Conservation Status of East African Greenheart (Waburgia Ugandensis (Sprague)) in Katimok Forest Reserve, Baringo County, Kenya
| dc.contributor.author | Isacko, Dub | |
| dc.date.accessioned | 2024-09-27T07:33:10Z | |
| dc.date.available | 2024-09-27T07:33:10Z | |
| dc.date.issued | 2024-01 | |
| dc.description | A Thesis Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirement for the Award of the Degree of Master of Environmental Science in the School of Environmental Studies of Kenyatta University January, 2024 Supervisors: 1. Benson Kamau Mburu 2. Geoffrey Mugo Macharia | |
| dc.description.abstract | Forest ecosystems provides livelihood opportunities such as medicines, fuelwood, timber, cash income and reliable supply of ground water. However, encroachment of forests by human settlement adjacent to conservation areas is associated with overharvesting of forest resources and uncontrolled livestock grazing leading to destruction and disappearance of useful plant species in forest ecosystems which can significantly affect both biodiversity integrity and ecological functioning. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the conservation status and effects of threats on relative abundance of Warburgia ugandensis in Katimok Forest Reserve, Baringo County in Kenya. The study objectives were: to evaluate the relative abundance of Warburgia ugandensis in natural vegetation of Katimok Forest Reserve, to examine the ex-situ conservation measures of Warburgia ugandensis in Baringo County, to analyse the indicators of threat to Warburgia ugandensis in natural vegetation of Katimok Forest Reserve and to analyse the traditional uses of Warburgia ugandensis in Baringo County. The study area was divided into four strata based on proximity of the forest reserve to human settlements.; Namely, Ossen, Kabartonjo, Talai and Ossen blocks. Generally, primary data was collected using social survey questionnaires, transect lines and quadrats methods. The social data was conducted by randomly sampling 345 respondents to collect data on ex-situ conservation measures and traditional uses of Warburgia ugandensis. Among the respondents interviewed to gather social data were household heads, local herbalists and foresters who were selected through purposive sampling. On the other hand, ecological surveys entailed line transects and quadrats methods to collect data on relative abundance and indicators of threats. Data analysis was carried out using qualitative and quantitative methods. The findings established that mean distribution of Warburgia ugandensis and indicators of threat was significantly influenced by distance from forest edge. Similarly, there was significant differences in the mean traditional uses and ex-situ conservation of Warburgia ugandensis. Moreover, pearson correlation results revealed that the mean of debarked trees significantly influenced the mean mature Warburgia ugandensis (r = 0.95; df=2, P=0.019), mean counts of cow dungs significantly affected mean number of seedlings/saplings (r = 0.96; df=2, P=0.017) and mean of other indicators of threats (stumps, defoliated leaves, broken twigs/branches) significantly influenced the abundance of Warburgia ugandensis (r = 0.97; df=2, p=0.015).All the statistics were considered at 95% confidence levels. Therefore, human and livestock activities negatively influenced the abundance of Warburgia ugandensis species. Thus, there is need to reduce anthropogenic activities in the forest so as to restore its biodiversity integrity and particularly put in place conservation plans of medicinal trees such Warburgia ugandensis. | |
| dc.description.sponsorship | Kenyatta University | |
| dc.identifier.uri | https://ir-library.ku.ac.ke/handle/123456789/28917 | |
| dc.language.iso | en | |
| dc.publisher | Kenyatta University | |
| dc.title | Conservation Status of East African Greenheart (Waburgia Ugandensis (Sprague)) in Katimok Forest Reserve, Baringo County, Kenya | |
| dc.type | Thesis |