Browsing by Author "Mwitwa, Jacob"

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    Dry season herbivore utilization of open grasslands in Lower Zambezi National Park, Zambia
    (2011-11) Chomba, Chansa; Senzota, Ramadhani. B.M; Chabwela, Harry; Mwitwa, Jacob; Nyirenda, Vincent
    Utilisation of open grassland plains by large herbivores (≥100 kg) and harvester ants (Messor capensis) in Lower Zambezi National Park, Zambia was assessed every September from 1997 to 2007. A point intercept method was used to estimate percent cover for grass, shrub, bare, litter, herbivore droppings and presence of harvester ants in the Jeki open grassland vegetation community as indicators of range condition. Results showed a reduction in grass cover from 35% in 1997 to 10% in 2007 while litter remained stable. Incidence of herbivore droppings and harvester ants showed a decline while shrub cover and species composition of shrubs increased significantly. As grass cover and grass species composition declined, herbivore droppings and incidence of harvester ants also decreased. Unpalatable species such as Vernonia spp. were assumed to be signs of poor quality range. Increase in bush encroachment indicated heavy utilization by herbivores in the dry season when quality of range deteriorated as a consequence of over utilization of grass species. Further research is required to determine population estimates and grazing capacity of key herbivores such as buffalo (Syncerus caffer).
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    Patterns of Human – Wildlife Conflicts in Zambia, Causes, Consequences and Management Responses
    (2012-08) Chomba, Chansa; Senzota, Ramadhani. B.M; Chabwela, Harry; Mwitwa, Jacob; Nyirenda, Vincent
    A study was carried out to determine causes, consequences and management responses of human – wildlife conflicts in Zambia during the period 2002 to 2010. Data was collected by field staff in the four management regions of Zambia Wildlife Authority and analyzed to establish patterns and species responsible for human fatalities, livestock predation, crop damage and other damages to human property. During the period of 2002 to 2008, a total of 347 people were killed or 49 people killed annually by five species of wildlife; crocodile, elephant, hippo, lion and buffalo. Nile crocodile killed the largest number of people 185 (53%) and was the most significant cause of human fatalities, the second was hippo 65 (19%) and elephant was third 63 (18%). There were fewer livestock predation incidences and only 305 incidences were recorded which was 12% less than human fatalities. With regard to livestock, the largest number killed was for cattle 159 (52%) and the least was the dog, 8 (2.62%). Lion was responsible for 157 (51%) of all livestock predation incidences and the least was python 1 (0.32%). The most important livestock predators were lion, crocodile and hyaena. Overall, crocodile was responsible for the greatest number of human fatalities and livestock predation combined, 273 (42%) while elephant was responsible for the largest number of crop damage incidences 1,799 (42%). Further research is required to determine gender and age group of people killed, time of the day and activity conducted by the victims at the time of the fatality incidence. Smaller species such as rodents and red billed quelea should also be considered rather than concentrating on large species such as elephant, hippo and buffalo which have meat value.