Afrixalus sylvaticus Schiøtz, 1974 is a species of hyperoliid frog inhabiting coastal forest Kenya. It is classified as endangered under IUCN B2ab(iii) ver 3.1 and occurs in the Shimba Hills National Park and hinterlands. Habitat loss and other human activities are threatening the species. Therefore, understanding the breeding ecology and population dynamics is important for its conservation. This study assessed the breeding ecology and population dynamics of the species in the protected and community landscapes in Shimba Hills National Reserve in Kenya. Data was collected through ecological surveys conducted from June 2016 to July 2017 using a visual encounter surveys (VES) method. The results show that the species was more abundant during the wet season than dry (58% and 42%, respectively). The population estimate was 192 individuals and a density of 0.98 individuals/km2. Regarding the morphology, the mean snout-vent length (SVL) for males was 15.12 mm and females 15.96 mm, but there was no significant difference (t-test = 0.87, p = 0.390, df = 39). The mean weight of both gravid and non-gravid females was 6.05 g and males was 4.82 g. The weights were statistically different between both sexes (t-test = 3.50, p-value = 0.001, df = 39). The sex ratio was 1:2 (male: female). There was more activity in the wet season (April and May), and the breeding habitats were reeds and water lilies. The threats identified to their habitat include; human activities such as bush burning, livestock grazing, drainage, and plantation of exotic tree species (Eucalyptus sp.) that have led to habitat loss and degradation. The study recommends that the reforestation processes such as plantation of exotic species such as Eucalyptus sp. and Casuarina sp. and bush burning in the wetlands and species habitats must be discouraged among the stakeholders (community and park management). Moreover, more synchronized studies are necessary to highlight the driver(s) of imbalanced sex ratios and species habitat shifts.
Although amphibians significantly contribute to energy flow in ecosystem, recent studies show that over 1800 amphibians are at risk of extinction globally and about fifth (235) of species in sub-Saharan Africa are threatened with extinction due to habitat destruction. The results show that coastal biodiversity hotspots including Shimba Hills National Reserve (30 species of anuras) and Taita Hill ecosystem complex (24 species) are leading in amphibian biodiversity and level of endemism. Moreover, the distribution of Afrixalus slylvaticus in Shimba Hills Ecosystem was almost equal in both land tenure types (51% in protected and 49% in community land). However, the species was more abundant during the wet season than dry (58 and 42%, respectively) which represented a statistical significant difference (t-value = −3.38, p-value = 0.002, DF = 30). However, the level of endemism declines drastically inland and towards the drier parts of the country. Most amphibian ecosystems in Kenya are facing perturbation from rapid human population growth, expansion of urban and agriculture areas, unplanned infrastructural and unregulated use of riparian zones. This pace of amphibian loss and decline calls for immediate collaborative actions. Reversing the trend requires dire commitment from conservationists and communities.
The potential role of anti-herbivory mechanisms used by plants and their synergistic responses to grazing and interactive effects on herbivores are poorly understood. The aim of this study was to quantify the influence of grazing intensity on cyanogenic glycosides in Lake Bogoria, Baringo County Kenya. Field experiments were carried out in ten 50×10m enclosures. Grazing intensity was varied using simulated grazing method where two grazing treatments used; heavy grazing and light grazing. Grasses were categorized into two age classes; young and old. Cyanigenic glycocides (CNglc) were tested using impregnated picrate paper and their concentration determined by hydrolysis and trapping in 1M NaOH. Our findings showed that five of 16 sampled species produce cyanogenic glycosides; Cynodon dactylon, Cynodon plectostachyus, Digitaria scalarum, Sporobolus spicatus and Cyperus laevigatus. There was an inverse relation between Cyanide concentration and age of the plants. Young cuttings yield more Hydrogen Cyanide than older cuttings of the same grasses.Grazing intensity had a significant effect on the concentration of cyanogenic content in some grass species; C.dactylon (P=0.024) and S. laevigatus (P=0.003). The findings imply that grazing regime of managed pastures should consider the age of forage while allowing utilization of pastures preferably grazed on mature pastures with low levels of cyanogenic glycosides.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
hi@scite.ai
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.