Showing papers in "Journal of ecology and the natural environment in 2015"

Drought, desertification and the Nigerian environment: A review

Abstract: Drought and desertification are twin global environmental problems. Nigeria is faced with rapid desert encroachment affecting fifteen northernmost states from moderate to severe rate. Out of the 909,890 km2 of the country’s land area, about 580,841 km2 accounting for 63.83% of total land is impinge on by desertification. Climatic variability and anthropogenic activities such as deforestation, extensive cultivation, overgrazing, cultivation of marginal land, bush burning, fuel wood extraction, faulty irrigation system and urbanization are major causes of desertification. Drought and desertification impact directly or indirectly on all aspects of human life and the environment including the ecological, health, geo-chemical, hydrological and socio-economic facets. Despite several efforts by the government to end desertification, the problem still persist due to the gap between the formation of policy and strategies of combating drought and desertification. Drought and desertification can be remedied through integrated approaches such as awareness programmes, protection of marginal lands, tree planting, sustainable agricultural practices and use of alternative energy source. Key words: Drought, desertification, Northern Nigeria, dryland, environment.

The impacts of climate change on African continent and the way forward

Abstract: This paper reviews several studies on the impacts of climate change on developing countries in Africa, one of the most vulnerable continents due to lack of financial, technical and institutional capacity to cope with the impacts of climate change. Due to various anthropogenic activities, greenhouse gases are increasing in the atmosphere at an alarming rate which leads to extreme temperature and flooding, loss of soil fertility, low agricultural productions (both crops and livestock’s), biodiversity loss, risk of water stress, and prevalence of various diseases. It is predicted that the temperature in Africa continent will rise by 2 to 6°C over the next 100 years. In terms of economic, the Sub-Saharan Africa will lose a total of US$26 million by 2060 due to climate change. The increasing occurrence of flooding and drought is also another predicted problem for Africa. Climate change can set back development of nations. Even though African countries are working on adaptation and mitigation options to minimize the adverse effects, climate change is expected to cause large damage to their economy. Thus, climate change adaptation and mitigation options require greater attention to ensure future food security and well-being of African peoples. Key words: Adaptations, Africa, Climate Change, Impacts, Mitigations, Vulnerable.

Post-White-nose syndrome trends in Virginias cave bats, 2008-2013

Abstract: Since its 2009 detection in Virginia hibernacula, the fungal pathogen Pseudogymnoascus destructans causing White-nose Syndrome (WNS) has had a marked impact on cave bats locally. From 2008-2013, we documented numeric and physiologic changes in cave bats through fall swarm (FS), early hibernation (EH), and late hibernation (LH) capture and banding surveys at 18 hibernacula in western Virginia. We coupled active surveys with passive biennial winter counts in 2009, 2011, and 2013. We compared individual body mass index (BMI) across years for FS, EH, and LH hibernation to determine if WNS impacts on extant bats would be manifested by changes in body condition (as anecdotally observed elsewhere for WNS-impacted bats) as well as a population reduction. To estimate percent declines in bat presence or relative activity, we used FS capture per-unit-effort data, and the winter hibernacula absolute counts. We captured 4,524 bats of eight species, with species-specific capture success declining by 75-100% post-WNS. Little brown bats (Myotis lucifugus) exhibited the greatest declines in winter hibernacula counts (AVG. = 99.0% decline), followed by tri-colored bats (Perimyotis subflavus; 89.5% decline) and Indiana bats (M. sodalis; 33.5% decline). Graphical analyses of captures-per-trap-hour in FS showed declines for little brown bats, tri-colored bats, and northern long-eared bats (M. septentrionalis), but suggest a modest rebound of Indiana bat numbers. Fall swarm trends in BMI suggested some drops post-WNS exposure, but these trends were not consistent across sexes or seasonal time blocks. Our inconclusive BMI metrics and little brown bat band recapture data suggest little competitive advantage or selection for surviving bats. Lesser (but apparent) declines in Indiana bat numbers mirrors trends seen elsewhere regionally, and band recoveries do show that some individuals are persisting. Additional surveys will determine if bats in Virginia will persist or face extirpation due to presumed low recruitment and survivorship. Key words: Bat, hibernaculum, Pseudogymnoascus destructans, Virginia, white-nose syndrome.

Carbon Stock in Adaba-Dodola Community Forest of Danaba District, West-Arsi Zone of Oromia Region, Ethiopia: An Implication for Climate Change Mitigation

Abstract: Forests can capture and retain enormous amount of carbon over long period of time. Their role in carbon emission balance is also well documented. However, especially in developing country, wide spread deforestation and forest degradation is continuing unknowingly and deliberately. This study was conducted to estimate carbon stock in dry Afromontane forest type of Danaba community forest (CF) of Oromia Regional State of Ethiopia. A systematic sampling method was used to identify each sampling point. Results revealed that the total mean carbon stock of the CF was 507.29 t·ha-1 whereas trees share 319.43 t·ha-1, undergrowth shrubs 0.40 t·ha-1, litter, herbs and grasses (LHGs) 1.06 t·ha-1 and soil organic carbon (SOC) 186.40 t·ha-1 (up to 30 cm depth). The ultimate result implies that Danaba CF is a reservoir of high carbon. To enhance sustainability of the forest potentiality, the carbon sequestration should be integrated with reduced emission from deforestation and degradation (REDD+) and clean development mechanism (CDM) carbon trading system of the Kyoto Protocol to get monetary benefit of CO2 mitigation. Keywords: Carbon sequestration, climate change, community forest, mitigation.

Assessment of land use/cover impacts on runoff and sediment yield using hydrologic models: A review

Abstract: Human activities have modified the environment over the years. Urbanization, agriculture lumbering, mining and other land uses have substantially altered the Earth’s surface. Land use and the resultant change in land cover have significant effects on ecological, environmental and hydrologic systems and processes. An understanding of past and present land-cover change, together with an analysis of potential future change, is necessary for proper management; thus, the need for models. Hydrologic models are primarily used for hydrologic prediction and for understanding hydrologic processes. With recent technological advances, technological based tools such as GIS are incorporated into hydrologic models for assessing the impacts of various land use/cover. Hydrologic models incorporated with GIS can be used to project future land uses/cover to provide an increased clarity, probability or likelihood of potential consequences on ecosystem services such as biodiversity, water quality and climate. This paper critically examines land use/cover, effects of impacts of land use/cover and the use of hydrologic models to assess the impact of land us/cover on runoff and sediment yield. Hence it calls for their use by watershed managers and decision maker as management tool especially in developing countries. Key words: Land use, land cover, runoff, sediment yield, hydrologic models.

Phytoplankton community structure and physico- chemical characteristics of streams flowing through an agro- plantation complex in Tiko, Cameroon

Abstract: Large scale rubber, oil palm and banana plantations have replaced pristine coastal ecosystems in Tiko, Cameroon, through which freshwater flows. Agrochemical inputs into aquatic systems have the potential to influence phytoplankton community structure through adjustment of physico-chemical characteristics of water. Since plantation establishment in Tiko, Cameroon, no studies on the impacts of the agro-chemicals used on the aquatic ecosystems have been carried out. Phytoplankton community structure was assessed to evaluate current status and existing physico-chemical conditions. Three streams flowing through the Tiko plantations were selected to evaluate these effects. Two sets of water samples were collected (10 cm below the surface) at each sampling point in triplicates for nutrient and phytoplankton analyses. Nitrate, bicarbonate, zinc, iron and turbidity were found to exceed the WHO and EPA water quality standards. Eighty (80) species of phytoplankton belonging to 10 divisions were recorded during the study. The division with the highest species abundance was Bacillariophyta (31 species) followed by Chlorophyta (21 species) and the most abundant species recorded was Microcystisaeruginosa followed by Chlorella sp.Phytoplankton richness and abundance were higher in streams that had higher concentrations of nitrates and phosphates. These happened to be flowing through plantations in which agrochemicals use and human activities were highest. Of the 80 species recorded, 27 were indicators of eutrophication. The saprobic index ranged from 0.19 - 1.00 indicating that the streams were eutrophic. The results are significant for better management and monitoring of these ecosystems. Key words: Phytoplankton, community structure, nutrients, eutrophication, Tiko.

Institutional pluralism, access and use of wetland resources in the Nyando Papyrus Wetland, Kenya

Abstract: Wetlands support livelihoods of communities living around them as in the Nyando Papyrus Wetland in Kenya. The Nyando Papyrus Wetlands provide multiple resources hence there are multiple uses and users who often overlap spatially and seasonally causing conflicts. More claims are being exerted on these wetland resources from different sides and institutional levels with different actors. The actors involved refer to various legal systems and mechanisms, and frequently create new hybrid law as in the case in the Nyando papyrus wetlands. These institutions, in various degrees of transformation, still have an important role in determining how resources are used. The objective of this study is to find out about the institutions affecting wetland resource use in the past and in the present and to determine the dynamics of specific natural resource-related institutions in four sub-locations in the Nyando Papyrus Wetlands, Kenya. The study shows that there is legal pluralism in the Nyando Wetlands, which requires synergy for sustainable livelihoods in the local communities and for ecosystem management.

An integrated approach to delineation of the eco-climatic zones in Northern Nigeria

Abstract: This study derived eco-climatic indices; a moisture quality index, onset and cessation dates, hydrologic growing season and Aridity Index all for the period (1950-2006), in addition to using National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration an Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer images to derive a Soil Adjusted Vegetation Index map. These derived eco-climatic parameters were integrated using Geographic Information System (GIS) techniques. The overlay was hinged on a theoretical basis which holds that the variations of the Aridity index, cessation dates, length of the hydrologic growing season and vegetation index are directly proportional to eco-climatic zone changes while those for onset and MQI are inversely proportional. The quantitatively derived eco-climatic index and related maps identified five eco-climatic zones; wet, humid, sub-humid, dry sub-humid and semi-arid as against the three classic regional climatic zones. The eco-climatic map further unveils progressive transformation or southwards shifts in the boundaries of the regional climatic zones. Thus, the accurate delineation of the current eco-climatic zones would be essential for providing adequate information needed to achieve food security and sustainability of the physical environment that is fundamental to disaster risk reduction in sub-Saharan Africa. Key words: Northern Nigeria, climate change, rainfall variability, southwards shifts, eco-climatic zones, food security.

Earthworm population in relation to different land use and soil characteristics

Abstract: Earthworms are regarded as the bio-indicators of soil quality. Also, due to several beneficial ecosystem services provided by earthworms, focus has been given to earthworms in agriculture management. So, there is need of knowing the distribution of earthworms, factors affecting their distribution and modification of soil environment due to them. With the aim of characterizing earthworm distribution in Panchase area, earthworms were sampled in different aspects, land use types, depth and altitude in June and October. Soil sample was also taken to characterize the habitat preference of the earthworms. The highest earthworm population density was found in forest followed by agriculture land and grassland in both months. Also, majority of earthworms were found in top 15 cm of soil. Moisture and organic matter content were found to be major determinants of earthworm population in Panchase area. Positive and significant correlation between earthworm population and available mineral nutrients (P and K) suggests that earthworms help in mineral nutrient availability to the plants. Key words: Ash free dry mass, biomass, earthworm population density, Panchase area.

Influence of current land use and edaphic factors on arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) hyphal abundance and soil organic matter in and near Serengeti National Park

Abstract: Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are important microbial symbionts for plants especially when soil phosphorus (P) and nitrogen (N) are limited. Little is known about the distribution of AM hyphae in natural systems of tropical soils across landscapes and their association with different land uses. We studied mycorrhizal hyphal abundance in a wildlife grazed system, a livestock grazed system and under cultivated soils in and near Serengeti National Park, Tanzania. Samples of the upper 15 cm of soil beneath locally dominant plant species were collected. Hyphae were preserved on permanent slides and the length of hyphae per cubic centimeter of soil was calculated. Significant differences (p<0.001) in AM hyphal densities were observed across land use systems, as mean hyphal densities were 61.03±22.02, 52.89±16.41 and 47.9±22.65 m/cm3 for wildlife grazed system, livestock grazed system and croplands, respectively. There were significant correlations between soil P and N on AM hyphal densities that reflected a pattern of decreasing hyphal densities with increasing soil P and N across sites. These results are congruent with the functional equilibrium hypothesis, which predicts that plants allocate relatively more to belowground structures when they are more limited by belowground resources than by aboveground resources, because AMF densities were highest at the sites with the lowest soil resources. Key words: Land use, mycorrhizal, hyphal, abundance, soil, Serengeti, Tanzania.

Floristic composition and structural analysis of Gelesha forest, Gambella regional State, Southwest Ethiopia

Abstract: The study was conducted on Gelesha Forest, Godere District and Gambella Regional State, Southwest Ethiopia to determine floristic composition and structural analysis of the forest. Systematic sampling method was used to collect vegetation data from 60 plots (20 m × 20 m) for trees and shrubs, 5 m x5 m for seedlings and saplings and 1 m × 1 m for herbaceous plants. Vegetation classification was performed using PC-ord software package. All trees and shrubs with DBH >2 cm and height >2 m were measured for diameter tape. A total of 157 species of vascular plants belonging to 127 genera and 54 families were recorded from Gelesha Forest. Of all the species recorded 33.12% were trees, 19.11% shrubs, and 13.38% woody climbers. The dominant families were Euphorbiaceae and Moraceae (13 species each): 11 and 6 genera, respectively. The density of trees in the forest decreases with increasing DBH classes. Six population distribution patterns were recognized. The Forest has a density of 557.09 stems/ ha and a total basal area of 98.87 m2/ ha. The forest is characterized by high density of trees in the lower class than in the higher. Phytogeographically, it was more related to the moist evergreen Afromontane forests of the Southwest Ethiopia than other forests in the country. Key words: Forest structure, Gambela region, regeneration, species diversity, vegetation composition.

A study on ecological distribution and community diversity of spiders in Gulmarg Wildlife Sanctuary of Kashmir Himalaya

Abstract: The present study was an attempt to assess and evaluate the distribution, diversity and occurrence of spider community in Gulmarg Wildlife Sanctuary. India has 59 of the 110 spider families and at least, 1442 formally described species of the 39,000 known worldwide. Documenting spider assemblages assumes greater importance in the context of current rate of loss and degradation of forests which is known to have detrimental effect on many invertebrate groups. In order to assess the diversity and distribution of spiders at four sites during the months of May, June, July, October and December 2012, standard protocol was used to collect the spider community across the study area. The spider community was found to be represented by 18 taxa. Araneidae was dominant family followed by Lycosidae, Linyphiidae, Pholcidae, Salticidae, Sparassidae and Clubionidae. Differences in vegetation cover or human use showed variation in diversity and composition of spiders between different sites. Forest sites showed relatively higher diversity as compared to meadow sites. Key words: Spider community, diversity, Araneidae, Gulmarg.

Impact of invasion: a case study on the ecological and socioeconomic impact of Lantana camara (L.) in Abay Millennium Park (AMP), Bahir Dar, Ethiopia.

Abstract: This study was carried out to quantify ecological distribution, abundance and effects of Lantana camara on different land uses and to assess the perception of local community concerning its impacts on environment and biodiversity of the study area, Abay Millennium Park, Bahir Dar. To do so, 20 m x 20 m (trees) inside which is 5 m x 5 m nest plots (shrubs and saplings), and 2 m x 2 m (seedlings) were laid. Vegetation data were collected using purposive sampling technique with quantitative measurements (DBH, density, seedling and sapling count). Furthermore, semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect data about its socio-economic and ecological impacts. Results reveal that L. camara has shown highest invasion (82.1%, grassland) and least invasion (34.6%, riverine forest); cultivated land being intermediate (57.5%). Plant species density was high at the lower class (<6cm DBH, 83.94% of total plants sampled). At species level, L. camara exhibited an inverted J-shaped frequency distribution (62.21 %< 2 cm DBH), screening its greater regeneration potential. There was high diversity and species richness with H’=2.6980, S=45 for natural riverside forest, H’= 1.8173, S=28 cultivated land, and H’=0.3446, S=14, grassland. Economic and ecological results revealed that Lantana was perceived as more disadvantageous; therefore the community highly recommends, if possible, its complete removal from the park. Key words: Abay Millennium Park (AMP), landuse, Lantana camara, invasion, biodiversity, socioeconomic impact, ecological impact.

The reproductive and feeding ecology of rodents in Sekoru district, Southwest Ethiopia

Abstract: A study on reproductive and feeding ecology of rodents was conducted in agricultural areas of some selected kebeles (the smallest administrative unit in Ethiopia) of Sekoru district from February 2014 to December 2014. Rodents were captured by snap trapping using rat traps. During the whole study period, four rodent species, namely, Rattus rattus, Mastomys natalensis, Arvicanthis dembeensis and Lemniscomys barbarus were identified from a total of 326 rodents captured in 1320 trap nights. The proportion of male and female individuals captured was not different from a 1:1 ratio. Scrotal males and perforate females were captured throughout the study period though reproduction was seasonal. Breeding started in the later part of the rainy season and declined at the beginning of the dry season. The average number of embryo counted per pregnant females was 5.57±1.09, 8.65±1.80, 6.38.±1.70 and 4.00 ± 1.41 for R. rattus, M. natalensis, L. barbarus and A. dembeensis, respectively. The food items identified during the stomach content analysis were grouped into leaves, seeds, animal matter and unrecognized food item. There was no variation in the type of food item identified among the four rodent species. Some variations were observed in the proportion of the different food items consumed by the four rodent species in different trapping sessions. Awareness creation and the need of rodent pest control in all growth stage of crops and after harvest were recommended. Key words: Arvicanthis, breeding, feeding, Lemniscomys, Mastomys, Rattus, Sekoru.

Densities, spatial distribution and community structure of plankton of Odot Stream

Abstract: The plankton of Odot Stream, Niger Delta, Nigeria were investigated between June and August, (wet season) and October - December, 2014 (dry season) using standard analytical procedures. The data generated were subjected to descriptive statistics and community structure analysis. A total of 37 species of Phytoplankton belonging to four taxa were identified in ascending order as follows: Xanthophyceae (4.7%), Baccillariophyceae (20.19%), Cyanophyceae (36.34%) and Chlorophyceae (38.71%). Zooplankton belonging to 4 taxa were also identified in ascending order as follows; Cladocera (11%), Copepoda (11%), Larvae (26%), Rotifera (52%). Higher seasonal abundance among the families were recorded in dry season for Chlorophyceae (39.16±14.75), Cyanophyceae (21.83±6.50) and Xanthophyceae (10.66±5.81) while higher wet seasonal abundance were recorded for Baccillariophyceae (22.25±4.59) and Copepoda (0.58± 0.34). Chlorophyceae and Rotifera were found as the dominant group in this present study and indicated that Odot stream was highly productive (eutrophic), which could be attributed to high temperature due to the shallowness of the stream and its high exposure to sunlight. Excessive algal bloom should, therefore, be checked to prevent the stream from anoxia and poor water quality and shift in species composition and fish kill. Key words: Odot Stream, phytoplankton, zooplankton, abundance, Bacillariophyceae, Rotifera

Effects of municipal and industrial discharges on the quality of Beressa river water, Debre Berhan, Ethiopia

Abstract: The problem of environmental pollution is not simple and easy to ignore because it affects the survival and normal functioning of an ecosystem by changing the overall healthy interaction between its components and after once it occurs, will be difficult to control. Fortunately, in the town of Debre Berhan (Tebasie), it is a common phenomenon due to the discharge of untreated liquid and solid wastes from industrial and municipal activities. Thus, this study was conducted to determine the status of Beressa River and to reveal the effects of industrial and municipal discharges on the water quality of the river for irrigation and other domestic uses. After selecting six different sampling sites depending on the suspected and identified sources of pollution, the river water was analyzed for different parameters like temperature, pH, electrical conductivity (EC), oxygen demand [biological oxygen demands (BOD) and chemical oxygen demand (COD)], total suspended solids (TSS), total dissolved solids (TDS), PO43-, SO42-, HCO3-, NH4+, NO3-, Cl- B, basic cations (Na, K, Ca and Mg), heavy metals (Cr, Pd, Cd, Ni, Hg and As) and micro nutrients (Fe, Mn, Cu and Zn). The water had no problem related to temperature, pH and EC. However, the COD, BOD, PO43-, TSS, TDS, Pb and Hg contents at different site were above their respected maximum permissible limit but the rest detections were below the concerned allowable value while requiring an extra attention for restoring the quality with the control or avoidance of further deteriorations. Key words: heavy metals, oxygen demand, pollution, river water quality.

Using the DRASTIC method to study the vulnerability of groundwater in the aquifer of the Continental terminal of the town of Abomey-Calavi in Benin

Abstract: In recent years, the quality of groundwater has deteriorated in many parts of Benin as a result of the expansion of agriculture, the release of solid waste, industrialization and population explosion. This study reports the evaluation of the vulnerability of the aquifer of the Continental terminal of the town of Abomey-Calavi. The study of vulnerability is to evaluate the sensitivity of groundwater to any form of pollutant introduced from the ground surface based on the physical properties of the medium. The DRASTIC method was applied to assess the vulnerability of the aquifer system. The results show that the study area is not homogeneous from the point of view of the vulnerability. The highest DRASTIC index concern the area of Togbin which has an aquifer of aeolian sands and marine cord current shoreline and recent unprotected by clays. While in the rest of the town of Abomey-Calavi the aquifer is less vulnerable because it is protected by clays. In this study, a map of groundwater vulnerability was produced in the town of Abomey-Calavi. The map shows two vulnerability classes. The vulnerability of the waters of the continental terminal is average in the area of Togbin and the vulnerability of waters of the continental terminal is low throughout the rest of the town of AbomeyCalavi. This card can be used as a tool for decision support and spatial analysis for water projects in the region.

Threat reduction assessment approach to evaluate impacts of landscape level conservation in Nepal

Abstract: Major challenges to the landscape level conservation intervention are to monitor and evaluate the conservation impacts in an accurate and cost-effective manner. Threat reduction assessment (TRA) has been proposed as a method to measure conservation success and as a proxy measurement of conservation impacts and monitoring threats. We conducted TRAs to evaluate the effectiveness of Nepal’s Terai Arc Landscape (TAL) program in mitigating threats to forests of seven corridor and bottleneck sites. We modified Margoluis and Salafsky (2001) framework and scoring approach and calculated TRA index. Threats were standardized to allow comparisons across the sites and effectiveness of management modes in reducing threats between the community-based management (CBM) and conventional government managed system (GMS). TRA index of CBM was significantly higher from those of GMS as evident by various parametric and non-parametric tests including principal component analysis. However, the TRA approach is not immune to bias as it depends on subjective analysis, but it could be a simple and cost-effective conservation monitoring tool to be easily implemented by local communities and stakeholders. Key words: Terai arc landscape (TAL), threat reduction assessment (TRA), community based management (CBM), government managed system (GMS).

An Inventory and Assessment of Exotic and Native Plant Species Diversity in the Kenyan Rangelands:-Case Study of Narok North Sub-County.

Abstract: A botanical inventory and diversity of exotic and native species was assessed in the rangeland of Narok North sub-County, Kenya. A total of 72 species were recorded, composed of 64 species of trees and shrubs and eight species of herbs. They belonged to 34 families and 52 genera. Fabaceae was the richest family with 16 species, followed by Euphorbiaceae (five), Moraceae and Myrtaceae (four each). In total, 48 species were native and 24 exotics with a diversity index H of 1.082 and 0.604, respectively. Hypericum revolutum, a native shrub, was the most dominant with an importance value of 3.81, followed by three exotic species; Datura suaveolens (an invasive species), Dovyalis caffra and Hibiscus rosa-sinesis with importance values of 3.40, 3.35 and 3.23, respectively. The native species were abundant in undisturbed areas while the exotics were most common in areas with vegetation cover less than 60%. Four invasive alien species were encountered namely; D. suaveolens, Lantana camara, L. trifolia and Opuntia ficus-indica. They all had a high density that indicated greater establishment success. This inventory affirms that the rangelands of Narok North are undergoing serious changes in vegetation structure and composition due to human activities and requires urgent attention to conserve biodiversity and genetic resources. Key words: Dominance, importance values, invasive species, inventory, semi-arid lands

Forest composition and productivity changes as affected by human activities in the natural forest savanna zone in Northern Ghana

Abstract: Assessing the impact of anthropogenic activities on forest ecosystems dynamics is valuable in managing and maintaining the long-term productivity of forests and ensuring forest ecosystem sustainability and ecological balance. In view of this, the objective of this study was to evaluate the induced effects of anthropogenic activities on the forestE—savanna zones in Northern Ghana. The study assessed the impacts on the woody plant species composition and the above-ground and below-ground herbaceous biomass productivity in three forest areas. Three study zones (Wungu, Serigu and Mognori) consisting of two neighbouring forest types, namely the protected and anthropogenic activities prone types were used for the comparative study. 30 × 30 m and 1 × 1 m random plots and subplots were used to determine the vegetation composition and productivity across the three study areas. A total of 96 random samples of aboveE—ground live biomass, and the same number of litter and root biomass samples were collected in both forest types of each study zone to make composite samples for the comparative analysis. Differences in the woody plant composition were observed between the two types of forest across the three study zones. The results show that total aboveE—ground biomass (live plus litter biomass) and total plant biomass (total aboveE—ground plus root biomass) productivity were generally significantly (P< 0.05) lower in all the unprotected than the adjacent protected areas. From the present study, it could be concluded that forest composition and productivity can be protected and sustained by effectively monitoring and regulating anthropogenic activities across the natural savanna ecological zone in Northern Ghana. Key words: Forest ecosystems, savanna ecological zone, anthropogenic activities, above-ground and below-ground biomass productivity.

Soil organic carbon stock estimation in range lands of Kumrat Dir Kohistan KPK Pakistan

Abstract: The present study was carried out in two grass land of Kumrat Dir Kohistan, North Hindukush regions of KPK Pakistan. Locally these two grass land are known as Roshi Dab and Bothore Dab. The area of these two Dabs is about 400 hectare. The elevation of these two Dabs ranges from 7665 feet to 7954 feet while the geographic location of the study site was N 35° 33.249’ and E 72° 12.258’. Stratified random sampling method was used for data collection. 18 soil samples were taken with the depth of 0-15 cm and 16-30 cm. The average soil pH was 5.3. The mean soil bulk density was 1.107 -g/cm3. In present study it was found that the undisturbed range land stored maximum amount of soil carbon (32.69 tons hac-1) as compare to range land near to the agriculture land (29.77 tons hac-1) Similarly the rangeland near to forest land stored 35.62 t ha-1 carbon, also stored more carbon as compare to range land near to agriculture land 29.77 t ha-1. The results of the present study confirmed that conversion of range land into agriculture land reduced the soil carbon in the study area. Key words: Carbon stocks, climate change, soil bulk density, range lands, forestry.

Levels of tannins in fruit diet of grey-cheeked mangabeys (Lophocebus ugandae, groves) in Lake Victoria Basin forest reserves.

Abstract: Tannins are known to have anti-digestive properties among primates and undoubtedly influence food selection among grey-cheeked mangabeys (Lophocebus ugandae) living in Mabira and Lwamunda forest reserves. During the 24 months study, we observed the feeding behaviour of three groups of mangabeys in forests with different levels of degradation and management histories. Results indicated that mangabeys selected fruits parts based on tannin levels. Chemical analysis indicated that fruit parts with tannin levels exceeeding 2.6g/100 catechin equivalent were invariably rejected. These were unripe fruit pulp and mature seed. Accepted parts included endosperms of immature fruit and ripe pulp belonging to 12 priority tree species. This selection criteria applied to all types of fruit regardless of forest habitat. The level of rejection of fruit parts with high levels of tannins was more frequent in the severely degraded Lwamunda forest reserve than in Mabira. Consumption of endosperms of unripe fruit appears to be related to fruit scarcity. Key words: Tannins, food scarcity, Lake Victoria Basin forests, primates,fruit processing.

Non-timber forest products and their contributions on the income of local residents in the Douala- Edea Wildlife Reserve of Cameroon

Abstract: The Douala-Edea Wildlife reserve rich in biodiversity is a reservoir for the collection of non-timber forest products (NTFPs). These products are involved in the management of natural resources by providing additional income to households. This study examines the effect or contribution of NTFPs in household incomes of local residents in the reserve and has as objective to identify and evaluate the marketing of these products in the Douala-Edea reserve. The method used was based on surveys of people who practice on a daily bases the collection, marketing and consumption of NTFPs in order to determine species, harvested products and the quantities extracted from the forest. A second survey was conducted in two local markets (Mouanko and Dehaene) located in the periphery of the reserve to determine the market value of harvested forest products. A total of 18 species have been identified as NTFPs. 100% of the plants serve for human consumption as seeds (60%), fruits (30%), sap (5%), and the simultaneous use of seeds and fruits (5%). Women and children are involved in the collection and marketing, while men are associated with children only to collect. The NTFPs estimates obtained in the surveys in March and October 2012 showed 3 tonnes and 4 tonnes of Ricinodendron heudelotii, 200 and 300 kg of Irvingia gabonensis, 100 and 200 kg of Coula edulis, 500 and 800 kg of Baillonella toxisperma. NTFPs market value varied in dollars between 800 $ and 1600 $ for C. edulis 600 $ to 800 $ for R. heudelotii, 150 $ to 1600 $ in B. toxisperma, and 400 $ to 800 $ for I. gabonensis. This represents about 39% of household income in these forest zones. Key words: NTFPs, Protected area, management, market value, inhabitants.

Woodfuel Business as a Source of Livelihood in Makurdi Local Government Area, Central Nigeria

Abstract: Prompted by an observation that many people in the study area are selling firewood and charcoal, and thus relying so much on trees for their survival, this study sets out to assess the role of woodfuel business as a source of livelihood in Makurdi L.G.A. of Benue State, Central Nigeria. Using survey design, data for the study was obtained from the field through questionnaire and structured interviews. Descriptive statistical methods, as well as Pearson’s Product Moment Correlation technique were used in analyzing the data. Results showed that people of diverse socio-economic status are involved in the business both in full and part time basis, as the business in the area serves both as primary and secondary sources of livelihood to the people. This is evidenced in the business yielding 99.8% to income in the area, an average of N3,600 per month. With this, they can attend to their pressing needs, hence reducing their poverty. Woodfuel is produced in the rural fringes of the L.G.A, with preferred tree species such as Prosopis Africana Terminalia ivorenses, Isoberlina doka Erythrophelum suavalens and Sysgium guineese. The study, therefore recommends the establishment of wood development programme to sustain this business, as well as urging the government to provide alternative cooking fuels such as kerosene, Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) and electricity to reduce over dependence on woodfuel.

Population structure of fish from the Serra do Mar, Paraná, Brazil: a comparative analysis of environments affected and by oil spills and unaffected areas

Abstract: Departamento de Zootecnia, Universidade Federal do Parana, Rua dos Funcionarios, 1.540, Juveve, CEP 80035-050, Curitiba, PR, Brazil. Grupo Integrado de Aquicultura e Estudos Ambientais, Universidade Federal do Parana, Rua dos Funcionarios, 1.540, Juveve, CEP 80035-050, Curitiba, PR, Brazil. Museu de Historia Natural do Capao da Imbuia, Laboratorio de Ictiologia, R. Prof. Benedito Conceicao, 407 Capao da Imbuia, Curitiba PR, 82810-080, Brazil.

Mangrove Social and Ecological resilience geared in the Cameroon Estuary

Abstract: Mangrove wetlands perform a variety of protective, productive and economic functions and thus play a vital role in the livelihood security of the coastal communities However, a recent survey indicates that the extent of Douala-Edea mangrove forests is degrading at an alarming rate due to human encroachment and eagerness for development, over exploitation for fish smoking and absence of mangrove policies There is call for prompt action to conserve this productive ecosystem The fight to reverse the degradation of mangrove forest brought about many efforts to restore degraded areas by the Cameroon Wildlife Conservation Society (CWCS) in the Douala-Edea Reserve (DER) Selected villages covering over 80 % of mangrove the reserve were involved and their participation, assess in all phases (sensitization, community organization, nursery and outplanting) geared towards mangrove restoration programme (2014) in the DER The results revealed discrepancies in community participation (gender and occupation) during sensitization rated at 57 % Overall, eight-village steering committees were formed, in which more female (5439 %) than male (456 %) were represented to insure sustainability However, more male (545 %) than female (4597 %) participated in nursery and outplanting stages These communities functioned to restore 382 hectares degraded mangroves Hence, they are external underpinned factors hindering the successful realization of restoration gear Recommendations arrived at enhancing community participation were made They ranged from putting in place of a community day for mangrove, delineation of roles and responsibilities of members in committee and graduated sanctions for violation or disturbance of restored sites by a legal ramification to incentives

Emperor Jahangirs method of observation and approaches to investigation of Kashmir ecology: An appraisal of his deep sense of sensitivity towards nature

Abstract: Historically speaking, ‘ecology’ today is an interdisciplinary as well as complex science. Modern ecology characterises more facts than possibly known. Any ecologist is today a specialist, with favourite and specialised questions. And hence, there are different sub-disciplines in ecology with its own set of concept(s) and all try to unify looking only at ‘ecology’. Moreover, it is now an established fact, that plants and animals both exhibit behaviour, but plant behaviour is most often examined in the context of its morphological growth. And behaviour is in part, the ability to respond rapidly and reversibly in response to environmental stimuli during the life time of an individual. Hence, the main objective of writing this paper is to trace and better synthesize, “Jahangir’s method of observation and approaches to investigation of Kashmir ecology”, in order to gain more from the past in the present about: how man should communicate better with other living things of different species. Key words: History, ecology, Kashmir, Jahangir, approaches to investigation.

Population structure of rodents in Alage, Southern Ethiopia

Abstract: An ecological study on population structure of rodents was conducted in Alage, Southern Ethiopia. Sherman live traps were used to capture rodents in four habitats and trapping sessions. A total of 684 rodents that represented 11 species were captured. Regarding population size and density, Mastomys natalensis was the dominant species followed by Arvicanthis dembeensis while the least was observed in Graphiurus murinus in the study period. The highest biomass was recorded in A. dembeensis (6771.43 g/ha) followed by M. natalensis (6246.63 g/ha) and M. erythroleucus (3257.14 g/ha) while the least was recorded for G. murinus (10.2 g/ha) followed by Mus musculus (35.36 g/ha).The largest and lowest biomasses per habitat type were recorded for M. natalensis and M. musculus, respectively from bushland. There was variation in the population size, density and biomass among trapping sessions and habitats with the highest estimate in the second trapping session and bushland habitat type. All age groups were represented in the population with seasonal and age group variation. In conclusion, there was variation in population size, density and biomass of rodents among habitats and seasons. These population fluctuations might be mostly due to variation in rainfall, habitat heterogeneity, vegetation cover, reproductive patterns, quality and quantity of food and water. Key words: Age, biomass, density, population, rodents

Plant and animal cell origin, divergence and reciprocity, stomal drive, the environment and evolution of the purpose of Creation

Abstract: Evagination or invagination of a primordial cell could account for the origin and maintained divergence of plants and animals, and account for their complementarity The thesis proposed is that serial evolutionary trends or change affecting individual species did not occur in isolation, but in an allosteric way between species living in proximity Plant development occurred with evagination of the cell by the extension of the cell into the environment, resulting in sessile growth and leaf development Invagination resulted in free-living forms that give rise to animal development, as “stomal drive” necessitated mobility and cortical sense development, including memory, for energy acquisition and survival Allegiance to the complementary basis of their origins is evident in the complementarity of form and functional reciprocity of animals and plants This arrangement, which encompasses epigenetic change in response to environmental change, helps to maintain the constancy of the external environment (General Systems Theory), in which plants and animals live, reproduce and thrive Being aware of context, ie environment present at the time, to which we respond and in which we function, is central to ethical development, honesty and awareness, as it is to physical and emotional wellbeing and evolutionary development Through a General Systems Approach one can understand the duality requirement for life and evolution of Creation, and the importance of it, in terms of meaning and context applicable to the survival, let alone evolution, of Mankind

Evaluation of the Diversity and Influence of Non-native (invasive) Plants on the Metropolitan areas of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

Abstract: Human activity and globalization have increased over the last few decades, consequently, the introduction and spread of species from one place to another has also increased. Emerging species have greatly influenced our environment as well as native species. This study aims at evaluating plant characteristics of non-native species that makes them invasive, it reveals new invasive species and elucidates the hazards imposed on human health and economic loss in the metropolitan areas of Akwa Ibom State. This research also aims at making special mention of Hydrangea species – a new invading species as well as other plants that pose environmental problems in this area. This study was conducted in three metropolitan areas of Akwa Ibom State between June 2013 and January 2015. These areas are characterized by diverse plant types, biologically stressed conditions and polluted sites. However, wide portions of land often utilized for agricultural purposes have been affected as a result of industrialization and life developments that have brought about the introduction of new species mainly for ornamental purposes. Three areas were studied (based on their high degree of human activity). Species at these sites were identified; plant characteristics were investigated in relation to the prevailing conditions. Influences of species identified to be non-native were investigated in relation to the natives; this was in order to ascertain which species were invasive. Photographs were taken. This study, therefore, evaluated the potential hazards of these species on human health, agriculture and economic loss and therefore proffers possible solutions and appropriate recommendations made.