GPS MAPING FOR PARTHENIUM WEED IN ARUSHA MUNICIPAL

   Parthenium hysterophorus

Parthenium weed is considered to be one of the world’s most serious invasive alien plants, because of its potential for spread, and its economic, health and environmental impacts. It has already become invasive in South Africa and Ethiopia, and appears to be rapidly spreading in Uganda and Kenya. It is thus only the matter of time before it impacts on Tanzania.

The recent report found parthenium weed in two main localities in northern Tanzania. These are Kilimanjaro International Airport and also at Arusha airport and around Arusha town. Parthenium weed has also been recorded in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Also the Serengeti-Masai Mara ecosystem in Africa, which hosts the largest wildlife migration known to man, is under attack from a noxious weed (Parthenium hysterophorus).The weed grow along parts of the Mara River and along some dirt tracks in the Masai-Mara National Reserve. So far a nationwide survey of the area invaded by this weed is lacking. (Clark and Lotter, 2010)

REMARKABLE IMPACTS ON BIODIVERSITY

Parthenium hysterophorus can compete with indigenous plant species for resources such as water, space, nutrients and sunlight. Because of its invasive and alleolpathic properties, it causes a lot of damage to natural ecosystem. It is reported to cause total habitat change in native grassland, open woodland, riverbanks, and flood plains(McFadyen,1992)The allelopatic potential of parthenium hysterophorus is believed to play an important role in the ability of the plant to displace natural vegetation and interrupt natural succession in the natural environments (Shabbir and Bajwa,2006)

  Another impact includes (a) reduced crops production (Hegde and Patil, 1988), (b) effect on animal production, (c) human health problems (Anonymous, 1976), (Evans,1997a)

Parthenium hysterophorus control

No single method of parthenium weed control has been proved satisfactory as each method suffers from one or more limitations such as inefficiency, high cost, impracticability, environmental safety and only temporary relief (Bhan et al, 1997).Hence; there is a need to adopt an integrated parthenium weed management approach by using more than one option. The components of integrated managements such as (a) Prevention (PAG, 2000, manual and mechanical (Bhan et al, 1997). Tamado Tana(2001), (b) Cultural, (c) Chemical (Bhan et al, 1997).(Kanchan and Jaychandra,1977), and (d) biological control measures.

GPS mapping was done by Mgouya C., Nzao L. and Izack M., under supervision of Dr. Edward Khoi and Mr. M. Chediel (TAWIRI RESEARCHERS)

WILDLIFE RESOURCES & MOVEMENT

LIVING BATS

"hanging upside down"

lost in africa

Little is known about bats, and most of the studies exclude ecology and habitat of bats. This habit has lead into distant looking and less curiosity in engaging in conservation of bats. The problem is that most of research are conducted at day time while the bats are inactive, so it’s very difficult to monitor their movement and activities in day time  though they are found nearly everywhere (under the bridges, buildings, trees, caves and in old mine).

Traditions and beliefs is the greatest damage to bats which creates fears, dislikes, destruction and possible extinction of bats.

What is so important about bats?

Think on their importance to man,  

Think about what they eat at night,

Think about their habitat.

lost in africa photo

Bats live nearly everywhere, the importance of bats to human, they eat mosquitoes and other insect thus reduce chemicals and poisons uses, Tropical bats pollinate and spread seeds for new plants and trees for global health system. Certain bats are helpful to farmers.  For example; Colony of brown bats can aid farmers by eating millions of root-worms. This saves crops from damage, and makes more food available at the market. The Saliva from the vampire bat is being understudy for the treatment of people with heart problems

bats in Arusha

Bats are wild animal we should never touch/kill them. We need to conserve and let them live.