scholarly journals Abundance and Habitat Preference of the Genus Euplectes in Protected and Non protected Habitats of Jos East Plateau State, Nigeria

2021 ◽  
Vol 25 (8) ◽  
pp. 1387-1391
Author(s):  
M.J. Francis ◽  
A.A. Chaskda ◽  
A. Ombugadu ◽  
S.D. Karau ◽  
O.C. Mathias ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Habitat Preference ◽  
Action Plan ◽  
Flock Size ◽  
Conservation Action ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Rocky Outcrop ◽  
Conservation Plan ◽  
Line Transects ◽  
Plateau State ◽  
Study Sites

The knowledge on the factors influencing habitat selection is of uttermost importance because it guides the development of conservation action plan for species. Till date, there is no baseline study on the genus Euplectes in Northern Nigeria thus, an attempt to investigate the habitat preference of the genus was carried out in Amurum Forest Reserve and the nonprotected habitats of Fobur. Line transects of 200m were randomly laid across the study sites. The abundance of Bishop species was highest in farmland compared to grassland and rocky outcrop. Therefore, the number of the species was significantly different between habitats (F2, 573 = 5.454, P = 0.0015). There was a significant relationship between flock size and number of seeds across habitat types. Number of individual birds increased with increase in seed number (F1, 57 = 21687.786, P < 0.001). With the exception of grass height, there was a highly significant difference in relation to vegetation variables taken between plots where Bishop species were sighted and the random points where they were not seen (P < 0.001). The finding suggests that farmlands should be integrated into conservation plan in the nonprotected area based on the high population of the genus recorded.

TOWARDS DEVELOPING A SUSTAINABLE HERITAGE TOURISM AND CONSERVATION ACTION PLAN FOR IRBID’S HISTORIC CORE

2016 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 36 ◽  
Author(s):  
Naif Adel Haddad ◽  
Leen Adeeb Fakhoury
Keyword(s):  
Bronze Age ◽  
Local Community ◽  
Action Plan ◽  
Rapid Development ◽  
Vital Role ◽  
Heritage Conservation ◽  
Urban Context ◽  
Conservation Action ◽  
Urban Heritage ◽  
Conservation Action Plan

Tal (mount) Irbid in Irbid city, Jordan, with its continuous human occupation from the Bronze Age until the present, demonstrates the main landmark that has guided the spread of the urban growth of the city. The outcome of studies carried out at Irbid’s historic core, in relation to assessing the loss and degradation of the core’s cultural heritage, shall be analyzed, investigated, and discussed, as also concerns, obstacles, and issues of sustainability to this urban heritage conservation and tourism planning. The paper starts by defining the urban heritage for the historic core, which tends to be set aside, in the city’s rapid development. Actually, the remaining historic buildings can also provide the necessary inter-relationships between the historic core areas and the wider urban context to achieve a sustainable and integrated tourism and conservation action plan for the three heritage neighborhoods around the Tal, while building on tourism opportunities and taking into consideration the needs and the vital role of the local community. The paper concludes that urban heritage conservation and protection of the integrity and identity of the historic core city fabric can assist in its branding, promotion, and management in ways that could enhance the local community belonging, quality of everyday lifestyle, and visitors' experience. 

Differentiation and Interrelations of Two Representatives of Laudakia stellio Complex (Reptilia: Agamidae) in Israel

2011 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 102-114 ◽  
Author(s):  
Evgenyi N. Panov ◽  
Larissa Yu. Zykova
Keyword(s):  
Population Structure ◽  
Gene Flow ◽  
Habitat Preference ◽  
Additional Data ◽  
Near East ◽  
Field Studies ◽  
Subspecies Level ◽  
Limited Gene Flow ◽  
Study Sites ◽  
And Behavior

Field studies were conducted in Central Negev within the breeding range of Laudakia stellio brachydactyla and in NE Israel (Qyriat Shemona) in the range of an unnamed form (tentatively “Near-East Rock Agama”), during March – May 1996. Additional data have been collected in Jerusalem at a distance of ca. 110 km from the first and about 170 km from the second study sites. A total of 63 individuals were caught and examined. The animals were marked and their subsequent movements were followed. Social and signal behavior of both forms were described and compared. Lizards from Negev and Qyriat Shemona differ from each other sharply in external morphology, habitat preference, population structure, and behavior. The differences obviously exceed the subspecies level. At the same time, the lizards from Jerusalem tend to be intermediate morphologically between those from both above-named localities, which permits admitting the existence of a limited gene flow between lizard populations of Negev and northern Israel. The lizards from NE Israel apparently do not belong to the nominate subspecies of L. stellio and should be regarded as one more subspecies within the species.

Turning strategy into action: implementing a conservation action plan in the Cape Floristic Region

2003 ◽  
Vol 112 (1-2) ◽  
pp. 291-297 ◽  
Author(s):  
Caroline M Gelderblom ◽  
Brian W van Wilgen ◽  
Jeanne L Nel ◽  
Trevor Sandwith ◽  
Mark Botha ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Action Plan ◽  
Cape Floristic Region ◽  
Conservation Action ◽  
Conservation Action Plan

scholarly journals Clinical, virological and epidemiological characterization of dengue outbreak in Myanmar, 2015

2017 ◽  
Vol 145 (9) ◽  
pp. 1886-1897 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. K. KYAW ◽  
M. M. NGWE TUN ◽  
M. L. MOI ◽  
T. NABESHIMA ◽  
K. T. SOE ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Primary Infection ◽  
Phylogenetic Analyses ◽  
Molecular Techniques ◽  
Severe Dengue ◽  
Envelope Gene ◽  
Mosquito Vector ◽  
Serum Samples ◽  
Denv Serotypes ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Study Sites

SUMMARYHospital-based surveillance was conducted at two widely separated regions in Myanmar during the 2015 dengue epidemic. Acute phase serum samples were collected from 332 clinically diagnosed dengue patients during the peak season of dengue cases. Viremia levels were measured by quantitative real-time PCR and plaque assays using FcγRIIA-expressing and non-FcγRIIA-expressing BHK cells to specifically determine the infectious virus particles. By serology and molecular techniques, 280/332 (84·3%) were confirmed as dengue patients. All four serotypes of dengue virus (DENV) were isolated from among 104 laboratory-confirmed patients including two cases infected with two DENV serotypes. High percentage of primary infection was noted among the severe dengue patients. Patients with primary infection or DENV IgM negative demonstrated significantly higher viral loads but there was no significant difference among the severity groups. Viremia levels among dengue patients were notably high for a long period which was assumed to support the spread of the virus by the mosquito vector during epidemic. Phylogenetic analyses of the envelope gene of the epidemic strains revealed close similarity with the strains previously isolated in Myanmar and neighboring countries. DENV-1 dominated the epidemic in 2015 and the serotype (except DENV-3) and genotype distributions were similar in both study sites.

scholarly journals Seroprevalence of infectious bursal disease and its potential risk factors in backyard chicken production of Waliso district, South Western Shoa Zone, Ethiopia

2021 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
pp. 95-105
Author(s):  
Chala Bedasa ◽  
◽  
Ararsa Duguma ◽  
Asamenew Tesfaye ◽  
Tadele Tolosa ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Potential Risk ◽  
Animal Health ◽  
Infectious Bursal Disease ◽  
Flock Size ◽  
Serum Samples ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Bursal Disease ◽  
Potential Risk Factors ◽  
Backyard Chicken

A cross sectional study on infectious bursal disease was conducted in apparently healthy backyard chicken at Waliso district of Southwestern Shoa, central oromia, Ethiopia from from November, 2018 to October, 2019. A total of 282 chickens were randomly selected to estimate seroprevalence of IBD infection and to identify the likely potential risk factors for the disease. Serum samples collected and serological test conducted in laboratory at National Animal Health Diagnosis and Investigation Center Sebeta, Ethopia. Out of 282 serum samples tested 224 were positive for indirect ELISA technique and the overall seroprevalence of IBDV in the study area was found to be 79.43% at individual level. Educational level of owners, kebeles and flock size significantly affect seroprevalence of IBD in the study area. The effect of difference in managements like source of replacement, frequency of house cleaning, use of disinfectant and isolation practice has a significant effect on IBDV sero-prevalence. A lower seroprevalence of IBDV was reported in good hygienic level of house (26.7%) than poor level of chicken house hygiene (96.4%) with statistically significant difference (P < 0.05). The seroprevalence of IBDV in the present study associated with chicken management, flock size, owner education level and other animal related risk factors for occurrence of the disease. Therefore, awareness on chicken health management, and importance of immunization would help to minimize the prevalence of the disease and play crucial role in the control of the disease. Furthermore, characterizing virus strains circulating in the area in future study is recommended.

scholarly journals The effect of invasive species Lantana Camara L. on soil nutrients at Ol-Donyo Sabuk National Park, Kenya

2020 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 25-32
Author(s):  
M N Wekhanya ◽  
P. K. Mbugua ◽  
J. K. Mworia
Keyword(s):  
Soil Nutrients ◽  
National Park ◽  
Soil Samples ◽  
Lantana Camara ◽  
Preventive Strategy ◽  
Native Plant ◽  
Organic C ◽  
Anova Test ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Study Sites

The aim of this study was to establish whether the invasive plant Lantana camara L. alters the soil chemical properties at Ol-Donyo Sabuk National Park. The key objective was to evaluate the soil nutrient composition in areas invaded by L. camara and how these differ from areas without L. camara. Five study sites were selected by purposeful sampling, out of the existing 10 blocks. Soil samples were collected randomly from L. camara invaded areas and similarly from adjacent areas free from L. camara. The soil samples were subjected to determination of the following nutrients and parameters: pH, potassium (K), calcium (Ca) magnesium (Mg), total nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), total organic carbon (TOC), manganese (Mn), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), zinc (Zn) and sodium (Na). The data obtained was analysed using Two-way ANOVA test to determine difference in nutrients composition in L. camara invaded and non-invaded areas. Three-way ANOVA test was used to gauge the interactions between wet and dry season, invaded and non-invaded areas and study sites. A post-ANOVA test, Tukey’s Honest Significant Difference was done to separate the means. The results from the study indicated L. camara invaded areas had a significant difference in pH, P, N, Mn, Fe and total organic C compared to the patches that had native plants and not invaded by L. camara. High pH also makes P to be more available to plants that is why P was high in the L. camara invaded areas. This study revealed that L. camara remarkably changes the concentration and balance of soil nutrients resulting to a change in chemistry of soil nutrients. This is in a bid to suit its survival to the detriment of the native plant species. This study is hence vital for designing an effective eradication and preventive strategy of L. camara in Ol-Donyo Sabuk National Park and other protected ecological habitats in Kenya.

scholarly journals Effect of wildfires on tropical peatland vegetation in Meranti Islands District, Riau Province, Indonesia

2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (10) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sinta Silviana ◽  
BAMBANG HERO SAHARJO ◽  
SIGIT SUTIKNO
Keyword(s):  
Forest Fires ◽  
Biomass Composition ◽  
Burned Area ◽  
Tropical Peatland ◽  
Wood Harvesting ◽  
Forest Sustainability ◽  
Test Models ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Study Sites ◽  
Burnt Areas

Abstract. Silviana SH, Saharjo BH, Sutikno S. 2019. Effect of wildfires on tropical peatland vegetation in Meranti Islands District, Riau Province, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 20: 3056-3062. Wildfires are one of the main causes of forest destruction, disturbing forest sustainability. Wildfires are mainly caused by human activities, such as land clearing, wood harvesting, draining, etc. Wildfires could induce the loss of vegetation. This study was aimed at assessing the effect of wildfires on both vegetation biomass and necromass on coastal peatland ecosystems in Sungaitohor Village, Tebing Tinggi Timur Sub-district, Meranti Islands District, Riau Province, Indonesia. Analysis of vegetation and both above and below the ground biomass composition were performed. The approach used a paired sample with 4 replications (n = 4 burnt, n=4 unburnt). The variables observed in every research sites was analyzed using Student-T test. Models were generated and then validated to understand the effect of fires on biomass. The results showed that there was a significant difference in the studied parameters between the unburned area and burned area (P <0.01). Wildfires affected the quantity of living plants (biomass) which was indicated by the fact that biomass is unburnt and burnt areas were in the ratio of 2.67 : 1. The quantity of dead plants (necromass) was greater in the burned plots than in the unburnt plots. All these findings suggest that high intensity of forest fires had occurred in the study sites.

scholarly journals Assessment of Knowledge and Competencies of Community Pharmacists for Differentiated HIV Care and Services in Jos, Nigeria

2019 ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
M. L. P. Dapar ◽  
B. N. Joseph ◽  
P. A. Damun ◽  
C. R. Okunlola ◽  
P. N. Alphonsus ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Employment Status ◽  
Community Pharmacists ◽  
Hiv Care ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Practice Experience ◽  
Correct Score ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Plateau State ◽  
Competency Domains ◽  
Differentiated Care

Background: Knowledge and competence of community pharmacists in HIV care, are essential for translating the goals of differentiated care into improved outcomes. Aims: To assess the knowledge and competence of community pharmacists in Jos, for differentiated HIV care and services. Study Design: Cross-sectional questionnaire survey. Place and Duration of Study: Community pharmacies in Jos North and Jos South local government areas of Plateau state, North-Central Nigeria, between September to November, 2018. Methodology: We included community pharmacists who responded to six items on knowledge of HIV therapeutics with each correct answer recording a score of 1 and zero for wrong answers. Respondents with a correct score of 5 or 6 represent good knowledge. We examined competence on a 36 item scale graded 1 for weak competence and 5 for strong competence. Factor analysis; reduce the 36 scale items down to competency domains. Frequencies and percentages for reported competencies were presented. In addition, aggregated scores for each of the competency domains were used to compare respondents based on years of experience, educational level and employment status in community pharmacy. All levels of significance were set at p≤ 0.05. Results: 73 out of 110 community pharmacists responded to the questionnaire. Of these, only 25% reported good level of knowledge in HIV therapeutics. 69% reported strong competency in identifying drug therapy problems, 31% inter-professional and patient communication. There was statistically significant difference in competency domains based on years of practice experience and employment status p<0.05. Respondents with 10 years or less of practice experience recorded higher mean ranked scores compared to those with 11 or more years. Similarly, employed pharmacists recorded higher mean ranked scores than those who owned their business. Conclusion: Overall, respondents reported low knowledge and weak competency in HIV care emphasizing the need for specialized training before implementation of differentiated care model.

scholarly journals The Relationship between User Perception and Preference of Greenway Trail Characteristics in Urban Areas

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (16) ◽  
pp. 4438 ◽  
Author(s):  
Junga Lee ◽  
Hyung-Sook Lee ◽  
Daeyoung Jeong ◽  
C. Scott Shafer ◽  
Jinhyung Chon
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Regression ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Regression Analyses ◽  
User Perception ◽  
Virtual Tour ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Vegetation Water ◽  
Study Sites ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Water Amount

Greenways provide multiple benefits for trail users’ individual experiences based on users’ background environment and their perceptions of characteristics such as the trail width, vegetation, water, and facilities. Although greenway trail characteristics are important factors that affect users’ preferences, only a few studies have examined individuals’ experiences of greenways based on their perceptions and preferences. The purpose of this study is to examine how greenway trails can be designed to improve users’ experiences in relation to their perceptions and preferences by considering trail characteristics. We examine the relationship between greenway trail characteristics and likability using t-tests as well as correlation and multiple regression analyses. In the current study, virtual tour surveys of greenway users were conducted, with two urban greenway trails as the study sites: Town Lake Trail in Austin, Texas, and Buffalo Bayou Trail in Houston, Texas. Perceptions of all eight greenway trail characteristics, except for background buildings, were significantly different between the trails, and a significant difference in likability was found for five characteristics (the presence of water, trail facilities, trail width, adjacent automobile traffic, and built structures on the trail). In addition, the results of the correlation and multiple regression analyses revealed that the presence of water, amount of vegetation, automobile traffic, and built structures were correlated with likability. These findings suggest that designing appropriate types of greenway trails can help increase users’ likeability ratings of urban greenways. This study contributes to the enhancement of trail environments by providing strategies for practitioners to effectively design and manage greenways.

scholarly journals Population Status and Distribution of Gharial (Gavialis gangeticus) in Nepal

1970 ◽  
Vol 3 ◽  
pp. 1-11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bishnu P Thapaliya ◽  
Madhav Khadka ◽  
Hemanta Kafley
Keyword(s):  
National Parks ◽  
Captive Breeding ◽  
Indian Subcontinent ◽  
Action Plan ◽  
Natural Habitat ◽  
Monitoring Program ◽  
Habitat Destruction ◽  
Population Status ◽  
Conservation Action ◽  
Gavialis Gangeticus

Gharial (Gavialis gangeticus), biological treasure of the Indian subcontinent now restricts its existence in few big river systems of India and Nepal only. Innumerable threats posed to Gharial and its natural habitat led to extinction of the species from Bhutan, Burma and Pakistan and almost extinct from Bangladesh. Despite of the concerted Gharial conservation effort of Nepal and India since midtwentieth century, the species finds its status as Critically Endangered on the IUCN 2007 Red list. Realizing the fact that a basic step in any conservation plan involving mega herpetofauna is to estimate its population status and structure and its geographic distribution, Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation (DNPWC) and World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Nepal held Gharial census on January-February 2008. The census estimated a total of 81 Gharials in Nepal. Out of total Gharial recorded during the census, 70 Gharials were recorded through direct sighting while 11 were based on indirect observations. Factors responsible for decreasing Gharial population were flood and dam construction, habitat destruction and decline in food quality & quantity. Over fishing, use of gill nets and river poisoning adversely affected the quality and quantity of fishes that serve as main food for Gharial. Contradictory to the past findings decreasing Gharial population was not attributed to the illegal egg collection and poaching of male Gharial for "Ghara". Deliberate killing was only found to take place in case the animal got entrapped in fishing nets. We conclude that Gharial should receive high conservation priority in future too. Efforts to restore the population through artificial breeding have much to do for maintaining present population. However, declining population, despite of several Gharial releases, should be addressed through more detailed scientific study. Census should be based on direct sighting through extensive field observation. Gharial release should precede scientific field study for assessing habitat suitability and follow with intensive monitoring program. The emphasis should be given for preparing specific Gharial Conservation Action Plan for regulating conservation activities to help conserve Gharial in Nepal. Key Words: Gharial conservation, Population status, Captive breeding, Threats DOI: 10.3126/init.v3i0.2422 The Initiation Vol.3 2009 p.1-11

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