Browsing by Author "Namaganda, Mary"

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    Conservation of vertebrates and plants in Uganda: Identifying Key Biodiversity Areas and other sites of national importance
    (Conservation Science and Practice, 2019) Plumptre, Andrew J.; Ayebare, Sam; Behangana, Mathias; Forrest, Tom G.; Hatanga, Paul; Kabuye, Christine; Kirunda, Ben; Kityo, Robert; Mugabe, Hamlet; Namaganda, Mary; Nampindo, Simon; Nangendo, Grace; Nkuutu, David N.; Pomeroy, Derek; Tushabe, Herbert; Prinsloo, Sarah
    Uganda is one of the most species rich countries in Africa because of the presence of several major biomes. However, it is also a country that has lost much of its natural habitat to agriculture. Uganda is a country that has been better surveyed for its biodiversity than many African countries, but despite this, there has not been a comprehensive analysis of the critical sites that contribute to biodiversity conservation at a global, as well as at a national level. We here present such an assessment using mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and plants as surrogate taxa. We identified 36 terrestrial sites that are of sufficient global importance to qualify as Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs), using the Global Standard for the Identification of KBAs, which complement an additional nine freshwater sites. National red listing of species and ecosystems was used to identify sites of national importance for conservation. We employ a conservation planning approach using Marxan to identify the minimum set of sites needed to conserve all the globally and nationally threatened species and nationally threatened habitats in Uganda. The findings show that most of the remaining natural habitat in Uganda is important for the conservation of globally and nationally threatened species and threatened habitat. Large areas of irreplaceable habitat occur outside protected areas, although more extensive surveys of these areas would likely reduce the area that is irreplaceable.
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    Dataset on the geographical distribution of species of the genus Solanum, subgenus Leptostemonum in Uganda
    (Elsevier Inc, 2024-04) Kauma, Carol Mere; Anywar, Godwin; Serunjogi, Derick; Katuura, Esther; Namaganda, Mary
    Abstract The dataset includes the diversity, occurrence points and a distribution map of species of the subgenus Leptostemonum in Uganda. The data was obtained following field surveys carried out in various parts of Uganda. These were guided by distribution data retrieved from Makerere University Herbarium and Flora of Tropical East Africa (FTEA). At each sampling site, species name, altitude and habitat type were recorded. Occurrence points were geocoded using a hand-held GPS (a ≤ 5M Germin S90 GPS). The distribution map was generated using ArcMap 10.7.1 software. The dataset consists of 172 occurrence points representing 18 species of subgenus Leptostemonum that occur in Uganda. The data can be used to assess the effect of climate change on the diversity and distribution of these species. The data set is also important for informing resource users, conservationists and policy makers about the biodiversity hotspots of these economically important species.
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    Wild edible plants used by communities in and around selected forest reserves of Teso-Karamoja region, Uganda
    (Journal of ethnobiology and ethnomedicine, 2019) Ojelel, Samuel; Mucunguzi, Patrick; Katuura, Esther; Kakudidi, Esezah K.; Namaganda, Mary; Kalema, James
    Background The consumption of wild plants is an ancient tradition which serves multiple purposes. Cognizant that Teso-Karamoja region is frequently affected by food scarcity and is not adequately surveyed for its flora, this study sought to establish an inventory and use of wild edible plants by the communities living in and around the forest reserves. Methods Data was collected using semi-structured questionnaires administered to 240 respondents living in and around eight forest reserves between November 2017 and May 2018. One focus group discussion (8–12 members) per forest reserve and field excursions to collect the plant voucher specimens were also conducted. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, relative frequency of citation (RFC), and the factor of informants’ consensus (FIC). Results A total of 100 plant species in 47 families were reported as edible. Carissa spinarum, Strychnos innocua, Balanites aegyptiaca, Tamarindus indica, and Ximenia americana presented the highest RFC, while the families Rubiaceae, Fabaceae, Anacardiaceae, Amaranthaceae, and Moraceae had more than five species each. Grasses (Poaceae) comprised only 1% of the edible species and trees 35%, while shrubs were the most important source of wild food (RFC = 0.47). The fruits contributed 63% while leaves (29%), seeds (9%), tubers (5%), and gum (1%). The fruits were considered as the most important use category (RFC = 0.78). Respondent homogeneity was none for gum but very high for seeds (FIC - 0.93). Only 36% of species are cooked, while 64% are eaten in raw. Harvesting is done rudimentarily by digging (5%), collecting from the ground (fruits that fall down) (13%), and plucking from mother plants (82%). Only 9% of the species were collected throughout the year, 27% in the dry season, and 64% in the rainy season. The consumption of these plants is attributed to food scarcity, spicing staple food, nutri-medicinal value, cultural practice, and delicacy. Conclusion A high diversity of wild edible plant species exists in the forest reserves of Teso-Karamoja region. The shrubs and fruits are the most locally important life forms and use category, respectively. These edible plant species are important throughout the year because their consumption serves multiple purposes.