DOCSLIB.ORG

Spatial and Temporal Patterns in Resource Dispersion and the Structure of Range Use and Co-Existence in a Social Omnivore Chlorocebus Aethiops

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Spatial and Temporal Patterns in Resource Dispersion and the Structure of Range Use and Co-Existence in a Social Omnivore Chlorocebus Aethiops SPATIAL AND TEMPORAL PATTERNS IN RESOURCE DISPERSION AND THE STRUCTURE OF RANGE USE AND CO-EXISTENCE IN A SOCIAL OMNIVORE CHLOROCEBUS AETHIOPS by ALAN SEAN BARRETT submitted in accordance with the requirements for the degree of DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY in the subject ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT at the UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH AFRICA SUPERVISOR: PROF L R BROWN CO-SUPERVISORS: PROF S P HENZI / PROF L BARRETT NOVEMBER 2009 Declaration I declare that SPATIAL AND TEMPORAL PATTERNS IN RESOURCE DISPERSION AND THE STRUCTURE OF RANGE USE AND CO-EXISTENCE IN A SOCIAL OMNIVORE CHLOROCEBUS AETHIOPS is my own work and that all the sources that I have used or quoted have been indicated and acknowledged by means of complete references. .................................................. .................................................. A.S. Barrett Date alan.s.barrett@gmail.com Summary The movements of two vervet monkey troops were studied to determine whether they optimize their rate of food intake in relation to seasonal energy availability. The effect of variation in habitat structure on the troops’ foraging strategies while utilizing temporally and spatially distributed resources was determined. Troop home range boundaries were delineated, the various plant communities and species utilised by the troops identified and classified, and variations in home range and vegetation structure were reported. The diets of the troops were determined and compared. Effects of coexistence on competition were assessed. Vervet food trees were randomly selected, marked and seasonal phenological data collected. Samples of food items constituting the two troops diets were collected for energy analysis. Using geostatistical interpolation techniques, monthly energy values were extrapolated onto home range grids for the two vervet monkey troops. Grids were stored as database files that were interrogated through GIS simulation models. Using the stochastic processes inherent in Markov chain theory, a series of non-returning random walks were simulated for comparison to original routes taken by the two troops. Results from comparisons of home range energy, day range lengths and areas, shortest route energy to actual route energy, time spent in high energy areas, and energy utilisation from actual and randomly generated routes indicated that the two troops optimize resource energy available to them by adopting flexible foraging strategies. In environments where temporal and spatial variations in habitat structure affect the distribution of resources, it is essential that animals develop optimal foraging strategies to survive. For the two troops investigated, foraging strategies fluctuate between being time minimizers in more heterogeneous environments where resources are abundant, and energy maximisers in homogeneous environments where resources are constrained by low diversity and seasonality. Key Terms Animal movement; Range use; Plant communities; Phytosociology; Phenology; Diet; Caloric content; Energy; Bootstrapping; Vervet monkey; Interpolation; Foraging strategies. Page i Table of Contents Summary .............................................................................................................. i Key Terms ............................................................................................................ i Table of Contents ................................................................................................. ii List of Figures ...................................................................................................... vi List of Tables ..................................................................................................... xiii List of Appendices .............................................................................................. xv Acknowledgements ........................................................................................... xvi CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION ........................................................................... 1 CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW ................................................................. 6 2.1 Loskop Dam Nature Reserve .................................................................... 6 2.2 Vegetation ................................................................................................. 7 2.3 Phytosociology .......................................................................................... 7 2.4 Phenology and energetic content of food .................................................. 8 2.5 Vervet monkeys ....................................................................................... 10 2.6 Habitat and dietary selectivity .................................................................. 11 2.7 Energy and ranging patterns ................................................................... 12 CHAPTER 3: STUDY SITE, SUBJECTS AND METHODS ............................... 17 3.1 Study Site ................................................................................................ 17 3.1.1 Location and size .............................................................................. 18 3.1.2 Topography ....................................................................................... 19 3.1.3 Geology ............................................................................................. 20 3.1.4 Pedology ........................................................................................... 26 3.1.5 Land types ........................................................................................ 26 3.1.6 Vegetation ......................................................................................... 40 Page ii 3.1.7 Fauna ................................................................................................ 44 3.1.8 Climate .............................................................................................. 44 3.2 Study subjects ......................................................................................... 46 3.3 Methods ................................................................................................... 47 3.3.1 Study site .......................................................................................... 48 3.3.2 Phytosociology .................................................................................. 50 3.3.3 Habitat and dietary selectivity ........................................................... 50 3.3.4 Phenology and energetic content of food .......................................... 51 3.3.5 Energy and ranging patterns ............................................................. 51 3.3.6 Statistics ............................................................................................ 52 CHAPTER 4: PHYTOSOCIOLOGY .................................................................. 53 4.1 Introduction .............................................................................................. 53 4.2 Methods ................................................................................................... 54 4.3 Results ..................................................................................................... 57 4.3.1 Donga home range classification ...................................................... 57 4.3.2 Description of the Donga home range plant communities ................. 61 4.3.3 Picnic home range classification ....................................................... 73 4.3.4 Description of the Picnic home range plant communities .................. 79 4.3.5 Community environmental ordination ................................................ 91 4.3.5.1 Donga home range ........................................................................ 91 4.3.5.2 Picnic home range ......................................................................... 93 4.3.5.3 Donga vs. Picnic ............................................................................ 95 4.3.6 Floristic analysis ................................................................................ 97 4.3.6.1 Donga home range ........................................................................ 98 4.3.6.2 Picnic home range ......................................................................... 99 4.3.6.3 Donga vs. Picnic .......................................................................... 101 4.4 Discussion ............................................................................................. 104 Page iii CHAPTER 5: HABITAT AND DIETARY SELECTIVITY .................................. 107 5.1 Introduction ............................................................................................ 107 5.2 Methods ................................................................................................. 108 5.3 Results ................................................................................................... 109 5.3.1 Plant community electivity ............................................................... 109 5.3.2 Diet .................................................................................................. 111 5.3.3 Troop seasonal food type selection................................................. 113 5.3.4 A comparison of the utilization of food types by the two troops ....... 115 5.3.5 Age-sex class seasonal food type selection .................................... 115 5.3.6 Across troop age-sex class seasonal food type selection ............... 118 5.3.7 Number of foraging individuals vs. variety of food types
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Vascular Plant Survey of Vwaza Marsh Wildlife Reserve, Malawi
    YIKA-VWAZA TRUST RESEARCH STUDY REPORT N (2017/18) Vascular Plant Survey of Vwaza Marsh Wildlife Reserve, Malawi By Sopani Sichinga (sksichinga@gmail.com) September , 2019 ABSTRACT In 2018 – 19, a survey on vascular plants was conducted in Vwaza Marsh Wildlife Reserve. The reserve is located in the north-western Malawi, covering an area of about 986 km2. Based on this survey, a total of 461 species from 76 families were recorded (i.e. 454 Angiosperms and 7 Pteridophyta). Of the total species recorded, 19 are exotics (of which 4 are reported to be invasive) while 1 species is considered threatened. The most dominant families were Fabaceae (80 species representing 17. 4%), Poaceae (53 species representing 11.5%), Rubiaceae (27 species representing 5.9 %), and Euphorbiaceae (24 species representing 5.2%). The annotated checklist includes scientific names, habit, habitat types and IUCN Red List status and is presented in section 5. i ACKNOLEDGEMENTS First and foremost, let me thank the Nyika–Vwaza Trust (UK) for funding this work. Without their financial support, this work would have not been materialized. The Department of National Parks and Wildlife (DNPW) Malawi through its Regional Office (N) is also thanked for the logistical support and accommodation throughout the entire study. Special thanks are due to my supervisor - Mr. George Zwide Nxumayo for his invaluable guidance. Mr. Thom McShane should also be thanked in a special way for sharing me some information, and sending me some documents about Vwaza which have contributed a lot to the success of this work. I extend my sincere thanks to the Vwaza Research Unit team for their assistance, especially during the field work.
    [Show full text]
  • A Review of the Species of Psammophis Boie Found South of Latitude 12° S (Serpentes: Psammophiinae)
    African Journal of Herpetology, 2002 51(2): 83-119. Original article A review of the species of Psammophis Boie found south of Latitude 12° S (Serpentes: Psammophiinae) DONALD G. BROADLEY Research Associate, Natural History Museum of Zimbabwe, Bulawayo Present address: Biodiversity Foundation for Africa,P.O. Box FM 730, Famona, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe broadley@telconet.co.zw Abstract.—The status, relationships and zoogeography of the 14 taxa of Psammophis found south of Latitude 12° S are reviewed and the following taxonomic changes are proposed: 1. Psammophis trinasalis and P. namibensis, previously treated as subspecies of P. leightoni, are recognised as good evolutionary species which show ecological differences. 2. Psammophis orientalis, previously regarded as a subspecies of P. subtaeniatus, differs from the lat- ter in a suite of characters and is parapatric with it in Zimbabwe, so it is now recognised as an evolu- tionary species. 3. Psammophis brevirostris and P. leopardinus, previously regarded as subspecies of P. sibilans (Linnaeus), are recognised as relict evolutionary species. The Zambian populations previously assigned to P. leopardinus have been described as a new species (Hughes & Wade, in press). Key words.—Psammophis, morphology, taxonomy, zoogeography, southern Africa ince the last review of the genus mossambicus has subsequently been applied to SPsammophis in southern Africa (Broadley this eastern sister taxon of P. phillipsii 1977), a revision of the whole genus was the (Hallowell) by Branch (1998) and Hughes subject of a thesis by Frank Brandstätter (1999). (1995), which was subsequently published in summary form (Brandstätter 1996). The result- ing confusion with regard to the northern forms MATERIALS AND METHODS of the P.
    [Show full text]
  • Supplemental Information Biological Conservation No Safe Haven: Protection Levels Show Imperilled South African Reptiles Not
    Supplemental Information Biological Conservation No safe haven: protection levels show imperilled South African reptiles not sufficiently safe- guarded despite low average extinction risk Krystal A. Tolley, Joshua Weeber, Bryan Maritz, Luke Verburgt, Michael F. Bates, Werner Conradie, Margaretha D. Hofmeyr, Andrew A. Turner, Jessica M. da Silva, Graham J. Alexander Supplemental Figures S1-S3 Figure S1. Species richness of threatened and Near Threatened reptiles in South Africa. 1 Figure S2. Reptile species richness in South Africa (darker shades indicate higher richness), with the current protected area network indicated by the black outlines. 2 Figure S3. Reptile species richness in South Africa (darker shades indicate higher richness), with the current protected area network indicated by the grey shaded polygons and the protected area expansion network indicated by black polygon outlines. 3 Appendix S1. Protocol for Measuring Protection Level for South African Reptiles The following process was applied to measure the level of protection for each species, using the interpreted distributions for the species (see main text). We evaluated the effectiveness of South Africa’s protected area network in ensuring that minimum viable populations of reptiles are protected. We set a conservation target for protection of at least 10 fragments of protected habitat, each with areas greater than 10 km2 (1000 ha) for a total of 100 km2 for each species. The fragment size was considered to be the minimum area that would support viable populations, with the total area considered to be the total area needed to safeguard the species survival into the future. The interpreted distributions for each species were then intersected with South Africa’s protected area network (Government of South Africa, 2010).
    [Show full text]
  • World Bank Document
    BIODIVERSITY MANAGEMENT Public Disclosure Authorized PLAN Public Disclosure Authorized -· I ~ . Public Disclosure Authorized AMBALARA FOREST RESERVE NORTHERN SAVANNAH BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION PROJECT (NSBCP) Public Disclosure Authorized JULY 2007 BIODIVERSITY MANAGEMENT PLAN AMBALARA FOREST RESERVE PART 1: DESCRIPTION 1.1. Location and Extent Ambalara Forest Reserve lies m the Wa District of Upper West Region. The Wa- Kunbungu motor road crosses the reserve benveen Kandca and Katua. The Reserve lies between Longitude zo0 ' and 2° 10' West and Latitude 9° 53 'anti lOV 07' North. (Survey of Ghana map references are: North C-30 North C-30 and North C-30 ) . J K Q The Reserve has an area of 132.449 km2 1.2 Status . The Ambalara Forest Reserve was recommended to be constituted under local authority Bye laws in 1955 and was constituted in 1957. The Ambalara Forest Reserve was created to ensure the supply of forest produce for the local people in perpetuity. It has therefore been managed naturally with little or no interventions for the benefit of the people domestically. 1.3 Property/Communal Rights There is no individual ownership of the land. The Wa Naa and his sub-chiefs, the Busa Naa and Kojokpere Naa have ownership rights over the land. 1.4 Administration 1.4.1 Political The Forest Reserve is within the jurisdiction of Wa District Assembly of Upper West Region. Greater part of the reserve, 117.868 km2 lies within the Busa - Pirisi - Sing - · Guile Local Council with headquarters at Busa. A smaller portion 14.581 km2 North of the Ambalara River lies within the Issa- Kojokpere Local Council with headquarters at Koj?kpere.
    [Show full text]
  • Survey of Study for the Borutho MTS NDP Project
    Specialist report: Borutho project Basic Assessment report: Survey of study for the Borutho MTS NDP project. Specialist consultant: Dr Wynand Vlok (Pr. Sci. Nat. – 400109/95) 40 Juno Avenue Sterpark, Polokwane, 0699 082 200 5312 Fax: 0866 18 77 44 wynand.vlok@gmail.com 1 Specialist report: Borutho project Introduction This report is to discuss the biological survey (excluding the avifaunal component) conducted for the project. During the survey, two possible options were investigated for the substation and the proposed power lines between the substations (Figure 1). The project consists of the following components: • Investigate a corridor for the construction of a 10km Kingbird line from Borutho to the PPrus North Kingbird line. • Investigate a corridor for the construction of a 10.3km Kingbird line from Borutho to the Sandsloot line. • Investigate a corridor for the construction of a 32.6km Kingbird line from Borutho MTS to Potgietersrus substation Project locality The proposed power line will be constructed in the area to the north of Mokopane (Limpopo Province) (Figure 1 and 2). Addendum 1 is a summary of impacts, mitigation and management action suggested. Addendum 2 is a summary of possible mammals in the area, with the probability of encountering them on a permanent basis (i.e. not moving through) on the study site. Addendum 3 is a list of the red data plant species found in the broader study area. 2 Specialist report: Borutho project Proposed Borutho sub Potgietersrus sub Figure 1: Approximate routes of the power lines and position for the substations for the proposed project. 3 Specialist report: Borutho project Figure 2: General aerial view of the study area.
    [Show full text]
  • Ancestral Reconstruction of Diet and Fang Condition in the Lamprophiidae: Implications for the Evolution of Venom Systems in Snakes
    Journal of Herpetology, Vol. 55, No. 1, 1–10, 2021 Copyright 2021 Society for the Study of Amphibians and Reptiles Ancestral Reconstruction of Diet and Fang Condition in the Lamprophiidae: Implications for the Evolution of Venom Systems in Snakes 1,2 1 1 HIRAL NAIK, MIMMIE M. KGADITSE, AND GRAHAM J. ALEXANDER 1School of Animal, Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg. PO Wits, 2050, Gauteng, South Africa ABSTRACT.—The Colubroidea includes all venomous and some nonvenomous snakes, many of which have extraordinary dental morphology and functional capabilities. It has been proposed that the ancestral condition of the Colubroidea is venomous with tubular fangs. The venom system includes the production of venomous secretions by labial glands in the mouth and usually includes fangs for effective delivery of venom. Despite significant research on the evolution of the venom system in snakes, limited research exists on the driving forces for different fang and dental morphology at a broader phylogenetic scale. We assessed the patterns of fang and dental condition in the Lamprophiidae, a speciose family of advanced snakes within the Colubroidea, and we related fang and dental condition to diet. The Lamprophiidae is the only snake family that includes front-fanged, rear-fanged, and fangless species. We produced an ancestral reconstruction for the family and investigated the pattern of diet and fangs within the clade. We concluded that the ancestral lamprophiid was most likely rear-fanged and that the shift in dental morphology was associated with changes in diet. This pattern indicates that fang loss, and probably venom loss, has occurred multiple times within the Lamprophiidae.
    [Show full text]
  • Revision of the Genus Ficus L. (Moraceae) in Ethiopia (Primitiae Africanae Xi)
    582.635.34(63) MEDEDELINGEN LANDBOUWHOGESCHOOL WAGENINGEN • NEDERLAND • 79-3 (1979) REVISION OF THE GENUS FICUS L. (MORACEAE) IN ETHIOPIA (PRIMITIAE AFRICANAE XI) G. AWEKE Laboratory of Plant Taxonomy and Plant Geography, Agricultural University, Wageningen, The Netherlands Received l-IX-1978 Date of publication 27-4-1979 H. VEENMAN & ZONEN B.V.-WAGENINGEN-1979 BIBLIOTHEEK T)V'. CONTENTS page INTRODUCTION 1 General remarks 1 Uses, actual andpossible , of Ficus 1 Method andarrangemen t ofth e revision 2 FICUS L 4 KEY TOTH E FICUS SPECIES IN ETHIOPIA 6 ALPHABETICAL TREATMENT OFETHIOPIA N FICUS SPECIES 9 Ficus abutilifolia (MIQUEL)MIQUEL 9 capreaefolia DELILE 11 carica LINNAEUS 15 dicranostyla MILDBRAED ' 18 exasperata VAHL 21 glumosu DELILE 25 gnaphalocarpa (MIQUEL) A. RICHARD 29 hochstetteri (MIQUEL) A. RICHARD 33 lutea VAHL 37 mallotocarpa WARBURG 41 ovata VAHL 45 palmata FORSKÀL 48 platyphylla DELILE 54 populifolia VAHL 56 ruspolii WARBURG 60 salicifolia VAHL 62 sur FORSKÂL 66 sycomorus LINNAEUS 72 thonningi BLUME 78 vallis-choudae DELILE 84 vasta FORSKÂL 88 vogelii (MIQ.) MIQ 93 SOME NOTES ON FIGS AND FIG-WASPS IN ETHIOPIA 97 Infrageneric classification of Hewsaccordin gt o HUTCHINSON, related to wasp-genera ... 99 Fig-wasp species collected from Ethiopian figs (Agaonid associations known from extra- limitalsample sadde d inparentheses ) 99 REJECTED NAMES ORTAX A 103 SUMMARY 105 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS 106 LITERATURE REFERENCES 108 INDEX 112 INTRODUCTION GENERAL REMARKS Ethiopia is as regards its wild and cultivated plants, a recognized centre of genetically important taxa. Among its economic resources, agriculture takes first place. For this reason, a thorough knowledge of the Ethiopian plant cover - its constituent taxa, their morphology, life-cycle, cytogenetics etc.
    [Show full text]
  • Red Data List Special Edition
    Newsletter of the Southern African Botanical Diversity Network Volume 6 No. 3 ISSN 1027-4286 November 2001 Invasive Alien Plants Part 2 Southern Mozambique Expedition Living Plant Collections: Lowveld, Mozambique, Namibia REDSABONET NewsDATA Vol. 6 No. 3 November LIST 2001 SPECIAL EDITION153 c o n t e n t s Red Data List Features Special 157 Profile: Ezekeil Kwembeya ON OUR COVER: 158 Profile: Anthony Mapaura Ferraria schaeferi, a vulnerable 162 Red Data Lists in Southern Namibian near-endemic. 159 Tribute to Paseka Mafa (Photo: G. Owen-Smith) Africa: Past, Present, and Future 190 Proceedings of the GTI Cover Stories 169 Plant Red Data Books and Africa Regional Workshop the National Botanical 195 Herbarium Managers’ 162 Red Data List Special Institute Course 192 Invasive Alien Plants in 170 Mozambique RDL 199 11th SSC Workshop Southern Africa 209 Further Notes on South 196 Announcing the Southern 173 Gauteng Red Data Plant Africa’s Brachystegia Mozambique Expedition Policy spiciformis 202 Living Plant Collections: 175 Swaziland Flora Protection 212 African Botanic Gardens Mozambique Bill Congress for 2002 204 Living Plant Collections: 176 Lesotho’s State of 214 Index Herbariorum Update Namibia Environment Report 206 Living Plant Collections: 178 Marine Fishes: Are IUCN Lowveld, South Africa Red List Criteria Adequate? Book Reviews 179 Evaluating Data Deficient Taxa Against IUCN 223 Flowering Plants of the Criterion B Kalahari Dunes 180 Charcoal Production in 224 Water Plants of Namibia Malawi 225 Trees and Shrubs of the 183 Threatened
    [Show full text]
  • Faunal Impact Assessment
    FAUNAL, FLORAL, WETLAND AND AQUATIC ECOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT AS PART OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND AUTHORISATION PROCESS FOR A PROPOSED COAL MINE ON THE REMAINING EXTENT OF THE FARM THE DUEL 186 MT, LIMPOPO PROVINCE Prepared for Jacana Environmentals CC May 2019 Section C: Faunal Assessment Prepared by: Scientific Terrestrial Services Report authors: J.J. du Plessis C. Hooton Report reviewer(s): K. Marais (Pr. Sci. Nat) S. van Staden (Pr Sci. Nat) Report Reference: STS 190011 Date: May 2019 Scientific Terrestrial Services CC CC Reg No 2005/122329/23 PO Box 751779 Gardenview 2047 Tel: 011 616 7893 Fax: 086 724 3132 E-mail: admin@sasenvgroup.co.za STS 190011 - SECTION C: FAUNAL ASSESSMENT May 2019 DOCUMENT GUIDE The Document Guide below is for reference to the procedural requirements for environmental authorisation applications in accordance to GN267 of 24 March 2017, as it pertains to the National Environmental Management Act, 1998 (Act 107 of 1998) (NEMA); No. Requirement Section in report a) Details of - (i) The specialist who prepared the report Section A: Appendix D (ii) The expertise of that specialist to compile a specialist report including a curriculum vitae Section A: Appendix D b) A declaration that the specialist is independent Section A: Appendix D c) An indication of the scope of, and the purpose for which, the report was prepared Section 1 cA) An indication of the quality and age of base data used for the specialist report Section A cB) A description of existing impacts on the site, cumulative impacts of the proposed Section
    [Show full text]
  • Limpopo Province, South Africa) and Its Characteristics
    SALAMANDRA 46(3) 147–166 20 AugustReptile 2010 speciesISSN of the0036–3375 Soutpansberg The reptile species assemblage of the Soutpansberg (Limpopo Province, South Africa) and its characteristics Sebastian Kirchhof1, Michael Krämer2, Jabu Linden3 & Klaus Richter4 1) Biogeography Department, Trier University, Am Wissenschaftspark 25+27, 54296 Trier, Germany 2) Wehler Weg 25, 31785 Hameln, Germany 3) P.O. Box 1536, Louis Trichardt, 0920 Limpopo Province, South Africa 4) Anhalt University of Applied Sciences, Dept. 1, Strenzfelder Allee 28, 06406 Bernburg, Germany Corresponding author: Sebastian Kirchhof, e-mail: sebastian_kirchhof@web.de Manuscript received: 20 April 2010 Abstract. The Soutpansberg situated in north-eastern South Africa was investigated with respect to its reptile species di- versity, geographic range of the species and habitat utilisation. Typical inselberg characteristics are discussed in the context of the herpetofauna and compared with the Blouberg, an isolated mountain range to the west of the Soutpansberg. Possible biogeographic links between the species assemblage of the Soutpansberg and adjacent areas are discussed in the context of present geological and climatic conditions within the area. The Soutpansberg reptile community clearly shows effects of isolation. The mistbelt and the grassland on the summits, which both withstood climatic oscillations in the past, harbour the majority of species and most of the endemic taxa in particular. Hence, these areas are of significant ecological value for the reptile community. Rocky habitats and the cooler and moister climate on the mountain provide exceptional conditions within this area. Most of the Soutpansberg endemics exhibit a rupicolous lifestyle and a large number of species are adapted to mesic conditions.
    [Show full text]
  • Morphological Characterization and Distribution of Cactus Species (Cactaceae) in Arid and Semi-Arid Lands of Kenya
    International Journal of Agronomy and Agricultural Research (IJAAR) ISSN: 2223-7054 (Print) 2225-3610 (Online) http://www.innspub.net Vol. 5, No. 1, p. 14-22, 2014 Int. J. Agr. Agri. R. International Journal of Agronomy and Agricultural Research (IJAAR) ISSN: 2223-7054 (Print) 2225-3610 (Online) http://www.innspub.net Vol. 9, No. 1, p. 182-191, 2016 RESEARCH PAPER OPEN ACCESS Morphological characterization and distribution of cactus species (Cactaceae) in arid and semi-arid lands of Kenya Anyona Haron Omweri*, Fredah K. Rimberia, Stephen Githiri Mwangi, Daniel N. Sila Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Nairobi, Kenya Article published on July 31, 2016 Key words: Diversity, Cactus, Distribution, Opuntia, Morphological characterization. Abstract Cactaceae family is an important plant of Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASALs) of the world. It is useful for ornamental (Cereus peruvianus and Thrixanthrocereus blossfeldiorum), food, fodder and industrial production (Opuntia spp.). The objective of this study was to characterize and determine the distribution of cactus species in two ASAL zones of Kenya (Rift Valley and Eastern).Sixty nine distinct populations of cactus were characterized in-situ using a list of descriptors by the International Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants (UPOV). Results indicated that eight species namely, Opuntia exaltata, Opuntia monacantha, Opuntia ficus-indica, Opuntia stricta, Thrixanthrocereus blossfeldiorum, Euphorbia abyssinica, Euphorbia ingens and Cereus peruvianus were present in Kenya. Opuntia ficus-indica was the most diverse and was found in four of the five counties studied. Euphorbia abyssinica was found in four counties while Opuntia stricta and Thrixanthrocereus blossfeldiorum were found in a single county each.
    [Show full text]
  • Die Plantfamilie ASTERACEAE: 6
    ISSN 0254-3486 = SA Tydskrif vir Natuurwetenskap en Tegnologie 23, no. 1 & 2 2004 35 Algemene artikel Die plantfamilie ASTERACEAE: 6. Die subfamilie Asteroideae P.P.J. Herman Nasionale Botaniese Instituut, Privaat sak X101, Pretoria, 0001 e-pos: herman@nbi.ac.za UITTREKSEL Die tribusse van die subfamilie Asteroideae word meer volledig in hierdie artikel beskryf. Die genusse wat aan dié tribusse behoort word gelys en hulle verspreiding aangedui. ABSTRACT The plant family Asteraceae: 6. The subfamily Asteroideae. The tribes of the subfamily Asteroideae are described in this article. Genera belonging to the different tribes are listed and their distribution given. INLEIDING Tribus ANTHEMIDEAE Cass. Hierdie artikel is die laaste in die reeks oor die plantfamilie Verteenwoordigers van hierdie tribus is gewoonlik aromaties, Asteraceae.1-5 In die vorige artikel is die klassifikasie bokant byvoorbeeld Artemisia afra (wilde-als), Eriocephalus-soorte, familievlak asook die indeling van die familie Asteraceae in sub- Pentzia-soorte.4 Die feit dat hulle aromaties is, beteken dat hulle families en tribusse bespreek.5 Hierdie artikel handel oor die baie chemiese stowwe bevat. Hierdie stowwe word dikwels subfamilie Asteroideae van die familie Asteraceae, met ’n aangewend vir medisyne (Artemisia) of insekgif (Tanacetum).4 bespreking van die tribusse en die genusse wat aan die verskillende Verder is hulle blaartjies gewoonlik fyn verdeeld en selfs by dié tribusse behoort. Die ‘edelweiss’ wat in die musiekblyspel The met onverdeelde blaartjies, is die blaartjies klein en naaldvormig sound of music besing word, behoort aan die tribus Gnaphalieae (Erica-agtig). Die pappus bestaan gewoonlik uit vry of vergroeide van die subfamilie Asteroideae.
    [Show full text]