Browsing by Author "Moyo, Francis"

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African wild dog population status in the Selous-Nyerere landscape, southern Tanzania: Insights from camera trap surveys
(Elsevier, 2025-05-03) Parsais, Singira; Searle, Charlotte; Strampelli, Paolo; Moyo, Francis; Giliba, Richard; Haule, Leonard; Olesyapa, Kandey; Salum, Nasri; Hape, Germanus; Elisa, Manase; Lobora, Alex; Cotterill, Alayne; Doody, Kathryn; Dickman, Amy
Despite being one of the world’s most endangered carnivore, there is a deficiency of recent information on the status of African wild dog (Lycaon pictus) in some of the few landscapes where viable populations are thought to still occur. One example is the Selous-Nyerere landscape in southern Tanzania, a critical stronghold for the species that has not been studied since the 1990s. We use data from seven camera trap surveys deployed over 4674 km2 in Selous Game Reserve (GR) and Nyerere National Park (NP) from 2020 to 2022 to provide an update on wild dog status in the landscape. We identified a total of 222 wild dogs, of which 38 % were male, 38 % were female, and 24 % were of unknown sex. We applied spatially explicit capture-recapture (SECR) modelling to the data from 2565 km2 of Selous GR to estimate an over-dispersion adjusted population density of 2.14 ± 0.45 adult and yearling wild dogs per 100 km2 (95 % confidence interval: 1.42 – 3.21). This study demonstrates the ways in which camera trap data can be used to improve our understanding of wild dog populations in data-limited settings, but also highlights some limitations of this data type for the species. Our findings suggest that the Selous-Niassa ecosystem is one of the most important remaining populations of wild dogs in Africa. Although this study did not directly investigate mortality, we recommend long-term monitoring and a number of conservation actions to tackle the species’ apparent threats in the landscape, and help secure this stronghold into the future.
Are electric vehicles economically viable in sub-Saharan Africa? The total cost of ownership of internal combustion engine and electric vehicles in Tanzania
(Elsevier, 2023-09) Malima, Gabriel; Moyo, Francis
The prevalence of internal combustion engine vehicle (ICEV) fleets globally has resulted in various environmental issues, such as the emissions of greenhouse gases, reliance on imported petroleum products, significant degradation of air quality, and adverse health impacts on people. To address these challenges, the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) is viewed as a sustainable solution. This study analyzed the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) of EVs in sub-Saharan Africa to determine if they are viable options for consumers from Tanzania. Contrary to previous studies on the competitive position of EVs that focused on Europe, Asia, and other regions with high EV diffusion, and are more advanced in terms of EV manufacturing capacity and promoting policies, this study focused on Tanzania, a country with low EV diffusion and no EV manufacturing capacity. We compared the economics of electric cars and electric two-wheelers (e2Ws) and their ICE counterparts. The findings show that the TCO per km of electric cars is higher than that of their ICE car counterparts, while the TCO of e2W was less than that of their petroleum counterparts. Importing taxes charged to all vehicles imported into the country significantly hike the upfront cost of EVs. For electric cars, particularly battery electric vehicles, to reach TCO parity with ICE car counterparts, the current import taxes have to be reduced by 40% or more, which is equivalent to removing all import duty or value-added taxes. In this regard, electric cars are still not economically viable for Tanzanian automotive consumers, unless economic incentives are introduced. With EVs being in the early stage in the country, it is recommended to start by promoting e2Ws, which are economically viable for many consumers in the Tanzanian context.
Between Policy Intent and Practice: Negotiating Access to Land and Other Resources in Tanzania’s Wildlife Management Areas
(Tropical Conservation Science, 2017-10-25) Moyo, Francis; Funk, Sharissa; Pretzsch, Ju¨rgen
This article analyses how states and nonstate actors’ efforts at sustaining natural resource lead to the exclusion of those who are most dependent on access to it. An access lenses review of Burunge Wildlife Management Area unravels the paradox between policy promise and practice. Situating our case in the context of neoliberal conservation that offers opportunities of patronage, rent-seeking, and capital accumulation to various state and private investors, we show that Wildlife Management Areas concentrate licit benefits to a few elites, while excluding the majority of rural peoples in accessing their customary lands and natural resources. This leads people to rely on illicit access mechanisms, and consequently, leading to violent confrontations between game scouts and people and protests and struggles to regain legal access. These conflicts erode rural peoples’ trust and willingness to support conservation. The widely overlooked socioeconomic and political contextualization in conservation policy formation, often framed in apolitical and normative terms, acts as a vehicle for different meanings and practices that are mobilized by different actors to promote their own interests. Thus, state and nonstate actors, whose interests override ideals of an apolitical conservation vision, jointly produce an austere conservation regime that strips local people from access to resources.
Community perspectives on the consolation from human-wildlife conflict damages and the existence of local mitigation measures around protected areas in Tanzania
(Springer Nature, 2025-09-20) Lukumay, Justine; Munishi, Linus; Moyo, Francis
Wildlife conservation has the potential to make significant contributions to community development. Despite this potential, the sector faces challenges, including human-wildlife conflicts (HWCs). Using semi-structured questions, focussed group discussions, and documentary reviews, we sought to explore local communities’ concerns about HWC and available consolation schemes for HWC damages and the existence of local mitigation measures around protected areas in Tanzania. Results from cross-tabulation on awareness of the existence of consolation schemes due to damages from HWC in the study area varied significantly across the age of respondents at (p < 0.001). A high percentage from a total of 150 respondents aged 36–49 years reported not being aware of the consolation schemes in 34 responses. The distribution of responses about the presence of problem animals did not vary significantly by gender; however, the majority of males (89%) reported the presence of problem animals compared to 83% of females. About 93% reported having no access to consolation schemes, mainly due to a low level of awareness. Conflict mitigation measures used varied significantly across the study area. Respondents reported that different mitigation measures varied significantly across occupation and education levels. Participation of local and indigenous communities in HWC mitigation activities produces better conservation outcomes relative to externally-driven approaches. The study suggests centering communities in the ideation, implementation, and evaluation of HWC mitigation as this will promote equitable and sustainable management strategies for long-term coexistence. Conservation authorities should prioritize efforts to intensify community awareness, focusing on conservation education, establishment of buffer zones, and promoting alternative crops. These initiatives can foster positive attitudes toward wildlife conservation.
Community-based Forest Landscape Restoration (FLR): Determinants and policy implications in Tanzania
(Elsevier, 2021-10) Owusu, Raphael; Kimengsi, Jude; Moyo, Francis
Forest landscape restoration (FLR) has gained global scientific and political attention in recent times, with many sub-Saharan African countries committing to restoration targets. Despite the commitments, there is a dearth of information on the factors shaping community participation in FLR in the context of sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). To close this gap, this study explored Babati District in Tanzania to investigate determinants, choices and policy implications of community-based FLR. A total of 98 households were surveyed in two villages, complemented by four experts’ interviews. We employed a hybrid analytical lens; the socio-ecological co-evolution, and the livelihoods framework for the study. The logistic regression analyses revealed that: (i) while both perceived monetary and non-monetary benefits shape households’ interest in FLR, asset-poor households are more interested in the monetary benefits than their rich counterparts, (ii) households FLR choices are largely shaped by the effectiveness of community-based institutions, (iii) natural, financial and social capital positively shaped households’ choices in FLR while a negative link was established for physical capital, and (iv) crop farmers choose to participate in FLR activities by growing a mixture of fruit and native timber tree species while those in other professions participated by planting only fruit trees species. Policy interventions which valorise community-based institutions should be prioritized to ensure equitable land access and tenure security, and promote the growing of native species. This would increase trust on land tenure and would invariably enhance participation in FLR activities. Moreover, policy incentives (e.g., training, micro-credit and market access) should be introduced to foster agro-based restoration approaches – involving the deliberate combination of tree-planting with crop-farming (agroforestry). Finally, policy support for alternative livelihood strategies such as bee keeping, butterfly gardening, snail and mushroom farming should be promoted to reduce monetary expectations from FLR interventions.
Conservation of forest biomass and forest–dependent wildlife population: Uncertainty quantification of the model parameters
(Elsevier, 2023) Fanuel, Ibrahim; Mirau, Silas; Kajunguri, Damian; Moyo, Francis
The ecosystem is confronted with numerous challenges as a consequence of the escalating human population and its corresponding activities. Among these challenges lies the degradation of forest biomass, which directly contributes to a reduction in forested areas and poses a significant threat to the survival of wildlife species through the intensification of intraspecific competition. In this paper, a non–linear mathematical model to study the conservation of forest and wildlife species that are reliant on forest ecosystem within the framework of human population dynamics and its related activities is developed and analysed. The study assessed the impacts of economic measures in the form of incentives on reducing population pressure on forest resources as well as the potential benefits of technological efforts to accelerate the rate of reforestation. Qualitative and quantitative analyses reveals that economic and technological factors have the potential to contribute to resource conservation efforts. However, these efforts can only be used to a limited extent, and contrary to that, the system will be destabilised. Sensitivity analysis identified the parameters pertaining to human population, human activities, economic measures, and technological efforts as the most influential factors in the model
Conservation of forest biomass and forest–dependent wildlife population: Uncertainty quantification of the model parameters
(Elsevier, 2023-06) Fanuel, Ibrahim; Mirau, Silas; Kajunguri, Damian; Moyo, Francis
The ecosystem is confronted with numerous challenges as a consequence of the escalating human population and its corresponding activities. Among these challenges lies the degradation of forest biomass, which directly contributes to a reduction in forested areas and poses a significant threat to the survival of wildlife species through the intensification of intraspecific competition. In this paper, a non–linear mathematical model to study the conservation of forest and wildlife species that are reliant on forest ecosystem within the framework of human population dynamics and its related activities is developed and analysed. The study assessed the impacts of economic measures in the form of incentives on reducing population pressure on forest resources as well as the potential benefits of technological efforts to accelerate the rate of reforestation. Qualitative and quantitative analyses reveals that economic and technological factors have the potential to contribute to resource conservation efforts. However, these efforts can only be used to a limited extent, and contrary to that, the system will be destabilised. Sensitivity analysis identified the parameters pertaining to human population, human activities, economic measures, and technological efforts as the most influential factors in the model
Conservation Planning for Promoting Ecosystem Service Provisioning Outside Protected Area Networks
(British Ecological Society and John Wiley & Sons Ltd., 2025-11-17) Tarimo, Florence; Moyo, Francis; Kelly, Claire; Munishi, Linus
Among factors that contribute to global biodiversity loss, habitat loss through unsustainable land use and land cover changes has gained prominence, with impacts being exacerbated by increasing human populations. Establishing protected area net- works (PANs) is strongly advocated by national and international mechanisms, such as the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), as a primary strategy to guide biodiversity conservation and management; however, this can undermine conservation efforts outside protected areas. Understanding how people and biodiversity overlap and interact outside protected area networks (OPAN areas) is essential for setting realistic, sustainable targets to guide biodiversity conservation and ecosystem service provi- sion beyond PAN. However, how OPAN areas can sustain or enhance ecosystem services (ESs) through improved conservation and management remains unassessed. We applied a novel ecosystem-based conservation (EBC) framework, using data from Tanzania, to assess how biodiversity and land use/land cover (LULC) types shape the monetary value of selected ESs in OPAN areas, and in future scenarios where restoration of priority wildlife corridors is implemented by 2030. Across the six ecosystems and four LULC types assessed, waterbody delivered the highest ES value (US$12.8 billion) through water provision and flood control. OPAN areas in miombo woodland also yielded high value (US$12.4 billion), with 46% from flood control and 54% from water provision and carbon storage. ES values varied across OPANs, mainly driven by relative size and degradation level. Restoring 197,497 ha of degraded land within 53 prioritised wildlife corridors in Tanzania could generate up to US$62.8 million annually in ESs under full restoration, and US$31.4 million under partial restoration, with carbon storage contributing over 90% of total value. Policy implications: The spatial heterogeneity and ES overlap observed highlight the need to integrate OPANs into the EBC framework, linking local restoration gains with national policies and global biodiversity frameworks.
Dataset: Replication Data & Code - Large-scale land acquisitions exacerbate local land inequalities in Tanzania
(Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 2023-07-31) Sullivan, Jonathan; Samii, Cyrus; Brown, Daniel; Moyo, Francis; Agrawal, Arun
Land inequality stalls economic development, entrenches poverty, and is associated with environmental degradation. Yet, rigorous assessments of land-use interventions attend to inequality only rarely. A land inequality lens is especially important to understand how recent large-scale land acquisitions (LSLAs) affect smallholder and indigenous communities across as much as 100 million hectares around the world. This paper studies inequalities in land assets, specifically landholdings and farm size, to derive insights into the distributional outcomes of LSLAs. Using a household survey covering four pairs of land acquisition and control sites in Tanzania, we use a quasi-experimental design to characterize changes in land inequality and subsequent impacts on well-being. We find convincing evidence that LSLAs in Tanzania lead to both reduced landholdings and greater farmland inequality among smallholders. Households in proximity to LSLAs are associated with 21.1% (P = 0.02) smaller landholdings while evidence, although insignificant, is suggestive that farm sizes are also declining. Aggregate estimates, however, hide that households in the bottom quartiles of farm size suffer the brunt of landlessness and land loss induced by LSLAs that combine to generate greater farmland inequality. Additional analyses find that land inequality is not offset by improvements in other livelihood dimensions, rather farm size decreases among households near LSLAs are associated with no income improvements, lower wealth, increased poverty, and higher food insecurity. The results demonstrate that without explicit consideration of distributional outcomes, land-use policies can systematically reinforce existing inequalities.
Determinants of Agropastoralist Households’ Fodder Accessibility and Rangeland Conservation in Magu District, Tanzania
(Elsevier, 2022-03) Rustis, Glory; Hambloch, Caroline; Swamikannu, Nedumaran; Moyo, Francis
The availability and accessibility of adequate and quality fodder is a huge challenge for pastoral and agropastoralist communities in Tanzania. Fodder scarcity, primarily driven by rangeland degradation, population growth, and climatic changes, limits livestock productivity and deepens rural poverty. This study assessed factors influencing agropastoralists’ access to fodder and their willingness to conserve fodder sources in Magu District, Tanzania. A total of 210 agropastoralist households were surveyed in three wards covering six villages. The results show that access to fodder during the wet season is positively influenced by a household's income, land size, number of livestock, and physical capital. Dry season fodder accessibility is negatively influenced by households’ land size, physical capital, and the number of livestock. Results also show that more than 60% of the agropastoral households accessed fodder sources formally (legally) in open areas, while 35% accessed fodder informally (illegally) in traditionally reserved highland areas, people's farms, and restricted urban areas. Conservation of rangelands and fodder sources is positively influenced by a head of households’ level of education and income, and only 40% of households participated in conservation of rangelands and fodder sources. Improved land tenure, education, and income diversification can improve households’ access to fodder and their willingness to conserve fodder sources.
Diagnosing scaling bottlenecks in 10 community conservation initiatives in southern and eastern Africa
(CONSERVATION BIOLOGY, 2025-09-12) Pienkowski, Thomas; Clark, Matt; Jagadish, Arundhati; Albert, Aklei; Brar, Mohanjeet; Breedveld, Tarn; Chinangwa, Linda; Gohil, Deepali; Irumba, Deziderius; Kanaan, Ramzy; Kicheleri, Rose; Kihumuro, Phillip; Kiwango, Wilhelm; Mabele, Mathew; Matiku, Paul; Mbeyale, Gimbage; Mbuvi, Musingo; Mugisha, Arthur; Mwango, Stanley; Mwanyoka, Iddi; Nyirenda, Robson; Pétursson, Jón Geir; Rusoke, Taddeo; Turyahabwe, Nelson; Kazungu, Moses; Mandoloma, Lessah; Oula, Geoffrey; Meshack, Charles; Moombe, Kaala; Moyo, Francis; Muposhi, Victor; Ochieng, Amos; Sabuhoro, Edwin; Spenceley, Anna; Sulle, Emmanuel; Tumusiime, David; Wilfred, Paulo; Brehony, Peadar; Assef, Elias; Mills, Morena
Scaling area-based conservation, including initiatives led or comanaged by Indigenous Peoples and local communities, is a flagship goal of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. Conservationists often aspire to scale initiatives, but this is rarely achieved in practice. Identifying and addressing factors that limit initiative adoption (i.e., bottlenecks) could improve scaling strategies. We used insightsfrom 84 expert surveys to identify potential risk factors and bottlenecks to scaling 10 community, area-based initiatives in southern and eastern Africa. The number of reported potential risk factors and bottlenecks varied among initiatives. However, unfair benefit sharing, unequal decision-making, inflexible rules, and top-down leadership were frequently identified as bottlenecks. Although adopting initiatives had costs (e.g., increased local conflicts, reduced local access to natural resources and cropland), most experts believed these costs were offset by other benefits and thus did not constitute bottlenecks. Our results did not capture local perspectives, but they suggest scaling strategies that strengthen environmental governance may support more socially just and durable approaches to meeting area-based conservation goals.
Does variation in plant diversity and abundance influence browsing intensity in black rhinos?
(Wiley Online Library, 2023-03-17) Sisya, Emanuel; Moyo, Francis; Martin, Emanuel; Munishi, Linus
Variations in forage availability, selection and preferences can lead to intense foraging competition and depletion of food consequently lowering diet quality and population performance of black rhino species. This study investigated seasonal variations in rhino diet, foraging, preference and browsing intensity and how this is influenced by plant diversity and availability in Mkomazi National Park (MKONAPA). Fifty-eight square grids were randomly selected in each season, and plots were laid for vegetation assessment during wet and dry seasons in the sanctuary. Browsed species by rhinos were compared with rhino feeding data from fourteen rhino range areas within Africa. More than 85% of species edible in MKONAPA were similar to those in rhino range areas. Acalypha ornata, Grewia similis and Commiphora africana were highly utilised specie in both seasons. Diversity and abundance of consumed browses decreased towards the dry season while browsing intensity increased with forage preference in both seasons and was prominent when browse availability was low in dry seasons. Our study established seasonal variation in dietary composition, browsing intensity and preferences for black rhinos. We suggest establishing nutritional composition of preferred forages, assessing density of competitor browsers, translocating excess rhinos or expanding the sanctuary to meet the recommended ecological carrying capacity.
Does variation in plant diversity and abundance influence browsing intensity in black rhinos?
(African Journal of Ecology, 2023-03-17) Sisya, Emanuel; Moyo, Francis; Martin, Emanuel; Munishi, Linus
Variations in forage availability, selection and preferences can lead to intense foraging competition and depletion of food consequently lowering diet quality and population performance of black rhino species. This study investigated seasonal variations in rhino diet, foraging, preference and browsing intensity and how this is influenced by plant diversity and availability in Mkomazi National Park (MKONAPA). Fifty-eight square grids were randomly selected in each season, and plots were laid for vegetation assessment during wet and dry seasons in the sanctuary. Browsed species by rhinos were compared with rhino feeding data from fourteen rhino range areas within Africa. More than 85% of species edible in MKONAPA were similar to those in rhino range areas. Acalypha ornata, Grewia similis and Commiphora africana were highly utilised specie in both seasons. Diversity and abundance of consumed browses decreased towards the dry season while browsing intensity increased with forage preference in both seasons and was prominent when browse availability was low in dry seasons. Our study established seasonal variation in dietary composition, browsing intensity and preferences for black rhinos. We suggest establishing nutritional composition of preferred forages, assessing density of competitor browsers, translocating excess rhinos or expanding the sanctuary to meet the recommended ecological carrying capacity.
Does variation in plant diversity and abundance influence browsing intensity in black rhinos?
(African Journal of Ecology, 2023-03-17) Sisya, Emanuel; Moyo, Francis; Martin, Emanuel; Munishi, Linus
Variations in forage availability, selection and preferences can lead to intense foraging competition and depletion of food consequently lowering diet quality and population performance of black rhino species. This study investigated seasonal variations in rhino diet, foraging, preference and browsing intensity and how this is influenced by plant diversity and availability in Mkomazi National Park (MKONAPA). Fifty-eight square grids were randomly selected in each season, and plots were laid for vegetation assessment during wet and dry seasons in the sanctuary. Browsed species by rhinos were compared with rhino feeding data from fourteen rhino range areas within Africa. More than 85% of species edible in MKONAPA were similar to those in rhino range areas. Acalypha ornata, Grewia similis and Commiphora africana were highly utilised specie in both seasons. Diversity and abundance of consumed browses decreased towards the dry season while browsing intensity increased with forage preference in both seasons and was prominent when browse availability was low in dry seasons. Our study established seasonal variation in dietary composition, browsing intensity and preferences for black rhinos. We suggest establishing nutritional composition of preferred forages, assessing density of competitor browsers, translocating excess rhinos or expanding the sanctuary to meet the recommended ecological carrying capacity.
Does variation in plant diversity and abundance influence browsing intensity in black rhinos?
(WILEY, 2023-09) Sisya, Emanuel; Moyo, Francis; Martin, Emanuel; Munishi, Linus
Variations in forage availability, selection and preferences can lead to intense forag-ing competition and depletion of food consequently lowering diet quality and popula-tion performance of black rhino species. This study investigated seasonal variations in rhino diet, foraging, preference and browsing intensity and how this is influenced by plant diversity and availability in Mkomazi National Park (MKONAPA). Fifty-eight square grids were randomly selected in each season, and plots were laid for vegetation assessment during wet and dry seasons in the sanctuary. Browsed species by rhinos were compared with rhino feeding data from fourteen rhino range areas within Africa. More than 85% of species edible in MKONAPA were similar to those in rhino range areas. Acalypha ornata, Grewia similis and Commiphora africana were highly utilised specie in both seasons. Diversity and abundance of consumed browses decreased to- wards the dry season while browsing intensity increased with forage preference in both seasons and was prominent when browse availability was low in dry seasons. Our study established seasonal variation in dietary composition, browsing intensity and preferences for black rhinos. We suggest establishing nutritional composition of pre-ferred forages, assessing density of competitor browsers, translocating excess rhinos or expanding the sanctuary to meet the recommended ecological carrying capacity.
Effects of Restoration Techniques on Plant Diversity and Forage Biomass in Areas Invaded by Prosopis juliflora
(International Journal of Advances in Scientific Research and Engineering, 2021-12) Jumanne, Yohana; Moyo, Francis; Mbwambo, John
Prosopis juliflora, an invasive plant worldwide causes major threats by destructing natural ecosystem and limits provisioning of ecosystem services in the invaded areas. Attempts to manage the species and restore invaded lands have landed countries to adopt and implement different restoration options.This study tested three restoration options namely Diveting, Mulching and Seeding and their combination to assess their effectiveness in enhancing plant diversity and forage biomass. The study cleared invaded lands in Kahe Ward, Northern Tanzania and laid two blocks, each designated to address livestock pasture and conservationchallenges. Experimental blocks were laid in a complete randomized design in 10mx10m plots.Data on plant species and forage biomass were collected in each 10mx10m whereby plants were identified with the support of a botanist; their number recorded, and grass samples green and dry weight determined. The Shannon–Wiener Diversity Index was used to estimate diversity of plant species and the average values in each restoration treatment.One way ANOVA showed that, diversity of native plants was higher in control (Mean±SE =1.239±0.937)than diveting (Mean±SE =1.105±0.56) and diveting-mulching (Mean±SE =0.7703±0.55). Forage biomass was higher in control (Mean±SE =65.917±10.083)than in diveting(Mean±SE =52.425±11.15), diverting-mulching(Mean±SE =42.067±8.751) and diveting-seeding-mulching (Mean±SE =57.625±10.02)implying that restoration interventions have no positive influence on forage biomass.It is recommended that, clearing the land and leave it without restoration is enough because the restoration options do not have positive influence on plant diversity and forage biomass
Environmental risks of a commonly used pyrethroid: Insights from temporary pond species of the Lake Manyara Basin, Tanzania
(Elsevier, 2023-01) Kafula, Yusuph; Thoré, Eli; Philippe, Charlotte; Munishi, Linus; Moyo, Francis; Vanschoenwinkel, Bram; Brendonck, Luc
Environmental risks posed by widespread pesticide application have attracted global attention. Currently, chemical risk assessments in aquatic environments rely on extrapolation of toxicity data from classic model species. However, similar assessments based on local species could be complementary, particularly for unusual living environments such as temporary ponds. Here, we carried out an environmental risk assessment (ERA) of a pyrethroid model compound, cypermethrin, based on local temporary pond species. First, we measured cypermethrin residue concentrations in rivers, irrigation canals and temporary ponds in the Lake Manyara Basin (LMB). Then, we estimated the environmental risks of cypermethrin by combining these data with acute toxicity data of three resident species across three trophic levels: primary producers (Arthrospira platensis), invertebrate grazers (Streptocephalus lamellifer) and fish (Nothobranchius neumanni). Furthermore, we compared the derived ERA to that obtained using toxicity data from literature of classic model species. Cypermethrin residue concentrations in contaminated systems of the LMB ranged from 0.01 to 57.9 ng/L. For temporary pond species, S. lamellifer was the most sensitive one with a 96 h-LC50 of 0.14 ng/L. Regardless of the assumed exposure concentration (0.01 and 57.9 ng/L), the estimated risks were low for primary producers and high for invertebrate grazers, both for local species as well as for classic model species. The highest detected cypermethrin concentration resulted in a moderate risk estimation for local fish species, while the estimated risk was high when considering classic fish models. Our results confirm that, at least for pyrethroids, ERAs with classic model species are useful to estimate chemical risks in temporary pond ecosystems, and suggest that complementary ERAs based on local species could help to fine-tune environmental regulations to specific local conditions and conservation targets.
Environmental risks of a commonly used pyrethroid: Insights from temporary pond species of the Lake Manyara Basin, Tanzania
(Elservier, 2023-04-10) Kafula, Yusuph; Thoré, Eli; Philippe, Charlotte; Munishi, Linus; Moyo, Francis; Vanschoenwinkel, Bram; Brendonck, Luc
Environmental risks posed by widespread pesticide application have attracted global attention. Currently, chemical risk assessments in aquatic environments rely on extrapolation of toxicity data from classic model species. However, similar assessments based on local species could be complementary, particularly for unusual living environments such as temporary ponds. Here, we carried out an environmental risk assessment (ERA) of a pyrethroid model compound, cypermethrin, based on local temporary pond species. First, we measured cypermethrin residue concentrations in rivers, irrigation canals and temporary ponds in the Lake Manyara Basin (LMB). Then, we estimated the environmental risks of cypermethrin by combining these data with acute toxicity data of three resident species across three trophic levels: primary producers (Arthrospira platensis), invertebrate grazers (Streptocephalus lamellifer) and fish (Nothobranchius neumanni). Furthermore, we compared the derived ERA to that obtained using toxicity data from literature of classic model species. Cypermethrin residue concentrations in contaminated systems of the LMB ranged from 0.01 to 57.9 ng/L. For temporary pond species, S. lamellifer was the most sensitive one with a 96 h-LC50 of 0.14 ng/L. Regardless of the assumed exposure concentration (0.01 and 57.9 ng/L), the estimated risks were low for primary producers and high for invertebrate grazers, both for local species as well as for classic model species. The highest detected cypermethrin concentration resulted in a moderate risk estimation for local fish species, while the estimated risk was high when considering classic fish models. Our results confirm that, at least for pyrethroids, ERAs with classic model species are useful to estimate chemical risks in temporary pond ecosystems, and suggest that complementary ERAs based on local species could help to fine-tune environmental regulations to specific local conditions and conservation targets.
Experimental Prosopis juliflora Management Practices and Grassland Restoration in Three Eastern African Countries
(CABI, 2024-08-02) Eschen, René; Bekele, Ketema; Jumanne, Yohana; Kibet, Staline; Makale, Fernadis; Mbwambo, John; Megersa, Berhanu; Moyo, Francis; Munishi, Linus; Mwihomeke, Mickfanaka; Nunda, Winnie; Nyangito, Moses
Prosopis juliflora, a native tree species of Central and northern South America, was introduced in degraded habitats in Eastern Africa as a wind break, and as a source of fodder, fuel, and timber. P. juliflora has a high drought tolerance and has become a highly invasive tree or shrub, spreading rapidly, and transforming socio-economic systems. It negatively impacts livelihoods in many ways, including reduced income in pastoralist-dominated regions once coverage is above a certain invasion level. Management of P. juliflora is needed to restore ecosystem services, such as biodiverse grassland that provides fodder and sequesters carbon. In order to investigate which are the most effective and economically efficient management practices, a 3-year study was conducted in Ethiopia, Kenya, and Tanzania, three countries with savanna and grassland that have been invaded by P. juliflora. The management treatments being tested were: manual uprooting; cutting the stumps and applying herbicide; and basal bark herbicide treatment. Alongside these treatments, restoration interventions aimed at restoring natural vegetation were also tested, and these were: creating divots; creating divots + mulching with hay; and creating divots + mulching with hay + grass seed sowing. The control methods were all highly effective in killing P. juliflora, with methods to remove all above-ground biomass (manual and cut stump) resulting in a more productive and diverse surrounding vegetation than the basal bark herbicide treatment. The effect of the restoration interventions on vegetation composition was small, suggesting that species were re-established mostly from the soil seed bank. This case presents some of the methods and results of the study.
Experimental prosopis management practices and grassland restoration in three Eastern African countries
(Springer Nature, 2023-07-14) Eschen, René; Bekele, Ketema; Jumanne, Yohana; Kibet, Staline; Makale, Fernadis; Mbwambo, John; Megersa, Berhanu; Mijay, Mahamood; Moyo, Francis; Munishi, Linus; Mwihomeke, Mickfanaka; Nunda, Winnie; Nyangito, Moses; Witt, Arne; Schaffner, Urs
Woody species have been introduced in many parts of the world to provide economic benefits, but some of those species are now among the worst invaders, causing widespread economic and environmental damage. Management of woody species to restore original ecosystem services, such as biodiverse grassland that can provide fodder and sequester carbon, are needed to limit the impacts of alien species. However, the best management methods, i.e., the most economically efficient and effective way to remove trees and the most effective way to restore or rehabilitate the cleared land, are not developed for many species. In Eastern Africa, prosopis (Prosopis julifora) has invaded large areas of savanna and grassland, thereby affecting, among other things, fodder and water for livestock, access to dry season grazing lands and ultimately pastoral livelihoods. We tested three prosopis treatments (manual uprooting and cut stump and basal bark herbicide application) in combination with three incremental restoration interventions (divots, divots + mulching, divots + mulching + grass seed sowing). The three-year study was replicated in Ethiopia (Afar National Regional State), Kenya (Baringo county) and Tanzania (Moshi district). Prosopis survival and vegeta- tion development, both diversity and biomass, were recorded. The prosopis treatments were all highly effective (between 85 and 100% tree mortality in almost all cases), but the two treatments that involved the complete removal of the aboveground biomass (manual and cut stump) yielded a more productive and more diverse vegetation than the treatment that killed the trees standing (basal bark). Compared to the effect of prosopis removal, the effect of restoration interventions on vegetation composition was small, indicating that most species re-established from the soil seed bank. The results show that it is possible to restore land previously invaded by prosopis. Despite the differ- ent rates of vegetation establishment and variation in species composition, the restoration interventions resulted in vegetation that in some cases contained a substantial fraction of perennial grasses. The method chosen to control prosopis depends on the availability of resources, including herbicides, and the need to remove rootstocks if the intention is to plant crops.