African Journal of Ecology and Ecosystems

African Journal of Ecology and Ecosystems ISSN: 9428-167X Vol. 4 (3), pp. 258-265, March, 2017.  © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Environmental factors affecting the distribution of ferulagummosa (Boiss) in northwest rangeland of Iran

¹Khalatbari Jafari, ¹ Ali Niyaki*, ²Mehdi Kazemi, ¹Fallahi Salimi and ³Abbas Maleki

¹Department of Range and Watershed Management, University of Mohag-hegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran,

²Department of Range and Watershed Management, University of Tehran, Karaj, Iran,

³Department of Soil science, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran.

*Corresponding author e-mail: [email protected]

Received 10 February, 2017; Revised 05 March, 2017; Accepted 08 March, 2017 and Published 09 March, 2017

Abstract

In this study a number of ten 4-square-meter plots with 15 m. spacing on three 150-meter-long transects were systematically randomized in each key areas within each habitats. Characteristics such as total canopy cover, canopy cover of target species and percentage of sand and gravel on the soil surface were measured. Three mixed soil samples from the locations beginning, middle, and end of each transect were collected to determine soil properties. Physiographic and climate factors of each selected site were determined. Independent sample T-test, Analysis of Variance and Discriminant Analyses were used as statistical analyses methods. The results showed that all variables in the presence and absence places of F.gummosa have significant differences (p≤0.01). Results of discriminant analysis suggested that the quantity of electrical conductivity, acidity, organic carbon, potassium, phosphorus and percentage of sand and silt, the percentage of stone and gravel on the soil surface, amount of slope, geographical aspects, altitude, annual precipitation and environmental temperature in the presence or absence of F.gummosa species were effective. Our study results indicated that the variables of the total neutralizing value and geographical aspects were considered as the most effective factors in distributing the studied species.

Keywords: Environmental factors, ferulagummosa, Iran, species distribution.

African Journal of Ecology and Ecosystems ISSN: 9428-167X Vol. 4 (3), pp. 251-257, March, 2017. © International Scholars Journals

Review

A review on grazing management system and effects on savanna ecosystem dynamics

Quett Mompati Chiepe^1,2*, Isaac Nijel Amantle³ and Kabelo Roy Amos¹

¹University of Edinburgh, Crew Building, West Mains Road, EH9 3JN, Scotland.

²Department of Agricultural Research, Private Bag 0033, Gaborone, Botswana.

³Botswana College of Agriculture, Private Bag 0027, Gaborone, Botswana.

E-mail: [email protected]

Accepted 10 February, 2017

Abstract

The savanna ecosystems support livestock production and livelihood of pastoral communities. The degradation of savanna ecosystems due to overgrazing had lead government commercializing communal grazing land to privately owned ranches. However, grazing policies in Southern Africa had recently been debated, and yet there are few studies comparing grazing management systems on ecological system. This article provides an overview of current knowledge on effect of grazing management systems on savanna ecosystems. Ranching and communal grazing do not necessarily affect soil, herbaceous and woody vegetation differently. Thus current management systems do not promote sustainability of savanna ecosystems and there is a need for further research and participation of local communities on addressing land degradation.

Key words: Fencing policy, rangeland degradation, sustainability, livestock production.

African Journal of Ecology and Ecosystems ISSN: 9428-167X Vol. 4 (2), pp. 242-250, February, 2017. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

A study on the plant communities in the vegetation of eastern Miombo woodlands eco-region in Tanzania

Mbwana F. Patrick¹*, Mizengo Ali Pinda¹ and Steven Fredrick Werema²

¹Department of Forest Biology, Sokoine University of Agriculture, P.O. Box 3010, Morogoro, Tanzania.

²Department of Wildlife Management, Sokoine University of Agriculture, P.O. Box 3010, Morogoro, Tanzania.

E-mail: [email protected]

Accepted 15 January, 2017

Abstract

This study assessed the plant communities and species associations in the eastern Miombo woodlands eco-region of the Lake Rukwa basin southern Tanzania. Information was collected from 288 temporary sample plots in 32 sampling sites established randomly in the area and covering as much variation in the landscape as possible. Detailed analysis of the vegetation identified six tree communities of conservation importance, which included Brachystegia boehmii-Pericopsis angolensis woodland, Julbernardia globiflora woodland, Combretum molle-Sclerocarya birrea-Combretum zeyherii-Acacia seyal var fistula woodland, Bridelia cathartica-Diospyros mespiliformis woodland, Brachystegia bussei-Pterocarpus tinctorius woodland and Brachystegia microphylla-Isoberlinia tomentosa-Hymenocardia acida- Syzygium owariense woodland. Majority of the described plant communities are typical of Miombo ecosystems dominated by trees belonging mainly to the genera Brachystegia and Julbernardia. A mixture of non-legume species but typical of the Miombo ecosystem, however, dominates two out of six described plant communities. Apparently, there is high variability of plant communities in the Miombo ecosystem of southern Tanzania, an indication of the diverse nature of the Miombo ecosystem, also, an implication of high species diversity. This documentation on the patterns of species assemblages is the beginning of unveiling the diversity of assemblage of species in dry forest ecosystems which occupy a wide area in the region. These associations are important targets for conservation and monitoring vegetation changes in this ecosystem.

Key words: Miombo ecosystem, plant communities, species associations.

African Journal of Ecology and Ecosystems ISSN: 9428-167X Vol. 4 (1), pp. 234-241, January, 2017. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Species abundance, structure and seasonal variation of small mammals in the CCNP

Dinaw H. Tilahun*, Berhanu D. Defar and Genzebe G. Habte

Department of Biology, Addis Ababa University, P. O. Box 1176, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

E-mail: [email protected]

Accepted 28 November, 2016

Abstract

In this study, we investigated species composition and abundance of small mammals (rodents and insectivores) in the recently established Chebera Churchura National Park, in Ethiopia between 2010 and 2011. Two study grids were established in seven selected habitats. In each grid, forty-nine Sherman live traps were used to capture the small mammals. A total of 704 individuals were captured in 5488 trap-nights. Among them, 682 (98.3%) were rodents and 12 (1.7%) were insectivores. These comprised 16 species of rodents and 2 species of insectivores. The captured species were: Mastomys natalensis, Mastomys erythroleucus, Lemniscomys striatus, Arvicanthis nilotiucs, Arvicanthis dembeensis, Acomys cahirinus, Rattus rattus, Mus musculus, Stenocephalemys albipes, Gerbilliscus robusta, Lophuromys flavopunctatus, Pelomys harringtoni, Mus tentellus, Crocidura fumosa and Crocidura flavescens. Tachyoryctes splendens, Xerus rutilus and Hystrix cristata were recorded as observed species. The abundance of species varied among habitats and between seasons. M. natalensis and L. striatus were the most abundant species, whereas C. flavescens was the least abundant. The age distribution and trap success of small mammals varied between seasons and among habitats. This study clearly shows that the park has a diverse fauna.

Key words: Abundance, Chebera Churchura, Ethiopia, small mammals.

African Journal of Ecology and Ecosystems ISSN: 9428-167X Vol. 3 (6), pp. 216-233, November, 2016. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

A case study of communal pasture management in the Highlands of Ethiopia

Sigmund E. Christpoher¹, Wolfgang H. Lauda¹ and Joseph Otto Lamar²*

¹Centre for Development Research, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, and Policy, Economics and Social Science, World Fish, Yangon, Myanmar; Vienna, Austria.

²Department of Economics and Social Sciences, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria.

E-mail: [email protected]

Accepted 19 September, 2016

Abstract

Social learning processes can play an important role in enabling communities to sustainably manage the natural resources they depend upon. We examine how a community in the highlands of Ethiopia has succeeded to manage its communal pasture sustainably over the past decades. We identified three processes that played a key role in enabling the community to take the window of opportunity offered by a radical policy change to transform their management approach. Firstly, traditional leaders recognized the window of opportunity and mobilized the community. Secondly, a participatory process led to an informal institution that has governed the access and use of the communal pasture. Thirdly, the community was able to effectively interact with various government agencies to safeguard its autonomy. The study thus indicates that, in face of the complexity and uncertainty associated with pervasive change, social-ecological resilience relies on social learning and the ability to engage in open-ended processes. It also emphasizes that rather than promoting technical ‘packages’ that focus on the biophysical productivity of a natural resource, it may be more effective to facilitate integrative social processes, thereby enabling communities to identify and implement locally adapted management approaches.

Key words: Human-nature interaction, natural resources management, grassland, bricolage, collective action, community resilience.