Download TAAG Book of Abstracts - Tropical Biology Association

More documents

Recommendations

Info

Ecology and Conservation Status of the three endemic primates (Bale monkey, Boutourlini’s blue monkey and Gelada baboon) of Ethiopia Alemneh Amare Aligaz Department of Natural Resource Management, Wolkite University, Ethiopia Email for correspondence: talkalemneh21@gmail.com Abstract The vulnerable Bale monkey (Chlorocebus djamdjamensis), Boutourlini’s blue monkey (Cercopithecus mitis boutourlinii) and Gelada baboon (Theropithecus gelada obscures) is endemic to Ethiopia. We conducted this study (from August 2008 to 2012) to identify their population ecology in different parts of Ethiopia. Their distributional surveys were assessed using ground survey and direct observation across different habitat types. The population was estimated by using line transect and total count method. Dietary and habitat preferences were determined by scan sampling. Bale monkey was found in Bale highlands, and recorded as bamboo specialist. Boutourlini’s blue monkey is found in the western Rift Valley tropical montane forests. A total of 37 Bale monkey groups containing 722 individuals were recorded at 26 new localities. The density of the Bale monkey was estimated to be 121–141 km -2 . They spent on more time for foraging and bamboo was accounted for 76.7% of their diet.About 429 individuals of Boutourlini’s blue monkeys were recorded from 27 localities ranging from 1039 - 2515m asl. Ficus sur was the dominant plants consumed by Boutourlini’s blue monkey. A total of 529 Arsi gelada was counted at 12 sites with altitudinal ranges from 1180 to 2434 m asl and mainly preferred on cliff area. Feeding comprises the highest activity and short grass blades were the preferred diet for the gelada. The main threats for those primates were habitat loss, deforestation, mechanized agriculture by investors and increment of population around their habitats. The future conservation would be based on the conservation of the remaining primate habitats and forests of Ethiopia. We, therefore, recommend for the Regional and Federal Ethiopian Wildlife Conservation Authority to design conservation management plan for primates through the expansion and establishment of protected areas that the species inhabits. Carbon Stocks and Stocking Characteristics of Hanang Mountain Forest, Tanzania Godgift Swai 1 , Henry J. Ndangalas 2 , Pantaleo K.T. Munishi 3 , Deo D. Shirima 3 1 Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, Sokoine University of Agriculture, P.O. Box 3035, Morogoro, Tanzania 2 Department of Botany, College of Natural and Applied Sciences, University of Dar es Salaam, P.O. Box 35091, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania 3 Department of Forest Biology, Faculty of Forestry and Nature Conservation, Sokoine University of Agriculture, P.O. Box 3010, Morogoro, Tanzania Email for correspondence: godgiftsw@gmail.com Abstract The study assessed carbon stocks and stocking characteristics of Hanang Mountain Forest, Tanzania. Thirty-four sample plots (40m x 50m) were established along an altitudinal gradient. All trees (DBH ≥10cm) were identified and measured and herb species and soil were sampled from four 1m x 1m quadrats within 10m x 10m subplots. Mean carbon stock was 48.37 t C ha -1 and 0.26 t C ha -1 for tree and herb species respectively. Tree density and basal area was 333 stems per hectare and 15.26 m 2 ha -1 respectively. Soil organic carbon (SOC) was 64.2 t C ha -1 , 41.93 t C ha - 1 and 31.0 t C ha -1 in the upper, mid and lower layers respectively. It was found that differences in tree density and basal area were not significant along an altitudinal gradient unlike tree carbon. There was no significant difference in herbaceous carbon and SOC in the three layers along an altitudinal gradient. Tree density and basal area were relatively low compared to similar forests in the East Africa and tree carbon was low compared to other tropical areas where allometric models were employed. In contrast, SOC was high compared to other similar forests in the tropics. Anthropogenic threats will likely diminish the SOC hence conservation measures are needed. Keywords: carbon, density, basal area, significant, SOC Keywords: Bale Monkey, Boutourlini’s Blue Monkey, Conservation status, Ecology, Gelada TAAG First African Student’s Conference, Nairobi. 2-4 July, 2013 28
Conservation and Threats of the Dinder National Park, Sudan Razan Nimir University of Khartoum, Sudan Email for correspondence: razannimir@gmail.com Abstract The Dinder National Park (1024 km 2 ) in the Southeastern Sudan is a Ramsar Site, biosphere reserve and archeological sites. It is home to 27 big mammal species, 250 bird species (it falls in the flyway migratory species), 32 fish species and over 58 trees and shrub species, in addition to other less documented wildlife species. The IUCN has listed a number of species from the DNP in its red list of threatened species such as the African lion, Greater kudu, Tiang, Wild dog, African elephant, Redfronted gazelle, Greater spotted eagle, Pangolin and Aardvark. The park has recently experienced some levels of deterioration as a result of poaching, illegal livestock, grazing, fire, human settlement around the park, illegal wood collection, honey collection and fishing. A global environmental fund (GEF) project in 2000-2004 developed a management plan for the DNP based on the concept of biosphere reserve. European Union (EU) fund updated the park and produced budgeted plan for 2011-2015. This study is ongoing and will discuss and targeted at efforts toward implement the EU plan. Keywords: Dinder, species, endangered, threat, biosphere. Fragmentation of the Eastern Mau Forest and its Effects on Avifauna’s Composition and Diversity 1 *Faith Milkah W. Muniale, 2 Wegulo, F. and 2 Shivoga, W.A. 1 ERMIS Africa P.O. Box 17347-20100 Nakuru 2 Faculty of Environment and Development, Egerton University, P.O. Box 536 -20170 Njoro *Email for correspondence: fngugi2001@gmail.com Abstract Eastern Mau forest is under threat from increasing human activities that led to rapid changes in land cover and deterioration of environmental condition. Degrading activities include replacement of indigenous tree species with exotic ones, clearing riparian vegetation, deforestation and forest fragmentation. Eastern escarpment of Mau is extensively degraded and fragmented. Forest area progressively declined from 47% in 1970 to 15% in 1998. Between 1986 and 2005, the forest lost 10% and 9% of indigenous and plantation forests, respectively. The investigation was done on the effects of habitat fragmentation on birds focusing on composition, abundance and diversity in 3 forest fragments in Eastern Mau. Main data collection method was mist netting. Length of sampling time per station depended on rate of capture. Statistical and descriptive analyses were performed using MINITAB (version 13.1). Analysis of variance (ANOVA) for Diversity Indices of the different forest fragments was done at 95% significance level. A total of 238 individual birds from 49 different species, 17 Families and 4 Orders were mist netted and ringed. The larger forest fragments recorded highest number of species and highest number of birds compared to smaller fragments. About 39% of captured birds were forest bird species. Only 7% of captured birds were juveniles. This study concludes that forest fragmentation has affected the distribution, diversity and abundance of birds in Eastern Mau forest. The study recommends reforestation program to bridge gaps between fragments, stop opening up forest land for cultivation and enhance community participation in conservation of Eastern Mau Forest. Keywords: Forest fragmentation, Birds, Diversity, Eastern Mau Forest TAAG First African Student’s Conference, Nairobi. 2-4 July, 2013 29
Page 1 and 2: THE TROPICAL BIOLOGY ASSOCIATION AF
Page 3 and 4: © 2013 by TAAG All rights reserved
Page 5 and 6: TBA African Alumni Group Tropical B
Page 7 and 8: Conference Sponsors and Partners Li
Page 9 and 10: Keynote Speakers Dr. Leon Bennun, D
Page 11 and 12: Table of Contents Pages Cover page
Page 13 and 14: Exploring the Potential of Enhanced
Page 15 and 16: Biodiversity loss, Climate Change a
Page 17 and 18: Conserving the Endemic Birds of the
Page 19 and 20: Analysis of Road Kills in Tsavo-Eas
Page 21 and 22: Diversity, Abundance and Feeding Ec
Page 23 and 24: Effort towards Conservation of Bird
Page 25 and 26: Altitudinal Distribution of Amphibi
Page 27: Distribution Status of Two Endemic
Page 31 and 32: The Role of ‘Dryland Wetlands’
Page 33 and 34: Rethinking Youth Capacity Developme
Page 35 and 36: Challenges and opportunities for ef
Page 37 and 38: Exploring the Potential of Enhanced
Page 39 and 40: Managing biological resources: Anth
Page 41 and 42: Human Health and Conservation of Bi
Page 43 and 44: Influence of rooting media and indo
Page 45 and 46: Landscape Connectivity as a Strateg
Page 47 and 48: Periphyton as Inorganic Pollution I
Page 49 and 50: Coping Strategies by Chimpanzees (P
Page 51 and 52: Breeding Habits and Nesting Success
Page 53 and 54: Community Participation in Biodiver
Page 55 and 56: Beehive and honey losses caused by
Page 57 and 58: Status of Soil Properties and Wheat

Download TAAG Book of Abstracts - Tropical Biology Association

Create successful ePaper yourself

Delete template?

Save as template?