- Blacksburg, Virginia, United States
KURUTHUMU MWAMENDE
Virginia Tech, Fish and Wildlife, Graduate Student
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
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... more
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 sub-urban 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.
Research Interests:
Understanding of the biology of threatened species is central to effective planning for sustainable management of wildlife. The Sanje mangabey, Cercocebus sanjei of Udzungwa Mountains National Park in Tanzania is under pressure from... more
Understanding of the biology of threatened species is central to effective planning for sustainable management of wildlife. The Sanje mangabey, Cercocebus sanjei of Udzungwa Mountains National Park in Tanzania is under pressure from increasing human hunting, and habitat loss threatens its long-term survival. This thesis endeavoured to document the socio-biological and ecological aspects of this little-known species in a small habituated group of 62 individuals within the Mwanihana forest in Udzungwa Mountains National Park. I studied the social organisation, size and age-sex composition of one group by following and monitoring of the Sanje mangabeys over a six-month period. I also investigated the spatial-temporal interactions and associations between age and sex classes within a group. I assessed the Sanje mangabey's ranging and movement patterns and monitored its reproductive behaviour by examining female sexual skin swellings and relationships between sexual swellings and sex...
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
The Kihansi spray toad (Nectophrynoides asperginis) was first discovered in 1996 and listed in CITES App. I, and as critically endangered species endemic to the Kihansi river gorge in Tanzania. Its original population declined following... more
The Kihansi spray toad (Nectophrynoides asperginis) was first discovered in 1996 and listed in CITES App. I, and as critically endangered species endemic to the Kihansi river gorge in Tanzania. Its original population declined following diversion ofwater for hydropower production resulting in reduced flow of less than 2 m3/s from the initial 16 m3/s thereby causing the toad habitat to desiccate. Despite installing artificial sprinklers to generate sprays for the habitat, in late 2003 the population crashed to less than ten toads from more ...
AIM: To investigate the feeding habits of the spider Nephila sp and document its behavioural and ecological aspects in its natural environment. METHODS: The study was carried out in Naivasha, Kenya within the Elsamere Field Study Centre... more
AIM: To investigate the feeding habits of the spider Nephila sp and document its behavioural and ecological aspects in its natural environment. METHODS: The study was carried out in Naivasha, Kenya within the Elsamere Field Study Centre (EFSC) compound located on the southern waterfront of Lake Naivasha. We used field surveys of insects and food selectivity model to record the dietary spectrum of the spider as well as examined spider selectivity behaviour for various prey. Also, field feeding experiments were used to test whether ...