Browsing by Author "Banda, Robbie R."

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    Exploitation and conservation status of five selected mammals in Kisiju coastal forest, Kisarawe district, Tanzania
    (University of Dar es Salaam, 1995) Banda, Robbie R.
    Exploitation and conservation status of five mammals in Kisiju coastal forest, Kisarawe District, Tanzania were studied between January, 1993 and March, 1994. Four aspects were Investigated: (1) Vegetation: Quadrat and strip counting of trees and comparisons were made on the number of species, species composition, similarity, distribution, diversity, richness and evenness between Kisiju island forest and the mainland and between the major habitats on Kisiju island forest. The top ten trees accounted for 78% of the total number of trees on the Island; the figure was 96% for the mainland. There was low species diversity, richness and evenness on the mainland. There was high species diversity, richness and evenness on the Kisiju island forest. (2). Animal distribution and density. Interviews and animal foot counts indicated that the abundance of colobus monkey, Sykes monkey and bushbuck decreased from primary vegetation to cultivated habitats while the abundance of the vervet monkey increased from primary habitat to cultivated habitat. Bushbuck density was low in primary and secondary habitats and the animal was not recorded in the cultivated habitats. (3) Food habits. Interviews and Ad libitum sampling showed that sykes monkey, vervet monkey and bush pigs were vermin; Columbus monkeys and bushbuck were not vermine. The diets of the mammals were of high diversity. (4). Exploitation of wildlife, the forest and forest products. Interviews and on the site ad libitum observations showed that bushbuck and bushpig were killed mainly for meat. Vervet monkeys were killed and live trapped for sport (recreation) and for pets. Colobus monkey was killed for its skin. Many pigs were trapped and killed in an attempt to reduce crop destruction. Cutting of trees appeared to accelerate the destruction of the remaining forest on Kisiju Island.