Publications by authors named "Josephine Smit"
The science guiding design and evaluation of restoration interventions in tropical landscapes is dominated by ecological processes and outcomes and lacks indicators and methods that integrate human wellbeing into the restoration process. We apply a new systems approach framework for tree restoration in forest-agricultural landscapes to show how this shortcoming can be addressed. Demonstrating 'proof of concept', we tested statistical models underlying the framework pathways with data collected from a case study in Tanzania.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFAfrica is home to some of the world's most functionally diverse guilds of large carnivores. However, they are increasingly under threat from anthropogenic pressures that may exacerbate already intense intra-guild competition. Understanding the coexistence mechanisms employed by these species in human-impacted landscapes could help shed light on some of the more subtle ways in which humans may impact wildlife populations, and inform multi-species conservation planning.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFArticle Synopsis
- Many lesser-known carnivore species, like the serval, striped hyaena, and aardwolf, are getting less conservation focus compared to iconic large carnivores, despite facing significant human threats.
- A study in Tanzania used camera traps and spatial modeling to assess population densities of these species across different habitats: Ruaha’s tourist area, miombo woodlands, and a community-run wildlife management area, revealing the miombo woodlands had the highest serval density.
- The findings suggest that factors like precipitation, predator presence, and human impact influence carnivore populations, highlighting the critical need for miombo woodland and community-managed conservation efforts.