Browsing by Author "Mchomvu, M"

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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.
Farmer’s knowledge, attitude and practice on rodent management in lowland irrigated rice in Central-eastern Tanzania
(International Research Journal, 2015) Mulungu, L. S; Mrosso, F .P; Katakweba, A .A .S; Mdangi, M .E; Tesha, P .P .H; Ngowo, V.; Mchomvu, M; Kilonzo, B .S.
Rodents are one of the major factors limiting crop production in Central-eastern Tanzania. A quantitative study was conducted at Hembeti village to obtain information on knowledge, attitude and practice of villagers with respect to rodent management. Structured questionnaires were administered to 30 randomly selected farmers and the results obtained were analysed by the SPSS Ver. 12 Computer programme. It was revealed that 80-90% of the farmers cultivate maize and paddy in small fields ranging from 0.5 to 1.5 acres. Rodents were reported to be the leading pests causing 20- 60% crop losses both in fields and stores yearly. Methods used to assess presence of rodents in the area included presence of burrows and unearthed seedlings in fields and damaged grains and rodent noises in stores. It was further found out that farmers were responsible for control of rodents and that 53% and 47 % were using rodenticides and physical killing methods respectively. Financial constraints were reported to be the major factors limiting farmers to acquire and apply rodenticides. Need for training farmers on other management methods basing on ecological approaches was recommended.
Food preferences of the multi-mammate mouse, Mastomys natalensis, in irrigated rice habitats in Tanzania
(Taylor & Francis, 2014-01-16) Mulungu, L S; Ngowo, v; Mdangi, M; Katakweba, S A; Tesha, P; Mrosso, F P; Mchomvu, M; Sheyo, P M; Kilonzo, B S
We investigated the composition of the diet of the multi-mammate mouse, Mastomys natalensis, within irrigated rice and fallow field habitats at set time periods related to rice crop growth stages. In both habitats, vegetative plant material, i.e. leaves, stems and seeds, were the most abundant components of the rodent’s diet, while other food types (invertebrates, fruits) were observed only in low quantities. We conclude that vegetative plant material and seeds were the main types of food consumed not only due to their relatively higher abundance in the environments under study but also because of the highly specialised herbivorous/granivorous nature of the dominant rodent species, M. natalensis. Thus, the introduction and expansion of continuous rice-cropping using irrigation in Tanzania is likely to be severely constrained by the presence of M. natalensis. In our opinion, field hygiene, including the removal of alternative food resources and nesting sites for M. natalensis near cropping areas, may help to both lower rodent population numbers and reduce immigration potential. Nonchemical rodent control methods such as trap barrier systems developed for lowland irrigated rice in south-eastern Asia should, we argue, be evaluated for their effectiveness under African conditions.
Food preferences of the multi-mammate mouse, Mastomys natalensis, in irrigated rice habitats in Tanzania
(Taylor & Francis, 2014) Mulungu, L.S.; Mlyashimbi, E.C.M; Ngowo, V; Mdangi, M; Katakweba, A.S; Tesha, P; Mrosso, F.P; Mchomvu, M; Kilonzo, B.S; Belmain, S.R.
We investigated the composition of the diet of the multi-mammate mouse, Mastomys natalensis, within irrigated rice and fallow field habitats at set time periods related to rice crop growth stages. In both habitats, vegetative plant material, i.e. leaves, stems and seeds, were the most abundant components of the rodent’s diet, while other food types (invertebrates, fruits) were observed only in low quantities. We conclude that vegetative plant material and seeds were the main types of food consumed not only due to their relatively higher abundance in the environments under study but also because of the highly specialised herbivorous/granivorous nature of the dominant rodent species, M. natalensis. Thus, the introduction and expansion of continuous rice-cropping using irrigation in Tanzania is likely to be severely constrained by the presence of M. natalensis. In our opinion, field hygiene, including the removal of alternative food resources and nesting sites for M. natalensis near cropping areas, may help to both lower rodent population numbers and reduce immigration potential. Nonchemical rodent control methods such as trap barrier systems developed for lowland irrigated rice in south-eastern Asia should, we argue, be evaluated for their effectiveness under African conditions.
Population dynamics and breeding patterns of multimammate mouse, Mastomysnatalensis (Smith1834), inirrigated rice ﬁelds in Eastern Tanzania
(Willey online library, 2012-06-21) Mulungu, L S; Ngowo, V; Mdangi, M; Katakweba, S A; Tesha, P; Mrosso, P F; Mchomvu, M; Sheyo, P M; Kilonzo, S B
Multimammate mice are the most important vertebrate pests in Sub-Saharan Africa and are also reservoirs of many zoonotic diseases, including sylvan plague. This study investigated the population dynamics and breeding patterns of this mouse in irrigated rice cropping systems in eastern Tanzania. RESULTS:Themultimammatemouse,Mastomysnatalensis,populationvariedwithhabitatandmonths.Fallowlandhada more abundant population than rice ﬁelds. The highest population peak was observed during the dry season from July to October. Mastomys natalensis is sexually active throughout the year in the study area, although it reaches the highest level in June and December when rice is at the maturity stage. This suggests that breeding is highly inﬂuenced by the presence of a rice crop in both seasons. More juvenile individuals were recorded in August and September, indicating that they were produced in the previous breeding months. The sex ratio of M.natalensis was not skewed to either males or females, indicating that it was at parity. CONCLUSION: Rodent population dynamics during the study periods in all habitats indicated that high birth rates accounted for the rapid population growth and turnover. Regular control and sustainable operations are thus essential if rodent pest populations are to be kept with in tolerable limits.
Population dynamics and breeding patterns of multimammate mouse,Mastomys natalensis (Smith1834),inirrigatedriceﬁeldsinEastern Tanzania
(Willey Online Library, 2012-06-21) Mulungu, L S; Ngowo, V; Mdangi, M; Katakweba, A S; Tesha, P; Mrosso, P F; Mchomvu, M; Sheyo, P M; Kilonzo, B S
Multimammate mice are the most important vertebrate pests in Sub-Saharan Africa and are also reservoirs of many zoonotic diseases, including sylvan plague. This study investigated the population dynamics and breeding patterns of this mouse in irrigated rice croppings ystems in easternTanzania. RESULTS:The multimammate mouse,Mastomys natalensis,population varied with habit at nd months.Fallow land had a more abundant population than rice ﬁelds. The highest population peak was observed during the dry season from July to October. Mastomysnatalensis is sexually active throughout the year in the study area, although it reaches the highest level in June and December when rice is at the maturity stage. This suggests that breeding is highly inﬂuenced by the presence of a rice crop in both seasons. More juvenile individuals were recorded in August and September, indicating that they were produced in the previous breeding months. The sex ratio of M.natalensis was not skewed to either males or females, indicating that it was at parity. CONCLUSION: Rodent population dynamics during the study periods in all habitats indicated that high birth rates accounted for the rapid population growth and turnover. Regular control and sustainable operations are thus essential if rodent pest populations are to be kept within tolerablel imits.