In praise of commensalism

Like every year, I found myself at the University of Lomé (Togo) in 2022 teaching a class on ‘Population Ecology’ to Masters' students. As part program, was describing concept commensalism, that is interactions between two species where one benefits and other experiences no net gain (Mathis & Bronstein, 2020). explained commensalism should be great interest study because it centre continuum positive negative outcomes Also, its importance, pointed out number empirical theoretical studies this issue have been published many international ecology journals appearing worldwide. Following my lecture, most promising students, an avid reader articles African ecology, asked me why, if indeed were so important, had he never read any during his readings. At time rather surprised by question, simply replied that, evidently, readings not thorough enough probably completely escaped him. A few months later exchanging extensive email correspondence ‘Dahomey Gap’ (the savannah region interrupts Guineo-Congolian forest level Togo Benin West Africa) with John Oates, highly cited primatologist for Africa, whose friendship honoured over 20 years. Speaking subject origin Dahomey Gap (anthropogenic or natural, both us agreeing former), announced just described new tree hyrax, Dendrohyrax interfluvialis, endemic (Oates et al., 2022). News recent description range restricted hyrax jolted somewhat from seat, since these mammals are particular relevance those, like me, who goliath beetles (e.g. see Dendi 2021, 2022; Luiselli, 2023a). This there least rare (Fornasinius higginsi Fornasinius klingbeili), which spend their whole lives middens hyraxes (Maquart Malec, 2017), can considered real commensals. These morphologically very similar (about 4–6.5 cm long, totally black colouration, absolutely unmistakable appearance) nearly continuously parapatric distribution: F. recorded far Côte d'Ivoire (Fediere 1987) eastwards Volta Ghana (i.e. Upper Guinean block, Maquart 2017) klingbeili westwards 2017). Therefore, (actually coleopterans regions, Le Gall 2002), therefore, likely distribution closely linked newly interfluvialis. Regretting ignorance having missed colleague news data concerning beetles. But, turn even learned friend heard existence large hyrax-commensal exchange, question absence Togolese student immediately came mind. After joining dots, friend's comments student's conclude explanation all scarce Africa. quick search available Google Scholar (28th January 2023) revealed total 25,900 publications Knapp 2018; Pike Grosse, 2006; Potash 2020; Wasserman Mostert, 2013), only presented data. The uncommon Herrán Mikula 2018, Warren 2010). same (performed 9th February term ‘commensalism’ database Journal Ecology (AJE) throughout history, returned 29 articles, some them recently (Banda 2021; Gula Barlow, 2023; Sebele van Vuuren However, three (10.3%) really focused (Grandcolas, 1997; Plantan 2013; Ruggiero Eves, 1998), we exclude article showing co-occurrence pangolins bats burrows Gabon (Lehmann has, age COVID-19, potential become seminal given still unknown SARS-CoV-2 virus, has attributed co-occurring (do Vale 2021). clear conclusion said neglected AJE, although important journal continent decades, ideal platform type as well. Having ascertained ‘scarcity issue’ studies, why scholarship topic traditionally Africa? believe deficiency case studies: examples amongst taxonomic groups Gautier Biquand, 1994; but poor collaboration disciplines. For instance, unlikely entomologists academic world work alongside mammalogists, leading tendency cultivate research topics independent other, little students assigned different laboratories. specialise certainly exclusive Africa typical general, scientists now knowing ‘everything about nothing’ ‘nothing everything’. Although nobody deny advantages high specialisation progress modern science, documented importance interdisciplinary approach highlight complex patterns resolve complicated issues Beder, 2011; Høyer Naess, 2008; Musacchio 2005; Vaz Conservation biology proof this, combination social sciences, anthropology, politics applied manage fragile habitats populations threatened more efficiently (Matzek 2014; Newing, So, worry ecological dominant trend nowadays academia? specialised level, greater interdisciplinarity would lead discovery interesting studies. all, discovered 1995 (Zoller 1995), much broader think fundamental reasons science needs flourish under clearer focus than rest world. first reason already partly above. That is, substantial funded conservation projects (often international; 2023b), 2010), attention ‘systemic’ help strategies locally globally continent. second related fact regions rapid human development, huge industrial development (i) require elaborate environmental impact assessments (ii) distribute considerable funds conduct aimed minimising impacts natural environments. almost invariably multidisciplinary teams. example, 1996 1998, participated herpetologist ‘LNG (NLNG) Bonny Project’ Niger Delta Nigeria, largest (1.2 billion dollars). project allocated companies (a consortium four engineering firms comprising Snamprogetti, MV Kellog, Technip Japan Gas Corporation (TSKJ)), team field researchers (Nigerians, Italians, Canadians, etc.) selected, including herpetologists, entomologists, ornithologists, primatologists, soil biologists, freshwater ecologists etc. collected colleagues long series cases putting together evidence obtained reptiles, amphibians, mammals, In addition, interest, technical reports prepared works (well 1000 pages data), scientific journals. Through experience often unpublished various industries present, later, when relevant issued authorizations use recall specific Uganda, Benin, d'Ivoire, Nigeria. Thus, point view enormous resources develop perhaps less common continents, especially ‘northern world’ (Europe North America). I, consider essential ‘industry-driven’ promoted further form basis growth ‘Polluting’ (oil companies, mining etc) could provide research, hard integrate specialisations publish Is possible? feasible indeed!!! There primary target. Oikos ‘considers publishing domains tackle ecological, environmental, societal challenges’ (http://www.oikosjournal.org/authors/aims-scope, last accessed 03 March 2023). Our emphasis AJE general Oikos, thus ‘main target’ our publication. do lot improve standing supporting publication papers. another editorial year (Luiselli, 2023a), introduced special category (Interdisciplinary Perspective), dedicated (In Perspective) nature find place. expand remit also those works, worthy after careful peer-review, arise industry-related nature. mentioned above, accumulate rarely published. To end, invite authors, currently engaged behalf industries, whether journal, possibly contact identify areas then select ecologists. assessment, they passing stringent peer-review process, possible. authors industry itself, being understood conflict must always openly disclosed question. Furthermore, results may (which Research into Practice AJE), effect themselves regard needs. Obviously, understand favour supported oil ‘impacting’ environment, share respects. Yet, reality (1) exist, (2) massive support (3) accurate control quality carried activities interest. firmly such increase global science. hope approached willing ‘applied’ through narrow meshes AJE's peer-review. improved constructive discussions Prof. J.E. Fa (Manchester Metropolitan University, UK).