Forest Resources and Wildlife Management

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Forest Resources and Wildlife Management

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Browsing Forest Resources and Wildlife Management by Author "Fritz, H."

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    Diet and Life-History Traits of Savannah Dwelling Waterbirds in Southern Africa: Implications for Their Conservation Status
    (Birds, 2021-04-20) Tarakini, T.; Mabika, I.; Mwedzi, T.; Mundy, P.; Fritz, H.
    This study evaluates the relative contribution of reproduction-based life history traits and diet to the population trends in waterbirds from southern Africa. Life history traits (clutch size, incubation period, fledging time, body mass and generation length), diet (prey weight, body lengths and number of taxa represented in its diet (NTD)) and conservation status (declining/not declining) of 163 waterbird species were reviewed. An index of diet generalism was created based on NTD. Cluster analysis was applied on life history traits to define groups of waterbirds. Binomial regressions were used to test if population trends were different across cluster groups and diet variables. Four clusters of waterbirds were defined, with most waterfowl clustering together. Species that feed on small and large prey had higher probabilities of declining (0.17 and 0.26, respectively) compared to those feeding on medium-sized prey (0.08). Amphibians, coleopterans, crustacea, molluscs and tunicates were used by species in all clusters, and the risk of waterbird populations declining further are high given the current dwindling of the prey base. The large proportions of declining species (61%) in waterbirds, which have constrained habitats, calls for continued efforts to mitigate disturbances to wetlands.
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    Land use effects on phylogenetic and functional diversity of birds: Significance of urban green spaces
    (Elsevier, 2022-05-07) Muvengwi, J.; Fritz, H.; Mbiba, M.; Ndagurwa, H.G.
    Although research has been done in order to understand the impact of urban development on avian diversity, it mainly focused on taxonomic diversity. Here we aimed to assess biodiversity targeting beyond species richness since this has the potential to inform the conservation of healthy functioning ecosystem. We explored how functional and phylogenetic diversity vary between a protected area and urban green spaces. We collected avian data at Lake Chivero Park and six green spaces in the city of Harare, Zimbabwe. The avian point count method at 30 sites for each location (Harare and Lake Chivero Park) was conducted. Alpha diversity indices were compared between Harare and Lake Chivero Park using independent t-test. One-way analysis of variance was applied to test for variation in functional and phylogenetic beta-diversity metrics together with the respective standardized effect size. Urban green spaces had higher species richness, abundance, phylogenetic and functional diversity than Lake Chivero Park. Beta diversity between the two sites was much higher than within sites diversity. The two sites did not differ in terms of beta diversity. Our study shows that urban development that incorporates green spaces maybe critical in the conservation of functional and phylogenetic diversity of avifauna. We suggest that urban landscapes be considered in national and regional conservation plans since they can act as conduits between protected areas, especially for avifauna.
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    Perceptions on Barn Owls and Their Use in Rodent Control: A Case Study of Hwange District
    (Tropical Conservation Science, 2022) Sebele, L.; Sebele, L.; Mundy, P.; Fritz, H.
    Background and Research Aims Myths and beliefs shape the relationships that people have with different species. They lead to the protection of revered species and the persecution of negatively viewed species. In some instances, people fear these species resulting in a failure to tap into their benefits. This study investigates the possibility of using Barn Owls, a species largely linked to traditional beliefs, as a biological control for rodent pests. Methods Data was collected through a questionnaire survey. Chi-square tests were used to assess the links between socio-demographic variables and the people’s attitude towards the use of owls in rodent control. A Generalised Linear Model was used to investigate the influence of the distance of the homestead from a protected area on their perceptions of owls. Results Although most respondents acknowledged that they had a rodent problem, 41% would not use owls for their control. More females than males did not want to use owls for fear of being labelled as witches, whilst males felt owls were good for rodent control and ecosystem balance. Level of education and age did not influence people’s perceptions. People living closer to a protected area embraced the use of owls in rodent control and village of origin influenced perception of owls. Most teenagers displayed the same attitude towards owls as their mothers. Conclusion Gender and parental influence play a role in influencing the perceptions of the community on owls. There is need to further investigate the factors within a village which influence perceptions on owls. Implications for Conservation Cultural beliefs should be considered in conservation as the belief in witchcraft transcends age and education. There is need for conservation efforts to focus on improving ecological literacy of target groups to improve the conservation of feared species.