Department of Wildlife Management

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Abundance, distribution and conservation threats of African wild dog (lycaon pictus) in the Loliondo game controlled area, Tanzania
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2011) Masenga, Emmanuel Hosiana
Assessment of abundance, distribution and conservation threats to African wild dogs was conducted in Loliondo Game Controlled Area (LGCA), northern Tanzania. Specifically, the study focused on determining population size and structure, spatial distribution, attitudes of local people towards wild dogs and wild dog conservation and threats impacting the species. Semi-structured interviews, diurnal random searches, internal and external examinations of wild dogs carcasses examined and night transect surveys were employed. Eight packs with a total of 132 recognised individuals at an average pack size of 16.50 ± SD 7.50 individuals were recorded. Pack sizes 3 individuals were reported to be sighted mostly and of all respondents (n = 210), only 26% were able to recognise wild dog sexes. The density of both known and unknown wild dogs was 0.19 animals/km 2 , higher compared to other carnivores. In terms of distribution most of the packs were concentrated in the northern part as compared to the central and southern parts of LGCA. The species was observed to occur most in woodland type of vegetation. Interestingly, 55.30% of respondents showed a positive attitude towards wild dogs and wild dog conservation despite that 52.90% of respondents dismissed lack of any conservation action or strategy in place towards conserving the species. However, poisoning and Canine Distemper Virus were identified as the main threats. Therefore, conserving African wild dogs in LGCA requires mult-approach conservation efforts (i.e. awareness rising to community, fitting radio telemetry to the dogs and threats management interventions) due to nature of the species.
Activity patterns and fine-scale resource partitioning in the gregarious Kihansi spray toad Nectophrynoides asperginis in captivity
(Wiley & Sons, 2014-08-01) Rija, A. A.; Goboro, E. M.; Mwamende, K. A.; Saidi, A.; Kohi, E. M.; Shombe, H. N.
Understanding the behavior of species threatened with extinction is important for conservation planning and for solving problems facing species in captivity and the wild. We examined diurnal activity budgets and habitat use of the extinct in the wild Kihansi spray toad to provide insights into ongoing conservation initiatives for this species. Observations on eight target behaviors were made each morning and evening for 14 days, in two subpopulations at Kihansi and University of Dar es Salaam captive breeding centers. There were significantly more bouts of resting than calling, amplexing, hunting, walking, climbing, or feeding. There was no difference in mean time spent in each activity between the two subpopulations. The use of habitat was variable between age classes, subpopulations and sampling time. Young toads spent significantly more time resting at the top of vegetation and on walls while adults rested
The aftermath of environmental disturbance on the critically endangered Coffea kihansiensis in the Southern Udzungwa Mountains, Tanzania
(Sagepub.com, 2011-01-01) Rija, A. A.; Shombe, H. N.; Mwamende, K. A.
The endemic Coffea kihansiensis was monitored in the Kihansi gorge over a three year period following diversion of the Kihansi River underground for hydropower production and its associated catastrophic effect on the gorge biota. We assessed the growth status of the coffee population by measuring, along an altitudinal gradient, the height and diameter of 450 randomly selected coffee stems in 18 sampling plots covering ca 1800 m2. We also collected microclimatic data to compare with that collected prior to river diversion. Coffee infestation by parasites was examined by recording the number of stems with signs of infestation. There was no significant change in size of Coffea kihansiensis during the study period. However, the size for immature plants differed between the two sites; LWF and UCF. Parasite infestation differed between reproductive age classes and was greater at lower elevation (800 – 850 m a.s.l …
Assessment of bmus awareness on sardine processing and marketing in lake Victoria, Tanzania
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2018) Moshiro, E.
This study was implemented to generate information on assessing BMUs awareness on sardine processing and marketing on Lake Victoria Tanzania. Specifically, the study intended to; identify the roles BMUs are currently performing in line with sardine processing practices with the proposed BMUs guidelines and generating information to carry out the training need assessment for the studied BMUs. The study was conducted in Tanzania part of the lake. A total of 11 BMUs participated, drawn from three districts of Mwanza city. Data was collected using three main methods; A questionnaire-based survey involving a total of 155 respondents, Key informant interviews (n = 3) was done to to cover the information from the Focus Group Discussions, and also FGD (n = 77) with different groups at each site. After fieldwork data was entered in spreadsheets (Excel and SPSS) and analyzed. Multiple response analysis was used to determine the relationship between sardine handling, processing and training need within BMUs. BMUs are aware of various interventions done for sustainable fishery resource utilization. Though efforts to improve the value of sardines have been shown but BMUs were observed with challenges such as, lack of government and financial support, conflict of interest, poor record keeping, lack of regular trainings and proper market. In those circumstances BMUs are not sustainable, although they are feasible institutions. There is a need to build capacity through provision of equipments, access to financial resources, incentives to BMUs leaders, relevant training skills and awareness creation for BMUs to be feasible and sustainable.
Assessment of rodent-borne and zoonotic disease pathogens in humans, gogs and rodents and community awareness in Ngorongoro District, Tanzania
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2024-05) Issae, Amina Ramadhani
Bacteria and viruses carried by rodents, and domestic dogs can have significant public health implications. Rodents are known reservoirs of several zoonotic diseases, such as Hantavirus hemorrhagic fever, Lassa fever virus, plague, tuberculosis and leptospirosis. Also, domestic dogs carry zoonoses like rabies, leptospirosis, salmonellosis, ehrlichiosis and borreliosis. Zoonotic diseases pose a substantial risk to communities‘ health, mostly in wildlife, domestic animals and human interface areas. Ngorongoro district is the home of various wildlife and domestic animals cohabiting with humans. The district is experiencing the expansion of human activities which brings rodents into close proximity with human settlements. Previous studies conducted in livestock and human patients attending the health facilities have documented the existence of antibodies of zoonoses like Rift Valley fever, Brucellosis, Anthrax, and molecular detection of Bovine tuberculosis. While previous studies have examined the transmission of pathogens in livestock and hospital-based research in humans within the district, the specific role played by rodents and domestic dogs in transmitting pathogens remains largely unknown. This research gap necessitated conducting a comprehensive metagenomics study to assess the diversity and abundance of bacteria and viruses circulating among rodents, domestic dogs and humans as well as the communities understanding of rodent-borne diseases, including RVF, in the Ngorongoro district of Tanzania. The Rift Valley fever was frequently previously reported to occur within livestock and human populations of the Ngorongoro district. The disease caused significant morbidity and mortality in both livestock including humans. To address the objectives, the study used Illumina and Oxford Nanopore technologies to identify bacteria and viruses in 530 blood samples collected from 200 humans, 230 rodents, and 100 domestic dogs. Numerous bacteria and viruses were detected and identified by using MiSeq and MinION sequencers with a Kraken2 data analysis program. Moreover, the study used 3 focus groups, 20 key informant interviews, and the questionnaire (N=352) to collect information on communities‘ awareness on rodent-borne diseases and Rift Valley fever. The logistic regression model was used to examine the relationship between demographic factors and communities‘ knowledge, attitudes and practices toward rodent- borne diseases and RVF occurrences. In all three hosts, various pathogenic and zoonotic bacterial species were detected. Zoonotic airborne and contagious bacteria such as Mycobacterium spp, Mycoplasma spp, Bordetella spp and Legionella spp were spotted in rodents, domestic dogs and humans. Arthropod-borne zoonotic bacteria like Bartonella spp, Borrelia spp, and Rickettsia spp were detected in all three hosts, while Orientia spp were found in rodents and dogs. Yersinia pestis, Streptobacillus spp and Anaplasma spp were identified in rodents only. Waterborne and foodborne zoonotic bacteria were also spotted in all three hosts, including Leptospira spp, Brucella spp, Bacillus spp, and Salmonella. Generally, rodents carried a high proportion of zoonotic bacteria compared to dogs and humans. The detection of zoonotic bacteria in all three hosts showed the possibilities of cross-species transmission of infections between animals and humans sharing the same environment. Several viral families and species were detected and identified in this study. A total of 20 RNA and 20 DNA viral families and unclassified RNA viruses were detected. The majority of viral families were detected in rodents when compared to domestic dogs and humans. Peribunyaviridae, Hantaviridae, Phenuiviridae, Flaviviridae, Coronaviridae, Orthomyxoviridae, Paramyxoviridae, Retroviridae, Picornaviridae, Arenaviridae, Togaviridae, and Tobaniviridae are zoonotic RNA viruses identified in rodents. The zoonotic DNA viruses detected in rodents were Adenoviridae, Poxviridae, Herpesviridae, Anelloviridae, and Circoviridae. Peribunyaviridae and Hantaviridae viruses were identified in both rodents and humans, whereas Retroviridae was detected in rodents and domestic dogs. Unclassified +ssRNA viruses were spotted in domestic dogs and humans. Lastly, Herpesviridae was found in all three hosts. In comparison with domestic dogs and humans, rodents harboured potential zoonotic viruses of public health safety. Result showed that 8.52% of respondents had good knowledge, 35.5% had a positive attitude, and 94.3% had good practices toward rodent-borne diseases. The study revealed that only 28.13% of participants were aware of rodent-borne zoonoses. The majority of them (77.27%) believe that rodents are pests that destroy crops and do not transmit pathogens. Moreover, the findings showed that the majority of respondents (82.9%) live in huts which can provide shelter for rodents. Additionally, except for education, the level of knowledge had no significant relationship with most of the participants‘ demographic variables. Respondents with secondary education (p=0.017) had good knowledge of rodent-borne diseases and management when compared to those without education. Despite showing good practices, the communities still don‘t have enough knowledge of rodent-borne infections. The findings further showed that only 36.1%, 38.64%, and 16.19% of participants had good knowledge, positive attitudes and effective preventive practices about RVF occurrences, respectively. The significant demographic variables related to good knowledge and positive attitudes were gender (P<0.05), occupation (P<0.05) and education (P<0.05). Male respondents had good knowledge of RVF epidemiology. Individuals with formal education had good knowledge and exhibited positive attitudes towards RVF occurrences. Agropastoral members had a significantly negative attitude toward RVF occurrences compared to pastorals (P=0.048). The study revealed that the majority of respondents had poor knowledge, negative attitudes and ineffective preventive practices towards RVF epidemiology. Probably, these results were attributed to the lack of regular education campaigns to increase community awareness of the disease. This study novelty is based on the fact that it is the first to provide the baseline information on the diversity of pathogenic and zoonotic bacteria and viruses in rodents, domestic dogs and humans sharing the same environment. Likewise, it established the levels of the communities‘ knowledge, attitudes and practices toward rodent- borne diseases including Rift Valley fever in Ngorongoro district for the first time. The study population had inadequate knowledge and negative attitudes toward rodent-borne diseases and RVF. Therefore, one health multidisciplinary approach is recommended in order to safeguard public and animal health from acquiring zoonoses. Provision of health education should be a long-term practice to prevent diseases outbreaks in Ngorongoro district and in Tanzania at large.
Attitude and perception of tourists towards wildlife-based tourism in Tanzania: a case study of the northern tourist circuit
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2018) Kahangwa, P. N.
The tourism industry has become a fast growing economic sector in Tanzania with high foreign earnings. This is a result of the vast natural resources that Tanzania is endowed with. The tourists arriving in Tanzania have different attitudes and perceptions of the destination. Understanding these attitudes and perceptions is essential to the development of the tourism industry. This study therefore, research on the attitude and perception of tourists on wildlife tourism as well as their preference on wildlife attractions. Survey questionnaires were used to collect data from 300 tourists visiting Lake Manyara National Park and Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Data was analysed using SPSS version 20. Results show that overall; tourists have a positive attitude and perception towards wildlife tourism in Tanzania. However, there are some few factors which the tourists had a negative attitude and perception with, such as overcrowding, littering, feeding of wild animals, going off-road, inadequate tourists’ facilities and infrastructures. These factors must be addressed so as to promote the vast growth of the tourism industry which has a significant contribution to the economic development of the country.
The attitudes of tourists towards the environmental, social and managerial attributes of Serengeti national park, Tanzania
(2011-06) Kaltenborn, Bjørn P; Nyahongo, Julius W; Kideghesho, Jafari R
Serengeti National Park is a world class icon for wildlife tourism attracting a diverse group of tourists from all over the world. The park has played a pivotal role in protecting large populations of wildlife species of the Eastern African savannah and the globally outstanding biological phenomena such as the annual migration of wildebeest. However, the history of the park is also characterised by resource use conflicts and pressures that could threaten the current quality of the visitor environment. In this paper we examine the attitudes of international visitors toward the management and attributes of the park. Overall, the tourists report a high degree of satisfaction with most aspects of their trip. Yet, the current tourists are concerned about possible future changes that could alter the visitor environment and idealized images of the African wild lands. Basic environmental attitudes (degrees of ecocentrism) have effects on attitudes toward management of the park. Tourists expressing a high degree of ecocentrism are more likely to support management actions aimed at controlling tourism activities, access and impacts. They also express a stronger interest in experiencing nature, wilderness and local culture. The results are discussed in light of the major impact factors and conservation issues facing the management of Serengeti National Park; poaching, poverty in surrounding communities, increasing population pressure, habitat degradation, and wildlife diseases.
Availability, preference, and consumption of indigenous forest foods in the eastern arc mountains, Tanzania
(Taylor and Francis, 2010) Msuya, Tuli S; Kideghesho, Jafari R.; Mosha, Theobald C. E
We investigated the availability, preference, and consumption of indigenous forest foods in Uluguru North (UNM) and West Usambara Mountains (WUM) of Tanzania. Data collection techniques involved focus group discussion, structured questionnaires, and botanical identification. Results revealed (1) there were 114 indigenous forest food plant species representing 57 families used by communities living adjacent to the two mountains; (2) sixty-seven species supplied edible fruits, nuts and seeds: 24 and 14 species came from WUM and UNM, respectively, while 29 came from both study areas; (3) of the 57 identified vegetable species, 22 were found in WUM only, 13 in UNM only, and 12 in both areas; (4) there were three species of edible mushrooms and five species of roots and tubers; (5) unlike the indigenous roots and tubers, the preference and consumption of indigenous vegetables, nuts, and seeds/oils was higher than exotic species in both study areas; and (6) UNM had more indigenous fruits compared to WUM, although preference and consumption was higher in WUM. We recommend increased research attention on forest foods to quantify their contribution to household food security and ensure their sustainability.
Avifauna community in a threatened conservation landscape, western Tanzania: a baseline
(Tanzania Journal of Forestry and Nature Conservation, 2023) Mgelwa, A.S; Mpita, M.O; Rija, A.A; Kabalika, Z.; Hassan, S.N
Conservation of avian biodiversity in landscapes under immense anthropogenic pressures is dependent on sound population data that could guide informed conservation strategies. Using point count surveys, field observations and interviews, we assessed bird communities in Lake Rukwa, an anthropogenically threatened ecosystem in western Tanzania, to establish some vital parameters on this taxon. A total of 5840 bird individuals belonging to 85 species, 17 orders and 39 families were recorded. Of these, five were globally threatened and 19 were migrant species. Avian Shannon’s (H’) and Simpson’s (D) diversity indices were 2.936 and 0.8655, respectively. Bird species richness was different across foraging and habitat guilds (both p = 0.0001). Insectivores were the most species-rich foraging guild, while nectarivores were the least; similarly, non-forest birds were the most species-rich habitat guild, while forest generalists were the least. Grazing, bushfires, tree cutting, unsustainable fishing and bird harvesting are the major anthropogenic threats to bird biodiversity in the area. Regular provision of conservation-related education programs to local residents is a highly recommended conservation measure. This study serves as a baseline for avifaunal monitoring in Lake Rukwa and provides useful insights into the avifauna conservation planning in anthropogenically disturbed landscapes.
Behavioural activities of two sympatric bird species and implications for Conservation and birding tourism in an urban landscape
(Tanzania Journal of Forestry and Nature Conservation, 2021) Dismas, S.S; Mbilu, J.A.; Rija, A.A
The behaviours of most Afro-tropical birds inhabiting urban landscapes are still poorly understood making species conservation and utilization challenging particularly in increasingly changing cityscapes. This study investigated activity patterns of two sympatric bird species, the Zanzibar red bishop (Euplectes nigroventris) and Black- headed weaver (Ploceus cucullatus) inhabiting urban forest remnants to provide information to improve species conservation and potential plans for avitourism in urban Morogoro, Tanzania. A total of 60 individual Zanzibar red bishop and 28 individual weaver birds were observed, for three weeks to understand their diel activity patterns. Eleven activities were displayed by the birds with the mean time budgets for some activities varying significantly between species, bird sex and habitat types. Further, birds spent significantly longer time during morning than afternoon or evening on most activities probably to offset the energy demands for the survival and reproduction. Variation in activity budgets between the two species was probably due to the species intrinsic strategies such as group foraging by the weaver that enhance easy detection and access to the food resources. These data will be useful for planning bird conservation and utilization programs especially in cities where birds are increasing threatened by human persecution
Breeding population status and habitat preferences of white- backed vulture in Ikorongo- Grumeti Game Reserves and Ikona Wildlife Management area in Western Serengeti
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2024-05) Vainess, Solomon Laizer
White -backed vulture (Gyps africanus) is a critically endangered species since its population has significantly declined across its geographical ranges. Apparently, vultures provide the ecosystem with cleaning service hence reduced risk of disease spread through their feeding behaviour. Studying the breeding population status and habitat of these species is of paramount importance in maintaining a healthy population as well as managing and mitigating threats to the species and their associated habitats. This study aimed at investigating the breeding population status and the nesting preferences of the Gyps africanus population in the Ikorongo-Grumeti Game Reserves and Ikona wildlife management area (WMA) in the western corridor of the Greater Serengeti Ecosystem along the primary riparian zones (PRZ). The PRZ consisted of the Grumeti, Manchira, Nyabeu, Samisami, Rokare, Romoti, Maruru and Muyambi Rivers and their tributaries. This study used the project historical aerial surveys data gathered from 2013 to 2021 to produce breeding population trend and conducted ground nest surveys in 2021 and 2022 to estimate the breeding success and nesting preferences of the species. Due to the colonial nesting behaviour of the species, cluster analysis was used to group the nesting hotspots as well as remote sensing analysis to assess the tree cover in their breeding habitat. According to results of the aerial survey data, the breeding population in the game reserves and their contiguous WMA has declined by 56%, and based on the active nest survey, breeding success was 29%, that being lower than the previously documented information for the Greater Serengeti Ecosystem which was 90%. Individuals were found nesting along the rivers in the Ficus and Vachellia and Senegalia woodlands. Majority of the nests (57%) were found on Ficus sycomoras whereas the least number (1%) was found on Ficus indica. The tree height was the most significant tree factor for nesting tree as observed from the generelized linear model. Nesting hotspots were classified as former or intermittent hotspots, and none were classified as persistent hotspots. Net tree loss was observed in all hotspot categories, and a 28% reduction in riparian tree cover was detected. The study concludes that the Gyps africanus population in the area is declining, parallel with dropping breeding success and deteriorating breeding habitats. Seemingly, habitat loss/deterioration is a driving factor, which together with other potential threats to the population, need further investigation. Such baseline information is of critical importance to the management and conservation efforts of vultures and their overall breeding habitats in the ecosystem.
Communities and conservation in West Kilimanjaro, Tanzania: participation, costs and benefits Lokalsanilimn og naturvern i Vest-Kilimanjaro, Tanzania: Deltakelse, kostnadcrog nyttc
(Norwegian University of Life Sciences, 2015) Mariki Sayuni Bildad
This thesis contributes to the current debate on how to balance conservation and development objectives. The extent of land under protection globally has increased enormously over the last 30 years, and there are still plans to expand the current protected areas (P/Xs) and create new ones. Their establishment is associated with impacts on local communities who live in the proximity of such areas. Different actors have proposed local participation and benefit sharing for people affected by these conservation initiatives. Despite their implementation over three decades, the social, economic, and political impacts of establishing and maintaining PAs remain debatable. It is in this context that this study was conducted in the I'nduimet Wildlife Management Area (WMA). the Kilimanjaro National Park, and the West Kilimanjaro Forest Plantation in Tanzania. I he specific research questions of the study are: What are the social and economic impacts of the expansion and establishment of conservation areas on local people in West Kilimanjaro; and how are the impacts distributed along gender lines? ii. iii. How are the conservation benefits shared with local communities in West Kilimanjaro? How do the conservation benefits and costs alTect local peoples* attitudes towards and perceptions of conservation? iv. What are the factors that drive human-wildlife conflicts? Data were collected using qualitative methods through the combination of in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, informal interviews, and participant observation. Secondary data in the form of written sources on the study area were used in addition to the primary data gathered. The research results are presented in four separate but interrelated papers. Paper I investigates the gendered impacts of the creation of the Enduimet WMA and expansion of the Kilimanjaro National Park during recent years. The results of Paper 1 indicate that the establishment of these PAs has caused local people to lose rights to land and resources, harassment by PA staff, and increased conservation costs. The costs were found to be distributed along gender lines. However, women are affected more than men, due to inequality in the division of labour and resources at household level. Furthermore, relatively wealthy men and women suffer less compared to their poor counterparts because they are capable of buy ing natural resources such as fodder and firewood, an option which is less available to the poor. Furthermore, women in female headed households suffer more, compared to women in male-headed households, because they lack sufficient labour power for collecting natural resources and thus spend more time and energy in doing so. In addition, some are poor hence they lack the money to purchase these resources, while others are of old age and do not have relatives willing to help. Collecting natural resources forces poor women to spend more time and labour, which affects their health and restricts their time for participating in economic activ ities. Paper II explores the local benefits and transparency concerning the collection and distribution of tourism revenues from the Enduimet WMA. The results of Paper II show that the benefits channelled to local people who bear the costs of conservation are modest, and the system lacks transparency. The Enduimet Community-Based Organisation is entitled to receive 65 % of non consumptive tourism revenues accrued from the WMA. In practice, it receives less than 65 % after the revenues collected have passed through the non-transparent central government system. In 2011 each village received about 3.6 % of the tourism fees, and altogether the member villages received 32.5 %. When taking into account the uncompensated costs that some villagers bear in terms of increased crop damage, livestock loss, and loss of human life caused by increasing wildlife populations, the practice docs not match the ‘win-win’ discourse, that the Enduimet WMA will secure a sustainable source of income for local communities. Paper III compares the Kilimanjaro National Park and the West Kilimanjaro Forest Plantation in terms of local participation and benefit sharing, and how these alTcct relations between local communities and the two areas. The results of Paper III show that the Kilimanjaro National Park cams about 17 million USD per year, but from the inception of the park outreach programme in 1994 to 2011 (17 years), the park has spent only about 1.6 million USD to support 39 out of 90 neighbouring villages. Only one village among the three studied was supported by the park in 2002/03, in the form of the constniction of a water intake and storage tank worth 13,571 USD. The headquarters claim that they offer 7.5 % of the park's operational budget to neighbouring villages, but in practice, it is much less. Revenue sharing in the park is affected by bureaucratic procedures hampering applications for community projects, political influence, lack of transparency, mismanagement, and misuse of funds by national parks headquarters. It was found that some income was used to support parks (hat generate insufficient income. In addition, there is generally a lack of communication between the park and villagers. Villagers feel resentment towards the park that leads them to withdraw park resources illegally. They referred to the park stall'as ‘enemies' who do not care about their livelihoods. On the contrary, the West Kilimanjaro Forest Plantation has had a positive impact on neighbouring villages. Local communities benefit through the legal collection of forest products, farming opportunities, logging businesses for registered customers, and casual labour opportunities. Income from casual labour and agriculture serves as a source of income for them and their families. Nevertheless, casual labourers are paid too little (2.5 USD/day) and the process of allocating farming plots is affected by favouritism. The differences observed between the two areas are related to sectoral legal reforms in the 1990s to accommodate locally-based and decentralised approaches to natural resources management following the economic crisis of the late 1970s to the early 1980s. and the resulting declining capacity of government agencies. Based on inspiration drawn from the field of political ecology. Paper IV applies ‘webs of relation' approach to unwind inter-related factors behind cases of elephant killings in West Kilimanjaro. In recent years, there has been a considerable increase in elephant killings in Africa, for ivory'. I lowever, the ivory market is not the only reason why elephants are killed illegally. The results of Paper IV show that resistance to conservation is a reason behind elephant killings in this case, following appropriations of large tracts of land for conservation by external actors without the participation of local people. Local people suffer costs such as crop raiding, property damage, livestock deaths, and a threat to their own lives as they try to sustain a living on the remaining land that lies between conservation areas. In addition, they lack government support in chasing wildlife away from their fields, and they are not compensated for w ildlife damages. They are denied access to natural resources in the PAs. they are ill treated when found in the PAs. and they receive little or no benefits from conservation. Moreover, they lack land security, as there are more proposals from conservationists to create new conservation areas. This leaves people with an increased feeling of being marginalised and disempowered, with limited possibilities of influencing the situation through democratic means. Thus, local people resist conservation by killing wildlife. All areas studied (Enduimet WMA. Kilimanjaro National Park, and West Kilimanjaro Forest Plantation) share a centralised structure in terms of decision making on the management of natural resources and benefit sharing. Local people are not able to participate in decision making in the management of the areas, and it is difficult for communities to influence or challenge the way the structure operates. In Enduimet. the WMA was proposed as community-run conservation area. In practice, the communities do not have the power to collect revenues, decide on shares, or to verify whether they receive the income they are entitled to receive. The central government collects the revenues and channels the percentage to local people. The Kilimanjaro National Park was found to involve local people only when there is a fire outbreak; thus local people claimed to be used as ‘tools’. The park management system docs not allow space lor local people’s opinions. Most of the collected revenues are retained by the national parks headquarters and local people do not have any power or influence over the revenues. In practice, the park operates under a strict “fences and fines’ or 'fortress conservation’ strategy. In the West Kilimanjaro Forest Plantation, local people do not have any power or share of the revenues collected from the sale of logs and poles, apart from payment received from casual labour. The income from logs sold is remitted to the central government. In all three areas, participation is used as ‘means’ to improve environmental conservation and a way to accrue more revenue for the government.
Composition and Functional Diversity in Bird Communities in a Protected Humid Coastal Savanna
(Hindawi Publishing Corperation, 2015-04) Rija, A. A.; Mgelwa, A. S.; Modest, R. B.; Shombe, H. N.
Our current understanding of the vertebrate communities of a newly gazetted Tanzanian coastal national park is limited and strongly taxonomically biased towards large mammals. We conducted bird assessments in three sites in Saadani National Park using species lists to analyze some parameters to inform biodiversity conservation in the area. We recorded 3112 individuals in 268 species falling in 66 families, including 2 endangered, 2 vulnerable, and 6 near threatened species. Both species richness and species diversity varied between sites. Species relative abundances were not different between the sites although some functional groups, especially granivores, were more abundant than others. Bird assemblages included 21 forest specialists (FF-species), 35 forest generalists (F-species), and 68 forest visitors (f-species) overlapping among bushland, wooded grassland, grassland, and thickets suggesting presence of important microhabitats for the forest-associated species in this ecosystem. Bird species richness in a feeding guild also showed marked overlap between habitats suggesting availability of rich food resources for the birds. This paper highlights the importance of maintaining a structurally heterogeneous landscape to sustain diverse bird communities in the area.
Contribution of tourism in improving the livelihoods ofthe communities in the Uluguru and Udzungwa mountains, Tanzania
(Sokoine University Of Agriculture., 2010) Emanuel, Naza
Tourism is the fastest growing industry and the largest in the world in terms of contribution to the Gross Domestic Product, and second after agriculture for providing employment. However, there is a paucity of information on how tourism improves the livelihood of the communities living in the Uluguru and Udzungwa Mountains of Tanzania. This study therefore sought to contribute some information to fill the existing knowledge gap. The study was conducted in four villages, namely Nugutu, Ruvuma, Mwaya and Mgudeni. Data were collected using household questionnaires, structured interviews, focus group discussion and field observation. Quantitative data were analysed using SPSS and Microsoft excel computer software while qualitative data were analysed using thematic analysis. Result shows that, only 32.5% of respondents articipated in tourism activities in the study villages. Limitations for their participation include: limited awareness on tourism, intensive engagement in agriculture, health problems, poor leadership and lack of interest. Local people participated in tourism activities through traditional dances, weaving, raditional cooking, handcrafts making, pottery, tour guiding and porter. Indicators of participation in tourism activities by local people include: presence of tourism projects in the village; income obtained from tourism and the inclusion of tourism as an agenda in the village meetings. Local communities benefited directly from tourism through income generation and employment opportunities and indirectly through market creation for local products and other benefits like provision of social services, conservation education, capacity building, women empowerment and cultural mprovements. Proportion of tourism income to the total household income was only 5% which was relatively low compared to agriculture (88%) and other sources (7%). The study recommends the need to provide the following to the local communities: education, training programs and awareness creation; supporting community development tourism projects; strengthening local leadership and sharing of the benefits accruing from tourism beyond National Parks.
The contribution of wildlife management areas on womens’ Well-being in enduimet division, Longido district, Tanzania
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2019) Temu, S. J
Wildlife management and conservation in Tanzania has passed several stages from colonial management programmes, to the establishment of the Wildlife Act of 1974. In addition, Wildlife Management Areas were established in 2003 as a way of ensuring communities bordering wildlife areas benefit from them. The Wildlife Management Areas are expected to contribute to the well-being of the surrounding communities. This study was undertaken to assess the contribution of Enduimet Wildlife Management Area on women’s well-being. Specifically, the study aimed at identifying the economic activities supported by it in the study area, assessing its contribution to women’s well-being and to examine the challenges faced by the women who are engaged in it. The study employed multistage sampling whereby Enduimet was purposefully selected and simple random sampling was used to select the study wards, villages and the respondents. The study used a cross-sectional research design to collect data from 120 respondents from Olmolog and Tinga Tinga villages. The findings show that the main economic activities supported by Enduimet Wildlife Management Area (EWMA) include provision of financial grants, road construction support, and provision of torches for scaring crops destructive animals. The study finding further show that EWMA contributes significantly (p ≤ 0.001) to women’s income at p=0.001. In addition, it also contributes to the women’s social well-being through provision of water services, gender training, building of classrooms and provision of scholarships to some families. The main challenges found in this study include destruction of crops by wild animals, injuries, and death of people and livestock. The study concludes that EWMA contributes to women’s well-being economically and socially. Based on the finding of the main challenges it is recommended that Wildlife Village Game Scout, District Game Officers, and Livestock and Extension officers should design, develop and advise communities on better methods of preventing destructive wild animals from destroying people’s crops and livestock.
The Coverage of Biodiversity Conservation Issues in Local Newspapers and Its Role in Enhancing Conservation Awareness in Tanzania: An Analysis of Two News Outlets
(Herald International, 2020-04-06) Rija, Alfan; Kideghesho, Jafari
Review on the coverage of biodiversity issues in local newspapers was conducted between 2004 and 2013 to understand the importance given to the conservation news by two local newspapers. Twelve biodiversity issues were covered at varying scales, both from rural and urban areas. Reports on biodiversity issues showed a fluctuating but with increasing trend. The reporting of biodiversity issues was overall higher than the coverage of socio-political issues during the studied period. However, both newspapers reported very few research- based news (<5% of all reports) and some news were incorrectly presented, suggesting inadequate knowledge on conservation issues among the journalists and a limited interaction between the media and scientists. Conservation education to journalists and improved interaction and information sharing between scientists and journalists are critical factors in improving the quality of biodiversity conservation news flowing to the general public and policy makers.
Diet composition and niche overlap of four sympatric rodent species inhabiting mount Rungwe forest nature reserve, Tanzania
(Tanzania Journal of Forestry and Nature Conservation, 2022) Richard, U; Byamungu, R.M; Magige, F.
Understanding animal feeding behaviour is key in determining coexistence mechanisms which are vital for conservation and management. The coexistence mechanisms of sympatric species in mount Rungwe are unknown. From 2020 to 2021 a study on the dietary contribution, overlap and niche breadth of four rodents in Mount Rungwe Forest Nature Reserve was conducted. Random sampling was employed with the removal method, whereby captured rodents’ stomachs were removed and their contents analyzed. Dietary contribution, overlap and niche breadth were calculated. All species consume diverse food resources and categories where Beamys hindei had a significantly high number of seeds/grains while Grammomys dolichurus and Lophuromys machangui contained a significantly higher number of invertebrates. Narrow niche breadth was observed for G. dolichurus while Praomys delectorum, L. machangui, and B. hindei had a moderate niche breadth but the dietary overlap was high in all four species. Our results conclude that L. machangui, P. delectorum, and B. hindei can coexist without competition as they have >0.5 niche breadth and high overlap, while G. dolichurus might experience competition because of low niche breadth and food diversity. Further investigation regarding seasonal diet partitioning and micro identification of food items is recommended.
Distribution and ecology of lesser pouched rat, Beamys hindei, in Tanzanian coastal forests
(Integrative Zoology, 2015) Sabuni, Christopher A.; Sluydts, Vincent; Mulungu, Loth S.; Maganga, Samwel L.S.; Makundi, Rhodes H.; Leirs, Herwig
The lesser pouched rat, Beamys hindei, is a small rodent that is patchily distributed in the Eastern Arc Mountains and coastal forests in East Africa. The ecology of this species and its current distribution in coastal forests is not well known. Therefore, we conducted a study in selected coastal forests to assess the current distribution of the species and to investigate the population ecology in terms of abundance fluctuations and demographic patterns. Assessments of the species distribution were conducted in 5 forests through trapping with Sherman live traps. Data on ecology were obtained from monthly capture–mark–recapture studies conducted for 5 consecutive nights per month in two 1 ha grids set in Zaraninge Forest over a 2-year period. The results indicate the presence of B. hindei in 3 forests where it was not previously recorded. The population abundance estimates ranged from 1 to 40 animals per month, with high numbers recorded during rainy seasons. Reproduction patterns and sex ratios did not differ between months. Survival estimates were not influenced by season, and recruitment was low, with growth rate estimates of 1 animal per month. These estimates suggest a stable population of B. hindei in Zaraninge Forest. Further studies are recommended to establish the home range, diet and burrowing behavior of the species in coastal forests in East Africa.
Distribution pattern of anuran species in Kimboza forest reserve, Morogoro, Tanzania
(Journal of Rural Planning Association, 2021) Mbije, Nsajigwa Emmanuel
An assessment of the distribution of anuran species of Kimboza forest reserve, Tanzania was conducted between March 2017 and April 2017. Visual encounter survey applying Time- Constraint Search (TCS) approach was used to study the distribution of anurans in seven micro-habitats within the forest. A total of 13 species of amphibian belonging to seven families of order anuran were found to exist in Kimboza forest. The highest occurrence of anurans (70%) was recorded in areas along forest and farms border and along Kimboza forest streams. The study shows that there was no significant variation of occurrence of anurans among different habitats in the forest (Q=11; DF =6; P=0.096). However, the variation of total number of occurrences of anuran species between the upper and lower segment of the forest was significant (McNemar Test, P<0.05). The study provides a preliminary estimation of the general distribution pattern for these species in Kimboza forest. These findings are important for understanding and management of anurans in Kimboza forest reserve. It is recommended that further studies should focus on dry season and nocturnal species so as to come up with a complete description of the distribution of anuran species of Kimboza forest reserve.
Diversity of rodents and shrews in Tanzania and prevalence of their parasites: a case study of Zaraninge Coastal Forest and Gongo Village
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2024-05) Mkude, Irene Romanus
Rodents are important in the ecology of mammals because they serve as predators, prey, pests, and grazers. Their composition, community structure, population density, and habitat utilization are linked to environmental variables like resource availability and biological interactions. In Zaraninge Coastal Forest, several studies on rodents and shrews were undertaken before and after it the Coastal Forest was incorporated to the Saadani National Park (SANAPA). However, these studies focused on distribution and diversity of specific species of mammals in the Coastal Forest. The studies reported that human encroachment in the Coastal forest as one of threats affecting the forest. Nonetheless, information on the diversity of rodents and shrews and their parasites after annexing the forest to the National park to enhance its protection was not availed. Thus, there is a knowledge gap on the parasites of rodents and shrews, given that the rodents and shrews are reservoirs of parasites that can be potential agents of transmitting diseases to human beings. So, it was crucial to investigate the diversity of rodents and shrews, but also investigate the parasites hosted in rodents and shrews that can transmit zoonotic diseases to human beings. The findings from the study aimed to provide information on the diversity of rodents and shrews, but also information of their parasites of health importance as most outbreaks of rodent-borne diseases in humans are commonly related to socio-economic deficiencies. The study was carried out from May to October 2021. The removal method using two types of traps –Sherman and Havahart was used to collect rodents and shrews. For ectoparasites, fur of the captured individuals were combed to dislodge ectoparasites, and for hemoparasites, blood samples were collected from a supra orbital vein and blood was smeared on glass slide to make smears. In analysis the Paleontological Statistics (PAST) Program version (3.22) and Microsoft Excel (2007) were used to analyze the data, which determined the diversity and relative abundance of rodents and shrews. The prevalence of parasites in he captured individuals was also investigated using the prevalence formula in the study. The Chi-square test was employed to investigate the link between the ectoparasites infestation and the individuals' sexes. About 203 individuals were caught in this study, where 197 individuals were rodents (Mastomys natalensis, Gramomys dolichurus, Gerbilliscus leucogaster, Lemniscomys rosalia, Cricetomys spp, Beamys hindei, Graphiurus murinus and Xerus rutilus) and 7 individuals were the non-rodentia (Crocidura hirta, Petrodromus tetradactylus and Galago spp. The study findings revealed that the rodents’ diversity value was higher in the Coastal Forest, than in the Gongo Fallow Lands. The diversity of rodents in Zaraninge Coastal Forest obtained was 1.49 and that of Gongo Fallow Land was 0.22, yet, there were no any statistically difference on the diversity of the two sites. Meanwhile, the shrew diversity appeared to be similar on both sites (0.6931). The trap success (abundances) for rodents ranged from 4.60% to 0.03%, while for the shrews ranged from 0.08% to 0.05%. The infestation of ectoparasites to rodents and shrews, was higher (92.2%) in the fallow lands of Gongo Village than in the Coastal forest which had 7.8%. However, the infection rate of hemoparasites to rodents and shrews was also higher (95.1%) in the fallow lands than in the Coastal forest (4.9%). There was no significant association of the parasites infection and infestation to the sexes of the individuals caught. Yet, the count of the ectoparasites was higher on the female rodents and shrews (1035) than that of the male rodents and shrews (1026). In this study, the ectoparasites obtained were the Echinolaelaps echidninus, Boophilus spp, Xenopyslla brasiliensis and Polyplax stephensi. E. echidninus had higher prevalence of 942.6% on rodents particularly on Mastomys natalensis while the lower prevalence was seen in P. stephensi. In shrews, Boophilus spp had the highest prevalence of 233.3% than other ectoparasites. On the account of hemoparasites, Plasmodium sp had higher prevalence of 59.8% while Bacillus sp had lower prevalence of 0.5%.Therefore, these findings raises a concern on the public health of the nearby community, livestock and the wildlife since their interaction is inevitable. The parasites found in this study are of zoonotic importance, hence it’s important to put emphasis on the hygiene of the people and the environment so as to avoid any eruption of the zoonotic diseases in the community. The findings on diversity provide the information on the importance of the conservation on habitats in order to preserve species. However, higher captures on fallow lands alerts the community on developing pests control strategies to protect their farms and houses from been invaded by rodents. Further studies on rodents and shrews of peri- domestic and domestic areas, reports on zoonotic diseases that maybe found in the nearby community, development of strategies to prevent rodents as destructive pest in farms are recommended so as to get more detailed information on the rodents and shrews in these areas

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