Browsing by Author "Bugingo, Adili"

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Pollination biology of coffea kihansiensis (rubiaceae), an endemic wild coffee species in kihansi gorge forest, Tanzania
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2018) Bugingo, Adili
The Kihansi wild coffee. Coffea kihansiensis. is an endemic coffee species found in the understory of the Kihansi gorge forest in Tanzania. In this study, pollination biology of C. kihansiensis was assessed. The aim of the study was to understand the relationship between the flower biology of C. kihansiensis and its insect pollinators. Specifically, the study investigated flowering patterns, floral dimensions, insect visitors, pollinators, floral rewards and breeding system. A systematic sampling design was employed and three C. kihansiensis populations were used as sampling blocks. Data were collected through direct observations. direct counts, measurements and experiments. Flowering in the species exhibited a bing-bang (mast) flowering pattern and was observed to occur from mid-December through to January following short rains. C. kihansiensis flowers were visited by a wide range of insects belonging to 44 species. Bees of various species were the most abundant insect visitors on the flowers and appeared to be the most effective pollinators of C. kihansiensis. Flowers typically offer pollen and nectar to insect visitors. Insect visitors* frequencies were higher in the morning than in the afternoon and evening, and were associated with the timing of pollen and nectar release. Irrespective of species, insect visitation was higher in morning, at 1100 hr. Fruit set was high in cross pollinated flowers. The low fruit set in the absence of pollinators might be interpreted as an adaptation to low pollinator visitation rate or pollen limitation. The self-incompatibility index (1SI) was estimated to be 0.72. Results from hand-pollination and the ISI value show that C. kihansiensis is partially self-incompatible, able to reproduce through both selfing and outcrossing. It showed that pollinators play important role in enhancing the productivity of C. kihansiensis. The above findings imply that in situ conservation of C. kihansiensis must focus on monitoring the species, its insect pollinators and conservation and management of its natural habitat.
Wet season bird species richness and diversity along urban-rural gradient in Morogoro municipality and surrounding areas, Tanzania
(Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA), 2014-06) Rija, Alfan A.; Bugingo, Adili; Said, Abubakari; Mwamende, Kuruthumu A.
This study examined the variation in diversity and distribution of avian species across an urban–rural gradient during the wet season in Morogoro municipality and its surroundings. A total of 2547 individuals comprising 86 species belonging to 11 orders and 37 families were recorded across urban-rural habitats. The highest (65) species richness was recorded in rural zone, followed by suburban zone (56) and Morogoro core urban zone, the lowest (29). Similarly, species diversity was highest in rural zone (H’= 3.107) and lowest in Morogoro core urban (H’= 2.021), suggesting that increasing urbanization is adversely impacting bird communities across the rural-urban stretch. No significant difference in species diversity was detected between rural and sub-urban zones, but relative abundance of birds differed between the zones. Further, diverse bird guilds were recorded varying across the urban-rural gradients indicating the area’s conservation importance. Increasing urban development severs more suitable habitats with dire consequences on the survival of disturbance-sensitive bird species. These results underpin the need for considering integrated avifaunal conservation strategies and are important for planning local avitourism activities and to protect remaining natural habitats in the municipality. Key words: bird guilds; bird richness; species diversity; urban habitats; urbanrural gradients; Morogoro Tanzania