Population ecology of Beamys hindei and Rhynchocyon petersi in selected coastal forests of Tanzania
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Date
2016
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Sokoine University of Agriculture
Abstract
This thesis is prepared according to ''Publishable manuscripts" format of the Sokoine
University of Agriculture. The study on the population ecology vis-a-vis: distribution.
population dynamics, space use and behavior, genetic diversity and structure of Beamys
hindei and Rhynchocyon petersi was conducted from 2010 lo 2014 in selected coastal
Ibrests (Kwamsisi, Gendagenda, Madeie, Mbulizaga, Askari and Zaraninge) within
and around Saadani National Park, Tanzania. Distribution of B. hindei was assessed
using Sherman traps while for R. petersi camera traps were used. Capture mark
recapture was used for population dynamics of B. hindei in Zaraninge forest. Radio
telemetry together with camera traps was used to determine home range and activity
patterns for R. petersi in Zaraninge forest. Standard genetic methods were used for
development of microsatellites and determining genetic diversity and structure of R.
petersi in the Zaraninge, Mbulizaga, Askari and Gendagenda. Results on distribution
indicate R. petersi was found in all forests while B. hindei was found in some forest
and absent in some other forests. Population fluctuation, demographic patterns of B.
hindei in Zaraninge forest, showed a mean survival rate of 0.72 (range 0.65-078)
with a recruitment of 1 animal/28 days and a litter size of 2.8 indicating a low
abundance with stable population. The average home range of R. petersi from radio
telemetry was 2.6 ha. Activity pattern differed between seasons with more activity
observed on dry season (F =9.75, df 1, 28, p
0.004. Eight polymorphic
microsatellites using next generation sequencing technology based on eighteen R.
petersi were genotyped. Developed eight microsalellites were used to determine
diversity and structure of R. petersi.
Results indicate extant R. petersi have
descended from a single population of high effective size (Ne) with no forest
distinctive signal. In contrast, B. hindei was more genetically structured. It
recommends further investigation if the 'population robustness’ of R. petersi in the
fragmented coastal forest applies to other parts of its range, notably in the East Arc
Mountain forests. Conservation status of R. petersi should remain as vulnerable
while B. hindei should be reviewed to vulnerable. Conservation program are required
lo sate guard these species
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Thesis
Keywords
Beamys hindei, Rhynchocyon petersi, Coastal forests, Tanzania