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Item Abnormal white colouration in three species of insectivorous African bats(2009-08) Howell, KimThere are numerous reports in the literature of albinism in bats (Setzer, 1950; Verschuren, 1955; Walley, 1971, and Cerveny & Burger, 1977). Not all records of white or partially white bats represent cases of albinism as defined by Egoscue & Lewis (1 968), and emphasized by Quay (1970). Many authors note records of “partial albinism” which are actually examples of non-albinistic abnormalities in colouration. Of the two most recent reviews, only that of Walley (1971) correctly records separately examples of albinismItem Abundance and Diversity of Rodents at The Human-Wildlife Interface in Western Serengeti, Tanzania. African Journal of Ecology(Wiley, 2006-07) Magige, Flora J.; Senzota, R. B. M.In this paper we examine how climate change interacts with other disturbances to alter the functioning of a tropical ecosystem, the Serengeti in Tanzania. Tropical Africa has increasing temperatures and changes in rainfall. Long-term data have shown how the avifauna responds to the interaction of environmental change with other disturbances: (1) habitat modification through agriculture by limiting endemic species and top trophic levels. Rare species are lost so this is a problem for conservation. Top trophic levels are lost and the lack of predators then releases pests. This is a problem for natural resource management. (2) Disease and hunting cause slow change in the species complex. This can alter community dynamics depending on which species enter or leave. (3) Habitat fragmentation or decay can cause slow change. When this reaches a threshold there may be rapid change in the species composition causing multiple states. One lesson is that present-day ecosystem states and trends can only be understood in the context of past historical events. Another is that all systems change so this requires a new approach to conservation. Within protected areas, new boundaries or new areas will be required. Outside rewilding is required to support more biodiversity.Item Abundance and diversity of rodents at the human–wildlife interface in Western Serengeti, Tanzania(2006-09) Magige, Flora; Senzota, Ramadhani B. M.Rodent species abundance and diversity in Western Serengeti are evaluated and discussed in relation to different levels of conservation status [Unprotected Area (UA), Game Reserve (GR) and National Park (NP)] and broad site differences in human livelihood activities. A total of 2170 individuals, spread over 16 rodent species, were caught in a capture-mark-recapture study which covered both the dry and wet seasons. The more humid site (Tabora B) in the northern part of Serengeti had the highest diversity of rodents followed by the Mihale site at the western extension. The driest site at Robanda had the lowest overall species diversity. Diversity also varied between the three levels of conservation status whereby the UA had the least diversity while the NP, which enjoyed the highest level of conservation status, had the highest diversity of rodents. Unprotected Area and NP plots at Tabora B showed a rodent species similarity index of 40%; all the other paired plots scored over 50% similarity indices, suggesting that, within a site, species composition did not vary significantly between the three levels of conservation status. The Robanda site had the highest (56%) overall abundance of rodents; Mihale and Tabora B sites had about the same level of rodent abundance (20 and 24% respectively). For the Mihale site, Mastomys natalensis ranked first followed by Arvicanthis niloticus and Tatera robusta, each of which contained 40, 38 and 16%, respectively, of all individuals caught at the site. For the Robanda site, the figures were 66%A. niloticus, 22%M. natalensis and 9%T. robusta; while for the Tabora B site the scores were 37%M. natalensis, 18%T. robusta and 11%Lemniscomys barbarus. The differences in diversity, species composition and population abundance appear to result largely from physiognomic vegetation types, and habitat perturbations caused by livelihood activities in Western Serengeti.Item Abundance and roosting ecology of chameleons in the Eastern Arc Mountains of Tanzania and potential effects of harvesting(2011-12) Patrick, David A.; Shirk, Philip; Vonesh, James R.; Harper, Elizabeth B.; Howell, KimHarvesting of chameleons from the East Usambara Mountains of Tanzania for the exotic pet trade is of concern due to the high rates of habitat loss in this region and the fact that many of the species are endemic or near endemic to this isolated montane forest. Export of the majority of chameleons found in the East Usambaras is regulated by their listing under CITES Appendix II. To ensure harvesting is sustainable, however, greater knowledge of the ecology of species is needed. We conducted this study in and around Amani Nature Reserve in the East Usambara Mountains during August 2009. We used transects on the forest edge and interior to gather baseline data relating to the ecology of chameleons and to assess if any effects of harvesting on populations could be detected. We compared abundance of chameleons between forest edge and interior, the age/size of species, and sex-ratios between these two habitat types. We observed 108 chameleons during surveys, representing seven species. Some species were restricted to forest interior while others were only found on forest edges. When comparing age/size and sex ratios of the most valued species for the exotic pet trade, Trioceros deremensis, we found a strong female sex-bias in adults only, and that adult females were larger than adult males. This is in contrast to reports in published literature showing that males are capable of growing larger than females. Based on the low abundance of some species, we suggest careful consideration of future export quotas under CITES. Further investigation into the potential reasons for the size and sex-ratios of T. deremensis is also needed.Item Academic Journals Food Preference of the Sea Urchin Tripneustes Gratilla (Linnaeus, 1758) In Tropical Seagrass Habitats at Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania(2010-12) Lyimo, Thomas J.; Mamboya, Florence; Hamisi, Mariam; Lugomela, CharlesThe sea urchin Tripneustes gratilla is the most well-known seagrass grazer in the Western Indian Ocean and a few cases of overgrazing have been reported. However, few studies on their feeding preference have been performed in this region. In this study, the food items in the gut contents of T. gratilla collected from seagrass beds and in a bare sediment in intertidal areas of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, were analysed and compared to their availability in the surrounding environment. A total of 59 micro and macro-algae species were identified from the environment and the guts of T. gratilla, of which 48 were found in both gut contents and the environment. Gut contents of T. gratilla collected from mono specific seagrass habitats were dominated by the species in which they were found. In a mixture of four different seagrass species, Syringodium isoetifolium was preferred (with electivity indices (E*) of +0.36) while Cymodocea rotundata, Halodule uninervis and Thalassia hemprichii were slightly avoided (E* = -0.24, -0.22 and -0.22, respectively). We concluded that T. gratilla generally feeds on available seagrass species. However, in the presence of different types of seagrasses it showed preference to S. isoetifolium possibly due to presence of high epiphyte load which may increase its palatability.Item Accumulation of Copper and Zinc and their Effects on Growth and Maximum Quantum Yield of the Brown Macroalga Padina Gymnospora(2008) Mamboya, Florence; Pratap, Harish B.; Mtolera, M.; Björk, MatsAccumulation and the effects of copper and zinc on the macroalga Padina gymnospora were assessed in the laboratory after artificial exposure to copper and zinc (separately or in combination). Exposure concentrations of copper used were 0, 25, 50, 100, 500 and 1,000 µg l-1. Concentrations of zinc exposure were 0, 50, 100, 250, 1,000 and 5,000 µg l-1. The simultaneous (or combined) addition of copper and zinc (Cu+Zn) involved 25+50, 50+100, 100+250, and 500+1,000 µg l-1. Accumulation patterns were determined by measuring tissue contents of copper and zinc, while the tolerance was assessed by measuring growth rate and photosynthetic performance, as maximum quantum yield (Fv/Fm). Furthermore, the influence of major nutrients (phosphates and nitrates) on algal-metal-accumulation was estimated after additions of nitrate (1, 10 and 20 mg l-1) and phosphate (0.1, 1 and 2 mg l-1). The data obtained showed that the accumulation increased linearly with the increase in metal concentration in the growth media. However, the presence of additional nitrate and phosphate reduced both the metal accumulation and their toxic effects. Both algal growth rate and maximum quantum yields were negatively affected in proportion to the increase in metal concentrations and exposure time. At exposures to 50, 100 and 500 µg l-1 copper, inhibition in growth was greater than 50%, while an exposure to 1,000 µg l-1of zinc was needed to cause the same effect on growth and Fv/Fm. Growth rate was a more sensitive indicator of stress than maximum quantum yield in response to exposure to copper and zinc Accumulation of Copper and Zinc and their Effects on Growth and Maximum Quantum Yield of the Brown Macroalga Padina GymnosporaItem Accumulation of Copper and Zinc and their Effects on Growth and Maximum Quantum Yield of the Brown Macroalga Padina Gymnospora. Western Indian Ocean J. Mar. Sci. 6(1):17-28 (2007)(2008) Mamboya, Florence A.; Pratap, Harish B.; Mtolera, Matern; Björk, MatsAccumulation and the effects of copper and zinc on the macroalga Padina gymnospora were assessed in the laboratory after artificial exposure to copper and zinc (separately or in combination). Exposure concentrations of copper used were 0, 25, 50, 100, 500 and 1,000 µg l-1. Concentrations of zinc exposure were 0, 50, 100, 250, 1,000 and 5,000 µg l-1. The simultaneous (or combined) addition of copper and zinc (Cu+Zn) involved 25+50, 50+100, 100+250, and 500+1,000 µg l-1. Accumulation patterns were determined by measuring tissue contents of copper and zinc, while the tolerance was assessed by measuring growth rate and photosynthetic performance, as maximum quantum yield (Fv/Fm). Furthermore, the influence of major nutrients (phosphates and nitrates) on algal-metal-accumulation was estimated after additions of nitrate (1, 10 and 20 mg l -1) and phosphate (0.1, 1 and 2 mg l-1). The data obtained showed that the accumulation increased linearly with the increase in metal concentration in the growth media. However, the presence of additional nitrate and phosphate reduced both the metal accumulation and their toxic effects. Both algal growth rate and maximum quantum yields were negatively affected in proportion to the increase in metal concentrations and exposure time. At exposures to 50, 100 and 500 µg l-1 copper, inhibition in growth was greater than 50%, while an exposure to 1,000 µg l-1of zinc was needed to cause the same effect on growth and Fv/Fm. Growth rate was a more sensitive indicator of stress than maximum quantum yield in response to exposure to copper and zinc.Item Activity of Cinnamomum Osmophloeum Leaf Essential Oil Against Anopheles Gambiae s.s(BioMed Central, 2014) Mdoe, France P.; Cheng, Sen-Sung; Msangi, Shandala; Nkwengulila, Gamba; Chang, Shang-Tzen; Kweka, Eliningaya J.The increasing status of insecticide resistant mosquitoes in sub-Saharan Africa is a threatening alert to the existing control efforts. All sibling species of An. gambiae complex have evolved insecticide resistance in wild populations for different approved classes of the insecticides currently in use in the field. An alternative compound for vector control is absolutely urgently needed. In this study, the larvicidal activity and chemical composition of the Cinnamomum osmophloeum leaf essential oils were investigated. C. osmophloeum leaf essential oils were extracted by hydrodistillation in a Clevenger-type apparatus for 6 hours, and their chemical compositions identified using GC-MS. These oils were evaluated against An. gambiae s.s. in both laboratory and semi-field situations. The WHO test procedures for monitoring larvicidal efficacy in malaria vectors were used. The composition of C. osmophloeum leaf essential oil has been found to have 11 active compounds. The most abundant compound was trans-cinnamaldehyde (70.20%) and the least abundant was caryophyllene oxide (0.08%). The larvicidal activity was found to be dosage and time dependant both in laboratory and semi-field environments with mortality ranging from 0% to 100%. The LC50 value was found to vary from 22.18 to 58.15 μg/ml in the laboratory while in semi-field environments it was 11.91 to 63.63 μg/ml. The LC90 value was found to range between 57.71 to 91.54 μg/ml in the laboratory while in semi-field environments was 52.07 to 173.77 μg/ml. Mortality ranged from 13% to 100% in the laboratory while in semi-field environments it ranged between 43% to 100% within mortality recording time intervals of 12, 24, 48, and 72 hours. The larvicidal activity shown by C. osmophloeum leaf essential oil is a promising alternative to existing larvicides or to be incorporated in integrated larval source management compounds for An. gambiae s.s control. The efficacy observed in this study is attributed to both major and minor compounds of the essential oils.Item An albino bat Hipposideros ruber Noack, from Tanzania(1974-05) Howell, Kim; Mainoya, J. R.Item The Ambangulu Forest, West Usambara Mountains, Tanzania: A Threatened Eastern Arc Forest. Oryx(1995-06) Goodman, Steven M.; Stanley, William T.; Newmark, William D.; Howell, KimAmbangulu Forest is one of the few remaining tracts of natural forest between 800 and 1200 m in the West Usambara Mountains of Tanzania. It may be the biologically richest area in the region but it is threatened by illegal felling of timber trees, wind damage, grazing and browsing livestock, and collection of fuel-wood and building poles. A proposed project aims to protect the forest and benefit local people at the same time.Item AMPHIBIANS OF THE AFROTROPICAL REALM(2008-11) Andreone, Franco; Channing, Alan; Drewes, Robert; Gerlach, Justin; Glaw, Frank; Howell, Kim; Largen, Malcolm; Loader, Simon; Lötters, Stefan; Minter, Leslie; Pickersgill, Martin; Raxworthy, Christopher J.Due to their permeable skin few amphibians are able to tolerate dry or salty conditions, a characteristic that has prevented most species from colonising oceanic islands. The most diverse oceanic island amphibian fauna is found in the Seychelles, an archipelago of about 115 granitic and coralline islands in the Indian Ocean, some 1,600km east of mainland Africa, and northeast of the island of Madagascar (Figure 1). Eleven native amphibian species have been recorded from the Seychelles islands, comprising both recent colonists and ancient endemics. Recent colonization by one species, the Mascarene Grass Frog Ptychadena mascariensis (LC), is probably the result of human introduction (Vences et al. 2004) in the 1800s, whilst the endemic Seychelles Treefrog Tachycnemis seychellensis (LC) is believed to be descended from a natural colonist from Madagascar (Vences et al. 2003). The remaining spe- cies are all ancient endemics that have probably existed on the island since their isolation from the Indian landmass some 65 million years ago. These species comprise the endemic frog family Sooglossidae and seven species of burrowing caecilians (Order Gymnophiona). Sooglossidae are an exceptional family in several respects. Four species are currently recognized in two genera, although recent morphological and mo- lecular data suggests that a further three species remain to be described and that the genera need to be redefined. They are all small frogs, with Gardiner's Frog Sooglossus gardineri (VU) among several species up for contention as the world's smallest frog (with adults being as small as 9mm in length). All sooglossids are found in the damp forests of the two highest islands, Mahé and Silhouette. These habitats have only seasonal or fast-flowing stems, and the sooglossids have abandoned the normal frog life-cycle in favour of ter- restrial development. The Seychelles Frog Sooglossus sechellensis (VU) lays its eggs on land and the female carries the tadpoles until they develop into frogs. Sooglossus gardineri is even more specialized, with the male guarding terrestrial eggs that hatch into 3-mm long froglets; the entire tadpole stage is passed within the egg. Thomasset's Seychelles Frog Nesomantis thomasseti (VU) has recently been discovered to have a very similar breeding strategy, but nothing is known of the reproductive behaviour of the Seychelles Palm Frog S. pipilodryas (VU). This latter species is the most recently described of the Seychelles amphibian species, having been discovered in 2000 (Gerlach and Willi 2002). It lives in the axils of endemic palms where it lay protected from discovery by the dense spines of the palm leaves. It is the only arboreal sooglossid, the other species all being associated with crevices in boulder fields or the leaf-litter and root-mat of the forest floor. The caecilian fauna of the Seychelles islands comprises six species in three endemic genera. Not surprisingly, and as with caecilians in general (see Essay 1.3), these are the least well known of all Seychelles amphib- ians. Their burrowing habits make them difficult to locate and study. For most species, their distributions are reasonably well defined and there are some observations of breeding habits. Different species appear to show the full range of reproductive strategies, form aquatic larvae, thorough to ter- restrial larvae and direct development. The limited ecological data available indicate that Grandisonia alternans (LC) is a widespread species occurring in all habitats and Hypogeophis rostratus (LC) is a similar generalist, although more associated with lowland habitats. In contrast, Praslina cooperi (VU) and some of the small Grandisonia species appear to be specialists of the high forest. Current research into this group is attempting to develop monitoring methods and to identify aspects of their ecology that are of importance to their conservation. Half of Seychelles amphibians are threatened due to their naturally restricted ranges and deteriorating habitats (five species are categorised as Least Concern, 5 Vulnerable and one Endangered). The sooglossid frogs and the caecilian Praslina cooperi have particularly restricted ranges, being associated only with the damper rain-forests. Habitat deterioration is a significant threat to the caecilian Grandisonia brevis (EN), which has a re- stricted range and occurs in habitats that are suffering from ongoing invasion by alien plant species. In addition, there is some suggestion that changes in rainfall patterns may have impacts on some species, which may result from mid-year declines in rainfall restricting the activity and distribution of the rain-forest specialists (Gerlach 2000). Losses of several areas of marsh habitats have probably caused population declines in some species, such as another caecilian Grandisonia alternans (Gerlach 2000). There have been a number of successful conservation programmes in Seychelles, concentrating mainly on birds. Critically Endangered species have been rescued from extinction by limited habitat management, but mostly by inter-island transfers. These programmes have been to the benefit of spe- cies such as the Seychelles Magpie-robin Copsychus seychellarum and the Seychelles White-eye Zosterops modesta. Such options are not available for the amphibians due to their close dependence on their high forest or marsh-land habitats. Consequently, preservation of their habitat is essential; most species are present in protected areas, although habitat management is still required to control the spread of invasive plant species. The island with the highest diversity of amphibians (Silhouette) is currently unprotected and designation of this island as a national park would significantly enhance amphibian conservation in Seychelles. To date, there has been no evidence of any sudden amphibian decline in Seychelles, although the potential impact of an invasion by chytridiomycosis would be considerable. Monitoring programmes are in place for the frogs, and are being developed for the caecilians. Updates on research and conservation progress can be found at http://members.aol.com/jstgerlach/herps.htmItem Anaerobic Oxidation f Dimethylsul¢De AndmethanethiolIn Mangrove Sediments s Dominated By Sulfate-Reducing Bacteria(2009-08) Lyimo, Thomas J.; Pol, Arjan; Harhangi, Harry R.; Jetten, Mike S. M.; Op den Camp, Huub J. M.The oxidation of dimethylsulfide and methanethiol by sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) was investigated in Tanzanian mangrove sediments. The rate of dimethylsulfide and methanethiol accumulation in nonamended sediment slurry (control) incubations was very low while in the presence of the inhibitors tungstate and bromoethanesulfonic acid (BES), the accumulation rates ranged from 0.02-0.34 to 0.2-0.4 nmol g FW sediment(-1) h(-1), respectively. Degradation rates of methanethiol and dimethylsulfide added were 2-10-fold higher. These results point to a balance of production and degradation. Degradation was inhibited much stronger by tungstate than by BES, which implied that SRB were more important. In addition, a new species of SRB, designated strain SD1, was isolated. The isolate was a short rod able to utilize a narrow range of substrates including dimethylsulfide, methanethiol, pyruvate and butyrate. Strain SD1 oxidized dimethylsulfide and methanethiol to carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulfide with sulfate as the electron acceptor and exhibited a low specific growth rate of 0.010 +/- 0.002 h(-1), but a high affinity for its substrates. The isolated microorganism could be placed in the genus Desulfosarcina (the most closely related cultured species was Desulfosarcina variabilis, 97% identity). Strain SD1 represents a member of the dimethylsulfide/methanethiol-consuming SRB population in mangrove sediments.Item Anatomic Morphometrics of the “Senene” Tettigoniid Ruspolia differens Serville (Orthoptera: Conocephalidae) from North-West Tanzania(2013) Matojo, Nicodemus D.; Yarro, Jacob G.The morphometrics of Ruspolia differens (order: Orthoptera; family: Conocephalidae), the longhorn grasshopper that is widely known as senene by its Kiswahili name, was largely unclear although the species serves broadly as a delicacy relish snack. In this study, the anatomic morphometrics of this insect was critically inferred based on the samples that were collected from North-west Tanzania in April-May 2009. R. differens was revealed to have a number of unique anatomic features that can essentially serve in its diagnosis. These include the paired male metathoracic flaps, finger-like prosternal protuberances, hind femoral spines, subequal tibial black markings, and an obvious male biased antennal dimorphism.Item Antiviral Activity of the Crude Extracts and Phytochemical Fractions of Aloe Secundiflora against Newcastle Disease Virus(2005) Waihenya, R. K.; Keriko, J. M.; Mtambo, M. M. A.; Nkwengulila, Gamba; Kayser, O.; Hafez, H. M.Crude extract of Aloe secundiflora (Aloeaceae), and three phytochemical (HPLC) fractions containing the major phenolic compounds were investigated for their effects on Newcastle Disease Virus (NDV) in embryonated specific pathogen free (SPF) chicken eggs. The three fractions used contained the major peaks within which the main compounds had been identified as aloenin, aloin and an aloinoside derivatives. The crude Aloe extract at 400 mg/ml exhibited antiviral effects at 100%, While 200 mg/ml resulted to 30% reduction in viral multiplication. Fraction containing aloenin (4 mg/ml = 4000 ppm) also showed 100% reduction effects of viral multiplication on NDV in nineday old embryonated chicken eggs (ECE). Fraction containing aloin (4 mg/ml = 4000 ppm) exhibited 50% reduction of viral multiplication while the fraction containing aloinside showed 70% reduction effects. The results of the study provided a justification on the ethnoveterinary use of the exudate in the prophylaxis / control of Newcastle Disease Virus.Item Apiculture Potential in Protected Areas: The Case of Udzungwa Mountains National Park, Tanzania(Taylor & Francis, 2009) Njau, Marcelian A.; Mpuya, Pauline M.; Mturi, Fatina A.Information on nesting behaviour, productivity in natural tree cavities and man-made hives and natural enemies of resident stinging honeybee sub-species was gathered for a period of 1 year in Udzungwa Mountains National Park, Tanzania. Three sub-species of the honeybee Apis mellifera occur in this area. Six types of hive were sited in appropriate locations and colony dynamics studied. The bees also nested in tree cavities facing east and west, and also in most types of hive, with the exception of burnt brick ground level ‘Chikka’ hives. There were few natural enemies of bees in the area. The density of honeybee colonies per hectare, occupancy of various types of hive and quantity of honey and beeswax harvested from various types of hive all favoured beekeeping in this area. Development of apiculture in the area and its role in conservation of the Udzungwa ecosystem are discussed.Item Assessing Community and Resource Conditions: A Participatory Diagnosis Report for the Baga Watershed Lushoto Tanzania(2005-12) Wickama, Juma; Mbaga, Tuaeli; Madadi, Lazarus; Byamungu, MechtildaIn September-October 2006 a multidisciplinary team of researchers from the AHI Benchmarksite in Lushoto, the Agricultural Research Institute (ARI) – Selian in Arusha, the Agricultural Research Institute (ARI) – Mlingano, Tanga, the Association for Land use Environmental care Research and Technology Transfer (ALERT) in Tanga, the Tanzania Forest Research Institute (TAFORI) in Lushoto and the extension personnel from the District Council of Lushoto conducted a focused participatory resource diagnosis (PD) study in the villages of Mbelei, Kwekitui, Kwadoe, Kwehangala, Dule and Kwalei in Lushoto district. The six villages are what this document collectively refers to as the Baga Watershed. The objective of the study was to assess resource conditions and their management. Special bias was taken towards water and soil related resources and their management because these formed the foundations for the project for which this PD was conducted. The diagnosis was conducted in a participatory manner in which the study team combined use of a modified approach called PLAR (Participatory Learning and Action Research) and the AHI method Guide to engage the study communities, discussed with them resource conditions, their causes and proper action to be taken. The activity was also continuation of engagements which the AHI has been undertaking in the area for the last 3 years now. Results indicate that there is still significant degradation of water, tree and soil based resources in the Watershed villages. Water related resources like water streams, rivers, springs and wells are highly degraded and less productive than what they used to be 10-20 years ago. Many of the once permanent streams no longer produce water during the non-rainy months. In many of these villages water availability for irrigation is now a major source of social conflicts. Many farmers still report a declining trend in rainfall availability and its distribution within the seasons. Similarly yields per unit area for nearly all crops are falling with time. At the farm level the team observed significant soil erosion, lack of soil conservation practices, poor agricultural practices and falling soil fertility. Irrigated agriculture for vegetable and other horticultural produce is highly popular especially among the youth who have smaller landholdings as compared to their older fathers. The youth are practicing improved soil fertility management practices like fertilizer use in their fields which carry horticultural produce. Most of the important crops like coffee and banana which used to be irrigated during abundance of water are now practically rainfed and their actual acreage are declining. Many farmers point an acusing finger towards reduced precipitation as the reason for all the ills. Our team however, again confirmed four factors which contribute to the current water related conflicts and falling productivity from the fields; reduced amount of water from current water sources, increased water demand, excessive wastage of water through wasteful irrigation furrows and practices as well as poor distribution of irrigation water. To counter this trend in resource degradation our team discussed with farmers about the probable reasons for resource degradation and what could be done against it. The six villages have agreed to take actions that will progressively reverse the degradation of the water resources through collective action. They have in turn requested the project team to build their capacity in the utilization of efficient water utilization technologies andItem Assessment of Anti-poaching Effort in Ruaha National Park, Tanzania(2005) Nahonyo, Cuthbert L.Anti-poaching effort in Ruaha National Park for the period between January 1996 to June 1999 was evaluated in terms of strength, frequency and duration of patrols, area covered and success of patrols. It was found that the park spent 72.4 US$ km-2 year-1 on law enforcement. There were 72 rangers each required to patrol on the average 143 km2. A total of 1,255 patrols were conducted; patrols ranged from 14 to 43 trips per month and each lasted between 1 to 25 days and most were foot and vehicle patrols. Patrol units had 2 to 11 rangers while the average patrol effort ranged from 36 ranger-days 100km-2 year-1 to 120 ranger-days 100 km-2 year-1. The success of sighting poaching signs varied from 4.3 signs 100 ranger-days-1 to 10.5 signs 100 ranger-days-1. Patrol units on foot were more likely to sight poachers than those on vehicles. Armed patrols were more likely to encounter poaching gangs during the dry than wet season possibly because visibility was better in the dry season. About 90% to 100% rangers were armed during patrols. Over 60% of encountered poachers were arrested. Increasing the number of armed patrol units is likely to increase success in sighting and arresting poachers through improving patrol efficiency. However, this should be coupled with increased funding; patrol vehicles, ranger force and improved road systemItem An Assessment of Ecological and Social-Economic Impacts Caused by Collection of Deadwood, Medicinal Plants and Cutting of Grass for Thatching in Udzungwa Mountains National Park(2006) Nyundo, Bruno A.; Mtui, A.; Kissaka, H.Item Assessment of Faecal Bacteria Contamination in Selected Coastal Waters of Tanzania(2013-03) Mwakalobo, Samson L.; Namkinga, Lucy; Lyimo, Thomas J.; Lugomela, CharlesCoastal communities of Tanzania use natural water systems such as rivers, estuaries and marine for various activities like drinking, fishing, washing and bathing. However, there is scanty information on the safety for these water bodies for the various uses. In this study faecal indicator bacteria were assessed in three sites along the coast of Tanzania (i.e. Pangani Estuary in Tanga Region, Ruvu Estuary in Pwani Region and Mzinga Creek in Dar Es Salaam Region). At each site, three sampling stations covering fresh, brackish and marine waters were selected for monthly sampling between July 2009 and June 2010. Faecal bacterial indicators were generally higher in Mzinga Creek compared to the rest of the study sites with significant differences between Mzinga Creek and Pangani Estuary for total coliforms (TC) and faecal coliforms (FC) (P < 0.05). All faecal indicator bacteria were significantly higher in fresh waters compared to brackish and marine waters (P = 0.0001), for TC and FC and P = 0.001 for Enterococcus (ENT). The faecal indicator bacteria correlated positive to each other and negatively to some environmental parameters namely pH and Salinity. Results suggest allochthonous sources of contamination and the influence of environmental factors. Generally the faecal bacterial indicators in the studied waters along the coast of Tanzania were within the acceptable standards according to WHO and USEPA indicating low risks situation for recreational purposes. However, these levels of faecal bacteria does not warrant the use in the studied estuaries for shellfish harvesting and the fresh water is not suitable for direct drinking. Further studies and monitoring programs are recommended to substantiate the current results.Item Assessment of fecal bacteria contamination in sewage and non-sewage impacted mangrove ecosystems along the coast of Dar es salaam(2009-07) Abbu, A. A.; Lyimo, Thomas J.Microbiological quality of the intertidal pool water was evaluated in sewage impacted (Mtoni Kijichi) and non-sewage impacted (Rasi Dege) mangrove forest sites along the coast of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. The Most Probable Number method was used for estimating the total coliform (TC), fecal coliform (FC) and fecal enterococci (ENT) levels. In addition, physicochemical parameters (temperature, pH, salinity and nutrients) were measured. The results for microbial fecal indicators were compared to the World Health Organisation (WHO) and United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) guidelines for marine recreational and shellfish harvesting waters. Fecal bacteria contamination was significantly higher at Mtoni Kijichi than at Rasi Dege mangroves Nutrient levels were also significantly higher at Mtoni Kijichi than Rasi Dege). No significant variation was noted on the values of temperature, pH and salinity. A significant correlation between the levels of fecal bacteria indicators and nutrient concentrations was observed at both sites. Regarding compliance to WHO and USEPA guidelines, only one station at Mtoni Kijichi was found to have levels exceeding the recommended thresholds for marine recreational waters. The high level of fecal bacteria contamination and nutrients was attributed to anthropogenic activities. Further studies and education of the users of these ecosystems is recommended.