Protected Area Downsizing; Challenges and Ecological Implications on Large Mammal and Biodiversity Conservation in Chirisa Safari Area (CSA)

Protected area (PA) downsizing has been documented worldwide, but associated challenges on biodiversity and large mammal conservation in Chirisa Safari Area (CSA) are poorly understood. This study assesses the challenges associated with CSA downsizing on large mammals and biodiversity conservation. Field observations and face-to-face interviews were done with park management of CSA and SWRI from the 28th May 2021 to 10th June 2021. Analysis of station records on illegal activities, human-wildlife conflict (HWC) reports and land cover changes from 2010 to 2020 was also done. Poaching, encroachment by local people and veld fires, habitat fragmentation and HWC were sighted as major threats to large mammal biodiversity conservation in CSA. Analysed land cover and land use changes show evidence of the expansion of cultivation land and human settlements into areas that previously served as wildlife habitats. These changes have implications on large mammal and biodiversity conservation in CSA related to species migration, population decline, habitat loss and conflicts. We recommend that further research be undertaken in other areas affected by downsizing in Zimbabwe to aid knowledge in explaining its effect on large mammals and biodiversity conservation in adjacent PAs.

Characterization of Drought Evolution using the Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) in Three Agro-Climatic Zones of Settat Province, Morocco

Morocco has been experiencing significant climatic disturbances in recent decades. The climate change issue arises mainly in terms of water deficits induced by the decrease in rainfall received and the increase in temperature. The objective of this study is to characterize the drought temporal and spatial distribution and severity within local agro-climatic zones of Settat Province. The study area extends over a distance of 85 km from North to South and concerns three agro-climatic zones. The Standardized Precipitation Index was used for drought analysis and characterization in the three zones for 107 years of rainfall data. Results show that numbers of normal average years are declining, dry years are increasing and humid years are declining in three zones. However, the SPI changes over time are not similar for the three zones, that is, the rainfall deficit is taking place more in the “Favorable Rain-fed” zone and to a low degree in the “Intermediate Rain-fed” but not in the ‘Less Favorable” zone.

Microbial Flora of Smoke-Dried Catfish (Clarias Gariepinus) Processed and Sold in Some Abattoirs in Bayelsa and Rivers States

The microflora of smoked catfish (Clarias gariepinus) sold in some abattoirs in Bayelsa and Rivers States were investigated. Smoked catfish samples were purchased within abattoirs and aseptically transported in ice-packed coolers to the laboratory. The total heterotrophic bacteria, total coliform, total hydrocarbon utilizing bacteria, total fungi and hydrocarbon utilizing fungal counts and identification of isolates from samples were analyzed using standard microbiological methods. Mean values of counts obtained showed that total heterotrophic bacteria ranged from 5.4 × 106CFU/g to 4.0 × 105CFU/g, total hydrocarbon utilizing bacteria ranged from 1.5 × 104 to 1.0 × 103CFU/g, total coliform ranged from 1.7 × 106CFU/g to 0, total fungi ranged from 4.3 × 104 CFU/g to 1.2 × 104CFU/g and total hydrocarbon utilizing fungi ranged from 3.5 × 103CFU/g to 1.1 × 103CFU/g. Kruskal Walis H test showed no significant differences (P≤0.05) in the total heterotrophic bacterial load nor in the total fungal load in the locations. Bacteria identified are Bacillus sp, Enterobacter sp, Escherichia coli, Micrococcus sp, Pseudomonas sp, Salmonella sp., and Shigella species. Bacillus sp, Pseudomonas sp and Micrococcus sp., were isolated in all the samples. Salmonella sp and Shigella sp occurred in Igbogene and Swale samples. Bacillus sp recorded the highest occurrence (34%) while Enterobacter sp. and Micrococcus sp recorded the least (7%). Bacteria with hydrocarbon utilizing potentials with percentage occurrence were Bacillus sp (70%) and Pseudomonas sp (30%). Fungi isolated were Aspergillus niger, A. flavus, Aspergillus fumigatus, Penicillium sp, Fusarium sp., and Rhizopus sp. Aspergillus species recorded the highest frequency (36.0%) while Rhizopus sp recorded the least (9.83%). Aspergillus niger, Fusarium sp and Penicillium sp were isolated from all the samples. Penicillium sp recorded hydrocarbon utilizing the potential and the highest percentage of occurrence (35.89%). The presence of a high microbial load of pathogenic bacteria and known mycotoxin producing fungi in the smoke-dried catfish are of great public health significance.

Effects of Parasitism on the Production and Productivity of caged Oreochromis niloticus in Winam Gulf of L. Victoria

The general objective of this study was to assess the effects of parasitism on the production and productivity of caged Oreochromis niloticus in Winam Gulf of L. Victoria. With the need to increase food production through fish products amid overfishing and pollution stress in the lake, cage farming is seen to have the potential to bridge the fish supply and demand gap continues to widen. Cage culture is a new technology in the offing that needs to be explored to justify its potential. Fish parasites are always a threat in an enclosed culture system and because of this, it is necessary to assess their effects on fish condition factors before recommendation. It is because of this reason that a total of 480 caged Oreochromis niloticus were purchased and examined for parasites using the recommended procedures for parasitological analysis. The class Trematoda which included seven taxa were found to be the most common and prevalent parasites in cages of the Winam Gulf. This was attributed to the presence of piscivorous birds which are definitive hosts seen more often around the culture systems and also overstocking observed and reported during the study period which increases the spread and transmission of parasites from one fish to another. Despite the prevalence, infestation did not affect the fish condition factor in all the study areas as the majority of infected fish recorded between good and excellent body condition factors. This was due to low mean intensities recorded and a shorter period of exposure to parasitic infestation as most farmers were barely 3 years into the system. In conclusion, for the government to explore the blue economy and achieve the Vision 2030 and SDGs on food security and poverty reduction by 2030, efforts to promote commercial cage culture enterprises in the Winam Gulf must be bolstered, provided that cages are located in deep waters with low concentrations in specific areas and low stocking densities to avoid compromising the environment.

Ecosystem Degradation and Its Implications on Regulating Service

The purpose of the study was to determine the link between ecosystem degradation and regulating services. It was observed that as the ecosystem cover area decreased, the regulating services offered by the ecosystem also dwindled. The literature of the study covered the ecosystems and causes of degradation and different regulating services. The study was guided by three objectives and they included; to describe the carbon stock trends in Volcanoes National Park; to ascertain the temperature and rainfall patterns in VNP and to determine the soil erosion rates in and around VNP. The methodology of the study considered descriptive research design that was composed of both quantitative and qualitative approaches. Additionally, primary and secondary data were used. The study population was 52 households from two parishes and the sample of 44 households. The data collection tools were questionnaires and interviews while presentation was by use of figures and tables. The findings indicated that in the past three decades, as the population increased, the forest ecosystem area reduced and this affected the regulation of the amount of carbon stock. Also, the results revealed that the rainfall and temperature patterns fluctuate frequently due to the unregulated accumulated carbon dioxide and carbon in the atmosphere. The findings further showed that the rates of soil erosion increased as deforestation increases which led to increased soil erosion and runoff. As a result of soil erosion and runoff, the soil fertility decreased and it affected the crop harvests. In conclusion ecosystem degradation affected the regulation services which also affected the host community. It was recommended that deforestation should be stopped to improve regulating service.

Influence of Tangible Ecosystem Goods Encroachment on Host Community Well-being: A Case of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

The study was set out to investigate how encroachment on ecosystem tangible goods improves the host community well-being. The problem was that over harvesting of the tangible goods resulted in the degradation of the ecosystem and thus affected the quality and quantity of the tangible goods harvested and thus negatively affected the host community's wellbeing. The study had threefold objectives and these were; to describe the ecosystem destruction trends; to determine the driving forces behind the encroachment of the park ecosystems and, to ascertain the different ecosystem tangible goods harvested from the park. The literature of the study focused on local community wellbeing and encroachment as well as the causes of rampant encroachment of the ecosystems both in unprotected areas and in protected areas. The methodology of this study was majorly descriptive and considered the population of 40 households and a sample of 32 households as well the household used as a sampling unit. The results indicated that encroachment on ecosystems occurred and as a result the ecosystem size dwindled over the past three decades. Also, the results revealed that the major cause of this encroachment was scarcity of land and poverty. Whereas the most demanded ecosystem resources were timber and fuel wood. It was concluded that because there was no wellbeing amongst the host community due to poverty and scarcity of land, they were forced to encroach on the ecosystem resources. It was therefore recommended that the park and host community should find mechanisms to empower the host community in order to minimize encroachment rates.

Topo-edaphic, Vegetation Cover and Type Influence on Spatial Distribution of Gullies in Sengwa Wildlife Research Area (SWRA), North West Zimbabwe

Gully erosion is a common phenomenon in arid and semi-arid areas and is mostly influenced by soil type, topography, vegetation type and cover. The objective of the study was to determine the effect of topo-edaphic, vegetation type and cover on gully occurrence, hence map their spatial distribution in SWRA. A conventional method was used where field visit to known gully sites was done. At each site, GPS points were marked at three points, that is, at the head site, the middle and lower end of the gully. Soil samples, gully width, depth, length, vegetation type and cover were recorded for each point where GPS coordinates were collected. GPS points were overlaid on SWRA processed vegetation, soil and topographic map for analysis on the spatial distribution of gullies. Fifty-six gullies were recorded with highly affected areas on the southwestern side of the park. Associated soils types were clay and loam of the Madumabisa mudstone, colluvial and alluvial located at altitudes below 1000 meters. Gully occurrences were sighted more in mopane dominated woodlands with few recorded in areas dominated by acacia woodlands and on the edges of miombo woodlands, which occupy the high grounds of SWRA. Gully length varied from 20m in less developed gullies to 2520m for mature gullies with volumes ranging between 52m3 and 4649.4m3. Hence, topography, soil type, vegetation cover and type influence gully location and occurrence. Future research should aim to monitor changes in gully development using remote sensing as it provides a great potential for monitoring gully changes across the landscape.

An Analysis of the Factors Contributing to Elephant Population Fluctuations in SWRA using Ranger-based Knowledge and Perceptions

This study aimed at examining local ranger-based knowledge and perceptions on explaining contributing factors to variations on elephant fluctuations seasonally and over a long period in Sengwa Wildlife Research Area following a massive decline of elephants by nearly 76% after the 2014 National Aerial Survey done in Sebungwe Region, Zimbabwe. Data were collected between 1st and 20th August 2020 using a purposive sampling approach administered to questionnaire to resident SWRA rangers (n = 25). Our results show that rangers considered a combination of factors that may have affected elephant fluctuations in SWRA including poaching, migration, settlement and impact of climate change. However, our results suggest that rangers had inadequate knowledge about elephant migration destinations. Moreover, mixed perceptions about the impact of trophy hunting, poaching and climate change-induced factors were recorded from the participants. The results contribute to a growing understanding of poaching, climate change, trophy hunting and human settlement on elephant behaviour. The study recommends improvement in elephant monitoring through investments in elephant collars and radio tracking to better understand elephant daily and seasonal dispersal movements.

Assessment of Big Cats Abundance and Distribution in Sengwa Wildlife Research Area (SWRA): An Analysis of Multiple Methods

Large carnivores are considered key species and their presence signify health of the ecosystem. Mostly used methods to establish big cats abundance and spatial distribution in SWRA consist of spoor survey, individual observations, analysis of patrol data and interviews with safari operators. In this study, four methods were used to establish current abundance and distribution of big cats in Sengwa and to find advantages and disadvantage for each method used. To do this, spoor survey along twelve transects were done between 13th to 20th April 2020. Oral interviews with local professional hunters and park managers was done between 1st and 10th April 2020, whilst analysis of patrol reports from January 2018 to December 2019 were also done. Descriptive statistics was used for analysis of interview data. For other three methods, data were summarised in excel and quantitatively analysed. Mapping of spatial distribution of big cats from secondary data and spoor surveys were done in QGIS software. Five lion spoors and twenty-one leopard spoors were recorded during spoor survey. Two individual leopards and zero lions were also recorded. Lion spoors were mostly recorded along river valleys while leopard spoors were recorded in different habitats and terrain. Future related studies should focus on use of other survey design and combination of methods such as radio calls and camera traps as well as use of GPS enabled collars for monitoring and estimating abundance.

Environmental Pollution and Its Ecological Consequences on the Niger Delta: A Review of the Literature

Petroleum exploration has brought a lot of revenue to the Nigerian government as most of the country’s investments and expenditures depend on the profits from oil. However, the processes of petroleum exploitation over the past 60 years have also come with negative consequences most notably the environmental pollution of the Niger Delta ecosystem. Many empirical studies have been funded by partnering organizations to assess the impacts of these exploration activities on the ecosystem. This study is significant because research clearly shows that the impacts of environmental degradation affect local residents and can be felt across time and space. Our goal in this study is to synthesize the findings of those studies. Primarily, we aim to answer the following questions; 1) What are the impacts of pollution on the Niger Delta ecosystem in water, soil and air” what are the effects of oil spillage on the socio-economic activities of the people and the environment in some communities in the Niger Delta” and what are the possible processes and avenues through which these impacts can be mitigated?” Over 60 articles were systematically reviewed in this study. We reported our findings under three broad categories, focusing on the three aspects of the environment – soil, air, and water as well as the actors responsible for these acts of pollution. Our review revealed that several operating oil companies are responsible for oil spills because of mismanaged pipelines coupled with environmentally unsustainable practices of gas flaring; Conversely, illegal refining and pipeline vandalism perpetrated by militant groups of the host communities have resulted in a more polluted environment; Government negligence in regulating oil operations in the region and failure to ensure that polluted sites are adequately remediated have further compounded the crisis and environmental degradation in the region. It goes without saying that all stakeholders in the business of petroleum exploration should accept the responsibility of protecting the environment. Our review pushes this conversation further by stressing the need to involve local communities in the maintenance and monitoring of pipelines. At the end of the day, the ultimate goal of improving the quality of life of members of rural communities serves not only them but all other stakeholders.