Browsing by Author "Byamungu, R. M."

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Conservation leadership programme: Project Reporting
(Save Our Spicies, 2011) Byamungu, R. M.; Kitegile, A.; Muganda, M.
Our study focused on endangered bird species, Sokoke pipit, which has a very small range, and its habitat is declining owing to clearance for cultivation, intensive charcoal production and logging. Our aim was to generate information relevant for conservation of Sokoke pipit in Zaraninge forest. We collected data for density estimation using distance sampling techniques, alongside recording habitat data. We also collected data regarding familiarity of species among surrounding local communities, which was followed by awareness-rising on missing knowledge. Result showed that S. pipit preferred least disturbed habitats with tall trees that are less influenced by human activities. Analysis using DISTANCE program revealed that the pipit population is very low in Zaraninge forest (1.6 individuals/km2). Furthermore, in this forest, the species is only restricted in the forest core habitats. Although some members of the local community claimed to know the species, results showed that there were confusion of our species with other birds especially House sparrow and other species of pipit. We concluded that S. pipit in Zaraninge forest avoided areas that experienced frequent human interference including places next to pineapple and maize fields. Overall, the findings appeared to suggest that local communities in the study area had little knowledge about the study species.
Tree stock, structure and use of common woody species of a town neighboring forest reserve in Tanzania: implication for managing carbon accumulation
(2018-11-05) Byamungu, R. M.; Mariki, S. B.; Mkiramweni, N. P.
Town neighboring forests in the tropics suffer high human pressure owing to unregulated harvest to supply domestic energy and equipment. Although this causes considerable source of income among communities, it poses significant deforestation, thus, jeopardizing carbon accumulation potentials of most of the forests. This study therefore assessed the stock, structure and use of common woody species in a town neighboring forest reserve to elucidate the reserve’s carbon accumulation potential amid pressures from surrounding communities. It was found out that the structure of the forest had been altered following unregulated tree harvest. There were selective harvesting and removal of valued timber trees, and key species that otherwise are responsible in regulating the ecosystem functioning of the reserve. It was apparent that the unregulated harvest is likely to jeopardize the ecosystem functioning and carbon accumulation potential of the reserve. Thus, to manage the reserve sustainably, awareness education on forest biodiversity conservation among surrounding local communities is recommended. We also recommend exploration of the reserve for ecotourism potentials. This might stimulate ecotourism activities in the area and provide an alternative source of income among the local population. This would add value and sense of ownership and stimulate selfmobilization for protection of the reserve.