Search

The Critically Endangered Nubian Flapshell Turtle (Cyclanorbis elegans) is found in the White Nile River system in South Sudan and northern Uganda. Over the past few decades, its populations have sharply declined, primarily due to human-induced threats, leading to its near-extinction across almost its entire range. In this paper, we present the results of a comprehensive threat analysis undertaken to pinpoint the challenges confronting the species within its natural habitat, specifically in the only known sites where it currently exists. We aimed to develop a conceptual framework to understand causal relationships among driving forces, threats and the target species. This framework allows the visualisation and analysis of the web of intricate interactions that contribute to the species' decline and vulnerability. We convened a panel of experts who identified three primary direct threats to the Nubian Flapshell Turtle: (1) Sand mining (IUCN code 3.2); (2) Overfishing by native fishers and refugees (code 5.4) and (3) Habitat loss at nesting sites (code 7.3). Among these threats, overfishing had the largest geographical extension, the highest intensity and duration, while habitat loss occurred at the highest frequency. These threats varied significantly in intensity and frequency. Additionally, when assessing the overall magnitude of these threats, habitat loss and overfishing had the highest impact, with significantly higher scores compared to sand mining. Our experts also identified the underlying driving forces behind these threats: (1) Economic interests driving sand mining activities along the Nile; (2) The influence of civil conflict and refugee populations, which contribute to the demand for bushmeat; (3) the Chinese expatriates, that lead to overfishing; (4) The removal of bank vegetation serves as a catalyst for habitat loss at nesting sites. The resulting conceptual framework serves as a valuable tool for defining targeted conservation measures for each distinct threat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper is based on an on-going 3-year study in the wetland communities of Kampala. The study uses participatory methods and aims to contribute to (i) the development of low-income wetland communities, (ii) to prepare these communities to become less dependent on wetlands without receding into poverty, and (iii) the better management of the wetlands. The communities in direct dependence and intimate interaction with Nakivubo wetlands are mainly poor, live and work under hazardous conditions, and their activities pose a threat to the ecological function of the wetlands. Yet these wetlands are important for filtering the city’s waste and storm water before it flows into Lake Victoria’s Murchison Bay, which is Kampala’s source of piped water. Government approaches to the problem of wetland encroachment have largely failed because they are confrontational, and are not consistent or participatory. The study has in the first year conducted a series of activities including stakeholder analysis, resource analysis, livelihood analysis, a questionnaire survey and action planning. Preliminary data show that wetland dependency is very high among the poor nearby communities. They practice cultivation, brick-making and harvesting of wetland vegetation. However, these activities are under threat because wetland resources are dwindling due to increasing population and over-use. Livelihoods are threatened not only by the decreasing productivity of the wetland, but also by the ever-present government threat to evict wetland encroachers to restore its ecology. The study therefore works with communities to prepare for less dependence on wetlands so that they do not suddenly recede into worse poverty if they are evicted. They formulate strategies to enhance alternative livelihood, and for management of the wetland. Action plans have been formulated to address the situation through a newly created association. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To develop an inventory of the present knowledge about soil-borne pests (insects, fungi, nematodes and bacteria) in Uganda, we review in this paper, aspects of their diversity, abundance, distribution in agro-ecosystems control approaches as well as their role in sustainable land management. Knowledge gaps about the soil pests and short falls in human resource capacity are identified as possible factors affecting the development of appropriate management packages for the soil pests. Priority research areas and capacity building needs are suggested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gynaecological morbidity is one of the most severe conditions under reproductive health. Healthcare providers and planners in Uganda have not taken it seriously among rural communities. This study was carried out mainly to document indigenous knowledge on medicinal plants used by traditional healers in the treatment of some gynaecological morbidity ailments in reproductive healthcare in western Uganda. In addition, the methods of preparation and administration of herbal medicines including the plant parts utilized were established. The research methods used included informal conversations, semi-structured interviews and discussions, and field excursions. The documented conditions under gynaecological morbidity discussed in this paper include excessive-bleeding (hypermenorrhea), painful menstruation (dysmenorrhoea), irregular menstruation and prolapsed uterus. Fifty-two medicinal plants have been documented as being used in the treatment of these ailments and conditions. Leaves are the most commonly harvested plant parts and the most common growth forms harvested are the herbs 51.9%, followed by trees 25% and shrubs 17.3%. Over 50% of these herbal remedies are harvested from the wild ecosystems. The main methods of herbal remedies preparation were boiling, squeezing and pounding and the medicines are administered orally. The nutritional status of individuals plays a vital role in the well-being and in fighting diseases as some medicinal plants are used as foodstuffs like Lycopersicon esculentum Mill., Mangifera indica L., Carica papaya L., Cucurbita pepo L., Physalis minima L., Rumex abyssinicus Jacq., Daucus carota L., Zingiber officinale Roscoe and Ananas comosus (L.) Merr. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of African Journal of Ecology is the property of Wiley-Blackwell and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of African Journal of Ecology is the property of Wiley-Blackwell and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of African Journal of Ecology is the property of Wiley-Blackwell and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of African Journal of Ecology is the property of Wiley-Blackwell and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The article offers information on the conference organized by the Department of Botany of Makerere University in Uganda and the Norwegian Agency for International Cooperation (NORAD). The conference is titled "Plant Sciences in Development," and was held on February 21-25, 2005 at Makerere University. Topics discussed were matters related to plant resource surveys, utilization including trade, gender issues in plant resource management, geographical distribution, rarity and level of threat and abundance. The presentations centered on plant dynamics, biotechnology, plant taxonomy, economic botany and sustainable livelihoods.

The initial survey aimed at assessing uses of figs in Buganda region was conducted from October 1990 to November 1991, and a follow-up was made in 2005. A total of twelve districts were surveyed, inhabited by four major tribes with the Baganda being the majority. Oral interviews were used to collect data and respondents were either shown a freshly collected specimen or accompanied the researcher to the field. Data collected included vernacular names, uses, when medicinal part used and application. Fourteen of the 32 Ficus species recorded were used by the people. The major uses were live fencing and source of bark cloth or olubugo (Luganda) mostly from planted F. natalensis Hochst. Bark cloth adorns cultural sites, ceremonies and shrines, and is used in burying the dead and as bedding material. Its wide array of handcrafts can be seen in curios and local markets, many of these and bark cloth sheets are exported mostly to Europe. The vernacular names of species in four major languages in the region mostly related to use or simply fig trees. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of African Journal of Ecology is the property of Wiley-Blackwell and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The article highlights the 21st Congress of the International Primatology Society held on June 25-30, 2006 in Entebbe, Uganda. The theme of the congress was "Primate Conservation in Action." Many of the papers presented at the conference looked at theoretical aspects of primate behavior and evolution. The context of the talks offered some encouraging evidence that primatologists are coming out of the forest and conducting research with both a pure and applied approach. During the event, Uganda clearly was able to demonstrate its primates, their habitat and the people that are their neighbours.

In this paper we compare the use of transect counts with a simpler method of investigating bird diversity and numbers, particularly in terrestrial habitats, both natural and non-natural. Transect Counts (TCs) have long been widely used, whereas Timed Species Counts (TSCs), which estimate relative abundance, are comparatively untried. We find that TSCs give results which are comparable to those from TCs in mostrespects, except that they can only be used indirectly for estimating population densities, and they give different measures of diversity. However, TSCs generate data on many more species much faster than do TCs and are therefore more cost-effective in most situations. In particular, TSCs are useful for community studies. We show, for example, that in natural habitats bird populations are positively correlatedwith the amount of woody vegetation, but not with rainfall. Diversity too increases with woody vegetation. Because TSCs are simple, more of them can be made for a given input of time, and hence more distributional data are obtained as an additional benefit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of African Journal of Ecology is the property of Wiley-Blackwell and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of African Journal of Ecology is the property of Wiley-Blackwell and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of African Journal of Ecology is the property of Wiley-Blackwell and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of African Journal of Ecology is the property of Wiley-Blackwell and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of African Journal of Ecology is the property of Wiley-Blackwell and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of African Journal of Ecology is the property of Wiley-Blackwell and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of African Journal of Ecology is the property of Wiley-Blackwell and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of African Journal of Ecology is the property of Wiley-Blackwell and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of African Journal of Ecology is the property of Wiley-Blackwell and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of African Journal of Ecology is the property of Wiley-Blackwell and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of African Journal of Ecology is the property of Wiley-Blackwell and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The article offers photographic evidence of the African golden cat (Profelis aurata Temminck) at Mainaro, Kibale National Park, Uganda. It reports that this golden cat belongs to felid species. This golden cat is a sexually dimorphic, medium-sized carnivore. Anecdotal evidence suggests that the golden cat is a terrestrial hunter. Prey and preferred habitat availability, population density were the factors which has influenced the felid abundance.

Copyright of African Journal of Ecology is the property of Wiley-Blackwell and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of African Journal of Ecology is the property of Wiley-Blackwell and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of African Journal of Ecology is the property of Wiley-Blackwell and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of African Journal of Ecology is the property of Wiley-Blackwell and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of African Journal of Ecology is the property of Wiley-Blackwell and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of African Journal of Ecology is the property of Wiley-Blackwell and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of African Journal of Ecology is the property of Wiley-Blackwell and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of African Journal of Ecology is the property of Wiley-Blackwell and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of African Journal of Ecology is the property of Wiley-Blackwell and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

As natural forests contract, farming systems become increasingly important to landscape biodiversity conservation, yet assets and limits of their contribution are insufficiently documented. A sound understanding of farmer strategies in the management of on-farm tree biodiversity is also critical to landscape approaches for biodiversity conservation and livelihood improvement. Diversity and management of woody species were surveyed in 105 farms around Mabira Forest in South-Central Uganda. Farms were selected according to distance to forest, landscape axis, gender, wealth, and specialized forest use of household heads. Farmer management has a strong influence on tree diversity in the coffee-banana systems around Mabira Forest. This is reflected in the relatively high number of planted and exotic species at the levels of farm niche, farm and landscape. Both the number of years under cultivation and farmer involvement in specialized forest use were conducive to higher species diversity. Gender, wealth and tenure status did not influence tree diversity. Variation in on-farm species richness was noted between landscape axes radiating out of the forest rather than concentric distance categories. Farming systems around Mabira Forest Reserve provide a key complementary rather than substitute tree diversity refuge and can be managed to enhance overall landscape biodiversity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Uganda, bacterial and fungal infections are prevalent especially, the sexually transmitted diseases including HIV/AIDS. Because of low socio-economic empowerment, traditional beliefs and cultural barriers, the suffering people resort to use of herbal remedies in search of cure especially for rural women who rarely discuss/disclose diseases affecting secretive body parts. The study documented 67 medicinal plants distributed among 27 families and 51 genera used to treat fungal and bacterial infections in and around Queen Elizabeth Biosphere Reserve in western Uganda. The highest numbers of species were from Families Lamiaceae (13) and Asteraceae (11). The most commonly harvested plant parts were leaves (88.1%) and roots (23.9%). The most common growth form harvested were herbs (47.8%) and most of the medicinal plants used were wild species (67.2%). The main methods of herbal drug preparation were by squeezing, boiling and pounding and were mainly orally administered. However, most of the steamed plant species were inserted in the birth canal besides oral administration. Some plants such as Allium sativum, Aloe vera and Ocimum gratissimum are topically applied on the affected body parts. This vital indigenous knowledge about healing secretive and discrete diseases among the marginalized population requires urgent ethnobotanical studies to sustain livelihoods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil erosion caused by low vegetation cover associated with agricultural land use in the catchment is blamed for the eutrophication of Lake Victoria. Above-ground biomass as an indicator of vegetation cover and biodiversity was assessed using the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index, estimation of tree density and biomass with the aim of assessing the extent to which vegetation covers the soil surface. Tree density is significantly different between agricultural and semi-natural systems with an average of 96 and 90 trees ha [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A field survey on indigenous fruit tree species (IFTS) was conducted in Adwari subcounty, Lira district between August 2004 and March 2005. The objectives were to: determine IFTS diversity in the traditional farming system; generate a species priority list, characterize and document the values of IFTS as perceived by farmers; and develop criteria for selecting IFTS for on-farm cultivation. A questionnaire designed to capture socio-economic data was administered to 120 randomly selected respondents. Farm walks were conducted to identify and assess the proportion of farmland under IFTS. Preference ranking was used to generate a species priority list. On-farm diversity of IFTS was analyzed using Shannon–Wiener’s diversity index (H′). DAFOR scale was used to rate occurrence of IFTS on-farm. The diversity of IFTS was relatively high (H′ = 2.164) although the average proportion of farmland under IFTS cover was low (23.3 ± 5%). Vitellaria paradoxa, Vitex doniana, Anona senegalensis and Tamarindus indica were most preferred by local people. The choice of IFTS for on-farm cultivation varied from their food, medicinal to cash values. There is a need to formulate clear policies and by-laws to encourage on-farm cultivation of IFTS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The usage of medicinal plants in childbirth in Uganda is a long standing tradition. Over 80% of Ugandan women have childbirth at home and herbal remedies are administered to complete the process of childbirth. The herbs are administered to hasten the labour process (oxytocics), expulsion of retained placenta and control postpartum bleeding. This indigenous knowledge in herbal medicines used during childbirth is not well documented and scientifically validated. The ethnobotanical study was conducted between 2000 and 2003 in Bushenyi and Kasese districts in western Uganda. The aim of this study was to validate the claimed uses of Bidens pilosa L. and Luffa cylindrica (L). M.J. Roem. in inducing labour during childbirths in western Uganda. The in vitro experiments using the rat uterus showed that the aqueous leafy extracts of B. pilosa and L. cylindrica increased rat uterine motility suggesting that they are oxytocics. The aqueous leafy extract of B. pilosa in vitro experiment using the rabbit jejunum further indicated that the extract can cause contraction. The bioactivity of B. pilosa and L. cylindrica is a pointer to the therapeutic uses of herbal remedies in childbirth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conservation in the tropics has focussed on protected areas (PAs) ignoring the unprotected sites. This study assessed the conservation of indigenous plants outside the PAs in Tororo District, eastern Uganda. Data were collected using participatory methods and field surveys, and questionnaires administered to 118 randomly selected respondents. A total of 87 indigenous plant species are used for firewood, medicine, construction, food, environmental services, pest control and cultural purposes. Four alien invasive species, ( Lantana camara L. , Senna spectabilis (DC.) H.S. Irwin & Barneby , Thevetia sp. and Tithonia diversifolia (Hemsley) A. Gray, are used. The indigenous species belong to 36 families and 66 genera. The plants are collected from around homesteads (crop fields and home gardens), wetlands and uncultivated hills/rocks. Use pattern was related to socio-economic characteristics such as age, sex and occupation. The local conservation strategies include retaining useful plants around homesteads, controlled harvesting, restricting bush burning, tending and protective fences. The conservation strategies are related to socio-economic characteristics and interests of harvesters. Overexploitation threatens the survival of species such as Milicia excelsa (Welw.) C. Berg, which are on the IUCN Red list. Conservation outside PAs should target common interest user groups and designate important sites for plant conservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study was conducted in the Kibale National Park forest where both light and heavy logging was conducted during 1969–1970. The forest areas which had high stocking densities of Olea suffered the heaviest logging impacts. Research on the autecology of Olea welwitschii (Knobl) Gilg. & Schellemb., an excellent timber species, was undertaken to examine the effects of differential logging intensities on its residual population structure, tree morphology and regeneration. A series of quadrats were placed in the lightly and heavily logged forests, unlogged mature forest and in ecotonal forest tracts. All Olea trees, irrespective of size within the plots, were identified, marked, mapped and their diameter at breast height, height, branching height and multiple stemming measured. Results indicate that the distribution and abundance of Olea tree species was influenced by variations in human disturbances. Heavy forest disturbances created conditions similar to those in ecotonal sites which encouraged successful Olea tree colonization, regeneration and fast growth. However, the closed and semi-closed canopy conditions following logging suppressed Olea regeneration. These observations qualify Olea to be a colonizer and light demander in the juvenile seral stages. It exhibits high tree mortality across all size classes and low survival under natural forest conditions compared with other typical forest climax species. Heavy logging also led to shorter multiple stemmed Olea trees which retained multiple branches on the trunks below the main canopy. Consequently, low-level timber harvesting seems compatible with sustainable Olea utilization. The characteristics of Olea as a colonizing as well as canopy tree species makes it ideal for domestication, forest restoration and plantation management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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. Résumé Cette étude a suivi, de juin 1999 à juin 2006, la phénologie des fruits et des feuilles de 575 arbres qui servent de nourriture aux chimpanzés (40 espèces appartenant à 15 familles) dans la Réserve Forestière de Budongo (Ouganda). Nous avons aussi suivi la phénologie de toutes les espèces de figuiers présentes dans l'aire étudiée. La quantité de fruits variait significativement selon les espèces et les saisons, avec un pic pendant la saison des pluies (avril - juin). Le nombre d'arbres en fructification était positivement corrélé avec les chutes de pluies et était plus élevé pendant la saison des pluies qu'en saison sèche. Les Ficus avaient des quantités exceptionnelles de fruits, allant de 400 à 650.000 fruits par arbre en une seule saison de production. La production de feuilles était au maximum en fin de saison sèche et début de saison des pluies (février – avril). Des feuilles mâtures étaient disponibles en toutes saisons, même lors de la parution de nouvelles feuilles. Seuls Ficus sur, Broussonetia papyfera et Celtis gomphophylla portaient des fruits toute l'année, et six espèces n'ont pas produit de fruits du tout pendant toute la durée de l’étude. Des douze espèces qui ont fructifié pendant 40 à 58 mois, trois sont très importantes pour leur bois et sept ont été tuées par des ‘arboricidesg’. Nous concluons que la survie à long terme des chimpanzés dans les forêts tropicales requiert la conservation des arbres qui leur servent de nourriture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A symbiotic relationship involves two or more organisms living together for mutual benefit(s). Neither partner could do well without the other. Symbionts are the individual partners in the relationship. Microsymbiosis is a relationship in which one of partners is a micro-organism. Most of the symbioses involve higher plants acting as hosts to micro-organisms. Microsymbionts play a major role in plant nutrition especially for nitrogen, phosphorus and water availability in both natural and agricultural ecosystems. They are a valuable resource for national development especially to countries, like Uganda, whose economies are heavily agro-based. This review gives an inventory of the present knowledge on microsymbionts in Uganda and identifies future priorities for research, application and capacity building. In Uganda, not much is known or has been done regarding microsymbionts and their importance in both natural and agroecosystems. This may be associated with the fact that there are few scholars in the field of soil science available in the country. There is no specific policy on the conservation of microsymbionts. Attempts have been made on production and use of Rhizobium inoculants for promotion of the role of legumes in agricultural production. Other symbioses like mycorrhizae, Azolla and Frankia have not been exploited. Awareness raising and in-depth research on soil microsymbionts’ production and use are recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil is a living entity, comprising an inseparable mixture of solid, liquid and gaseous phases, and diverse fauna and flora, the below ground biodiversity. The macrofauna consists of animals longer than 4 mm or wider than 2 mm, which are easily located by the naked eye and include arthropods, molluscs and earthworms. This review is aimed at developing an inventory of the present knowledge about macrofauna in ecosystems in Uganda and identifying future priorities for research, application and capacity building. It is noted that there are a few assessments of soil macrofauna, diversity and abundance made for different habitats. Similarly, studies on their importance in ecosystems, distribution patterns, management, linkage with above ground biodiversity and effects of land use on them are deficient. Further, there is little documentation of farmers’ knowledge and practices related to soil macrofauna management and conservation. It is also noted that the current gaps in the soil macrofauna data and information have been caused by lack of capacity and expertise to identify, evaluate and manage this resource. More research and training in the taxonomy, ecology, economic evaluation and management of this fauna are suggested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of African Journal of Ecology is the property of Wiley-Blackwell and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The distribution of property rights to land and natural resources underlies the differential control of men and women over productive resources. This article investigates the role played by women in conservation of plant resources in Kamuli district, Uganda. Using a stratified random sampling technique, 60 tree farmers from Bugulumbya, Kasambira and Nawandhyo parish were interviewed. The findings revealed that women tree farmers were constrained by insecure tenure to tree resource, inequitable benefit sharing, male dominance in decision-making, low education and lack of planting materials. The extension media use varied according to gender. These findings have important policy implications in that for effective tree resource conservation, the information targeting rural women in Uganda should be in their native languages. Local programmes should be integrated into tree resource management programmes for the benefit of the grassroot populations, many of whom have low education levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The relationship between construction materials used and longevity of traditional houses in three parishes adjacent to Kibale National Park in western Uganda was explored. Based on (i) resistance to termite attack, (ii) resistance to insect borers, (iii) rot resistance, (iv) wood that splits well, (v) the wood fibre not entangled, (vi) easy workability, (vii) weight, (viii) straight poles, (ix) availability within 2 km radius and (x) durability, 67 species were recorded, of which 43 are trees, nine climbers, ten shrubs and five herbs. Durable wood resistant to fungal attack, termites and woodborers is preferred in addition to being hard, straight and easy to work with a machete. Ranked high among the wild species are Harrisonia abyssinica Oliver, Millettia dura Dunn., Blighia unijugata Baker and Aegelopsis eggelingii M. R. F. Taylor. The commonly extracted pole sizes are between 5 and 12 cm dbh. Preferred wild ropes to fasten wattle, that are resistant to termites, include Cryptolepis sanguinoleta R. Br., Motandra sp., Urera trinervis (Hochst.) Friis & Imm., Paullinia pinnata L. and Cissus rotundifolia (Forssk.) Vahl. Longevity of houses greatly depended on the wall finishing by plastering with sand/wood ash and cow dung as well as the thatch material used: with the average life span of 14.7 years for grass-thatched, 20 years for papyrus and 29.9 years for iron-roofed houses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was carried out to document the non-cultivated food plants (NCFPs) of Bulamogi County, Uganda. It formed part of a wider study meant to document all edible plant species in the county with the general aim of strengthening food security. The study was conducted using semi-structured interviews. Fifty-nine NCFPs were recorded in the county. These grow as weeds, wild plants and semi-cultivated crops. They are equally distributed between herbaceous (54%) and woody (46%) growth habits. They yield fruits (31, n = 59), leaves (11, n = 59) or leaves and stems (10, n = 59) for consumption. A short list of 27 NCFPs with potential for domestication is suggested here for further study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The tilapiine fish Oreochromis esculentus, is endemic to only lakes Victoria and Kyoga and a few satellite lakes in the two lake basins. It was the most important commercial fish species during the first half of the 20th century in the two lake basins but because of over-exploitation and competition with introduced tilapiines, its stocks declined and, by 1980s, O. esculentus was virtually absent from the two main lakes. Lakes Mburo, Kachera, Kayanja and Kayugi in the Lake Victoria basin, and Nabisojjo, Kawi and Lemwa, in the Lake Kyoga basin, where remnants of the species survived were investigated using experimental fleets of gillnets from 1997 to end of 2002 with the objective of determining the species length frequency distribution, condition factor, feeding and breeding to guide its management, conservation and enhancement. Fish caught in Lake Kayugi, where diatoms dominated in the stomach contents attained the largest size, were most fecund and had a high value of condition factor K. These findings suggest that diatoms were vital in the survival of O. esculentus. However, with the recent shift of algal communities from diatoms to blue-green algae in most aquatic systems, assimilation of blue-green algae by O. esculentus should be investigated. Résumé Le tilapia Oreochromis esculentus est endémique des seuls lacs Victoria et Kyoga et de quelques lacs satellites dans leurs deux bassins. C’était la plus importante espèce commerciale pendant la première moitié du 20ème siècle dans ces deux bassins mais, en raison de la surexploitation et de la compétition avec des autres espèces de tilapias introduites, les stocks ont décliné rapidement et, au cours des années 1980, O. esculentus a pratiquement disparu des deux lacs principaux. Les lacs Mburo, Kachera, Kayanja et Kayugi, dans le bassin du lac Victoria, et les lacs Nabisojjo, Kawi et Lemwa, dans le bassin du lac Kyoga, où il reste quelques survivants de l'espèce, ont étéétudiés de 1997 à la fin de 2002 en utilisant des flottes expérimentales de filets maillants, dans le but de déterminer la distribution de la fréquence des tailles de l'espèce, les facteurs déterminant sa condition, son alimentation et sa reproduction, pour orienter sa gestion, sa conservation et sa consolidation. Les poissons pêchés dans le lac Kayugi, où les diatomées dominent dans le contenu stomacal, atteignaient la plus grande taille, étaient les plus féconds et avaient une valeur élevée du facteur K de condition. Ces découvertes suggèrent que les diatomées sont vitales pour la survie d’ O. esculentus. Cependant, avec le récent glissement des communautés d'algues des diatomées vers les algues bleues dans la plupart des systèmes aquatiques, il faudrait étudier l'assimilation des algues bleues par O. esculentus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of African Journal of Ecology is the property of Wiley-Blackwell and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)