A range’s core should not only be important in research

This is my second Editorial since I became Editor-in-Chief of the African Journal Ecology (AJE). As did with previous (Luiselli, 2023), will continue in this case (and future Editorials) to emphasise aspects ecology that, opinion, are still underdeveloped and role that AJE can play their development. In addressed general “themes” greatest importance for development a fully “modern” ecological science Africa. Starting from “Editorial” deal more specific “hot” topics be particular interest our journal over next few years. For each these topics, invite contributions prominent authors form “Reviews”, “Perspectives”, “Interdisciplinary Perspectives”, even explore potential having special issues dedicated them. I'm going start series addressing one hottest contemporary conservation ecology: habitat fragmentation. Habitat fragmentation widely acclaimed as main threats biodiversity (Fahrig, 2017, 2019). Over last two decades, literally rivers (scientific) ink have been poured “northern world” (Europe North America) describe matrix permeability allow animals cross between forest patches (e.g., Anderson et al., 2022; Erős & Campbell Grant, 2015; Luque 2012; Neuschulz 2013; Watts Handley, 2010). result, dynamic theory around phenomenon has rapidly developed well how maintain valid connectivity fragments. Analytical software also created assess resistance fragment matrices other parameters management Fardila 2017; Leonard 2017). A unifying point several studies functionally dominant unit landscape (Forman Godron, 1986). Africa, not less threat than temperate regions, particularly species Bloomfield 2020; Curry 2021; Davis Philips, 2005; Dendi 2023; Newmark McNeally, 2018). example, Guinean forests West Africa considered among most fragmented habitats world, hotspot, currently comprising no 5%–10% its original extension. processes characterised by dynamics almost unknown continents. instance, contains largest number refugees world (about 34% total), there massive agricultural expansion loss refugee-hosting areas (for some Uganda) (Maystadt 2020). The “refugee-induced” effect remained virtually scientifically unstudied but certainly very promising field investigation years come. “Google Scholar” search (12 December 2022) revealed articles focusing on on: (i) patches, sacred grooves, protected reserves Alohou Smith 2019) or (ii) modelling distribution threatened faunas relation spatial forested (Freeman It seems evident me issue recreate invaluable isolated (or well-preserved savannahs) rather forgotten literature, albeit being extremely important. Instead, emphasis always (the “core”) within core habitats. However, recent work Dahomey Gap, suggests altered “matrix” important maintaining savannah-forest mosaic landscape. because it essential many mammal able move during certain seasons (Matshisela Segniagbeto 2022). Moreover, such community-controlled hunting enhance value buffer zones (Atsri 2020), together promoting sustainable production systems degraded areas. Such an approach help stabilise front reduce land pressure themselves Scrolling down contents AJE, we notice published excellent were directly indirectly fragmentation, clear substantial attention “core” “what surrounds it” matrix). demographic interesting observations/data wildlife pristine Amin Gush Lee Meheretu Sonhaye-Ouyé Turikunkiko Uwizelimana 2022), whereas those surrounding much (Kifle Bekele, Kisingo Ncube Tarakini, Changing paradigm, i.e., shifting at least partially focus away hotspots matrix, could constitute great opportunity research well). fact, bring fore ‘minor’ environmental mosaics, often underestimated ignored ecologically relevant both structurally (as biodiversity), dispersal; Poiani 2000). island surroundings become scenarios see Core undoubtedly priority they free human threats, although degree. Nevertheless, efforts only them serious mistake, distracting oneself what happening means starting progressive isolation interrupting fundamental connective (Salerno 2018; ‘Tunnel vision’ ‘functional cognitive fixedness’ must overcome (Ward Cognitive biases (i.e., systematic pattern deviation rationality judgement perception; Barnes, 1984) influence decisions nature (Catalano sense, managers do automatically anchor following charismatic perceptions (an ‘anchoring bias’; Cinner, 2018) initiate change vision neglected matrices. Therefore, am inviting contributors submit reviews meta-analysis plants would seek especially documenting data into theoretical framework studies, never properly deeply analysed. article improved through constructive discussions Dr C. Battisti (Rome), M. Behangana (Kampala), Prof. G.H. (Lomé), J.E. Fa (Manchester).