Abstract:
This study was conducted in the Eastern Usangu wetland in Mbcya and Iringa
regions to examine the composition, abundance and diversity of mammals along a
hydrological gradient. Data were collected in two seasons using distance sampling
method along transects using a GPS to locate positions. Kruskal-Wallis, Pearson’s
correlation and t-tests were employed to test the association of distance and number
of animals observed along the gradient. Diversity of mammals along the gradient was
determined by a number of indices using PRIMER 5.0 software. The study revealed
that animal sightings decreased with distances from the edge of wetland though not
significant different along the gradient. Also, flight distance of observed mammals
was high indicating higher degree of poaching, and probably disturbances. Human
activities such as abandoned farms, demolished houses and fresh livestock dung.
were rampant in the wetlands. There was a statistically significant difference in the
number of observed mammals in the two seasons, where species richness and
abundance were higher in the late dry season. These results indicate that wetlands are
important refuge areas for mammals as both abundance and diversity decreased with
distance from the edge of the wetland. This study recommends a continuous
monitoring of birds and mammals populations such as topi to help in determining the
changes in abundance and diversity over time in Usangu wetlands as a result of
intervention from anthropogenic disturbances.
