NRU :: Browsing by Author "Dranzoa, Christine"

Browsing by Author "Dranzoa, Christine"

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Abundance, movements and habitat use by African Grey Parrots (Psittacus erithacus) in Budongo and Mabira forest reserves, Uganda
(Journal of African Ornithology, 2007) Amuno, John B.; Massa, Renato; Dranzoa, Christine
Populations of African Grey Parrots are threatened by increased forest loss and the pet trade. Budongo forest reserve has, for over 60 years, been subjected to selective logging. Mabira forest reserve faces human pressures characterised by extractive disturbances, and agricultural activities with increased boundary settlements. We estimated parrot populations using the ‘forest limiting circumference’ method, and ‘encounter rate approach’ for general abundance and forest type associations, respectively. Counts were conducted on flyways in the morning and evening of one day, and observations on food tree location and preference were made by forest type and time of day. Total parrot populations were estimated at 714 in Budongo and 342 in Mabira. Mean numbers of flocks observed per flyway were 4.18 ± 4.33 and 4.70 ± 2.71 for Budongo and Mabira, respectively. Similarly, flock sizes varied from 2.59 ± 2.95 in Budongo to 2.87 ± 3.06 in Mabira forest. High encounter rates were recorded in disturbed/secondary forests during foraging activities and these coincided with areas of abundant fruiting trees. Movements into and out of main forests followed regular flyways and inter-forest movements increased with forest fragmentation. However, the presence of forest strips seemed to enhance the stability of flyways. While African Grey Parrots in Budongo may benefit from its large size, the Mabira population is likely to face a greater threat of further decline. More protected areas are needed to maintain viable populations, and future research should focus on breeding ecology, population monitoring and the impact of trade activities on this species.
The avifauna 23 years after logging in Kibale National park, Uganda
(Biodiversity & Conservation, 1998) Dranzoa, Christine
The bird fauna of logged and unlogged forest in Kibale National Park, western Uganda were studied and comparisons made. Species diversity and richness were higher in the logged areas. A single species, the Yellow-whiskered Greenbul Andropadus latirostris dominated in the logged compart- ment. However, the majority of individual birds found in the logged forest were generalist or forest- edge species. Over 84% of the forest interior specialist species that occurred in primary forest had recolonized or persisted in the logged forest; however, there were seven out of 48 understorey forest specialists that had not done so. Although there was moderate species overlap between the two habitats, the logged forest compartment had not fully recovered from logging after 23 years.
Birds of isolated small forests in Uganda
(Journal of East African Ornithology, 2011) Dranzoa, Christine; Williams, Charlie; Pomeroy, Derek
This study concerns birds recorded from four small forests in Uganda, three of them being naturally isolated and the fourth being a fragment of the once extensive forests of southern Uganda. Whilst the forest interior birds in the natural forest islands might be considered subsets of those found in larger forests, the fact that the species composition in the three naturally isolated patches are almost completely different from each other, and in one case appear to have changed with time, suggests a major element of chance in which species occur where. There is also a strong indication of species turnover amongst the forest interior birds in these forests. The fact that, together and over time these small forests supported 37 forest interior species, suggests that, collectively, small forests (of which there are many in Uganda) do have conservation value. The evidence of species turnover with time, if confirmed, would increase the numbers of species involved and implies that even interior species do sometimes travel significant distances across other habitats.
Breeding birds inthe tropical rain forests of Kibale National Park, Uganda
(African Journal of Ecology, 2001) Dranzoa, Christine
A combination of trapping and foot surveys was used to assess the breeding status of birds in unlogged and logged sites in the tropical rain forest of Kibale National Park, Uganda. Breeding of forest edge and gap species was greatly enhanced by logging, whereas crevice and hole nesting specialist breeders were adversely a¡ected. Egg-laying periods corresponded to higher rainfall regimes at the nearby ¢eld station. The relevance of these ¢ndings to bird conservation is discussed.
Breeding requirements of Nahan’s Francolin, Francolinus nahan, in Budongo forest reserve, Uganda
(African Journal of Ecology, 2010) Sande, Eric; Dranzoa, Christine; Wegge, Per; Carroll, John P.
The Nahan’s Francolin Francolinus nahani is a globally threatened species associated with remnant forests of the eastern equatorial lowlands of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda. We studied the species in the Budongo Forest Reserve during March 1998 to January 2000 in an attempt to document some aspects of breeding requirements. We located nests by physically searching the forest and through following radio-tagged adults. We measured demographical and habitat parameters associated with each nest. Our data suggest that trees of large diameter at breast height with appropriate buttress formation are important for long-time survival of Nahan’s Francolins.
Clinical Pathology and Morphometrics of African Fish Eagles in Uganda
(Journal of wildlife diseases, 2004) Hollamby, Simon; Afema-Azikuru, Josephine; Sikarskie, James G.; Kaneene, John B.; Stuht, John N.; Fitzgerald, Scott D.; Bowerman, William W.; Cameron, Kenneth; Gandolf, A. Rae; Hui, Gretchen N.; Dranzoa, Christine; Rumbeiha, Wilson K.
Packed cell volumes (PCVs) and plasma chemistry parameters were measured in 15 adult and 18 nestling African fish eagles (Haliaeetus vocifer) sampled from June 2002 through January 2003 in Uganda. Morphologic measurements were obtained from 15 adult eagles. All eagles were examined for blood parasites and sexed by examination of DNA from red blood cells. Ten adults and eight nestlings were sampled from Lake Mburo and five adults and 10 nestlings were sampled from Lake Victoria near Entebbe, Uganda. Analysis of variance was conducted to assess the association between site, age, sex, and plasma chemistry parameters and the association between sex and morphologic characteristics. Plasma chemistry values for nestling and adult African fish eagles were similar to those reported for other captive and free-ranging eagle species. Packed cell volumes for nestling African fish eagles were markedly lower than values reported for nestlings of other eagle species, although the mean estimated age of nestlings sampled also was lower. A significant association (P#0.05) was found between PCV of nestling eagles and study site (lower at Lake Mburo) but no association was found between PCV and nestling body weight (P$0.05). An unidentified Plasmodium sp. was present in erythrocytes of three nestlings from Lake Mburo. No other blood parasites were seen. There was significant variation (P#0.05) in PCV, calcium, phosphorous, potassium, cholesterol concentrations, and creatine kinase activity between adults and nestlings; all were lower in adults. Aspartate transaminase activity was higher in adults. Like other Haliaeetus sp., body weight, bill depth, culmen length, footpad length, and hallux length as well as bill depth measurements were significantly (P#0.05) greater for females than males. The objective of the study was to provide baseline biologic and physiologic information that may prove useful in the management and study of captive and wild populations of African fish eagles.
Clinical Pathology of Nestling Marabou Storks in Uganda
(Journal of wildlife diseases, 2004) Hollamby, Simon; Afema-Azikuru, Josephine; Sikarskie, James G.; Stuht, John N.; Bowerman, William W.; Kaneene, John B.; Fitzgerald, Scott D.; Cameron, Kenneth; Gandolf, A. Rae; Hui, Gretchen N.; Dranzoa, Christine; Rumbeiha, Wilson K.
Packed cell volumes (PCV) and plasma chemistry parameters were measured in 20 nestling marabou storks (Leptoptilos crumeniferus) in January 2003 that were a part of a colony located in the center of the city of Kampala, Uganda. There were no significant differences (P$0.05) in plasma chemistry values or PCV between sexes with the exception of globulin and total plasma protein values, which were higher in females. There were significant differences (P#0.05) in blood glucose, creatine kinase, and globulin levels between birds of different body weight. Total plasma protein, uric acid, phosphorous, and creatine kinase were generally higher relative to published data on other avian species, including nestling white storks (Ciconia ciconia).
Enhancing Rural Livelihoods through Tourism Education and Strategic Partnerships: A Uganda Case Study
(Tourism Analysis, 2011) Campbell, J. Michael; Mackay, K.; Dranzoa, Christine
Recently, tourism has gained significant strides as a poverty reduction strategy for low income nations, including Uganda, where poor people constitute 61% of Uganda’s population, living below US$1 per day. In 2003, the Government of Uganda identified tourism as a priority export sector. This article provides a Uganda case study that focuses on enhancing rural livelihoods through tourism, specifically highlighting the interdependent themes of tourism training and partnership development as aims of a University of Manitoba—Makerere University cooperative program. Uganda is a country rich in natural and cultural resources with opportunities for sustainable tourism providing local impetus to support the conservation of wildlife and natural areas. The key to realizing this potential lies in the development of local capacity to research, manage, plan, interpret, and profit from the resources that are the foundation of sustainable tourism. The two universities are in partnership to develop a masters’ degree in sustainable community tourism. Specifically the article describes the curriculum development process for a master’s degree in sustainable community tourism at Makerere University, the creation of a strategic partners’ network for sustainable tourism and biodiversity conservation, and the relationship between the two processes linking higher education and community development with sustainable tourism. Challenges faced by the Canadian and Ugandan project participants, as well as solutions, next steps for implementation, and future research opportunities are also discussed.
Faecal analysis of Nahan’s Francolin Francolinus nahani, Budongo Forest Reserve, Uganda
(African Journal of Ecology, 2007) Sande, Eric; Moreby, Steven; Dranzoa, Christine; Wegge, Per
Nahan’s Francolin Francolinus nahani is an endangered, shy tropical forest bird species (Urban, Keith & Fry, 1986; Bennun, Dranzoa & Pomeroy, 1996; Plumptre, 1996; BirdLife International, 2000). Therefore, it is difficult to follow and observe their foods and feeding in their natural environment. Records show that they eat insects, small mollusks, green shoots, seeds and bulbs (Urban et al. 1986, Fuller, Carroll & McGowan, 2000). The faecal analysis method for determining the principal foods eaten by birds is good because neither the adults nor the chicks are affected or harmed (Moreby, 1988). However, limited information is available on identifying the arthropod components (Green, 1984; Moreby, 1988, 1993). Our goal was to understand the constituents of the food eaten by Nahan’s Francolin.
The Forest Birds of Kenya and Uganda
(Journal of East African Natural History, 1996) Leon, Bennun; Dranzoa, Christine; Pomeroy, Derek
Robust and rapid ways of assessing and monitoring forest biodiversity are increasingly necessary. To this end, we present a classification of forest birds in Kenya and Uganda into three simple categories: forest-specialists (FF species), forest generalists (F species) and forest visitors (f species). FF and F species, but not f species, are dependent on forests. Out of 479 forest birds in the two countries, 214 are FF, 156 F and 109 f species. Forest-dependent birds, and particularly forest specialists, are less widespread than forest visitors. Uganda has 420 forest birds compared to Kenya's 335, and a higher proportion of forest specialists: this reflects differences in forest structure and biogeography, rather than the area of natural forest. Using this classification allows species lists and densities to be interpreted more meaningfully. The number of FF species is an initial measure of a forest's relative conservation importance, while the proportion of FF, F and f species and their relative abundance will shift according to changes in forest structure.
Gastrointestinal helminths of semi-domesticated helmeted guinea fowl (Numida meleagris) under different management systems in Arua district, Uganda
(African Journal of Poultry Farming, 2016) Sente, Celsus; Kabasa, John David; Dranzoa, Christine; Gwabali, Damba Andrew; Tushabe, Josephine
Multi-stage and purposive sampling designs were undertaken to identify the smallest unit for extraction of samples to determine the prevalence of gastrointestinal helminths of the guinea fowls in the free-range management system (FRMS) and semi-scavenging management system (SSMS) in Arua district. Gastrointestinal tracts (GIT) were extracted from 120 guinea fowls, 60 from each management system. All the 60(100%) guinea fowls from FRMS harboured helminths, whereas only 49(81.7%) from SSMS were infected. The number of helminths Hymenolepis carioca (X2=17, p<0.001), Heterakis gallinarum (X2= 7.60, p<0.01) and Subulura brumpti (X2=4.82, p<0.05) were significantly higher in FRMS than in the SSMS. The prevalence of all species was higher in the FRMS compared to SSMS except for Hartertia gallinarum (3.3%) which was the same in both systems. Ten helminth species, namely; Hymenolepis carioca, Ascaridia galli, Heterakis gallinarum, Dispharynx spiralis, Raillietina tetragona, Subulura brumpti, Prosthogonimus spp., Hartertia gallinarum, Strongyloides avium and Raillietina echinobothrida were identified. The mean worm burden of Hymenolepis carioca (FRMS, 140±21.7; SSMS, 63.4±14.7), Ascaridia galli (FRMS, 7.3±3.5; SSMS, 0.03±0.0) and Subulura brumpti (FRMS, 12.7±2.8; SSMS, 4.3±2.1) were significantly higher in FRMS than SSMS. It is important to separate guinea fowls from other poultry as well as improve hygiene measures in both management systems in order to realise a healthy flock.
Home ranges and survival of Nahan’s Francolin Francolinus nahani in Budongo Forest, Uganda
(African Journal of Ecology, 2009) Sande, Eric; Dranzoa, Christine; Wegge, Per; Carroll, John P.
We studied home ranges, habitat use and survival of radiotagged Nahan’s Francolin in Budongo Forest Reserve, Uganda during July 1998–December 1999. We studied Nahan’s Francolin in an unlogged nature reserve, in a compartment logged in 1947–1952 and in a compartment logged twice, in 1963–1964 and 1996–1997. Mean home range was 14.22 ± 1.35 ha (n = 17). The home range was significantly larger in the nature reserve than in the recently logged compartment. Birds spent more time during the day in areas with high understorey vegetation density but preferred to roost and nest between buttresses of large trees. Understorey vegetation density and canopy openness were significantly greater in the logged forest than in the nature reserve. Annual survival of adult Nahan’s Francolins was 20.09 ± 7.33% (n = 23). Our results suggest that the maintenance of large trees and areas with high understorey vegetation density are both important for Nahan’s Francolin.
Implications of forest utilisation on bird conservation
(Journal of African Ornithology, 2000) Dranzoa, Christine
This paper gives a summary of the effect of selective logging upon forest bird communities. Some differences may exist from one region to another due to environmental as well as ecological factors. However, the general responses of bird communities to defined logging operations are predictable. A case study from Uganda’s Kibale National Park, is presented. Intensive mist-netting, counts and monitoring of breeding birds showed that species that are primarily adapted to exploiting forest edges, tree fall gaps and secondary habitats occurred and bred in large numbers in logged forest, but some species typical of forest interior were unable to adapt to logged forest. The long-term effects on the conservation of primary forest dependants are discussed.
Indigenous Knowledge Influences Cowpea (Vigna Unguiculata) Production among Smallholder Farmers in Northern Uganda
(International Refereed Journal of Arts, Science & Commerce, 2018) Ayaa, Franciska; Alumai, Alfred; Dranzoa, Christine
This study documented the available indigenous knowledge (IK) on cowpea production in northern Uganda. The study focused on smallholder farmers along the River Nile belt in Nebbi, Arua, and Moyo districts in Uganda where cowpea is still grown widely. Data was collected from 300 randomly selected smallholder farmers in the study area, using a semi-structured survey questionnaire. Our findings show that only 17% of farmers cultivated cowpea on more than 1 acre. The majority cultivated cowpea on 1 acre (31%) and half an acre (30%). We found that 5 cowpea varieties (small brown helium, medium black, pungent smell, small white red helium, and large white red helium) are grown. The varieties that are commonly grown are small white red helium (34.7%) and large white red helium (48.3%). However, the findings reveal that the small brown, medium black and pungent smell varieties are becoming extinct. The major source of seeds for farmers was found to be local markets (36.3%), farmers’ own preserved seeds from previous seasons (28.3%), purchasing and using own preserved seeds (23.0%), urban markets (2%), purchased from both local and urban markets (6%), and borrowed from other farmers (1%). The major field pests that affect cowpea production were found to be aphids, glow worms, and beetles. Farmers control them using IK methods, including homemade remedies (69.3%) and handpicking (36.1%). Farmers control storage pests using storage, farmer use neem leaves or wood ash spread in granaries (25.8%), “osikusi” (3.9%), “dula” (1.9%), underground tunnels (4.7%), pots (0.3%), and empty drums (0.3%). These results suggest that IK plays a significant role in cowpea production, and is critical to enhancing socio-economic growth, increasing income, and ensuring food security among smallholder farmers.
Mercury and Persistent Organic Pollutant Concentrations in African Fish Eagles, Marabou Storks, and Nile Tilapia in Uganda
(Journal of Wildlife Diseases, 2004) Hollamby, Simon; Afema-Azikuru, Josephine; Sikarskie, James G.; Kaneene, John B.; Bowerman, William W.; Fitzgerald, Scott D.; Cameron, Kenneth; Gandolf, Rae; Hui, Gretchen N.; Dranzoa, Christine; Rumbeiha, Wilson K.
The purpose of this research was to evaluate persistent organic pollutant (POP) and mercury concentrations in tissues of African fish eagles (Haliaeetus vocifer) and Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) from Lake Victoria near Entebbe and Lake Mburo, Uganda. Marabou stork (Leptoptilos crumeniferus) nestlings from urban Kampala (40 km from Entebbe) also were sampled for POPs and mercury. Total mercury was measured in the breast feathers of eight nestling and 10 adult African fish eagles from Lake Mburo, 10 nestling and five adult African fish eagles from Lake Victoria near Entebbe, and 20 nestling marabou storks from Kampala from June 2002 through January 2003. Mercury concentrations in all samples were below levels associated with adverse effects in similar species. Mercury concentrations were significantly higher in eagle adults and nestlings from Entebbe than in adults and nestlings from Lake Mburo (P#0.05). No significant differences (P$0.05) were found in mercury concentrations between sexes or between the entire fish eagle population sampled at Entebbe and marabou stork nestlings sampled at nearby Kampala. Plasma samples from the same birds were analyzed for 1,1,1-trichloro-2,2-bis(4-chlorophenyl) ethane, aldrin, hexachlorocyclohexane (a-HCH), dieldrin, endrin, heptachlor and their metabolites, as well as total polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). Nile tilapia whole-body cross sections collected from Lake Mburo (n53) and Lake Victoria near Entebbe (n58) also were analyzed for these POPs and mercury. No samples contained POPs or PCBs at the limits of detection except for 4,49-1,1-dichloro-2,2-bis(4-chlorophenyl)ethylene in five adult eagle plasma samples (0.002660.0015 ppm wet weight) and five Nile tilapia samples (0.00260.001 ppm wet weight) from Entebbe.
Methods for capturing African fish eagles on water
(Wildlife Society Bulletin, 2004) Hollamby, Simon; Afema-Azikuru, Josephine; Bowerman, William W.; Cameron, Kenneth N.; Dranzoa, Christine; Gandolf, A. Rae; Hui, Gretchen N.; Kaneene, John B.; Norris, Amanda; Sikarskie, James G.; Fitzgerald, Scott D.; Rumbeiha, Wilson K.
Twelve adult African fish eagles (Haliaeetus vocifer) were captured on water using a floating fish “snare vest” on Lake Victoria near Entebbe and Lake Mburo in Uganda. The snare vest comprised 8–12 monofilament nylon snares attached to a floating 15–25-cm Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). Capture success was 17% of birds that struck the bait at Lake Mburo and 10% at Lake Victoria. The success rate was dependent on multifactorial local site conditions, operator experience, and snare design. The methods described are the first detailed report on the capture of this species, and the snare vest highlights subtle variations in technique from those reported for the capture of other large eagle species.
Methods of studying the distribution, diversity and abundance of birds in East Africa—some quantitative approaches
(African Journal of Ecology, 1997) Pomeroy, Derek; Dranzoa, Christine
In this paper we compare the use of transect counts with a simpler method of investigating bird diversity and numbers, particularly in terrestrial habitats, both natural and non-natural. Transect Counts (TCs) have long been widely used, whereas Timed Species Counts (TSCs), which estimate relative abundance, are comparatively untried. We find that TSCs give results which are comparable to those from TCs in most respects, except that they can only be used indirectly for estimating population densities, and they give different measures of diversity. However, TSCs generate data on many more species much faster than do TCs and are therefore more cost-effective in most situations. In particular, TSCs are useful for community studies. We show, for example, that in natural habitats bird populations are positively correlated with the amount of woody vegetation, but not with rainfall. Diversity too increases with woody vegetation. Because TSCs are simple, more of them can be made for a given input of time, and hence more distributional data are obtained as an additional benefit.
Observations on the breeding behaviour of the Stripe-breasted tit (Parus fasciiventer) in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda
(African Journal of Ecology, 2010) Yatuha, Jane; Dranzoa, Christine
The motivation of this study was to investigate some hitherto unknown information on the breeding ecology of the Stripe-breasted Tit (Parus fasciiventer) in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, south-western Uganda. Parus fasciiventer is one of the least studied and endemic bird species restricted to the montane forests of the Albertine Rift. Regionally, it is classified as near-threatened. The study was carried out around the Institute of Tropical Forest Conservation Ruhija camp and the period of study was from January to June 2003. Data were generated through direct observation at the nest box sites of three active nests. Each of the nest boxes was monitored from the time of nest building to the time the chicks fledged. Results and comparative assessments from this study demonstrate that P. fasciiventer, compared with its temperate congeners like Great Tits (Parus major), Marsh Tits (Parus palustris), Crested Tits (Parus cristatus), Coal Tits (Parus ater) and Blue Tits (Parus caeruleus), raised small broods and had longer nestling period. The findings further revealed that the species is capable of raising more than one brood in a single breeding season and provide further evidence that it is a cooperative breeder. Parents participated equally in raising the young, an indication of pure parenting in the species.
Phylogenetic affinities of evolutionarily enigmatic African galliforms: the Stone Partridge Ptilopachus petrosus and Nahan’s Francolin Francolinus nahani, and support for their sister relationship with New World quails
(Ibis, 2012) Cohen, Callan; Wakeling, Julia L.; Mandiwana-Neudani, Tshifhiwa G.; Sande, Eric; Dranzoa, Christine; Crowe, Timothy M.; Bowie, Rauri C. K.
The monotypic Stone Partridge Ptilopachus petrosus (Galliformes: Phasianidae), restricted to arid rocky areas of the northern savanna belt including the Sahel on the southern border of the Sahara Desert, is a taxonomic enigma. Historically, it has been grouped with Asian forest partridges (Galloperdix and Bambusicola spp.). However, recent DNA-based phylogenetic research has suggested that its closest relative is Nahan’s Francolin Francolinus nahani, another taxonomically enigmatic African galliform, and a globally threatened, narrow endemic species associated with the interior of remnant primary forests of the eastern equatorial lowlands of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda. This hypothesis is investigated in greater detail using additional DNA evidence and information on behaviour and vocalizations. Phylogenetic analyses of the combined sequences from three nuclear and four mitochondrial markers (5554 bases for 84 galliform taxa) overwhelmingly support the sister relationship between F. nahani and P. petrosus. They, in turn, are the distantly related sister taxon of the New World quails (Odontophoridae), and are not related to any other Old World galliform.
Sexual Harassment at African Higher Education Institutions
(International Higher Education, 2018) Dranzoa, Christine
In Africa, enrolling in higher education institutions (HEIs) is an aspiration of many young people and their families and represents an investment in their own socioeconomic progress. This is why university graduation ceremonies are celebrated with great pomp—the ceremonies anticipate significant long-term benefits. Higher education institutions are the power engine of Africa’s progress. Additionally, issues of gender equality and diversity have gained momentum in the twenty-first century as it has become widely acknowledged that balanced economic and social progress is only possible with these tenets. Most governments in Africa have adopted and ratified policies such as the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights and Freedoms (1948) and the African Union Gender Policy (2009), which mandate them to observe and practice gender equity and empower women in higher education institutions.

Browsing by Author "Dranzoa, Christine"

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