Browsing by Author "Makundi, Rhodes H."

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A faunal survey in Kingu Pira (south Tanzania), with new karyotypes of several small mammals and the description of a new Murid species (Mammalia, Rodentia)
(ZOOSYSTEMA) Denys, Christiane; Lalis, Aude; Lecompte, Emilie; Cornette, Raphaël; Moulin, Sibyle; Makundi, Rhodes H.; Volobouev, Vitaly; Machang'u, Robert S.; Aniskine, Vladimir M.
An overview of bactrocera (Diptera: Tephritidae) invasions and their speculated dominancy over native fruit fly species in Tanzania
(Journal of Entomology) Mwatawala, M.W.; Makundi, Rhodes H.; De Meyer, M.; Maerere, A. P.
An overview of bactrocera (Diptera: Tephritidae) invasions and their speculated dominancy over native fruit fly species in Tanzania
(Journal of Entomology) Mwatawala, M.W.; De Meyer, M.; Makundi, Rhodes H.; Maerere, A. P.
An overview of bactrocera (Diptera: Tephritidae) invasions and their speculated dominancy over native fruit fly species in Tanzania
(Journal of Entomology, 2009) Mwatawala, M.W.; De Meyer, M.; Makundi, Rhodes H.; Maerere, A. P.
The dominancy of introduced Bactrocera species (Diptera: Tephritidae) over the native fruit fly species was assessed based on data collected from a trapping and sampling program in Morogoro, Tanzania, from 2004 to 2006. Two invasions by Bactrocera species namely the invasive fruit fly Bactrocera invadens Drew, Tsuruta and White and the Solanum fruit fly Bactrocera latifrons (Hendel) have been recorded in 2003 and 2006, respectively. These add to an earlier introduced melon fly Bactrocera cucurbitae (Coquillett). Points and exact times of entry of these species are still unknown. Dominance of Bactrocera species over the native Ceratitis species has been speculated from other parts of the world. Results of this study also suggest the dominancy of Bactrocera species over native Ceratitis species in Tanzania. B. cucurbitae seems to dominate the other cucurbit infesters in terms of abundance and infestation rate. Similarly, B. invadens seems to dominate the native Ceratitis species in orchard fruits in terms of abundance, host range and infestation rate. B. latifrons, whose distribution in the country is still unclear, seems to be the dominant species in its main hosts from family Solananaceae. The outcome of the competition resulting from these introductions is speculated upon. Presence of these pests calls for strong surveillance systems and quarantine regulations to protect the infant fruit industry of Tanzania.
Application of normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) to forecast rodent population abundance in smallholder agro-ecosystems in semi-arid areas in Tanzania
(ResearchGate) Hieronimo, Proches; Isabirye, Moses; Kifumba, David; Mulungu, Loth; Kimaro, Didas N; Makundi, Rhodes H.; Leirs, Herwig; Mulungu, Loth S.; Mdangi, Mashaka E.; Massawe, Apia W.
Application of normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) to forecast rodent population abundance in smallholder agro-ecosystems in semi-arid areas in Tanzania
(ResearchGate, 2019-05) Hieronimo, Proches; Isabirye, Moses; Kifumba, David; Mulungu, Loth; Kimaro, Didas N; Makundi, Rhodes H.; Leirs, Herwig; Mulungu, Loth S.; Mdangi, Mashaka E.; Massawe, Apia W.
This study aimed to evaluate the potential use of normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) from satellite- derived remote sensing data for monitoring rodent abundance in semi-arid areas of Tanzania. We hypothesized that NDVI could potentially complement rainfall in predicting rodent abundance spatially and tem- porally. NDVI were determined across habitats with differ- ent vegetation types in Isimani landscape, Iringa Region, in the southern highlands of Tanzania. Normalized differ- ences in reflectance between the red (R) (0.636–0.673 mm) and near-infrared (NIR) (0.851–0.879 mm) channels of the electromagnetic spectrum from the Landsat 8 [Opera- tional Land Imager (OLI)] sensor were obtained. Rodents were trapped in a total of 144 randomly selected grids each measuring 100 × 100 m 2 , for which the corresponding values of NDVI were recorded during the corresponding rodent trapping period. Raster analysis was performed by transformation to establish NDVI in study grids over the entire study area. The relationship between NDVI, rodent distribution and abundance both spatially and tempo- rally during the start, mid and end of the dry and wet sea- sons was established. Linear regression model was used to evaluate the relationships between NDVI and rodent abundance across seasons. The Pearson correlation coefficient (r) at p ≤ 0.05 was carried out to describe thedegree of association between actual and NDVI-predicted rodent abundances. The results demonstrated a strong linear relationship between NDVI and actual rodent abundance within grids (R 2 = 0.71). NDVI-predicted rodent abundance showed a strong positive correlation (r = 0.99) with estimated rodent abundance. These results support the hypothesis that NDVI has the potential for predicting rodent population abundance under smallholder farming agro-ecosystems. Hence, NDVI could be used to forecast rodent abundance within a reasonable short period of time when compared with sparse and not widely available rainfall data.h
Assessment of rodent damage to stored maize (Zea mays L.) on smallholder farms in Tanzania
(Taylor & Francis) Mdangi, M.; Mulungu, Loth S.; Massawe, A.W.; Eiseb, S.J.; Tutjavi, V.; Kirsten, F.; Mahlaba, T.; Malebane, P.; Maltitz, E. von; Monadjem, A.; Dlamini, N.; Makundi, Rhodes H.
Biodiversity of fruit flies (Diptera, Tephritidae) in orchards in different agro-ecological zones of the Morogoro region, Tanzania
(Cirad/EDP Sciences) Mwatawala, Maulid W. M; De Meyer, Marc; Makundi, Rhodes H.; Maerere, Amon P
Biodiversity of fruit flies (Diptera, Tephritidae) in orchards in different agro-ecological zones of the Morogoro region, Tanzania
(Fruits) Mwatawala, M. W.; De Meyer, M.; Makundi, Rhodes H.; Maerere, A. P.
Biodiversity of fruit flies (Diptera, Tephritidae) in orchards in different agro-ecological zones of the Morogoro region, Tanzania
(Cirad/EDP Sciences, 2006) Mwatawala, Maulid W. M; De Meyer, Marc; Makundi, Rhodes H.; Maerere, Amon P
Introduction. Fruit flies (Diptera, Tephritidae) are among the major constraints in commercial horticulture in many African developing countries. Knowledge of the tephritid spectrum in any given area is a prerequisite for the development of an IPM program to alleviate the pest problem. We studied the fruit fly diversity in four main agro-ecological zones which are significant fruit-producing areas in the Morogoro Region, Tanzania. Materials and methods. Fruit fly diversity was investigated for one year (October 2004 – October 2005). Parapheromones, synthetic food attractant and protein-bait traps were used to trap the flies at the different locations in Morogoro region, Tanzania. One mixed orchard was selected at each of four locations representing the different agro-ecological zones of the region. Results. The recently intro- duced alien species, Bactrocera invadens, and three indigenous pest species, Ceratitis rosa, Dacus bivittatus and D. punctatifrons, were found at all the four sites, while Bactrocera cucurbitae, Ceratitis cosyra, Dacus chiwira and D. humeralis were found in three out of the four sites. The Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA) Horticulture Unit and Mikese sites had the highest species diversity while the Mkindo and Nyandira sites had the lowest diversity. The between-habitats diversity (Beta diversity) was similar among the SUA, Mkindo and Mikese sites. Only the Nyandira site had a higher dissimilarity in comparison with the other three sites. Discussion. The most abundant species at low- and mid-elevation sites was Bactrocera invadens while, at high elevation, Ceratitis rosa was the dominant species. Protein-baited traps attracted the highest diversity of fruit flies in comparison with the more specific parapheromones. The synthetic food attractant (three-component lure) was less efficient compared with the protein bait. The large dissimilarity at the Nyan- dira site is probably due to the different types of host fruits found and grown in high altitude areas (mainly temperate fruits). Fruit fly species associated with these types of fruits, e.g., Ceratitis rubivora and Tri- rhithrum coffeae, were found only at this site.
Biodiversity of fruit flies (Diptera, Tephritidae) in orchards in different agro-ecological zones of the Morogoro region, Tanzania
(Fruits, 2006) Mwatawala, M. W.; De Meyer, M.; Makundi, Rhodes H.; Maerere, A. P.
Introduction. Fruit flies (Diptera, Tephritidae) are among the major constraints in commercial horticulture in many African developing countries. Knowledge of the tephritid spectrum in any given area is a prerequisite for the development of an IPM program to alleviate the pest problem. We studied the fruit fly diversity in four main agro-ecological zones which are significant fruit-producing areas in the Morogoro Region, Tanzania. Materials and methods. Fruit fly diversity was investigated for one year (October 2004 – October 2005). Parapheromones, synthetic food attractant and protein-bait traps were used to trap the flies at the different locations in Morogoro region, Tanzania. One mixed orchard was selected at each of four locations representing the different agro-ecological zones of the region. Results. The recently introduced alien species, Bactrocera invadens, and three indigenous pest species, Ceratitis rosa, Dacus bivittatus and D. punctatifrons, were found at all the four sites, while Bactrocera cucurbitae, Ceratitis cosyra, Dacus chiwira and D. humeralis were found in three out of the four sites. The Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA) Horticulture Unit and Mikese sites had the highest species diversity while the Mkindo and Nyandira sites had the lowest diversity. The between-habitats diversity (Beta diversity) was similar among the SUA, Mkindo and Mikese sites. Only the Nyandira site had a higher dissimilarity in comparison with the other three sites. Discussion. The most abundant species at low- and mid-elevation sites was Bactrocera invadens while, at high elevation, Ceratitis rosa was the dominant species. Protein-baited traps attracted the highest diversity of fruit flies in comparison with the more specific parapheromones. The synthetic food attractant (three-component lure) was less efficient compared with the protein bait. The large dissimilarity at the Nyandira site is probably due to the different types of host fruits found and grown in high altitude areas (mainly temperate fruits). Fruit fly species associated with these types of fruits, e.g., Ceratitis rubivora and Trirhithrum coffeae, were found only at this site.
Breeding dynamics of rodent species inhabiting farm–fallow mosaic fields in Central Tanzania
(African Zoology) Massawe, Apia W.; Makundi, Rhodes H.; Mulungu, Loth S.; Katakweba, Abdul; Shayo, Teresia N.
Breeding dynamics of rodent species inhabiting farm–fallow mosaic fields in Central Tanzania
(African Zoology, 2012-02) Massawe, Apia W.; Makundi, Rhodes H.; Mulungu, Loth S.; Katakweba, Abdul; Shayo, Teresia N.
The breeding dynamics of three species of rodents, Mastomys natalensis, Aethomys chrysophilus and Gerbilliscus vicina were investigated in a seasonal environment (wet versus dry) in Berega in the eastern parts of central Tanzania. Berega has a distinct unimodal rainfall pattern, with most rainfall from November to April/May. We hypothesized that breeding of rodents in central Tanzania would be confined to the wet season, when unlimited resources would be available for reproduction. We provide evidence of breeding discontinuity in the three species, showing that breeding was seasonally restricted to the wet season and early in the dry season. The observed discontinuity could largely be ascribed to variation in primary productivity between the wet and dry seasons. Reproductively active females were found in the population as early as November, a month into the rainy season, but when early rains occurred, some individuals were already breeding in October. Breeding was more intensive in the latter part of the wet season (March–May) and completely ceased during the dry season. For M. natalensis, survival was highest in the wet period and low in the dry season. The study provides knowledge on the breeding dynamics of rodents in central Tanzania, which can help farmers to take proactive rodent management decisions to prevent high rodent densities and reduce crop damage in the fields. Application of control measures by the community early in the season when populations of reproductive females is lowest will be most rewarding.
Breeding patterns of Arvicanthis neumanni in central Tanzania
(Blackwell Publishing Ltd, Afr. J. Eco) Massawe, A. W.; Mrosso, F. P.; Makundi, Rhodes H.; Mulungu, Loth S.
Breeding seasonality and population dynamics of three rodent species in the Magamba Forest Reserve, Western Usambara Mountains, north-east Tanzania
(Blackwell Publishing Ltd) Makundi, Rhodes H.; Massawe, A. W.; Mulungu, Loth S.
Breeding seasonality and population dynamics of three rodent species in the Magamba Forest Reserve, Western Usambara Mountains, north-east Tanzania
(Blackwell Publishing Ltd, 2006) Makundi, Rhodes H.; Massawe, A. W.; Mulungu, Loth S.
We investigated breeding seasonality and population dynamics of three rodent species, Lophuromys flavopuncatus, Grammomys dolichurus and Praomys delectorum, in the Magamba Forest, Western Usambara Mountains, northeast Tanzania. Capture–mark–recapture studies were conducted in 2002–2004. Reproductive conditions of males and females showed temporal variations, an indication of breeding seasonality. Animals were reproductively active between February and May. Rainfall in November–January was instrumental for the onset of breeding and continued throughout the wet season. The recruitment of new individuals born during the season led to highest population densities between end of May and August. Populations declined progressively towards the end of the dry season (September–October). Only P. delectorum showed a marked density increase during January–February, indicating greater survival and/or recruitment during the November– January rains. The study shows that despite a relatively stable environment of the forest reserve, rainfall has strong influence on reproduction and population dynamics, probably because of its effect on primary food resources. Key words: breeding, dynamics, Grammomys, Lophuromys, Praomys, Tanzania Re´sume´ Nous avons e´tudie´ la chronologie saisonnie`re de la reproduction et la dynamique de la population de trois espe`ces de rongeurs, Lophuromys flavopunctatus, Grammomys dolichurus et Praomys delectorum, dans la foreˆt de Magamba, dans la partie ouest des monts Usambara, au nord-est de la Tanzanie. Des e´tudes par capture – marquage – re-capture ont e´te´ re´alise´es en 2002 – 2004. La condition reproductrice des maˆles et des femelles pre´sentait des variations saisonnie`res, un indice de saisonnalite´ de la reproduction. Les animaux e´taient en e´tat de reproduction active entre fe´vrier et mai. Les chutes de pluie de novembre a` janvier e´taient tre`s importantes pour le de´clenchement de la reproduction et continuaient pendant toute la saison des pluies. Le recrutement de nouveaux individus ne´s durant cette saison conduisait a` une densite´ de population qui culminait entre fin mai et aouˆ t. Les populations de´clinaient progressivement jusque vers la fin de la saison se`che (septembre – octobre). Seul P. delectorum montrait un taux de recrutement et/ou de survie plus e´leve´ pendant les pluies de novembre a` janvier. Cette e´tude montre que malgre´ l’environnement relativement stable de la re´serve forestie`re, les chutes de pluie ont une forte influence sur la reproduction et la dynamique des populations, probablement a` cause de leur effet sur les ressources primaires en nourriture.
Challenges in pest management in agriculture: African and global perspectives
(Management of Selected Crop Pests in Tanzania) Makundi, Rhodes H.
Comparative and functional morphology of the middle ear in Zambezian mole-rats (Coetomys – Cryptomys, Bathyergidae)
(Belg. J. Zool) Leirs, Herwig; Makundi, Rhodes H.; Davis, Stephen; Lange, Simone; Burda, Hynek; Assogbadjo, A.E.; Codjia, J.T.C.; Sinsin, B.; Ekue, M.R.M.; Mensah, G.A.; Mgode, G.F.; Mhamphi, G.A.; Katakweba, A. W.; Paemelaere, E; Willekens, N.; Leirs, H.; Machang’u, R.S.; Hartskeerl, R.A.
Comparative and functional morphology of the middle ear in Zambezian mole-rats (Coetomys – Cryptomys, Bathyergidae)
(Belg. J. Zool, 2005-12) Leirs, Herwig; Makundi, Rhodes H.; Davis, Stephen; Lange, Simone; Burda, Hynek; Assogbadjo, A.E.; Codjia, J.T.C.; Sinsin, B.; Ekue, M.R.M.; Mensah, G.A.; Mgode, G.F.; Mhamphi, G.A.; Katakweba, A. W.; Paemelaere, E; Willekens, N.; Leirs, H.; Machang’u, R.S.; Hartskeerl, R.A.
Within the family Bathyergidae, the genus Coetomys (Cryptomys) is the most speciose. However, an unambiguous morphological or morphometrical species diagnosis has not been feasible to date. The middle ear structures involved in sound transmission were examined and measured in six species of Zambezian mole-rats of varying body sizes : Coetomys amatus, C. anselli, C. darlingi, C. kafuensis, C. mechowi and C. whytei. Compari- sons revealed many differences in the shape of the middle ear ossicles allowing species differentiation. Bullar vol- ume, eardrum area and cross-sectional area of the bony meatus were positively correlated with body size (as repre- sented by condylo-basal length) whereas the size of middle ear ossicles was rather independent of body size. Middle ears shared typical features with those found in low-frequency hearing mammals. Contrary to the findings in heter- omyids and the Spalax ehrenbergi species complex, within the genus Coetomys, those species occupying more mesic habitats had more efficient tympano-ossicular systems (suggesting more sensitive hearing) than species from drier habitats.
Comparative efficacy of neem, Azadirachta indica, extract for- mulations and the synthetic acaricide, Amitraz (Mitac), against the two spotted spider mites, Tetranychus urticae (Acari: Tetra- nychidae), on tomatoes, Lycopersicum esculentum.
(Eugen Ulmer GmbH & Co., Stuttgart) Makundi, Rhodes H.; Kashenge, Sophia