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PROF. TSINGALIA’S CV
Department of Zoology
Moi University
P.O Box 3900-30100
Eldoret, Kenya
Tel: +254 722-286-082/732-628-258
EMAIL: mugatsi2005@gmail.com/mugatsi2005@yahoo.com
Date of Birth 15 th May, 1957
Country of Birth
Kenya
Marital Status
Married
Academic Background
1973-1976 Mbale High School
1977-1978 Kapsabet High School
1979-1983 University of Nairobi- B. Sc. Hons.in Zoology
1983- 1988 University of California at Berkeley, PhD in Ecology
Major Research and Professional Interests
Tropical forests and forest wildlife dynamics
Environmental education and Management
Community resource conservation and sustainable utilization
Climate change, adaptation, mitigation and resource monitoring
Long-term Biodiversity Assessment and Monitoring
Key Skills and Attributes
Founding Director of the Centre for Kakamega Tropical Forest Studies,
Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology
Over fourteen years of university teaching experience as lecturer and
senior lecturer
Extensive experience in university curriculum development at
departmental, faculty and school levels.
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PROF. TSINGALIA’S CV
Extensive experience as researcher in forests and wildlife at regional and
national levels
Over five years of research and monitoring, ecological and community
conservation around the Kakamega tropical forest
Over five years continuous research and monitoring of climate change
influence on forest ecosystem, Kakamega, Kenya
Over three years working experience in training and consultations in
sustainable forest management including training local communities in
advocacy skills and fund-raisings
Over fifteen (15) supervised and six examined M.Sc. and PhD theses
Impressive peer reviewed publication record in forest ecology and
environment
Long service in various Journal editorial boards and reviews
Long service to the community.
Working Experience
January, 2013- to-date Ag. Chairperson, Department of Botany and Zoology, School
of Biological and Physical Sciences, Moi University.
August, 2012-to-date Chairperson Curriculum Review and Development School of
Biological and Sciences, Moi University.
June, 2012-to-Date-Associate Professor, Department of Zoology, Moi University
2010-2012: Director, Centre for Kakamega Tropical Forest Studies, Masinde Muliro
University of Science and Technology.
2008-2012: Chairperson, Faculty of Science Graduate Student Committee
2009-2012: Senior Lecturer, Department of Biological Sciences, Masinde Muliro
University of Science and Technology.
2007-2009: Lecturer, Department of Biological Sciences, Masinde Muliro University
of Science and Technology
2005-2006: Part-time lecturer Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology
2002-2004: Part- time Senior Lecturer, Maseno University.
1997-2001: Consultant, Science and Environmental Education – on leave of absence.
1989-1996: Lecturer university of Nairobi
1983-1988: M.Sc., PhD student and Teaching Assistant, University of California at
Berkeley
Academic Excellence Awards
James B. Grubb Scholarship Foundation: Testimonial of Achievement by the Oakland
Scottish rite 1983-1987.
National Council for Science and Technology Research Grant 1987.
Professional memberships (Current)
East African Natural History Society
International Primatological Society (IPS)
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PROF. TSINGALIA’S CV
Wildlife Clubs of Kenya
Ecological Society of East Africa (ESEA)
Forests Society of Kenya
Other University Teaching University
Part-time Lecturer, Kyambogo University, Uganda 1997-1999
Part-time Lecturer, Makerere University, Uganda 1999-2001
Responsibilities and Professional Positions
Mentor, My Community, Our Earth (My COE), Programme: 2012-2013 My COE /
SERVIR Biodiversity Initiative in Africa
Chairperson, Site Advisory Committee (SAC): External examiner: Chairman, Site
Advisory Committee, Strengthening Protected Areas Sites of Eastern Montane
Forests: The Kakamega Forest Landscape University of Nairobi: College of Biological
Sciences (2008-Present)
Member, Institutional Research Ethics Committee of MMUST.
Member, Board of Directors, Directorate in International Relations and Academic
Linkages (DIAL)
Member, Technical Committee on MMUST Botanical Garden
Faculty Chairperson, Graduate Student Committee.
Coordinator, Faculty of Science Committee on Curriculum Review and
Development
Faculty of Science Representative to the Masinde Muliro University of Science
and Technology Senate
Student Academic Advisor, Masinde Muliro University of Science and
Technology
Departmental curriculum development coordinator Masinde Muliro University
of Science and Technology
Departmental timetabler and Member, Faculty of Science Timetabling
Committee, University of Nairobi
Mentor, My Community, Our Earth (My COE), Programme: 2009-2010 My COE
/ SERVIR Biodiversity Initiative in Africa
Recent Achievements
Organized and held the first ever Save the Kakamega Marathon in Western Kenya
where over 300 runners participated.
Lead negotiation a MMUST-KEFRI team to draw and sign a MoU between the two
institutions.
Organized a highly successful International Conference on Tropical Forest Resources
with participants from over 11 countries.
Co-organized a workshop on Public-Private Partnership at MMUST that brought
together investors to MMUST.
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PROF. TSINGALIA’S CV
Editor of the following Journals
Eastern Africa Journal of Science and Technology (EAJEST: Current)
African Journal of Ecology
African Journal of Plant Science
Journal of Biodiversity
Academic Journals
Research and Reports in Biodiversity Studies
Graduate Student Supervision
1. Vuyiya Ester Sc. Environmental Biology, MMUST – On-going
2. Obiet, L. M. Sc. Environmental Biology, MMUST – On-going
3. Agevi Humphrey, M.Sc. Environmental Biology, MMUST graduated
4. Enock Syoley, M.Sc. Environmental Biology, MMUST about to graduate
5. Eric Kibet, M.Sc. Environmental Biology, MMUST on-going
6. J. Walumbe, M. Sc. (Science Education) (on-going), Department of Science and
Mathematics.
7. J. N. Ngakhala, M.Sc. Department of Science and Mathematics, MMUST.
Graduated in 2011.
8. J. Fanshaw, Ph. D. 1990 -1992. Cambridge University
9. G. Mangy, M. Sc. 1992. Biology of Conservation, University of Nairobi
10. L. Muthee, M.Sc. 1991, in Biology of Conservation, University of Nairobi.
11. H. Gichohi, M. Sc. 1991, In Biology of Conservation, University of Nairobi.
12. J. M. Kiringe, M.Sc. 1990, in Biology of Conservation University of
Nairobi
Conferences/Workshops Attended
July, 2012
June, 2012
December, 2011
October, 2011.
September, 2011
The 1st International Conference on " Natural Resources,
Conflicts and Peace" that took place from 25th to 28th July
at Karatina University College
Three day workshop on 25 year Kakamega Forest
Ecosystem Management Plan Development held at the
Shieywe Guesthouse.
Workshop on Intellectual Property Rights (IP) Policy
Development held at the Masinde Muliro University of
Science and Technology by the Kenya Intellectual Property
Institute.
Workshop on European Union
African/Caribbean/Pacific (EU-ACP)
Cooperation in Higher Education held at Kenyatta
University. Kenya.
Attended the Private Public Alliance Building (PPA) for
empowering the youths in conservation and self-
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PROF. TSINGALIA’S CV
sufficiency. Organized by Winrock International
September, 2011
National Stakeholders Workshop for Roan Antelope
Conservation organized by the Kenya Wildlife Service
(KWS) in Homa Bay, Kenya.
August, 2011.
Attended a one day workshop on “Strengthening the
Protected Area Network within the Eastern Montane
Forests Hotspot of Kenya” Kakamega Forest Landscape
organized by Nature Kenya at Little Home in Kakamega
August, 2011
Organized, executed and attended a one day Public Private
Engagement Workshop at MMUST
June, 2011
Organized, executed and attended the International
Conference on Tropical Forest Resources at MMUST
June, 2011
Organized the first ever Save the Kakamega Forest
Marathon
September, 2010. Wardens and Academic Advisors Workshop held an MCU
at the Masinde Muliro University of Science and
Technology
September, 2010
International Conference on Biodiversity, Land Use and
Climate Change held at Nairobi’s Intercontinental Hotel.
September, 2010
Seminar on Integrated Management of an
Academic Institution held at the
Masinde Muliro University of Science and
Technology.
Publications
1. Agevi H, Tsingalia HM, Musila W and KA Mwendwa (2012). The role of open patches on
seedling germination and establishment in Kakamega forest. In Press Eastern Africa
Journal of Engineering, Science and Technology, Vol. 1(2)
2. Kassilly FN and Tsingalia HM ( 2012). Comparison of species ranking by the “bite-counts” and
“feeding-stops” techniques in camel diet studies. Eastern Africa Journal of Engineering Science
and Technology, Vol. 1(2):140-143
3. Tsingalia, H.M. (2012). Kakamega Forest: the escape from the scourge of logging. In
Press, Eastern Africa Journal of Engineering, Science and Technology. Special Issue.
4. Tsingalia H.M. (2012). Comparative analysis of arthropod abundance and diversity
in Kenya’s coastal ecosystems. In Press, Journal of Biodiversity. Vol.2
5. Vuyiya, E., and Tsingalia, H. M. and Konje, M. (2012). Buffer Zones and Indigenous
Forests: Implications for sustainable management of Kakamega forest, Kenya. In
Press, Eastern Africa Journal of Engineering, Science and Technology. Special Issue
6. Agevi, H., Akinyi, C.O. Tsingalia, H.M., Cords, M. and Schaab G. (2012). Density
Estimation by Spatial Extrapolation of Some Diurnal Primate Populations in the
Kakamega Forest, Kenya. In Press, Eastern Africa Journal of Engineering, Science
and Technology. Special Issue
7. Tsingalia, H.M. and Kassilly, F.N. (2012). Ecology and Population Dynamics
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PROF. TSINGALIA’S CV
Mangrove Jellyfish Cassiopea sp at Kenya’s Gazi Bay. In Press, Eastern Africa
Journal of Engineering, Science and Technology. Special Issue
8. Siamba, D.N., Tsingalia, H.M., Kuria, D.M., Osogo, A. and Nyongesa, P. (2011).
The Potential Role of Endophytes in the Conservation of Endangered Medicinal
Plants. In Press, Kenya Journal of Science
9. Kassilly, F.N and Tsingalia, H.M. (2012). Comparison of species ranking by the
“bite-counts” and the “feeding-stops” techniques in camel diet studies. In Press,
Eastern Africa Journal of Engineering, Science and Technology.
10. Kariaga, MG, Nyongesa, HW, Keya , NCO and Tsingalia, HM (2012).
Composting
and Its Effects in the Production of High Yields in Button Mushrooms, Agaricus
bisporus (Lge) and Agaricus bitorquis (Quel) Saccardo. In Press, Journal of
Agricultural Sciences. J Agri Sci, 3(1): 49-54
Tsingalia, H.M. and Nyongesa, H. (2010). Inherently delayed germination of Elgon
Teak (Olea capensis) seeds in Kakamega Forest, Kenya. Journal of Biodiversity
1(2):71-75
11. Tsingalia, H.M. and Kassilly, F.N. (2010). Factors influencing succession of
Kakamega forest grasslands. Journal of Human Ecology, 30(1):27-33.
12. Tsingalia, H.M. (2010. Impacts of selective logging on population structure and
dynamics of a canopy tree (Olea capensis) in Kakamega forest. Afr. J. Ecol., 48,
569–575
13. Tsingalia, H.M. 2010. The role of termites in regeneration and dynamics of the
Kakamega forest glades. In Press, Kenya Journal of Sciences Vol. (10)
14. Kassilly, F. N, and Tsingalia, H. M. (2010) Open or closed wildlife protected
systems for Kenya A human dimension consideration of Masaai Mara Game. In
Press, African J. Journal of Ecology Vol.50
15. Tsingalia H.M. and Kassilly FN 2009. The Origins of Kakamega Forest Grasslands:
A Critical Review. Journal of Human Ecology, Vol. 27(2):129-135.
16. Kassilly, F.N. and Tsingalia, H.M. (2009). Persistence and Loss of Cultural Values of
Tiriki Sacred Groves among local communities in Hamisi District, Kenya:
Implications for Management. In Press: Journal of Human Ecology. Vol. 27(2):137-141
17. Kassilly, F.N. and Tsingalia, H.M. (2009). Attitudes towards traditional
consumptive uses of Wildlife among residents of Nakuru municipality, Kenya.
Journal of Science Technology and education Management (J-STEM), Vol. 2(1&2):11-17
18. Tsingalia, H.M. and Kassilly, F. N. (2009). Foraging behaviour and some ecological
aspects of the Fiscal Shrike (Lanius collaris) in a Managed LandscapeJournal of
Science, Technology, Education and Management (J-STEM), Vol. 2(1&2):1-10
19. Kassilly, F.N. and Tsingalia, H.M. (2008). Membership in Wildlife Clubs of Kenya
and its influence on the beliefs about wildlife. J. Human Dimensions of Wildlife,
Vol. 13 (3):203 – 204.
20. Kassilly, F.N. and Tsingalia, H.M. (2008) Mitigating human-wildlife conflicts
through wildlife fencing: A Kenya case study. Journal of Wildlife Biology in Practice
4(1): 30 -38.
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PROF. TSINGALIA’S CV
21. Muriuki, J. W. and Tsingalia, H. M. (1990) A new population of de Brazza’s
monkeys. Oryx, 24:157-162.
22. Muriuki, J.M., Tsingalia, H.M., & Rowel, T.E., (1993). Natural history of De Brazza’s
monkeys in Kenya. Int. J. Primat. 14:445-446.
23. Tsingalia, H.M., (1990). Habitat severity and patterns of species abundance. Afri. J.
Ecol; 28:190-220
24. Tsingalia, H.M., (1990). Wave regeneration in an Africa Tropical Forest canopy tree.
J. Trop. Ecol; 10:133-145.
25. Tsingalia, H.M. (1989). Variation in seedling predation and herbivory in Prunus
africana in the Kakamega Forest, Kenya. Afr. J. Ecol; 27:207- 217.
26. Tsingalia, H.M., (1988). Animals and The Regeneration of a Canopy Tree in an
African Tropical Forest. Ph.D. Thesis, University of California, Berkeley
27. Cords, M., Mitchell, B.J., H.M. Tsingalia & T.E. Rowell (1986) Promiscuous mating
among blue monkeys in the Kakamega Forest Kenya, Ethology 72:214-226.
28. Tsingalia, H.M. & Rowell, T. E. (1984). The behaviour of adult male blue monkeys
the Kakamega Forest. Zeitschriff Flues Tierpsychol; 64:253-268.
29. Tsingalia, H.M., Cords, M. C., Mitchell, B. J., Rowell, T. E. (1984) Mating behaviour
blue monkeys (Cercopithecus mitis) in the Kakamega Forest, Kenya. Int. J. Primat.
38:193-209.
Unpublished reports
30. Cords, M. and Tsingalia, H.M. 1982. Technical report on harmful exploitation of
Indigenous Forest in Kakamega, to the Ministry of Wildlife and Tourism, wildlife
Research and management Division, Government of Kenya
Workshop Proceedings
1. Tsingalia, HM. (2009). The Role of Anthropogenic Fire and Grazing in Kakamega
Forest Grasslands: A Critical Review. In Proceedings on Environmental Fires,
edited by Neyole, E.M., Waswa, G.W. and Onkware, K., Centre for Disaster
Management and Humanitarian Assistance, Masinde Muliro University of Science
and Technology
2. Mati ES and Tsingalia HM (2010). Efficient Energy Use Conserves Environment and Earns
Farmers Income: Household Analysis from Western Kenya in Proceedings of the
International conference on Tropical Forest Resources. Edited by Tsingalia HM, Wamocho
LS, Kabagi E and Mwedwa KA. Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology
Papers in Preparation
1. Tsingalia, H.M. (2012). Ecology and history of Kakamega Forest
2. Tsingalia, H. M. (2012). Impacts of past logging on the structure and dynamics of
Kakamega Forest
3. Tsingalia, H. M. (2012). Forest inventory and Logging in Kakamega Forest.
Sustainable exploitation or destruction
5. Tsingalia, H. M. (2012). Cultural Conservation: The case of Kenya’s Coastal Kaya
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PROF. TSINGALIA’S CV
Forest. Submitted to Journal of Human Ecology
6. Tsingalia, H.M. (2012). The role of predation and fungal pathogens in the
regeneration of the Elgon teak (Olea welwitschii) in the Kakamega Forest, Kenya
7. Tsingalia H.M. (2012). The changing landscape of Kakamega Forest: Sustainability or
disaster
8. Nyando 1 VV, Onyango 2 CA and Tsingalia 3 HM (2012). Awareness And Application Of
Indigenous Technical Knowledge In Agroforestry Practices In The Maseno Region,
Kenya.
9. Nyando 1 VV and Tsingalia 2 HM (2012). Integration Of Indigenous Technical Knowledge
Into The Existing Agroforestry Extension Practices In Kenya.
Books in Preparation
The Ecology and Dynamics of the Kakamega Tropical Forest
Postgraduate theses supervised and graduated
Kiringe, J.W. 1990. A Vegetation and Large Herbivore Species Survey In Hell's Gate
National Park Naivasha, Kenya. Unpublished M.Sc. Thesis, University Of
Nairobi, Kenya
Muthee, LW (1991). The Ecological Impact of Tourism in the Masaai Mara National
Reserve, Kenya. M.Sc. Thesis, University Of Nairobi, Kenya
Gichohi HN (1991). The role of fire on wildlife habitats and their distribution in the Athi
and Kapiti Plains. M.Sc. Thesis, University of Nairobi.
Ngakhala J. (2011). The Role of Teachers in Secondary School Practical Biology. M.Sc.
Thesis, Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology.
Postgraduate theses under supervision
Agevi Humphrey. The Role of Remnant Canopy Trees in Seed Germination and
Seedling Establishment in Degraded Areas of Kakamega Forest. Gradated
Syoley E.M. Socio-Economic and Biodiversity Survey for Bumula Wetland. 0n-going
Vuyiya Ester. Impacts of the Nyayo Tea Zone on the Management and Conservation of
Kakamega Forest. On-going
Obiet L. Assessment of Preferred Forage Availability and Quality for the Grazers of Impala
Sanctuary –Kisumu. On-going
Kibet E. The Role of Frugivorous Bats in Seed Dispersal and Seedling Regeneration in
Kakamega Rainforest, Western Kenya. On-going
Onyango Christine, Assessment of Water Quality by Use of Macro-Invertebrates in Omubhira
and Lurambi Streams: Implications for Management and Conservation. On-going
Research Interests:
1. My current interests are in forest-grassland interactions in Kakamega forest, whose
objectives are to understand mechanisms of forest invasion of the grasslands, forest
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PROF. TSINGALIA’S CV
dynamics, regeneration of canopy dominants and the roles of seed dispersers and
predators.
2. I’m also interested in sacred/cultural forests of the Tiriki people of Hamisi District,
western Kenya. The objective here is to understand the effects of fragmentation on
species diversity; the role of cultural practices in biodiversity conservation of these
forest fragments and whether over longer periods these practices have led to
endemics.
I have to date completed phase one of the study of the cultural forests that involved
basic mapping and looking at the attitudes of the local people towards these of the
cultural forest fragments.
Phase two of this project which begins when funds will be available will involve
each of the 50 or so forest fragments. The object is to determine endemicity and ways
of integrating local people and the Kenya Forest Service in the management of these
vital forests.
3. I am currently a member of the Project Management Team of Forestry-based Carbon
Offset Project in Kakamega Forest. This project proposes to reforest approximately
400ha of degraded forest over 5 years. Kakamega Forest has promising potential to
store carbon through reforestation and is therefore considered an attractive offset
project for organizations wishing to join the battle to combat climate change.
4. With a team of chemists and biotechnologists, I am involved in research in isolating,
characterizing and evaluating endophytes in selected Kakamega forest plants with
antihelminthic properties. The objective is to isolate these endophytes and carry out
in-vitriol production of the important secondary metabolites.
In addition, I am involved in isolating, characterizing and evaluating secondary
metabolites in all possible medicinal plants used in herbal practice from the
Kakamega forest. The objective is to establish a database that will enable us to
produce these plants in numbers large enough to be grown by herbalists on their
farms. This will ease the pressure on the Kakamega forest and conserve the
remaining plant species.
5. In collaboration with Nature Kenya under a grant provided by GEF through UNDP,
we are working on the strengthening of protected area network of the Eastern
montane forest hotspot biodiversity within the Kakamega forest landscape. This is a
large project that covers the Cherenganis, North and South Nandi forests and the
Mau complex.
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PROF. TSINGALIA’S CV
6. I am also working with local communities to strengthen their capacity in natural
resources management and sustainable utilization and nature-based enterprises, and
advocacy skills.
7. I am also interested terrestrial mammals of the Kakamega forest, where we are using
non-invasive DNA techniques to estimate their relative densities and distribution.
8. Currently undertaking a consultancy on behalf of the Kakamega Rainforest Tour
Guides, funded by Community Development Trust Fund of the European Union
and DANIDA on "Conservation of Kakamega Forest and Promotion of Sustainable
Management and Benefit Sharing to Curb Climate Change".
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