Heavy metal soil contamination in cocoa plantations in South West Region, Cameroon
August 2020
The status of heavy metal contamination of surface soils in two cocoa plantations of approximately 30 years in Cameroon was evaluated. The bioavailable fractions of Fe, Cu, Zn, Cd and Cr were used to assess the extent of heavy metal contamination using a selection of contamination indices. In addition, other physicochemical properties including organic matter, particle size, CEC and pH were assessed. One of the farms...
The role of rural women in natural resources management and utilization: A case of Delanta District, South Wollo Zone, Ethiopia
August 2020
Natural resources provide any material from the natural environment that can be used by people for support and sustenance of life on earth with its ecological value and manifold resources. The purpose of this study was to explore the role of rural women in natural resources management and utilization in Ethiopia by taking Delanta as the case. The research design was descriptive survey using stratified random sampling...
Customs and traditional management practices of coastal marine natural resources in Lower Casamance: Perspectives of valorisation of endogenous knowledge
May 2020
In southern Senegal, specifically in Lower Casamance, many marine and coastal resources are of significant sociological importance for Jola populations. They are essential both for worship and for sustenance. Thus, through different customs and practices, the Jola helps to preserve their natural environment, even if their primary motivations were hardly conservation. Perceptions, beliefs, and avoidance practices with...
Tree’s spatial pattern, diversity and distribution in sub humid mountains ecosystems in south-west Togo
May 2020
West African Guinean forests are among the most diverse and threatened ecosystems in the world. The study aims to provide new insights about tree species patterns, abundance, and diversity for better management in Togo. Species diversity and density of trees were assessed in 170 plots randomly selected in the study area. Each tree with DBH >10 cm was identified and measured. Stem density, basal area, and diversity...
Diurnal activity pattern and social behavior of Swayne’s Hartebeest in Maze National Park, Southern Ethiopia
May 2020
Swayne’s Hartebeest (SHB) is an endangered endemic animal to Ethiopia. However, its activity pattern and social behavior are not well documented. Hence, we investigated the diurnal activity pattern and social behavior of SHB in the Maze National Park. Data were collected by direct observation of focal-animal from October 2018 to April 2019 and analyzed using descriptive statistics and X2-test. A total of 1004...
Contribution of spring and summer hydrodynamic conditions in the eutrophication process at Lake Taihu, China
May 2020
Contribution of different hydrodynamic conditions caused nutrients released and algal blooms growth and deteriorates water quality. Important factors related to climate variation, such as water temperature, precipitation, wind, solar radiation, and human activities can influence trophic conditions in the water column. A field survey was conducted at Meiliang Bay during spring and summer seasons and in diverse...
Minerology, geochemical composition and geotechnical properties of termite mound soil
March 2020
Termitarian, the epigeal biogenic structure constructed by termites are widespread in the forest and derived savannah regions of Nigeria. Soil modification, with particular focus on the mineralogy, variation in geochemical composition and geotechnical properties of termite mound soil samples collected from nine location in the Ika area, Delta State of Nigeria are the objectives of this report. The major elements...
The role of logged timber stump sprouting in natural forest regeneration in the Akak forest area of Cameroon
March 2020
Natural forest regeneration is the renewal of a forest crop by self-sown seed or by sprouting of stumps. However, there have been few studies on sprouting in the Cameroon tropical rainforest. The main objectives of this study were to examine the influence of stump sprouting of timber species in natural forest regeneration in the Akak forest area in Cameroon. In this study, stumps were located in forest compartments...
An assessment and local perception of sand deposits induced desertification in Sokoto State, Nigeria
March 2020
Sokoto State is one of the states in Nigeria that are prone to desertification. This study attempts to identify and delimit areas affected by desertification in the three northernmost Local Government Areas of Sokoto State, namely: Illela, Gada and Tangaza. Field study was carried out to verify the incident and occurrence of desertification and the menace of sand deposition. A simple random sampling method with...
Structure of Acacia senegal (L.) wild settlements in southwest Niger: Case of the gum tree site in the rural district of Guéchémé
March 2020
This study conducted in the rural district of Guéchémé (Tibiri county, Dosso region, Niger) aims at characterizing Acacia senegal settlements of the village of Lido. The methodology consisted in floristic sampling of 1000 m2 plots, measuring diameters 20 cm off the ground for shrubs and 1.30 m for trees. The results made it possible to determine the structure of A. senegal, representing significant...
Applying an indirect method for estimating and modelling the aboveground biomass and carbon for wood energy in the arid ecosystems of Aϊr Tenéré of Niger
October 2019
Maintaining the economic, ecological and social services provided by the oases and the valley ecosystems of Aϊr, in the northern part of Niger, is important for local communities. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the supply and regulation services provided by these ecosystems through wood energy and carbon sequestration. Semi-structured surveys and dendrometric parameter measurements of woody species were...
Forest land use and native trees diversity conservation in Togolese mega hotspot, Upper Guinean, West Africa
October 2019
In tropics, species diversity in agricultural systems is often assessed without distinction between native and exotic species. However, the conservation value of an ecosystem depends on its richness in native species. This study was conducted to determine the conservation value of agricultural systems in Togo megahotspot, one of the species-rich sites in Upper Guinean. Specifically, the study compares fallow systems...
Determinants of public preferences for Hawassa Amora-Gedel recreational park, Southern Ethiopia
October 2019
This study investigates the economic value of Hawassa Amora-Gedel recreational park and determines the factors that affect the public’s willingness to pay for the quality improvement of the recreational park. A contingent valuation method was applied to measure public willingness to pay (WTP) for the quality improved recreational park. Based on random sampling technique, 390 visitors were selected to determine...
Determinants of pastoral communities for adoption of forage production technology in Yabello rangeland, Southern Ethiopia
September 2019
Nowadays, adoption of forage enhancement technology is considered a primary action plan for enhanced livestock production through increasing forage production among pastoralist communities in the rangeland of Yabello. In addition, a number of factors help in determining adoption of these practices that varies with different socio-demographical issues within the pastoral household. This study focused on identifying major...
Challenges and opportunities for implementation of Integrated Water Resource Management in Omo-Gibe Basin, Ethiopia
August 2019
Water is an essential element for the environment, food security and sustainable development. However, uncoordinated and competitive use of the resource can lead water to face the “tragedy of the commons”. Fragmented effects done so far in watershed management did not bring significant changes. Integrated water resource management is the ideal solution for sustainable development of the basins. This paper is...
Influence of anthropogenic and ecological factors on stand structure of Pterocarpus erinaceus Poir. in Sudanian and Sahelian zones of Burkina Faso and Niger
August 2019
Pterocarpus erinaceus is a popular tree for medicinal and fodder uses in the Sudano-Sahelian belt of West Africa. It is also used for its wood. P. erinaceus is one of the most exploited tree species in many countries in West Africa. Planks and logs have been exported towards the South-West Asian countries for ten years. This paper analysed the demographic structure, the ecological characteristics of natural stands of P....
Ecological factors favouring mosquito breeding in Ifedore local government area of Ondo State, Nigeria
July 2019
The physico-chemical and biological characteristics affecting the breeding ecology of mosquitoes in Ifedore local government area of Ondo State, Nigeria was investigated. Mosquito larvae were collected from 33 breeding sites using standard plastic dippers, transported to the laboratory and reared to adulthood. Physico-chemical characteristics, distance of each breeding site to the nearest residence and other biotic and...
Is the expansion of Eucalyptus tree a curse or an opportunity? Implications from a dispute on the tree’s ecological and economic impact in Ethiopia: A review
July 2019
This review was made to bring forth the contradicting outlooks from different research findings, challenges on the Eucalyptus species and show the opportunities we have with the tree. Due to the impact of Eucalyptus tree species on ecological health and agricultural productivity, ecologists, policy makers and politicians have had a negative view on this tree species. Hence, attempts are made to remove the tree from the...
Spatio-temporal distribution of banana weevil Cosmopolites Sordidus [Germar] and nematodes of various genera in Uganda: A case of smallholder banana orchards in Western Uganda
June 2019
Smallholder farmers’ banana orchards in Western Uganda were used to study the spatio-temporal factors influencing the distribution of banana weevils and parasitic nematodes in tissue culture and non-tissue culture banana types using Nested case control design. Nematodes were extracted from randomly collected composite banana root samples from 20 banana orchards. The banana weevils were trapped in the rainy and dry...
Deforestation impact on ecosystem services in Kamfinsa sub-catchment of Kafue River Basin in Zambia
May 2019
Forests are important in the lives of local communities as they provide poles for construction, wood fuel for cooking, help reduce soil erosion and provide various foods and medicines due to biodiversity. Most local communities depend on forests in supplementing their livelihoods. At the moment, forests are being lost and it is important to understand the impacts of the lost. Therefore, the objective of the study was to...
Spatio-temporal variations in water and sediment parameters of Abule Agege, Abule Eledu, Ogbe, creeks adjoining Lagos Lagoon, Nigeria
May 2019
Lagos lagoon is known to be highly contaminated due to the increase in human population, industries and influx of contaminants from adjoining creeks. The degree of this contamination can be affected by the seasonal variations in time and space. The spatio-temporal variations in the hydrochemistry and sediments parameters of three (3) Lagos lagoon’s creeks were investigated for six months (June, 2016 to November,...
Evaluation of Desho Grass (Pennisetum pedicellatum Trin) lines for their adaptability at Mechara Research Station, Eastern Oromia, Ethiopia
April 2019
This experiment was under taken at Mechara Agricultural Research center of on- station site for two consecutive years of 2016 and 2017 cropping season. The aim of the research was to identify the best adaptable and high biomass and dry matter yielders from four ecotype of Desho grass (Pennisetum pedicellatum) to demonstrate promising ecotypes for livestock producer’s community in the study area. Randomized...
An evaluation of poaching and bushmeat off takes in the Ebo Forest Reserve (EFR), Littoral Region, Cameroon
March 2019
Study on the poaching and bushmeat off takes /harvest in the Ebo Forest Reserve was carried out in 2012 and 2016 to identify and quantify species poached, poaching methods and seasonal impact on harvest rates and quantity. To achieve this task, purposeful and random sampling methods were used for the selection of respondents for questionnaires administration. In all, 182 from a population of about 461 poachers were...
Flora composition, structure and diversity in the Kimbi Fungom National Park, North West Region, Cameroon
January 2019
The Kimbi Fungom National Park is reported to be relatively less diverse compared to other national parks of Cameroon. This might be due to the configuration of the landscape and habitat types. The main objective of this study is to determine the species composition, structure and diversity in the heterogeneous landscape of the Kimbi Fungom National Park defined by different habitat types. The park was divided...
Influence of early nitrogen application on physiological properties and ultrastructures of functional leaves of potatoes under drought stress
December 2018
The changes in physiological properties and leaf ultrastructures caused by early nitrogen application for potatoes under drought stress were explored. Potato variety Chuanyu117 was used to conduct a controlled experiment in a sand medium. Nutrient solution treatments (0.84, 1.26, 1.68 and 2.10) were administered, followed by severe drought, moderate drought, and normal (control) water treatments (45, 60, and 75% of soil...
Ecological preference by Anopheles gambiae complex (Diptera: Culicidae) in small natural microcosms in Maiduguri, Borno State, Arid Zone of North-E astern Nigeria
November 2018
A study on ecological preference of breeding sites of Anopheles gambiae compared to other mosquito species were carried out in small natural microcosms. A total of sixteen small ponds, four each from North, South, East and West of Maiduguri Metropolitan were surveyed for the breeding and non-breeding sites for mosquitoes. In each pond mosquito larvae samples were collected by dip method after identifying species by...
Influence of land use and land cover changes on ecosystem services in the Bilate Alaba Sub-watershed, Southern Ethiopia
November 2018
Human well-being was obsessed with the natural scheme that provides various functions vital to support management at various levels. Land use/ land cover (LULC) dynamics over 45 years within four intervals (1972, 1986, 2008, and 2017) to evaluate its influence on ecosystem services. Geographic information system (GIS) and global value of coefficients’ database together with LULC dynamics were used to determine...
Floristic and structural traits of tree vegetation in three sites with different level of disturbance in dense humid forest of Cameroon
November 2018
This study characterizes the floristic and structural traits of trees in three sites of rainforest of Cameroon. The sites were exposed to different intensities of disturbances: Mangombe, highly and frequently disturbed; Bidou, moderately disturbed and Campo, undisturbed. Data collection were carried in a disposive comprising 65 plots of 20 m × 20 m randomly installed in each site for inventory, identification and...
Vulnerability assessment of Gnidia glauca (Thymelaeaceae) exploitation, traditional uses and domestication potential in the community forest of Kilum-Ijim, North Western Cameroon
October 2018
A study was conducted in the western highland region of Cameroon with the aim to assess sustainability of Gnidia glauca exploitation in its natural habitat. In 33 plots of 40 x 40 m, the unexploited, exploited and dead trees were evaluated for vitality using a multi-criteria vulnerability assessment method. An ethnobotanical survey was conducted with 60 respondents in six villages around Mount Oku area. Data were...
Understorey birds’ nests predation in afrotropical forest ecosystem: A case study of Korup area, Cameroon
October 2018
Worldwide understorey nesting bird species such as bulbuls can also be highly vulnerable to nest predation in disturbed landscapes because they breed mainly on the lower stage of the forest. We test the following hypotheses: the transformation of forests into alternative land use systems and the vegetation’s variables at the nesting sites will affect the understorey nest predation rates. The nests of 12...
Litterfall, litter standing crops and nutrient dynamics as influenced by selective logging in tropical rainforest of Ebom, Southwest Cameroon
October 2018
Litterfall, litter standing crops, nutrient dynamics and their turnover were studied in Ebom tropical rainforest of Cameroon six years after selective logging practices. Two sample sites, one in the logging part of the forest (disturbed site) and the other in the part of forest not affected by selective logging (undisturbed site) were used for the study. After two years of field experiment, the mean annual of litterfall...
Land cover changes and their determinants in the coral rag ecosystem of the South District of Unguja, Zanzibar
September 2018
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...
Governance of river basin: Gender dimension in framing issues at the local community level
September 2018
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...
Structure and natural regeneration of woody species at central highlands of Ethiopia
September 2018
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...
Effect of cocoa farming intensification on biodiversity and ecosystem properties in southern Ghana
September 2018
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...
Wetland ecosystems in Ethiopia and their implications in ecotourism and biodiversity conservation
August 2018
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...
The role of indigenous technical knowledge and geographical information systems (GIS) in sustainable natural resource management around the Teso Community in Kenya
August 2018
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...
Patterns of short- and long-term responses of honey bee (Apis mellifera L.) colony to changes in its internal environment
August 2018
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...
Population status, feeding ecology and activity pattern of common bushbuck (Tragelaphus Scriptus decula) in Sekele Mariam Forest, West Gojjam, Ethiopia
July 2018
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...
Woody species composition and structure of Amoro Forest in West Gojjam Zone, North Western Ethiopia
May 2018
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...
Identification of the alternate host plants of the groundnut sucking bug (Rhyparochromus littoralis Dist.) in the Sudan savannah agro-ecological zone of Nigeria
May 2018
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...
Mycorrhizal status of some indigenous tree species in the Takamanda rainforest, South West Region, Cameroon
April 2018
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,...
Vegetation studies of Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) at three sites with varying levels of anthropogenic disturbances in the Southern Bakundu Forest Reserve, Cameroon
February 2018
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,...
Species composition and relative abundance of medium and large mammals in Mengaza communal forest, East Gojjam, Ethiopia
February 2018
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...
Determinants of vegetation type patch dieback in a semi-arid area, Tutume Sub-District, Botswana
January 2018
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...
Litterfall dynamics in Boter-Becho Forest: Moist evergreen montane forest of Southwestern Ethiopia
January 2018
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...
Assessing the impact of seasonality on Cross River Gorilla Nest Construction at Kagwene Gorilla Sanctuary, North-West Cameroon
December 2017
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...
Socioeconomic Factors that determine community participation in forest management and conservation of adjacent ecosystems: A case of Aberdare forest, Kenya
November 2017
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...
Assessing and mapping ecosystem services of trees outside forest
September 2017
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...
Fuel wood utilization impacts on forest resources of Gechi District, South Western Ethiopia
August 2017
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...
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