Browsing by Author "Kiremire, Bernard T."
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Item Anthocyanins from fruits of Rubus pinnatus and Rubus rigidus(Journal of Food Composition and Analysis, 2005) Byamukama, Robert; Kiremire, Bernard T.; Andersen, Øyvind M.; Steigen, AndreasThe same anthocyanins, cyanidin 3-(600-O-a-rhamnopyranosyl-b-glucopyranoside) (1), and cyanidin-3-Ob- glucopyranoside (2), were isolated from extracts of red fruits of Rubus pinnatus Willd. and purple-black fruits of Rubus rigidus Sm. using Amberlite XAD-7 column chromatography, Sephadex LH-20 gel filtration and preparative HPLC. Their structures were elucidated by a combination of chromatography, homo- and heteronuclear NMRtechni ques. The relative amounts of 1 and 2 in R. rigidus were 59.4% and 40.6%, respectively, while in R. pinnatus, the relative amounts were 58.6% and 41.4%, respectivelyItem Anthocyanins from ornamental flowers of red frangipani, Plumeria rubra(Scientia Horticulturae, 2011) Byamukama, Robert; Namukobe, Jane; Jordheim, Monica; Andersen, Øyvind M.; Kiremire, Bernard T.Two anthocyanins were isolated from ornamental reddish flowers of Plumeria rubra L. (Apocynaceae) by a combination of chromatographic techniques. Their structures were elucidated mainly by the use of homo- and heteronuclear nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and high-resolution electrospray mass spectrometry. The anthocyanin cyanidin 3-O- -(2 -glucopyranosyl-O- -galactopyranoside) (75%), has previously been isolated only from Cornus suecica (Cornaceae) fruits, while the other (20%) was identified as cyanidin-3-O- -galactopyranoside. This is the first report of the anthocyanins responsible for the attractive colours of the flowers of red frangipani.Item Bioactive compounds in the stem bark of Albizia coriaria (Welw. ex Oliver)(International Journal of Biological and Chemical Sciences, 2015) Byamukama, Robert; Barbara, Ganza; Namukobe, Jane; Heydenreich, Matthias; Kiremire, Bernard T.Albizia coriaria was investigated for the bioactive compounds present in its stem bark. The plant was selected on the basis of its widespread use in traditional herbal medicine. Extraction of the plant material was done with ethyl acetate, methanol and water and the bioactivity of each extract was tested against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli. Separation and purification of the compounds in the most active (ethyl acetate) extract was done using a combination of chromatographic techniques. The compounds were identified by 1D and 2D -1H and 13C NMR techniques as well as Mass spectrometry (MS). Six compounds, namely: Lupeol (1), Lupenone (2), Betulinic acid (3), Acacic acid lactone (4), (+) – Catechin (5) and Benzyl alcohol (6) were identified and characterized from the ethyl acetate extract. The results of the bioactivity tests carried out in this study indicated that A. coriaria has potential antimicrobial activity. Four of the characterized compounds (1, 2, 3 & 5) have a wide range of biological activity reported in literature. This justifies the use of this plant in traditional medicine and indicates a promising potential for the development of medicinal agents from A. coriaria stem bark.Item Cycloartane triterpenes from the leaves of Neoboutonia macrocalyx L.(Elsevier, 2014) Namukobe, Jane; Kiremire, Bernard T.; Byamukama, Robert; Kasenene, John M.; Dumontet, Vincent; Guéritte, Françoise; Krief, Sabrina; Florent, Isabelle; Kabasa, John DNeoboutonia macrocalyx is used by people in south western Uganda around Kibale National Park in the treatment of malaria. Phytochemical investigation on the leaves of this plant led to the isolation of nine cycloartane triterpenes (1–9) and one phenanthrene; 7-methoxy-2,8 dimethyl-9, 10-dihydrophenantherene-3,6 diol (10) along with three known compounds which included 22-de-Oacetyl- 26-deoxyneoboutomellerone (11), mellerin B (12) and 6-hydroxystigmast-4-en-3-one (13). The chemical structures of the compounds were established mainly through a combination of spectroscopic techniques. The isolated compounds were evaluated for antiplasmodial activity against the chloroquine-resistant FcB1/Colombia strain of Plasmodium falciparum and for cytotoxicity against the KB (nasopharyngeal epidermoid carcinoma) and MRC-5 (human diploid embryonic lung) cells. Seven out of 13 compounds exhibited good antiplasmodial activity with IC50 of 65 lg/ml with two compounds exhibiting low cytotoxicity and five compounds having significant cytotoxicity.Item DDT and metabolites in fish from Lake Edward, Uganda(Chemosphere, 2009) Ssebugere, Patrick; Kiremire, Bernard T.; Kishimba, Michael; Wandiga, Shem O.; Nyanzi, Steven A.This paper presents results based on determination of residue levels of 1,1,1-trichloro-2,2-bis[p-chlorophenyl]ethane (DDT) and its metabolites in five fish species from Rwenshama landing site on Lake Edward, Uganda. The residue levels were analysed by using a GC-ECD and confirmed by GC–MS. The DDT residues detected in fish samples from Lake Edward were p,p′-DDT, o,p′-DDT, p,p′-DDE, o,p′-DDE, p,p′-DDD and o,p′-DDD. All the analysed samples of fish presented mean DDT residues ranging from non-detectable levels to 68 μg kg−1 fresh weight. High levels of p,p′-DDT were detected in comparison to the metabolites (p,p′-DDE and p,p′-DDD). The detection of higher levels of p,p′-DDT than p,p′-DDE and p,p′-DDD, in most fish samples, suggests recent exposure of fish to DDT. Generally, most of the fish samples had residue levels below the maximum residue limits (MRL) recommended by FAO/WHO Codex Alimentarius Commission.Item Medicinal plants used in Malaria treatment by Prometra Herbalists in Uganda(Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2014) Adia, Madina Mohamed; Anywar, Godwin; Byamukama, Robert; Kamatenesi-Mugisha, Maud; Sekagya, Yahaya; Kakudidi, Esezah K.; Kiremire, Bernard T.Ethnopharmacological relevance: The aimofthesurveywastodocumentmedicinalplantsusedin malaria treatmentbyPrometra(Promociondelamedicinatradicionalamazonica)TraditionalMedical Practitioners (TMPs)ofUgandaandforsearchofnewantiplasmodialherbalmedicines(HMs)forfurther phytochemicalanalysis. Materials andmethods: In thisstudy,semistructuredguidedopenandcloseendedquestionnaireswere used. FocusgroupdiscussionswereconductedandkeyinformantswerechosenwithintheTMPswho helped infurtherdiscussionsofhowtheherbalremedieswherecollected,preparedandadministered. Results: A samplesizeof51respondentswasrandomlyselectedamongtheTMPswiththehelpoftheir leader.86speciesdistributedover81generaand39familieswerereportedlybeingusedasherbal remedies inmalariatreatment.TheTMPsusesymptomslikehightemperature,shivering,amongothers in malariadiagnosisanindicationthattheyunderstandmalaria.Theyemphasizedtheuseofleavesand bark intreatmentbecausetheycanregenerateandthereforeensuresustainableuseofplantsratherthan the useofrootswhichwouldbedestructive.TheseTMPStreatandalsoadvisetheirpatientson preventivemeasuresagainstmalariaattackslikesleepingundermosquitonets,clearingbushesnear homesteads, amongotherswhichisanindicationthattheyhelpinthepreventionandmitigationof malaria incidencesandprevalenceintheareaswheretheylive.TheInformantConsensusFactor(FIC) valueof0.8demonstratedthattheTMPsofPrometra-Ugandatendtoagreewitheachotherintermsof the plantspeciestheyuseinmalariatreatmentanindicationofqualitycontrolinasfarasadministration of theherbalremedies. Vernoniaamygdalina Delile, Bidens pilosa L., Justicia betonica L. werehighlycited as beingusedinmalariatreatmentwithfrequenciesofmentionof38,28and25,respectively. Conclusion: TMPs ofPrometra-Ugandaunderstandandtreatmalariausingtheavailableplantdiversity from theirhugeforestandtheherbalgardenswithinBuyijaforest.Thehealersareverykeenatplant conservationwhichisagoodpractice.Specieslike Justica betonica may beinvestigatedfurtherfor antiplasmodial assaystojustifyitsefficacy.Item Medicinal Plants Used in the Treatment and Prevention of Malaria in Cegere Sub- County, Northern Uganda(Ethnobotany Research and Applications, 2015) Anywar, Godwin; Van’t Klooster, Charlotte I.E.A.; Byamukama, Robert; Willcox, Merlin; Nalumansi, Patricia A.; Jong, Joop de; Rwaburindori, Protase; Kiremire, Bernard T.In Uganda, malaria has been ranked as a leading cause of morbidity and mortality with Apac District having one of the highest transmission rates. The objective of this study was to assess the use of medicinal plants in preventing and treating malaria and to determine the traditional concept of malaria in Cegere Sub-County, Apac. A snowball sampling method was used to work through a network of informants. Ninety respondents, including traditional healers, were interviewed using focus group discussions and questionnaires. Twenty plant species from 15 families were used for preventing and treating malaria. Most of the plants were herbs (50%), and leaves (64%) were the mostfrequently used parts. Schkuhria pinnata (Lam.) Kuntze ex Thell. was the most frequently cited plant for treating malaria, mentioned by 77% of the respondents. Traditionally, malaria was known as atipa and was treated ritually. Fewer medicinal plant species were used to treat malaria in Apac compared to other parts of UgandaItem Organochlorine pesticide residues in sediments from the Uganda side of Lake Victoria(Chemosphere, 2011) Wasswa, John; Kiremire, Bernard T.; Nkedi-Kizza, Peter; Mbabazi, Jolocam; Ssebugere, PatrickOrganochlorine (OC) residues were analysed in 117 sediment samples collected from four bays of the Uganda side of Lake Victoria. The sediments were collected with a corer at a depth of 0–20 cm, and extracted for OC residues using a solid dispersion method. The extracts were cleaned using gel permeation chromatography and analysed for pesticide residues using a gas chromatograph (GC) equipped with an electron capture detector. The results were confirmed using a GC equipped with a mass spectrometer (MS). A total of 16 OC residues, most of them persistent organic pollutants (POPs) were identified and quantified. The OC residue levels were expressed on an oven dry weight (d.w.) basis. Endosulphan sulphate, in the range of 0.82–5.62 lg kg 1 d.w., was the most frequently detected residue. Aldrin and dieldrin were in the ranges of 0.22–15.96 and 0.94–7.18 lg kg 1 d.w., respectively. DDT and its metabolites lay between 0.11–3.59 for p,p0-DDE, 0.38–4.02 for p,p0-DDD, 0.04–1.46 for p,p0-DDT, 0.07–2.72 for o,p0-DDE and 0.01–1.63 lg kg 1 d.w. for o,p0-DDT. The levels of c-HCH varied from 0.05 to 5.48 lg kg 1 d.w. Heptachlor was detected only once at a level of 0.81 lg kg 1 d.w., while its photo-oxidation product, heptachlor epoxide, ranged between non-detectable (ND) to 3.19 lg kg 1 d.w. Chlordane ranged from ND to 0.76 lg kg 1 d.w. Based on the threshold effect concentration (TEC) for fresh water ecosystems, aldrin and dieldrin were the only OCs that seemed to be a threat to the lake environment.Item Organochlorine pesticide residues in skin, flesh and whole carrots (Daucus carota) from markets around Lake Victoria basin, Uganda(International journal of environmental studies, 2013) Nannyonga, Stella; Kiremire, Bernard T.; Ogwok, Patrick; Nyanzi, Steven A.; Sserunjogi, Mohammed L.; Wasswa, JohnResidual concentrations of organochlorine pesticides in vegetables cause concern because of their adverse health effects. Pesticides have been applied in agricultural production and vector control in Uganda. Vegetables may absorb high residual levels of cyclodienes necessitating regular monitoring. Carrots are commonly consumed in Uganda as raw salads or components of different dishes. A gas chromatograph with electron capture detector was used to quantify organochlorine pesticides. Pesticide residues were confirmed by gas chromatography with a mass spectrometer. Trace amounts of 4,4′-dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT), 2,4′-DDT, 2,4′-dichlorodiphenylchloroethane (DDE), α- endosulphan, β-endosulphan, α-lindane, γ-lindane and dieldrin were detected in carrots. Levels of organochlorine residues in carrots were below the maximum residue limits considered safe for human consumption by Codex Alimentarius and the European Union Commission.Item Organochlorine pesticides in soils from south-western Uganda(Chemosphere, 2010) Ssebugere, Patrick; Wasswa, John; Mbabazi, Jolocam; Nyanzi, Steven A.; Kiremire, Bernard T.; Marco, John A.M.Organochlorine (OC) residues were analysed in soil samples collected from Kihiihi sub-county, Kanungu District, which is located in south-western Uganda. Mabira Central Forest Reserve which is located in central Uganda was used as a reference site in this study. The samples were collected at 15–20 cm depths below the soil surface and extracted with organic solvents. The extracts were cleaned using florisil, and were analysed using a gas chromatograph (GC) equipped with an electron capture detector (ECD). The results were confirmed using a GC equipped with a mass spectrometer (MS). The levels of the OC residues in soil from Kihiihi sub-county varied from non-detectable (ND) to 59 μg kg−1 dry weight. The frequencies of detection for p,p′-DDT, p,p′-DDE and p,p′-DDD in the total soil samples were 47%, 24% and 11%, respectively. The o,p′compounds were detected in the following frequencies: o,p′-DDT (23%), o,p′-DDE (19%) and o,p′-DDD (8%). The low p,p′-DDE/p,p′-DDT residue ratios (0.2–0.9) in Kihiihi samples suggest recent inputs of DDT in Kihiihi sub-county. The detection frequencies for dieldrin, endosulfan-α, -β and -sulphate in the soil samples were 21%, 26%, 31% and 19%, respectively. Mabira Forest Reserve soils showed detection frequencies of p,p′-DDT (5%) and p,p′-DDE (9% of the soil samples), varying from ND to 9 μg kg−1. Although the use of OCPs has been banned, our results show that they can still be detected in the environment. Their presence may be attributed to adulteration of pesticides which are not banned and also atmospheric deposition.Item PCDD/Fs and dioxin-like PCBs in fish species from Lake Victoria, East Africa(Chemosphere, 2013) Ssebugere, Patrick; Kiremire, Bernard T.; Henkelmann, Bernhard; Bernhöft, Silke; Kasozi, Gabriel N.; Wasswa, John; Schramm, Karl-WernerTwo commercially important fish species, Nile perch (Lates niloticus) and Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) belonging to different trophic levels were collected from the Napoleon Gulf and Thurston Bay in Lake Victoria. Polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs), polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs) and dioxinlike polychlorinated biphenyls (dl-PCBs) were extracted from the fish muscles and livers using the 13C isotope dilution method, followed by multiple column chromatography clean-up. Analysis was achieved by a high resolution gas chromatography coupled with a high resolution mass spectrometer. The concentrations of analytes ranged from 0.07 to 0.59 pg g 1 fresh weight (fw) and 0.3–19.0 pg g 1 in L. niloticus and 0.06–0.18 and 0.2–15.7 pg g 1 in O. niloticus, for PPCDD/Fs and Pdl-PCBs, respectively. Differences in congener concentrations were observed between the two fish species and study sites, and this was attributed to differences in feeding habits and trophic levels. World Health Organization-toxic equivalents (WHO-TEQs) were in the range 0.01–0.16 pg TEQ g 1 for the PCDD/Fs and 0.001–0.74 pg TEQ g 1 for the dl-PCBs. The TEQ values in the present study were lower compared to those of most fish samples reported in literature and were within permissible levels recommended by the European Union, implying that the fish was fit for human consumption.Item PCDD/Fs and dioxin-like PCBs in surface sediments from Lake Victoria, East Africa(Science of the total environment, 2013) Ssebugere, Patrick; Kiremire, Bernard T.; Henkelmann, Bernhard; Bernhöft, Silke; Wasswa, John; Kasozi, Gabriel N.; Schramm, Karl-WernerSurface sediments (b60 cm) from the Napoleon Gulf and Thurston Bay on the northern shore of Lake Victoria were analyzed for polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs), polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs) and dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls (dl-PCBs). Fifteen PCDD/Fs and eleven dl-PCBs were found in 75.5% of the samples. The maximum concentrations of PCDD/Fs and dl-PCBs were 44.1 and 136 pg g−1 dry weight (dw), respectively. Octachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin was the predominant PCDD/F congener at the Napoleon Gulf and Thurston Bay area. Regarding the dl-PCBs, a variation in levels was observed between the mono-ortho PCBs and non-ortho PCBs, with the former having higher levels than the latter. The PCDD/F and dl-PCB levels, in the sediments of Napoleon Gulf, which is near urban centers and industrial areas were markedly higher (α ≤ 0.05) than those from the Thurston Bay, which is offshore, suggesting that human activities could be sources of the pollutants to the surrounding water resources. World Health Organization-toxic equivalency quotients (WHO-TEQs) lay in the range of 0.07–5.53 pg g−1 dw for PCDD/Fs and 0.01–0.23 pg g−1 dw for dl-PCBs. 23.1% of samples from the Napoleon Gulf had their results above the set WHOPCDD/Fs-TEQ value.Item Polychlorinated biphenyls and hexachlorocyclohexanes in sediments and fish species from the Napoleon Gulf of Lake Victoria, Uganda(Science of the Total Environment, 2014) Ssebugere, Patrick; Sillanpää, Mika; Kiremire, Bernard T.; Kasozi, Gabriel N.; Wang, Pu; Sojinu, Samuel O.; Otieno, Peter O.; Zhu, Nali; Zhu, Chaofei; Zhang, Haidong; Shang, Hongtao; Ren, Daiwei; Li, Yingming; Zhang, Qinghua; Jiang, GuibinPolychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and hexachlorocyclohexanes (HCHs) were analyzed in surface sediments (b30 cm depth) and two fish species: Nile perch (Lates niloticus) and Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). The samples were collected from the Napoleon Gulf on the northern shore of Lake Victoria. The analysis was done using a gas chromatograph (GC) coupled to a high resolution mass spectrometer for PCBs and a GC equipped with an electron capture detector for HCHs. Total (Σ) PCBs in the muscles of fish varied widelywith mean values ranging from41 to 670 pg g−1 lipidweight (lw). The PCB levels in L. niloticuswere significantly greater than those in O. niloticus. The large variability observed in the datawas attributed to differences in feeding habits and trophic levels. While O. niloticus is a filter-eating fish species feeding mainly on phytoplankton and zooplankton, L. niloticus have predatory feeding behaviors and prefer a diet of live fish and, therefore, are more prone to bioaccumulate contaminants. The mean PCB concentrations in the sediments varied from 362 to 848 pg g−1 dry weight. Variations in PCB levels were observed from one study site to another, this was attributed to the nature and particle size of the sediments. HCH isomers were detected in fish at mean concentrations of up to 45,900 pg g−1 lw. The PCB and HCH concentrations were lower than those from previous studies elsewhere in literature and were below the maximum residue limits set by the European Commission and FAO/WHO Codex Alimentarius Commission, implying that the fish was fit for human consumption.Item Polychlorinated biphenyls in sediments and fish species from the Murchison Bay of Lake Victoria, Uganda(Science of the Total Environment, 2014) Ssebugere, Patrick; Sillanpää, Mika; Wang, Pu; Li, Yingming; Kiremire, Bernard T.; Kasozi, Gabriel N.; Zhu, Chaofei; Ren, Daiwei; Zhu, Nali; Zhang, Haidong; Shang, Hongtao; Zhang, Qinghua; Jiang, GuibinPolychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were determined in sediments and two fish species collected from the Murchison Bay in Lake Victoria, using high resolution gas chromatography coupled to a high resolution mass spectrometer. Total PCB concentrations (Σ18PCBs) varied widely with mean values ranging from 777 to 4325 pg g−1 dry weight (dw) for sediments and 80 to 779 pg g−1 wet weight (ww) for fish. The PCB levels in the sediments were significantly higher at the station closest to Nakivubo channel, presumably due to effluents discharged by the channel, which may contain domestically produced commercial PCB mixtures. For fish, the concentrations in Nile perch (Lates niloticus) were significantly greater than those in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) at all study stations, possibly due to dietary differences among species. World Health Organization-toxic equivalents (WHO2005-TEQs) for the dioxin-like PCBs were 0.04–0.64 pg g−1 dw and 0.01–0.39 pg g−1 ww for sediments and fish, respectively. The non-ortho PCBs exhibited the highest contribution to the Σ12TEQs (N75%) compared to themono-ortho PCBs in both fish species. The TEQs in the present study were lower than many reported worldwide in literature for fish and were within the permissible level recommended by the European Commission, implying that the fish did not pose health hazards related to PCBs to the consumers.Item Polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins, polychlorinated dibenzofurans and polybrominated diphenyl ethers in sediments and fish species from the Murchison Bay of Lake Victoria, Uganda(Science of the total environment, 2014) Ssebugere, Patrick; Sillanpää, Mika; Wang, Pu; Li, Yingming; Kiremire, Bernard T.; Kasozi, Gabriel N.; Zhu, Chaofei; Ren, Daiwei; Shang, Hongtao; Zhang, Qinghua; Jiang, GuibinPolychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins/furans (PCDD/Fs) and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) were analyzed in sediments and fish from the Murchison Bay of Lake Victoria by high resolution gas chromatography/ high resolution mass spectrometry (HRGC/HRMS). Average concentrations of total (Σ) PCDD/Fs and ΣPBDEs in sediments ranged from 68.8 to 479 pg g−1 dry weight (dw) and 60.8 to 179 pg g−1 dw, respectively. Contamination levels of sedimentary PCDD/Fs and PBDEs were low to moderate compared to other urbanized regions worldwide. The concentrations in different fish species (Nile perch; Lates niloticus and Nile tilapia; Oreochromis niloticus) were 5.32 to 49.0 pg g−1 wet weight (ww) for PCDD/Fs and 59.3 to 495 pg g−1 ww for PBDEs. Higher concentrations of the pollutants were found in L. niloticus than O. niloticus, which could be attributed to species differences in feeding habits and lifestyles. World Health Organization-toxic equivalents (WHO2005-TEQs) for PCDD/Fs ranged from 0.08 to 0.33 pg TEQ g−1 dw and 0.001–0.14 pg TEQ g−1 ww in sediments and fish, respectively. The TEQ values were lowcompared to the data for fresh water fish reported in literature andwithin a permissible level of 3.5 pg g−1wwrecommended by the European Commission. Based on the Commission set value and minimum risk level criteria formulated by the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, the fish from the Murchison Bay was fit for human consumption.Item Traditional plants used for Medicinal purposes by local communities around the Northern sector of Kibale National Park, Uganda(Elsevier, 2011) Namukobe, Jane; Kasenene, John.M.; Kiremire, Bernard T.; Byamukama, Robert; Kamatenesi-Mugisha, Maud; Krief, Sabrina; Dumontet, Vincent; Kabasa, John D.Ethnopharmacological relevance: The study was done to establish medicinal plants used in the treatmentof various diseases by the people in the Northern sector of Kibale National Park in western Uganda. Itwas also aimed at establishing the plant parts used and the mode of preparation of remedies. Theseplants create a basis for phytochemical evaluation which can lead to the discovery of biologically activecompounds that can be used as starting materials in the development of new drugs targetingselected diseases such as malaria. Materials and methods: The required information was obtained using open interviews, semi-structured questionnaires, focus group discussions and transect walks. Results: Different medicinal plants (131 species) distributed over 55 families were observed to be used by the local communities around the Northern sector of Kibale National Park. The plants as reported in this paper are used to treat 43 physical illnesses/diseases. The most used parts of the plants are the leaves. Water is the main medium used for the preparation of the remedies which are mostly administered orally. Conclusion: The people in the study area have a rich heritage of traditional plants that are used in the health care system to treat diseases. These medicinal plants have contributed significantly to several disease therapies. The most common diseases treated are malaria and cough, which are mostly treated by Vernonia amygdalina Del. and Albizia coriaria Welw. respectively. The main sources of medicinal plants include bush land, home gardens, grasslands, and the forest.