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The Diet Composition of Four Vesper Bats (Chiroptera: Vespertilionidae) from the Centre Region of Cameroon (Central Africa)
Mbeng Donatus Waghiiwimbom,
Bakwo Fils Eric-Moise,
Atagana Patrick Jules,
Joseph Lebel Tamesse
Issue:
Volume 4, Issue 6, November 2019
Pages:
153-163
Received:
3 August 2019
Accepted:
11 September 2019
Published:
9 October 2019
Abstract: Diet is an important part of microbat biology that provides valuable information on how species interact and persist in an ecosystem. Dietary analysis is also important in interpreting their role as predator of night flying insects. Our objective is to report on the food and feeding habits of four microbats (Neoromicia nana, Neoromicia tenuipinnis, Pipistrellus nanulus and Scotoecus hirundo) in the Centre Region of Cameroon, based primarily on fecal remains collected from bats captured at their feeding and roosting sites. Bats were captured from January 2016 to December 2017 using mist nets and their fecal pellets were collected for dietary analysis. Dietary analysis of 393 fecal pellets of 51 vesper bats showed that bats consumed eight insect Orders (Coleoptera, Diptera, Lepidoptera, Hemiptera, Hymenoptera, Isopteran, Trichoptera and Neuroptera). Lepidoptera’s (%v=58.5%) were the most important food source for these bats. The three most frequent insect Orders encountered in the pellets of these bats were Lepidoptera (%f = 96.6%), dipteran (%f =79.1%) and Coleoptera (%f =77.5%). We observed large amounts of Diptera content in the diet of S. hirundo (%v = 39.7%), N. tenuipinnis (%v = 29.6%). Elucidating the role of bats in Dipteran control could lead to benefits for both the conservation of bats and public health. Equally erecting of bat houses to attract bats in farms so that they feed on insects could reduce or minimize the use of pesticides. A statistical analysis of mean percentage frequency and volume of food items indicated that among the four-bat species, consumed prey items were similar (H = 0.2, p = 0.9). This new information can be used for both conservation and to improve public awareness about bats in Cameroon.
Abstract: Diet is an important part of microbat biology that provides valuable information on how species interact and persist in an ecosystem. Dietary analysis is also important in interpreting their role as predator of night flying insects. Our objective is to report on the food and feeding habits of four microbats (Neoromicia nana, Neoromicia tenuipinnis,...
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Analysis of Human Wildlife Conflict in Buffer Zone Area: A Study from Chitwan National Park, Nepal
Issue:
Volume 4, Issue 6, November 2019
Pages:
164-172
Received:
7 September 2019
Accepted:
29 September 2019
Published:
9 October 2019
Abstract: Human-Wildlife Conflict (HWC) is fast becoming a serious threat to the survival of many endangered species in the world. The lack of access to forest resources for the local community residing in the buffer zones of national parks has created conflict between the national parks, the people residing in these areas and wildlife. This study focused on to analyze the situation of human-wildlife interface of people living near the park. Direst field observation, questionnaire survey of households (n=88), on-site focal group discussions, and key informant interviews were used for data collection. The study revealed that Paddy was the primary crop accounting about 34% of the economic value of total production. Peoples in the study area perceived that crop depredation was the major problem caused by the wild animals. Among crops, the damage to Paddy was high. A total average damage of Paddy per year per household (HH) was 115.2 Kg. Economic value of average annual damage per year per HH accounted for NRs, 9211.4. About 70% respondents responded that the poor availability of food in the forest was the main problem. In case of measures to control HWC, most of them have applied different local technologies. Among them participatory method, noise making and scare row construction were the common. Most of the local people believed that, cases of the HWC was increasing and will increase in the future. Hence, promotion of income generating activities, alternative energy, and improved livelihood strategies can reduce the HWC indirectly through decreasing the dependency in forest resources. Conservation awareness program and people participation are other major aspects that should be considered to mitigate the human wildlife conflict.
Abstract: Human-Wildlife Conflict (HWC) is fast becoming a serious threat to the survival of many endangered species in the world. The lack of access to forest resources for the local community residing in the buffer zones of national parks has created conflict between the national parks, the people residing in these areas and wildlife. This study focused on...
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Land Resource Management for Sustainability in the Oku-Mbessa Highlands, North West Region, Cameroon
Mbanga Lawrence Akei,
Bailack Kevin Mbuh
Issue:
Volume 4, Issue 6, November 2019
Pages:
173-182
Received:
4 September 2019
Accepted:
29 September 2019
Published:
31 October 2019
Abstract: Land resources constitute one of the most indispensable resources and the ultimate prerequisites for the survival and prosperity of humankind on the earth surface. Management is very indispensible for sustainability and livelihoods of resources and population respectively. The aim of the study is to examine the trends of land resource management, and present the implications on land resource sustainability and livelihoods using Landsat images of 1988, 2000, 2007 and 2018 in the Oku-Mbessa Highlands of Cameroon. A historical survey and comparative research designs with mixed qualitative-quantitative research approaches were used to detect the annual rates of land resource cover changes for the periods of 1982 to 1994, 1995 to 2006 and 2007 to 2018, analysed at spatiotemporal levels. Data was collected from 150 household heads using a semi-structured questionnaire. Data was analysed using inferential statistics with the F-ratio Test at a 0.05 critical level and a df of 4 to determine the management trends, sustainable and livelihood patterns ushered. The results reveal the calculated F-ratio values for the three periodical trends of 1.09, 1.21 and 2.05 are higher than the tabulated ratios of 0.36, 0.31 and 0.89 respectively. This indicates that there has been a significant increase in the trends of land resource management. Positive environmental sustainable and livelihood patterns were introduced in the management process. This study recommends the need for the government to improve management security at the grassroots level to forestall the inextricable link between resource management, sustainability and livelihoods in the Oku-Mbessa highlands.
Abstract: Land resources constitute one of the most indispensable resources and the ultimate prerequisites for the survival and prosperity of humankind on the earth surface. Management is very indispensible for sustainability and livelihoods of resources and population respectively. The aim of the study is to examine the trends of land resource management, a...
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Trade and Conservation of Morel Mushrooms in Nepal
Jay Kant Raut,
Jitendra Upadhyaya,
Vijaya Raghavan,
Minu Adhikari,
Santoshi Bhushal,
Pragun Sunder Sainju,
Chandra Mohan Gurmachhan,
Anjana Giri,
Lok Ranjan Bhatt
Issue:
Volume 4, Issue 6, November 2019
Pages:
183-187
Received:
19 September 2019
Accepted:
4 October 2019
Published:
20 November 2019
Abstract: In Nepal morel mushroom is one of the most important wild edible fungi, which is exported, in larger quantities. They have been collected, consumed and traded for more than two decades. The morel mushroom trade is worth a multi-billion dollar industry worldwide. This study was carried out to elucidate the current harvest and trade of morel mushrooms, the prospects for commercial morel industry development and the resource management in Nepal. Wild morels are harvested commercially and exported extensively from west Nepal especially from Karnali and Far West Province which share 58% and 29% of total national output respectively. Most commonly found and traded species are Morchella conica and M. esculenta. In most cases, the collectors sell morels in fresh form to the local dealers or in the local markets from where they are exported to different parts of the world. A bulk of morel mushrooms is traded via Nepalgunj and Mahendranagar routes. The local collectors get nominal benefits as prices are very low in the local area as compared to international markets. The price of M. conica is always higher than other morel species. There is neither processing nor any kind of value addition works currently being done in Nepal except drying, grading and packaging. The present study reveals that Nepal has a huge potential to become a major global producer of high quality morels. There is no serious concern about the overexploitation of the resource at the moment. However, a reliable local monitoring system and a scientific intervention for the artificial cultivation are inevitable for the sustainable management.
Abstract: In Nepal morel mushroom is one of the most important wild edible fungi, which is exported, in larger quantities. They have been collected, consumed and traded for more than two decades. The morel mushroom trade is worth a multi-billion dollar industry worldwide. This study was carried out to elucidate the current harvest and trade of morel mushroom...
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Community Perceptions of Human-wildlife Conflicts and the Compensation Scheme Around Nyungwe National Park (Rwanda)
Issue:
Volume 4, Issue 6, November 2019
Pages:
188-197
Received:
19 August 2019
Accepted:
12 September 2019
Published:
6 December 2019
Abstract: In African countries, crop-raiding by wild animals and human-wildlife conflicts are recurrent and common concerns for conservationists, protected areas managers and surrounding populations. At different levels, these challenges hinder the achievement of conservation goals. Although researchers have widely studied human-wildlife conflicts in Nyungwe National Park, few have examined its impact and lived experiences of local communities who are regularly facing crop-raiding by wild animals. The present study conducted in areas adjacent to the park including those affected with a high rate of crop raiding aimed to assess: (1) the community perceptions on human-wildlife conflicts and (2) the community perceptions on the compensation schemes set up to minimize the conflicts. For this purpose, a qualitative method was adopted. It relied on field semi-structured interviews with the representatives of conservation key stakeholders including local communities that experienced crop raiding. On one hand, the findings indicated that communities affected by generalized crop raiding are complaining about socio-economic and livelihood losses, food insecurity and injury. On the other hand, they showed that affected communities are not satisfied with the compensation scheme. Difficult requirements for compensation, complicated compensation procedure, rejection of compensation claims, undervalued payment and irregular compensation and delay of payments were identified as key problems that keep human-wildlife conflicts at high levels. The compensation process is so slow, so long and so costly that the victims of crop raiding abandon compensation claims. As a result, local communities continue to deal with self-defense since monetary compensation is unable to decrease the level of crop raiding. The findings call for an improved compensation scheme for reduced human-wildlife conflicts and efficient management following the model of effective compensation. Even though fencing the Park could be expensive, it would be a viable option to minimize wild-animals escape from the park. In addition, enhancing collective guiding system was proposed by the local community as their innovative strategy that could reduce crop raiding.
Abstract: In African countries, crop-raiding by wild animals and human-wildlife conflicts are recurrent and common concerns for conservationists, protected areas managers and surrounding populations. At different levels, these challenges hinder the achievement of conservation goals. Although researchers have widely studied human-wildlife conflicts in Nyungwe...
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An Ecological Assessment of the Physico-chemical and Biological Water Quality in a Sub-urban Area in Cameroon: Case of the Ngoumou Rural Council
Ngakomo Ananga Rose Pulcherie,
Ajeagah Gideon Aghaindum,
Zeinab Abou Elnaga,
Ngassam Pierre
Issue:
Volume 4, Issue 6, November 2019
Pages:
198-204
Received:
29 October 2019
Accepted:
23 November 2019
Published:
6 December 2019
Abstract: In developing countries, most of the population does not have access to drinking water and is therefore subject to use groundwater and surface water for it’s domestic needs without taking into consideration it’s quality and health repercussions. This study seeks to assess the physicochemical and biological quality of water in some springs, wells and streams of the Ngoumou municipality in Cameroon. Several physico-chemical parameters coupled to biological variables were applied in the evaluation of the quality of these waters. The physicochemical quality was evaluated by standard methods for the monitoring of water quality. Biological analyses were performed by the direct method and the Zhiel-Neelsen method using a 40X and 100X optical microscope. The physico-chemical analysis reveals a low organic pollution and shows that these waters are acidic, lowly mineralized and presents low oxygen saturation. The biological quality revealed the presence the oocystic load of Cryptosporidium sp (872 oocysts/L), Cyclospora sp (224 oocysts/L) and Isospora sp (133 oocysts/L). Oocysts of Cryptosporidium sp (170oocysts/L) were identified in the aquatic system of the Ngoumou sub-urban area. Oocysts density was positively correlated with suspended solids, water color and turbidity. The presence of these organisms in this communal water system depicts faecal contamination. It is urgent to raise awareness on the protection of this precious natural resource and safe the population from rampant diarrheal diseases.
Abstract: In developing countries, most of the population does not have access to drinking water and is therefore subject to use groundwater and surface water for it’s domestic needs without taking into consideration it’s quality and health repercussions. This study seeks to assess the physicochemical and biological quality of water in some springs, wells an...
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Spatio-temporal Analysis Dynamics of the Landscape in the Classified Forest of Koulbi, Southwestern of Burkina Faso
Zézouma Sanon,
Mipro Hien,
Boalidioa Tankoano,
Martin Karlson,
Irénée Somda
Issue:
Volume 4, Issue 6, November 2019
Pages:
205-215
Received:
21 November 2019
Accepted:
16 December 2019
Published:
25 December 2019
Abstract: Most of the protected areas in Burkina Faso are affected by deforestation and forest degradation. This study is done in order to analysis the spatial and temporal dynamics of the classified forest of Koulbi and to identify the drivers of deforestation in the forest. For that, three Landsat images from 1986, 1998 and 2014 were exploited. The supervised classification based on the artificial neural network algorithm, under the ENVI software, was used. A transition matrix was established to analyze land use/land cover changes. The standardized precipitation index of 1985 to 2014 was used to access climate trend. Survey data from riverside villages and field observations were used to assess the human impact. The results show that between 1986 and 2014, the woodlands and tree savannas areas were reduced by 7% and 0.49% per year, respectively. However, substantial yearly increases in the areas of shrub savanna (2.8%) and agricultural fields (1.4%) were observed. During this period, the rainfall had a sharp trend towards aridity, with 18 years of drought against 12 years of humidity. This show that deficit of rainfall is increase. The socio-economic survey revealed that the classified forest used to be highly occupied and 64% of the inhabitants were yam producers. Cattle breeders and gold diggers have also been observed. We conclude that human activities are the main cause of degradation of the vegetation cover of the Koulbi classified forest. And climatic factors to some extent. It will be necessary to take actions to better conservation.
Abstract: Most of the protected areas in Burkina Faso are affected by deforestation and forest degradation. This study is done in order to analysis the spatial and temporal dynamics of the classified forest of Koulbi and to identify the drivers of deforestation in the forest. For that, three Landsat images from 1986, 1998 and 2014 were exploited. The supervi...
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Woody Species Indicator of Soil Fertility and Their Socio-economic Value in the Sudano-guinea Savannahs of Ngaoundere, Adamawa Cameroon
Massai Tchima Jacob,
Ibrahima Adamou,
Ngakou Albert,
Babe Ndara Gregoire,
Maigari Pale,
Mamadou Laminou Mal Amadou
Issue:
Volume 4, Issue 6, November 2019
Pages:
216-223
Received:
25 November 2019
Accepted:
21 December 2019
Published:
31 December 2019
Abstract: In order to identify the woody species indicators of soil fertility according to farmers' perceptions and to determine the socio-economic importance of these woody species, a survey was conducted on one hundred and fifty (150) farmers within the Ngaoundere IIIrd Municipality, Adamawa Cameroon. Results indicate that on the seventeen (17) woody species identified by the farmers as soil fertility indicators, six (6) were the most abundant cited whose three (3) mimosaceae (Entada africana, Parkia biglobosa, Albizia zigia), one Combretaceae (Terminalia macroptera), one Clusiaceae (Harungana madagascariensis), and one Myrtaceae (Syzigium guineense var. macrocarpum). These woody species as indicators of soil fertility also played an important role in the socio-economic life of famers because they gave food, sanitary, fodder and are also used to make some kitchen tools or serve as building materials. Vitellaria paradoxa, Parkia biglobosa, Annona senegalensis, Ximenia americana, Ziziphus mauritiana and Piliostigma thonningii were refered as the most diversely used by population of Dang. These results will enable the integration of farmer knowledge in the new technology of the improvement soil fertility and for the farmers to benefice the services given by these woody species.
Abstract: In order to identify the woody species indicators of soil fertility according to farmers' perceptions and to determine the socio-economic importance of these woody species, a survey was conducted on one hundred and fifty (150) farmers within the Ngaoundere IIIrd Municipality, Adamawa Cameroon. Results indicate that on the seventeen (17) woody speci...
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