Biology subjects

Ruppert, N.

Publications and source records attributed to Ruppert, N..

3 recordsLinked to original sources

bioRxiv2025

Comprehensive surveys of endangered western hoolock gibbons in Bangladesh more than double the country's total population estimate

AbstractThe western hoolock gibbon (Hoolock hoolock, Harlan 1834) is a Critically Endangered primate species in Bangladesh and is globally Endangered, yet its distribution across the highly anthropogenic and disturbed landscapes of southeast and northeast Bangladesh is not well understood. We assessed gibbon occurrence in habitats across Bangladesh through community engagement activities from January 2018 to June 2022 and conducted gibbon population surveys in the field from January 2019 to March 2024 using the total count method to estimate abundance in most habitats. Our results confirmed gibbon occurrence in 46 locations in 42 forest fragments in southeast and northeast Bangladesh and we estimate the current gibbon population in Bangladesh to include [≥]816 individuals in [≥]254 groups. Only 10 of the 42 fragments where gibbons occurred supported more than 20 individuals. Gibbons in most of these habitats are at extremely high risk of local extinction due to very small population sizes and ongoing habitat destruction, hunting, and agricultural expansion. Urgent conservation actions, including community-based conservation to combat hunting and illegal trade and to prevent further agricultural encroachment, support for monitoring and enforcement of existing laws and regulations, habitat protection, and habitat restoration programs focused on landscape-level connectivity within Bangladesh and across the Bangladesh-India border, are required to mitigate threats to the remaining gibbons in Bangladesh.

zoology↗

bioRxiv2024

Helminthic parasite infections of endangered western hoolock gibbons (Hoolock hoolock) in degraded habitats of Bangladesh

Although habitat degradation and anthropogenic disturbance can increase the risk of parasitic infections for many animals, including primates, little information about parasitism in wild gibbons is available, and almost nothing is known about the prevalence of helminth infection in wild populations. Globally threatened western hoolock gibbons (Hoolock hoolock, Harlan 1834) are exposed to significant anthropogenic disturbances across their range. We examined faecal samples from wild gibbons in three highly degraded and fragmented forests in Bangladesh: Lawachara National Park, Saltila forest, and Sheikh Jamal Inani National Park, for helminths, and identified two helminthic parasites, Bunostomum sp., and Enterobius sp. Overall helminthic parasite prevalence (percentage of samples containing parasites) and intensity (mean number of parasites individuals per sample) in faecal samples from wild gibbons were 82% and 12.1, respectively. This is the first report of Bunostomum sp. and Enterobius sp. infections in wild individuals of western hoolock gibbons or any other small ape. Habitat fragmentation, degradation, human encroachment, and other anthropogenic disturbances in Bangladesh may contribute to higher infection risk and transmission of zoonotic diseases in this highly arboreal gibbon species, with unknown consequences for their health and long-term survival. As parasitic infections can be transmitted within and across species, affecting humans, other primates, and other wild and domesticated animals, habitat protection and restoration and public awareness campaigns applying the One Health approach should be used to mitigate the spread of zoonotic disease in shared landscapes. HIGHLIGHTSO_LIFirst reported helminthic parasite infections with Bunostomum sp. and Enterobius sp. in wild gibbons C_LIO_LIOut of 50 collected fecal samples from the endangered Western hoolock gibbon in three degraded forests in Bangladesh, 41 (82%) tested positive for helminthic infections C_LIO_LIParasite intensity ranged from 1 to 45 individuals per gram, with a median intensity of 9 C_LIO_LILower parasite intensity ([≤]5) was more common in winter than in the monsoon season indicating seasonal variations C_LI O_FIG O_LINKSMALLFIG WIDTH=200 HEIGHT=108 SRC="FIGDIR/small/619014v1_ufig1.gif" ALT="Figure 1"> View larger version (27K): org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@8f6502org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@309cf5org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@190d050org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@5c6b5b_HPS_FORMAT_FIGEXP M_FIG GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT C_FIG

zoology↗

bioRxiv2018

Measuring Orangutan nest structure using Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) and ImageJ

The nest is one of the crucial elements in orangutan daily activities. Previously, most of the nest structure studies were done manually by estimating measurement directly from visual observation. However, using the latest unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) technology, we can reduce the workforce, time and energy while simultaneously ensuring the safety of the researcher conducting nest structure analysis. We recorded 49 pictures of orangutan nests at Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre (SORC) using UAV (DJI Phantom 3 Quadcopter). The nest structure (length, depth, and width) was digitally measured by using ImageJ. Most of the nests were built at a strong, stable, and comfortable position at the top of the tree. Most orangutans chose Eusideroxylon zwageri to build nest compared to other tree species because of the strong and durable wood characteristic which would create a sturdy, strong and comfortable nest. We propose the use of drone with digital image analysis could provide a more accurate, less time consuming and safe method for studying orangutan nest structure.

zoology↗