Spatial Distribution of Opuntia Stricta (Haworth) in Tsavo East National Park, Kenya
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Date
2020-10
Authors
Titus, Elizabeth K.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Kenyatta University
Abstract
Kenya has experienced biological invasions some of which are considered to have
significant consequences on the socio-economic status of affected communities. At
the ecosystem level, they change community structure and composition. Available
data on invasive species in the East African region shows that 34 different species of
invasive plants have invaded Kenya. Notable examples of invasive species include
Opuntia stricta (Haw) and water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes). This research was
aimed at assessing the impact of the invasive O. stricta on other plant species and
wildlife in the Tsavo East National Park, Kenya (TENP). The study area was divided
into twelve transects which was 2km long and ten quadrats each 5m by 5m
established systematically along each transect. Data on Opuntia stricta coverage,
woody plants, dung of elephant to denote their presence and soil samples was
collected in each quadrat. ANOVA was conducted on Opuntia stricta coverage and
confirmed that its distribution differed significantly per the sampled transects.
Correlation between Opuntia stricta and soil chemical composition, elephant
distribution and presence of woody plants was carried out. Among the soil chemical
composition investigated, phosphates negatively correlated with O. stricta cover at a
significance level of p=0.002 for α =5%. Sodium amount and O. stricta cover were
found to have a positive correlation at a significance level of P=0.039 for α= 5%. A
positive correlation between the presence of elephants and O. stricta percentage cover
was significant with r=0.37 and P=0.000 at α=5%. O. stricta cover and woody plant
species had an insignificant positive correlation with P =0.177 at 5%. Findings
of this study are crucial in any strategies adopted to guide in the control of rapid
spread of O. stricta in Tsavo East National Park and other similar ecosystems.
Description
Kenya has experienced biological invasions some of which are considered to have
significant consequences on the socio-economic status of affected communities. At
the ecosystem level, they change community structure and composition. Available
data on invasive species in the East African region shows that 34 different species of
invasive plants have invaded Kenya. Notable examples of invasive species include
Opuntia stricta (Haw) and water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes). This research was
aimed at assessing the impact of the invasive O. stricta on other plant species and
wildlife in the Tsavo East National Park, Kenya (TENP). The study area was divided
into twelve transects which was 2km long and ten quadrats each 5m by 5m
established systematically along each transect. Data on Opuntia stricta coverage,
woody plants, dung of elephant to denote their presence and soil samples was
collected in each quadrat. ANOVA was conducted on Opuntia stricta coverage and
confirmed that its distribution differed significantly per the sampled transects.
Correlation between Opuntia stricta and soil chemical composition, elephant
distribution and presence of woody plants was carried out. Among the soil chemical
composition investigated, phosphates negatively correlated with O. stricta cover at a
significance level of p=0.002 for α =5%. Sodium amount and O. stricta cover were
found to have a positive correlation at a significance level of P=0.039 for α= 5%. A
positive correlation between the presence of elephants and O. stricta percentage cover
was significant with r=0.37 and P=0.000 at α=5%. O. stricta cover and woody plant
species had an insignificant positive correlation with P =0.177 at 5%. Findings
of this study are crucial in any strategies adopted to guide in the control of rapid
spread of O. stricta in Tsavo East National Park and other similar ecosystems.
Keywords
Spatial Distribution, Opuntia Stricta (Haworth), Tsavo East National Park, Kenya