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Browsing by Author "Tweheyo, Mnason"

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Amending Soils with Hydrogels Increases the Biomass of Nine Tree Species under Non-water Stress Conditions
(Clean–Soil, Air, Water, 2009) Orikiriza, Lawrence J. B.; Agaba, Hillary; Tweheyo, Mnason; Eilu, Gerald; Kabasa, John David; Huttermann, Aloys
The classical aim of the application of super absorbent polyacrylate (SAPs) hydrogels is the prolonging of plant survival under water stress. Their effect on plant growth during non-water stress conditions is not known. This study examined the root and shoot biomass of seedlings of nine tree species; Eucalyptus grandis, Eucalyptus citriodora, Pinus caribaea, Araucaria cunninghamii, Melia volkensii, Grevillea robusta, Azadirachta indica, Maesopsis eminii and Terminalia superba. The seedlings were potted in five soil types; sand, sandy loam, loam, silt loam and clay. These were amended at two hydrogel levels: 0.2 and 0.4% w/w and grown under controlled conditions in a green house. Root and shoot growth responses of the seedlings were determined by measuring the dry weight of the roots, stems, leaves and twigs. The addition of either 0.2 or 0.4% hydrogel to the five soil types resulted in a significant increase of the root dry weight (p a 0.001) in eight tree species compared to the controls after 8 wk of routine watering. Also, the dry weight of stems and leaves and twigs were significantly (p a 0.001) higher in the nine tree species potted in hydrogel amended soil types than in the hydrogel free controls. These results suggested that hydrogel amendment enhances the efficiency of water uptake and utilization of photosynthates of plants grown in soils which have water contents close to field capacity.
Chimpanzee diet and habitat selection in the Budongo Forest Reserve, Uganda
(Forest Ecology and Management, 2004) Tweheyo, Mnason; Lyeb, Kare A.; Weladji, Robert B.
Between June 2000 and August 2001 observations were made on food types, plant species and parts consumed by chimpanzee in relation to various habitats in the Budongo Forest Reserve (BFR), Uganda. Factors influencing their occurrence as well as their activity patterns were also assessed. The chimpanzees of the BFR spent 80% of their daytime feeding and their diet comprised 56 plants species of which 94% were trees. Chimpanzees spent most of their feeding time on B. papyrifera, Ficus sur, Ficus mucuso, Ficus exasperata and Ficus variifolia. Chimpanzees fed mostly on fruits (71%), favouring ripe ones, and young leaves (16%). Factors positively influencing occurrence of chimpanzees included habitat types (logged area and forest edge), plant types (trees), food types (fruits), fruit maturity (ripe fruits), and fruit quantity. Logged area and forest edge provided 76% of the chimpanzee food but are also the habitats with the highest human interference, e.g. logging and agriculture encroachment. Past forest management plans did not consider chimpanzee food trees; most were considered weeds and killed with aboricides. We conclude that the long-term survival of chimpanzees of the BFR requires implementation of management plans based on conservation of food tree species.
Colonization of woody seedlings in the understory of actively and passively restored tropical moist forests Running head: Seedling colonization in afrotropical forests
(Restoration Ecology, 2019) Ssekuubwa, Enock; Muwanika, Vincent B.; Esaete, Josephine; Tabuti, John R. S.; Tweheyo, Mnason
The status of woody seedling colonization gives clues about the self-sustainability of restored forests, a tenet of restoration success. Little is known about woody seedling colonization in restored afrotropical forests. We evaluated effects of restoration methods (active vs. passive), sampling year, restoration age and distance from old-growth forests on seedling colonization in restored afrotropical moist forests. Seedlings were measured in 2011 and 2014 in 71 clusters of 284 permanent sampling plots (12.6 m2 each) in actively (initially 3–16 years old) and 21 clusters of 63 plots in passively restored forests (initially 16 years old) in Kibale National Park, western Uganda. Seedlings were also measured in nearby old-growth forests in 3 clusters of 5 plots in 2014. We determined species diversity, richness and abundance per plot, and species composition as measures of seedling colonization in restored and old-growth forests. We found that diversity, richness, and abundance of seedlings were significantly higher in passively than actively restored forests. Diversity and richness, but not abundance significantly increased between sampling years and with restoration age. Distance from old-growth forests did not significantly affect diversity, richness and abundance. Species composition of actively and passively restored forests was different from that of old-growth forests after 19 years since restoration started. Our results show that passive restoration should be the preferred method for recovering afrotropical forests, and highlight the effect of continued management on biodiversity of restored forests.
Comparing seed removal rates in actively and passively restored tropical moist forests
(Restoration Ecology, 2018) Ssekuubwa, Enock; Loe, Leif E.; Sheil, Douglas; Tweheyo, Mnason; Moe, Stein R.
High rates of seed removal can impede forest recovery, but tropical seed removal studies are few and mainly from the neotropics. Little is known about the comparative influences of active restoration (i.e. planting) and passive restoration (i.e. protection of natural regrowth) on seed removal. We conducted an evaluation of seed removal in grasslands, natural forests (tropical moist semideciduous forest), and actively (21-, 17-, 16-, 11-, 8-, and 6-year-old) and passively (21-year-old) restored forests in Kibale National Park, Uganda. We wanted to compare the effect of vegetation type, time since restoration and restoration actions (i.e. active vs. passive) on removal of seeds of five animal-dispersed tree species during wet and dry seasons. Seeds were either fully exposed or placed in closed mesh cages or under a mesh roof. We used differential removal rates between these treatments to attribute seed removal to different animal taxa. Seed removal rate (percentage of seed removed over a 4-day period) was highest in passively restored forests, compared with actively restored forests, grasslands, and natural forests.We detected no significant relationship between time since restoration and seed removal rates within actively restored sites. Seed removal rate from roofed treatments was not significantly different from removal from open treatments but was significantly higher than removal from closed treatments, which we interpret as reflecting the greater effect of small mammals versus insects. Smaller seeds tended to be removed at a greater rate than larger seeds. We discuss the implications of these findings for forest regeneration.
Contribution of wetland resources to household food security in Uganda
(Agriculture & Food Security, 2013) Turyahabwe, Nelson; Kakuru, Willy; Tweheyo, Mnason; Mwesigye Tumusiime, David
In Uganda, nearly 1.4 million people are currently food insecure, with the prevalence of food energy deficiency at the country level standing at 37%. Local farmers are vulnerable to starvation in times of environmental stress, drought and floods because of dependence on rain-fed agriculture. Accordingly, the farmer’s means of increasing food production has always been an expansion of area under cultivation from virgin and fragile areas, especially wetlands. Consequently, Uganda has lost about 11,268 km2 of wetland, representing a loss of 30% of the country’s wetlands from 1994 to 2009. While the environmental importance of wetland ecosystems is widely recognized, their contribution to household food security is still hardly explored. In this paper an assessment of the contribution of wetland resources to household food security and factors influencing use of wetland resources in Uganda are reported. Methods: A number of livelihood tools in food security assessment including focus group discussions, key informant interviews, direct observations and a household questionnaire survey, were used to collect the data. A total of 247 respondents from areas adjacent to wetlands were involved in the household questionnaire survey conducted in three agro-ecological zones that are frequently characterized as food insecure. Results: The findings indicate that about 83% of the households experienced food insecurity. The main indicators of food insecurity were low harvest (30.9%) and when people buy locally grown food items (18%). Most households felt food secure when they had perennial crops (43.2%) in their gardens, or adequate money to buy food (23.9%). The prevalence of food insecurity was significantly lower among households with older and better educated household heads, but also among households located in Lake Victoria Crescent and South western farmlands agroecological zones, but significantly higher among households that were female headed, larger and participate in collection of wetland resources. Over 80% of the respondents reported that wetland resources provide products and services that contribute enormously to their household food security. Besides, they also indirectly contribute to food security by providing services that foster food production such as weather modifications and nutrient retention. Households with older heads and those that reside in the Lake Victoria Crescent agro-ecological zone when compared to counterparts in the Lake Kyoga agro-ecological zone are more likely to have a higher dependence on wetlands for food security. Conclusions: With increasing population around the wetlands, coupled with land shortage and weather variations, households with limited options will continue to generally rely on wetlands for food security and income for sustaining their livelihoods unless alternative livelihood options are provided. There is thus a need to design appropriate food production technologies that ensure sustainable use of wetland resources for food security.
Does restoration success vary with tree size under restoration plantings and regrowth forests?
(Conservation Science and Practice, 2022) Ssekuubwa, Enock; Goor, Wouter van; Snoep, Martijn; Riemer, Kars; Wanyama, Fredrick; Waiswa, Daniel; Yikii, Fred; Tweheyo, Mnason
Several studies evaluate active (i.e., seeding/planting) and passive (i.e., protecting forest regrowth) restoration, but few studies examine successional patterns for different plant sizes. By using biodiversity and structure, we examined whether restoration communities approach old-growth forests over time, and whether restoration success varies for different tree sizes in both active and passive interventions. We examined how initial site conditions affect active restoration. Small (dbh ≥ 5 cm), medium (≥15 cm), and large trees (≥30 cm) were measured in 2003–2017 in permanent sample plots in restoration plantings (initially 3–8 years old) and in an old-growth forest in Kibale National Park, Uganda. Trees were also measured in regrowth forests (initially 16 years old) in 2011–2017. We collated information about site conditions from restoration reports. Biodiversity and structure increased over time towards the old-growth forest. Restoration plantings and regrowth forests recovered diversity and structure of small and medium trees except for large trees. Forest recovery increased with proportions of remnant banana plants and shrubs, while isolation from the old-growth forest slowed recovery. Disaggregating vegetation inventory data by tree size may be useful in achieving a holistic measure of restoration. Restorationists could prioritize sites with remnant banana plants and shrubs, and sites closer to old-growth forests in order to achieve better results.
Elephant damage and tree response in restored parts of Kibale National Park, Uganda
(International Journal of Biodiversity and Conservation, 2013) Tweheyo, Mnason; Mwesigye Tumusiime, David; Muhairwe, Timothy; Twinomuhangi, Revocatus
Elephant tree damage is a key factor in conservation and restoration efforts of African rain forests. This study was conducted between June 2009 and February 2010 to examine elephant damage and tree response in restored parts of Kibale National Park, a rain forest in Uganda. First gazetted as Forest Reserve in 1932, the area had its southern block settled and degraded through human utilization between 1970 and 1987. In 1992, the government of Uganda relocated the settled people and embarked on a restoration process. Whereas, trees such as Ficus species exhibited high coping abilities to elephant damage through re-sprouting, coppicing and bark recovery; Prunus Africana struggled because it is highly preferred by elephant for feeding and is also demanded by humans. Whereas, options that can minimize elephant damage through selective planting of less desired species may be successful, these will deflect the problem of elephant damage to local farmers through experiences of increased crop raiding as the animals search for preferred forage. A more accommodative approach that includes desirable species which can cope with damage; and the protection of endangered species that happen to be desired by both humans and elephant may be more rewarding.
Feeding patterns of sitatunga (Tragelaphus Speki) in the Rushebeya-Kanyabaha wetland, south western Uganda
(African Journal of Ecology, 2010) Tweheyo, Mnason; Kacebonaho Amanya, Bruce; Turyahabwe, Nelson
Feeding patterns and habits of sitatunga were assessed in Rushebeya-Kanyabaha wetland between June 2006 and July 2007. Sixty transects were cut at intervals of 250 m along which sitatunga dung piles, habitats used and diet were identified from feeding signs or plant damage. Household interviews were also conducted in villages adjacent to the wetland to understand plants and crops known to be fed on by sitatunga, type of damage, frequency of sitatunga farm visits and their methods to control crop raiding. Sitatunga mostly fed on leaves (60%) and in the wetland edge (WE) habitat (49%). Forty plant species were recorded to be eaten with herbs as majority (33%) and of crops sweet potatoes were most raided. Sitatungas are basically solitary species with 73% of the sightings being of a single individual. They had mornings and late evenings as their movement peaks and preferred to feed on broad leaved plants. There were significant relationships between both habitat use and food preferences with seasons. We predict that because of seasonal food variations, crop raiding would increase and may result into more negative attitudes by farmers to sitatunga. More research on farmers’ sensitization, population census, behaviours and ecotourism are necessary for this species conservation.
Geophagy in Chimpanzees {Pan trogrlodytes schweinfurthii) of the Budongo Forest Reserve Uganda: A Multidisciplinary Study
(Springer, New York, NY., 2006) Tweheyo, Mnason; Reynolds, Vernon; Huffmany, Michael A.; Pebsworth, Paula; Goto, Shunji; Mahaney, William C.; Milner, Michael W.; Waddell, Anthony; Dirszowsky, Randy; Hancock, Ronald G. V.
Geophagy occurs widely among primate species (Krishnamani & Mahaney, 2000). While reported for chimpanzees in the wild since the 1960s (Hladik, 1977; Nishida & Uehara, 1983; Goodall, 1986), the geochemical and behavioral study of geophagy in relation to self-medication (Huffman, 1997) was not initiated until the mid-1990s, the first being that of Mahaney and Huffman. This work began in Tanzania with the analysis of termite mound soils, behavioral and parasitological data collected from the Mahale Mountains National Park (Mahaney etui, 1996b; 1998; Aufreiter etal, 2001; Ketch etal, 2001). Further analyses have included termite soils eaten by chimpanzees in Gombe National Park, Tanzania, and exposed subsurface clays eaten by chimpanzees in the Kibale National Park, Uganda (Mahaney etal., 1997,1998; Aufreiter etd., 2001). Geophagy has recently been noted to occur in a fourth East African population, the Sonso community in the Budongo Forest Reserve, Western Uganda. Early published studies from Budongo did not report any kind of soil eating by chimpanzees. However, more recently, Reynolds etal. (1998) referred to the eating of riverbank soil and other authors have noted sporadic termite mound soil eating by chimpanzees in this forest (e.g., D. Quiatt in Reynolds et al.y 1998:335; Newton-Fisher, 1999a,b). Termite mounds of the species CubiUrmesspeciosuszrc present in the Budongo forest (Newton-Fisher, 1999b). At Gombe, chimpanzees consume Macrotermes with the aid of termite fishing tools inserted in a mound's ventilation ducts (Goodall, 1986). Reference is made to the consumption of mound soils of Pseudacanthotermes spnigcr in Mahale, as being distinct from the consumption of termite mound soil there (Uehara, 1982). In the case of Cubiurmes 2it Budongo, however, chimpanzees consume termites along with lumps of earth wrenched from termite mounds. While information exists on the consumption of termites, little consideration is given to the depth reached by termite species. Pomeroy (1976) cites Pseudacanthotermes 2LS a builder of smaller mounds in Uganda. Cubitermes humiverus is also a builder of small mounds that are characteristically mushroom-shaped. This species' shallow activity in the soil, unlike the other mound builders, is likely to produce high organic contents in mound soils, a characteristic antithetic to geophagy. Furthermore, nowhere is there a detailed analysis of soils that provides information on the different structural components of these mounds. When considering the ingestion of termite mound soils, this information is important for increasing our understanding of their selection by chimpanzees.
Human-Wildlife Conflict and Its Implication for Conservation around Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
(Rocky Mountain Research Station, 2011) Aharikundira, Margaret; Tweheyo, Mnason
This study analyzed the impact of wildlife on farmers who lived around the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (BINP). The objectives were to assess the extent of damage exerted upon local farmers and to establish problem animal control strategies employed for park management and community members. Respondents identified crop loss as the major form of damage (40%), followed by social disruption (35%), damage to property (30%) and threats to human life (20%). The majority of the farmers (63%) reported that the park did not employ any measures to protect people's crops. Very small percentages recognized that the park management employed fencing, vermin guards, and HUGO, as preventive measures to guard against raiding of the peoples’ crops. The study concludes that maize, sweet potatoes, and sorghum were the most frequently raided crops. This report recommends integrated management for conservation activities around the park, and integration of local communities into planning, management, and decision making of the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Nutritional Geometry of Female Chimpanzees (Pan Troglodytes)
(American Journal of Primatology, 2021) Uwimbabazi, Moreen; Raubenheimer, David; Tweheyo, Mnason; Basuta, Gilbert I.; Conklin-Brittain, Nancy L.; Wrangham, Richard W.; Rothman, Jessica M.
Primate foraging is influenced by the spatial and temporal distribution of foods, which may facilitate or constrain optimal nutrient intakes. Chimpanzees are frugivorous primates that mainly subsist on ripe fruit that is typically low in available protein (AP) and high in easily digestible carbohydrates. Because chimpanzees prefer ripe fruit and often eat it in large quantities compared to other foods, we hypothesized that protein intake would be tightly regulated while non-protein energy (NPE) would vary with fruit intake. To test this hypothesis, we conducted all day follows on female chimpanzees, recorded all types of food consumed (i.e., drupes, figs and non-fruit foods), estimated the nutritional contributions of these foods to daily NPE and AP intake and investigated how the ratio of NPE to AP varied due to changes in the types of foods consumed. Although the proportions of drupes, figs and non-fruit foods varied in their diets, female chimpanzees maintained a relatively stable intake of AP while intake of NPE varied depending on the daily diet, demonstrating that like other frugivorous primates studied to date, chimpanzees prioritize protein. The mean daily ratio of NPE to AP was 7:1, which is similar to that of other frugivorous primates studied. Our results support the hypothesis that frugivorous animals may generally prioritize AP, while maximizing NPE intake within that constraint, and could shed light on aspects of human dietary evolution.
Patterns of crop raiding by primates around the Budongo Forest Reserve, Uganda
(Wildlife Biology, 2005) Tweheyo, Mnason; Hill, Catherine M.; Obua, Joseph
Crop raiding by primates in particular and wild animals in general is a significant source of people-forest conflict around the Budongo Forest Reserve, Uganda. Crop loss to wild animals undermines local support for conservation efforts in this area. Patterns of primate crop raiding were studied over a period of 14 months in six villages (five adjacent to the Budongo Forest Reserve and one that is approximately 3,500 m from the forest edge). Data were collected via a questionnaire survey. Additional information was obtained from the relevant local government offices. Chimpanzees Pan troglodytes, baboons Papio anubis, other monkeys, bush pigs Potamochoeus procus and porcupines Hystrix cristata were reported by farmers to be the major causes of crop losses by wildlife. Of farmers, 73% reported suffering crop damage caused by primates, and 79% considered baboons to be the most destructive of all crop raiding species. Drought, insect pests, poor sowing, plant diseases and accidental fires were other sources of crop losses to farmers, though the risk of crop damage particularly by primates is perceived as the most serious potential cause of losses. Using chimpanzees as a case study, patterns of crop damage across the year are compared with seasonal fluctuations in availability of wild foods.
Patterns of frugivory of the Budongo Forest chimpanzees, Uganda
(African Journal of Ecology, 2005) Tweheyo, Mnason; Lye, Kare A.
Frugivory patterns of the chimpanzees in the Budongo Forest Reserve, Uganda were studied between June 2000 and August 2001. Chimpanzee feeding habitats, movement, group size and food eaten were assessed using focal and scan sampling. It was found that fruits were scarce during the dry season, when chimpanzees appeared and moved in large groups over long distances and raided farms at the forest edge. Chimpanzee movement out of the forest to forage was influenced by seasonal fluctuations in availability of preferred foods as some cultivated crops are perennial. Presence of chimpanzees in a specific feeding habitat was related to the availability of edible fruits both within and between months, suggesting that the presence of food may influence chimpanzee movement patterns. Therefore, a good understanding of patterns of frugivory is essential for making informed decisions about conservation of chimpanzees and other frugivores like birds and monkeys in Budongo as different forest habitats are under varying human pressure because of logging and other forms of utilization.
Predicting Attitudes towards Protected Area Management in a Developing Country Context
(Journal of Sustainable Development, 2018) Mwesigye Tumusiime, David; Byakagaba, Patrick; Tweheyo, Mnason; Turyahabwe, Nelson
Biodiversity conservation through use of protected areas relies significantly on the attitudes of local adjacent communities. Some studies suggest that attitudes are often shaped by the associated positive and negative externalities and socio-demographic and economic characteristics of local communities living adjacent to protected areas. The current study sought to identify useful predictors of local attitudes towards protected area management. It was conducted at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda where several interventions in form of benefits to improve local people’s attitudes towards the park have been implemented for the last 30 years. The study examined the extent to which these benefits can influence local people’s attitude towards management of the Protected Area (PA). A household survey was conducted among 190 randomly selected respondents and Generalised Linear Mixed Models (GLMMs) fitted where the dependent variable was a binary “Good” or “otherwise” response to how the respondent considered own relationship with park management. Socio-economic attributes of the respondents were used as control variables. The importance of cost variables (e.g. crop raiding) was also examined. The study found that only direct and material benefits were consistent predictors of a positive attitude towards management. Non-material and indirect benefits as well as the socio-economic factors and costs did not influence the attitude of local communities towards management. It can be concluded that positive attitude towards protected area management is determined by access to direct and material benefits by local communities and not socio-economic factors or costs incurred. Interventions intended to influence local communities to have a positive attitude towards management ought to emphasize direct and material benefits.
Production, seasonality and management of chimpanzee food trees in Budongo Forest, Uganda
(African journal of ecology, 2007) Tweheyo, Mnason; Babweteera, Fred
This study monitored the phenology of fruit and leaf of 575 chimpanzee food trees (40 species belonging to fifteen families) in the Budongo Forest Reserve (Uganda) from June 1999 to June 2006. We also monitored the phenology of all fig species in the study area. Fruit quantity varied significantly between species and seasons, with peak during wet season (April–June). The number of tree species in fruit correlated positively with rainfall and was higher during rainy season than dry season. Ficus species had exceptionally high fruit quantities ranging from 400 to 650,000 fruits per tree in a single production period. Leaf flushing peaked during late dry season and early wet season (February–April). Mature leaves were available at all seasons, even when young leaves were emerging. Only Ficus sur, Broussonetia papyrifera and Celtis gomphophylla had fruits throughout the year, and six species did not produce fruits during the study period. Of the twelve species that fruited between 40 and 58 months, three are very important timber species and seven were once killed with arboricides. We conclude that the long-term survival of chimpanzees in tropical forests requires conservation of their food trees.
Recovery of seedling community attributes during passive restoration of a tropical moist forest in Uganda
(Applied Vegetation Science, 2021) Ssekuubwa, Enock; Goor, Wouter van; Snoep, Martijn; Riemer, Kars; Wanyama, Fredrick; Tweheyo, Mnason
There has been a debate about the effectiveness of passive restoration for recovering tropical forests, but few studies quantify the success of passive restoration. The aim of this study was to better understand tropical forest succession under a passive restoration scenario. We compared floristic and functional attributes of seedlings in a passively restored and an old-growth forest, and assessed the effect of restoration age and distance from the old-growth forest on seedling attributes. Location: Kibale National Park, western Uganda. Methods: We measured seedlings in a passively restored and an old-growth forest in 2011, 2014 and 2017. We determined species diversity, structure and composition and searched the literature for functional traits. We used generalized linear mixedeffects models to compare seedling attributes between the restored and old-growth forest and determine the influence of restoration age and distance from the oldgrowth forest. Results: Seedling species abundance, evenness, basal area and height were similar between the restored and old-growth forest. Wood density and abundance of seedlings of different dispersal modes, habitat types, fruit size categories, and regeneration strategies were also similar between the restored and old-growth forest. However, richness, diversity and composition of seedlings were different. We found a positive effect of restoration age on species abundance and abundance of non-zoochorous, medium-fruited, forest-dependent, non-pioneer light demander and shade-tolerant species, and a negative effect on evenness, wood density, abundance of pioneers and compositional dissimilarity. Basal area of seedlings and the abundance of zoochorous and forest-dependent species declined while compositional dissimilarity increased with distance from the old-growth forest. Conclusions: Our results provide empirical evidence on the potential of passive restoration to recover the structure and functionality of tropical forests in a relatively short period of time. We demonstrate that the effect of restoration age and distance from the old-growth forest is not straightforward and depends on the attributes measured.
Selectivity Of Forest Tree Species For Debarking By Elephants In Rabongo Forest- Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda
(Researchjournali’s Journal of Ecology, 2016) Odoi, Juventine Boaz; Babweteera, Fred; Gwali, Samson; Tweheyo, Mnason
Selectivity of the different forest tree species for debarking by elephants in a forest ecosystem is an important phenomenon for understanding the interactions between the large herbivores and the woody community in the tropical forest ecosystem. Here we present a long term investigation on elephant preference to forest trees debarking in Rabongo Forest spanning 20 years since 1992 in seven (7) one hectare plots established in 1992 distributed over 46 hactare in Rabongo Forest which is an important habitat for most large herbivores in Murchison Falls National Park. Diospyros abyssinica; Holoptelea grandis; Trichilea prieuriana and Cynometra alexandri were the most debarked/preferred tree species and also the most abundant in the forest in Rabongo Forest although the number of the debarked trees ≥ 10cm dbh reduced by 4%. Synthesis. There should be close monitoring of the number of elephants that visit Rabongo Forest over the years to relate with the number of stems debarked over the years to guide on the need to maintain the right elephant carrying capacity for the forest. We also recommend for further investigation for what attributes make the above tree species be preferred by elephants in Rabongo Forest
Tetrapleura tetraptera in Ghana, Nigeria and Uganda: households uses and local market
(Forests, Trees and Livelihoods, 2018) Kemigisha, Esther; Owusu, Edmund.O.; Elusiyan, Christianah A.; Omujal, Francis; Tweheyo, Mnason; Bosu, Paul P.
Tetrapleura tetraptera is an indigenous fruit tree in Tropical Africa. Scientific findings indicate its medicinal and nutritional properties, vital for rural livelihood sustainability. Despite this reported scientific potential, its uses in local communities have not received much attention. This study assessed T. tetraptera local uses in selected communities in Ghana, Nigeria and Uganda. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with a total of 420 user households and 30 traders. Reported uses of T. tetraptera were medicine, food, timber, firewood, shade and cultural applications. When ranked by importance, medicinal uses emerged highest in Ghana, Nigeria and Uganda. Except for food uses that differed significantly (p ≤ 0.05) between Uganda and Ghana, other T. tetraptera uses were not significantly different across the three countries. Household sales exclusively concerned the fruits, and were low, comprising only 16%, 15% and 6% of respondent households in Ghana, Nigeria and Uganda respectively. Our results reveal the importance of T. tetraptera for medicinal and food uses in local communities and its potential for improving local livelihoods through its domestication
Understanding Sitatunga (Tragelaphus Spekii) Habitats Through Diet Analysis In Rushebeya-Kanyabaha Wetland, Uganda
(African Journal of Ecology, 2011) Ndawula, Joseph; Tweheyo, Mnason; Tumusiime, David M.; Eilu, Gerald
Between January and December 2008, we assessed the diet and habitat selection of sitatunga, a highly endangered tropical wetland antelope threatened by habitat loss in Rushebeya-Kanyabaha wetland. Microhistological faecal analysis and vegetative sampling methods were used to assess plant forms, species and seasonal changes in the sitatunga diet. Habitat use was indirectly determined by assessing feeding patterns, distribution of dung and trails within the wetland. Sitatunga fed mainly on herbs, sedges, grasses and shrubs. A total of 34 plant species were recorded as eaten by sitatunga. The most eaten plant species was Cyperus papyrus L. (22%). Malenthera scandens Schum. & Thonn., Polygonum senegalense Meisu (12%) and Polygonum pulchrum Blume (5%) were the most eaten herbs. Zea mays L. was the most eaten agricultural crop (58% of domestic crops), mainly during the wet season. Sitatunga feeding was mainly concentrated on the wetland edge habitat (46%) where most of its food (53%) was located. The other preferred habitat was the tall closed papyrus. We conclude that the long-term survival of sitatunga requires a management plan focussing on the conservation of the most preferred plant species and habitats.
Wildlife damage and control methods around Lake Mburo National Park, Uganda
(International Journal of Pest Management, 2012) Tweheyo, Mnason; Mwesigye Tumusiime, David; Turyahabwe, Nelson; Asiimwe, Asaph; Orikiriza, Lawrence
This study documents the different management and control measures developed and implemented by farmers to mitigate vertebrate pest attacks on crops and livestock around Lake Mburo National Park in Uganda. A semistructured interview administered to 40 randomly selected park neighbours was supplemented with key informant interviews, a review of secondary data, and direct observations of vertebrate pest problems and their management. All participant farmers had experienced some damage from vertebrate pests. Bushpigs ranked as the most destructive to crops, while leopards were most destructive to livestock. Most damage occurred during severe dry seasons. The most common methods for combating pests were guarding, fencing, and poisoning. Physical guarding was perceived as being the most effective method; however, there were reports of pest resurgence, which varied between pest species, seasons, and methods used. Bushpigs showed the greatest resistance against control measures. Control efforts were found to be tedious and time-consuming, and they created the possibility for the transfer of infectious diseases from pests to humans. We recommend conscious efforts to augment local control methods so as to enhance both biodiversity conservation and farm production.

Browsing by Author "Tweheyo, Mnason"

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