Snakebite knowledge among healthcare workers in Gabon: A health facility-based cross-sectional survey

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  Snakebite knowledge among healthcare workers in Gabon: A health facility-based cross-sectional survey Abstract Background Snakebite envenoming remains a neglected health issue in many countries, including Gabon, where the limited availability of snakebite-specific training, clinical guidelines, and essential resources at health facilities may lead to gaps in healthcare workers’ knowledge and confidence and the use of non-recommended treatment practices. This study aimed to assess healthcare workers’ knowledge of snakebite management in the Ogooué et des Lacs department of Moyen-Ogooué province in Gabon. Methods From June to August 2023, we conducted a cross-sectional survey targeting all healthcare workers in Ogooué et des Lacs who may be involved in snakebite management. We collected information on prior training, self-perceived knowledge of snakebite management, symptom recognition, clinical management practices, and snake identification. Knowledge was assessed using 10 true/fa...

Scorpions in urbanized landscapes: influence of habitat type and landscape on body condition, diversity and functional traits in a Neotropical submontane forest

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Scorpions in urbanized landscapes: influence of habitat type and landscape on body condition, diversity and functional traits in a Neotropical submontane forest

Abstract

The local filtering process exerts a significant influence on the evolution of species traits. Furthermore, the spatial configuration of the landscape may also exert an influence on the assembly of traits within communities. It is of paramount importance to comprehend the impact of human-induced alterations to tropical forest habitats and land cover on the diversity, fitness, and functional characteristics of native fauna, as this knowledge is fundamental to the field of conservation biology. In this study, we investigate the impact of different habitats and land cover on the abundance, species richness, composition, body condition, and functional traits of the scorpion assemblage in a Neotropical submontane forest region. The scorpions were collected via active search in 60 sampling units distributed evenly among three habitat types: the city core, urban green areas, and forests. A total of 882 specimens were sampled, distributed among five species within two families. The results indicate that, at the habitat level, forests exhibited greater abundance and species richness, and these taxonomic patterns were sensitive to the surrounding land use. Furthermore, the expansion of urban areas in the landscape composition also results in a shift in species composition. Additionally, forest habitats are vital for maintaining higher body condition. Conversely, habitats classified as city core have led to the emergence of traits adapted to urban conditions. It is evident that urban green infrastructure plays a pivotal role in maintaining scorpion biodiversity, even in highly urbanized environments.

Borba Feitosa, M. L., Alvarado, F., Gomes de Lima, H. V., Barbosa de Moura, G. J., & Felipe de Araujo Lira, A. (2025). Scorpions in urbanized landscapes: Influence of habitat type and landscape on body condition, diversity and functional traits in a Neotropical submontane forest. Acta Oecologica, 128, 104087. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.actao.2025.104087