Browsing by Author "Mollel, Letan"

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Assessing the Ethnobotanical Uses, Harvesting Practices, and Conservation Awareness of Warburgia ugandensis in Northern Tanzania
(Scientific Research Publishing, 2024-12-09) Mollel, Letan; Munishi, Linus; Giliba, Richard
Warburgia ugandensis is unsustainably harvested commercially, threatening its survival and potentially leading to local extinction in its native range areas in Northern Tanzania. Our study aimed to assess the extent of harvesting of W. ugandensis in Northern Tanzania, ethno-botanical uses, community perceptions of species utilization, and conservation measures across its native range in Northern Tanzania. From each of the 128 randomly selected grids, we laid down a sampling plot measuring 100 m × 100 m (1 ha) for the identification, and collection of data on the extent of harvesting of W. ugandensis. Additionally, we interviewed 221 respondents using open-ended questionnaires to gather data on ethno-botanical uses, perceptions of product utilization, and conservation measures. We analyzed the data using descriptive statistics and Kruskal-Wallis tests. Our findings reveal significant variation in the extent of harvesting, with Mt. Ketumbeine experiencing the most severe harvesting while Mt. Kilimanjaro holds the highest number of intact trees. Community knowledge of the medicinal uses of W. ugandensis was highest in Mt. Kilimanjaro, particularly for treating gastrointestinal disorders, coughs, and malaria. Perceptions of species utilization were very high in Mt. Gelai and Mt. Monduli, while Mt. Kilimanjaro, Ketumbeine, and Longido showed more variability. Awareness of W. ugandensis conservation measures was high in Mt. Kilimanjaro, compared to the rest of the species’ native range areas. Therefore, our study findings underscore the urgent need for targeted conservation initiatives, particularly in regions like Mt. Ketumbeine and Mt. Longido, where W. ugandensis faces the severe extent of harvesting.
Population Patterns and Environmental Determinants of Warburgia ugandensis (Sprague) in Northern Tanzania
(John Wiley & Sons Ltd, 2025-09-15) Mollel, Letan; Munishi, Linus; Giliba, Richard
Warburgia ugandensis is a valuable medicinal tree native to East Africa, yet its populations are declining due to unsustainable harvesting and habitat degradation. Despite its ecological and socio‐economic importance, there is limited information on its current population status and the environmental factors shaping its distribution across different landscapes in northern Tanzania. This study assessed the population density and distribution patterns of W. ugandensis across selected mountainous regions (Mt. Kilimanjaro, Mt. Ketumbeine, Mt. Monduli, Mt. Gelai, and Mt. Longido) in northern Tanzania, and determined how these are affected by land use, elevation gradients, and environmental factors. Data collection involved stratified random sampling across elevation ranges (1000–2500 m a.s.l), encompassing diverse land‐use types (national parks, forest reserves, croplands, grazing lands, and settlements). Population density significantly varied among land‐use types, with forest reserves showing the highest densities (6.485 ± 1.628 stems/ha), significantly higher than grazing lands (1.833 ± 1.369 stems/ha). Elevation positively correlated with density, where the highest elevations (2001–2500 m a.s.l) supported the greatest density (6.937 ± 1.837 stems/ha). GLM analysis highlighted that elevation, temperature, soil organic carbon, soil pH, and nitrogen significantly influenced W. ugandensis densities. Spatial mapping revealed population hotspots around Mt. Kitumbeine and Mt. Kilimanjaro, highlighting these as priority areas for conservation. Management strategies should prioritise high‐elevation forest reserves, considering the critical environmental and soil parameters influencing W. ugandensis distribution.