STORRE Collection: Electronic copies of Psychology blog posts and website contributions.
http://hdl.handle.net/1893/25967
Electronic copies of Psychology blog posts and website contributions.2024-03-20T16:12:55ZObesity and Covid-19: Tackling two global pandemics
http://hdl.handle.net/1893/31921
Title: Obesity and Covid-19: Tackling two global pandemics
Author(s): Crockett, Rachel
Abstract: First paragraph: Covid-19 is changing the way we think about the world. We are used to being able to go shopping, without a second thought, book a trip on the spur of the moment or meet up casually with friends for a meal. In the UK we live in a society in which, notwithstanding financial resources, we expect to be able to take a high degree of control over our lives. We believe that we have freedom of choice and that failures to make choices which support our health and well-being are the result of our individual failures in self-regulation. Covid-19 has challenged this belief.2020-08-11T00:00:00ZPan paniscus (errata version published in 2016)
http://hdl.handle.net/1893/26839
Title: Pan paniscus (errata version published in 2016)
Author(s): Fruth, Barbara; Hickey, Jena R; Andre, Claudine; Furuichi, Takeshi; Hart, John; Hart, Terese; Kuehl, Hjalmar; Maisels, Fiona; Nackoney, Janet; Reinartz, Gay; Sop, Tenekwetche; Thompson, Jo; Williamson, Elizabeth A
Abstract: Due to high levels of illegal hunting, and habitat destruction and degradation,Pan paniscusis estimated to have experienced a significant population reduction in the last 15–20 years and it is thought that this reduction will continue for the next 60 years. Currently, by far the greatest threat to the Bonobo's survival is poaching for the commercial bushmeat trade. It has been estimated that nine tons of bushmeat are extracted daily from a 50,000-km² conservation landscape within the Bonobo’s range. Not only is there is a massive demand for bushmeat stemming from the cities, but rebel factions and poorly-paid government soldiers add to that demand, at the same time facilitating the flow of guns and ammunition (Fruthet al. 2013). In some areas, local taboos against eating Bonobo meat still exist, but in others, these traditions are disintegrating due to changing cultural values and population movements. Stricter enforcement of wildlife laws and more effective management are urgently needed. Habitat loss through deforestation and fragmentation ranks second. Much of the forest loss in this region is caused by slash-and-burn subsistence agriculture, which is most intense where human densities are high or growing. Logging and mining do not yet occur on an industrial scale in the Bonobo’s range, but in future, industrial agriculture is very likely to become a serious threat. Minimising the conversion of intact forest to human-dominated land uses, will be critical for the future survival of Bonobos. Countrywide factors contributing to the decline include the mobility of growing human populations, opening markets, commercial exploitation of natural resources and road construction. As in the past, the survival of Bonobos will be determined by the levels of poaching and forest loss—threats that have been shown to accompany rapid growth in human populations and political instability (Nackoneyet al. 2014). Due to their slow life history and a generation time estimated to be 25 years, Bonobo populations cannot withstand high levels of offtake. The population decline over a three-generation (75 year) period from 2003 to 2078 is likely to exceed 50%, hence qualifying this taxon as Endangered under criterion A.2016-03-24T00:00:00ZGorilla gorilla
http://hdl.handle.net/1893/26838
Title: Gorilla gorilla
Author(s): Maisels, Fiona; Bergl, Richard; Williamson, Elizabeth A
Abstract: Assessment Information: Justification: Gorilla gorillahas a large geographic range, covering over 700,000 km². The size of the population is currently being evaluated, but thought to be in the order of a few hundred thousand (Strindberg et al. in prep). Only a very small number of Western Gorillas are the G. g. diehli subspecies, therefore this rationale focuses on the G. g. gorilla subspecies. The country of Gabon lost over half its Gorilla population between 1983 and 2000 (Walsh et al. 2003). More recent population declines have been estimated using a predictive model that incorporated survey data collected between 2003 and 2013 across the entire range of Western Lowland Gorillas. The results reveal an 18.75% decline between 2005 and 2013, corresponding to an annual loss of ~2.56% (Strindberg et al. in prep). These population decreases were driven by poaching and disease (Ebolavirus) outbreaks.Despite their abundance and wide geographic range, Western Gorillas qualify as Critically Endangered under criterion A: a population reduction of more than 80% over three generations (one generation is ~22 years). This listing is based on ongoing population losses due to illegal hunting, disease and habitat loss: poaching is intensifying with the expansion of access routes into forests and Zaire Ebolavirus remains a highly significant threat. At a conservative rate of reduction (2.56% per year rather than 4%, calculated from Walsh et al. 2003), the reduction in the Western Gorilla population is predicted to exceed 80% over three generations (i.e., 66 years, 2005-2071). Illegal hunting has not ceased despite intense anti-poaching efforts, and the threat of Ebolavirus has not been removed. In addition, the scale of habitat conversion to industrial agriculture will increase, and the effects of climate change will become more evident.Gorilla gorillathus qualifies as Critically Endangered (A4bcde).2016-01-01T00:00:00ZPan troglodytes (errata version published in 2018)
http://hdl.handle.net/1893/26837
Title: Pan troglodytes (errata version published in 2018)
Author(s): Humle, Tatyana; Maisels, Fiona; Oates, John F; Plumptre, Andrew; Williamson, Elizabeth A
Abstract: Assessment Information: Although Pan troglodytes is the most abundant and widespread of the great apes, and many populations exist in protected areas, the declines that have occurred are expected to continue, satisfying the criteria for an Endangered listing (Oates 2006). Due to high levels of poaching, infectious diseases, and loss of habitat and habitat quality caused by expanding human activities, this species is estimated to have experienced a significant population reduction in the past 20–30 years and it is suspected that this reduction will continue for the next 30–40 years. Due to their slow life history and a generation time estimated to be 25 years, Chimpanzee populations cannot sustain high levels of mortality, whether disease-induced or caused by poaching. The maximum population reduction over a three-generation (75 year) period from 1975 to 2050 is suspected to exceed 50%, hence qualifying this taxon as Endangered under criterion A. Although conservation efforts directed at Chimpanzees and other wildlife have increased significantly in recent years, the assumption that population reductions will continue is a precautionary approach based on the rapid growth of human populations in sub-Saharan Africa, continuing poaching for bushmeat, the commercial bushmeat trade, the arrival of industrial agriculture (which requires clearcutting of forest), corruption and lack of law enforcement, lack of capacity and resources, and political instability in some range states. At the same time, zoonosis and disease outbreaks present significant risks; there is, for example, evidence that Ebolavirus will continue to spreadin some parts of the Chimpanzee's geographic range(Walshet al.2005).2016-01-01T00:00:00Z