Research Publications

Now showing 1 - 3 of 3

Using the Biological Condition Gradient Model as a Bioassessment Frameworks to Support Rehabilitation and Restoration of the Upper Tana River Watershed in Kenya
(Frontiers in Environmental Science, 2021-07) Ndiritu, George G.; Terer, Taita; Njoroge, Peter; Muiruri, Veronica M.; Njagi, Edward L.; Kosgei, Gilbert; Njoroge, Laban; Kamau, Peris W.; Malonza, Patrick K.; Muchane, Mary; Gathua, Joseph; Odeny, Dickens; Courtemanch, David
The biological condition gradient (BCG), a scientific framework that describes the change in ecosystem characteristics in response to human-induced levels of stressors, was modified and used to characterize watershed habitats in the Upper Tana River watershed, Kenya. The inbuilt utilities of BCG, including its simplicity, versatility, and its robust nature, allowed its use by seven taxonomic groups of macroinvertebrates, diatoms, fish, herpetofauna (amphibians and reptiles), plants, macrofungi, and birds to assess and monitor landscape conditions in both terrestrial and aquatic habitats. The biological data were described using taxa abundance distribution measures followed by multivariate analyses to determine their relationship with water or soil quality and thereafter assessment of taxa tolerant levels in response to environmental stress and disturbances. Preliminary findings reported that the taxonomic groups complemented each other, with each taxonomic group reliably assessing ecological conditions to a certain degree that supported assigning all 36 sampled sites into BCG tiers. The BCG models developed for all taxonomic groups assisted in the identification and selection of taxa indicating varying levels of landscape conditions. These taxa, referred to as flagship or indicator taxa, assist in simplifying the BCG model and, hence, are possible for use by parataxonomists or ordinary citizens to assess and monitor the ecological health of habitats under consideration. Furthermore, the capability of BCG models to assess landscape conditions shows how they can be used to identify important habitats for conservation, direct investment for restoration, and track progress
Sustainable Utilization of Wetlands Resources in Selected Areas of Nyamira County, Kenya
(Research journali’s Journal of Geography, 2015) Huho, Julius M.; Angawa, Francis O.; Nyaboga, John Oganda
Researches on wetland utilization in Kenya focus more on wetlands located in the ASALs and Lowland areas giving less emphasis to those in high agricultural potential highland areas. This paper examined the utilization of Sironga and Nyabomite wetlands resources in the high potential agricultural areas of Nyamira County. The specific objective established the resources and their uses. Purposive sampling was used in selecting study areas and key informants. Simple random sampling was used in selecting household heads. Data was obtained through the administration of 126 questionnaires of which 115 was used for analysis. Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistics. Data was presented using statistical tables, percentages and photographs. The common wetland resources utilization practices in the area are brick making activities and crop production. Traditionally, the wetlands provided place for conducting rituals and ceremonies. The following recommendations ought to be prioritized: identification of key stakeholders and assessment of their interests; emphasis on afforestation of the wetlands with trees that are friendly to the environment and adoption of alternative sources of livelihoods. The recommendations of this paper are useful in the sustainable utilization of wetland resources in Nyamira County and other high agricultural potential areas. Keywords: Biodiversity, conservation, livelihoods, utilization, wetland resources
Relationships Between Cattle and Biodiversity in Multiuse Landscape Revealed by Kenya Long-Term Exclosure Experiment
(Elsevier, 2018-05) Kimuyu, Duncan M.; Young, Truman P.; Porensky, Lauren M.; Riginos, Corinna; Veblen, Kari E.; Odadi, Wilfred O.; Charles, Grace K.; Young, Hillary S.
On rangelands worldwide, cattle interact with many forms of biodiversity, most obviously with vegetation and other large herbivores. Since 1995, we have been manipulating the presence of cattle, mesoherbivores, and megaherbivores (elephants and giraffes) in a series of eighteen 4-ha (10-acre) plots at the Kenya Long-term Exclosure Experiment. We recently (2013) crossed these treatments with small-scale controlled burns. These replicated experimental treatments simulate different land management practices. We seek to disentangle the complex relationships between livestock and biodiversity in a biome where worldwide, uneasy coexistence is the norm. Here, we synthesize more than 20 yr of data to address three central questions about the potentially unique role of cattle in savanna ecology: 1) To what extent do cattle and wild herbivores compete with or facilitate each other? 2) Are the effects of cattle on vegetation similar to those of wildlife, or do cattle have unique effects? 3) What effects do cattle and commercial cattle management have on other savanna organisms? We found that 1) Cattle compete at least as strongly with browsers as grazers, and wildlife compete with cattle, although these negative effects are mitigated by cryptic herbivores (rodents), rainfall, fire, and elephants. 2) Cattle effects on herbaceous vegetation (composition, productivity) are similar to those of the rich mixture of ungulates they replace, differing mainly due to the greater densities of cattle. In contrast, cattle, wild mesoherbivores, and megaherbivores have strongly guild-specific effects on woody vegetation. 3) Both cattle and wild ungulates regulate cascades to other consumers, notably termites, rodents, and disease vectors (ticks and fleas) and pathogens. Overall, cattle management, at moderate stocking densities, can be compatible with the maintenance of considerable native biodiversity, although reducing livestock to these densities in African rangelands is a major challenge.

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