Browsing by Author "Mulungu, Loth S."

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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
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.
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.
Comparative study of movement patterns of Mastomys natalensis in irrigated rice and fallow fields in eastern Tanzania
(John Wiley & Sons Ltd) Mulungu, Loth S.; Borremans, Benny; Ngowo, V; Mdangi, Mashaka E.; Katakweba, Abdul S.; Tesha, P; Mrosso, Furaha P.; Mchomvu, M; Kilonzo, Bukheti S.
Comparative study of movement patterns of Mastomys natalensis in irrigated rice and fallow fields in eastern Tanzania
(John Wiley & Sons Ltd, 2015) Mulungu, Loth S.; Borremans, Benny; Ngowo, V; Mdangi, Mashaka E.; Katakweba, Abdul S.; Tesha, P; Mrosso, Furaha P.; Mchomvu, M; Kilonzo, Bukheti S.
A 2-year capture–mark–recapture study was conducted to estimate home ranges and weekly travel distance of Mastomys natalensis (Smith 1834) in an irrigated rice ecosystem and fallow fields. We found that adults have larger home ranges than subadults in fallow fields but not in rice fields, indicating that fallow fields are more suitable for breeding. Travel distances were larger in rice fields, especially in the transplanting stage, during which rice fields are flooded and provide less food, causing movements into neighbouring fallow fields that then temporarily experience higher population density. A decrease in travel distance was observed in rice fields during the maturity stage, which can be explained by higher food availability and a more suitable, nonflooded situation. Movement of M. natalensis in rice-fallow mosaic landscapes thus seems to be driven by food availability and flooding status of the rice fields, which can be attributed to land use practices.
Contribution of land use to rodent flea load distribution in the plague endemic area of Lushoto District, Tanzania
(Tanzania Journal of Health Research) Hieronimo, Proches; Kihupi, Nganga I.; Kimaro, D. N.; Gulinck, Hubert; Mulungu, Loth S.; Msanya, B. M.; Leirs, Herwing; Deckers, J
Contribution of land use to rodent flea load distribution in the plague endemic area of Lushoto District, Tanzania
(Sokoine University of Agriculture,) Hieronimo, Proches; Kihupi, Nganga I.; Kimaro, Didas N.; Gulinck, Hubert; Mulungu, Loth S.; Msanya, B. M.; Leirs, Herwing; Deckers, Jozef A.
Contribution of land use to rodent flea load distribution in the plague endemic area of Lushoto District, Tanzania
(Sokoine University of Agriculture,, 2014-07-01) Hieronimo, Proches; Kihupi, Nganga I.; Kimaro, Didas N.; Gulinck, Hubert; Mulungu, Loth S.; Msanya, B. M.; Leirs, Herwing; Deckers, Jozef A.
Fleas associated with different rodent species are considered as the major vectors of bubonic plague, which is still rampant in different parts of the world. The objective of this study was to investigate the contribution of land use to rodent flea load distribution at fine scale in the plague endemic area of north-eastern Tanzania. Data was collected in three case areas namely, Shume, Lukozi and Mwangoi, differing in plague incidence levels. Data collection was carried out during both wet and dry seasons of 2012. Analysis of Variance and Boosted Regression Tree (BRT) statistical methods were used to clarify the relationships between fleas and specific land use characteristics. There was a significant variation (P ≤ 0.05) of flea indices in different land use types. Fallow and natural forest had higher flea indices whereas plantation forest mono-crop and mixed annual crops had the lowest flea indices among the aggregated land use types. The influence of individual land use types on flea indices was variable with fallow having a positive effect and land tillage showing a negative effect. The results also demonstrated a seasonal effect, part of which can be attributed to different land use practices such as application of pesticides, or the presence of grass strips around fields. These findings suggest that land use factors have a major influence on rodent flea abundance which can be taken as a proxy for plague infection risk. The results further point to the need for a comprehensive package that includes land tillage and crop type considerations on one hand and the associated human activities on the other, in planning and implementation of plague control interventions. ________________________________________________________________________________
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.
Distribution and ecology of lesser pouched rat, Beamys hindei, in Tanzanian coastal forests
(Integrative Zoology) Sabuni, Christopher A.; Sluydts, Vincent; Mulungu, Loth S.; Maganga, Samwel L.S.; Makundi, Rhodes H.; Leirs, Herwig
Distribution and ecology of lesser pouched rat, Beamys hindei, in Tanzanian coastal forests
(Integrative Zoology, 2015) Sabuni, Christopher A.; Sluydts, Vincent; Mulungu, Loth S.; Maganga, Samwel L.S.; Makundi, Rhodes H.; Leirs, Herwig
The lesser pouched rat, Beamys hindei, is a small rodent that is patchily distributed in the Eastern Arc Mountains and coastal forests in East Africa. The ecology of this species and its current distribution in coastal forests is not well known. Therefore, we conducted a study in selected coastal forests to assess the current distribution of the species and to investigate the population ecology in terms of abundance fluctuations and demographic patterns. Assessments of the species distribution were conducted in 5 forests through trapping with Sherman live traps. Data on ecology were obtained from monthly capture–mark–recapture studies conducted for 5 consecutive nights per month in two 1 ha grids set in Zaraninge Forest over a 2-year period. The results indicate the presence of B. hindei in 3 forests where it was not previously recorded. The population abundance estimates ranged from 1 to 40 animals per month, with high numbers recorded during rainy seasons. Reproduction patterns and sex ratios did not differ between months. Survival estimates were not influenced by season, and recruitment was low, with growth rate estimates of 1 animal per month. These estimates suggest a stable population of B. hindei in Zaraninge Forest. Further studies are recommended to establish the home range, diet and burrowing behavior of the species in coastal forests in East Africa.
Do farming practices influence population dynamics of rodents? A case study of the multimammate field rats, Mastomys natalensis, in Tanzania
(Blackwell Publishing Ltd, Afr. J. Ecol.) Massawe, A. W.; Rwamugira, W; Leirs, H; Makundi, Rhodes H.; Mulungu, Loth S.
Do farming practices influence population dynamics of rodents? A case study of the multimammate field rats, Mastomys natalensis, in Tanzania
(Blackwell Publishing Ltd, Afr. J. Ecol., 2006) Massawe, A. W.; Rwamugira, W; Leirs, H; Makundi, Rhodes H.; Mulungu, Loth S.
A capture-mark-recapture study was conducted in crop fields in Morogoro, Tanzania, to investigate how the population dynamics of multimammate field rats, Mastomys natalensis, was influenced by the commonly practised land preparation methods and cropping systems. Two land preparation methods (tractor ploughing and slash and burn) and two cropping systems (mono-cropping with maize and inter-cropping with maize and beans) were investigated in a Complete Randomized Design experiment with 2 · 2 factors, and two 0.5 ha replicates per treatment. Mastomys natalensis comprised 97.8% of the abundance of the three rodent species captured in the study area. The slash and burned fields had higher rodent population densities than tractor ploughed fields (P < 0.05). Recruitment rates were higher in the slash and burn fields than in the tractor ploughed fields, suggesting that the former were more favourable habitats for M. natalensis. Land preparation methods appeared to influence the population dynamics of M. natalensis through recruitment of new individuals in the population and most probably survival. Apart from the temporal changes in population density, which were reflected in both tractor ploughed and slash and burn fields, cropping systems (mono- and inter-crop) had little effect on the population dynamics of M. natalensis [F(1,8) ¼ 6.50; P > 0.05]. The study shows that land preparation methods should be considered a component of rodent pest management in ecologically based or integrated management practices. In maize fields in Tanzania, the crop is most susceptible to damage by M. natalensis in the first 2 weeks after planting, and therefore, lower densities of rodents will result into lower crop damage in tractor ploughed fields.