Biomass models play a crucial role in accurately estimating carbon storage potential of forests and evaluate the contribution of forest ecosystem services. However, an allometric model which is specifically tailored to diverse tree species in Ethiopia is currently lacking. Therefore, establishing species-specific allometric models and determining the biomass expansion factor for dry woodland ecosystems is essential for comprehending the role in mitigating climate change impacts. This study tested and validated diffrent allometric models on six dominant tree species in the Combretum-Terminalia woodlands of the Benishangul-Gumuz region, which collectively account for approximately 69% of the total basal area. The study applied an explanatory research design method and data were collected through systematic sampling across 40 plots, involving the destructive sampling of 67 representative standing trees. The Allometric models were developed and tested using log-transformed data to satisfy the assumptions of linear regression and ensure statistical rigor. This is done by applying log-transformed data to develop the models to ensure high statistical accuracy. The models performance was validated using key metrics such as R 2 , RMSE, and Model Efficiency (EF) to ensure the reliability of the carbon storage and biomass estimations. The study demonstrated that aboveground biomass for all six species is highly predictable using species-specific allometric equations with coefficients of determination (R 2 ) consistently exceeding 96%. The DBH-based model (M1) was the best fit for five species, notably achieving the highest R 2 (0.985) for Terminalia laxiflora and the most stable performance for Lonchocarpus fruticosa (EF = 0.953). In contrast, Syzygium guineense required the inclusion of height (M2) to reach the study's highest precision (EF = 0.992, MAPE = 3.42%), while Combretum hartmannianum showed the greatest individual variability (EF = 69%). Biomass Expansion Factors (BEF) were statistically uniform across all taxa (P = 0.482), with a collective mean of 2.077 ± 0.343. These findings conclude that while DBH is a robust primary predictor for most woodland species, species-specific architecture particularly the vertical growth of Syzygium guineense and the high absolute residuals in Pterocarpus lucens necessitates tailored models and correction factors to ensure accurate regional carbon accounting and forest management in the Combretum-Terminalia woodlands. Utilizing these models (M1 & M2) can enhance the accuracy of biomass estimations, leading to more effective management practices and conservation strategies via biomass and carbon estimation.
This study examined the barriers to livelihood diversification and welfare outcomes of artisanal fishing households along Shiroro and Kainji dams, Nigeria and welfare outcomes of artisanal fishing households along Shiroro and Kainji dams. A cross-sectional survey of 300 fishers across 50 villages was conducted, with data analyzed using Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) and the Simpson Diversification Index (SDI). Economic constraints high cost of fishing gear (72.0%), limited access to credit (72.7%), and inadequate operating capital (71.0%) were the most severe factors affecting livelihoods. Institutional challenges, including limited extension services (52.7%) and inadequate training (49.0%), alongside environmental stressors such as seasonal water-level fluctuations (36.3%) and climate variability (36.3%), also influenced outcomes. EFA identified Economic Welfare (Factor 1), comprising fishing income (0.82), income from other activities (0.79), and household expenditure (0.75), as the most influential determinant of well-being. Access to services (Factor 2), Food Security (Factor 3), and Asset Ownership (Factor 4) further shaped household welfare. Livelihood diversification was high (SDI = 0.955), dominated by arable farming (59.3%), poultry (50.2%), and livestock (45.9%) and supplemented by petty trading, night guarding, and small-scale processing. The study concludes that diversified livelihoods help households mitigate risks from declining fish stocks and environmental variability. Policy interventions promoting financial inclusion, access to affordable inputs, institutional support, and market development are essential for sustaining welfare and fostering resilient artisanal fisheries.
The distribution pattern of biodiversity along an elevation gradient in mountain ecosystems has always been a focal point in biodiversity research. As an important component of forest ecosystems, the understory herb layer occupies a significant position in forest succession and plays a crucial role in maintaining the stability of forest ecosystems, protecting biodiversity, and enhancing ecosystem functions. This study comprehensively analyzes the diversity characteristics of plant communities in the understory herb layer of different forest stands and their variation along an elevation gradient through research on typical artificial forest communities in Mount Taishan, elucidating the relationship between plant diversity and community productivity. The results indicate that there are significant differences in the impact of elevation gradient on the diversity of the herb layer under Robinia pseudoacacia forests and Quercus acutissima forests. In Robinia pseudoacacia forests, the richness and other diversity indices of the herb layer are significantly higher at low elevations than at medium and high elevations, exhibiting a "low-elevation advantage" pattern. The richness and other diversity indices of the herb layer in Quercus acutissima forests are lower at medium and low elevations but significantly increase at high elevations. In different forest types, there is a significant correlation between herb layer richness and biomass, but in opposite directions: a negative correlation in Robinia pseudoacacia forests and a positive correlation in Quercus acutissima forests. The differences between Robinia pseudoacacia and Quercus acutissima forests may stem from the different nature of species interactions under these two types of forest stands: competitive interactions dominate in Robinia pseudoacacia forests, while complementary interactions are more prominent in Quercus acutissima forests. This study suggests that tree species composition plays a key role in regulating the relationship between biodiversity and ecosystem functions.
Water is an essential yet scarce commodity for human life due to its many uses. Depending on their condition, bodies of water can improve or degrade living conditions. The Mvila watershed in southern Cameroon, which experienced archaic urbanization coupled with incivism and urban disorder, was the site of a study examining the relationship between the ecology of benthic macroinvertebrates and abiotic parameters. This study was conducted monthly from December 2018 to December 2019. It involved sampling benthic macroinvertebrates and collecting water samples using standard methods. For the most part, the physicochemical parameters remained within the standards prescribed by the water quality grid. Throughout the study, the Sounou stream had the highest abundance of benthic macroinvertebrates, followed by the Lo'o and Bengo streams. For the trophic groups, predators were the most abundant, while filter feeders were the least abundant. Canonical correspondence analysis revealed that certain physicochemical parameters had a negative influence on benthic macroinvertebrate taxa, while others had a positive impact on them. The parameters that negatively influenced them were temperature, pH, and conductivity, while the parameters that positively influenced them were suspended solids, colour, and turbidity. Finally, Shannon and Weaver's diversity indices and Pielou's evenness indicate a rich and diverse living environment with an equal distribution of organisms among the studied rivers. In conclusion, some environmental factors, such as temperature, pH, conductivity, and dissolved oxygen, influence the diversity and distribution of macroinvertebrates.
Trematode infections are still one of Africa’s most common and pervasive tropical diseases, especially in areas near freshwater bodies. Fasciola gigantica transmission in East African wetlands is shaped by the ecology of its freshwater snail hosts, yet fine-scale dynamics remain poorly resolved. This study quantified spatial, temporal, and spatio-temporal patterns of snail populations in Kingwal Wetland, in western Kenya, through monthly surveys of the snail host from January–December 2023 at seven ecologically distinct sites. A total of 8,754 snails belonging to eight different species were collected; dominant taxa were Biomphalaria sudanica (21.0%), B. pfeifferi (17.9%), Lymnaea auricularia (13.6%), Bulinus globosus (12.8%), and Radix natalensis (6.0%). The confirmed F. gigantica vectors, L. auricularia and R. natalensis, the snails showed distinct spatial patterns, with R. natalensis reaching a peak infection prevalence of 29.3% in June. Species abundance differed significantly across the sites (χ² = 3,284.77, df = 42, p < 0.001): Sites 1–3 exhibited the highest snail species diversity and abundance, whereas Site 7 exhibited consistently the lowest, likely reflecting anthropogenic disturbance and seasonal desiccation. Snail populations peaked during the long rains (May–August), with the highest monthly count in May (n = 1,383), and were lowest in January (n = 230) and December (n = 316), confirming strong seasonal effects (χ² = 839.27, df = 77, p < 0.001) and a significant spatio-temporal variation (CMH = 1,192.37, df = 11, p < 0.001). These findings indicate that fasciolosis transmission potential is greatest in wet months within stable, vegetation-rich habitats. The identification of a seasonal transmission window highlights a key timeframe for implementing targeted snail control measures, habitat management, and enhanced surveillance to disrupt F. gigantica transmission in wetlands.
The Senegal River and the Gambia River share the same sedimentary basin, the same source, and have geographical proximity. This study, conducted over three consecutive years in the Senegal River and the Gambia River, aimed to perform a comparative analysis of the prevalence, abundance, mean intensity, and abundance index of nematodes in six fish species common to both locations: Citharinus citharus, Clarias gariepinus, Chrysichthys maurus, Hydrocynus forskahlii, Mormyrops anguilloides, and Synodontis ocellifer. The inventory of parasitic nematodes in these fish revealed that Chrysichthys maurus hosts the highest diversity of parasitic nematodes, with nine genera identified. Citharinus citharus and Mormyrops anguilloides are each parasitized by only one nematode genus, Cithariniella and Contracaecum, respectively. Except of Spirocamallanus and Camallanus, which were found exclusively in C. maurus, most nematode genera are shared among the different fish hosts. The genus Anisakis exhibits the highest prevalence, with 29.03% in the Senegal River, while Cithariniella shows the highest abundance, mean intensity, and abundance index. Other nematode genera, such as Paracamallanus, Procamallanus, Rhabdochona, Contracaecum, Spirocamallanus, Spinitectus, and Falcaustra, display variable ecological parameters. These nematodes are distributed within the liver and various sections of the digestive tract.
This study assessed the conservation status of crocodiles in Okomu National Park, Nigeria, and the impact of environmental degradation on biodiversity. A multi-faceted approach was used to gather data, including field surveys, bushmeat market surveys, oral interviews, and documentary analysis. The field survey yielded no results, while nearby bushmeat market surveys recorded 30 dwarf crocodiles at Ekiuwa Market and 17 at Oba Market. Demographic data from 35 park staff revealed that 74.3% were male and included various roles such as field researchers and park rangers. Results indicated the presence of dwarf crocodiles in the park, with Chi-square analysis showing no significant difference in responses regarding their safety and disturbance. The sale of dwarf crocodiles in nearby markets highlights potential poaching threats to conservation efforts. Factors threatening crocodile species included major issues like hunting, poaching, and habitat destruction, while water quality and food availability posed minor threats. Documentary evidence indicated that human activities, such as logging and agricultural clearance, significantly impact environmental degradation in the Niger Delta. The findings underscore the need for conservation strategies, including habitat protection, anti-poaching measures, pollution control, prohibition of agricultural activities and community engagement to safeguard the dwarf crocodile population and biodiversity in Okomu National Park.
The Agricultural Research Center of Adami Tulu, Ethiopia, conducted experiments to artificially rear bee queens using Morris Board and Splitting-methods. Six colonies of bees were randomly assigned to conduct experiments. In three honeybee colonies, the queens were isolated during the experiment and remained in Brood Chamber/Box using a screen board, while the remaining colonies were split to rear the queens. The two methods of breeding the honeybee queen show a very significant difference (P0.001) in the number of cells constructed, the number of sealed honeybee queen cells, and the number of egg/producing honeybee queens. In addition, there was very significant difference (P0.001) between the two methods used in the cost-benefit aspect. The honeybee queen was found to have cost significantly reduced when raising the honeybee queen with Morris boards compared to a split one. However, the current experiment does not have a significant difference in honeybee bred populations and honey yield, and other honeybee colonies receive young queens raised in two ways. It follows that Morris-board's honeybee breeding techniques are highly effective and cost-effective in producing honeybee queens for the multiplication of honeybee colonies to the best of ordinary farmers' skills and financial capabilities. Therefore, demonstration of technology is of principally important considering the country's widespread biophysical differences in order to exploit the technology in an attempt to artificially grow honeybee queens.
Bees are vital insects in agricultural production systems. In addition to crop pollination, bees produce honey, a valuable food commodity. Bees' attraction to plants differs according to species and plant morphology. The objective of this study was to compare the effects of Avocado, sunflower, and courgette crops on bee foraging behaviour, nectar collection efficiency, and honey production. The research focused on the Gatebe Sector, Rwambogo Cell, Murambo Village, characterized by its temperate climate and rich agricultural landscape. Bee visitation rates were measured at different times of the day, while honey production was tracked in colonies near the crops. The diversity of bee species visiting each crop was assessed using the Shannon-Wiener Index. The results revealed that sunflowers attracted the highest number of bees, particularly during midday, followed by avocado and courgette. Nectar collection efficiency and total honey yield were highest in sunflower, with peak activity from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Avocado showed moderate bee visitation and honey production, with a narrow peak period from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Courgette produced less honey, with a peak nectar collection period from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. In terms of bee species diversity, sunflower exhibited the greatest richness, followed by avocado and courgette. Sunflower consistently yielded the highest total honey (14.5 kg), followed by avocado (11.5 kg) and courgette (8.0 kg). Sunflower attracted the highest species diversity, followed by Avocado while courgettes had the lowest diversity, with only 4 species. The findings suggest that sunflower cultivation in home gardens enhances bee productivity and supports a diverse pollinator community, making it an optimal choice for boosting both honey production and pollinator health. The study underscores the importance of selecting appropriate crops to optimize bee activity and improve agricultural sustainability in smallholder farming systems.
Background: Malaria remains a major public health challenge in Uganda, particularly among children under five years of age. Between 2019 and 2023, the prevalence increased with age, from 3% in infants under six months to 12% in children aged 48–59 months, and was markedly higher in rural areas (11%) than in urban areas (3%). However, analysis of the data on malaria has been focused on a single variable, while the impact of climate variation on malaria is over several factors and over time. This study assesses the temporal patterns of climate variability and malaria incidence among children aged 0–5 years in Uganda using a time series analysis. Methods: The study analysed 150 monthly time series records from 2015 to 2022. It used the Vector Error Correction Model (VECM), which allows examination of both short-term changes and long-term relationships among variables. The variables included confirmed malaria cases in children under five years, rainfall, minimum and maximum temperatures, and vegetation cover. Data were obtained from the Ministry of Health/DHIS2, NASA Earth Data, CHIRPS, and NASA EOSDIS. Results: The results revealed significant long-term relationships and short-term feedback mechanisms between malaria incidence and climatic factors. The error correction term (ECT) for malaria was -0.006, indicating a slow adjustment to equilibrium. In contrast, rainfall, minimum temperature, and the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) showed correction behaviours, adjusting upward following deviations. Short-term changing aspects revealed that previous values of malaria cases among children under five years (coefficient = 0.091) and rainfall (coefficient = 0.061) positively influenced current malaria trends. The minimum temperature displayed strong autocorrelation (coefficient = 0.810), whereas the NDVI showed a large short-term response (coefficient = 140.100), highlighting its sensitivity to environmental shifts. Maximum temperature had a negative short-term association with malaria incidences (coefficient = -0.259), suggesting inverse seasonal effects. Conclusions: The study reveals significant short-term and long-term interactions among malaria cases among children under five years, rainfall, temperature, and NDVI. The presence of statistically significant error correction terms indicates that the system adjusts to restore equilibrium following deviations, with malaria cases among children under five years exhibiting consistent correction. Lagged coefficients show that past changes, particularly in minimum temperature and NDVI, exert a strong influence on current conditions.
Ethiopia, a landlocked country, relies on inland waters for fish, a vital low-cost protein source. Its standing water bodies span 7000 km², with rivers extending 8,065 km, supporting diverse aquatic life. The fish production potential is estimated at 94,500 tons per year, with around 200 species, 191 native and 9 introduced, and yet thorough investigation is in need. Despite progress, research on Ethiopian fish diversity remains incomplete due to the country's vast area (1.1 million km²) and limited surveys. Therefore, this study investigated fish species diversity and relative abundance in the Beko and Gacheb Rivers, highlighting implications for sustainable fish production. This study was carried out using cross-sectional observational study, and a total of 193 fish samples were collected during dry (April-May 2017) and wet (October-November 2017) seasons using gill nets with varying mesh sizes. Fish samples were identified to species level using taxonomic keys, and their total length and total weight were measured to the nearest 0.1 cm and 0.1g, respectively. Samples were preserved in 10% formalin and stored at Mizan-Tepi University Zoological-Sciences Laboratory. Relative abundance was determined by diversity indices and well-being of fish species was determined by using Fulton’s condition factor. The study recorded three fish species (Lates niloticus, Lates forskalii, and Oreochromis niloticus), with L. forskalii being the most abundant. Three species from the same family were identified, with a diversity index (H=2.52) indicating higher diversity than reported in other studies. The evenness index showed fair representation of species by individuals. The diversity and abundance indices revealed slight variations between sampling sites, with no dominant species observed, indicating complete evenness. Water quality parameters were within acceptable limits for aquatic life. Fish distribution was influenced by physicochemical factors and human activities, while promising fishery opportunities exist due to the presence of commercially important species, high demand, year-round water availability, and a strong fish market. These findings highlight the need for sustainable resource management and further research on fish biology and socioeconomic aspects.
This research represents the author’s thesis, which was completed in 1998, in partial fulfilment of the Master of Science degree in biology from the University of North Texas, Denton, United States, culminating in twelve months of field collection carried out in conjunction with the Lake Texoma Water Quality Monitoring Program (WQMP) funded by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Tulsa District. The purpose of this research was to characterize the underwater light regime in Lake Texoma using secchi disk, submarine photometer, and high-resolution spectroscopy at eleven fixed stations from August 1996 to August 1997. The objectives of this research was to 1) measure Secchi transparency at each station with submarine photometry to characterize seasonal and spatial values of secchi depth (SD); 2) determine vertical attenuation coefficients (η”) and depth of euphotic zone (Zeu); 3) Compare secchi depth (SD), Zeu, and η” with published data taken from other water bodies; 4) Model SD and η” with water quality parameters taken during the sampling periods; 5) Obtain spectral data in narrow bandwidths from 300 to 800nm using high-resolution spectroscopy; 6) Examine spectral irradiance, reflectance, and attenuation in the green (500-600nm), red (600-700nm), and near-infrared (700-800nm) spectrum; and 7) Model reflectance spectra with water quality parameters taken during the sampling periods. Indices of Zeu: SD and η” x SD were compared with universally applied values derived from published research of inland and coastal waters. Turbidity explained 76% of the variation (p = 0.0001) of η” among water quality parameters, including chlorophyll-a. Spectral signatures of chlorophyll-a and turbidity were measured with the spectroradiometer and quantified. Stations with low turbidity exhibited a distinct green reflectance peak around 590-610 nanometers, indicating presence of chlorophyll-a. Stations with high turbidity exhibited a reflectance peak shift towards the red spectrum, making it difficult to detect the chlorophyll signature. Derivative analysis of the reflectance signal at 590-610, and 720-780 nanometers allowed discrimination of this chlorophyll signature from those of turbidity (0.66 < r2 < 0.99).
The study was conducted to characterize morphometric traits of indigenous chickens and determine the relationships among the traits in three agro-climatic regions of western zone of Tigray regional state of Ethiopia. Twenty- one morphometric traits from 770 local chickens (412 hens, 358 cocks) were measured and analyzed using the PROC GLM of SAS 2008. Tukey mean comparison was used to analyze significantly different traits. Correlation analysis was used to determine the relationships among the traits. Significant variations were found in most traits among ecotypes, with males showing higher values in many traits. Kolla chickens generally exhibited higher values, except for neck length, skull length, and wattle, earlobe, comb, and beak indices. Interactions between sex and ecotypes significantly affected the morphometric traits. The strength and direction of significant correlations among the quantitative traits varied across the chicken ecotypes and sexes. The variation in morphometric measurements among the chicken ecotypes is an indicator of genetic diversity in the study area, calling for a community-centered holistic genetic enhancement program.
Tehsil Pakpattan is situated in the Doab region of Punjab, Pakistan, along the Sutlej River. The present study aimed to evaluate the avian biodiversity of Tehsil Pakpattan. The study included the evaluation of species diversity, IUCN Red List status, migratory description, and feeding habits of the bird populations of Tehsil Pakpattan. Regular surveys were conducted at ten different localities in Tehsil Pakpattan, including Islam Colony, Kanipur, Farid Kot, 14 S/P, Chak Khagga, Musewal, 8 S/P, Noorpur, Green Town, and Bonga Niaz Khan, from January 2022 to April 2023. The Shannon‒Wiener diversity index value (R' = 3.41) indicated the notable diversity of the bird populations in the study area. A total of 1884 individuals representing 41 species, 30 families, and 12 orders were recorded. The highest diversity was in the order Passeriformes. The most common birds in the observed population were cattle egrets (n = 160), house crows (n = 150), Asian green bee-eaters (n = 100), rock pigeons (n=100), brown rock chats (n = 98) and house sparrows (n = 90). Among all the species, 34 were residents, 2 were summer breeders, and one was a winter visitor. Thirty-seven (75.60 %) of the bird species belonged to the least concern (LC), 2 (4.87 %) were nearly threatened (NT), and 2 (4.84 %) were vulnerable (VU) categories of the IUCN Red List.
The various plant formations of the Guinean high savannah are subject to wood cutting and bush fires. This study aimed to assess the influence of logging and bush fires on the regeneration of the vegetation cover of the Sudano-Guinean savannahs. It was carried out on two types of plant formations (shrub and tree savannahs) with 18 plots, each 10 meters square, according to a randomized block experimental set-up and with different anthropogenic actions as treatments: wood cutting without fire, wood cutting with fire and control for a period of two years. Wood cutting by humans influences changes in the physiognomy of plant formations, and fire has an impact on the transformation of the savannah. In the shrub savannah, the number of trees varies from 76 to 160 (CSF), 60 to 109 (CAF) and 78 to 102 (T) in the first and second years respectively. On the other hand, in the tree savannah, 204 to 367 (CSF), 149 to 342 (CAF) and 189 to 257 (T). The regeneration rate of individuals increased from 6% to 24% in the shrub savannah and from 6% to 28%. The mortality rate was 9.46% CSF, 10.85% CAF and 15.89% T in the shrub savannah, while in the tree savannah it was 27.97% CSF, 15.51% CAF and 20.86% in the control site in the second year. The correlation between reiteration and mortality shows that, according to the analysis of variance, there is no statistically significant difference (0.8589>0.05) between plant formations and treatments. The phytogeographical distribution shows that Pantropical species (26.01%) are more important in both formations.
Biodiversity is the variation of life on the soil surface and includes differences in biotic structure at every level, from genes to species and vary to every ecological system. This study explores the phytosociology and vegetation structure in Tehsil Timergara, District Dir Lower, Pakistan, focusing on five distinct plant communities. The investigation utilizes TWINSPAN classification to categorize these communities, revealing their composition, dominance, and ecological attributes. The identified communities include Monotheca-Persicaria-Nerium (MPN), Punica-Indigofera-Isodon (PII), Myrtus-Dodonaea-Origanum (MDO), Berberis-Cornus-Teucrium (BCT), and Dodonaea-Salix-Pennisetum (DSP). The dominance of Megaphanerophytes and the prevalence of Microphylls in leaf spectra highlight the ecological dynamics of the region. In each community, the study examines the importance of values, and soil characteristics, providing insights into the environmental conditions influencing plant distributions. Additionally, the study calculates similarity and dissimilarity indices between these communities, revealing the degrees of overlap and uniqueness. The highest similarity is observed between Myrtus-Dodonaea-Origanum and Dodonaea-Salix-Pennisetum communities. This comprehensive phytosociological analysis enhances our understanding of the vegetation dynamics in Tehsil Timergara, offering valuable insights for conservation and sustainable management. The findings underscore the significance of considering multiple plant communities to formulate effective environmental management strategies.
Ethiopia needs 70-80 million quintals of wheat to feed 110 million people, but imports are a significant deficit. The government has implemented food and wheat security measures, including yield gap closure, area expansions, and irrigation. Wheat is a strategic commodity for Ethiopia's food security, agroindustry, import substitution, and job creation. An experiment was conducted at Dambi Dollo University campus in Sayo District, Kellem Wollega Zone, to determine wheat irrigation water demand. The study evaluated five irrigation depths in wheat cultivation, using soil parameters, meteorological data, and crop characteristics. The results showed that 90% of the net water requirement of wheat is optimal for normal physiological activities, including evapotranspiration and metabolic activities. The saved water, 10% of the total 191.9 mm, can be used to irrigate more command areas and prevent abandonment. The water productivity value of irrigated wheat is within the range of previous findings, and the average wheat yield is improved under irrigation conditions even in Ethiopia. The efficiency parameters (GY, WUE, and WP) generally perform significantly. The study recommends extension services to demonstrate this finding on farmers' fields for further evaluation and popularization, and Zonal/District Agricultural Offices to use this 172.71 mm to sustainably boost irrigated wheat production.
The study was conducted to evaluate the growth, egg production and adaptability performances of different chicken genotypes under semi-scavenging condition. The performance of Improved Horro (H), Cosmopolitan (C), Indigenous (L), and Koekoek (KK) chicken genotypes was evaluated in semi-scavenging condition over a 44-week period. The study utilized a completely randomized design (CRD), and the data were analyzed using the General Linear Model (GLM) in SAS software. A total of 360 chickens from the four genotypes were provided. For each genotype, around 30 chickens (with a 1:10 male-to-female ratio) were allocated to each lowland site, with each genotype placed in three replicate sites. The data for each genotype from all sites were then pooled. KK exhibited the highest body weight at hatch, followed by C and H, while L had the lowest. At eight weeks of age, KK also had the highest body weight and average daily weight gain, with C and H following, and L recording the lowest. KK had the highest body weights and weight gains, followed by C and H, while L showed the lowest body weights and weight gains at both 16 and 24 weeks of age. L and H showed significantly higher survival rates compared to KK and C. L reached the highest age at first egg lay, followed by C, KK, and H. KK had the greatest body weight at first egg lay and at the end of the experiment compared to C and H, while L had the lowest body weights at both first egg lay and 44 weeks. KK had the highest egg weight at first egg lay and throughout the experiment when compared to C and H, while L recorded the lowest egg weights at both first egg lay and 44 weeks. KK produced the highest number of eggs, followed by H and C, while L had the lowest egg count. In conclusion: The genotype differences of chickens substantially influenced growth, egg production and adaptability performances. It could also serve as reference for future growth, egg production and adaptability studies of defferent chicken genotypes.
This study investigates the cultural significance of the Nile Monitor Lizard (Veranus niloticus) in Orogun community, Delta State, Nigeria. A mixed-methods approach was employed, using questionnaires and Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) to gather data. The questionnaire were administered to 200 adults from the total population of the people in the community. Chi-square tests were used for statistical analysis to determine significant associations. The results show that the presence of the Nile Monitor Lizard in Orogun community is not significant (χ2 = 2.418, p > 0.05) based on questionnaire responses. However, observations and KIIs confirmed the species' presence and cultural importance. The abundance of the Nile Monitor Lizard was significant (χ2 = 6.520, p < 0.05), with 60% of respondents affirming its presence. The species holds cultural significance (χ2 = 7.370, p < 0.05), with the community revering it as a deity. Interaction with the lizard is predominantly reverential (χ2 = 0.421, p > 0.05), with minimal disturbance. Conservation efforts are lacking (χ2 = 6.520, p < 0.05), with more respondents indicating a lack of support. Contrary to expectations, the Nile Monitor Lizard is not commonly used as a source of food and medicine (χ2 = 25.240, p < 0.001). The study highlights the importance of cultural conservation and traditional belief systems in protecting umbrella species like the Nile Monitor Lizard. The findings contribute to the understanding of human-reptile interactions and inform conservation strategies that respect cultural significance. Some of the recommendations made includes: Integrate cultural conservation into biodiversity protection efforts, promote education and awareness on the importance of conservation, support community-led conservation initiatives, investigate the impact of cultural beliefs on species conservation.
Tree species population composition and diversity refers to the variety of tree species and their relative abundance in an ecosystem. In most tropical agro-ecosystems where land cover changes are faster than natural restoration, tree species composition, distribution, richness and diversity and the services provided by them are particularly susceptible to change globally from continuous stress factors such as bushfires, logging and cultivation. Data for the study was obtained from trees inventory using a systematic random sampling technique. A quadrant measuring 25m x 25m was laid. A total of sixty quadrants were used in the study. Each quadrant was demarcated using a measuring tape and its boundaries marked using pegs. All tree species encountered in each quadrant were identified and recorded. The unidentified specimens were collected, pressed and taken to Makerere University herbarium for proper identification. The results from the study revealed a total of 28 tree species belonging to 16 families were documented as being used by people in the four surveyed villages of Budaka Sub County, where Family Moraceae had the highest number of tree species with no significance difference in the density, diversity, richness, evenness, poles, saplings and seedlings of tree species across the four villages (Kruskal-Wallis P< 0.05). This indicates that these trees are under threat in the study area. This situation is quite alarming and calls for more resourceful and sustainable management and conservation techniques. Among others, it is suggested that laws should be enacted to protect the resource from further timber and fuel wood exploitation in the area in order to allow it to regenerate fully.
