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Research Article
The Sacred Veranus niloticus in Orogun Community, Delta State, Nigeria
Issue:
Volume 9, Issue 4, December 2024
Pages:
91-97
Received:
20 September 2024
Accepted:
14 October 2024
Published:
18 November 2024
Abstract: This study investigates the cultural significance of the Nile Monitor Lizard (Veranus niloticus) in Orogun community, Delta State, Nigeria. A mixed-methods approach was employed, using questionnaires and Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) to gather data. The questionnaire were administered to 200 adults from the total population of the people in the community. Chi-square tests were used for statistical analysis to determine significant associations. The results show that the presence of the Nile Monitor Lizard in Orogun community is not significant (χ2 = 2.418, p > 0.05) based on questionnaire responses. However, observations and KIIs confirmed the species' presence and cultural importance. The abundance of the Nile Monitor Lizard was significant (χ2 = 6.520, p < 0.05), with 60% of respondents affirming its presence. The species holds cultural significance (χ2 = 7.370, p < 0.05), with the community revering it as a deity. Interaction with the lizard is predominantly reverential (χ2 = 0.421, p > 0.05), with minimal disturbance. Conservation efforts are lacking (χ2 = 6.520, p < 0.05), with more respondents indicating a lack of support. Contrary to expectations, the Nile Monitor Lizard is not commonly used as a source of food and medicine (χ2 = 25.240, p < 0.001). The study highlights the importance of cultural conservation and traditional belief systems in protecting umbrella species like the Nile Monitor Lizard. The findings contribute to the understanding of human-reptile interactions and inform conservation strategies that respect cultural significance. Some of the recommendations made includes: Integrate cultural conservation into biodiversity protection efforts, promote education and awareness on the importance of conservation, support community-led conservation initiatives, investigate the impact of cultural beliefs on species conservation.
Abstract: This study investigates the cultural significance of the Nile Monitor Lizard (Veranus niloticus) in Orogun community, Delta State, Nigeria. A mixed-methods approach was employed, using questionnaires and Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) to gather data. The questionnaire were administered to 200 adults from the total population of the people in the c...
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Research Article
Comparison of Chicken Genotypes for Growth, Egg Production and Adaptability Traits Under Semi-Scavenging Condition
Atsbaha Hailemariam Gebreslassie*
Issue:
Volume 9, Issue 4, December 2024
Pages:
98-105
Received:
2 October 2024
Accepted:
28 October 2024
Published:
20 November 2024
Abstract: The study was conducted to evaluate the growth, egg production and adaptability performances of different chicken genotypes under semi-scavenging condition. The performance of Improved Horro (H), Cosmopolitan (C), Indigenous (L), and Koekoek (KK) chicken genotypes was evaluated in semi-scavenging condition over a 44-week period. The study utilized a completely randomized design (CRD), and the data were analyzed using the General Linear Model (GLM) in SAS software. A total of 360 chickens from the four genotypes were provided. For each genotype, around 30 chickens (with a 1:10 male-to-female ratio) were allocated to each lowland site, with each genotype placed in three replicate sites. The data for each genotype from all sites were then pooled. KK exhibited the highest body weight at hatch, followed by C and H, while L had the lowest. At eight weeks of age, KK also had the highest body weight and average daily weight gain, with C and H following, and L recording the lowest. KK had the highest body weights and weight gains, followed by C and H, while L showed the lowest body weights and weight gains at both 16 and 24 weeks of age. L and H showed significantly higher survival rates compared to KK and C. L reached the highest age at first egg lay, followed by C, KK, and H. KK had the greatest body weight at first egg lay and at the end of the experiment compared to C and H, while L had the lowest body weights at both first egg lay and 44 weeks. KK had the highest egg weight at first egg lay and throughout the experiment when compared to C and H, while L recorded the lowest egg weights at both first egg lay and 44 weeks. KK produced the highest number of eggs, followed by H and C, while L had the lowest egg count. In conclusion: The genotype differences of chickens substantially influenced growth, egg production and adaptability performances. It could also serve as reference for future growth, egg production and adaptability studies of defferent chicken genotypes.
Abstract: The study was conducted to evaluate the growth, egg production and adaptability performances of different chicken genotypes under semi-scavenging condition. The performance of Improved Horro (H), Cosmopolitan (C), Indigenous (L), and Koekoek (KK) chicken genotypes was evaluated in semi-scavenging condition over a 44-week period. The study utilized ...
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Research Article
Determination of Optimum Irrigation Water Requirement of Wheat at Sayo District, Kellem Wollega, Oromia
Tamasgen Mosisa*,
Wegene Negese,
Bedada Yadete
Issue:
Volume 9, Issue 4, December 2024
Pages:
106-110
Received:
16 October 2024
Accepted:
15 November 2024
Published:
29 November 2024
Abstract: Ethiopia needs 70-80 million quintals of wheat to feed 110 million people, but imports are a significant deficit. The government has implemented food and wheat security measures, including yield gap closure, area expansions, and irrigation. Wheat is a strategic commodity for Ethiopia's food security, agroindustry, import substitution, and job creation. An experiment was conducted at Dambi Dollo University campus in Sayo District, Kellem Wollega Zone, to determine wheat irrigation water demand. The study evaluated five irrigation depths in wheat cultivation, using soil parameters, meteorological data, and crop characteristics. The results showed that 90% of the net water requirement of wheat is optimal for normal physiological activities, including evapotranspiration and metabolic activities. The saved water, 10% of the total 191.9 mm, can be used to irrigate more command areas and prevent abandonment. The water productivity value of irrigated wheat is within the range of previous findings, and the average wheat yield is improved under irrigation conditions even in Ethiopia. The efficiency parameters (GY, WUE, and WP) generally perform significantly. The study recommends extension services to demonstrate this finding on farmers' fields for further evaluation and popularization, and Zonal/District Agricultural Offices to use this 172.71 mm to sustainably boost irrigated wheat production.
Abstract: Ethiopia needs 70-80 million quintals of wheat to feed 110 million people, but imports are a significant deficit. The government has implemented food and wheat security measures, including yield gap closure, area expansions, and irrigation. Wheat is a strategic commodity for Ethiopia's food security, agroindustry, import substitution, and job creat...
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Research Article
Influence of Wood Cutting and Fire on the Regeneration of the Vegetation Cover in the Sudano-Guinean Savannahs of Adamaoua, Cameroon
Ranava Dieudonné*,
Massai Tchima Jacob,
Maigari Pale,
Ibrahima Wanié Sago,
Mamadou Laminou Mal Amadou,
Ignatchimbie Bethléhem,
Jean Boris Sounya,
Mamout Oumarou,
Torrey Jean Bertrand Aristide,
Tchobsala,
Ibrahima Adamou
Issue:
Volume 9, Issue 4, December 2024
Pages:
111-132
Received:
7 November 2024
Accepted:
22 November 2024
Published:
10 December 2024
Abstract: The various plant formations of the Guinean high savannah are subject to wood cutting and bush fires. This study aimed to assess the influence of logging and bush fires on the regeneration of the vegetation cover of the Sudano-Guinean savannahs. It was carried out on two types of plant formations (shrub and tree savannahs) with 18 plots, each 10 meters square, according to a randomized block experimental set-up and with different anthropogenic actions as treatments: wood cutting without fire, wood cutting with fire and control for a period of two years. Wood cutting by humans influences changes in the physiognomy of plant formations, and fire has an impact on the transformation of the savannah. In the shrub savannah, the number of trees varies from 76 to 160 (CSF), 60 to 109 (CAF) and 78 to 102 (T) in the first and second years respectively. On the other hand, in the tree savannah, 204 to 367 (CSF), 149 to 342 (CAF) and 189 to 257 (T). The regeneration rate of individuals increased from 6% to 24% in the shrub savannah and from 6% to 28%. The mortality rate was 9.46% CSF, 10.85% CAF and 15.89% T in the shrub savannah, while in the tree savannah it was 27.97% CSF, 15.51% CAF and 20.86% in the control site in the second year. The correlation between reiteration and mortality shows that, according to the analysis of variance, there is no statistically significant difference (0.8589>0.05) between plant formations and treatments. The phytogeographical distribution shows that Pantropical species (26.01%) are more important in both formations.
Abstract: The various plant formations of the Guinean high savannah are subject to wood cutting and bush fires. This study aimed to assess the influence of logging and bush fires on the regeneration of the vegetation cover of the Sudano-Guinean savannahs. It was carried out on two types of plant formations (shrub and tree savannahs) with 18 plots, each 10 me...
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