Browsing by Author "Kicheleri, Rose Peter"

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Abundance and diversity of wild mammals along a hydrologic gradient in the Usangu wetlands, Tanzania
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2011) Kicheleri, Rose Peter
This study was conducted in the Eastern Usangu wetland in Mbcya and Iringa regions to examine the composition, abundance and diversity of mammals along a hydrological gradient. Data were collected in two seasons using distance sampling method along transects using a GPS to locate positions. Kruskal-Wallis, Pearson’s correlation and t-tests were employed to test the association of distance and number of animals observed along the gradient. Diversity of mammals along the gradient was determined by a number of indices using PRIMER 5.0 software. The study revealed that animal sightings decreased with distances from the edge of wetland though not significant different along the gradient. Also, flight distance of observed mammals was high indicating higher degree of poaching, and probably disturbances. Human activities such as abandoned farms, demolished houses and fresh livestock dung. were rampant in the wetlands. There was a statistically significant difference in the number of observed mammals in the two seasons, where species richness and abundance were higher in the late dry season. These results indicate that wetlands are important refuge areas for mammals as both abundance and diversity decreased with distance from the edge of the wetland. This study recommends a continuous monitoring of birds and mammals populations such as topi to help in determining the changes in abundance and diversity over time in Usangu wetlands as a result of intervention from anthropogenic disturbances.
Exploring pathogenic and zoonotic bacteria from wild rodents, dogs, and humans of the Ngorongoro district in Tanzania using metagenomics next-generation sequencing
(MDPI, 2023) Issae, Amina Ramadhani; Katakweba, Abdul Selemani; Kicheleri, Rose Peter; Chengula, Augustino Alfred; Van Zwetselaar, Marco; Kasanga, Christopher Jacob
Globally, zoonoses have serious consequences due to their socioeconomic impacts. Ngoron- goro District is home to a diverse range of wildlife and domestic animals, including rodents and dogs, which often coexist in close proximity with humans. The aim of the study was to identify the zoonotic bacteria present in wild rodents, domestic dogs, and humans using metagenomics next-generation sequencing technology. A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2022. This study used both Illumina and Oxford Nanopore sequencing technologies to identify bacteria in 530 blood samples collected from humans (n = 200), wild rodents (n = 230), and dogs (n = 100). Several zoonotic airborne/contagious bacteria, including Mycobacterium spp., Mycoplasma spp., Bordetella spp., and Legionella spp., were detected in wild rodents, domestic dogs, and humans. Arthropod-borne zoonotic bacteria such as Bartonella spp., Borrelia spp., and Rickettsia spp. were detected in all three hosts, while Orientia spp. was found in wild rodents and domestic dogs. Yersinia pestis, Streptobacillus spp. and Anaplasma spp. were found only in wild rodents. Other zoonotic bacteria found shared among wild rodents, domestic dogs, and humans are Leptospira spp., Brucella spp., and Salmonella spp. Generally, wild rodents had the highest prevalence of zoonotic bacterial species when compared to domestic dogs and humans. The detection of zoonotic bacteria in rodents, dogs, and humans supports the hypothesis that infections can spread between animals and humans sharing the same environment.
Illegal wildlife trade: trade flows of wildlife Products and facilitation methods in the Ruaha Landscape, Tanzania
(Scientific Research Publishing, 2022) Mrosso, Hillary Thomas; Kicheleri, Rose Peter; Kashaigili, Japhet Joel; Munishi, Pantaleo; Kadigi, Reuben Mpuya Joseph; Mgeni, Charles Peter; Kimaro, Michael Honorati
Tanzania’s Ruaha landscape is prominent for its potential wildlife resources, which play a key role in sustaining the economy and livelihoods of the people. However, most of these resources are illegally obtained and traded in differ- ent places within and outside the Ruaha landscape. Due to its illegal nature, most of the important information regarding the trade is poorly documented. Therefore, the current study aimed first, to explore the origin and destina- tion of wildlife products; second, to assess the relationship between hunters and buyers or customers; third, to assess the means used to transport wildlife products; and lastly, to assess who influences people to engage in illegal hunt- ing and trade activities. In addition, we assess the materials used in the ex- change of wildlife products. Semi-structured questionnaires and face-to-face interviews were used to collect information from 123 respondents. Social network analysis was used to indicate the origin and destination of wildlife products. The findings show that 70% of wildlife products originate from the Ruaha National Park and MBOMIPA wildlife management areas, with the remaining 30% originating from villages. The majority of respondents (65%) reported transporting wildlife products by foot and bicycle as the primary modes of transportation. Suppliers of wildlife products are reported to have close and long-term relationships with their customers and traders, with most of whom being friends and relatives. We found most poachers to be influ- enced by their friends and relatives in terms making decision to engage in il- legal wildlife trade. In addition, crops like maize and rice were the most pop- ular products used to exchange with wildlife products in the Ruaha landscape. Therefore, in order to combat illegal trade in wildlife products at the local level, alternative income-generating activities need to be promoted accompa- nied by not only well-funded anti-poaching programmes but also more effec- tive surveillance plans. These should entail the use of advanced techniques and skills, such as wildlife forensics.
Illegal wildlife trade: trade flows of wildlife products and facilitation methods in the Ruaha Landscape, Tanzania
(Scientific Research Publishing, 2022) Mrosso, Hillary Thomas; Kicheleri, Rose Peter; Kashaigili, Japhet Joel; Munishi, Pantaleo; Kadigi, Reuben Mpuya Joseph; Mgeni, Charles Peter; Kimaro, Michael Honorati
Tanzania’s Ruaha landscape is prominent for its potential wildlife resources, which play a key role in sustaining the economy and livelihoods of the people. However, most of these resources are illegally obtained and traded in differ- ent places within and outside the Ruaha landscape. Due to its illegal nature, most of the important information regarding the trade is poorly documented. Therefore, the current study aimed first, to explore the origin and destina- tion of wildlife products; second, to assess the relationship between hunters and buyers or customers; third, to assess the means used to transport wildlife products; and lastly, to assess who influences people to engage in illegal hunt- ing and trade activities. In addition, we assess the materials used in the ex- change of wildlife products. Semi-structured questionnaires and face-to-face interviews were used to collect information from 123 respondents. Social network analysis was used to indicate the origin and destination of wildlife products. The findings show that 70% of wildlife products originate from the Ruaha National Park and MBOMIPA wildlife management areas, with the remaining 30% originating from villages. The majority of respondents (65%) reported transporting wildlife products by foot and bicycle as the primary modes of transportation. Suppliers of wildlife products are reported to have close and long-term relationships with their customers and traders, with most of whom being friends and relatives. We found most poachers to be influ- enced by their friends and relatives in terms making decision to engage in il- legal wildlife trade. In addition, crops like maize and rice were the most pop- ular products used to exchange with wildlife products in the Ruaha landscape. Therefore, in order to combat illegal trade in wildlife products at the local level, alternative income-generating activities need to be promoted accompa- nied by not only well-funded anti-poaching programmes but also more effec- tive surveillance plans. These should entail the use of advanced techniques and skills, such as wildlife forensics.
Knowledge, attitudes and practices on rift valley fever among pastoral and agropastoral communities of Ngorongoro in the rift valley ecosystem, Tanzania, conducted in 2021/2022
(PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases, 2023) Issae, Amina Ramadhani; Katakweba, Abdul Ahmed Selemani; Kicheleri, Rose Peter; Chengula, Augustino Alfred; Kasanga, Christopher Jacob
Epidemics of Rift Valley fever (RVF), a mosquito-borne zoonotic disease caused by RVF virus, have been linked to exceptionally heavy rainfall and widespread flooding. The disease is endemic in most African countries and pose a major global health risk. Given that the dis- ease was reported in various districts of Tanzania, we hypothesized a lack of knowledge about RVF epidemiology among agropastoral and pastoral communities. The research took place in a period of 7 months, from July, 2021 to January, 2022. The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) among the agropastoral and pastoral communities of Ngorongoro district towards RVF. The survey employed a mixed method system, which included 3 focus groups (each comprised 12 individuals), 20 key informant interviews and administration of questionnaire (N = 352) in agropastoral and pastoral com- munity members of Ngorongoro district. The relationship between demographic characteris- tics and communities’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding RVF was observed using a multiple logistic regression model. A total of 352 participants were interviewed, with the majority (67.61%) being male and 32.39% being female, majority (39.5%) attending pri- mary school, and majority (58.2%) being pastoralists. The findings showed that only 36.1%, 38.64% and 16.19% of participants had good knowledge, positive attitude and good prac- tices regarding RVF respectively. Significant demographic factors related with knowledge included: gender (OR = 1.9, CI = 1.03–3.56, P = 0.041), education levels (primary: OR = 3.97, CI = 2–8.16, P = 0.000; secondary: OR = 15.27, CI = 5.5–46.23, P = 0.000 and college: OR = 34. 23, CI = 5.4–67.22, P = 0.000), and locality (Pinyinyi: OR = 0.14, CI = 0.05–0.38, P = 0.000 and Sale: OR = 0.14, CI = 0.04–0.44, P = 0.001). Male participants showed signifi- cant positive attitude towards RVF compared to female (OR = 2.37, CI = 1.35–4.17, P = 0.003). Individuals with formal education showed a significant positive attitude toward RVF compared to informal (OR>1, P<0.05). Agropastoral members showed a significant nega- tive attitude toward RVF compared to pastoralists (OR = 0.51, CI = 0.26–0.99, P = 0.048).The calculated RVF prevention practices values were insignificantly (P = 0.853) correlated with knowledge values. The significant correlation between knowledge and attitude, as well as attitude and practice were found (P<0.05). In general, the study revealed poor knowl- edge, negative attitude and poor practices of communities towards RVF. The lack of regular education programs to make the communities aware of the disease was implicated for these findings. This recommends that provision of health education should be a long-term practice among agropastoral and pastoral communities in order to prevent further RVF out- breaks in Tanzania.