of the Common warthog (Phacochoerus africanus) in the Niokolo Koba national park and Faleme area in eastern Senegal

B.Sc. Arianna Vicari

Diplomová práce

Abstract:

The common warthog (Phacochoerus africanus) is an ecologically resilient species, native to the African savannahs and widely distributed throughout the continent. Despite its broad range, its ecology remains understudied compared to other related species. Likewise, ecological processes between protected areas and adjacent human-dominated landscapes are poorly understood, especially in West Africa, a region rich in endemic species, but increasingly affected by rapid population growth and economic development. To address these gaps, we investigated the environmental and anthropogenic factors influencing warthogs’ spatial and temporal distributions in two landscapes in Senegal with different degrees of human activity. Using camera traps, we compared capture rates, occupancy and kernel density temporal estimates between Niokolo Koba National Park, one of the largest protected areas of West Africa, and the upstream area of the Falémé river, an anthropogenic landscape. Our results showed no significant environmental or anthropogenic factors affecting the spatial occurrence of the common warthog. However, we determined a temporal shift in the activity patterns from the relatively undisturbed national park to the human-inhabited area, suggesting behavioural adaptation to human presence. Although showing high ecological plasticity, the common warthog remains part of a fragile ecosystem, vulnerable to desertification, deforestation, land-use changes, and mining activity. Our study highlights how protected areas remain essential for the maintenance of natural behaviours and ecological interactions, which might also affect the survival of associated species. Moreover, it provides a basis for understanding the factors influencing warthogs’ spatial and temporal distribution, which may be crucial for monitoring the changing natural environment, and guiding conservation strategies when needed.

Keywords

animal ecology, anthropogenic impact, camera trap data, ecological monitoring, protected areas, spatial occupancy modelling, West African savannah

Jazyk práce: angličtina

Datum vytvoření / odevzdání či podání práce: 17. 8. 2025

Obhajoba závěrečné práce

• Vedoucí: prof. RNDr. Pavla Hejcmanová, Ph.D.
• Oponent: Miloš Ježek, Ing.

Česká zemědělská univerzita v Praze

Fakulta tropického zemědělství

Magisterský studijní program / specializace:
Wildlife and Livestock Production, Management and Conservation / Wildlife Management and Conservation