September 2018
Land cover changes and their determinants in the coral rag ecosystem of the South District of Unguja, Zanzibar
This paper presents the findings on the study on land cover changes and their determinants in the coral rag ecosystem of the South District of Unguja. The study is based on data extracted from the 1975, 2009, and 2014 satellite images using remote sensing and geographical information systems (GIS) techniques. Additional data were collected through structured interviews in a household survey, focus group discussions, key...
September 2018
Governance of river basin: Gender dimension in framing issues at the local community level
Rivers are a vital part of the environment as they act as habitat for several life forms, of which the well-being of many livelihoods depends for survival. Yet, the misuse of river basins in most parts of the world particularly developing countries has intensified dramatically. Appling the concept of “framing” we attempted to understand how gendered perspectives play a role in the governance of a river basin...
September 2018
Structure and natural regeneration of woody species at central highlands of Ethiopia
The management of regeneration plays a vital role in sustainable forest practice by ensuring the future growing carbon stock and serving as an indicator of the forest condition of an area. In premises of the above-mentioned facts, the current study was conducted to investigate the population structure and regeneration status of woody species as an indicator for forest condition and to provide information on...
September 2018
Effect of cocoa farming intensification on biodiversity and ecosystem properties in southern Ghana
We investigated the effect of cocoa farming on biodiversity and ecosystem services under different cocoa management systems. The study was carried out in three cocoa producing districts in southwestern Ghana using Y-frame sampling scheme. Five 25 m × 25 m size plots were demarcated at 100 m intervals along in the cocoa farms and the natural forest reserves. Fifteen plots were demarcated in the cocoa farms per...
August 2018
Wetland ecosystems in Ethiopia and their implications in ecotourism and biodiversity conservation
Wetlands are ecosystems in which water covers the land. They provide economical, ecological, societal and recreational benefits to humans. Although complete documentation is lacking, wetlands make a significant part of Ethiopia covering an area of 13,700 km2. Wetlands with a great potential for ecotourism development in the country include the rift valley lakes, the floodplains in Gambella, the Awash River Gorge with...
August 2018
The role of indigenous technical knowledge and geographical information systems (GIS) in sustainable natural resource management around the Teso Community in Kenya
There is a growing awareness on the importance of indigenous technical knowledge and the necessity of its integration into modern knowledge in order to address problems related to natural resource conservation. However, there is a lack of study that demonstrates clearly how the two types of knowledge systems could be successfully integrated together. This paper presents such a framework that has been developed through a...
August 2018
Patterns of short- and long-term responses of honey bee (Apis mellifera L.) colony to changes in its internal environment
Management of the honey bee (Apis mellifera L.) colony for honey production and pollination of crops includes the manipulation of its internal environment. It is not yet understood how the colony might respond to such manipulations in the short- (within four or five days post-treatment) and long-term (after 21 days post-treatment) and whether the once generated short-term response persists into the long-term. Five...
July 2018
Population status, feeding ecology and activity pattern of common bushbuck (Tragelaphus Scriptus decula) in Sekele Mariam Forest, West Gojjam, Ethiopia
A study on the population status, feeding ecology and activity pattern of common bushbuck (Tragelaphus scriptus decula) was carried out in the Sekele Mariam Forest from December 2016 to August 2017 including wet and dry seasons. Data were collected using total count and direct observation method. The collected data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and compared with Chi-square test and one way ANOVA. Average...
May 2018
Woody species composition and structure of Amoro Forest in West Gojjam Zone, North Western Ethiopia
Ethiopia is one of the biodiversity reach areas in the world. A study was conducted at Amoro Forest to determine the woody species composition, vegetation and population structure. Vegetation data were collected from 36 plots (900 m2) systematically laid along transects. A hierarchical cluster analysis with R software was used to identify plant communities. Structural analysis of the forest was performed based on...
May 2018
Identification of the alternate host plants of the groundnut sucking bug (Rhyparochromus littoralis Dist.) in the Sudan savannah agro-ecological zone of Nigeria
To identify the alternate host plants of the groundnut sucking bug (Rhyparochromus littoralis Dist.) an emerging field insect pest of groundnut in the Sudan Savannah Agro-ecological zone of Nigeria, field experiment was carried out over a period of five (5) years (2011 to 2016) in order to investigate the behavior of R. littoralis with the aim of developing a strategic control method for this insect pest. The...
April 2018
Mycorrhizal status of some indigenous tree species in the Takamanda rainforest, South West Region, Cameroon
A survey was carried out to determine the type of mycorrhizal association formed by trees within the different habitat types of the disturbed and undisturbed sites of the Takamanda rainforest. Forty-eight tree species of commercial and cultural importance were selected from the two sites for this study. Root samples were collected from a total of 327 individual trees belonging to the 48 species; they were cleared,...
February 2018
Vegetation studies of Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) at three sites with varying levels of anthropogenic disturbances in the Southern Bakundu Forest Reserve, Cameroon
A study was carried out to evaluate the distribution, abundance and diversity of Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) in the Southern Bakundu Forest Reserve at the northern (Diffa), western (Bai Manya) and eastern (Mbalangi) parts of the reserve. NTFPs can be used as source of food, medicine, fuel wood and other socio-economic and cultural uses. Six belt-transects were use at each site to assess the distribution,...
February 2018
Species composition and relative abundance of medium and large mammals in Mengaza communal forest, East Gojjam, Ethiopia
Studies on the species composition, relative abundance and distribution of medium and large mammals were carried out from August 2015 to July 2016 in Mengaza communal forest. Data were collected using line transect technique. A total of twelve species of medium and large mammals were identified and recorded in the study area. Rock hyrax (Procavia capensis), porcupine (Hystrix cristata), honey badger (Mellivera...
January 2018
Determinants of vegetation type patch dieback in a semi-arid area, Tutume Sub-District, Botswana
Patch dieback of Colophospermum mopane (Kirk ex Benth.) Kirk ex J. Léonard, which was attributed to drought, soil surface condition and soil chemistry has been reported in South Africa. In Botswana, dieback of C. mopane and other species were noticed in 2012 in the North east part of the country (North West of Francistown). The causes of the noticed dieback were not known. The objective of this study was to...
January 2018
Litterfall dynamics in Boter-Becho Forest: Moist evergreen montane forest of Southwestern Ethiopia
Litterfall in the forest is essential for balanced ecosystem processes. The present study determined seasonal variations of litterfall in the Boter-Becho forest, Southwestern Ethiopia. Based on forest disturbance level, two sites were selected: Low and high. Litterfall production in the high and low disturbed forest sites averaged 6.6 and 10.8 t ha-1 year-1, respectively. Significant differences (P<0.001) in...
December 2017
Assessing the impact of seasonality on Cross River Gorilla Nest Construction at Kagwene Gorilla Sanctuary, North-West Cameroon
The Cross River gorilla, one of the most endangered subspecies of western gorilla (Gorilla gorilla) is endemic to 12 to 14 sites at the Cameroon-Nigeria border, where it is facing enormous threats from habitat loss, bush meat trade and minor climate changes (seasonal changes). In a strive to reduce the enormous stressors on this subspecies, this study assesses the impact of seasonality on nest construction by Cross...
November 2017
Socioeconomic Factors that determine community participation in forest management and conservation of adjacent ecosystems: A case of Aberdare forest, Kenya
Forest ecosystems are important to ecological, economic and social wellbeing, particularly for the adjacent communities who depend on it. Understanding the socioeconomic dynamics that make households choice to be involved in forest conservation is crucial for sustainable management of natural resources. This study therefore examined the socioeconomic factors that influenced households’ participation in forest...
September 2017
Assessing and mapping ecosystem services of trees outside forest
The overall objective of the study was to map trees outside forest (TOF) in croplands, and their contribution to the supply of ecosystem services for local and national beneficiaries using participatory research, Google Earth and ArcMap in Ghana, as the case study area. A satellite image available from Google Earth was used to map croplands, and ArcMap was used to calculate the local and national ecosystem service...
August 2017
Fuel wood utilization impacts on forest resources of Gechi District, South Western Ethiopia
Fuel wood remains the main energy source for the majority of the people in Gechi District of South Western Ethiopia. As compared to the situation in the past, the forest cover is now generally very sparse in the densely populated areas where rapid rates of deforestation and forest degradation have occurred due to the heavy demand on forest products, mainly fuel wood. Therefore, this study was conducted with the...
July 2017
Comparison of waterbird species composition and habitat characteristics of two different wetlands of Malaysia
Waterbird species composition and habitat characteristics at two ecologically different wetlands (Paya Indah and Putrajaya) were compared in order to determine the habitat suitability of each particular habitat for waterbird species. A total of 30 waterbird species representing 10 families were recorded through direct observation in both wetland habitats (26 waterbird species in Paya Indah and 22 species in Putrajaya...
July 2017
Regional Glacier recession: An indicator of global warming, a study of Kolahoi Glacier (Liddar Valley), Western Himalayas
Since the beginning of twentieth century, mountain glaciers have generally experienced worldwide retreat and thinning in response to ~0.74°C increase in global mean surface temperature. Consequently, additional fresh water is released from glacier storage that modifies current stream flow regimes. Water resources play a key role in the sustainable development of human activities and for preserving the ecological...
June 2017
Deforestation, biodiversity and biomass losses in Kribi deep sea port area (Cameroon): Some mitigating measures
This study is part of the environmental impact assessment realised in the deep sea port area of Kribi. Floristic inventory and diversity assessments were necessary to understand the species composition and diversity status of forests, trees biomass and investigate the potential impact of the project. Floristic analysis shows a high Shannon diversity index (5.3), indicating a rich and diverse flora composed of 83...
June 2017
Managing mangroves for coastal ecosystems change: A decade and beyond of conservation experiences and lessons for and from west-central Africa
Unsustainable human activities and climate change are threatening the sustainability of coastal ecosystems in countries of West-Central Africa. This paper advocates that focusing on mangrove ecosystem management can potentially mitigate these threats by pointing out clues on management orientations and opportunities for other coastal systems. This article elucidates this point by using evidence from informal interviews...
May 2017
Environmental education and ecotourism using termitaria research findings: A case study of Pendjari reserve, Benin
Findings are available on termitaria and their vegetation in the Pendjari Biosphere Reserve and other Sudanian regions in West Africa, but research without dissemination and impacts on communities seems not to be useful. This work aims at providing non-governmental organization (NGOs) and forestry advisers with useful data for environmental education projects and taking termitaria and their vegetation into account...
May 2017
Diversity and abundance of insect pests of corn (Zea mays Poaceae) grown in a rural environment in the city of M’Bahiakro (East Central Côte d’Ivoire)
Knowledge of the distribution of insect pests of corn at different stages of the plant is essential for the development of appropriate control strategies. This work was carried out in a rural environment in M’Bahiakro, in East Central Côte d’Ivoire. The study of dynamics, biodiversity and insect abundance on each plot was carried out. For this purpose, six plots, of which two were in the forest zone...
April 2017
“Diet analysis of the African clawless otter (Aonyx capensis) in and around Lake Tana”
The diet composition of the African clawless otter (Aonyx capensis) was studied by analyzing of 440 spraint samples collected during January, 2014 and December, 2015 in both dry and wet seasons from eight sites in and around Lake Tana, North West Ethiopia. Percentage frequency of occurrence and relative percentage frequency of diet items in the spraint samples were calculated.The statistical analysis was conducted using...
April 2017
A survey on species diversity, abundance and community structure of woody plants in burial sites in Gobeya Rural Administrative of Tehuledere District, South Wollo, Ethiopia
Tropical forests generally host high biodiversity and are important sources of ecological, socio-cultural and economic services. There are also many sacred forests in many parts of the world, including burial sites in Gobeya rural administrative, having a significant ecological and socio-economic value. This study aims to quantify species diversity, abundance and vegetation structure, and also to determine the...
March 2017
Ecological risk assessment of heavy metals and water bird distribution in rift valley lakes, Kenya
The study was carried out in six Kenyan rift valley lakes, Nakuru, Magadi, Oloiden, Crater (Sonachi), Bogoria and Elementaita with the aim to determine the levels of heavy metals and other metal elements (Co, Mn, Zn, Cu, Cr, Cd, Pb, Ni, Hg and As) in water and sediment samples as well as assess its association with water bird distribution. High levels of Pb (42 ppm) above the Pb benchmark levels (36 ppm) as per...
March 2017
Assessment of farmers’ perception towards soil and water conservation in Obi Koji Peasant Association, Woliso District, South West Shewa Ethiopia
The severity of erosion is one of the major factors which calls for various efforts to reduce unsustainable agricultural productivity. But the efforts were fails because of some factors like need of incentives, technology that needs too much labor, reduction of farm size and lack of awareness. The main purpose of this research was to determine the factors affecting farmer’s perception to make decision on soil and...
February 2017
A review of Uganda and India’s freshwater aquaculture: Key practices and experience from each country
This paper reviews the current status of freshwater aquaculture in both India and Uganda. India has a long history of aquaculture, dating from the 4th century. Subsequently, the country has become a major contributor to global aquaculture and is believed to have more than 10% of the global fish diversity. Currently, India is the second largest aquaculture producer in the world with global contribution of 6.3% and the...
January 2017
Assessment of the abundance of Anubis baboons (Papio anubis) and conflict with humans in Trigni Forest of Gida Ayana District, Western Ethiopia
Among baboon species, Papio anubis is the most broadly distributed species, ranging through most of central sub-Saharan of Africa. Papio anubis live in troops but the size varies in different area. There are three troops of P. anubis in Trigni forest with 149 to 180 members in each troop. The objective was to assess the abundance of Anubis baboon (AB) and their conflict with humans...
December 2016
Ecological effects of oil spill on pelagic and bottom dwelling organisms in the riverine areas of Odidi and Egwa in Warri, Delta State
The ecological effects of oil spill on environmental media and organisms (pelagic, bottom dwelling organism) in the riverine areas of Odidi and Egwa in the Niger Delta ecological zone of Delta State was investigated approximately six months after the spill. The content of petroleum hydrocarbons and heavy metals (lead, copper, zinc, iron and chromium) in the water, sediment, fish (Clarias gariepinus) and snail...
November 2016
Avian species richness and diversity at the Dschang Municipal Lake, Cameroon: Implications of site management for conservation and ecotourism
This study was carried out to examine avian species richness and diversity at the Dschang Municipal Lake and to determine the effects of ecotourism infrastructural development on the avifauna distribution. The habitat around the lake was stratified into the undeveloped eastern part with natural/farm bush vegetation cover and the infrastructural developed western part with buildings and carpet grass lawns. A total of six...
October 2016
Population-based theories as an approach to natural resources management in developing countries: A narrative review of Machakos District in Kenya
Many human societies across the world have collapsed or almost gone into extinction because of the scarcity of natural resources. Others however, have survived by either migrating to seek for natural resources elsewhere or by transition and/or adaptation to new environmental conditions. This narrative review paper examines how a society of Machakos District in Kenya has managed to escape from a potential collapse driven...
October 2016
Comparison of plant communities between primary and secondary tropical forests of Mount Oku, Cameroon
Globally, human populations are rapidly converting large blocks of tropical old-growth forests into small forest patches, embedded within human-modified landscapes, consisting mostly of agricultural fields and pasture lands. Mount Oku commonly known as Kilum-Ijim, situated at the North-western Cameroon is recognized as a globally important center of endemism and a hotspot for biodiversity conservation but now undergoes...
October 2016
Floristic diversity of Vallikkaattu Kaavu, a sacred grove of Kozhikode, Kerala, India
Flora of Vallikkaattu Kaavu, a sacred grove of Kozhikode District, Kerala, India with their botanical name, family, conservation status, endemic status, medicinal status and habit has been presented in detail. This sacred grove associated with the Sree Vana Durga Bhagavathi Temple located 20 km north of Kozhikode at Edakkara in Thalakkalathur Panchayat, is the largest sacred grove in Kozhikode District with an extent of...
September 2016
Effects of microhabitat and large-scale land use on stream salamander occupancy in the coalfields of Central Appalachia
Large-scale coal mining practices, particularly surface coal extraction and associated valley fills as well as residential wastewater discharge, are of ecological concern for aquatic systems in central Appalachia. Identifying and quantifying alterations to ecosystems along a gradient of spatial scales is a necessary first-step to aid in mitigation of negative consequences to aquatic biota. In central Appalachian...
September 2016
Nest Characteristics for the Conservation of the Grey Parrot in Cameroon
The study was initiated to gather data on nest preferences of the Grey Parrot in Cameroon. Knowledge on nesting preferences of the parrot can be implemented in the field and captivity to improve on the breeding of Grey Parrots. The Kom National Park-Mengame Gorilla Sanctuary complex was chosen as a representative site in the country. A total of 40 sample plots of size 200 m x 200 m were randomly established and...
August 2016
Implication of participatory forest management on Duru-Haitemba and Ufiome Forest reserves and community livelihoods
The fate of the forest is usually connected with forest management systems, societal demands as well as exposure to major disturbances such as wildfires, heavy browsing animals. Since the early 1990s, Tanzania have adopted participatory forest management (PFM) approaches, namely Community Based Forest Management (CBFM) and Joint forest management (JFM) to effectively and adequately protect the forests. In Manyara region...
July 2016
Phytoplankton diversity and abundance in water bodies as affected by anthropogenic activities within the Buea municipality, Cameroon
The importance of phytoplankton in fresh water environment cannot be over emphasized. This study was designed to determine the phytoplankton diversity and abundance in water bodies exposed to different anthropogenic pressures. Water samples were collected from 19 water sources in four categories: Car wash, Municipal wastes, Car wash + Municipal wastes and Drinking water. Phytoplankton species were determined following...
June 2016
Assessing contribution of local community in biodiversity conservation at Laharepauwa of Rasuwa, Nepal
The Tamang community is one of the poor groups living in Middle Mountain of Nepal. It pre-dominantly resides in Buffer Zone of Langtang National Park, located in north-central Nepal. The Buffer zones is areas of settlements and agriculture surrounding the core area set aside for wildlife habitats and rare flora. Access on buffer zone programs depends greatly on their representation on local institutions. There are three...
May 2016
Bumpy road to improved mangrove resilience in the Douala Estuary, Cameroon
Mangrove stands in the Western and Central African countries especially that of Cameroon are declining due to diverse drivers. Actually, Rhizophora racemosa stands in the Cameroon Estuary have been degraded through over-exploitation for fish smoking, pole-wood extraction and fuel wood harvesting by local people in the midst where there is no specific law protecting this ecosystem. Recently, community-based mangrove...
May 2016
Assessment of types of damage and causes of human-wildlife conflict in Gera district, south western Ethiopia
Human-wildlife conflict (HWC) exists in different forms all over the world and is experienced more in developing countries. The conflict between human and wildlife ranks among the main threats to biodiversity conservation and has become frequent and severe in different parts of Africa. In the author s’ previous study, five species of wildlife were identified as the main crop raiding species in Gera, southwestern...
May 2016
Floristic composition and plant community types of Agama Forest, an “Afromontane Forest” in Southwest Ethiopia
Tropical Afromontane forests are among the most species-rich ecosystems on earth and comprise exceptional species richness and high concentrations of endemic species. The natural forest of Agama, an Afromontane forest, was studied with the objectives of determining its species composition, diversity and community types. Systematic sampling design was used to collect vegetation data. Soil samples were taken from each...
April 2016
Soil carbon store and storage potential as affected by human activities in the natural forest˗savanna zone of Northern Ghana
Anthropogenic activities have the potential to thwart efforts towards enhancing the full carbon (C) sink potential of savannas in the context of mitigating the effects of global warming. The understanding of the induced effects of human pressures on the carbon budget of forest˗savanna ecosystems is therefore a valuable tool to better evaluate and predict the current and future effects of human activities on the...
April 2016
Community knowledge, attitude and practice towards black crowned crane (Balearica pavonina L.) conservation in Chora Boter district of Jimma Zone, Ethiopia
The black crowned crane is one of the six crane species found in Africa with population declining and considered as vulnerable species. Understanding the knowledge, attitude and practices of local people is important in conservation of black crowned crane. A survey study was conducted in Jimma zone, Chora Boter district in southwestern Ethiopia between February to November 2015 with the aim to investigate knowledge,...
March 2016
Impact of the presence of subterranean termites Macrotermes gilvus (Termitidae) to physico-chemical soil modification on the rubber plantation land
A study on the existence of subterranean termites nest Macrotermes gilvus (Hagen) and its effect on soil circumtance around the nest were conducted in a rubber plantation land managed using organic fertilizers and without the use of pesticides. The study aimed to determine the impact of the presence of the termites nesting on land to the quantity of soil nutrients, as nitrogen (N-total), phosphate (P-available),...
March 2016
Soil organic carbon stocks in Mount Cameroon National Park under different land uses
Increasing effects of climate change has led to an urgent need for reliable estimates of the soil carbon pool (SOC) which is one of the carbon sinks in the world. This is especially true in Africa where there is lack of basic data. This study conducted in the southern part of Mount Cameroon National Park (MCNP) seeks to determine SOC patterns and estimate CO2 equivalence from SOC pool following land-use changes. Nine...
February 2016
Microorganisms associated with dump sites in Port Harcourt Metropolis, Nigeria
A total of ten soil samples were collected from four different dump sites in Port Harcourt Metropolis. The samples were examined for temperature, pH, total heterotrophic bacterial and fungal counts. The mean temperature values of the soils ranged from 27 to 28°C while the mean pH values ranged from 6.5 to 7.8. The total heterotrophic bacterial population ranged from 2.4 × 107 to 1.2 × 108 cfu/g while...
January 2016
Using ecological niche modelsto plan conservation in a changing environment: A case for the plant Chasmanthera dependens Hochst (Menispermaceae) in West Africa
Climatic envelope modeling techniques implemented in two algorithms, Genetic Algorithm for Rule-set Production (GARP) and bioclimatic variables (BIOCLIM) were used to assess effects of climatic conditions on distributions of plants and anticipate how climate would have delimited their distribution under future conditions using a liana species Chasmanthera dependens as a case example. In all, 120 geo-referenced plant...
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