The state of biodiversity in Ghana: Knowledge gaps and prioritization
September 2014
Biodiversity conservation in tropical countries is of great importance due to high levels of endemism. Over the past century, Ghana has reserved over 300 ecologically important areas for biodiversity conservation, and a national strategy for this purpose has been developed under the framework of the Convention on Biological Diversity. However, inadequate relevant information has been a drawback to implementation....
The effects of power lines on ungulates and implications for power line routing and rights-of-way management
September 2014
Thousands of kilometres of power lines exist and more are planned. Ungulates that range over large areas are likely to encounter power lines, but a synthesis of power line effects on ungulates is lacking. Reindeer (Rangifer tarandus tarandus) are suspected to avoid power lines up to distances of 4 km. In contrast, some forest ungulates preferentially forage in power line rights-of-way, cleared areas under power lines....
Smallholder farmers’ practices and perception of forest, soil and water conservation Technologies in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa
August 2014
Africa has indigenous natural resource management practices that have been existing many years ago among many diverse ethnic groups. Exploration of such practices can substantially contribute to the nature conservation and welfare improvement in predominately rural areas like the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. On account of this postulation, this paper reviews selected case studies on indigenous natural resource...
Seasonal botanical characteristics of the diets of Grant’s (Gazella granti Brooke) and Thomson’s (Gazella Thomsoni Guenther) in the dryland habitats of south-central, Kenya
August 2014
Understanding of dietary requirements of different wildlife populations is critical in wildlife habitat conservation especially in Sub-Saharan Africa where wildlife contributes much to the National GDP of many countries. This study was conducted to determine the seasonal (wet/dry) diet profiles of Thomson’s and Grant’s gazelles (Gazella Thomson and Gazella granti) in the Athi-Kapiti savannah ecosystem of...
Rare tree species in nurseries across the Visayas, Philippines
August 2014
Rare tree species make a significant contribution to the species richness in natural tropical forests but often they are endangered. Integrating them into plantation schemes is an important option for biodiversity conservation. In the Visayas, Philippines, we surveyed tree nurseries with a focus on 20 rare native species. Including the focal species, we found a total of 138 tree species in nurseries of which 73% were...
Biodiversity of mushrooms in Patharia forest of Sagar (M.P.)-III
August 2014
Patharia forest is situated on Vindhyan ranges at about 457.2-533.4 m above msl. It is mixed and dry deciduous type, dominated by Acacia species, Butea monosperma, Tectona grandis and ground flora consisting of Biophytum sensitivum, Cassia tora, Cynodon dactylon, Euphorbia geniculata, Heteropogon contortus, Lantana camara, Parthenium hysterophorus, etc. During the period of July 2011-July...
Species diversity and habitat association of butterflies around 30 km radius of Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant area of Tamil Nadu, India
August 2014
A detailed study on the butterfly species diversity was carried around 30 km radius of Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant area, Tirunelveli, India during 2011-2013. The survey yielded 6347 individuals of 64 species, belonging to the families Nymphalidae, Pieridae, Lycaenidae, Papilionidae and Hesperiidae. A total of 64 species of butterflies belonging to 47 genera were recorded. The relative abundance was high for...
Diurnal activity patterns of Burchell’s zebra (Equus quagga, Gray 1824) in Yabello Wildlife Sanctuary, Southern Ethiopia
August 2014
A study on the diurnal activity pattern of Burchell’s zebra (Equus quagga, Gray 1824) was carried out in the Yabello Wildlife Sanctuary, Southern Ethiopia during October 2009 to March 2010 including wet and dry seasons. Scan sampling methods were used to collect the data peaks in daily activity that occurred in early morning, mid day and late afternoon. Data on activity time budget were analyzed by assessing time...
Diversity of life-forms within Sapindaceae Juss. in West Africa and Western Cameroon: A field guide
August 2014
One of the major challenges faced by biologist during field studies is the identification of plant species and this is most evident in the tropics where biodiversity richness is very high. Hence this study was conducted in order to document and produce a guide for the identification of the diversity of life forms that represents the family Sapindaceae in West Africa. In view of this, plant exploration was carried out in...
Biodiversity in Khajjiar Lake of Himachal Pradesh, India: Threats and conservation
July 2014
Faunal resources of Kalatop-Khajjiar sanctuary, which is one of the oldest preserved forests of the state are under severe anthropogenic pressure and need urgent attention of the field biologists as it is one of the most favoured tourist destinations in Himachal Pradesh. Biodiversity of Khajjiar area of Himachal Pradesh has 223 species of different faunal groups (invertebrates and 100 vertebrates), comprised of 93...
The pattern and cost of carnivore predation on livestock in maasai homesteads of Amboseli ecosystem, Kenya: Insights from a carnivore compensation programme
July 2014
Several papers have been written on the experiences, successes and challenges facing compensation schemes for wildlife, some of whom criticize the strategy while others support it. What is clear among the Maasai is that the burden of conserving wildlife, particularly predators that roam freely on their land and predate upon their livestock, is too great to bear: support in terms of financial compensation and...
Diversity, distribution, indigenous uses and conservation prioritization of the economically important floristic diversity in Nadaun Block of Hamirpur District, Himachal Pradesh
July 2014
The present study was carried out in 11 representative villages in Nadaun Block of Hamirpur district in Himachal Pradesh. Total 265 economically important species belonging to 81 families and 211 genera includes 78 species of trees, 46 shrubs and 141 herbs were records. The dominant families were Poaceae (20 species); Fabaceae (18 species) and Asteraceae (14 species). Twenty eight (28) families were monotypic. The...
Analysis of human activities in and around protected areas (PAs): Case of Kakum conservation area in Ghana
July 2014
This study was conducted around Kakum Conservation Area (KCA) to investigate the effect of human activities in 5 km belt of KCA on the ecological functioning and conservation of the PA, as well as effect of KCA on local livelihood. Supervised classification of multi-spectral ASTER imagery was used to determine land-use/cover types in the study area. Open ended questionnaires, group discussions and key informant...
Impact of Tithonia diversifolia (Hemsly) A. Gray on the soil, species diversity and composition of vegetation in Ile-Ife (Southwestern Nigeria), Nigeria
July 2014
In Nigeria, most especially in the southwestern region, Tithonia diversifolia (Hemsly) A. Gray had been identified to be invasive following their introduction and fast spread, displacing the native species and affecting the soil nutrient status. Hence, we decided to evaluate the impact of T. diversifolia on the diversity and floristic compositions of native species and soil nutrient status of the invaded vegetation....
Endemic plant species composition and their status in Boda Dry Evergreen Montane Forest, West Showa, Ethiopia
July 2014
The present study was aimed to show the species compositions and their status in Boda forest Oromia Regional State, West Ethiopia. Systematic sampling method was used to collected vegetation data from 60 plots of 20 x 20 m (400 m2) quadrats laid at every 50 m along five transect lines from south-north direction was employed for the analysis of woody species using compass and subplots of 1 x 1 m at the four corners and...
The impacts of human activities on tree species richness and diversity in Kakamega Forest, Western Kenya
June 2014
Tropical rain forests are species rich ecosystems that are being depleted at very high rates through human encroachment. Kakamega forest is one of the heavily fragmented and disturbed tropical rain forests due to the high human population densities that surround the forest. The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of human activities on tree species richness, diversity, canopy surface area and seedling...
Medicinal plants in the high mountains of northern Jordan
June 2014
The status of medicinal plants in the high mountains of northern Jordan was evaluated. A total of 227 plant species belonging to 54 genera and 60 families were recorded. The survey is based on field trips conducted in the areas that include Salt, Jarash, Balka, Amman and Irbid governorates. Line transect method was used; collection of plant species was done and voucher specimens were deposited. A map for the target area...
Phenological patterns among the vegetation of Ganga Chotti and Bedori Hills in a moist temperate to alpine forests
June 2014
There were 206 plant species of 47 families consisting of 10 trees, 18 shrubs, 140 herbs and 38 grasses harbouring Ganga Chotti and Bedori Hills during 1999 and 2000. The investigated area had two flowering seasons. In the first spell, 111 species (54%) flowered while in the second spell, 46% species flowered. Majority of the herbaceous, shrubby trees species flowered from May to June and the flowering reached the peak...
Environmental factors influencing structure and distribution of east African green heart (Warburgia ugandensis Sprague) in Mt. Kenya Forest
June 2014
Effects from past climate, natural disturbances and human activities are significantly impacting negatively on current day processes in tropical indigenous trees forests. Most of the indigenous trees mostly hard woods have been logged by human activities. Warburgia ugandensis is a tree that is highly valued for its medicinal properties, timber, poles and fuel wood. Consequently, its population and distribution has been...
Factors affecting local ecological knowledge and perceived threat to the kori bustard (Ardeotis kori struthiunculus) in the Serengeti Ecosystem, Northern Tanzania
June 2014
This study examines local tribal knowledge regarding the ecology of the kori bustard (Ardeotis kori struthiunculus) and assessed threats to this species in Northern Serengeti communities. A picture of an indigenous kori bustard was presented to survey participants in villages in the study area. General knowledge on the kori bustard was tested in relation to the bird’s general habitat, nesting habitat, food and...
Fungi from submerged plant debris in aquatic habitats in Iraq
June 2014
An annotated checklist and table of the substrate type for the past and updated fungal species recorded from various submerged plant debris in aquatic habitats of Iraq are provided. Sixty seven (67) species of freshwater and marine fungi occurring in different types of plant debris collected from various locations of Iraq were registered. These include: 46 species of ascomycota, 19 species of hyphomycetes and two...
Distribution of soil types, vegetation and tree species diversity in Eastern Ghats of Srikakulam District, Andhra Pradesh, India
June 2014
The present investigation was carried out on distribution of soil types, vegetation and tree species diversity in Eastern Ghats of Srikakulam District, Andhra Pradesh, India. The inventory of tree species was done in 40 different forest areas of Srikakulam district. All the sample plots are tropical and moist thorny forest and dry thorny scrub forests of Srikakulam district. The soils of the study area are compressed...
The composition and diversity of net zooplankton species in a tropical water body (Bhoj Wetland) of Bhopal, India
May 2014
The aim of the present study was to determine the species diversity and abundance of net zooplankton in samples collected from Bhoj wetland, Bhopal, India. A total of 82 species of zooplankton were identified, among them, 66 species were recorded during the first year (2008-09) and 70 species were documented during the second year (2009-10) of the study period. In the first year, Rotifera recorded the highest number of...
Floristic composition, diversity and vegetation structure of woody plant communities in Boda dry evergreen Montane Forest, West Showa, Ethiopia
May 2014
This study was conducted on Boda Forest in West Showa Zone, Oromia National Regional State, west Ethiopia with the objective of determining the floristic composition, species diversity and the vegetation structure of the woody plant communities in Boda natural forest. Systematic sampling method was used to collect the vegetation data. Accordingly, 60 plots of 20 x 20 m (400 m2) quadrats were laid at every 50 m along...
Impact of the cement dust emitted from the South Cement Factory in Tafila/Jordan on plant diversity of the surrounding area
May 2014
Observations and analysis based on using scanning electron microscope (SEM) micrographs have been carried out to describe the impact of pollution caused by the emitted cement dust from the cement factory on the plant diversity of the surrounding area of Al-Rashadyah/ Tafila cement factory. Leaves of five selected species of Crataegus aronia, Gundelia tournefortii, Anchusa strigosa, Lactuca...
Distribution and diversity of small mammals In Borena-Sayint National Park, South Wollo, Ethiopia: Implications of habitat specialization
May 2014
The study on distribution and diversity of small mammals in Borena-Sayint National Park (BSNP), South Wollo Zone, Ethiopia was conducted from December, 2009 to April, 2010. Representative sample sites were taken from each habitat type and surveyed using random line transect method. Five species of rodents and two species of shrews were identified and recorded from BSNP. Small and large sized Sherman and snaps traps were...
Genetic variation of striped snakehead (Channa striatus Bloch, 1793) populations using random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers
May 2014
Random amplified polymorphic DNA-polymerase chain reaction (RAPD-PCR) was applied to analyze the genetic variation among Channa striatus collected from four geographically distant locations in India. After initial PCR screening, nine random oligodecamers viz. OPA10, OPA11, OPA15, OPAC01, OPAC03, OPAC05, OPAC07, OPAC09 and OPAC19 which generated the RAPD profile for the four C. striatus populations were selected....
Genetic diversity among Asparagus species and cultivars of Asparagus officinalis L. using random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers
May 2014
The species of Asparagus are very important as they are used for ornamental, vegetable and medicinal purposes since ancient time. In the present study, random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers were used to evaluate genetic diversity among nine species of Asparagus and six cultivars of Asparagus officinalis L. RAPD analysis using seven random oligonucleotide primers yielded a total amplification of 245 bands,...
Plant species diversity of homegarden agroforestry in Jabithenan District, North-Western Ethiopia
April 2014
Homegarden agroforestry is believed to be more diverse due to the combination of crops, trees and livestock. The aim of this study was to assess plant species composition and diversity of homegarden agroforestry in Jabithenan district, North-western Ethiopia. Two sites purposively and two villages randomly from each site were selected. Plant species diversity inventories were carried out for 48 homegardens. All woody...
Biodiversity of the Bharathiar university campus, India: A floristic approach
April 2014
A total of 335 vascular plant species represented by 222 genera belonging to 67 different families were recorded, of which only one species was represented by gymnosperms. The Poaceae, Fabaceae, Mimosaceae, Caesalpiniaceae and Amaranthaceae were the dominant families of the vascular floristic composition of the study region. The occurrence of invasive alien species is detrimental as they have started invading the campus...
Effect of salt stress (sodium chloride) on germination and seedling growth of durum wheat (Triticum durum Desf.) genotypes
April 2014
The impact of salt stress under different salinity level (0, 50, 100, 150, 200 mMol of NaCl) on ten genotypes of durum wheat namely: Werd Bled, Hmira, Bidi, Arbi, INRAT 69, Agili, Derbassi and Bayatha, Karim and Maali was conducted. Germination rate were recorded daily using radicle extrusion as a criterion. Morphological studies root length, shoot length, fresh weight and dry weight of root and shoot were also...
Ethnomedicinal studies on Bondo tribe of Malkangiri District, Odisha, India
April 2014
Ethnomedicinal studies revealed the use of 34 angiospermic species by the Bondo tribe of Malkangiri district of Odisha. The traditional medicinal uses were observed to be wide spread and prevalent over modern medicine in the study area. In the present paper, plants for various diseases have been discussed togrther with dosage and mode of administration. Concurrently, correct name, family, local name are also provided...
Assessment of birds of the Arid water bodies in Tigray, Northern Ethiopia
April 2014
The ornithological role of lake Hashengie and 10 selected reservoirs have been studied from January to February, 2012 in Tigray, Ethiopia. Birds were surveyed using total and Block count methods from suitable vantage points. Bird species diversity, dominance, and vegetation cover were estimated. A total of 22,845 birds of 67 species belonging to 19 families were recorded. Maximum numbers of species were recorded in Lake...
Assessment of downstream impact of Bahir Dar tannery effluent on the head of Blue Nile River using macroinvertebrates as bioindicators
April 2014
A study was conducted to determine the downstream impact of Bahir Dar Tannery wastewater on the head of Blue Nile River using macroinvertebrates as bioindicators. Four sampling sites (one upstream and three downstream) were selected along the river and samples were collected from October to March, 2010/11. Macroinvertebrates were collected using standard dip net based on the Rapid Bioassessment Protocols for use in...
Amphibian diversity and distribution in Courtallam, South Western Ghats Foothills, India
April 2014
An amphibian survey was conducted in Courtallam at the foothill of Southern Western Ghats and a total of 584 sightings of amphibians belonging to 17 species, six families and 14 genera were obtained between January and December 2012. Cluster analysis and multi dimensional scaling (MDS) analyses revealed diversity pattern(s) of similarity among group and between groups of amphibians in Courtallam. Key...
Artificial nest box for house sparrow: An apt method to save the dwindling species in an urban environment
March 2014
House sparrow Passer domesticus belongs to Passeriformes order and Passeridae Family. It has a worldwide distribution living in all continents and many of oceanic Islands. Some of the ecologists believe that this bird is a symbiotic species with human, hence recognizing and identified as a bird species depended on human environments. A lack of holes suitable for nest sites on modern or renovated buildings has been...
Abundance of hamadryas baboon (Papio hamadryas hamadryas) and conflict with humans in Awash National Park, Ethiopia
March 2014
A study on population size of hamadryas baboon (Papio hamadryas hamadryas) and its conflict with people was carried out from August 2011 to December 2013 in Awash National Park, Ethiopia. Abundance was estimated using total count method at five counting sites. To assess the species conflict with humans, questionnaires and structured interview methods were used. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistical methods...
Impacts of climate change on Yerramalais forest of Eastern Ghats of Kurnool District, Andhra Pradesh, India and options for adaptation
March 2014
Biodiversity is an element of the natural resource base, which is one of the main components of eco-environment system. It would be noted that the biodiversity in the system of natural resources brings the sustainability in the production and utilization of the eco-environment system on the earth. Biodiversity changes caused by anthropogenic activities through over mining, over grazing, deforestation, and forest-fires...
Birds of Srinagar City, Jammu and Kashmir, India
March 2014
An avifaunal survey was carried out in Srinagar city of Jammu and Kashmir from November 2007 to December 2009 to assess the migratory status and local abundance of the birds. Line and point transect methods were used for sampling. A total of 54 species of birds were recorded. Of these 54 species, 25 species were residents, 17 species were summer visitors (summer migrants) and 12 species were winter visitors (winter...
Farmers’ dependency on forests for nutrients transfer to farmlands in mid-hills and high mountain regions in Nepal (case studies in Hemja, Kaski, Lete and Kunjo, Mustang district)
March 2014
The study assessed NPK (Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium) transferred through litter from forest to farmlands, forest product extraction systems and farmers' perceptions on forest dependency for maintaining farm fertility in Lete and Kunjo, Mustang (high mountain) and Tibrekot, Kaski (mid-hill region), Nepal. NPK in composite samples of forest litter were determined by standard methods. Questionnaire survey of...
Woodlands degradation in the Southern Highlands, Miombo of Tanzania: Implications on conservation and carbon stocks
March 2014
Miombo woodlands is one of the major forest vegetation types covering about two thirds of the country forest land and form an integral part of the rural landscape in Tanzania, also they play crucial role in providing wide range of ecosystem services including carbon sequestration. This study aimed at assessing the effects of degradation on the structure and carbon stocks of miombo woodlands. Data were collected from 50...
Regeneration potential and stand structure of a proposed plantation site in the transition zone of Ghana
March 2014
A proposed timber plantation site (approximately 1,900 hectares) located in the forest-savanna transition zone of the Ashanti Region, Ghana was surveyed. The objectives of the study were (1) to analyze the present stand structure (2) and to assess the tree regeneration potential on the plantation site. The forest assessment used systematic sampling design which revealed an open and fire disturbed stand structure with an...
In vitro study of effects of growth hormones on sporophyte development of Cyathea spinulosa
March 2014
Cyathea spinulosa Wall. ex Hook. is a type genus of Cyatheaceae family. It is listed in endangered category of IUCN Red Data Book and also placed in Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species of Flora and Fauna (CITES) Appendix II. The spore germination, gametophyte morphogenesis and sporophyte rooting of Cyathea in response to 2.0% sucrose and three major growth hormones: Indole–3 acetic acid (IAA),...
Land use, land cover and climate change impacts on the bird community in and around Lake Zeway, Ethiopia
March 2014
This study aimed to show impacts of land use and land cover change (LULCC) and climate on waterbird community structure of Lake Zeway and the surrounding areas. Purposive sampling techniques were used to collect primary data. Based on the purposive sampling techniques, 12 key informants and 12 focus group discussants were selected. A semi-structured questionnaire prepared in English and translated into Afan Oromo was...
Diversity and seasonality of some of the ground dwelling invertebrates in the Eastern Region of Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
March 2014
A study was conducted to understand the diversity, distribution, abundance and seasonality of ground dwelling invertebrate species in the eastern region of Abu Dhabi Emirate, from March 2010 to February 2011. Pitfall traps were used for this study in two sites with distinct micro - habitats in the Eastern Region of the Emirate. The site includes a wadi habitat at Jebel Hafit, Al Ain and another one is a gravel plain...
Genetic erosion of barley in North Shewa Zone of Oromiya Region, Ethiopia
March 2014
This study was conducted during the cropping season of 2010 at Degem wereda. The objectives were to assess the extent of genetic erosion of barley and justify reasons for its conservation at community and household levels. Formal and informal surveys were made aimed at assessing causes for genetic erosion and quantify the level of genetic erosion. Collected data were subjected to descriptive statistics; Chi-square test...
Response of a globally endangered canopy insectivore to habitat degradation in an East African tropical rainforest: The role of differential forest protection levels
March 2014
This study examined the interplay between anthropogenic habitat degradation, forest protection level and density of Turner’s Eremomela (TE) (Eremomela turneri), a globally endangered bird in Kenya’s Kakamega forest. Sampling was conducted from May-June 2012 in two contiguous and one isolated forest blocks. Logging intensity, canopy height and cover, plant species richness and other key anthropogenic...
Forest resource management systems in Ethiopia: Historical perspective
February 2014
The integration of economic development and environmental management has become a major concern for society, businesses and governments, especially during the past century. A desk review was carried out to examine the various forest resource management systems used in Ethiopia over the past half century. Forest resources in Ethiopia have been managed with different intentions and motivations at different times; these...
A comparative study of fish species composition in two spatially isolated nature reserves, Jiangxi, China
February 2014
The ichthyofauna of mountain streams in the Danzhangshan Nature Reserve (DNR) and the Raoheyuan Nature Reserve (RNR) was investigated during 2008. A total of 385 samples were collected and classified into seven families and 14 species from the two nature reserves. There were 12 species belonging to seven families in the RNR, while eight species from four families were collected in the DNR. Overall, six species were...
Factors affecting attitudes of local people toward the red-billed Quelea (Quelea quelea) in Kondoa District, Tanzania
February 2014
Interactions between humans and red-billed Queleas (Quelea quelea) in Kondoa District, central Tanzania, have shaped the attitudes of the local inhabitants toward these birds. These birds are considered as serious pest because they consume small grain cereal crops. The red-billed Queleas are caught and consumed as food by local communities. Harvested birds are also sold at bus stops to passengers, as well as to local...
Page 7 of 14, showing 50 records out of 678 total, starting on record 301, ending on 350
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