Research Repository :: Browsing by Author "Kacholi, David Sylvester"

Browsing by Author "Kacholi, David Sylvester"

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Analysis of Structure and Diversity of the Kilengwe Forest in the Morogoro Region, Tanzania
(International Journal of Biodiversity, 2014) Kacholi, David Sylvester
This study investigates the structure, species composition, and diversity of a section of the Kilengwe Forest in Tanzania. In order to accomplish the proposed objectives, 18 plots of 20m× 20m were randomly established in the forest and the number of tree species in each plot was identified and counted. The most important families and species were determined using importance value indices at the respective taxonomic levels. Diversity was measured using the Shannon-Wiener and Fisher alpha diversity indices. A total of 276 stems/ha representing 93 species/ha within 26 families were documented from 0.72 ha. Fabaceae and Julbernadia globiflora were the dominant family and species, respectively. Seventy-eight percent of the total species were rare.The average basal area of the forest was 7.1m2/ha. The Shannon-Wiener index (4.02) and Fisher’s alpha diversity (35.5) indicated high species diversity within the forest. The species-area and species-abundance curves revealed an escalating trend implying that more sampling efforts could result in a higher number of species existing in the forest. The size class distribution displayed a reverse J-shaped pattern; however, the larger size classes DBH >50 cm were not represented.The study suggests the necessity for anthropogenic disturbance control as this is the major source of forest degradation in the studied area.
Assessment of Tree Species Richness, Diversity, Population Structure and Natural Regeneration in Nongeni Forest Reserve in Morogoro Region, Tanzania
(Tanzania Journal of Science, 2019) Kacholi, David Sylvester
This study examined tree species richness, diversity, population structure and regeneration in Nongeni forest reserve, Morogoro, Tanzania. The study deployed plot sampling technique whereby a total of 20 plots of 0.05 ha each were randomly established in the forest. All species and individuals encountered in each plot were counted, identified and DBH measured. A total of 751 individuals/ha representing 24 species belonging to 11 families were recorded. Family Fabaceae was dominant with 9 species. The Shannon-Wiener, Margalef, Simpson‟s and Pielou J index were calculated as 2.667, 3.474, 10.58 and 0.839, respectively. The Diplorhynchus condylocarpon (52.18) was the dominant species in terms of species importance value index (IVI) followed by Antidesma venosum (27.40) and Stereospermum kunthianum (21.16). The forest mean basal area was 10.80 m2/ha whereby D. condylocarpon (2.26 m2/ha) had highest value followed by Julbernardia globiflora (1.36 m2/ha). Of the observed species, 12.5% exhibited good regeneration, 45.8% poor regeneration, 29.2% new regeneration and 12.5% displayed fair/hampered regeneration pattern. Also, 29.1% of the species displayed both poor regeneration pattern and low IVI. The study concludes that the forest was rich in tree species and had good regeneration. However, conservation attention and proper management strategies for the species that exhibited poor regeneration and low IVI is imperative.
Changes in forest composition, edaphic factors and exploitation pressure between edge and interior habitats in the Kimboza forest in Morogoro Region, Tanzania
(Journal of Education, Humanities and Sciences, 2016) Kacholi, David Sylvester
Biodiversity loss is linked to the destruction and fragmentation of tropical forest ecosystems. This study was conducted at Kimboza forest located in Morogoro region, Tanzania. The main goal was to compare the forest edge and interior habitats in terms of tree species richness, stand structure, soil moisture, organic matter and exploitation pressure. All trees with DBH ≥ 10cm were sampled from 6 plots of 0.04ha placed in each habitat. A total of 217 individuals from 49 tree species and 21 families were recorded in both habitats. Of the total recorded species, 37% were common, while 22% and 41% occurred exclusively at the edge and interior, respectively. The species richness, tree density, basal area, soil organic matter and moisture were significantly higher in the forest interior than the edge. On the contrary, the number of stumps per hectare was significantly higher in the edge (3.8) than interior (1.8). The Sørensen coefficient of similarity among the two habitats was 0.54, signifying the presence of uniqueness among the habitats. In summary, the findings suggest that the two habitats are unique and different in terms of species composition, species richness, stand structure, soil moisture, organic matter and anthropogenic exploitation pressure.
Copper levels in three commonly edible fruits: Are consumers at risk?
(JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURE AND APPLIED BIOLOGY, 2021) Minati, Sahu; Kacholi, David Sylvester
This study aimed to investigate levels of copper in three commonly edible fruits, namely, Lycopersicon esculenta (tomato), Citrullus la-natus (watermelon) and Cucumis sativus (cucumber) traded in Dar es Salaam city. Also, the study scrutinized risk associated with heavy metal intake in the fruits. The fruits were collected from Buguruni Market, one of the biggest markets in the city, and thereafter, were processed, and analyzed to determine copper levels. The average daily intake and human health risk indices were calculated based on the obtained copper levels. The findings revealed that the mean levels and average daily intake in L. esculenta (0.3267 mg kg-1, 0.0279 mg kg-1 person-1) and C. lanatus (0.2523 mg kg-1, 0.0216 mg kg-1 person-1) did not differ considerably (p = 0.05) from each other while the two fruits had significantly higher values than C. sativus (0.1610 mg kg-1, 0.0137 mg kg-1 person-1). The copper levels and average daily intake values were below WHO/FAO and Tanzania Bureau of Standards per-missible limits. The human health index (HRI) was in the order: L. es-culenta > C. lanatus > C. sativus and all the values were less than unit, suggesting that there is no health risk from consuming the fruits. Con-cerning copper levels, the study concludes that the fruits are safe for human consumption.
Density and Aboriginal Uses of Wild Tree Species in Milawilila Forest Reserve in Morogoro Region, Tanzania
(College of Natural and Applied sciences, University Of Dar es Salaam, 2020-03) Kacholi, David Sylvester
This study assessed density and local uses of wild tree species in Milawilila forest reserve, Morogoro rural district. A total of six transects were set in the forest for assessing density and diversity of trees. In each transect, three plots of 20 m x 20 m were established and all trees with Diameter at Breast Height (DBH) ≥ 10 cm were identified, counted and DBH recorded in each plot. A semi structured questionnaire was used to obtain data on the use of tree species by the locals. Data were analyzed using Microsoft Excel and Statistical Package for Social Science software. A total of 172 trees/ha belonging to 20 species and 15 families were recorded in the forest. Among the families, Fabaceae was the richest family with 3 species, followed by Annonaceae and Cluciaceae with 2 species each. The most abundant species were Xylopia parviflora, Ehretia amoena and Diospyros squarrosa, which contributed 46% of the total tree density in the forest while the remaining 17 species contributed 54%. The Shannon-Wiener diversity index and basal area of the forest was 2.62 and 13.0 m2/ha, respectively. The forest exhibited good regeneration pattern. The proportion of tree species used for medicines was 76%, constructions 60%, fuelwood 56%, crafts 52%, and food/fodder 28%. The three species with high citation index were Albizia glaberrima (3.58), Annona senegalensis (3.38) and Scorodophleous fischeri (3.16). Since, majority of the observed species were less dense, the study suggests planting of the wild tree species should be prioritized to guarantee sustainability of the forest reserve and viable supply of forest products and services to the community.
Diversity, abundance, and structure of tree communities in the Uluguru forests in the Morogoro region, Tanzania
(Journal of Forestry Research, 2015-09) Kacholi, David Sylvester; Whitbread, Anthony Michael; Worbes, Martin
Uluguru forests are globally recognized as important biodiversity hotspots, but anthropogenic pressure threatens their value. This study examined species diversity, abundance, and structure of trees in the Uluguru forests. All trees of diameter at breast height (DBH) C 10 cm were inventoried in seven forests ranging from 3 to 995 ha in area. A total of 900 stems, 101 species and 34 families were inventoried. Fabaceae was the most speciose family.Ehretia amoena Klotzsch was the most abundant species with relative abundance of 9.22 %. The forests differed significantly in species richness (26–93 species/ha), tree density (85–390 stems/ha), basal area (3–24 m2/ha) and Shannon-Wiener diversity (2.50–4.02). Forest area was significantly and positively correlated with species richness (r = 0.92) and species diversity (r = 0.95). Tree density showed significant positive correlation with species richness (r = 0.80) and basal area (r = 0.85). Milawilila and Nemele forests had highest floristic similarity (0.55) followed by Kimboza and Kilengwe (0.54) while the rest had similarity coefficients of less than 0.50. Despite legislative protection, many forests remain at risk and therefore the possibility to conserve highly valuable tree species via enhanced protection or cultivation must be considered.
Edge-Interior Disparities in Tree Species and Structural Composition of the Kilengwe Forest in Morogoro Region, Tanzania
(ISRN Biodiversity, 2014) Kacholi, David Sylvester
A survey to determine the variation in species and structural composition of trees along the edge-interior gradient was done in the Kilengwe forest inMorogoro region, Tanzania.The forest was categorized into three habitats, namely, edge (0–100m), intermediate (100–200 m), and interior (>200m) depending on the distance from the forest margin. A total of six plots of 0.04 ha each were randomly placed in each of the habitats whereby all trees with DBH ≥ 10 cm were inventoried. A total of 67 species representing 26 families were recorded. Fabaceae was the most speciose and abundant family. Brachystegia spiciformis was the most abundant species. Of the recorded species, 10.45% were common in the three habitats while 8.95%, 13.43%, and 26.86% occurred exclusively to the edge, intermediate, and interior habitats, respectively. The forest interior was significantly rich in terms of species richness, diversity, density, and basal area than the edge and intermediate habitats.The edge had significantly higher number of stumps/ha. In summary, the results suggest that edge/intermediate and interior are contrasting habitats in terms of tree species richness, diversity, and structural composition. Moreover, the forest edge and intermediate habitats were found to be characterized by high anthropogenic activities compared to the forest interior habitat.
Floristic Composition, Diversity and Structure of the Kimboza Forest in Morogoro Region, Tanzania
(Journal of Education, Humanities and Sciences, 2013) Kacholi, David Sylvester
Kimboza forest reserve in Morogoro region, is an important biodiversity hotspot among the Eastern Arc forests of Tanzania. High population pressure and encroachment threatens its conservation values. This is based on a study which aimed at investigating the composition, diversity, and structure of the tree community in the forest. All trees with DBH ≥ 10cm were inventoried from 0.72ha in a total of 18 plots of 20m × 20m placed randomly from the forest edge to the interior. Most important families and species were determined using familial importance value (FIV) and species importance value (IVI) indices, respectively. Diversity was analyzed using species richness, Shannon-Wiener, Fisher-α, and Simpson’s indices. A total of 52 species belonging to 22 families were identified. The family Fabaceae had the highest FIV (66.70) and species richness (15 species) while Khaya anthotheca had the highest IVI value (48.11). The Shannon-Wiener (3.40), Simpson (20.60), and the Fisher-α (18.80) indices were very high signifying high floristic diversity within the forest. 69% of the species were rare, occurring in less than 20% of the surveyed plots. The mean density and basal area of trees were 390 stems ha-1 and 24 m2 ha-1, respectively. The species accumulation curve revealed an escalating trend suggesting that more sample plots could result to a number of species in the forest. In summary, the study suggests for proper management, protection, and wise utilization of the forest resources so that it sustains its original biodiversity and ecological processes for future generations.
Floristic Similarity and Diversity Gradients in the Eastern Arc and Coastal Forests of Tanzania
(Dar es Salaam University College of Education (DUCE), 2018-12-19) Kacholi, David Sylvester
The Eastern Arc and Coastal forests of Tanzania are biodiversity hotspots, centres of endemism, and highest priority ecosystems for biodiversity conservation worldwide. But, their floristic similarity and species diversity gradients over geographical distances and longitudinal locations, respectively, are poorly understood. Thus, this study investigates the relationship between floristic similarity and geographical distances, as well as species diversity and longitudinal locations among the forests. A total of 37 inventories from the Eastern Arc and Coastal forests of Tanzania were selected based on inventories with minimum diameter at breast height (DBH) ≥ 10cm), and identification of trees done at species level. The floristic similarity was determined using the Sørensen’s similarity coefficient. The Pearson correlation test was used to study differences between floristic similarities and geographical distances, as well as species diversity and longitudinal location. The findings revealed three clusters of forests assembled due to their geographical proximity. The correlation between geographical distances and floristic similarities revealed a significant negative association (n = 528, R2 = 0.1821, p < 0.001), while species diversity and longitudinal location of forests had a significant positive correlation (n = 37, R2 = 0.5401, P < 0.05). The results suggest that high environmental heterogeneity across the forests should be well thought-out in their management plans to uphold their values
Heavy metals level in Amaranthus species from Chang’ombe-Mchicha Area in Temeke District, Dares- Salaam, Tanzania
(Asian Journal of Chemistry, 2016) Sahu, Minati; Kacholi, David Sylvester
This study focuses on the concentration levels of heavy metals copper, zinc, lead, iron and cobalt in Amaranthus species grown in a local garden located at Chang’ombe-Mchicha area in Temeke District in Dar es Salaam region, Tanzania. The garden is irrigated by wastewater from a stream flowing nearby and which passes through the industrial areas before reaching the garden. The heavy metal levels in the vegetable were determined using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS). The findings revealed leaves to have higher heavy metal concentrations than stems and roots. The average concentration for copper ranged from 1.14 to 1.70 mg/100 g dry weight, zinc 6.87 to 11.59 mg/100 g, iron 13.40 to 33.65 mg/100 g, lead 0.49 to 2.27 mg/100 g and cobalt 0.14 to 0.27 mg/100 g. These values were higher than the provisional maximum tolerable daily intake standards recommended by FAO/WHO codex committee on contaminants in foods. The high observed values put consumers of the vegetable grown in the study area at health risk over time unless urgent and right steps are to be taken by the responsible authority to address this issue. Thus, the findings are important to consumers and policy makers.
Indigenous Tree Uses, Use-Values and Impact of Human Population on Forest Size, Structure and Species Richness in Uluguru, Morogoro, Tanzania
(Tanzania Journal of Science, 2004) Kacholi, David Sylvester
This study assesses tree uses and use-values as well as impacts of human population on the forest size, species richness, basal area and stand density in the Uluguru forests in Morogoro Region. Interview with locals on the tree uses were done using structured questionnaires and use-value analysis techniques were used in analysing data. Trees with a diameter at breast height ≥ 10 cm measured at 1.3 m above the ground were sampled from a total of 114 plots of 20 m x 20 m (0.04 ha) from the seven forests. A total of 42 species belonging to 20 families were listed being useful for the local livelihoods. Of the listed species, 88% serve more than one function while 64% are used for firewood and charcoaling, 45%, and 40%, are used for timber and medicinal purposes, respectively. Milicia excelsa and Sterculia quinqueloba had highest and lowest total use-value, respectively. Ocotea usambarensis is known to treat 29% of diseases while 47% and 25% of the species with medicinal values are used to treat stomach-ache and dysentery. Roots are the most utilized tree part for making traditional medicines, followed by barks and leaves. The human population density revealed a significant negative correlation with forest size (r = -0.90), species richness (r = -0.78), and stand density (r = -0.75). The study suggests for control of human population and their associated activities, provision of awareness on sustainable utilization of forest resources, use of alternative source of energy by locals and active involvement of the locals in management and conservation programmes.
Levels and Health Risk Assessment of Heavy Metals in Soil, Water, and Vegetables of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
(Journal of Chemistry, 2018) Kacholi, David Sylvester
This study assesses heavy metals’ levels in water, soil, and vegetables (Ipomoea batatas (Matembele), Amaranthus hybridus (Mchicha), Abelmoschus esculentus (Bamia), and Solanum melongena (Bilinganya)) from the Chang’ombe police garden located in Temeke district, Tanzania. Also, it examines potential health risks from consumption of the vegetables.The samples of soils, water, and vegetables were randomly collected, processed, and analyzed for heavy metals using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry. The heavy metals’ levels in soil, water, and vegetables were in the order of Fe > Zn > Pb > Cu. Among the vegetables, I. batatas had highest heavy metal content followed by A. hybridus, S. melongena, and A. esculentus. The average daily intake for Pb (63mg/person/day) was above the permissible maximum tolerable daily intake of 0.21mg/person/day endorsed by WHO/FAO. Hazard quotient of Pb for I. batatas (7.12) and A. hybridus (2.46) as well as the hazard indices of I. batatas (7.99) and A. hybridus (2.88) exceeded unity, signifying presence of health risks from consumption of the vegetables. This study recommends regular monitoring of heavy metals in soils, water, and foodstuffs to prevent excessive accrual in food chain.
Plants Used by Nyamwezi Traditional Health Practitioners To Remedy Sexually Transmitted Infections in Sikonge, Tanzania
(JEHS DUCE, 2021) Kacholi, David Sylvester; Amir, Halima Mvungi
This study aims to document medicinal plants used by Nyamwezi traditional health practitioners (NTHPs) in managing sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in Sikonge District. The data on medicinal plants were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire. A total of 23 NTHPs were interviewed. The findings revealed that 28 medicinal plants, belonging to 16 families and 25 genera, are used for the management of STIs in Sikonge. Most species belonged to family Fabaceae (17.9%), Apocynaceae, Combretaceae and Euphorbiaceae (10.7% each), and Olacaceae and Rutaceae (7.1% each). Out of the recorded plants, 45.7% are used to manage gonorrhoea, 25.7% syphilis, 17.1% vaginal candidiasis, 8.6% HIV/AIDS related infections and 2.9% chlamydia. Cassia abbreviata (47.8%), Ximenia caffra (39.1%) and Abrus precatorius (34.8%) were plants with high citation index. Tree (50.0%) and root (70.9%) were the most utilized growth form and plant part, respectively. 85.7% of the species were collected from the wild. Decoction (73.3%) and oral (86.2%) were the most used methods of preparation and administration of remedies, respectively. These study findings can serve as resource for the probe of bioactive components, which can lead to the discovery of contemporary drugs. Thus, the study recommends for pharmacological investigations of the reported plants, provision of awareness to NTHPs on sustainable harvest and conservation of the plants, and mentorship to the younger generation in an effort to preserve the indigenous knowledge.
Population structure, harvesting rate and regeneration status of four woody species in Kimboza forest reserve, Morogoro region - Tanzania
(Plants and Environment Research Institute, India, 2020-09-30) Kacholi, David Sylvester
Kimboza forest reserve is recognized as an IUCN category IV-habitat and species management area, but the information on population structure, harvesting rate and regeneration status of four commercial woody species, namely; Khaya anthotheca, Milicia excelsa, Pterocarpus angolensis and Dalbergia melanoxylon in the forest are lacking. This study, therefore, aims to fill this gap. A total of five transects were established in the forest whereby within each transect, five nested quadrats of 20 m × 20 m were placed at 200 m distance for sampling stems with diameter at breast height (DBH) ≥ 10 cm and stumps of the target species. Stems with DBH <10 cm were counted in a quadrat of 5 m × 5 m placed within the big quadrat. The findings show that density of stems & harvesting rate for Khaya anthotheca, Milicia excelsa, Pterocarpus angolensis and Dalbergia melanoxylon were 4.8 stems/ha & 6.6 stumps/ha, 12.6 stems/ha & 3.4 stumps/ha, 16.0 stems/ha & 2.8 stumps/ha, and 5.6 stems/ha & 1.2 stumps/ha, respectively. The DBH class distribution for Khaya anthotheca, Milicia excelsa and Pterocarpus angolensis displayed a good regeneration pattern, however, the last two were interrupted in high size classes. The Dalbergia melanoxylon revealed a poor regeneration pattern. The study recommends that illegal harvest of the species should be controlled, environmental education be provided to locals, and stringent measures be institutionalized against illegal loggers.
Understory Tree Composition, Diversity and Natural Regeneration Status of Uluguru Forests in Morogoro - Tanzania
(Journal of Education, Humanities and Sciences, 2015) Kacholi, David Sylvester
Most of the studies on tropical forests vegetation have tended to focus on trees with a diameter at breast height (DBH) greater or equal to 10cm, and limited attention has been paid to understory. This study was conducted in Uluguru forests in Morogoro region, Tanzania, with an objective of describing the understory tree composition, diversity and natural regeneration of some threatened species in the seven surveyed forests. Sampling was done in the forests whereby classification of understory was done into three layers: seedling (individuals with height < 1m), small sapling (DBH ≤ 3 cm), and large sapling (3 < DBH < 10 cm) layers. Large saplings were sampled in 20m × 20m plots, while subplots of 5m ×5m and 2m ×2m were placed at the centre of each plot for sampling small saplings and seedlings, respectively. A total of 2119 seedlings, 1798 small saplings, and 2585 large saplings belonging 91, 102, and 104 species, respectively, were recorded. Fabaceae was the most speciosefamily in all the studied compartments, and had higher familial importance value (FIV). The seedling layer had higher tree density than the large and small sapling layers, but the large and small sapling layers were more diverse than the seedling layer (p < 0.05).The species richness in each forest was significantly higher in the understory than overstory layer (p < 0.034); and the pairing was strongly positively correlated (r = 096, p = 0.0003). The Sørensen coefficients of similarities between understory and overstory ranged between 0.53–0.77, and were higher within each forest than among them. All forests revealed to have good regeneration, though it is important to understand that some species unveiled poor or hampered regeneration pattern.In summary, the understory was observed to be speciose than overstory layer; it was dominated by family Fabaceae, and the natural regeneration of the forests were good, however, some species need due attention.

Browsing by Author "Kacholi, David Sylvester"

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