Browsing by Author "Massawe, Apia W."

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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
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.
Dietary differences of the multimammate mouse, Mastomys natalensis (Smith, 1834), across different habitats and seasons in Tanzania and Swaziland
(CSIRO PUBLISHING) Mulungu, Loth S.; Mahlaba, Themb’alilahlwa A.; Massawe, Apia W.; Kennis, Jan; Crauwels, Dieter; Eiseb, Seth; Monadjem, Ara; Makundi, Rhodes H.; Katakweba, Abdul A. S.; Leirs, Herwig; Belmain, Steven R.
Differences in diet between two rodent species, Mastomys natalensis and Gerbilliscus vicinus, in fallow land habitats in central Tanzania
Mulungu, Loth S.; Massawe, Apia W.; Kennis, Jan; Crauwels, Dieter; Eiseb, Seth; Mahlaba, Themb’alilahlwa A.; Monadjem, Ara; Makundi, Rhodes H.; Katakweba, Abdul A. S.; Leirs, Herwig; Belmain, Steven R.
Differences in diet between two rodent species, Mastomys natalensis and Gerbilliscus vicinus, in fallow land habitats in central Tanzania
(2011-10) Mulungu, Loth S.; Massawe, Apia W.; Kennis, Jan; Crauwels, Dieter; Eiseb, Seth; Mahlaba, Themb’alilahlwa A.; Monadjem, Ara; Makundi, Rhodes H.; Katakweba, Abdul A. S.; Leirs, Herwig; Belmain, Steven R.
Differences in the ecological niche requirements among rodent species competing in the same habitat may result from differences in the use of one to three resources: space, time and food or some combination of these. Alternatively, differences in resource use utilization among animal species may simply reflect availability of food, and when food is limited, different animal species compete. In this study, the diet of two rodent pest species, Mastomys natalensis and Gerbilliscus vicinus, coexisting in fallow land in central Tanzania were studied to assess the degree of diet differentiation among them. Dietary niche breadth of G. vicinus was greater than that of M. natalensis in all stages of the maize cropping seasons. The rodent species studied overlapped considerably in the food items consumed ranging from niche overlap (Ojk) of 0.77–0.89. Grains/seeds featured high in the diet of M. natalensis while plant material occurrence was high in G. vicinus. These two food categories may have contributed to differences in diet partitioning, which may, in turn, facilitate their coexistence in fallow land.
Diversity and distribution of rodent and shrew species associated with variations in altitude on Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania
(Walter de Gruyte) Mulungu, L.S.; Makundi, Rhodes H.; Massawe, Apia W.; Machang'u, Robert S.; MbiJe, Nsajigwa
Diversity and distribution of rodent and shrew species associated with variations in altitude on Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania
(Walter de Gruyte, 2008) Mulungu, L.S.; Makundi, Rhodes H.; Massawe, Apia W.; Machang'u, Robert S.; MbiJe, Nsajigwa
A total of 750 rodents and shrews were trapped in sev- eral sites on Mount (Mt.) Kilimanjaro and in two lowland sites between October 2002 and August 2003. Species diversity variations with altitude and their distribution were established. Diversity of species varied with vege- tation type, being highest in the forest and lowest in the lowland areas. The distribution patterns and species diversity of the rodents and shrews were also influenced by habitat complexity and heterogeneity. Species rich- ness was higher in the forest compared to the other areas. The study generally shows that the Mt. Kilimanjaro has high rodent and shrew species diversity and richness.
Dynamics of infestation and losses of stored maize due to the larger grain borer (Prostephanus truncatus Horn) and maize weevils (Sitophilus zeamais Motschulsky)
Makundi, Rhodes H.; Swila, Ntuli N.; Misangu, Robert N; Reuben, Shazia W.M.; Mwatawala, Maulid; Sikira, Anna; Kilonzo, Bukhet S; Lyimo, H.; Massawe, Apia W.; Ishengoma, Christine
Effect of land preparation methods on spatial distribution of rodents in crop fields
(Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research) Massawe, Apia W.; Leirs, Herwig; Rwamugira, W. P.; Makundi, Rhodes H.
Effect of land preparation methods on spatial distribution of rodents in crop fields
(Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research, 2003) Massawe, Apia W.; Leirs, Herwig; Rwamugira, W. P.; Makundi, Rhodes H.
A mark–capture–release (CMR) study was carried out in Morogoro, Tanzania, from April 1999 to August 2000 to investigate the effect of slashing and burning versus tractor ploughing on the population of rodents in agricultural fields. We found that the spatial distribution of individuals was significantly affected by the land preparation method. The coefficient of dispersion values (based on variance-to-mean ratio calculations) indicated that more animals clustered around the edges in tractor-ploughed fields whereas in the slashed-and-burnt fields, animals were randomly distributed. Before land preparation, animals were randomly distributed everywhere. This suggests that the slashing-and-burning practice does not affect the rodent population distribution in crop fields while tractor ploughing does affect rodents, probably by reducing cover and food availability or even by killing some individuals. Yet, it seems useful as a management tool when it is practised over a large area and if the surrounding fallow lands, which act as donor habitat, are cleared.
Evaluation of thiram and cinnamamide for protection of maize seeds against multimammate mice, Mastomys natalensis, in Tanzania
Ngowo, Victor H.; Mulungu, Loth; Lodal, Jens; Makundi, Rhodes H.; Massawe, Apia W.; Leirs, Herwig
Farmer’s perceptions of rodents as crop pests : Knowl- edge, attitudes and practices in rodent pest management in Tanzania and Ethiopia
(Belg. J. Zool) Makundi, Rhodes H.; Bekele, Afework; Leirs, Herwig; Massawe, Apia W.; Rwamugira, Winnie; Mulungu, Loth S.
Influence of land preparation methods and vegetation cover on population abundance of Mastomys natalensis in Morogoro, Tanzania
Massawe, Apia W.; RWAMUGIRA, Winifrida; Leirs, Herwig; Makundi, Rhodes H.; Mulungu, Loth
Influence of land preparation methods and vegetation cover on population abundance of Mastomys natalensis in Morogoro, Tanzania
(2005-12) Massawe, Apia W.; RWAMUGIRA, Winifrida; Leirs, Herwig; Makundi, Rhodes H.; Mulungu, Loth
A Capture-Mark-Release study was carried out in Morogoro, Tanzania, from April 1999 to April 2001 to investigate the effects of land preparation methods and cropping systems on population abundance of Mastomys natalensis in crop fields. Two land preparation methods (tractor ploughing; slash and burning) and two cropping systems (mono-cropping with maize; inter-cropping with maize and beans) were included in the study. The experi- mental design was a Complete Randomized Design with 2x2 factors, with two replicates. In slash and burn fields, rodent population abundance and distribution were strongly influenced by vegetation cover regardless of the type of cropping system. Higher rodent population peaks occurred in dense vegetation cover in slash and burn relative to tractor ploughed fields. In contrast, there were no obvious associations between vegetation cover and population abundance in the tractor ploughed fields, particularly in the mono-cropping system. A negative correlation between vegetation cover and population abundance of M. natalensis was obtained in fallow land surrounding the crop fields (r = -0.63; p ≤ 0.05). The results show that the effect of vegetation cover on population abundance of M natalensis in crop fields is strongly influenced by the type of land preparation methods. Tractor ploughing and clearance of fal- low land surrounding crop fields could be a useful method to reduce the invasion of crops by M. natalensis.
Prevalence of haemoparasites, leptospires and coccobacilli with potential for human infection in the blood of rodents and shrews from selected localities in Tanzania, Namibia and Swaziland
(African Zoology) Katakweba, Abdul A.S.; Mulungu, Loth S.; Eiseb, Seth J.; Mahlaba, Themb’alilahlwa A.; Makundi, Rhodes H.; Massawe, Apia W.; Borremans, Benny; Belmain, Steven R.
Prevalence of haemoparasites, leptospires and coccobacilli with potential for human infection in the blood of rodents and shrews from selected localities in Tanzania, Namibia and Swaziland
(African Zoology, 2012-02) Katakweba, Abdul A.S.; Mulungu, Loth S.; Eiseb, Seth J.; Mahlaba, Themb’alilahlwa A.; Makundi, Rhodes H.; Massawe, Apia W.; Borremans, Benny; Belmain, Steven R.
The prevalence of haemoparasites, leptospirosis and Yersinia pestis was investigated in rodents and shrews from Tanzania, Namibia and Swaziland. Blood smears originating from rodents and shrews from the three countries indicated the presence of Trypanosoma lewisi (72.7%; n =950), Bacillus spp. (25.6%; n =950), Borrelia sp. (0.01%; n =950) and bipolar coccobacilli (0.01%; n =950). The blood smears from Namibia (n =26) had no haemoparasites while only 1.33% (n =75) of those from Swaziland showed presence of T. lewisi. Leptospira interrogans was found in rodent blood sera from Tanzania in the following serogroup proportions (n =350): Icterohaemorrhagiae (10.29%), Pomona (2.86%), Hardjo (1.14%), Bullum (0.86%), Grippotyphosa (1.43%) and Canicola (1.14%). Serodiagnosis of antibodies against the F1 antigen of Y. pestis using the enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was negative for all the serum samples from central Tanzania, while two samples of serum from two species of rodents, Rhabdomys pumilio and Gerbilliscus leucogaster, collected in the Kavango Region of Namibia were positive. These results suggest an enzootic plague activity in this region in Namibia. It is concluded that zoonotic agents, that are infectious to humans, are prevalent in rodents and shrews in the three countries, and that local communities should apply rodent control measures to reduce the risk of human infections.
Relationship between sampling intensity and precision for estimating damage to maize caused by rodents
(Blackwell Publishing and IOZ/CAS) Mulungu, Loth S.; Massawe, Apia W.; Makundi, Rhodes H.; Leirs, Herwing
Relationship between sampling intensity and precision for estimating damage to maize caused by rodents
(Blackwell Publishing and IOZ/CAS) Mulungu, Loth S.; Makundi, Rhodes H.; Massawe, Apia W.; Leirs, Herwig