DOCSLIB.ORG

Introduction 08/11/06

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Introduction 08/11/06 ADDIS ABABA UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF GRADUATE STUDIES DEPARTMENT OF ZOOLOGICAL SCIENCES POPULATION ECOLOGY AND THREATS OF THE ROCK HYRAX (PROCAVIA CAPENSIS) IN BALE MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK, ETHIOPIA GEBREMESKEL TEKLEHAIMANOT REDA A THESIS SUBMITTED TO THE DEPARTMENT OF ZOOLOGICAL SCIENCES PRESENTED IN FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DEGREE OF DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY IN ZOOLOGY (ECOLOGICAL AND SYSTEMATIC ZOOLOGY STREAM) ADDIS ABABA UNIVERSITY ADDIS ABABA, ETHIOPIA MAY 2015 ADDIS ABABA UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF GRADUATE STUDIES Population Ecology and Threats of the Rock Hyrax (Procavia capensis) in Bale Mountains National Park, Ethiopia By Gebremeskel Teklehaimanot Reda A Thesis Presented to the School of Graduate Studies of the Addis Ababa University in Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Zoology (Ecological and Systematic Zoology Stream) Approved by Examining Board: Prof. Rhodes H. Makundi (Examiner) _______________________ Dr. Tilaye Wube (Examiner) _______________________ Prof. Balakrishnan M. (Advisor) _______________________ Prof. Afework Bekele (Chairman) _______________________ ABSTRACT Population Ecology and Threats of the Rock hyrax (Procavia capensis) in Bale Mountains National Park, Ethiopia Gebremeskel Teklehaimanot Reda Addis Ababa University, 2015 A study on the distribution, population status, feeding ecology, habitat utilization and threats to the rock hyrax (Procavia capensis Pallas 1766) was carried out in the Bale Mountains National Park (BMNP), Ethiopia during August 2010 – February 2013. Distribution of the rock hyrax was assessed by questionnaire survey and field observations. Population status of the species was studied by stratified random sampling using point count method. Direct observations by scan sampling and rumen content analysis were used to study the feeding ecology of the rock hyrax. Data for habitat utilization of the species were collected using quadrat sampling of fresh faecal boli, animal sighting and time spent by the rock hyraxes in different habitats. Threats and population trend of the rock hyrax were studied by questionnaire surveys, interviews and field observations. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA, t-test and chi-square test. A total of 30,003 individual rock hyraxes were recorded with a mean population density of 664.5 and 529.9 individuals/km2 during the wet and dry seasons, respectively in the nine sample counting sites. Adults comprised 70.5%, sub-adults comprised 8.3% and juveniles comprised 21.2% of the population. Male to female ratio was 1:1.4. Over 52% of the population constituted adult females and juveniles, showing reproductive potentiality and sustainability of the species. The mean colony range and mean colony size were 5–81.5 and 43, respectively. Rock hyraxes utilized more than 44 plant species as food. The species depends mainly on grasses, and increased browsing during the dry season. Habitat loss and fragmentation, wildfire and hunting by domestic dogs were the primary factors affecting the population status of the rock hyrax in BMNP. Awareness raising among the local people on conservation, benefit sharing of resources from the Park and conservation measures involving the local community are to be considered as priority measures in order to ensure sustainability of BMNP and the inhabiting rock hyraxes in the Park. Key words: Afro-alpine habitat, conservation, distribution, habitat utilization, hyrax, population estimate, questionnaire surveys. iii ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS First and foremost, I am extremely grateful to my advisor, Professor M. Balakrishnan for his advice, unreserved support and encouragements during this research programme from the proposal development to the final dissertation write up. His critical comments, punctual and valuable suggestions are greatly acknowledged. He is also thanked for providing me different articles relevant to the research work. I would also like to express my special appreciation and gratitude to my instructor and stream advisor, Professor Afework Bekele for his professional ethics, consistent follow up, fatherly approach and invaluable advice. My instructor, Dr. Abebe Getahun is also acknowledged for his genuine approach, advice and facilitating duties as Chairperson of the Department of Zoological Sciences during my research work. My sincere gratitude also goes to Dr. Gurja Belay, former Chairman of the Department of Biology, for his moral support and advice throughout the course of my research programme. I would like to thank the Department of Zoological Sciences and the School of Graduate Studies, Addis Ababa University for financial support to carry out my research work. I am grateful to the Ethiopian Wildlife Conservation Authority (EWCA) and Bale Mountains National Park (BMNP) administration for allowing me to undertake this research work in the Park and to live-trap rock hyraxes and collect rumen contents for this study. Frankfurt Zoological Society (FZS) is thanked for logistic support. I am also indebted to the Ethiopian Meteorological Agency (EMA) for providing me meteorological data of the study area. The Ethiopian Wildlife and Natural History iv Society (EWNHS) and EWCA are also acknowledged for allowing me to freely access relevant literatures from their respective libraries. My parent institution, Mekelle University is thanked for sponsoring me to pursue my PhD study as well as financial and material assistance. I am also indebted to the BMNP Warden, Scouts, Ecologists and Field Assistants for their overall support during the study period. The local people in Karari, Gojera and Hora Soba villages in BMNP are also thanked for sharing their valuable time, knowledge and experiences during the questionnaire survey and interviews, which was instrumental for the successful completion of my research work. My sincere gratitude also goes to Ato Melaku Wondafrash, National Herbarium, Addis Ababa University and Dr. Getinet Masresha for their help in identification of plant species of the study area in the herbarium. W/ro Mulu Berhe is thanked for her assistance in the laboratory during analysis of hyrax food. Ato Bamlaku Amente is acknowledged for his assistance in the preparation of the study area map. I would also like to express my appreciation to my friends of the Post-graduate Programme, Department of Zoological Sciences for their overall assistance during the course of my study. Lastly, but not least, I would like to thank my family for their moral support and encouragements throughout my study period. v DEDICATION I dedicate this dissertation to my lovely children, Merkeb Gebremeskel and Yishak Gebremeskel. vi TABLE OF CONTENTS Page Contents…………………...…………..……………………………...…………..….....vii List of Figures………………..………………………………………………….….…. x List of Tables……….………………….………………………………………….…....xiii List of Appendices………....…………………………………………………..……….xv 1. Introduction and literature review…………………..…………………...…………..1 1.1 Introduction…………………………………………………..……………………..1 1.2 Literature review………………………………………..………………………......8 Taxonomy……………………………….......………………………………….. 8 Physical characteristics and physiology……………………………………...…10 Distribution and habitat……………………………………………….……..….14 Social behaviour and grouping………………………………………………....17 Feeding behaviour and diet…………………………………..…………………21 Reproductive biology and behaviour………………………………………..….22 Communication…………………………………………………………………24 Threats……………...……………......………………………...………………..25 Conservation status……………………………………………………………..27 1.3 Justification of the study…………………………………………………………...28 1.4 Objectives of the study……………………………………………………..……... 30 1.4.1 General objective…………………………………………………………….30 1.4.2 Specific objectives………………………………………………...…………30 vii 1.5 Research questions……………………………..…………………………………....30 2. The study area and methods………………..…………………………….……...…32 2.1 Description of the study area……………………………..……………………...32 2.1.1 Geology and soil……………………………………………………………..33 2.1.2 Climate…………………………………………………………………….....34 2.1.3 Hydrology…………………………………………………………..………..36 2.1.4 Vegetation……………………………………………………………………37 2.1.5 Fauna…………………………………………………………………………38 2.1.6 Human settlement and land-use patterns…………………………………….39 2.2 Methods…………………………………………………………………………..41 2.2.1 Duration of the study……………………………………………………..…41 2.2.2 Data collection………………………………………………………………41 2.2.2.1 Distribution………………………………………………………...……42 2.2.2.2 Population census...………………………………………………….......43 2.2.2.3 Diet composition……………………...………………………………....59 2.2.2.4 Threats to rock hyrax…………………………………………………....71 2.2.3 Data analyses……………………………………………………………..…76 3. Results…………………………...………………………………………………..…78 3.1 Distribution ……………..…..……………………………………………………78 3.2 Population status……………………………………………………………….…83 3.3 Diet composition………………………………...………………………………..91 3.4 Threats to rock hyrax…………………………………………………………....108 3.4.1 Demographic and socio-economic characteristics of the respondents selected from Karari, Gojera and Hora Soba villages....................................................108 3.4.2 Respondents’ views on the population trend of rock hyrax …..…….…...……108 viii 3.4.3 Threats to the rock hyrax and the Park…………………………..…….……...109 3.4.4 Response about awareness of the local people on the Park, conservation and status and threats of the rock hyrax….……………………………………….119 3.4.5 Suggestions given by the respondents to ensure sustainability of wildlife and the Park………………………..……………………………….…….….….….121 4. Discussion……………...……………………………………………………………122 4.1 Distribution …………….……………………..…………………………………122 4.2 Population
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Nigella Sativa) at the Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia
    Asian Journal of Agricultural Extension, Economics & Sociology 31(3): 1-12, 2019; Article no.AJAEES.47315 ISSN: 2320-7027 Assessment of Production and Utilization of Black Cumin (Nigella sativa) at the Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia Wubeshet Teshome1 and Dessalegn Anshiso2* 1Ethiopian Biodiversity Institute, Horticulture and Crop Biodiversity Directorate, P.O.Box 30726; Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. 2College of Economics and Management, Huazhong Agricultural University, No. 1 Shizishan Street, Hongshan District, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei, P.R. China. Authors’ contributions This work was carried out in collaboration between both authors. Author WT managed the literature searches and participated in data collection. Author DA designed the study, performed the statistical analysis, wrote the protocol and wrote the first draft of the manuscript. Both authors read and approved the final manuscript. Article Information DOI: 10.9734/AJAEES/2019/v31i330132 Editor(s): (1) Prof. Fotios Chatzitheodoridis, Department of Agricultural Technology-Division of Agricultural Economics, Technological Education Institute of Western Macedonia, Greece. Reviewers: (1) Lawal Mohammad Anka, Development Project Samaru Gusau Zamfara State, Nigeria. (2) İsmail Ukav, Adiyaman University, Turkey. Complete Peer review History: http://www.sdiarticle3.com/review-history/47315 Received 14 November 2018 Accepted 09 February 2019 Original Research Article Published 06 April 2019 ABSTRACT Background and Objective: Black cuminseed for local consumption and other importance, such as oil and oil rosin for medicinal purposes, export market, crop diversification, income generation, reducing the risk of crop failure and others made it as a best alternative crop under Ethiopian smaller land holdings. The objectives of this study were to examine factors affecting farmer perception of the Black cumin production importance, and assess the crop utilization purpose by smallholder farmers and its income potential for the farmers in two Districts of Bale zone of Oromia regional state in Ethiopia.
    [Show full text]
  • Training on Particiaptory 3 Dimentional Modeliing in Bale
    Participatory 3 Dimensional Modelling In Dinsho, Bale, Ethiopia Summary Activity Report Training on Participatory 3 Dimensional Modelling In Dinsho, Bale, Ethiopia January - February 2009 MELCA Mahiber Supported by Frankfurt Zoological Society and Farm Africa and SOS Sahel Million Belay, MELCA Mahiber March 2009 Melca Mahiber 2009 Participatory 3 Dimensional Modelling In Dinsho, Bale, Ethiopia TABLE OF CONTENTS INTRODUCTION ....................................................................................................... 4 Long term Objectives ............................................................................................. 4 Immediate objectives .............................................................................................. 5 PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION ................................................................................. 5 Phase 1 - Preparatory Phase ................................................................................. 5 Identification of Project Area ............................................................................... 5 Sourcing of Data and Preparation of the Base Map ............................................ 5 Procurement of workshop inputs and their on-site delivery ................................. 5 Consulting and Mobilizing Students and Stakeholders ....................................... 6 Selection of trainees: .......................................................................................... 6 Preparation of the draft legend ..........................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Thesis Assessment of Gullele Botanic Gardens
    THESIS ASSESSMENT OF GULLELE BOTANIC GARDENS CONSERVATION STRATEGY IN ADDIS ABABA, ETHIOPIA RESEARCH FROM THE PEACE CORPS MASTERS INTERNATIONAL PROGAM Submitted by Carl M. Reeder Department of Forest and Rangeland Stewardship In partial fulfillment of the requirements For the Degree of Master of Science Colorado State University Fort Collins, Colorado Fall 2013 Master’s Committee: Advisor: Melinda Laituri Paul Evangelista Jessica Davis Robert Sturtevant Copyright by Carl M. Reeder 2013 All Rights Reserved ABSTRACT ASSESSMENT OF GULLELE BOTANIC GARDENS CONSERVATION STRATEGY IN ADDIS ABABA, ETHIOPIA RESEARCH FROM THE PEACE CORPS MASTERS INTERNATIONAL PROGAM Monitoring of current and future conditions is critical for a conservation area to quantify results and remain competitive against alternative land uses. This study aims to monitor and evaluate the objectives of the Gullele Botanic Gardens (GBG) in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The following report advances the understanding of existing understory and tree species in GBG and aims to uncover various attributes of the conservation forest. To provide a baseline dataset for future research and management practices, this report focused on species composition and carbon stock analysis of the area. Species-specific allometric equations to estimate above-ground biomass for Juniperus procera and Eucalyptus globulus are applied in this study to test the restoration strategy and strength of applied allometry to estimate carbon stock of the conservation area. The equations and carbon stock of the forest were evaluated with the following hypothesis: Removal of E. globulus of greater than 35cm DBH would impact the carbon storage (Mg ha-1) significantly as compared to the overall estimate. Conservative estimates found E.
    [Show full text]
  • The Impact of Civil War on Forest Wildlife in West Africa: Mammals in Gola Forest, Sierra Leone J Eremy A
    The impact of civil war on forest wildlife in West Africa: mammals in Gola Forest, Sierra Leone J eremy A. Lindsell,Erik K lop and A lhaji M. Siaka Abstract Human conflicts may sometimes benefit wildlife et al., 1996). However, the generality of this argument has by depopulating wilderness areas but there is evidence been challenged and recent evidence, especially from forest- from Africa that the impacts tend to be negative. The based conflicts in Africa, suggests a negative impact from forested states of West Africa have experienced much over-harvesting of wildlife, degradation of habitats and recent human conflict but there have been no assessments pollution, and the prevention of a range of necessary of impacts on the wildlife. We conducted surveys of conservation and protection activities (Dudley et al., mammals in the 710-km2 Gola Forest reserves to assess 2002; McNeely, 2003). Understanding the effects of conflict the impact of the 1991–2001 civil war in Sierra Leone. Gola on wildlife has important implications for the way conser- is the most important remaining tract of lowland forest in vation agencies work in conflict areas (Plumptre et al., the country and a key site for the conservation of the 2000; Hanson et al., 2009), especially how effectively they highly threatened forests of the Upper Guinea region. We can respond at the cessation of hostilities (Draulans & Van found that Gola has survived well despite being in the Krunkelsven, 2002; McNeely, 2003) because the period of heart of the area occupied by the rebels. We recorded 44 time immediately after war is often crucial (Dudley et al., species of larger mammal, including 18 threatened, near- 2002).
    [Show full text]
  • Livestock and Livestock Systems in the Bale Mountains Ecoregion
    LIVESTOCK AND LIVESTOCK SYSTEMS IN THE BALE MOUNTAINS ECOREGION Fiona Flintan, Worku Chibsa, Dida Wako and Andrew Ridgewell A report for the Bale EcoRegion Sustainable Management Project, SOS Sahel Ethiopia and FARM Africa June 2008 Addis Ababa Photo: A respondent mapping grazing routes in Bale Mountains EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Livestock has been an integral part of the Bale landscape for many centuries. Until relatively recently the livestock system was extensive with small numbers of people and livestock moving in a free and mobile manner. However since the time of Haile Selassie there have been numerous influencing factors that have changed the face of livestock production in Bale. This began with the introduction of land measurement and taxes which encouraged settled agricultural expansion, aggravated by the declaration of grazing lands as ‘no-man’s lands’. At the same time large scale mechanised farms were established in the lower areas, forcing livestock producers into the higher altitude regions. More recently villagisation and resettlement programmes have promoted settlement and an increased population. However, the largest single ‘loss’ of pastoral resources occurred with the establishment of the Bale Mountains National Park (BMNP) in 1970 encompassing an area of 2400km2. This was created without the consent or even the knowledge of local resource users. The historical development of BMNP has been aimed principally, albeit intermittently, at preserving the environment as a ‘wilderness’ area by excluding habitation and customary natural resource management practices. During the former Dergue regime (1974-1991) state authority over the Park was at its strongest resulting in the forced removal of settlements and the effective colonisation of the mountain landscape.
    [Show full text]
  • Ficha Catalográfica Online
    UNIVERSIDADE ESTADUAL DE CAMPINAS INSTITUTO DE BIOLOGIA – IB SUZANA MARIA DOS SANTOS COSTA SYSTEMATIC STUDIES IN CRYPTANGIEAE (CYPERACEAE) ESTUDOS FILOGENÉTICOS E SISTEMÁTICOS EM CRYPTANGIEAE CAMPINAS, SÃO PAULO 2018 SUZANA MARIA DOS SANTOS COSTA SYSTEMATIC STUDIES IN CRYPTANGIEAE (CYPERACEAE) ESTUDOS FILOGENÉTICOS E SISTEMÁTICOS EM CRYPTANGIEAE Thesis presented to the Institute of Biology of the University of Campinas in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of PhD in Plant Biology Tese apresentada ao Instituto de Biologia da Universidade Estadual de Campinas como parte dos requisitos exigidos para a obtenção do Título de Doutora em Biologia Vegetal ESTE ARQUIVO DIGITAL CORRESPONDE À VERSÃO FINAL DA TESE DEFENDIDA PELA ALUNA Suzana Maria dos Santos Costa E ORIENTADA PELA Profa. Maria do Carmo Estanislau do Amaral (UNICAMP) E CO- ORIENTADA pelo Prof. William Wayt Thomas (NYBG). Orientadora: Maria do Carmo Estanislau do Amaral Co-Orientador: William Wayt Thomas CAMPINAS, SÃO PAULO 2018 Agência(s) de fomento e nº(s) de processo(s): CNPq, 142322/2015-6; CAPES Ficha catalográfica Universidade Estadual de Campinas Biblioteca do Instituto de Biologia Mara Janaina de Oliveira - CRB 8/6972 Costa, Suzana Maria dos Santos, 1987- C823s CosSystematic studies in Cryptangieae (Cyperaceae) / Suzana Maria dos Santos Costa. – Campinas, SP : [s.n.], 2018. CosOrientador: Maria do Carmo Estanislau do Amaral. CosCoorientador: William Wayt Thomas. CosTese (doutorado) – Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Instituto de Biologia. Cos1. Savanas. 2. Campinarana. 3. Campos rupestres. 4. Filogenia - Aspectos moleculares. 5. Cyperaceae. I. Amaral, Maria do Carmo Estanislau do, 1958-. II. Thomas, William Wayt, 1951-. III. Universidade Estadual de Campinas. Instituto de Biologia. IV. Título.
    [Show full text]
  • History and Evolution of the Afroalpine Flora
    Alpine Botany https://doi.org/10.1007/s00035-021-00256-9 REVIEW History and evolution of the afroalpine fora: in the footsteps of Olov Hedberg Christian Brochmann1 · Abel Gizaw1 · Desalegn Chala1 · Martha Kandziora2 · Gerald Eilu3 · Magnus Popp1 · Michael D. Pirie4 · Berit Gehrke4 Received: 27 February 2021 / Accepted: 10 May 2021 © The Author(s) 2021 Abstract The monumental work of Olov Hedberg provided deep insights into the spectacular and fragmented tropical alpine fora of the African sky islands. Here we review recent molecular and niche modelling studies and re-examine Hedberg’s hypotheses and conclusions. Colonisation started when mountain uplift established the harsh diurnal climate with nightly frosts, acceler- ated throughout the last 5 Myr (Plio-Pleistocene), and resulted in a fora rich in local endemics. Recruitment was dominated by long-distance dispersals (LDDs) from seasonally cold, remote areas, mainly in Eurasia. Colonisation was only rarely followed by substantial diversifcation. Instead, most of the larger genera and even species colonised the afroalpine habitat multiple times independently. Conspicuous parallel evolution occurred among mountains, e.g., of gigantism in Lobelia and Dendrosenecio and dwarf shrubs in Alchemilla. Although the alpine habitat was ~ 8 times larger and the treeline was ~ 1000 m lower than today during the Last Glacial Maximum, genetic data suggest that the fora was shaped by strong intermountain isolation interrupted by rare LDDs rather than ecological connectivity. The new evidence points to a much younger and more dynamic island scenario than envisioned by Hedberg: the afroalpine fora is unsaturated and fragile, it was repeatedly disrupted by the Pleistocene climate oscillations, and it harbours taxonomic and genetic diversity that is unique but severely depauperated by frequent bottlenecks and cycles of colonisation, extinction, and recolonisation.
    [Show full text]
  • Entry for Festuca Abyssinica A. Rich. [Family GRAMINEAE]
    Entry for Festuca abyssinica A. Rich. [family GRAMINEAE] http://plants.jstor.org/flora/fz7932 http://www.jstor.org Your use of the JSTOR archive indicates your acceptance of JSTOR's Terms and Conditions of Use, available at http://www.jstor.org/page/info/about/policies/terms.jsp. JSTOR's Terms and Conditions of Use provides, in part, that unless you have obtained prior permission, you may not download an entire issue of a journal or multiple copies of articles, and you may use content in the JSTOR archive only for your personal, non-commercial use. Please contact the contributing partner regarding any further use of this work. Partner contact information may be obtained at http://plants.jstor.org/page/about/plants/PlantsProject.jsp. Each copy of any part of a JSTOR transmission must contain the same copyright notice that appears on the screen or printed page of such transmission. JSTOR is a not-for-profit service that helps scholars, researchers, and students discover, use, and build upon a wide range of content in a trusted digital archive. We use information technology and tools to increase productivity and facilitate new forms of scholarship. For more information about JSTOR, please contact [email protected]. Page 1 of 4 Entry for Festuca abyssinica A. Rich. [family GRAMINEAE] Herbarium Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (K) Collection Flora Zambesiaca Resource Type Reference Sources Entry from FZ, Vol 10 Part 1 (1971) Author: E. Launert Names Festuca abyssinica A. Rich. [family GRAMINEAE], Tent. Fl. Abyss. 2: 433 (1851). — Engl., Pflanzenw. Ost-Afr. A: 126 (1895); op. cit.
    [Show full text]
  • Atypicat Molecular Evolution of Afrotherian and Xenarthran B-Globin
    Atypicat molecular evolution of afrotherian and xenarthran B-globin cluster genes with insights into the B-globin cluster gene organization of stem eutherians. By ANGELA M. SLOAN A thesis submitted to the Faculty of Graduate Studies in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of MASTER OF SCIENCE Department of Zoology University of Manitoba Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada @ Angela M. Sloan, July 2005 TIIE I]MVERSITY OF' MANITOBA FACULTY OF GRADUATE STT]DIES ***** - COPYRIGHTPERMISSION ] . Atypical molecular evolution of afrotherian and xenarthran fslobin cluster genes with insights into thefglobin cluster gene organization òf stem eutherians. BY Angela M. Sloan A ThesislPracticum submitted to the Faculty of Graduate Studies of The University of Manitoba in partial fulfill¡nent of the requirement of the degree of Master of Science Angela M. Sloan @ 2005 Permission has been granted to the Library of the University of Manitoba to lend or sell copies of this thesis/practicum, to the National Library of Canada to microfilm this thesis and to lend or sell copies of the fiIm, and to University Microfïlms Inc. to publish an abstract of this thesis/practicum. This reproduction or copy of this thesis has been made available by authority of the copyright owner solely for the purpose of private study and research, and may only be reproduced and copied as permitted by copyright laws or with express written authorization from the copyright ownér. ABSTRACT Our understanding of p-globin gene cluster evolutionlwithin eutherian mammals .is based solely upon data collected from species in the two most derived eutherian superorders, Laurasiatheria and Euarchontoglires. Ifence, nothing is known regarding_the gene composition and evolution of this cluster within afrotherian (elephants, sea cows, hyraxes, aardvarks, elephant shrews, tenrecs and golden moles) and xenarthran (sloths, anteaters and armadillos) mammals.
    [Show full text]
  • Vegetation Survey of Mount Gorongosa
    VEGETATION SURVEY OF MOUNT GORONGOSA Tom Müller, Anthony Mapaura, Bart Wursten, Christopher Chapano, Petra Ballings & Robin Wild 2008 (published 2012) Occasional Publications in Biodiversity No. 23 VEGETATION SURVEY OF MOUNT GORONGOSA Tom Müller, Anthony Mapaura, Bart Wursten, Christopher Chapano, Petra Ballings & Robin Wild 2008 (published 2012) Occasional Publications in Biodiversity No. 23 Biodiversity Foundation for Africa P.O. Box FM730, Famona, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe Vegetation Survey of Mt Gorongosa, page 2 SUMMARY Mount Gorongosa is a large inselberg almost 700 sq. km in extent in central Mozambique. With a vertical relief of between 900 and 1400 m above the surrounding plain, the highest point is at 1863 m. The mountain consists of a Lower Zone (mainly below 1100 m altitude) containing settlements and over which the natural vegetation cover has been strongly modified by people, and an Upper Zone in which much of the natural vegetation is still well preserved. Both zones are very important to the hydrology of surrounding areas. Immediately adjacent to the mountain lies Gorongosa National Park, one of Mozambique's main conservation areas. A key issue in recent years has been whether and how to incorporate the upper parts of Mount Gorongosa above 700 m altitude into the existing National Park, which is primarily lowland. [These areas were eventually incorporated into the National Park in 2010.] In recent years the unique biodiversity and scenic beauty of Mount Gorongosa have come under severe threat from the destruction of natural vegetation. This is particularly acute as regards moist evergreen forest, the loss of which has accelerated to alarming proportions.
    [Show full text]
  • University of Florida Thesis Or Dissertation Formatting
    TRACE METAL CONCENTRATIONS AND THE PHYSIOLOGICAL ROLE OF ZINC IN THE WEST INDIAN MANATEE (Trichechus manatus) By NOEL YOKO TAKEUCHI A DISSERTATION PRESENTED TO THE GRADUATE SCHOOL OF THE UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DEGREE OF DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA 2012 1 © 2012 Noel Yoko Takeuchi 2 To my parents, for without them, I would not be where I am today. As first generation Japanese immigrants, they continue to inspire me to live the “American Dream”. 3 ACKNOWLEDGMENTS I want to first, and foremost, thank my amazing advisor, Dr. David Barber, for his dedication to his students, his great insight to science, life and family, and for being encouraging when times were tough. I want to also give a huge thank you to my committee members: Drs. Roger Reep, Robert Bonde, Robert Cousins and Michael Walsh. This could not have been accomplished without their support, advice and expertise. The greatest part of science is working together to answer a common question. As a result, I have a number of collaborators and organizations to thank for being a part of this project. The magnificent United States Geological Survey (Sirenia Project), Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission (Dr. Charles Deutsch), Nicole Auil Gomez and Dr. James Powell (Sea to Shore Alliance), Dr. Ramiro Isaza, Carla Bernal, Natalie Hall (UF) and Dr. Ellen Wiedner (Ringling Brothers) for elephant samples, the Marine Mammal Pathobiology Laboratory (Dr. Martine deWit and staff), Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium (Joseph Gaspard), Dr. Dean Bass (Doctor’s Data, Inc.), Dr. Iske Larkin (UF) and Joyce Kleen (Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge) for plant surveys, Dr.
    [Show full text]
  • Addis Ababa University Science Faculty School of Graduate Studies Department of Environmental Science Zoology Module
    ADDIS ABABA UNIVERSITY SCIENCE FACULTY SCHOOL OF GRADUATE STUDIES DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE ZOOLOGY MODULE AN INVESTIGATION OF AMPHIBIAN DIVERSITY AND ABUNDANCE IN RELATION TO ENVIRONMENTAL CHANGE IN HARENNA FOREST, BALE MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK, ETHIOPIA A Thesis Submitted to the School of Graduate Studies of Addis Ababa University, in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Master of Environmental Science By Roman Kassahun Advisors: Professor Samy A.Saber, A.A.U. Ethiopia Dr. Simon Loader, Institute of Biogeography, Basel, Switzerland July, 2009 ADDIS ABABA UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF GRADUATE STUDIES An investigation of Amphibian diversity and abundance in relation to environmental change in Harenna Forest, Bale Mountains National Park. By Roman Kassahun A Thesis presented to the School of Graduate Studies of Addis Ababa University, in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Environmental Science Approved by Examining Board: _______________________ _____________ _____________________________ ________________ _____________________________ ________________ ______________________________ ________________ Acknowledgement I owe my sincere gratitude to my adviser Prof Samy A. Saber for his advice and encouragement prior to the start of research work and for his enormously consistent and valuable guidance and advice without which this research project would not have been realized. I am also grateful to my Co-advisor Dr. Simon Loader from the University of Basel, for the logistical support and great help during the wet season of the project, for his guidance in the identifications of the specimens and for giving me this opportunity in the first place. My gratitude also goes to the Ethiopian Wild Life Conservation Authority (EWCA) for allowing me to pursue the M.S.C.
    [Show full text]